We used to live near a “Berean” church. And Rev and I think it’s was one of the best names ever for a Christian church. Here’s why: The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if…
Have you ever wanted to be famous? Do you long to be “known” and popular? Have you ever been tempted to do a little “name dropping” so you could tag along on the celebrity recognition ride? Luke wrote the following near the beginning of his Gospel: Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also…
It was a clash of two completely different cultures that first presented a huge challenge to the early church. Gentiles (non-Jews) were putting their faith in Christ Jesus in large numbers. And many Jewish Christians were willing to welcome them into the church but only after the Gentiles conformed to their legalistic religious traditions and…
Have you ever wished you could perform miracles? Maybe you’ve imagined yourself having an impact on someone’s life through a healing word or touch. And dreamt those moments would convince people once and for all that Jesus truly is the Son of God. Miracles like Paul performed: While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas…
It was the first missionary journey. Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit . . . and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant. Acts 13:14a,15b But just a few verses later… John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. John 13:13 The Bible doesn’t tell…
Herod Agrippa was the fourth Roman-appointed king in his family to rule in Jerusalem. He was also a smooth politician who found an opportunity to gain approval from the Jewish leaders by jumping on the Christian persecution bandwagon—ordering the death of the Apostle James and the arrest of Peter. Can you imagine how Peter must…
Rev and I reminisce often about the wonderful people who have blessed us through encouragement. There have been teachers, professors, church members, and countless others who have given us hope to carry on when we felt like failures. but one stands out specifically… He was a pastor, author, and friend who was also an amazing…
Nazis. There’s a good reason that word causes a sickening reaction. In fact, it has become even more apparent lately that if someone wants to cast an individual or group in the worst possible light . . . that’s the word label to apply. Romans. In New Testament times, the word “Roman” would have caused…
No follower of Jesus has advanced the Kingdom of God more than a Christian hating, persecuting Pharisee who was on a mission “to kill the Lord’s followers.” (Acts 9:1) What changed him from persecutor to proclaimer? He came face to face with the risen Christ Himself. As [Saul] was approaching Damascus on this mission, a…
Do you ever worry that there is an effort to silence Christians through various forms of persecution? After a year where the churches were closed and statements of faith being declared hate speech and people being taken off social media for presenting Biblical truths . . . it’s hard not to wonder where our nation…
Stephen was one of the seven men the Apostles selected to care for widows through the “even distribution of food.” And he was described as: “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8 And because of that . . . there were some synagogue…
As astonishing as the growth of the early church was, challenges presented themselves from the very beginning. Both Jews and Greeks were joining the church that had arisen from Judaism. But it didn’t take long before the Greeks said they felt that some of them were being discriminated against in the distribution of food. As…
I was taught Biblical truths and values at home when I was growing up. And looking back, it seems remarkable that those truths and values were reinforced everywhere I went. In my neighborhood, at school, by most politicians, and much of what we watched for entertainment by and large all encouraged those same Biblical values….
It seems now, more than ever, people want to believe that it simply doesn’t matter what you believe. All roads lead to Heaven. And even within the Christian church some say there is no hell. So, no worries, right?! While there seems to be increasing pressure to think like that, nothing could be further from…
“A sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm filled the room.” “Flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.” “Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:2–4) And the disciples were changed… Just weeks earlier Jesus was arrested and… All the disciples deserted him and fled….
Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He promised… You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Acts 1:8 Just 10 days later, in stunning fashion, God delivered on that promise: Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then,…
Can you imagine the emotional “roller coaster” the disciples were on? They believed they’d lost Jesus on the cross and had been plunged into grief and fear. But three days later they were overjoyed by news of His resurrection. For the next 40 days… He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he…
I’ll never forget the moment I realized that I wasn’t an observer of Eve picking and taking a bite out of that piece of fruit that brought sin upon us all . . . I was guilty. I was Eve. You see, I’d remembered a specific moment when the enemy had tempted me to doubt…
I’m thankful to have grown up under a pastor who told us it was okay to doubt and ask questions. When life is hard the enemy will tempt us to doubt God’s goodness. When we are lacking he’ll tempt us to doubt God’s supply. When we’re ashamed he wants us to doubt God’s forgiveness. And…
I have to admit that for most of my life I haven’t had to think much about being persecuted for my faith. Oh sure, when I was in Bible Studies as a teen, I was asked to think about whether or not I would be strong enough to stand firm and bold in my faith…
In the Garden, Jesus prayed: “Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39 And Luke wrote: He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. Luke 22:44 Then it was…
