Three times in Acts, we read about Paul’s conversion: Years ago, a dear older member of our church’s home group pointed out a progression in the description of Paul’s conversion: At each point, the account grows in brightness. It is as if, when Paul reflects on his conversion, his amazement increases and his wonder about … More How bright is your view of Jesus (Acts 9, 22, 26)?
All over the world, there are cities, towns and villages with little or no Christian witness. There are places of great sin and spiritual darkness. Many sound churches in these areas struggle, and members may sometimes wonder, “What is the point? Can my town/city ever be changed?” In Acts 18, Paul was in a city … More I have many people in this city (Acts 18:9-11)
In Acts 16, we see two different conversions. Firstly, Lydia. She is a wealthy woman, who is religious (described as “a worshipper of God”), but is not a believer in the Lord Jesus until Paul begins to share the word. There are a couple of things to notice: Secondly, there is the jailor. He is … More Different conversions; same gospel (Acts 16)
Christians pray. Why? There are many reasons. But do we expect him to answer? Do we believe he will answer. In Acts 12:12-17, Peter has been miraculously released from prison. The church in Jerusalem were doing the right thing while he was there – they were praying for him (v5), earnestly. Yet when the answer … More Praying and believing (Acts 12:12-17)
8 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men … More Suffering and the purposes of God (Acts 8:1-4)
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in … More Praying in times of trouble (Acts 4:23-31)
Our church Bible reading plan continues today with Acts 1. The traditional title of the book is “Acts of the Apostles.” Others have criticised this title and said that it is not so much the apostles who were doing things but the Holy Spirit. So, they say, the book should be called “Acts of the … More Acts
“But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” (Mark 16:7) Three days previously, Peter had denied his Lord three times (Mark 14:66-72). Jesus has been crucified and buried. Now, on the first day of the week, news begins … More And Peter (Mark 16:7)
Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Mark 13:5) “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” (Mark 13:37) The sermon on the fall of Jerusalem and the time of the end can appear confusing. Different interpretations are held by genuine believers. It’s easy to dive into the details … More Watch out (Mark 13:5, 37)
29 ‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” 31 The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’ (Mark … More The greatest commandment (Mark 12:29-31)