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.