Much can be learned by a bad example.
The account of Ananias and Sapphira’s judgement we shocking- but it shows the seriousness of trifling with God.
God will not be mocked.
No human will thwart God’s work.
God will not sweep sin under the rug.
Unity of the church is dead serious to God.
Father, purify me and purify your Church.
Peter and John proclaim the gospel boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Early readers/hearers would have noticed the change in Peter and John from the end of Luke until now.
God equips his servants with everything he calls them to do.
When God’s power is on display doubters and even those in opposition to God cannot help but be awed.
Depend on the empowering of the Holy Spirit and stand.
Unbelieving people need to see the transforming power of the Gospel in action.
Father, help me depend on you, stay close to you, be transformed and empowered by you, and stand for you!
God uses Peter and John to heal a man and then turn the glory and attention to Jesus.
Once again, signs and wonders point to Jesus.
God’s Gospel message continues to clarify and spread.
People need to be reminded of the Gospel.
Use every opportunity to tell about Jesus.
There are physically-sick and sin-sick people who need to hear about Jesus.
Father, help me see opportunities for ministry as you see them and be careful to point to Jesus.
The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit and bold ministry advances the Church.
These signs and wonders through the disciples of Jesus were proof that God was still at work.
God equips the called!
Many people just need to hear an orderly account of the Gospel story unfold and they will believe.
I must rely on the Holy Sprit to equip and empower me for ministry as will.
Many people have not connected the dots of the Gospel and because of that they have not yet reponded.
My God, your will be done in me and through me by the power and person of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit and then ascends to Heaven.
Jesus physically ascending to Heaven, angels explaining what just happened…yet more confirmation that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.
Jesus gave his disciples much needed instructions.
We need God’s direction/instruction.
Be a man of waiting on God’s instruction while pursuing him in prayer.
There is always a remnant of Christ-followers waiting, watching, & praying for God’s intervention.
Father, thank you for equipping us as you know our deepest needs better than we do.
Jesus is risen & #onmission!
With this chapter the loose ends are tied up and sense is made of the life and death of Jesus.
God follows through with his plans perfectly.
It takes more than seeing to believe (v.31). Jesus has to supernaturally open spiritual eyes.
I must fix my gaze on the risen Christ!
Some people have all of the information about Jesus but lack transformation- and that’s God’s work.
Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing your glorious resurrection with me!
Jesus laid down his life.
This would have been a very disheartening day for all who believed Jesus was the Messiah.
Jesus stayed #onmission- even in the turmoil of this most terrible day.
Jesus was viewed with extreme emotion- both compassionate/loving and hateful. Today is no different.
Never forget the cross.
This story of the sacrifice by the Son of God should be told to everyone.
Father, thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice. I am eternally grateful.
Jesus prays, is twice betrayed, arrested, mocked, beaten, and condemned by religious leaders.
The thought of the Messiah being treated like this would have been difficult take in.
Jesus has prepared for this for his entire earthy life.
All kinds of people disrespect Jesus.
Do not betray Jesus. But no matter what know that Jesus will not betray me.
Do not give up on people. You never know who will respond to the Gospel.
Father, forge steadfast faith within me.
Jesus is trying to focus his disciples for the mission but the gravitate towards their own interests.
Early Jewish readers would likely see the connection between the Passover and Jesus becoming the Lab of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Jesus is razor sharp in his mission. He is also extremely patient with his not-so-sharp disciples.
We tend to want Jesus’ spotlight for ourselves.
Don’t be petty and self-serving.
Disciples of Jesus are imperfect works in progress, just like his original disciples, and just like me.
Jesus, help me be about pointing the spotlight toward you!
Jesus looks to the future and commands his disciples to pay attention and stay on mission.
This talk of the temple being destroyed would not have been understood fully until after 70A.D.
God has perfect knowledge of the big picture of time.
Mankind is short sighted and easily distracted.
Watch and pray, #onmission #onpurpose.
Help others keep an eye on the big picture and prepare.
Lord Jesus, come soon.
