Today we are reading Acts 15. In this chapter we read about the First Jerusalem Council. ”But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.“ ‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I find it very impressive to see how this first Council, which included the Apostles, the Elders and other leaders, discussed their question. They spoke openly. They listened carefully. They acted respectfully. And, in their decision, they showed concern for Gentile believers. This is a great model for how to settle disagreements in the church. How can you imitate the healthy way they handled this situation? May God give you a voice of wisdom in your discussions. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 14. In this chapter we are reading about Paul being stoned in Lystra. ”But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.“
‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭19‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This account is an example of Paul’s courage and determination. He does not stop proclaiming the Gospel. He travels on to the next town. Surely by now he sees the pattern. First, he preaches and the response is good. Then the unbelievers cause trouble. Finally, he departs and begins all over again. Have you ever left a church because people caused trouble for the pastor? We need to stand against those who cause trouble. Blessed are the Peacemakers! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 13. In this chapter we read about the church in Antioch and Paul’s First Missionary Journey. ”Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.“ Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ What a powerhouse church they had in Antioch!! So many key leaders and teachers. Just the fact that they named them means they were strong and gifted leaders. This was the launching pad for Paul and Barnabas. As they began their journey they were covered in prayer. This is the model for everything we do in God’s church. Do you pray for your spiritual leaders? Do we send out missionaries? Pray for our church to be a spiritual Powerhouse!! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 12. In this chapter we read about the martyrdom of James and the arrest of Peter. ”About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.“ Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ James is the first Apostle to be martyred. James was a missionary to Hispania and successfully preached the Gospel there. How do you think the other apostles felt when they heard about James’ death? Peter was also arrested. Why do you think God rescued Peter and not James? Actually, James was rescued also! He was the first to see Jesus in Heaven! May God bless you to be a faithful witness. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 11. In this chapter we read about Peter being criticized for preaching to the Gentiles. ”Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”“
‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ There will always be some who see a beautiful thing and then think ugly thoughts. Can you imagine anything more beautiful than unbelievers coming to Christ? Who would complain about that? This is why we pray for all the world to be saved. This is why it is particularly grievous when Christian argue about trivial things. May God fill you with His Spirit as you speak and live the Gospel. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 10. In this chapter we read about how God showed Peter not to be prejudiced against the Gentiles. ”While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.“ ‭‭Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭44‬-‭48‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The Gospel has no barriers. God’s love and forgiveness is for everyone—even people who really offend us. Who is offensive to you? JESUS LOVES THEM! Pray today that God will help you love them the way He does. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 9. In this chapter we read about Saul’s conversion. ”and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.“
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭19‬-‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Saul went from being champion of the persecution to champion of the Gospel. The reaction of people around him is amazing! The ones he went to persecute became his friends. The former colleagues wanted to kill him. As much as he hated the Christians prior to his conversion, he was now hated by his former partners. All for Jesus. What have you endured for Jesus? Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 8. In this chapter we read about Philip and his ministry. ”Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.“
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The persecution led by Saul against the Christians resulted in a scattering of disciples and the spread of the Gospel. How have you taken Jesus with you everywhere you have lived? How has God transformed difficult time for you into a spiritually growing time? May you see every crisis as a readymade time for Jesus to shine! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 7. In this chapter we read about the Stoning of Stephen. ”Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.“
‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭54‬-‭60‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This is the story of the first Christian martyr. Stephen was killed for his testimony about Jesus. I used to read this story and think, “I can’t imagine ever being put in that position.” Lately, though, I have been. People so filled with hate, screaming profanities and threatening my wife. There are no limits anymore to bad behavior. We must decide now how we will act in those moments. Jesus allowed them to act out their wickedness. What will you do? May God be glorified by your response! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Acts 6. In this chapter we read about the arrest of Stephen. ”And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.“
‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬-‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Why do you think the various leaders opposed Stephen? Was Stephen doing something wrong? How do you think God feels about false witnesses? Have you had people say lies about you? How did Stephen respond to the liars? Pastor Tim