Here’s my little secret: sometimes I use a random Bible verse generator when I post a verse online on social media.
This morning I clicked looking for a good verse and got this: Continue reading
Tag: Book of Acts
The Holy Spirit initiates the work of proclaiming the gospel
The work of evangelizing the world belongs to the Holy Spirit. He it is who moves the pieces so that the mission might be fulfilled. Already in the book of Acts he causes evangelists and listeners to find each other (Acts 8-11). Continue reading
Notes on three texts in Acts
Doing some preparation for another evangelistic study tonight. Pray for the young man Wash. Here are some notes I jotted down for my own use.
• The passage about the widows in Acts 6 starts and ends the same way: “the number of the disciples was multiplying” (v. 1); “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly” (v. 7). Maybe Luke has a hint for us: Those churches that grow take care of their own. Continue reading
Twisting scripture to justify sin
A brother who was looking to justify his sin quoted this verse to me. Before he was a Christian, he said, he lived in ignorance. But now, since he has Christ, he can, even though he was an adulterer before, marry whom he wants to.
But that’s not what the verse says. Continue reading
Nobody pays much mind to it
Evangelicals tout faith only. We speak often and much, necessarily, of baptism. Nobody pays much mind to repentance.
When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
Acts 11.18 NLT Continue reading
They will listen
“Nobody is interested in the truth of the gospel!” We say or think that at times, frustrated by the refusal of many to hear and accept the message of Christ.
Therefore, be certain of this: God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!
Acts 28.28 CEB Continue reading
Same song, umpteenth verse
He sounds surprised, unsure of how to present Jewish accusations to the emperor, now that Paul has appealed to Caesar. Actually, Festus is doing his usual politicking. But one thing he acknowledges and gets right:
Instead, they had several arguments with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but whom Paul kept claiming was alive.
Acts 25.19 NET Continue reading
Rather well informed about the Way
In his official capacity as governor, Felix knew about Christianity, but this knowledge made no difference in his personal life.
Felix was rather well informed about the Way.
Acts 24.22a ISV
Felix had many moments with Paul, but not because he wanted to follow Christ. He wanted money. Continue reading
Modern Sadducees
How can two groups read the same Bible and reach completely different conclusions? This question, so common in our day, could have been asked centuries ago about the Sadducees and Pharisees. And Paul makes it clear that one side was right.
(For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)
Acts 28.8 NET Continue reading
No one escapes
Called in a special way, through a vision by Jesus himself, as he traveled to Damascus, Saul still needed to hear the gospel and obey the Lord by being immersed in water in order to be saved:
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be immersed, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.
Acts 22.16 Continue reading