(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) Acts 23:8 (NIV) They all have their opinions. They do not coincide. Are we speaking of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, or us? Some want to call themselves the remnant, the chosen, or... Continue Reading →
Know When To Say Sorry
Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.' " Acts 23:5 (NIV) Slap! He takes it right across his face! We have this natural reaction to fight back. Paul returns the lash with harsh words. ... Continue Reading →
Will Not Accept
and saw the Lord speaking. 'Quick!' he said to me. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' Acts 22:18 (NIV) Right where people should be most open to the encouragement for seeking God, we can often find distraction, protest and refusal. People like the notions of God that... Continue Reading →
Who Are You Lord?
'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. Acts 22:8 (NIV) Many people today think they already know Jesus. Many a Christian is proud and eager to declare their relationship to Christ. We may all secretly hope that it is true. We have studied much. We know the Scriptures. We hold to our belief in Him... Continue Reading →
The Moment The Light Comes
"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. Acts 22:6 (NIV) There comes a moment in the true believer´s life when suddenly the skies are peeled back and the Light of God flashes across our awareness. In this moment the weary traveler is forever changed. ... Continue Reading →
Zealous Christians
Then Paul said: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. Acts 22:3 (NIV) Upset by the perceived threat to their religion,... Continue Reading →
Against
shouting, "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place." Acts 21:28 (NIV) It happens again! Another servant of the Lord is mistaken! A man... Continue Reading →
Distorting The Truth
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:30 (NIV) We have been warned that in our day men would distort the truth. But who are these wolves that will not spare the flock of God? Could they be the ones... Continue Reading →
Keep Watch!
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28 (NIV) Beware! Guard yourselves! Watch out! Pay careful attention! The warning is given. Part of what we are warned about is... Continue Reading →
The Race
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV) Not everyone can expect the same for their future as Paul was led to know would... Continue Reading →
