蕭昶欣/英文/CFM/7月8-14日
1Begin by reading Acts 6–9.
2The suggestions in this outline can help you identify some of the important principles in these chapters, though you may find others in your own study.
3If anyone seemed like an unlikely candidate for conversion, it was probably Saul—a Pharisee who had a reputation for persecuting Christians.
4So when the Lord told a disciple named Ananias to seek out Saul and offer him a blessing, Ananias was understandably hesitant.
5“Lord,” he said, “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints” (Acts 9:13).
6But the Lord knew Saul’s heart and his potential, and He had a mission in mind for Saul: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
7So Ananias obeyed, and when he found this former persecutor, he called him “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17).
8If Saul could change so completely and Ananias could welcome him so freely, then should we ever consider anyone an unlikely candidate for change—including ourselves?
9A growing church meant a growing need for disciples to serve in the kingdom.
10According to Acts 6:1–15, what qualities were the Twelve Apostles looking for in those who would serve with them?
11As you read Acts 6–8, note how these qualities, and others, were demonstrated in people like Stephen and Philip.
12What was lacking in Simon, and what can we learn from him about being willing to change?
13Is there anything you feel inspired to change to ensure that your heart is “right in the sight of God”? (Acts 8:21–22).
14How might making this change bless you as you serve God?
15The Jewish leaders, though charged with preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah, rejected Jesus Christ and demanded His Crucifixion because of his or her pride and quest for power.
16How did this happen?
17Stephen declared to them, “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost” (Acts 7:51).
18What do you think it means to resist the Holy Ghost?
19Why does resisting the Holy Ghost lead to rejecting the Savior and His prophets?
20As you read Acts 6–7, look for other messages that Stephen taught the Jews.
21What attitudes was he warning against?
22Do you detect any similar attitudes in yourself?
23What do Stephen’s words teach you about the consequences of resisting the Holy Ghost?
24How can you be more sensitive and responsive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in your life?
25See also the video “The Martyrdom of Stephen” (LDS.org).
26Stephen is the first known Christian martyr (someone who is killed because of their beliefs) after Jesus’s Resurrection.
27Many other Saints throughout history were also killed because they would not deny their faith in Jesus Christ.
28Some of these are mentioned in 2 Chronicles 24:20–21; Mark 6:17–29; Acts 12:1–2; Revelation 6:9–11; Mosiah 17:20; Alma 14:8–11; Helaman 13:24–26; Doctrine and Covenants 109:47–49; 135:1–7; and Abraham 1:11.
29It is likely that after the Savior’s Resurrection, all of the Apostles except John died as martyrs.
30What do you learn about sharing the gospel from the account in Acts 8:26–39?
31How did the Holy Ghost help Philip?
32How is sharing the gospel with others like being a guide? (see Acts 8:31).
33Saul’s conversion seems very sudden; he went “straightway” from imprisoning Christians to preaching Christ in the synagogues (Acts 9:20).
34As you read his story, ponder why he was so willing to change.
35(To read Saul’s own description of his conversion, see Acts 22:1–16 and 26:9–18.
36Note that by the time of these accounts, Saul’s name had been changed to Paul.)
37While it’s true that Saul’s experience is unusual—for most people, conversion is a much longer process—is there anything you can learn from Saul about conversion?
38What do you learn from the way Ananias and the other disciples reacted to Saul’s conversion?
39What will you do to apply these lessons in your life?
40You might begin by asking in prayer, as Saul did, “What wilt thou have me to do?”
41Or you could write this question as a title in your journal and record impressions that come to you over time.
42See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Waiting on the Road to Damascus,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 70–77; “The Road to Damascus” (video, LDS.org).
43As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family.
44Here are some suggestions:
45Compare the accounts of Stephen in Acts 6:8 and Acts 7:51–60 to the accounts of the Savior in Luke 23:1–46.
46How did Stephen follow the Savior’s example?
47How did the Holy Ghost bless Stephen when he was being persecuted?
48When have we received strength from the Holy Ghost during difficult times?
49Does your family know what “kick against the pricks” means?
50A prick was a sharp spear used to drive animals.
51Often the animals would kick back when pricked, which would cause the spear to sink even further into the animal’s flesh.
52In what ways can this analogy apply to us?
53Tabitha Arise, by Sandy Freckleton Gagon
54Consider inviting your family members to draw pictures of the stories in Acts 9:32–43.
55What do they learn about true discipleship from Aeneas, Tabitha, and the widows of Joppa?
56How could someone who is “full of good works” help others believe in the Lord?
57(see Acts 9:36, 42; “Chapter 60: Peter Brings Tabitha Back to Life,” New Testament Stories, 156–57, or the corresponding video on LDS.org).
58For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
59Liken the scriptures to your life.
60As you read, consider how the stories and teachings in the scriptures apply in your life.
61For example, when have you felt “full of the Holy Ghost” in times of trial or persecution? (Acts 7:55).
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