Shows
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | CommunicationsEp 182: Why Every Nonprofit Leader Needs a Coach (with Laura Zielke and Darian Heyman Rodriguez)Nonprofit coaching can be transformative, but there are different styles as my guests Laura Zielke and Darian Heyman Rodriguez demonstrate in this compelling and actionable episode.
2023-06-0348 min
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | CommunicationsEp 182: Why Every Nonprofit Leader Needs a Coach (with Laura Zielke and Darien Heyman Rodriguez)Nonprofit coaching can be transformative, but there are different styles as my guests Laura Zielke and Darien Heyman Rodriguez demonstrate in this compelling and actionable episode.
2023-06-0348 min
Your Nonprofit LifeNew Podcast: Your Nonprofit LifeHow did you come to work in the nonprofit sector? What was a big challenge you overcame? If you knew then what you know now, what would you tell your less-experienced self? These are just a few of the questions that Laura Zielke, Director of Member Experience for the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, will ask leaders from across the nonprofit sector. In addition to learning about the big difference small nonprofits are making in local communities, each episode is designed to help you feel less alone in your work and inspire you to keep on keepin’ on. ...
2020-03-0906 min
Acts of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 11:27-30 ~ Famine Felt 'Round the WorldThis week we discussed various topics related to the church in Antioch, Syria. We learned the first instance a disciple was called “Christian” was in Antioch. A prophet came down from Jerusalem and predicted a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman Empire, and we were able to pinpoint almost exactly when this...
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2020-01-2348 min
Wisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 11:27-30 ~ Famine Felt 'Round the WorldThis week we discussed various topics related to the church in Antioch, Syria. We learned the first instance a disciple was called “Christian” was in Antioch. A prophet came down from Jerusalem and predicted a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman Empire, and we were able to pinpoint almost exactly when this...
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2020-01-2348 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 11:19-26 ~ Barnabas and the HellenistsFrom the earliest days of the church, there has been one message uniting people across all human-made divides: love. That's the core of the gospel. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to make sure they were in compliance with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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2019-07-3148 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 11:19-26 ~ Barnabas and the HellenistsFrom the earliest days of the church, there has been one message uniting people across all human-made divides: love. That's the core of the gospel. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to make sure they were in compliance with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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2019-07-3148 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 11:19-26 ~ Meanwhile in Phoenicia, Cyprus & AntiochThis week we studied how the gospel spread north beyond Palestine into less Jewish-centric communities including Phoenicia, Antioch (in Syria) and the island of Cyprus. This section introduces us to the city of Antioch which will become the center of Christianity after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and to the church who sends out...
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2019-03-3052 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 11:19-26 ~ Meanwhile in Phoenicia, Cyprus & AntiochThis week we studied how the gospel spread north beyond Palestine into less Jewish-centric communities including Phoenicia, Antioch (in Syria) and the island of Cyprus. This section introduces us to the city of Antioch which will become the center of Christianity after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and to the church who sends out...
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2019-03-3052 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 11:1-18 ~ Clean.In our final discussion on this passage, we got down to where the rubber meets the road. As we focused on Peter’s defense of his experience in Acts 11, we learned that he had become convinced his vision had nothing to do with food and everything to do with people. And so the real question...
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2019-02-2225 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 11:1-18 ~ Clean.In our final discussion on this passage, we got down to where the rubber meets the road. As we focused on Peter’s defense of his experience in Acts 11, we learned that he had become convinced his vision had nothing to do with food and everything to do with people. And so the real question...
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2019-02-2225 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 10:1-11:18 ~ The Core of the Gospel Message (Kerygma)As part of our continuing discussion about Peter’s speech(es) in Acts 10 and 11, we stepped back to look at how Peter and the apostles adjusted their presentation of the gospel message to each audience based on their knowledge of the Scriptures and Jewish religious traditions. Through comparison and contrast, we identified key elements of...
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2019-02-2143 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 10:1-11:18 ~ The Core of the Gospel Message (Kerygma)As part of our continuing discussion about Peter’s speech(es) in Acts 10 and 11, we stepped back to look at how Peter and the apostles adjusted their presentation of the gospel message to each audience based on their knowledge of the Scriptures and Jewish religious traditions. Through comparison and contrast, we identified key elements of...
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2019-02-2143 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 10:1-11:18 ~ Everyone Is Welcome. Every. One.Who is “welcome” to join us in following Jesus? Who is not? Where do we draw the line? Should we even draw one? How do we know? During the week prior to the Sunday when this lesson was originally taught, American citizens were mesmerized by two very different and highly publicized funerals: John McCain’s in...
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2019-02-2133 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 10:1-11:18 ~ Everyone Is Welcome. Every. One.Who is “welcome” to join us in following Jesus? Who is not? Where do we draw the line? Should we even draw one? How do we know? During the week prior to the Sunday when this lesson was originally taught, American citizens were mesmerized by two very different and highly publicized funerals: John McCain’s in...
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2019-02-2133 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 10:1-11:18 ~ Emphatic RepetitionFirst we read of Cornelius’ vision. Then Peter’s. Then Peter mentions his to Cornelius, and Cornelius recounts his to Peter. Then Peter retells both visions to a new audience. But we’re reading it—so why all the repetition? What makes this event so special? This week our discussion took us from analyzing Luke’s purposeful repetition to...
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2019-02-1940 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 10:1-11:18 ~ Emphatic RepetitionFirst we read of Cornelius’ vision. Then Peter’s. Then Peter mentions his to Cornelius, and Cornelius recounts his to Peter. Then Peter retells both visions to a new audience. But we’re reading it—so why all the repetition? What makes this event so special? This week our discussion took us from analyzing Luke’s purposeful repetition to...
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2019-02-1940 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 10:1-33 ~ Peter & Cornelius (Overview)What happens when a hungry Jewish apostle has a vision about food? But not just any food! This vision involves certain “unclean” foods—the types of food he has avoided his entire life for religious reasons. What happens when during the trance he is commanded to eat the “unclean” food? Three times! What is the meaning...
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2019-02-1939 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 10:1-33 ~ Peter & Cornelius (Overview)What happens when a hungry Jewish apostle has a vision about food? But not just any food! This vision involves certain “unclean” foods—the types of food he has avoided his entire life for religious reasons. What happens when during the trance he is commanded to eat the “unclean” food? Three times! What is the meaning...
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2019-02-1939 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:32-43 ~ Mapwork, Miracles, Mathetria & a Riff about “Poor” WidowsThis week we expanded on the previous lesson about the miracles in Lydda and Joppa. We utilized a map of first-century Judea to help us have a more clear idea about distances traveled, geography, and topography of the area. We reviewed the Venn Diagram we created (see below) comparing and contrasting the healing of Aeneas and...
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2018-09-0549 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:32-43 ~ Mapwork, Miracles, Mathetria & a Riff about “Poor” WidowsThis week we expanded on the previous lesson about the miracles in Lydda and Joppa. We utilized a map of first-century Judea to help us have a more clear idea about distances traveled, geography, and topography of the area. We reviewed the Venn Diagram we created (see below) comparing and contrasting the healing of Aeneas and...
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2018-09-0549 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:31-43 ~ Aeneas and TabithaThis week we studied two miracle stories in Acts 9 which have been preserved as a unit in ancient manuscripts: the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (a.k.a. Dorcas) from the dead. We examined a variety of similarities and differences in each account and discussed why these two stories were juxtaposed. What truths...
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2018-09-0454 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:31-43 ~ Aeneas and TabithaThis week we studied two miracle stories in Acts 9 which have been preserved as a unit in ancient manuscripts: the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (a.k.a. Dorcas) from the dead. We examined a variety of similarities and differences in each account and discussed why these two stories were juxtaposed. What truths...
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2018-09-0454 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:26-31 ~ Welcome to Jerusalem… Now, Go Home!This week we continued our study in Acts picking up with Saul’s first-recorded visit with the apostles in Jerusalem after his decision to follow Jesus. Everyone was skeptical, except Barnabas, one of the seven Hellenists who were chosen to serve the growing Christian community in Jerusalem. He was the only one willing to hear Saul’s...
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2018-09-0454 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:26-31 ~ Welcome to Jerusalem… Now, Go Home!This week we continued our study in Acts picking up with Saul’s first-recorded visit with the apostles in Jerusalem after his decision to follow Jesus. Everyone was skeptical, except Barnabas, one of the seven Hellenists who were chosen to serve the growing Christian community in Jerusalem. He was the only one willing to hear Saul’s...
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2018-09-0454 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9, 22, 26 ~ What Was Saul Told?This week, Craig Bondy (guest teacher) compared and contrasted three different accounts of Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus. We examined the narrative in Acts 9 as well as Paul’s testimony in Acts 22 and his witness in Acts 26. We focused our attention on what Saul was told about his future. Click to...
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2018-09-0339 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9, 22, 26 ~ What Was Saul Told?This week, Craig Bondy (guest teacher) compared and contrasted three different accounts of Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus. We examined the narrative in Acts 9 as well as Paul’s testimony in Acts 22 and his witness in Acts 26. We focused our attention on what Saul was told about his future. Click to...
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2018-09-0339 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 1-9: Timeline ReviewThis week Craig Bondy (guest teacher) guided us through a detailed review of the timeline of Acts chapters 1-9. He also brought local and empire history into the timeline to help form a more complete historical context for this section of Scripture. There’s also a homework assignment at the end, if you’d like to participate! ...
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2018-09-0147 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 1-9: Timeline ReviewThis week Craig Bondy (guest teacher) guided us through a detailed review of the timeline of Acts chapters 1-9. He also brought local and empire history into the timeline to help form a more complete historical context for this section of Scripture. There’s also a homework assignment at the end, if you’d like to participate! ...
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2018-09-0147 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:19b-25 ~ Saul & the NabateansThis week we took a closer look at few passages that describe a time in Saul’s first few years as a follower of Jesus—particularly his time in Arabia (Nabatea). This journey is NOT mentioned in Acts at all; however, Paul mentions it in both his letter to the church in Galatia and his second (third?)...
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2018-07-0543 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:19b-25 ~ Saul & the NabateansThis week we took a closer look at few passages that describe a time in Saul’s first few years as a follower of Jesus—particularly his time in Arabia (Nabatea). This journey is NOT mentioned in Acts at all; however, Paul mentions it in both his letter to the church in Galatia and his second (third?)...
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2018-07-0543 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:19b-30 ~ Wired with WanderlustThis week we worked on piecing together the evolution of Saul’s theology based on the account we have in Acts as well as his own testimony in Galatians. The more we reflected on the details of Saul’s life leading up to this moment, the more we saw how God had wired him with a passion...
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2018-07-0249 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:19b-30 ~ Wired with WanderlustThis week we worked on piecing together the evolution of Saul’s theology based on the account we have in Acts as well as his own testimony in Galatians. The more we reflected on the details of Saul’s life leading up to this moment, the more we saw how God had wired him with a passion...
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2018-07-0249 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:13-19a ~ The Other AnaniasThis week we took a close look at what happened when Ananias showed up at Judas’ house on Straight Street. We discussed how significant it was that Ananias greeted Saul as a brother, explained that the Jesus whom he saw en route to Damascus was the same One who sent him to restore his sight....
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2018-07-0249 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:13-19a ~ The Other AnaniasThis week we took a close look at what happened when Ananias showed up at Judas’ house on Straight Street. We discussed how significant it was that Ananias greeted Saul as a brother, explained that the Jesus whom he saw en route to Damascus was the same One who sent him to restore his sight....
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2018-07-0249 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:1-16 ~ The “Bind-er” Becomes the “Bind-ee”This week slowed our pace to take a closer look at Saul’s Damascus Road experience. Rather than focusing on the details of the event, we zoomed out to discuss the story behind the story. We explored how Saul’s life was dramatically and forever changed following his personal encounter with the risen Christ: We examined Saul’s...
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2018-06-0643 minWisdom from the Word™ with Laura ZielkeActs 9:1-16 ~ The “Bind-er” Becomes the “Bind-ee”This week slowed our pace to take a closer look at Saul’s Damascus Road experience. Rather than focusing on the details of the event, we zoomed out to discuss the story behind the story. We explored how Saul’s life was dramatically and forever changed following his personal encounter with the risen Christ: We examined Saul’s...
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2018-06-0643 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9, 22, 26 ~ Same Event. Different Details.This week we compared and contrasted three different accounts of Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus. We examined the narrative in Acts 9 as well as Paul’s testimony in Acts 22 and his witness in Acts 26. We looked at the setting of each account and discussed why certain details were presented in one...
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2018-05-2543 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 9:1-19a ~ Works-Based WorthThis week, we picked up where we left off with Saul (a.k.a. Paul). We examined his background, education, and training. We discussed his “status” as self-appointed protector of Pharisaic Orthodoxy, and his insatiable desire to crush “The Way” wherever he traveled. As we developed a clear picture of Saul’s character, we saw that he was...
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2018-05-2444 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:26-40 ~ Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak?This week, we completed our study of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. We discussed the passage in Isaiah that the eunuch was reading, and we talked about this being the first time the Suffering Servant’s identity was applied to the Messiah. We also briefly discussed the eunuch’s response to Philip’s interpretation as...
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2018-05-2249 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:26-40 ~ The Ethiopian EunuchThis week, we continued our study of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch by investigating what we know (and don’t know) about the eunuch: where he came from, what his place was in society, how he traveled, and why someone from so far away would have made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We also imagined the story...
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2018-05-1630 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:25-40 ~ God’s Incredible TimingThis week, we began our study of a very familiar story about Philip the Evangelist and an official from Ethiopia (modern-day Sudan). We discussed God’s amazing timing in bringing these two men together at the perfect moment. We examined a variety of passages to determine whether the terms “angel” and “spirit” were interchangeable in this...
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2018-05-1445 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:20-24 ~ Not For SaleThis week, we finished up our study of the interaction between the apostles and Simon Magus. For real. We zoomed in on the final verses of the narrative where Peter apparently ‘curses’ Simon for his attempt to purchase the ability to bestow the Holy Spirit. We discussed the difference between “believing” and faith that leads...
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2018-04-1638 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:14-25 ~ No Change? No Salvation.This week we continued our discussion about Simon the magician and his desire to purchase the ability to bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit (which cannot be purchased). We were reminded that Jesus’ parable of the sower provides a way to understand the difference between an authentic conversion experience and one that has no roots,...
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2018-04-0529 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:9-17 ~ “The Amazing Simon” is Amazed!This week we were introduced to Simon (a.k.a. “Simon the Sorcerer” and “Simon Magus”), and according to Simon himself “Someone Great!” Although there is not a lot of information about Simon in the Bible, early church fathers wrote about him with enough detail that we are able to sketch his character and his beliefs and his...
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2018-03-0944 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:4-8 ~ Philip the Evangelist in SamariaThis week we observed how the stepped-up persecution of Christians in Jerusalem served as a catalyst for the spread of the good news throughout Judea and into Samaria thus fulfilling part of Jesus’ prophecy in Acts 1:8. We focused in on the first non-Judean “missionary journey” post-Resurrection: Philip’s ministry in Samaria. We concluded that this was...
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2018-02-2834 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 8:1b-3 ~ Persecution Initiates the Christian DiasporaThis week we focused on this brief, transitional passage that documents the first officially sanctioned persecution of Christ followers as well as what happened to Stephen’s body after his stoning (lynching) in chapter 7. We looked at the structure of Acts noting that chapters 1-7 and 13-28 follow a single-thread narrative, whereas chapters 8-12 traces...
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2018-02-2044 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:54-8:1a ~ Stephen: The First Christian MartyrThis week we finally finished our deep dive into Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 and witnessed his stoning (or lynching, depending on how you look at it). We discussed Stephen’s vision that he had prior to his stoning and the specific title he used for Jesus: Son of Man. We observed the people take the law...
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2018-02-1448 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:51-56 ~ Who’s Really on Trial Here?This week we got back to where we had left off with the “peroratio” (i.e., conclusion) of Stephen’s speech in Acts 7. It’s at this point the reason for his rehashing the history of Israel becomes crystal clear: Stephen has been building a case not merely to proclaim his innocence, but also to prove the...
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2018-02-1346 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:45-50 ~ A House of Cedar (part two)This week we continued our detour exploring questions about the purpose and origin of the temple. We did a cursory overview of temple history and discussed a number of Scripture passages for the purpose of better understanding whether the temple was something God desired or not. We have been looking into the possibility that God...
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2018-02-071h 01Acts of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:45-50 ~ A House of Cedar (part one)This week we took a slight detour to explore the question: Whose idea was Solomon’s Temple?! This is the first of two class times we spent digging into the question about whether or not the LORD commanded David and/or Solomon to build the Temple in Jerusalem. We are looking into the possibility that God (1)...
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2018-02-0439 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:39-48 ~ What Their Hands Had MadeThis week we continued our in-depth study of Stephen’s defense speech. He brought up the consistent problem of idol worship—both at the foot of Mt. Sinai and in the wilderness during the 40 years of wandering. He began laying the foundation for his argument (?) that the Temple should not have been built which we...
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2018-02-0328 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:17-38 ~ This is THAT MosesThis week we continued our in-depth study of Stephen’s defense speech before the Sanhedrin. Once again, Stephen focused on leaders who worshipped God pre-Temple and outside of the promised land. As he recounted Moses’ defining moments, he made it clear that: he was not anti-Moses; Moses met with God outside the promised land; and Moses...
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2018-02-0346 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:1-7 ~ A Closer Look (Part Two)As we examined the “inconsistencies” between Stephen’s words and the Genesis/Exodus narratives, as well as manuscript differences between the Hebrew scriptures and the Septuagint, we saw how multiple sources lend credence to the historicity of the accounts as recorded. And the “inconsistencies” aren’t that inconsistent after all. >> Click to read this week’s passages in...
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2018-02-0324 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:1-8 ~ A Closer Look (Part One)We circled back to take a closer look at the first part of Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin. Although some see no point to Stephen’s sermon outside of developing his character to provide the backdrop for his murder, we discovered that Stephen was actually laying out a perfect defense of himself and an offense against...
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2018-02-0340 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 7:1-8:4 ~ More than Reviewing HistoryHave you ever wondered why Stephen reviewed Israel’s history with the experts in the Law? Did he not realize they already knew these stories? Probably by memory? Or was he doing something else? This week we read through Stephen’s entire speech, his murder, and what happened as a result of it. Because this was an...
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2017-12-0846 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 6:7-15 ~ Stephen & Saul: Frenemies?Guest Teacher: David Pikett This week we continued our verse-by-verse study in Acts. We looked into the historical and religious setting of first century Jerusalem. We learned that in addition to the Temple, there were numerous synagogues in and around the city. We discussed why there might be a need for these synagogues, who would...
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2017-11-3049 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 6:7-15 ~ Stephen: Full of Faith & PowerGuest Teacher: David Pikett. This week we continued our verse-by-verse study in Acts. We discussed how the church should respond to changes and growth. We also looked more closely at the words used to describe Stephen including pairs of terms such as “faith/grace & power” and “wonders & miracles/signs.” “Faith” comes from the Greek word...
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2017-11-1959 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 6:1-7 ~ Hellenists, Serving Tables & WidowsThis week we cross-examined the “traditional” interpretation of this passage while we dug into the details of the text. For example, were the 12 apostles really neglecting the Hellenistic widows in the daily distribution of food? Does that make any sense at all? And were the Hellenists actually chosen to be the first deacons? What...
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2017-11-1833 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 6:1-7 ~ Organic Growth of the Early ChurchThis week we started a new section of Acts where Luke turns our attention away what was going on in the Temple courts to the inevitable challenges of exponential growth and diversity. We evaluated internal evidence that Luke was possibly using a new source(s) for this section including the introduction of previously unused terms which...
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2017-11-0449 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 5:27-42 ~ The Ready Response of Rabban GamalielThis week we finished up with Acts chapter 5, and there was much rejoicing! We took a step outside the Christian bubble to look at this section from the angle of the Sanhedrin. We discussed the irony in their refusal to speak the name of Jesus and how Gamaliel’s response to the situation was probably...
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2017-10-2822 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 5:21-26 ~ High Priest(s) Annas & CaiaphasThis week our guest teacher, Craig Bondy, guided the class in a more accurate understanding of the high priesthood in the Old Testament versus that of first century Judea. Building on this, we looked up a number of passages in the Gospels and Acts which refer to the High Priest as either Annas or Caiaphas....
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2017-10-1746 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 5:17-24 ~ An Angelic AccompliceThis week we retraced our steps in Acts 5:17-24 to more closely examine the second arrest story of the nascent church. We learned that Luke often uses a literary technique—the phrase “they/he rose up”—to emphasize a shift in the story line. We studied the motivation behind the second arrest and learned that it was more...
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2017-10-0540 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4-5 ~ Arresting DifferencesThis week we compared and contrasted the arrest narratives from Acts 4 and Acts 5. Though some scholars have contended the arrest in Acts 5 is a doublet of Acts 4, when examined closely for similarities and differences, it’s clear that the arrests have completely different catalysts, circumstances surrounding the arrest, and final outcomes (see...
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2017-09-2148 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 5:11-16 ~ Shadows, Signs & WondersThis week, we finished up the study of Ananias and Sapphira by comparing and contrasting their experience in Acts 5 to the story of Achan in Joshua 7. It seems as though each of these events took place at the beginning of the founding of a faith community. If the stories are indeed parallel, then,...
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2017-09-1642 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 5:7-10 ~ Ananias & Sapphira, Part TwoGuest Teacher: Craig Bondy This week, we continued in the study of the sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. We looked at the similarities and differences of their individual experiences, and we discussed how each one had an opportunity to confess their deception but declined. The punishment was exceedingly harsh. Why? They were testing to...
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2017-09-101h 02Acts of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 5:1-6 ~ Ananias & Sapphira, Part OneGuest Teacher: Craig Bondy This week, we studied the early church practice of selling possessions and handing the proceeds over to the apostles. We discussed how Ananias and Sapphira attempted to deceive the Holy Spirit, but their plan backfired in the worst way. >> Click to read this week’s passage in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts...
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2017-09-051h 02Acts of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:32-37 ~ One Heart and SoulGuest Teacher: Craig Bondy This week, we studied the unity of the early church and their willingness to be used by God minister to each other’s needs whether they be spiritual, emotional, relational, and/or physical. We were also introduced to a new character in the history of the early church: Barnabas. We learned that Barnabas...
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2017-08-1742 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:23-31 ~ Praying for BoldnessAs you may or may not remember, I was out of town last Sunday, and due to unforeseen circumstances, the lesson taught by Craig Bondy was not recorded. So, in order to prevent gaps in our studies, my husband and I joined Craig and his wife Linda at their home to record a summary of...
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2017-08-111h 01Acts of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:14-22 ~ Warning Shot, Pt. 2 (Conclusion)This week we studied the stern “cease and desist” warning issued by the Sanhedrin to Peter and John following the healing of the lame man. Although they could not deny the fact that the man was healed—and his healing was permanent—in an effort to contain this emerging movement and control the damage that could result...
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2017-08-0143 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:13 ~ Uncommonly BoldThis week we practiced exegeting Scripture together as a class. We started with prayer, read the passage, and then began to dig into it one verse at a time. With the use of reference books and a variety of commentaries (see below for list), our study of the passage was enhanced and we walked away...
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2017-07-2641 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:11-12 ~ No Other NameThis week we went back to analyze the Old Testament prophecy that Peter quoted (and adapted) during his and John’s first interrogation by the Sanhedrin. We observed that different translations render the verse with slight differences in two of the words: “rejected” and “cornerstone.” We made a list on the board (see below) to compare,...
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2017-07-2339 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:5-12 ~ The Warning Shot, Part 1This week we began discussing the actual “trial” (or “examination”) of Peter and John. We looked at how Jesus had prepared them for such a time as this by telling them, Whenever they bring you before synagogues and rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach...
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2017-07-1239 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 4:4-6 ~ Can’t Stop This!This week we spent the first half of class discussing the so-called “400 Years of Silence” between the Old and New Testaments (a.k.a. “intertestamental time”). We briefly discussed the difference between the Catholic Bible and the Protestant Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the origins of the Sadducees. Upon turning our attention to the passage, we...
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2017-07-0748 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3:22-4:4 ~ The First ConflictThis week we examined the first sign that Jesus’ prophecy regarding the persecution of His followers would be fulfilled in the near future. The conflict began when the Sadducees interrupted Peter: Not only did they stop him from finishing his speech, they also took him, John, AND the formerly lame man into custody—holding them until...
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2017-07-0144 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3:17-21 ~ Ignorant No MoreThis week, we studied how Peter made room for those guilty of crucifying Jesus to be forgiven since they acted in ignorance. In fact, from the cross, Jesus himself said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Bottom line: They were ignorant. Peter referenced verses in the Law of Moses to...
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2017-07-0140 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3:16-19 ~ Repent & TurnThis week we slowed our pace to analyze the development of early beliefs about Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy about a coming Messiah. We looked at the variety of “primitive” terms Peter used to describe Jesus as he tailored his message to such a faithful, Jewish audience. We discovered that although Peter’s...
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2017-06-2841 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3:11-16 ~ In His NameThis week we dove a little deeper into Peter’s second sermon going verse-by-verse through Acts 3:11-16. The stage for this scene was within Solomon’s Colonnade of the Temple in Jerusalem. As the healed man (no longer lame) held onto Peter and John, the crowd rushed over in amazement to better understand what they were witnessing....
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2017-05-2942 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3:11-26 ~ Foretold by All the ProphetsThis week we did an overview of Peter’s second sermon in Acts 3:11-26 which followed the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple in Jerusalem. As people started realizing that a miracle had taken place, they gathered around Peter, John, and the walking/leaping/praising God man. This provided the perfect “teachable moment” which...
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2017-05-2247 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3:1-10 ~ Open My Eyes, Lord.This week we closely examined Acts 3:1-10 which details the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple in Jerusalem. Since archaeologists have yet to discover writings or inscriptions referring to a gate called “Beautiful,” we discussed the three most plausible theories for the location of the gate. We also examined...
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2017-05-0949 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 3-6 ~ Growth of the Early ChurchThis week we began our study of the next section of Acts (chapters 3-6) in which we will be observing the blessings and challenges that come with quick and exponential growth of the Jerusalem church under Peter’s leadership. We briefly surveyed the healing of the lame man at the Temple (Acts 3:1-10); however, our discussion...
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2017-04-2852 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:42-47 ~ A New RemnantThis week we finished our study of the second chapter of Acts (phew!) by examining the summary paragraph which Luke wrote to separate the events on Pentecost from the healing of the lame man at the Temple. We see a sketch of what daily life was like in this nascent community as they shared their...
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2017-04-2555 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:38 ~ The Beautiful Mystery of Baptism & CommunionThis week we took a break from our verse-by-verse study in order to process what we’ve been studying the past couple of weeks. There are only two sacred ordinances which the Lord Jesus established for His followers: Baptism and Communion . Since these are observed differently depending on one’s denomination, we took the entire class time...
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2017-04-1140 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:37-41 ~ Step 2: Be BaptizedThis week we continued our examination of Peter’s answer to the crowd’s question: “What should we do?” We did a quick review of last week’s lesson, and had a great discussion about the salvation process. I think I’ve muddied the waters by using the words “step one” and “step two” in the exegesis of this passage,...
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2017-04-0439 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:37-38 ~ Now What? Step 1: Repent!This week we began our examination of the response of the crowd to whom Peter was preaching in Acts 2:14-36. We enjoyed a lively discussion about evangelism and salvation. We agreed that it is the Holy Spirit who is consistently drawing people to the Lord. We discussed the first step towards salvation: Repentance. Please Note: This step...
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2017-03-2849 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:29-40 ~ Peter Concludes His Sermon + BonusThis week we took a few minutes to finish up our rabbit trail from last week. We looked at five ways to understand Jesus’ descent into hades. After that, we continued our verse-by-verse study of Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2. We looked at how he built his argument from beginning to end PROVING through...
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2017-03-1339 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:25-36 ~ Prophecy Fulfilled (and a Rabbit Trail)This week we continued in our study of Peter’s first sermon—yes, I know… this is becoming a thing! Well, listen, we like to take our time and really dig into the Word, and the class is discussion-based. So, you might as well grab a cup of your favorite beverage, a Bible, and a notepad for...
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2017-03-0837 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:22-24 ~ Death Could Not Hold HimThis week we continued in our study of Peter’s first sermon which he preached on Pentecost. We didn’t get very far, but we had great discussions and a few rabbit trails. We looked at how Peter flipped the table on those who were accusing them of drunkenness by accusing the accusers of murder! We also...
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2017-03-0141 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:14-21 ~ Prophecy FulfilledThis week we took a second look at Joel’s prophecy as quoted in Acts 2:17-21. We looked at the chiastic construction of verse 19, and then we focused on the apocalyptic imagery of Joel’s prophecy. We discussed the timing of Peter’s claim that the prophecy had been fulfilled. We may not all agree, but that is beside the...
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2017-02-2049 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:1-41 ~ Peter’s First Sermon (Part One)This week we got back into our routine of verse-by-verse study of Acts. We read through the entirety of Peter’s first sermon/speech, and then closely examined verses 14-21. We discussed the inspiration of the Scripture and Luke’s dedication to accurate transmission of facts and the challenge of summarizing this speech. We also learned an eight-syllable...
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2017-02-1350 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:14 ~ The Speeches of ActsThis week we continued our break from verse-by-verse study, and instead, we surveyed the large number and wide variety of public speeches in Acts. We also discussed various approaches to the source material for them including: verbatim inspiration, fabrication, and research-based summation (still inspired). We reflected on the freedom the Lord allowed for the writer’s own...
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2017-02-0742 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:5 ~ The Gift of TonguesThis week we took a break from our verse-by-verse study of the book of Acts, and instead, we discussed the gift of Tongues. We discussed the various ways we have personally witnessed and/or experienced the gift. We created a safe space for class members to share diverse points of view. The discussion led us to 1...
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2017-01-3055 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:1-13 ~ Arrival of the Holy Spirit (Part 2)This week we continued our study of the first Christian Pentecost. We discussed the coming of the Holy Spirit in more depth, and enjoyed a few rabbit trails along the way. We discussed how it was possible that there were so many “foreign” Jews living in Jerusalem and from whence they came. We discussed what drew the crowd,...
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2017-01-2440 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 2:1-13 ~ Arrival of the Holy Spirit (Part 1)This week we studied, in a general overview-ish type of way, the watershed event that Christians often refer to as Pentecost. We learned that Pentecost was actually a centuries-old annual festival celebrating the end of the wheat harvest and a time of spiritual (covenantal) renewal for the Jewish people. But on this particular Pentecost—fifty days...
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2017-01-0354 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 1:15-17, 20-26 ~ To Replace or Not to Replace? That Is the Question!This week we studied the process of choosing a replacement for the position that Judas left vacant after his betrayal and suicide. We examined the prerequisites of those put forth as candidates, the narrowing down of the field, the prayer, the casting of lots, and the choice. We also discussed the controversial suggestion (a) that this...
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2016-12-1248 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 1:15-20 ~ What Happened to Judas?This week we studied Peter’s stepping into leadership, what happened to Judas, and why his position was replaced. Since Matthew’s account of Judas’ demise differs from what Luke recorded, we examined the so-called discrepancies to see if they could be reconciled. We also took a side trip (a.k.a. rabbit trail) to discuss the evolution of...
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2016-12-0551 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 1:9-15 ~ It Was NOT a NimbusThis week, we studied the Ascension of Jesus Christ—it’s necessity and historical relevance. Then, we began to look at the make-up of Jesus’ followers who remained in Jerusalem after this amazing event. We compared the lists of apostles in Matthew, Luke, and Acts, noting one obviously missing person. >> Click to read this week’s passage...
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2016-11-2951 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeActs 1:1-8 ~ He’s Really Alive!This week, we started our verse-by-verse study in Acts. We looked at the overlap between the final verses of Luke’s Gospel and the first few verses of Acts–similarities and differences–and explored the Ascension as the “watershed” between this two-volume work. We talked about what “convincing proofs” are, and why Luke’s record of post-resurrection appearances and...
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2016-11-2242 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeIntroduction to Acts, Part 2This week, we finished up the introduction to our new study of the “Acts of the Apostles” with a broad overview of the book and the six-panel structure which shows the continual growth of Christianity from A.D. 30 through A.D. 62-63. This introductory study will cover date, authorship, purpose, key themes, and audience. You’ll need...
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2016-11-1539 minActs of the Apostles Archives - Laura L. ZielkeIntroduction to Acts, Part 1This week, we begin our study of the “Acts of the Apostles” with a broad overview of the book and it’s position in the New Testament. This introductory study will cover date, authorship, purpose, key themes, and audience. We will also explore the strong connection between Acts and the Gospel of Luke. >> Click here to...
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2016-11-0744 min