JANUARY 4, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: This is Your Business!
Acts 1:6-11
It's the first Sunday of 2026. What are you asking God to do in and through your life this year?
As you open God's Word, take a few moments and read Acts 1. In your study group, talk about the following three questions:
What is the ministry and role of the Holy Spirit?
How are you living as the Lord's witness?
What do you believe about the second coming of Jesus?
This new sermon series is about the Lord and His church. What excites you about your church? Is the Lord pleased with your involvement in your church? How do you want your participation in your church to grow in 2026?
2026 will be a year filled with mountains and valleys. You need godly people in your life. These people can pray for you, bear your burdens, and grow your faith. The Lord's church matters.
What is the Lord teaching you in Acts 1?
1. What is the Lord Positioning His Church to Experience (Acts 1:6-8)? Jesus gave His life for the church. Your local church isn't an entertainment center or a country club. Your church has a divine mandate to share the gospel locally, nationally, and globally. Who do you know in need of forgiveness and a personal relationship with Jesus? Is your church healthy? How would you describe a healthy church? Share your answers.
2. What is the Lord Leading His Church to See (Acts 1:8-9)? The Book of Acts reveals the activity of Jesus and the movement of the gospel. Is your local church seeing the Lord at work? Are lives being changed? Are people turning everyday conversations into gospel conversations? Your church must fulfill the Lord's purpose, serve in Jesus' power, and claim Jesus' promises.
3. What is the Lord Calling His Church to Do (Acts 1:8-11)? Your local church can be active or inactive, obedient or disobedient. What is the Lord calling your church to do in 2026? What is the Lord leading you to do this year? You and your church need to read the Word, pray without ceasing, rely on the Spirit, leave the building, and comprehend the urgency. You and your church can't waste time.
As you finish this week's study guide, take a few final moments and pray for your church. Here are five specific requests to pray this week:
Pray for your pastor, ministry staff, and workers.
Pray for your church to reach people and disciple them.
Pray for your church to be healthy and united.
Pray for your church to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit
Pray for your church to realize the urgency of being a witness for Jesus.
We'd love to have you worship with us in person this Sunday. You're always welcome at FBC Clarksville. For the many people who cannot join us in person, we thank you for worshiping with us online. We rejoice in the many people who connect with us from all over the state, nation, and world.
May 2026 be an incredible year for you and your church!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
JANUARY 11, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: Which Church Should I Join?
Acts 2:42-47
Is joining a church that important? Many people believe the local church is outdated, irrelevant, and boring. Jesus gave His life for the church. He even promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18).
Take a few moments and discuss these questions:
When did you join your church?
Why does your church matter to you?
How is your church reaching people?
The Book of Acts is about the birth of the church and the advancement of the gospel. Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He was a physician by trade. However, Luke was a gifted historian, too. As you read Luke's sacred writings, you'll encounter the sacrifice of Jesus, the risen Lord, and the local church.
As you study God's Word this week, take a few minutes and read Acts 2. If you met a person who was new to your community and was looking for a church, what would you say to him or her? What are biblical non-negotiables when looking for a church?
1. A Church that Teaches the Bible. The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching. Those men and women were hungry for God's truth. The church doesn't exist to entertain its members. God calls His pastors and teachers to declare the whole counsel of sacred truth (Acts 20:27). What signs indicate your church is devoted to God's Word? How are you satisfying your appetite for biblical truth?
2. A Church that Worships the Lord. The early church worshiped the Lord in spirit and truth. Those men and women adored, celebrated, and glorified the risen Savior. The church isn’t called to become a country club for members only. A worshiping church is God-focused, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led, and Word-driven. What is worship like in your church and life? How are you participating as God desires?
3. A Church that Loves the Family. The early church was loyal and committed to one another. Those men and women sacrificed “stuff” to meet the needs of each other. People were more important than possessions. The local church will have issues and disagreements. However, God’s people are family. How does your church model the traits of a loving family? Why is the local church important to you?
4. A Church that Helps the Needy. The early church wasn’t selfish; they were sacrificial. Those men and women put the needs of other people before their own. The church didn’t have a needy person among the family. That’s an amazing witness. For a church to be that generous, you must be intentional and involved. How do you and your church meet the needs of people? Is there a needy person in your church?
5. A Church that Reaches the World. The early church witnessed people being saved every day. Those men and women turned everyday conversations into gospel conversations. As persecution increased, God’s people scattered and shared Jesus. The church is called to “go and tell.” How is your church reaching the nations with the gospel? Who in your life needs to hear the gospel from you?
As you lean into the new year, it’s important for you to invest your spiritual life into a local church. You need a church, and a church needs you.
Here are five decisions for you to consider in 2026. What is the Holy Spirit leading you to do?
* Do you need to trust Jesus as Savior?
* Do you need to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism?
* Do you need to join the family of a biblical church?
* Do you need to increase your involvement and participation in your church?
* Do you need to help a needy person by meeting a need or sharing the gospel?
If possible, you’re always welcome to connect with us at FBC Clarksville. If you live outside of our community, we encourage you to find a Bible-believing local church. You need God’s people, and they need you.
Thank you for connecting with us online. Please share with us how the Lord is leading you and working in your life.
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
JANUARY 18, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: A Powerful Sermon!
Acts 3:1-10
How many sermons have you heard in your life? That's probably hard to number. It's wise to sit under the faithful teaching and preaching of God's Word. God promises that His Word will never return void (Isaiah 55:10-11). Thank the Lord for faithful preachers who rightly divide the Word of truth week in and week out.
History is filled with great sermons. Can you name a few preachers whom God has specifically used in your life? Do you remember a specific sermon? Was the way he lived his life a powerful sermon?
The Bible is filled with powerful sermons. Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Major and minor prophets preached God's Word with boldness, conviction, and power. Peter, after being empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, preached the Word with courage. Paul appealed to Timothy, his young protege in ministry, to "preach the Word."
Take a few minutes and read Acts 3. Peter preached a simple message to a lame beggar. That sermon, as God worked, changed the man's life. Do you recall a sermon that God used to change your life?
What biblical insights from Acts 3 make up a powerful sermon?
1. The Church's External Focus (Acts 3:1-3). Peter and John went to the temple early one afternoon. It was the hour of prayer. The two men hadn't yet entered the sacred space when they met a lame beggar, asking them for money. Is serving the Lord with other people a priority? Are you actively engaged in practicing the spiritual disciplines? Are you aware of hurting, suffering people?
2. The Church's Evangelistic Involvement (Acts 3:4-6). Peter and John made eye contact with the beggar and got his attention. Peter preached a powerful sermon to a hurting man and a crowd of people. Peter and John didn't give the man money; they gave him Jesus. What's your approach to helping people? How does your church balance meeting physical needs while sharing the gospel?
3. The Church's Eternal Difference (Acts 3:7-10). Peter and John saw the Lord change a man's life. The man entered the temple walking, leaping, and praising God. The people were filled with wonder and amazement. Peter and John quickly gave all the praise to Jesus. When did you last see the Lord change a person's life or soul? How did you glorify the Lord?
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob is still using people, changing lives, and being glorified. A personal lesson from Peter and John is never to take the credit for what God did. All the praise must go to Jesus!
Here are three final discussion questions for you and your group. After you answer them, take a few moments and pray together.
Why is it valuable to pray, study, and serve with another believer of the same gender (as you see with Peter and John)?
What evidence do you see that says your church is externally focused, meaning your church is reaching people outside the walls of your church building?
How do you need to praise Jesus now for His activity, grace, and presence?
Thank you for taking the time to study God's Word. We're honored at FBC Clarksville that you'd connect with us. We hope you'll join us for Bible study and worship on Sunday.
Have a blessed rest of your week.
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
FEBRUARY 1, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: A Prayer Meeting to Remember
Acts 4:23-31
What do you do when you love someone? You talk to the person, and in the presence of other people, you talk about the person. Do you love Jesus? Are you talking to Him, and are you talking about Him with other people?
Early believers loved Jesus. Those men and women talked to the Lord, and they talked about Him with other people. You couldn't silence or stop the early believers from making much of Jesus. Threats, persecutions, and imprisonment made them bolder and stronger in the faith. God used the witnesses of those courageous men and women.
Take a few moments and read Acts 4. As you finish the reading, answer the following three questions that relate to the biblical text:
What caused Peter to be bold in his preaching and teaching?
What does Acts 4:12 teach about the exclusivity of Jesus for salvation?
What difference does a praying church make?
A question surfaces from Acts 4 about prayer and the gathered church. What happens when the church prays?
1. We Support One Another (Acts 4:23-30). Peter and John were uneducated, common men. Sharing the gospel story cost them. Obedience to Jesus meant riots and prison. After being released, they gathered with the church and prayed. Biblical fellowship is about support. How do you see your church family supporting one another? How do you support hurting people in your church?
2. We Love One Another (Acts 4:32). God's love permeates the pages of the Bible (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Love flowed from the early church. People were more important than possessions. A lost world needs to witness a loving church. Love meant they prayed, they gave, and they cared. How is love on display in your church family? How have you experienced the love of God's people?
3. We Challenge One Another (Acts 4:33). A faithful Christian life isn't an easy life. God often gives His servants difficult assignments in hard places. Following the anointed prayer meeting (Acts 4:31), the apostles testified about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Grace flowed down as they shared. How is your church family challenging you to obey the Lord? Do you run to or from challenging situations?
As you wrap up this week's Bible study, here are three prayer prompts for you and your group. Take the time to pray over these needs, believing with confidence that God moves when His people pray.
Pray for your pastor, ministry team members, and lay leaders. These men and women need God's favor, leadership, and power.
Pray for the younger generation to be bold in their faith and obedience. God wants to use these young people to make much of Jesus and advance His gospel agenda.
Pray for your church family to be devoted to prayer as Jesus commands. The Bible says that the Lord's house is to be a house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7).
Thank you for studying God's Word with us this week. We have Bible study groups for all ages on Sunday morning. We'd love for you to join us for worship on Sunday, too.
May the Lord bless you and your walk with Him!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
FEBRUARY 8, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: The Day Fear Came upon the Church
Acts 5:1-11
Fear is a common reality in life. Many people fear snakes, spiders, darkness, loneliness, commitment, and public speaking. Techniques are available that help those people overcome their fears.
Do you know what it means to fear the Lord? That doesn't mean you're afraid of Him. Fearing the Lord means you stand in awe of Him. You exalt His name. You reverence His holiness, greatness, power, and glory. Will you take a moment and pray? Will you exalt His name, fear His attributes, and honor His presence?
Fear came upon the church in Acts 5. Take a few minutes and read this chapter in God's Word. In this chapter, you see sin, funerals, and fear. What do you know about Ananias and Sapphira? How did their generosity go wrong? What caused this couple to lie? What were the consequences to their sin? Why is sin serious?
Here are three biblical and relevant insights about sin from Acts 5:
1. Sin is Deceptive (Acts 5:1-2). The Lord moved greatly in the church. When God moves, the enemy rears his ugly head. What do you know about the enemy? Read these three verses: John 10:10; John 8:44; and 1 Peter 5:8. Even in the most Spirit-filled churches, the evil one is still at work. Why does the enemy want to destroy God's servants? How does he deceive God's people?
2. Sin is Destructive (Acts 5:3-6). Is sin really that serious? Read these two verses: Romans 3:23; James 1:14-15. Sin always has consequences. You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-8). As you discuss Ananias and Sapphira, what did sin cost them? Looking back over your life, what has sin cost you? Your health? Your marriage and family? Your friends? Your future?
3. Sin is Declarative (Acts 5:7-11). The sins and deaths of Ananias and Sapphira declared a strong warning among the church family. It stated that God takes sin seriously (holiness). As you personalize God's Word (Acts 5), what do you need to do today? Among your group, discuss these three questions: Are you fearing the Lord? Have you embraced the gospel? Do you need to repent?
This was a unique moment in the early church. It reveals how seriously God sees deception and hypocrisy, especially from the fellowship of His people. Today, God offers grace and forgiveness for those who confess their sins and repent. Do you need to confess your sins and repent?
As you wrap up this week's study, take the time to pray together. God loves for His people to pray. Do you need to ask Him to teach you how to pray (Luke 11:1)? You can pray for the following spiritual needs:
Leadership: Your pastor, ministry team, lay leaders, and church family.
Victory: You'll defeat the schemes of the devil and live victoriously in Christ.
Repentance: You'll turn from any sin and seek the Lord's grace and forgiveness.
You're being prayed for at FBC Clarksville. We welcome you to study God's Word and worship with us in person or online.
May the Lord move in your life, your group, and among His people!
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
FEBRUARY 15, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: He’s Got the Look
Acts 6:1-7, 15
You're walking in town one day. You see a person and say, "He or she has the look. He looks like an elite basketball player. She looks like a local television personality. He looks like a soldier who is protecting his country. She looks like a teacher who is educating kids."
In Acts 6, Stephen had the look. Thinking about God's servant, the Bible says, "And gazing at him (Stephen), all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15). As people gaze at you, what do they see? What are people saying about you? May people be able to say that you look and sound like Jesus, meaning you model His character, attitude, and actions (Acts 4:13)!
A growing church is a blessing. However, more and more people mean more and more challenges. That was the reality in the early church. People's needs weren't being met. In fact, they were being overlooked. Complaints were rising. Division was taking shape. The apostles knew that God called them to pray and minister the Word. Those godly men needed help. As a solution, servants were selected to serve and meet the needs of the faith family. The Greek word for deacon (diakonos) refers to someone "moving through the dust" to serve others. Deacons are servants, not board members. God used that plan. Stephen was one of those servants (deacons).
What major themes from Acts 6 relate to today's church culture?
1. Experience Gospel-Centered Growth (Acts 6:1). The early church experienced an increase in the number of disciples. God's people were growing in healthy ways. Is your church experiencing gospel-centered growth? Are people being saved? Are disciples being made? Are people living missionally? Is the Great Commission being fulfilled? God is the God of increase.
2. Address Man-Centered Problems (Acts 6:1-4). Addressing church problems isn't easy. Why does the enemy often use administrative issues to stop spiritual momentum? Unity was at stake. Division was developing. Needs weren't being met. People complain when they feel overlooked. As you evaluate your church, what problems are in your fellowship? What are the top two?
3. Find God-Centered Solutions (Acts 6:3-5). Healthy churches experience problems, but they also find God-centered solutions. The apostles met with the church and shared their thoughts. A decision was made to select seven servants. The apostles prayed and studied; the deacons served; and the people were satisfied. As you identify church problems, what are the solutions?
4. See Jesus-Centered Conversions (Acts 6:7). If churches handle issues correctly, then the fellowship grows, not declines. As for the early church, they saw an increase in biblical preaching, they witnessed numerical and spiritual growth, and they engaged people in gospel conversations. God moved in their family. What evidence do you see in your church that God is moving?
Acts 6 gives readers a realistic look at church life. Stephen was an effective deacon. He served the Lord and met the needs of people. He had the look of a devout servant leader. Do you have the look of a servant?
As you finish this week's Bible study, please pray for your church in the following ways:
Pray for your pastor and ministry team
Pray for the unity of your church family
Pray for people to obey God's call to serve
Pray for your deacon body to model servant leadership
Pray for your church to experience numerical and spiritual growth
Have a blessed rest of your week. We hope you'll join us for Bible study and worship this weekend at FBC Clarksville.
Our prayer is to help you worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples.
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
FEBRUARY 22, 2026
Erdie Carter, Associate Pastor
LOOK UP
March 1, 2026
Guest Preacher: John Franklin, AMS Hopkinsville, KY
SPEAK, LORD, FOR YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING
March 8, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Acts: A Standing Ovation
Acts 7:54-60
What's the best gift you've ever received? A raise? A dog? A new beginning? A car? A relationship with Jesus? The Bible declares that salvation is a gift. It's about the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). When did you receive the gift of God's grace, meaning salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ? Take a few moments and share your conversion story.
Stephen gazed into Heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). As you gaze into Heaven, what do you see? Heaven is beyond what you can imagine. You'll see unbelievable beauty...walls, gates, water, streets. You'll fellowship, serve, and worship with saints throughout the ages and other believing loved ones. Here's the most incredible reality of Heaven. You'll see Jesus face-to-face (Revelation 22:4). You'll be with the One who defeated death and the grave, the One who saved your soul, and the One who is worthy to be worshiped forever and ever.
Stephen was one of the first deacons in the early church. He was the first person to be martyred for his faith and preaching the gospel. What's your faith in Jesus Christ costing you? Many believers around the world know firsthand the torture and pain of living for Jesus. Many of these brave men and women have been beaten, imprisoned, and killed because of their uncompromising loyalty and devotion to their glorious Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Would you pause and pray right now for persecuted believers throughout the world? What a blessing to stand in the prayer gap for these heroes of the faith!
1. Serve the Savior with Courage (Acts 7:54). Stephen was a hated man. People were enraged and ground their teeth at him. He was cast out of the city and stoned. The Christian life isn't an easy life. Courage is needed to make much of Jesus in today's world. Living for Jesus takes place on a battlefield, not a cruise ship. Is the enemy attacking you? Are you aware of spiritual warfare?
2. Share the Scriptures with Conviction (Acts 7:1-53). Stephen knew the Bible. Followers of Jesus are called to know their Bibles. His message was filled with Old Testament references. Stephen preached a long and powerful sermon. How well do you know the Bible? God's expectation is for His children to meditate on the Word day and night (Joshua 1; Psalm 1). What does your time in God's Word look like? Daily? Plan? Benefits?
3. See the Son with Clarity (Acts 7:55-60). As was mentioned earlier, Stephen gazed into Heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. What a sight to see! Jesus was normally seated in Heaven. How are you seeing Jesus at work in your life? Standing ovations are normal at ballgames, concerts, award ceremonies, and military events. What does it mean for Stephen to see Jesus standing in Heaven?
Stephen is a major spiritual example in the early church. Here are a few characteristics of his life and faith. Take a few minutes in your group and discuss these spiritual realities:
What does it mean for Stephen to be a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5)?
What's the significance that the face of Stephen was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15)?
How did Stephen have spiritual eyes to gaze into Heaven as he did (Acts 7:55-56)?
What's required to have a forgiving spirit like Jesus and Stephen (Acts 7:60)?
Thank you for studying God's Word with us this week. Time in God's Word is life-changing. Share in your group how your devotion to Scripture is meaningful to you.
In what specific area of your life and walk with Jesus do you need "Battlefield Courage" this week-at work, among your friends, in your home, in your neighborhood?
You're being prayed for by folks at FBC Clarksville. We hope to worship Jesus with you this weekend.
God Bless!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
MARCH 15, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
ACTS: who’s your one?
Acts 8:26-40
As a believer in Jesus, He calls you to be His witness (read Acts 1:8). Dr. Adrian Rogers used to ask listeners two questions: (1) "When was the last time you led another person to Jesus?" (2) "When was the last time you tried?" How would you answer Dr. Rogers' two questions?
There are at least three stages to gospel conversations. You plant gospel seeds. You share biblical insights about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The person listening may or may not have heard the gospel message before. You water the gospel seeds. The person has heard the gospel before. The Holy Spirit is using you to talk more about Jesus and His personal invitation. You're helping the person to draw nearer and nearer to the cross of Jesus Christ. You reap a spiritual harvest. As you share Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicts the person about his or her lost condition. The person surrenders and calls on the name of the Lord Jesus to save him or her at that defining moment (Romans 10:13). The Lord allowed you to see a person become a new creation in Christ. As His witness, praise the Lord for the open door to plant, water, or reap.
Please know that the Holy Spirit is the One who does the heavy lifting in all three stages. You don't have to live with "evangelism anxiety."
In Acts 8, Philip was an incredible servant. He was a deacon in the early church. He was the first missionary. He was an evangelist. He had a passion to share Jesus. He lived by faith, not by sight. He obeyed God's leadership even when it didn't make common sense. He left a thriving move of God to travel south and met an Ethiopian man. God used Philip to spread the gospel and change the world. How is God using you to walk in Philip's footsteps? Are you sharing Jesus? Are you willing to obey God even when it doesn't make sense?
What is the Lord teaching His people from Acts 8?
1. Our Lives Matter to God (Acts 8:26). You and your life matter to God. He created you. He knows you. What's the goal of the Christian life? According to Romans 8, He wants us to be Christlike. How was Philip like Jesus? Philip was a worshiper. He heard the Lord's voice. How do you define or explain worship? At the heart of worship is revelation and response. Are you a worshiper?
2. Our Obedience Matters to God (Acts 8:27-30). How is God leading you? Is He stretching you outside of your comfort zone? If so, that's a good thing. Philip obeyed the Lord's leadership. God led him to be at the right place at the right time. He met an Ethiopian man who had spiritual questions. In what ways do you need to obey the Lord? He wants to direct your steps for His glory.
3. Our Message Matters to God (Acts 8:31-40). As a believer, do you talk more about yourself or about Jesus? Philip had an open door to share Jesus. The Ethiopian man was reading Isaiah 53 (one of the most messianic texts in the Bible) and had questions. Are you having gospel conversations? Philip opened his mouth and shared Jesus. Talk about how you've shared Jesus lately.
Many people ask, "How do I turn an everyday conversation into a gospel conversation?" Many approaches and presentations are available (3 Circles, FAITH Evangelism Strategy, Share Jesus Without Fear, etc.).
Here is a quick three-step biblical presentation that you can use to share Jesus.
Bad News. You share Romans 3:23 with the person. We've all sinned and come short of God's glory. Sin separates us from God.
Good News. You share the life and story of Jesus (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9). You talk about Jesus's sinless life, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection. You share that Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Great News. You share that if he or she calls on the name of the Lord, he or she will be saved, born again, redeemed, and forgiven (Romans 10:13). That's great news!
As you share, you can invite the person to pray, repent, and trust Jesus as his or her Savior and Lord. You can share bad news, good news, and great news in two minutes.
Take a little time right now and practice sharing this in your group. Practice helps build confidence. God wants to use you and your gospel witness.
Will you and your group pray and ask God for open doors to share Jesus this week?
We hope to worship with you this weekend at FBC Clarksville. The Lord is at work and changing lives. We hope to connect with you on Sunday.
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
MARCH 22, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
ACTS: THIS IS MY STORY!
Acts 9:10-22
What is your favorite hymn? How Great Thou Art? Blessed Assurance? It is Well with My Soul? I Surrender All? Amazing Grace? Many people find comfort and hope in the hymn, Amazing Grace. If possible in your group, sing or listen to that hymn. How does Amazing Grace minister to you? What are the foundational biblical truths that you see from that hymn? Share your insights with your group.
How has God's grace changed your life? Answer the question by talking about these three words:
Salvation
Service
Storms
Paul was saved by God's grace (read Ephesians 2:8-9). He served the Lord Jesus by God's unmerited favor (read 1 Peter 4:10). He survived the storms of life by God's grace (read 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Acts 9 reveals Paul's conversion story. He was a lost man. On the road to Damascus, the Lord Jesus saved and changed his life. Paul was called to the gospel ministry. His name changed (from Saul to Paul). Paul lived his life for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel. If it cost him his physical life, Paul confessed that he was willing to give his all for the name of Jesus (Acts 21:13).
In this week's study, be prepared to share your conversion story. Who is the hero of your story? Please know, Jesus is the Hero of every conversion story. You can talk about the gospel. the defining moment of your salvation, and the witness that Jesus desires to save other people. This could be the divine moment of salvation for someone. Pray for God's Spirit to be at work and for His grace to be on display.
What truths are evident from Paul's conversion story in Acts 9?
1. The Lord Convicts the Rebellious (Acts 9:1-5). As you open God's Word, what do you know about "Saul" and "the Way?" Saul was a rebellious man. He hated Christians and the church. Believers gathered together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ because He is the Way (John 14:6). How has the Lord convicted you? Who do you need to pray for now that's living a rebellious life?
2. The Lord Converts the Repentant (Acts 9:6-17). What does the word "repentance" mean? What evidence does the Bible give that Saul repented? Saul's life was radically changed on the Damascus Road. How is the Lord changing your life? As the Holy Spirit leads, share specific moments when you practiced repentance. You can thank the Lord for His grace and forgiveness.
3. The Lord Calls the Redeemed (Acts 9:17-22). Following his conversion, the Lord called Saul. He (Paul) became a preacher, missionary, church planter, discipler, author, and servant. The Lord is still calling the redeemed. He wants you to be His witness (Acts 1:8). You must testify about His goodness, grace, and glory. How are you sharing Jesus's story and your story?
As you finish this week's study, this is an amazing time to share your conversion story. As you share, you may say, "I don't have a Damascus Road story." However, the focus of your story isn't on the size of your sin; it's on the grace of your Savior, Jesus Christ.
Here are five questions to answer as you share:
What do you remember about being lost?
Who did God use to share the gospel with you?
What does it mean to call on the name of Jesus (Romans 10:13)?
Who is the Hero of your conversion story?
What would you say to someone in need of salvation right now?
Take a few moments and pray to God. Thank Him for His Son, His Word, His grace, His Spirit, and His salvation. May you never get over being saved!
Thank you for studying God's Word with us this week. We hope you'll join us on Sunday in Bible study and worship. You're being prayed for by God's people at FBC Clarksville.
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.
MARCH 29, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
ACTS: the mission starts at home
Acts 10:24-33
As you talk with people, questions are effective. Talking about basic life issues often opens up people to deeper spiritual topics. Here's an example of that conversational flow: How's your day? Are you from this area? Do you like your job? Where did you go to school? Are you involved in a local church? In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to Heaven?
Jesus asked people amazing questions. Great leaders know how to ask questions. Here are a few questions for you to consider:
Are you burdened spiritually for one person?
Who are you witnessing to?
What's needed to reach people for Jesus?
How did Jesus witness to people?
Why are many churches declining and dying every year?
Do you ever experience spiritual battles? The Bible offers many insights into spiritual warfare (read John 10:10; Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Peter 5:8). The enemy hates for God's people to pray, confess, and share.
As you study Acts 10, you'll see how God's people prayed, confessed, and shared.
1. God Moves When People Pray (Acts 10:1-8). A praying church is a powerful church. Would you describe your church as a praying church? Take a moment and explain your answer. Acts 10 is a tale of two cities: Caesarea and Joppa. What was God doing in these two locations? How would you describe your prayer life? Do you have a place of prayer? What are you asking God to do?
2. God Forgives When People Confess (Acts 10:9-32). Read 1 John 1:9. What sins do you need to confess? Many of history's great revivals started because God's people confessed their sins. In Acts 10, Peter heard God's voice, and he saw walls fall. As a result, God moved among the Gentile people. What happens when God's people confess sin? Reconciliation? Forgiveness?
3. God Saves When People Share (Acts 10:33-48). Are you eager to hear God's truth? Are you ready to share God's truth? In Acts 10, a family gathered to hear what Peter had to say. That's sweet music for a preacher. Peter shared the gospel, and the family was converted. Who needs to hear bad news, good news, and great news from you? God wants to use you to share Jesus.
As you finish this week's study, take the time to practice these biblical principles.
First, how do you need to pray (lost person, prodigal son or daughter, your church, God's protection in war, etc.)?
Second, how do you need to confess (personal sins, broken relationships, disobedient actions, missed opportunities, unhealthy emotions, etc.)?
Third, how do you need to share (the gospel, a biblical principle, a word of forgiveness, a message of encouragement, etc.)?
James said that believers are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). May God bless you and your group for obeying His truth and leadership!
You're being prayed for by members at FBC Clarksville. We exist to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples.
Is your worship participation pleasing to God?
Do you love people as He does?
Are you sharing Jesus as He opens doors and leads?
Are you being discipled, and are you making disciples?
Have a blessed week. We hope to connect with you this weekend.
View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.