Creation to Commission  
Genesis 1:1--2:4a  
God created me & all that exists for his purposes; God recreates me in Baptism for discipleship 

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...#1 Identify the Trinitarian references in this passage & the other readings for the day. You may need to look across multiple verses in a passage. Also, what connections do you find between this week’s readings?  

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Empowered for Mission  
Acts Acts 1:12-26  
Let us repent of our sin, give thanks for the Holy Spirit, & boldly proclaim the Good News! 

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Forged by the Spirit  
Resurrection Power Births a Church 

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...#1 Review the Apostles’ Creed in the Small & Large Catechisms to understand who the Holy Spirit is & what he does. Do you notice anything unreasonable or unintelligible about him or his work? Is he pure emotion or energy? See John 15:26-27, 16:12-15; SC, LC available bookofconcord.org 

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Raising Up xxLeadersxx Followers 
Acts Acts 1:12-26  
I guess you just had to be there. 

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Forged by the Spirit  
Resurrection Power Births a Church 

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...#2 Theologians speak of different modes of Jesus’ real presence: historical (his annunciation to his ascension); sacramental (i.e. Holy Communion); & mystical (baptized Body of Christ). How does his Ascension help explain each one? Hints: Where did his resurrected historical body go? Is “the right hand of the Father” an actual physical place limited to the laws our universe of time & space? See Formula of Concord: Epitome VIII, available bookofconcord.org 

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A Day in the Life 
Acts Acts 2:42-47  
How do we actually live day-to-day with fellow believers in everyday life? 

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Forged by the Spirit  
Resurrection Power Births a Church 

Study & Share Insert
...#2 Consider Luke 24:44-48, (49-52), 53. How does the Acts reading demonstrate what Jesus tells them? Consider also Luke’s “great songs” (1:46-55, 67-79, 2:29-32); how are they coming true in Acts? How are they still coming true today in your congregation?

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Witness unto Death 
Acts Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60  
God who sent us His Son to show us the way through death to new life 

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Forged by the Spirit  
Resurrection Power Births a Church 

Study & Share Insert
...#1 Consider 2:42-47, 4:32-35; what is on the cusp of happening? (See also 1 Tim 5:3-16.) What does St. John add (1 John 4:20)? How about St. Paul (1 Corinthians 11:17-22; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11)? How does focusing on the Word bring harmony & heal division? See John 8:31
 

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Mission Never Stops 
Acts 5:29-42  
God uses the world’s persecution to make every church stronger

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Forged by the Spirit  
Resurrection Power Births a Church 

Study & Share Insert
...#1 What does Jesus have to say about his followers & suffering? See Matthew 10:16-22, 24:9-14; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 6:22-23, 21:12-17; John 15:18-25; Revelation 2:1--3:22 

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