Difficulty and Dependency Go Hand in Hand
While sharing the gospel with those who desperately need to hear it is God-honoring and rewarding, it can also be dangerous. This is why we need to depend on the Lord and remind ourselves that serving Him is not about our comfort but about His glory.
The Disappearance of Preaching
There can be no substitute for the forthright, faithful proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul's sermon in Acts 13 is the standard for what our message to the world should be, and it is centered on the death and resurrection of Christ.
Three Characteristics Missing in the Church Today
Where there is consistent obedience to the Lord and proclaiming His gospel, there is always opposition. And behind all opposition to the gospel is Satan. We need the wisdom of God's Word to recognize his attacks and the boldness of God's Spirit to respond properly.
God's Divine Designs
Both Peter in his long ministry and James in his shorter ministry and less prominent role fulfilled God’s purposes for them. God has different paths for each of us in our service for Him. But to serve Him is to engage in a divine work that ultimately cannot be defeated.
Christians in Sin City
Perhaps the most vibrant church we find in the book of Acts is the church in Antioch. What made it an exemplary church? From its very founding, we see a church that is growing within through biblical teaching and reaching out in love and compassion.
Accused for Doing Right
Peter's willingness to listen to the Lord, change his thinking accordingly, and act in obedience assured that the church would not be limited to a single ethnic group but encompass all who will trust and follow Jesus Christ. The gospel is for everyone.
Adding Bacon to the Menu
Change is seldom comfortable, but it is often necessary. It is certainly necessary if our attitudes and actions are not in accord with God's Word. As Peter learned, personal changes can have a far-reaching impact on people's lives and God's work.
The Meaning Behind Miracles
God uses different individuals and situations to reach people with the gospel. The means, however, always remains the same—it is God working through His humble and faithful servants to witness to others, sharing the biblical message of salvation in Christ.
A Wicker Basket and a Bridge Builder
Serving the Lord is not the easiest path in life, as Saul soon discovers. This is why we all need the support and encouragement of a "Barnabas." And it is why we all need to be a "Barnabas."
Humility and Forgiveness on Straight Street
The example of Ananias shows us what an impact we can have when we simply live by faith and willingly forgive and accept others. He appears only briefly in Scripture, but his life offers some important lessons for each of us.