Beyond Our Kind

It takes much to live in your own skin. Getting on with people in a different culture is always going to be difficult. What makes it easier is finding common ground. Even this, however, is designed to make matters easier to engage with the more unfamiliar territory. The effort is such that it is no […]

Acts Actually: 28 – Kingdom Start, Kingdom Ending

Near the beginning of the book of Acts we are informed that Jesus spent his days after His resurrection and before His ascension telling His followers about the Kingdom of God. Throughout the book of Acts of all that has happened, the purpose has not just been about proclaiming the King. It has been about […]

Acts Actually: 27 – Faith For The Storm

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; […]

Acts Actually: 26 – This Is My Story

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:28, 29) The […]

Acts Actually: 25 – Taking It To The Top

Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these […]

Acts Actually: 24 – Making Your Case

However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will […]

Acts Actually: 23 – Testifying

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Giving testimony can be considered a daunting task. Some people find it a bit nerve-wracking to be stood up before others and relate to what they […]

Acts Actually: 22 – Making The Most Of Your Identity

As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a […]

Acts Actually: 21 – Getting In Trouble

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be […]

Acts Actually: 20 – A Man Driven By The Gospel

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race […]