Category: Acts

The Holy Spirit continues to empower “sign gifts” as proof of God’s authority and work.

Seeing or hearing of these supernatural works would further point people to Jesus as the authentic Messiah.

God fits people to equip them for the ministry he is preparing them for.

Man’s heart can be so wicked, so full of themselves, that they think God’s power can be wielded like a party trick.

Worship God, not his gifts.

God’s reputation will reach a long way. Be faithful to point to him.

Father, thank you for being the best gift.

---

The early church sprouts and takes root in Corinth.

The starting points of Jewish and Gentile backgrounds are so different.

God gives encouragement at the right times.

People (like me) take time to mature spiritually.

If you want to see growth, stay planted.

When it comes to churches, leaders must cultivate spiritual depth as well as width.

Lord Jesus, thank you for planting me and providing exactly what I need to flourish.

---

Paul contextualizes the Gospel to the culture of Athens.

Explaining where Jesus fit in to pagan Greek theology was impressive.

God’s truth cannot be contained.

Even intellectuals are a mixed bag- those open and closed to the Gospel.

Trust God’s truth to be enough to do what only God’s truth can do.

Thinkers need Jesus too.

Father, thank you for creating us with minds that can grow in knowledge and understanding. I offer every bit to you as worship.

---

The same Gospel is preached in two different cities with two different responses.

Danger did not dissuade the apostles from sharing the Gospel nor did scholarship from those checking their claims with scripture.

God has faithful servants of many different cultures.

The easiest tool for the Enemy to leverage is raw unbridled emotion.

My emotions need to be conformed to God’s Word.

People get in their feelings easily.

Father, help your servants to be faithful to proclaim your word with your wisdom.

---

Paul follows the leadership of the Holy Spirit and preaches the Gospel to a wide variety of people.

The way Paul navigates Jewish and Roman culture is amazing- and he does not compromise or back down on the message of Christ.

God’s good news, the Gospel of Jesus, is for people of all cultures.

Men (particularly religious men) often get tripped up on cultural traditions- but the Gospel is infinitely more important.

When it comes to stumbling blocks; don’t be one and don’t get tripped on by one.

Relating to other people means relating to all of them, culture included.

Father, help me remember that Jesus is worth whatever is necessary along the way.

---

Church leaders discern what is essential from what is important.

Early Jews and Gentiles would both understand these cultural struggles and implications.

It is interesting there is no mention of God’s work, the Holy Spirit, or people coming to Christ in Acts 15, unlike the previous 14 chapters. Business meetings can be like that.

Even Godly men can debate and disagree.

Don’t divert too much time and energy away from sharing the Gospel.

Administration and clarification in the church is important but sometimes tedious. Keep Christ and his mission out front.

Father, may my influence and ministry come from the overflow of walking with you.

---

The message of the Gospel continues to spread- but with a cost.

Paul was stoned mercilessly (left for dead) and this time he was very much on the opposite side- the receiving end of the rocks.

God opens whatever door he chooses.

Sometimes even large jubilant crowds are looking for false gods to worship.

Know that that hardships are necessary to propel the Gospel forward.

Humanity is a mixed bag of those receptive and those resistant to the Gospel. But nowhere is this more complicated than with religious people.

Lord Jesus, help me to keep my eye on the prize (you) no matter what hardships come.

---

The Holy Spirit launches Paul and Barnabas into their first missionary journey.

Paul turning his focus to Gentiles after his very Jewish (and very rejected) history lesson sermon was a bold move.

God’s mission is always bigger than we can see.

Men of all backgrounds oppose God.

Obey the leadership of the Holy Spirit and stand!

My target audience and God’s target audience could be totally different.

Father, help me be obedient step by step and trust your with end results.

---

James is martyred. Peter is miraculously rescued. Herod’s terrible life comes to a terrible end.

These followers of Jesus are paying the price of speaking of Jesus with their lives- still they persist!

God’s message will not be silenced.

Powerful men may play God but will fail miserably at playing with God.

Be obedient regardless of the end. Trust God’s sovereignty.

The Gospel is further validated by those willing to suffer for it.

Father, help me trust your plan even to the end- and beyond.

---

Peter deals with pushback about Gentile believers, the church receives this good news and continues to grow in number and influence.

Of course there was pushback. But this underlines the point- God shows no favoritism.

God builds his church.

Sometimes Christ-loving people need clarity on a tough subject- and that’s ok. Having our fuzzy (or wrong) thinking conformed to the mind of Christ is essential to growing spiritually.

Pursue and trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

When people see God obviously at work many want to be a part.

God, growing your Kingdom deep and wide is your work.

---