These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. v.11
Read chapter 17
The Bereans. A Jewish people who love scripture and know it's perfect completeness in finding truth. We should all follow their example and search the scriptures to destermie what we believe and not just a fine-sounding message or something that appeals to our own idea of who/what we want God to be like. How common it is today in churches where people will believe whatever the pastor or elders of the church say yet never seek if it's true for themselves. Today the word of God is accessible to all (at least in the USA) and God gives wisdom of HIs word to those that ask- not just a pastor, priest, someone with a seminary degree. Even here we see in Barea it's not just the leaders seeking the scripture alone but with Greeks, men and women. It can be intimidating or overwhelming where to how to start, study, etc. But don't let that hold you back. Seek His word as you'd search for buried treasure!
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Acts 16
Timothy...we [Paul, Silas, Luke]...Lydia...Philippian jailer. vv.1,10,14,27
Read chapter 16
We meet some amazing people in this chapter that fear God and work righteousness. First there's Timothy. He's this young stud raised by a Jewish mom and Greek dad. Paul sees his earned for Jesus and desire that he go with him sharing the world. We see that Timothy is faithful to the end (1 & 2 Timothy) and like a son to Paul. Than we see the first use of the pronoun "we" in Acts indicating Luke has now joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy. This is the same writer of the gospel of Luke. Luke wasn't one of the 12 disciples of Jesus as many assume Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all were. Luke we learn was a doctor, probably from Troas (v.8), possibly a convert of Paul. Next we meet Lydia. Despite Philipi not having a synagogue to meet in or no seemingly men leading in that area, Lydia is dedicated to prayer and meeting with the women to worship the Lord. God opens her heart to hear the message of Jesus Christ accepting joyfully. Lastly we meet the Philippians jailer. Who after a pretty big scare of an earthquake and the prisoners all loosed, is ready to kill himself rather than be executed by Rome for not guarding the prisoners well. Yet instead he is saved not only from execution from the Roman government since the prisoners all stay but also saved from his sins accepting with his household the message of Christ and the sings he couldn't deny were anything but God.
So which of these four do you relate to in your conversion to a follower of Jesus Christ?
Read chapter 16
We meet some amazing people in this chapter that fear God and work righteousness. First there's Timothy. He's this young stud raised by a Jewish mom and Greek dad. Paul sees his earned for Jesus and desire that he go with him sharing the world. We see that Timothy is faithful to the end (1 & 2 Timothy) and like a son to Paul. Than we see the first use of the pronoun "we" in Acts indicating Luke has now joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy. This is the same writer of the gospel of Luke. Luke wasn't one of the 12 disciples of Jesus as many assume Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all were. Luke we learn was a doctor, probably from Troas (v.8), possibly a convert of Paul. Next we meet Lydia. Despite Philipi not having a synagogue to meet in or no seemingly men leading in that area, Lydia is dedicated to prayer and meeting with the women to worship the Lord. God opens her heart to hear the message of Jesus Christ accepting joyfully. Lastly we meet the Philippians jailer. Who after a pretty big scare of an earthquake and the prisoners all loosed, is ready to kill himself rather than be executed by Rome for not guarding the prisoners well. Yet instead he is saved not only from execution from the Roman government since the prisoners all stay but also saved from his sins accepting with his household the message of Christ and the sings he couldn't deny were anything but God.
So which of these four do you relate to in your conversion to a follower of Jesus Christ?
Friday, May 12, 2017
Acts 15
But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; vv.38-39
Read chapter 15
Fights and arguments happen among believers too, some so strong it ruins friendships. We've seen Paul and Barnabas inseparable for so many years being missionaries together and then don't see them together again in scripture. It's unclear who's "at fault" or "wrong" and scripture doesnt seem to side with either Paul or Barnabas. It seems based on Mark's immaturity of abandoning when the going got tough, that Paul wasnt ready to continue with him yet, but Barnabas seems quick to forgive, forget and desire to keep him with them. The result is breaking up this team and going separate ways in ministry. Did they ever reconcile? Can one go out preaching the gospel and forgiveness of sins when they don't in their own lives? It's encouraging to see Paul and Mark together again later in ministry (Col. 4:10, 1 Peter 5:13, 2 Tim. 4:11), this rekindled friendship resulting in awesome ministry for the Lord. What friendships need rekindling in your life after an argument that may have never been resolved?
Read chapter 15
Fights and arguments happen among believers too, some so strong it ruins friendships. We've seen Paul and Barnabas inseparable for so many years being missionaries together and then don't see them together again in scripture. It's unclear who's "at fault" or "wrong" and scripture doesnt seem to side with either Paul or Barnabas. It seems based on Mark's immaturity of abandoning when the going got tough, that Paul wasnt ready to continue with him yet, but Barnabas seems quick to forgive, forget and desire to keep him with them. The result is breaking up this team and going separate ways in ministry. Did they ever reconcile? Can one go out preaching the gospel and forgiveness of sins when they don't in their own lives? It's encouraging to see Paul and Mark together again later in ministry (Col. 4:10, 1 Peter 5:13, 2 Tim. 4:11), this rekindled friendship resulting in awesome ministry for the Lord. What friendships need rekindling in your life after an argument that may have never been resolved?
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Acts 14
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” vv.21-22
Read chapter 14
They return! It's not a one time preaching but a long time teaching. We even see in this chapter that they (Paul and Barnabas) stayed a long time in these places teaching from the scriptures. Also, we see the reason they leave those cities is because they were driven out by Jewish leaders and killed, yet they still go back. They still return to strengthen the believers and encourage them. How pleasant it is to my should when I get to meet up with my best friend in Christ whole lives on the opposite side of the country from me It's also heard to return to places I've lived or friendships in past seasons of life, but also a challenge to pursue those friendships even if it's just a letter. So important to see that ti's more than just preaching a message one time but creating friendships and guiding in truth through life and learning about God. What do your relationship with other look like? Have you told your friends about Jesus? Is it a continued topic of conversation? What past friendships need restoring or encouraging returns?
Read chapter 14
They return! It's not a one time preaching but a long time teaching. We even see in this chapter that they (Paul and Barnabas) stayed a long time in these places teaching from the scriptures. Also, we see the reason they leave those cities is because they were driven out by Jewish leaders and killed, yet they still go back. They still return to strengthen the believers and encourage them. How pleasant it is to my should when I get to meet up with my best friend in Christ whole lives on the opposite side of the country from me It's also heard to return to places I've lived or friendships in past seasons of life, but also a challenge to pursue those friendships even if it's just a letter. So important to see that ti's more than just preaching a message one time but creating friendships and guiding in truth through life and learning about God. What do your relationship with other look like? Have you told your friends about Jesus? Is it a continued topic of conversation? What past friendships need restoring or encouraging returns?
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Acts 13
So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. v.42
Read chapter 13
Notice that Paul and Barnabas are preaching in the synagogue. That's where they'd go first to peace every time they entered a city- first to the Jew than to the gentile- was the order during this time of the Acts period. Even than it was first to the Jews how cool is it that the gentiles are crowding around outside the synagogue and listening in. There were many gentiles that became Jews of whom we see called proselytes in scripture but still other non-Jews wanted in without becoming circumcised and proselyte-like. They ask here that the words might be preached to them next Sabbath- not because they wanted to hear it all over again, but that it'd be preached to THEM as a truth and promise. Just because they heard the promise doesn't mean it's for them until specifically given. Like if a dad tells his daughter "if you get a 4.0, I'll buy you a car." If her friend heard this she can't expect her friend's dad to buy her a car if she gets a 4.0. We see many blessings, curses, promises in scripture that we have to be wise to ask and see who this is to than just "read your name in to scripture whenever you want" kind of attitude. But lets be eager to listen to God's truth no matter who specifically it might be for and to ask God to share in the blessings or make known His promises to us.
Read chapter 13
Notice that Paul and Barnabas are preaching in the synagogue. That's where they'd go first to peace every time they entered a city- first to the Jew than to the gentile- was the order during this time of the Acts period. Even than it was first to the Jews how cool is it that the gentiles are crowding around outside the synagogue and listening in. There were many gentiles that became Jews of whom we see called proselytes in scripture but still other non-Jews wanted in without becoming circumcised and proselyte-like. They ask here that the words might be preached to them next Sabbath- not because they wanted to hear it all over again, but that it'd be preached to THEM as a truth and promise. Just because they heard the promise doesn't mean it's for them until specifically given. Like if a dad tells his daughter "if you get a 4.0, I'll buy you a car." If her friend heard this she can't expect her friend's dad to buy her a car if she gets a 4.0. We see many blessings, curses, promises in scripture that we have to be wise to ask and see who this is to than just "read your name in to scripture whenever you want" kind of attitude. But lets be eager to listen to God's truth no matter who specifically it might be for and to ask God to share in the blessings or make known His promises to us.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Acts 12
And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. v.6
Read chapter 12
What maximum security! Being chained to two guards and then another two guards guarding the cell. Another obvious miracle that Peter didn't just sneak out on his own witty plan but that God ordained it by sending an angle to free him. The angle didn't get all whispery, tip-toe like but entered in a bright light, lighting up the prison. Also having Peter take they time to tie his shoes nonetheless. I'm guessing the guards got put under a deep sleep or something as the next morning they didn't seem to know what happened. The other interesting thing I notice about this verse six is that Peter was sleeping. How could you sleep being change to two guards and also knowing you're about to be killed?! I lose sleep over anxiousness of a guy flirting with me, no way could I sleep knowing I would be dead the next day. Yet Peter knew that peace of God and his willingness to die for Him and God's will be done. What leaves you with restless nights and what peace of God do you need to hear and trust in?
Read chapter 12
What maximum security! Being chained to two guards and then another two guards guarding the cell. Another obvious miracle that Peter didn't just sneak out on his own witty plan but that God ordained it by sending an angle to free him. The angle didn't get all whispery, tip-toe like but entered in a bright light, lighting up the prison. Also having Peter take they time to tie his shoes nonetheless. I'm guessing the guards got put under a deep sleep or something as the next morning they didn't seem to know what happened. The other interesting thing I notice about this verse six is that Peter was sleeping. How could you sleep being change to two guards and also knowing you're about to be killed?! I lose sleep over anxiousness of a guy flirting with me, no way could I sleep knowing I would be dead the next day. Yet Peter knew that peace of God and his willingness to die for Him and God's will be done. What leaves you with restless nights and what peace of God do you need to hear and trust in?
Monday, May 8, 2017
Acts 11
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus...And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. vv.20-21,26
Read chapter 11
At this time the gospel message of Jesus as the Christ was primarily for the Jews. We see through the book of Acts that the apostles first go to the snyagogs to preach once they enter a new city. The Hellenists are Jews by birth but have taken on the Greek culture and way of life- not holding to the traditions of the Jews. The two Jewish groups were once separated but now they become one again as they believe in Jesus their waited Messiah. AS they accepted this message and continued to learn from Barnabas and Saul for a whole year that they became called Christians. This was a derogatory name at first meaning "little christi" as making fun of what they were trying to be, but has now become a proud name. Notice it's Jew's with a new name of a Christian, they're still Jews but believing in Jesus Jews. Today when a non-Jew believes in Jesus and identifies as a Christian- they don't become a Jew trying to hold to commands given specifically for them and promises specifically for them. Neither does a Jew who believes lose his Jewish promise. Jews can become Christians, but Christians can't become Jews. How do you let being called a Christian be a proud thing? And how have you felt it be a mockery in your life?
Read chapter 11
At this time the gospel message of Jesus as the Christ was primarily for the Jews. We see through the book of Acts that the apostles first go to the snyagogs to preach once they enter a new city. The Hellenists are Jews by birth but have taken on the Greek culture and way of life- not holding to the traditions of the Jews. The two Jewish groups were once separated but now they become one again as they believe in Jesus their waited Messiah. AS they accepted this message and continued to learn from Barnabas and Saul for a whole year that they became called Christians. This was a derogatory name at first meaning "little christi" as making fun of what they were trying to be, but has now become a proud name. Notice it's Jew's with a new name of a Christian, they're still Jews but believing in Jesus Jews. Today when a non-Jew believes in Jesus and identifies as a Christian- they don't become a Jew trying to hold to commands given specifically for them and promises specifically for them. Neither does a Jew who believes lose his Jewish promise. Jews can become Christians, but Christians can't become Jews. How do you let being called a Christian be a proud thing? And how have you felt it be a mockery in your life?
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