When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear,and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. (Acts 19:17, 18) Paul’s time in Ephesus as recorded in Acts 19 […]
Read More Acts Actually: 19 – True Or FalseWhen Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26) Ananias to Paul. Paul to Aquila and Priscilla. Aquila and Priscilla to Apollos. Paul may have had his Damascus Road experience, but Ananias was a pivotal part in his own development. […]
Read More Acts Actually: 18 – Passing The Mission AlongWhile Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. (Acts 17:16, 17) There are different […]
Read More Acts Actually: 17 – Representing In A Strange LandThe jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought […]
Read More Acts Actually: 16 – Sensitive to the Spirit’s LeadingThen Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first.Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring […]
Read More Acts Actually: 13 – Adventures on the MissionYou are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. (Acts 10:28) What makes Acts such a great narrative is how it shows people getting the hint and going with the […]
Read More Acts Actually: 10 – Gospel Expansion – Breaking Down The BarriersPart of the story in the book of Acts is the unstoppable spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Religious rulers tried to at first to shut up the disciples by warning them. This failed. They then imprisoned them. This failed too. Internal disputes and iniquities threatened the community. This failed as well. They killed a […]
Read More Acts Actually: 9 – Gospel UnstoppablePhilip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (Acts 8:40) The juice does not emerge unless the fruit is put under pressure. The Holy Spirit inspired Stephen to give the speech that would allow the pressure to be applied and now the news that had some […]
Read More Acts Actually: 8 – Philip and the Spread Under PressureThen Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6) The interesting thing about money and the pursuit of it is that it’s not really about the money. It’s always about what the money will get […]
Read More Acts Actually: 3 – Giving What You’ve GotI am not the only one who loves stories. How do you want to be told something? Would a list of actions be of interest, or would you rather engage in a fascinating narrative with character, movement and a resolution? I overhear conversations from time to time. That story style of conveying life strikes at […]
Read More Granted Permission To Tell The Good Story
Life With CD 