
From Trials to Triumph. In the power of the Early Rain, the first apostles took the gospel to all ends of the known world. But they were not met without resistance. In this condensed version of The Acts of the Apostles, the reader travels with the early believers as they preached the message of Christ in their home country and in heathen lands, experiencing terrible defeat and wonderful triumph. Their experience is a foretaste of our work under the power of the Holy Spirit in our day.
- From Trials to Triumph
- Why You Should Read This Book
- Chapter 1—God's Purpose for His Church
- Chapter 2—The Training of the Twelve
- No “Wall” Between Jews and Gentiles
- What the Holy Spirit Accomplished
- Chapter 3—The Good News to Go Everywhere
- Successful Weapons in the Great Warfare
- Christ's Second Coming—the Hope of the Church
- Chapter 4—Pentecost: The Apostles Begin Their Work
- How the Holy Spirit Came Upon the Apostles
- What the Genuine Gift of Tongues Accomplished
- Conviction That Jesus Was the True Messiah
- Thousands in Jerusalem Converted
- Chapter 5—The Gift of the Spirit Is for Us
- God Has Not Restricted His Gift
- The Early Rain and the Latter Rain
- Chapter 6—Peter and John Forbidden to Do Christ's Work
- The True Guilt of the Jews Revealed
- A Sin Worse Than the Original Crucifixion of Christ
- The Divine Gift of Holy Boldness
- Chapter 7—A Dishonest Husband and Wife Punished
- Why This Manifestation of God's Wrath?
- Chapter 8—Peter and John Freed From Prison
- God's Command Comes First
- Peter's Amazing Boldness
- In the World We Have Trouble
- Chapter 9—Why the Seven Deacons Were Chosen
- The Results of This New Plan
- Each Believer Has a Special Gift of the Spirit
- A Beautiful Plan of Organization
- Chapter 10—Stephen, the First Martyr for Christ
- A Holy Radiance Shines on Stephen's Face
- Stephen's Martyrdom Makes a Deep Impression
- Chapter 11—The Gospel Reaches Samaria and Ethiopia
- Nicodemus No Longer Cautious and Questioning
- The Baptism of the First Person From Africa
- Angels Still Guide the Footsteps of People
- Chapter 12—From Saul to Paul: Persecutor to Disciple
- A Light Too Glorious for Mortal Eyes to Bear
- Saul Under Conviction
- In Lonely Seclusion
- Chapter 13—How God Educated Paul
- Paul's “University” in the Desert
- The Former Persecutor Is Persecuted
- Chapter 14—The Gospel Goes to the Gentiles
- Frail, Tempted Humans Are the Messengers
- Peter Finds This a Trying Command
- Peter Lays the Matter Before His Associates
- Chapter 15—An Angel Delivers Peter From Prison
- God Answers the Unceasing Prayers of His People
- Peter Finally Realizes He Is Free
- King Herod Stricken by an Angel
- What Angels Are Doing Today
- Chapter 16—Dramatic Success at Antioch
- The Beautiful Name God Gave the Believers
- The Meaning of Gospel Ordination
- God Recognizes and Honors Church Organization
- Chapter 17—Heralds of the Gospel
- Paul and Mark Later Reconciled
- Paul Speaks Plainly
- The Gentiles See the Light
- Chapter 18—The Apostles Are Both Persecuted and Adored
- Excitement at Lystra
- Jews Incite the Crowd to Stone Paul
- Instruction and Organization Essential to Success
- Chapter 19—Thorny Problems Settled by the Holy Spirit
- The First General Church Council
- How the Holy Spirit Led the Council
- Trouble in Jerusalem
- Chapter 20—Paul's Secret: Exalt the Cross
- How Two Women Trained a Man of God
- The Cross and Righteousness by Faith
- Chapter 21—Angels Open a Philippian Prison
- A Frenzied Multitude
- A Cruel Jailer Is Converted
- The Authorities Apologize
- Paul's Example Became a Lasting Influence
- Chapter 22—A Revival and a Riot at Thessalonica
- Paul Relates the Story of His Conversion
- Chapter 23—Paul Preaches in Berea and Athens
- The Great City of Paganism
- Paul's Impressive Oration on Mars’ Hill
- The Great Philosophers Rejected the Gospel
- Truth to Be Taught Tactfully
- Chapter 24—Preaching the Power of the Cross in Corinth
- The One Object of Supreme Interest
- Again the Jews Reject the Gospel
- Paul Bitterly Attacked
- Roman Proconsul Refuses to Be a Dupe of the Jews
- Chapter 25—Two Important Letters to the Thessalonians
- Where Are the Dead?
- Signs of Christ's Coming
- Did Paul Expect to Live to See Christ Return?
- Chapter 26—Church Politics at Corinth
- How Paul Handled Sexual Immorality
- The Letter to the Corinthians Is Timely Today
- The Peril of Trying to Go It Alone
- Chapter 27—Witchcraft Books Burned
- The Holy Spirit Produces Fruit in the Believer
- The Battle Between Christ and Satan at Ephesus
- Why the Satanic Books Were Burnt
- Chapter 28—The Silversmiths Riot at Ephesus
- The Apostle Eager to Defend Truth Before the Multitude
- Paul Endures Opposition of Enemies and Desertion of Friends
- Chapter 29—Lawsuits and Sexual Looseness Challenged
- The Nature of a Prophet's Inspiration
- How to Handle Lawsuits Among Church Members
- How to Live Pure Lives in an Ocean of Impurity
- Chapter 30—Paul Strengthens the Church for All Time
- The Race Where Everyone Can Win
- Importance of Love
- The Resurrection Clarifies All Scripture Truth
- Chapter 31—Corinth Accepts Paul's Counsel
- Paul's Joy at Their Reconversion
- The Most Wonderful Career Possible
- The Cross Accomplishes True Conversion
- Chapter 32—The Joy of Liberal Giving
- Should Followers of Christ Give Less?
- Blessings in Gratitude Offerings
- Why the Gifts of the Poor Are Valuable
- Chapter 33—Working Under Great Difficulties
- Priscilla and Aquila Encourage Paul
- A Suggestion for Modern Gospel Ministers
- The Heart Burden Carried by Servants of Christ
- Chapter 34—The Joy of Working With Christ
- Christ's Love a Greater Motivation Than Money
- Come Close to the People
- The Peril of Side Businesses
- Chapter 35—God's Special Plan for the Jews
- Those Who Fall Can Rise Again
- All Who Believe Are the True Israel
- What Is Needed in Order to Awaken the Sincere Jews
- Chapter 36—Paul's Timeless Letter to the Galatians
- Why Paul Was So Abrupt
- Success Attended the Letter
- Chapter 37—Paul's Farewell Journey to Jerusalem
- The Saturday Evening Farewell Meeting
- The Holy Spirit Moves Paul to Say Good-bye
- Paul Would Not Swerve From Duty
- Chapter 38—Paul's Brethren Give Him Bad Advice
- Leading Brethren Continue to Hurt Paul's Ministry
- Advice to Compromise Leads to Disaster
- The Hatred Shown to Christ Repeated Against Paul
- The Unreasoning Malice of Paul's Enemies
- The Rage of Exclusivism
- Paul Before the Court of Law
- Paul's Nephew Foils the Plot
- Adding Crime to Crime
- Chapter 39—Paul's Trial at Caesarea
- Felix and Drusilla Hear the Wonderful Good News
- Felix and His Wife Reject Their Golden Opportunity
- Chapter 40—Paul Appeals to Caesar
- Those Who Serve God Need Firm Courage
- Chapter 41—The King Who Refused the Cross
- Paul Not Daunted by Earthly Pomp
- Worldly “Great” People Reject the Cross
- Chapter 42—Paul Suffers Shipwreck in a Storm
- Paul's Inspired Advice Rejected
- Disaster to the Ship
- The Prisoners About to Be Killed
- Chapter 43—Paul in Rome: Big-City Evangelist in Chains
- Paul, in Chains, Appeals to the Jews
- Religion Is Practical and Experiential
- As a Prisoner, Paul Has Stronger Influence
- The Beautiful Story of Onesimus the Slave
- Chapter 44—Paul Wins Converts in Caesar's Palace
- Paul's Afflictions Do Not Hinder the Gospel
- No Circumstances an Excuse for Not Witnessing for Christ
- Chapter 45—The Letters Paul Wrote From Rome
- Christ, the Creator
- How to Break the Chains of Habit
- To the Philippians: How Perfection Is Reached
- The True Motive That Leads to Perfection
- Chapter 46—Paul Is Free Once More
- Paul's Last Interval of Freedom
- Chapter 47—Paul's Final Arrest and Imprisonment
- Chapter 48—Paul Again Before Nero
- Nero Hears God's Last Call
- Chapter 49—Paul Pours Out His Heart in His Last Letter
- Grace Enlarges the Minister's Capabilities
- Timothy's Summons to Preach
- How Ministers Can Become Tools of Satan
- The True Remedy for Social Evils
- Chapter 50—Paul Dies for the One Who Died for Him
- Why Paul Was Not Afraid
- Chapter 51—The Apostle Peter, a Faithful Undershepherd
- Christ's Patience With Peter Is a Lesson
- The Fruit Produced by the Love of Truth
- Our Duty to the Government
- Undershepherds Are to Be Watchful
- Chapter 52—Peter Crucified at Rome
- Overcoming Every Fault by Grace
- Why Peter Was Sure of Gospel Truth
- Peter's Faith in the Second Coming of Christ
- Chapter 53—John, the Beloved Disciple
- Christ Wants Only Willing Surrender
- John Learned His Lessons Well
- Chapter 54—John, Faithful Witness for Christ
- A Tragic Change Comes Into the Early Church
- True Love, the Best Gift God Can Give Us
- John Saw the Dangers Threatening the Church
- Chapter 55—John's Secret of True Sanctification
- True Sanctification Is a Lifework
- Faith Is the Key to Overcoming
- Chapter 56—John Is Exiled to Lonely Patmos
- Saved From the Boiling Oil
- John Was Happy in His Exile
- Trials Are Worth the Pain They Cost
- Chapter 57—John Sees the Visions of the Revelation
- The Revelation Comes When Needed
- Sincere Students Can Understand Revelation
- Christ Preserves His Church Today
- When God's People Will Be the Majority
- Chapter 58—A Glorious Future Is Before Us
- How We Help the Building
- Nothing Can Stop the Triumph of Truth