This session, "WCWC - Acts in Action - Part 4," facilitated by Rev. Lettie Carr, explores the Book of Acts as a vital blueprint for authentic Christian discipleship. It challenges listeners to embody more than just "church membership," urging them to live as active disciples who powerfully reflect Christ's life and demonstrate the Holy Spirit's gifts. Acts is presented as a "standard operating procedure" for believers, illustrating how ordinary people can be used by God.

A central focus is the healing of the man lame from birth by Peter and John in Acts Chapter 3. This miracle, performed in the name of Jesus Christ, served as compelling evidence of God's power, drawing amazed attention and validating the apostles' message. The healing prompted Peter to preach the gospel, clarifying that the power came from Jesus, not themselves. He urged the witnesses to repent and be converted, promising that accepting Christ would lead to forgiveness, spiritual "refreshing," and a profound inner transformation.

The discussion emphasizes that God's salvation plan, foretold by ancient prophets, is for all people. A core message is the imperative for modern believers to actively utilize their spiritual gifts, mirroring the apostles' bold demonstrations of healing and deliverance. The speaker challenges that if God and His word remain constant, then any perceived lack of divine power today stems from believers not fully embracing their role as disciples. The call is for each listener to live a life so demonstrative of Christ that it becomes "the acts of [their own name]," proving God's reality to a skeptical world and fulfilling the mandate to make more disciples.

Rev. Lettie Carr’s bible study explores the early chapters of Acts, particularly the Day of Pentecost. This annual event is tied to the Feast of Weeks and the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out, empowering believers, including Mary and the apostles, to speak in tongues. However, the study clarifies that speaking in tongues is one of many diverse spiritual gifts, not a requirement for salvation. All gifts are given by God for the common good and to edify the entire body of Christ, demonstrating God’s purposeful placement of each individual within the church.The study differentiates between speaking in tongues, which is praying to God and edifies oneself, and prophesying, which speaks to men for their edification and comfort. In a church context, speaking in tongues publicly is appropriate only if accompanied by an interpretation for the benefit of the congregation, as God brings clarity, not confusion.A significant focus is placed on Peter’s journey. The study recounts his triple denial of Jesus and highlights Jesus's personal restoration of Peter after the resurrection, emphasizing God's boundless love, forgiveness, and ability to re-qualify individuals despite their failures. This restored Peter then delivered the first powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost.Peter’s message urged repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins and reception of the Holy Spirit. The study explains that "in the name of Jesus" encapsulates the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. True repentance involves a fundamental change of heart, mind, and will, leading to transformed actions.Following Peter’s sermon, approximately 3,000 souls were added to the church. These new believers were steadfast in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, fostering continued growth and the manifestation of signs and wonders. The study concludes with Peter and John’s healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate, illustrating the call for believers to model discipleship by actively seeking opportunities to bring healing and deliverance. It encourages taking steps of faith, reminding listeners that God remains the same and desires to act through obedient disciples today as He did historically.

This bible study is facilitated by Rev. Lettie Carr. Acts in Action: Walking Through Discipleship explores the Book of Acts as "Acts in Motion," modeling discipleship and the early church. Authored by Luke, it chronicles Jesus' instruction for disciples to wait in the upper room for the Holy Spirit. This highlights the importance of unity ("one accord") in prayer, enabling God's power to move. Women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, were present and praying. The study clarifies that while Mary was honored, Jesus is the sole intercessor; God does not instruct prayer to anyone else. All born-again believers are called "saints".

The apostles decided to replace Judas after his betrayal and death. They chose Matthias by casting lots, fulfilling prophecy. However, the podcast suggests Paul, not Matthias, was God's chosen 12th apostle, emphasizing seeking God's specific will rather than limiting choices. Paul's conversion exemplifies that "the worst of sinners will be the greatest saints".Central to the narrative is Pentecost, where disciples, in unity, experienced a sound "as of a rushing mighty wind" and "divided tongues of fire". They were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. This event fulfilled Jesus' promise of "power to be my witnesses". The miraculous speaking allowed people from diverse nations to hear "the wonderful works of God" in their own languages, demonstrating God's desire to reach all. Peter refuted accusations of drunkenness, explaining this was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy—God pouring out His Spirit on "all flesh," empowering both men and women to prophesy.

The Holy Spirit provides "dunamis" (explosive power) for impactful witnessing. While speaking in tongues is a gift, salvation is for "whoever calls on the name of the Lord". Jesus' death was a voluntary act as part of God's "determined purpose," and He was resurrected, proving it was "not possible that he should be held by" death. His atoning death covers sin, offering eternal life and the Holy Spirit's power to those who accept Him. The podcast urges listeners to yield to the Holy Spirit and embrace salvation.

Rev. Lettie Carr facilitates a bible study series titled "Acts in Action," focusing on the book of Acts to understand discipleship and disciple-making. The series examines examples of those who walked with Jesus, especially those discipled directly by him, to learn how to follow Christ and make other disciples. The book of Acts covers the three decades immediately following Jesus' death and resurrection, depicting what Jesus' disciples did after his ascension, contrasting with the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) which focus on Jesus' actions. Acts is considered "part two" of the book of Luke, both written by Luke to Theophilus. Luke, a meticulous physician and researcher, compiled eyewitness accounts since he was not an apostle.

A key concept is the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commanded his disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you". Acts demonstrates how the apostles implemented this charge.

The study emphasizes Jesus' appearances for 40 days after his resurrection, providing "many convincing demonstrations, unquestionable evidences, and infallible proofs".

These appearances include:

•Mary Magdalene

•Disciples behind closed doors

•Two on the road to Emmaus

•Doubting Thomas

•Over 500 brethren at one time

•James and other apostles

•Paul (after ascension)

Crucially, Jesus commanded his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Father's promise: the Holy Spirit. Unlike John's water baptism, they would be "baptized with the Holy Spirit". The Holy Spirit is identified as God ("Now the Lord is the spirit"), and referred to as the "Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby". He lives within believers, teaching them, reminding them of Jesus' words, and testifying about Jesus. The Holy Spirit provides the power needed for believers to overcome challenges, resist temptation, and live holy lives, enabling them to do "even greater works" than Jesus did collectively. Without the Holy Spirit, one does not belong to Christ. The series encourages accepting Christ to receive the Holy Spirit's power.

The Bible study is facilitated by Rev. Lettie Carr. Explore the complex life of King Solomon, the third king of Israel, son of David and Bathsheba. His name means peace, and he reigned during a time of peace. As a youth, God offered him anything he desired, and Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God's people. Pleased, God granted him exceeding wisdom, unmatched by any before or after, and also blessed him with riches and honor. His wisdom was famously displayed in the judgment between two women claiming the same child. His fame spread internationally, drawing figures like the Queen of Sheba.

Solomon undertook the immense task of building the temple for the Lord, a project David was prevented from doing. Over 11 years, he built a magnificent structure, overlaid with gold, dedicating vast resources. Solomon dedicated the temple with a humble, powerful prayer, asking God to hear the prayers of his people made toward that place in times of distress and sin. God responded, promising His presence and attention to prayers made there, conditional on obedience.

Despite these beginnings, Solomon's heart turned away from God. He loved many foreign women, including Pharaoh's daughter, from nations forbidden by God due to their gods. With 700 wives and 300 concubines, his foreign wives led him to worship their deities, such as Ashtoreth, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech, building high places for them. This grave disobedience angered God. God declared He would tear the kingdom from Solomon, leaving only one tribe for his son, due to his failure to keep God's commandments. The kingdom was divided after his death. Solomon even attempted to kill Jeroboam, the servant God had chosen to receive the kingdom.

The Bible study reflects on Solomon's complicated legacy, starting well but ending poorly due to disobedience. He wrote Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, books showcasing great wisdom, but the text does not explicitly state he repented at the end. His actions led to the kingdom's division.

This Bible study, facilitated by Rev. Lettie Carr, is part of a series exploring "the Bad Boys of the Bible and some good". The focus is on Uriah the Hittite, whom the facilitator calls a "Good Boy of the Bible" and a "great man indeed". The study of Uriah was a direct prompt from the Holy Spirit, aiming to "herald Uriah" and focus on him as a "man of God", ensuring he isn't lost in David's story, as often happens to those who "do the right thing" but are overshadowed by "ungodly people".

Uriah is listed among David's "mighty men" in 1 Chronicles 11. This group was dedicated to serving God and serving David, fighting with him and being held in "high esteem". Uriah was a man who "loved God," "served God," and "fought for the things of God". His life modeled Christ through consistency in following God's things.

The context is from 2 Samuel 11, where David remained in Jerusalem "at the time when kings go out to battle," being "out of order with his focus". David saw and "took" Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, emphasizing her lack of power in the situation. When Bathsheba conceived, David attempted a cover-up by sending for Uriah.

Upon returning, Uriah refused to go home, sleeping at the king's door. His powerful response highlighted his commitment: "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents and my lord Joab and the servants of my Lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink and to love with my wife? As you live and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing". Uriah wanted to be where "the word of God is moving," active in "the move of God," denying himself. He was committed to the "cause of God" and felt it inappropriate to "relax and chill" while God's people were battling.

Even when David "made him drink," getting him drunk, Uriah still slept with the king's servants and did not go home. This shows "self-discipline" and "great integrity and discipline," refusing to compromise his standard.

David's final, wicked act was to send Uriah to Joab with a letter instructing Joab to place Uriah in the "forefront of the hottest battle" and retreat, leading to Uriah's death. Uriah unknowingly carried his own "execution decree". He was killed because he "did the right thing".

God was not pleased with David's actions and defended Uriah, holding David accountable. God remembered Uriah; in the genealogy of Jesus, Bathsheba is referred to as "her who had been the wife of Uriah," highlighting that "God will honor his word" and Uriah was "precious in his sight".

Uriah serves as an example. Key lessons include: obeying God, being where you should be, being committed to God's cause, cultivating self-discipline, and trusting that God will honor faithfulness and is your avenger. His life encourages a disciplined lifestyle, which brings favor.

This Bible study, facilitated by Reverend Lettie Carr, explores the profound impact of the first man, Adam. Created in God's image with purpose to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion, Adam, alongside Eve, was given clear instructions. However, Adam willfully disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. He was not deceived like Eve, according to 1 Timothy.

Adam's disobedience had far-reaching consequences. Immediately, they lost their innocence and were expelled from the Garden of Eden, a paradise where they could have lived forever. God guarded the way back to the tree of life, signifying the loss of their stature and place with God. Humanity has since sought to return to that place of peace.

Most significantly, Adam's sin introduced sin and death into the world. Before sin, lifespans were much longer (Adam lived 930 years), but sin brought sickness, diseases, and a significantly shorter typical lifespan of 70-80 years. The wages of sin is death.

Furthermore, all of humanity inherited a sinful nature from Adam. Because we trace our lineage back to him, his transgression affects everyone, and all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. The tendency to hide our sins also stems from Adam and Eve hiding from God. Hiding sin hinders prosperity, while confessing and forsaking it leads to mercy. God already knows our sins, and confession means agreeing with His view, whereas hiding dishonors Him.

The consequences were quickly seen in Adam's family, with Cain murdering Abel, presented as the first fruit of the father's sin. Children often mirror parents' behavior "on steroids". Sin has a ripple effect, impacting many people. Every choice is "bigger than us," emphasizing the importance of not being selfish.

Crucially, the study points to Jesus Christ. Adam is a "type" of Christ. While Adam brought sin and death, Jesus, the "second Adam," brings grace and life. Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus, not by trying to keep the law. Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift through Jesus leads to being made right with God and triumph over sin and death. Eternal life is the free gift of God through Christ Jesus, received, not earned. Through Christ, we can be set free from generational curses. The critical question is whether one has received Jesus Christ.

In a comprehensive Bible study, Minister Tiffany Simmons explored the life of Saul, Israel’s first king, highlighting his tragic descent from divine appointment to spiritual abandonment. Saul’s journey, though initially promising, became a profound lesson in how disobedience, pride, and a hardened heart can derail even the most divinely chosen leader.

At the beginning of his reign, Saul was the embodiment of potential. He was tall, attractive, and notably humble, marked by a reluctance to assume power. God chose him through the prophet Samuel, and early signs confirmed divine favor—Saul prophesied under the influence of the Spirit and led Israel to victory against the Ammonites. His leadership inspired unity, and he even extended mercy to those who questioned his authority, reflecting godly character.

However, Saul’s tenure soon became defined by a pattern of disobedience that revealed deeper spiritual flaws. His first major failure occurred when he offered a sacrifice without waiting for Samuel, violating God’s command. Motivated by fear and impatience, Saul acted outside his authority, and Samuel’s rebuke made it clear: Saul’s kingdom would not endure. This moment marked a turning point, revealing that Saul’s actions were driven more by circumstance than obedience.

The second and more consequential act of defiance came during the campaign against the Amalekites. Despite receiving explicit instructions to destroy all the people and possessions, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best livestock, claiming it was for sacrifice. This partial obedience was still disobedience in God's eyes. Samuel delivered a critical theological principle: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” God rejected Saul as king, and from that moment, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him.

Saul’s spiritual decline accelerated. No longer able to hear from God, Saul became tormented, paranoid, and unstable. Cut off from divine guidance, he turned to a forbidden medium for answers, showcasing how far he had fallen from spiritual faithfulness. The traits that defined his downfall—pride, impatience, disobedience, jealousy, and spiritual isolation—grew more entrenched. He erected monuments to himself, sought to preserve his image rather than repent, and viewed David, God's anointed successor, as a threat. His jealousy led to repeated attempts on David’s life and consumed his leadership with fear and insecurity.

In contrast, David—though flawed—demonstrated a heart aligned with God. Unlike Saul, David repented sincerely when he sinned. This difference in response underscores a vital truth: it is not the absence of failure but the presence of repentance that sustains spiritual leadership.

Ultimately, Saul’s life is a sobering warning. Though he began with promise and divine calling, his refusal to surrender fully to God's will led to his undoing. His life teaches that charisma, position, or early success cannot replace the need for consistent obedience, humility, and a repentant heart. Saul’s story is a powerful reminder to all—especially those in leadership—that spiritual integrity, not status, is the true measure of success before God.