Acts 10:1 - 23

While the spread of Christianity was still in its beginning stages many wondered about the extent of its reach. Would it be for Jews only? Samaritans and an Ethiopian had been added; but were they exceptions to the general rule? We read of a man who was definitely a Gentile, Cornelius, a Roman officer who was genuinely interested in the practice and beliefs of Christianity. He was instructed by God to send for Peter to explain the next steps. Peter, however, was unaware of this, so God had to prepare his heart as well. Through an ingenious manner, God made quite clear to Peter that when God declares something kosher, it is kosher. At the moment Peter realizes this truth, the men from Cornelius arrive at the door. What divine timing!

Acts 9:22 - 43

This passage chronicles events in the lives of two of the most popular followers of Christ, Peter and Saul (later he was known as Paul). Paul escapes from those seeking to take his life in Damascus, and travels to Jerusalem where he is introduced to the apostles and shown to no longer be a threat to the followers, but a great asset.

Meanwhile, Peter travels to Lydda and Joppa, where he performs several miracles of healing - including raising a woman from the dead. These events continue to highlight the fact that a wonderful and miraculous transformation has occurred in the lives of these once timid fishermen!

Acts 9:1 - 21

The transformation accomplished by the power of the gospel is seen dramatically in the life of Saul. On his way to Damascus to continue imprisoning believers and followers of Jesus Christ, Saul encounters the risen Messiah. His life is immediately transformed and radically different as a result. A man named Ananias is commissioned to bless Saul and begin teaching him about his new found faith. Those who hear Saul are astonished. They wonder "What has happened to this one who just a short while ago was seeking our imprisionment?" THAT, my friends, is what the gospel will do in a life.

Acts 8:26 - 40

In the midst of all that was going on in Samaria, Philip is called away by God's Spirit to a desert place where he encounters an envoy from the queen of Ethiopia. This envoy, reading from the text of Isaiah, is curious about the one to whom Isaiah refers. Philip is able to share the truth and good news of Jesus Christ with this foreign emissary. The emissary, having accepted the truth of Christ and been baptized as the result of his faith, returns to his home country having been radically changed.

Acts 8:1 - 25

Following the death of Stephen, chaos and panic began to spread throughout the young church. A man named Saul very eagerly began disrupting the homes of those who followed "The Way" and committed many to prison. With the followers of Jesus scattering, Philip traveled to Samaria and began preaching about the risen Messiah. Many believed, including a man named Simon who was previously a sorcerer. His belief was fueled through the displays of power demonstrated by the apostles. He asked to purchase that level of power for himself, and was soundly rebuked. God's power does not come by the channels of currency. This is a lesson that many would do well do remember today!

Midwest Travel

Our family was in the Evansville, Indiana and St. Louis, Missouri area last week to attend the funeral of my wife's grandmother, Florence Cleveland. Below are some of the photos taken during that trip.

To see the pictures "full size", visit this link.

Acts 7:44 - 60

Stephen continues to illustrate how God was present in the history of the nation of Israel. The tabernacle and temple pointed to the presence of God with the nation, although He was not confined by time or space. Nevertheless, the nation rebelled against this loving, kind, powerful and providing God. They mocked His priests, maimed His prophets and murdered His Son. Hearing this, the religious leaders grabbed Stephen, accused him of blasphemy and hurriedly took him to be stoned publicly. Throughout this ordeal, Stephen did not stop demonstrating love and forgiveness to those attacking him. He died asking for God's pardon on those stoning him.

Acts 7:22 - 43

Stephen continues outlining his case for Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah. He traces the story through the line of Moses, who led the nation out of Egyptian captivity only to see the deceptive forces of idolatry woo away the affection of the nation from the God Who had delivered them. It was this Moses, said Stephen, who promised that another greater than he, but much like himself, would come to bring true deliverance to the nation.

Acts 7:1 - 21

Stephen, asked whether he had been spreading information about Jesus of Nazareth, begins to outline the history of Israel. Tracing back to the early beginnings with Abraham, Stephen began to weave together the various threads of history that reveal the beautiful tapestry of God's generous blessing on the nation He chose to favor.

Acts 6

A minor trouble arose in the church that was being gathered in Jerusalem. There were a large number of Greek widows who were being neglected. A group of servants (called "deacons") were appointed to help relieve the burden from the apostles, who devoted their time to prayer and the teaching of God's word. Seven men made up this group of deacons, among them a man named Stephen. Stephen was such a great representative of his master, Jesus Christ, that he was soon on trial for blasphemy - accused by the same people who accused Jesus Himself of taking the very place of God.

Acts 5:22 - 42

The followers of Jesus, having been miraculously delivered from prison, continue to tell the good news of the resurrected Messiah. The religious leaders are quite perplexed about how to proceed in treating them. Gamaliel, a great teacher, advises that nothing be done. The truth of the matter is that if man is involved in the matter, it will quickly die; however, if the movement is backed by God, the movement will proceed despite man's intervention. The followers are released - and notice their reaction - and rejoice that they have been counted worthy to suffer for their Savior.

Acts 5:1 - 21

The early church was not without its problems. There were those who werer jealous of the attention some got for their generosity. To try to receive accolades for themself, they tried to mimic the previous generosity; and met with disaster when their lies brought death. The early church was filled with fear, but the interest in the message and work of the group did not subside. Watching the group deal seriously with the problems, many more were brought into the number of those following Jesus.

Acts 4:23 - 37

The followers of Jesus, having been reprimanded for speaking about Him being the promised Messiah, return to their enclave to consider how they will progress. They wisely begin their deliberation with a time of prayer. Their request is simple: God give us boldness. While they are praying, their request is answered. God's presence comes upon them in a way that they could not manufacture of their own accord. They are filled with boldness to speak about Jesus and His position in the world. God blesses their efforts and allows their numbers to grow. They pool their resources and minister to one another in many practical ways. God continues to build His church through the effrorts of these dedicated followers.

Acts 4:1 - 22

Peter, John and the healed (formerly lame) man are arrested and brought before the religious leaders. After a thorough investigation, one conclusion is obvious: these men have been with Jesus! After threatening them against causing further disruptions, they are released. The followers of Jesus are perplexed. How can they NOT speak about the things they have seen and heard and experienced?

Acts 3

Peter and John continue to spread the good news of the resurrected Messiah to the people of Jerusalem. No one is unworthy of receiving this news. They tell a lame man; and heal him of his infirmity. The interesting note is that immediately this man runs into the temple to worship - he doesn't go home, doesn't find his friends or doctor - he worships when God provides for his need. Peter uses the occasion to again publicly proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, capable of forgiving sins.

Acts 2:22 - 47

Peter addresses the crowds assembled in Jerusalem, telling them that what they were observing (the unexplained noise in the city, accompanied by the speaking of the disciples in languages all could understand) was a signal proof that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was indeed the promised Messiah. Not only had the people failed to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, they had killed him as a blasphemer. Struck with guilt, many responded with repentance and asked what could be done to make their lives right with God. Peter's response was simple, yet profound. Their repentance was to produce appropriate action - and over 3,000 were added to those who followed Christ. The number kept growing, too.

Acts 2:1 - 21

On the day of Pentecost, a noise filled Jerusalem. Concurrent with this noise the promised Holy Spirit was given to the followers of Jesus Christ. The city, not knowing what the noise was, gathered together - and found the followers of Jesus declaring in a variety of languages the truth that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah. This was not the drunken rambling of a diappointed disciple (Jesus' crucifixion had occurred 50 days ago), Peter connects the events to the fulfilled prophesy of Joel and stated that it signalled the arrival of God's message of salvation for all.

Acts 1

Luke begins to recount the actions of Jesus' followers after He rose from the dead. Instead of cowering and unsure followers they had somehow transformed into bold and assured conveyors of Truth (the fact and truth of the Resurrection will do that). In their first days, they selected a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed the Lord.

John 21

Jesus meets with His followers shortly after His resurrection. He confronts Peter, forgiving him for his betrayal and commissioning him for further service. John closes his account by stating that he has only recorded a sample of what Jesus has done, the world could not contain the entire record.

John 20

"Emotional Rollercoaster" is a phrase custom-made for this passage. Jesus rose from the dead, three days after being executed on a Roman cross. His followers, not understanding that this was the event He had been foretelling for quite some time, were still mourning His loss. They went to the tomb, and found the grave empty. Those in the garden kept asking them "Why are you weeping?" (a pretty strange question to ask someone in a graveyard, don't you think?) because they knew something the followers did not yet fully understand or appreciate. When Jesus did reveal Himself to them, their sadness turned to joy, worship and enthusiasm.

So why tell us all this? John, the author, tells us that his entire volume was written to demonstrate that Jesus of Nazareth actually was the promised Messiah, God's Son. This demonstration was more than an academic exercise; it was to create a desire for Him to give life - something that only He can do.

John 19:23 - 42

While Jesus was being executed, the crowds around the scene played out a very interesting drama. The soldiers gambled for His clothing; Jesus left His mother in the care of His beloved follower, John; the guard gave Jesus vinegar to drink; and finally Jesus announced "It is finished!" The Jews, wanting nothing to spoil their holiday, asked that the executed have their legs broken to speed up the process. Jesus was already dead when the guards came to Him, so His body was removed from the cross, given to Nicodemus and Joseph from Arimithea, wrapped in around 100 pounds of spices and cloths, and placed in Joseph's unused tomb. The Sabbath arived, Passover celebrations continued, and Jesus lifeless body was sealed away.

Programming Note: Tomorrow's passage is one of my favorites!

John 19:1 - 22

Jesus' trial before Pilate continues. Pilate believes if he flogs and punishes Jesus enough, that the crowd will be satisfied. He puts Jesus through some incredible torture, but the crowd will not be appeased. We are told that Pilate acutally attempts to release Jesus; but, due to pressure from the crowd, he finally consents to allowing His crucifixion. In a telling display of understanding, Pilate places an inscription over Jesus that all can read, identifying the One being crucified as the King of the Jews. He will not retract or reverse his decision to denote Jesus in this way.

John 18:19 - 40

Jesus endures three trials, each of questionable nature. After being interrogated by Annas, He is sent to Caiaphas, then Pilate (other gospels tell us of a visit to Herod, too). During each proceeding, Jesus firmly stands on the truth of what He has taught and done. There is no accusation brought against Him that amounts to any punishable crime. Nevertheless, the leaders are determined to have Jesus executed. Pilate, the Roman proconsul, seeks to have Jesus released, but the will of the crowd is to put Jesus to death.

John 18:1 - 18

Jesus does not change His usual schedule because of the impending doom facing Him.  Judas, knowing that Jesus will be in a specific location, leads a band of soldiers to arrest Jesus.  Jesus is taken to the high priest, Caiaphas, where a trial begins on less than legal grounds.  While Jesus faces trial, John and Peter get as close to the action as they dare; but Peter begins to distance himself from Jesus, trying to claim that he has no knowledge of the Teacher from Nazareth.

John 17

Jesus continues to prepare for His imminent departure from His followers.  He spends time praying for them.  The incredible statement made to the heavenly Father is "I have done all that You have given Me to do."  What a wonderful accomplishment!  Jesus did everything necessary to be the perfect sacrifice for sin.  His concern was for the future of His followers.  He prayed for their strength, growth and future success.

John 16

Jesus prepares His followers for what they can expect after His departure.  He instructs them that their situations would be difficult, yet bearable because of His presence with them through the person of the Holy Spirit.  This indwelling Spirit would not only guide their memories and life; but would give them the power to complete the tasks laid out for them by the Father.

John 15

Jesus continues giving His followers instructions in light of His impending separation from them.  The relationship between them changes from one of a servant to a 'friend'.  In one of the more familiar passages of Scripture, Jesus states that no one has greater love than the type demonstrated by giving one's life for a friend.  The very next words out of His mouth are "You are my friends ..."  Jesus is about to demonstrate the depth of His love for these men; and He is still giving them instruction for how to procede after He departs.

John 14

Jesus lovingly instructs His followers about how they will continue in His absence.  He assures them that they will not be abandoned or orphaned by Him.  In fact, He iterates repeatedly that it is better for them that He depart, so that the Helper (the Holy Spirit) would come to live in them, not just in their vicinity.  This Helper would provide reminders of His teachings, strength to accomplish His will and work, and comfort in the difficult days that lay ahead of them.  Jesus teaches His followers these lessons so that they may be confirmed in their belief and motivated in their action.

John 13:21 - 38

Jesus very plainly and clearly states that one of His followers will betray Him.  Immediately, the followers begin a process of self-inspection, dreading that they might give the Master into the hands of others.  The one who would betray Him was very carefully hidden ... from everyone but Jesus.  The betrayer having left their gathering, the other followers begin to discuss their plans to never abandon Jesus.  Jesus continues to stress to them that where He is going they can not immediately follow, much to their concern and protestation.

John 13:1 - 20

The phrase that staggers my mind in this passage is "He loved them to the end."  Jesus knew what the next 24 hours held and still acted lovingly toward His followers - even the one who would betray Him.  As He begins giving His final lessons to those following Him, He set the example for them of servitude.  While they argued over who would be greatest in the coming kingdom, the Master of all stooped to perform a task that no Jew was required (nor would he be asked) to do.  What task am I willing to do - what task that might cross social, cultural, or personal comfort borders to show the love I am to have for others.  Jesus does this as an example for us to follow.  How well do we follow?

John 12:27 - 50

Jesus continues to teach His followers about His coming death.  Those following Him still do not understand or comprehend to what He is referring.  Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will not be disappointed or abandoned in the day of final judgment.  Jesus continues to emphasize the fact that He is not self-sent or self-appointed; He has been sent by His heavenly Father.