Category: Acts–BibleTrekToday
Praying for boldness!
Scripture reading for May 9: Acts 4
“. . .for truly in this city there were gathered together against Your Holy Servant Jesus, Whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the Name of Your Holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:27-31
The early church and it’s leadership faced great opposition from many quarters. The government of King Herod and governor Pontius Pilate had both helped in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They were Gentiles, as were the soldiers of Rome who actually crucified Him. The Jewish people and religious leaders had brought the accusations and forced the crucifixion and also had guilt. But as these persecuted believers gathered for prayer, they asked for increased boldness to speak the Word of God. They trusted that as they preached, Jesus would work with them performing signs and wonders as they obeyed and believed. As they prayed, it was recorded that God shook the place and there was a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit was increased boldness and confidence to preach. It does not say whether they spoke in tongues again here, but that was the accompanying sign at their initial infilling. (Acts 2:4) Opposition did not bring a request that God deal with those opposing. They did not pray to be taken out of the situation or to be protected from harm. Their focus was on their mission to reach lost people, Jew or Gentile, rulers or citizens. They knew that God was working and would not fail them.
What do you normally pray for when you face difficulties or spiritual opposition? Do you look at each situation from the world view of God working out what He had purposed? Have you ever prayed for boldness to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Father God, many times I have prayed for superficial needs or for my own comfort and safety when facing opposition. Forgive me for selfishness and lack of vision. Give me a new boldness to share the Gospel with those who may oppose me. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and confidence. Amen.
Killing the Author of Life
Scripture reading for May 8: Acts 3
“And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, Whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he decided to release Him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of Life, Whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And His Name–by faith in His Name–has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”” Acts 3:11-16
God is always at work to challenge the worldly views of man with the wonderful works of His own hand. He used the apostles Peter and John. They were going to the temple to pray when they encountered a lame man begging near the temple gate. As he asked them for alms, they extended their hands and spoke healing over him in Jesus’ Name. The man was instantly healed and his world view changed from beggar to believer and worshipper. This drew a crowd and the apostles addressed the crowd directly about their own need to repent in their hearts towards Jesus Christ. It was these same Jews who had demanded a murderer be released and yelled for Jesus’ crucifixion. They had the ‘Author of Life’ killed, but God had raised Him from death. The healing of the lame man demonstrated Jesus was alive and the Gospel was preached!
The apostles were Jews who had become followers of Christ. They were going to the temple to pray. Their mission was the same as Jesus’ mission, to reach lost people of every nation, beginning with the Jews. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, anointed for the mission and Jesus was with them performing signs and wonders to break through the religious attitudes and hard hearts. Witnesses of Christ’s resurrection declare God’s mission to reach even the hardest hearts.
Have you ever been confronted with a wrong that you have done and not faced up to? Why is it hard to admit to doing wrong and sin? How is this confrontation of those who crucified Jesus an act of selfless love on the part of the disciples?
Prayer: Father, I appreciate that You confronted me in my sin and rebellion and called me to repentance. Thank You for the witnesses You sent to me with a message of Your love and mercy. Give me faith and patience to share God’s love and a hand extended in Jesus’ Name to those in rebellion. Amen.
What does this mean?
Scripture reading for May 7: Acts 2
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?”. . . —we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”“ Acts 2:4-8
Jews from every nation gathered in Jerusalem for the annual Feast of Pentecost and the celebration of the giving of God’s law. This Pentecost was following the Passover where Jesus gave His life as the “Lamb of God.” After forty days of ministry the resurrected Jesus had ascended to heaven ten days before and had told His disciples to wait for the Promise of the Father. (Acts 1:4-5) This happened at the Feast of Pentecost as described here by Luke. The one hundred twenty disciples, men and women, were waiting in an upper room of the temple as instructed. Tongues of fire came on a rushing wind from heaven and filled the room. All began to speak in other tongues and praise God, spilling out of the room into the temple.
The Jews gathered there were amazed, bewildered, perplexed, and astonished. “What does this mean?”, they asked. They were hearing Galilean Jews speaking their native languages and telling the ‘mighty works of God.” Others thought that they were under the influence of wine! This event, the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in other tongues, disrupted world views drastically! Tongues are a ‘sign’ to unbelievers to reach them. (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
Why do you think God chose to grant new languages to Jesus’ followers, causing this disruption? Have you experienced this spiritual empowerment for yourself? Have you heard believers mocking those who speak in other tongues?
Prayer: Father God, Lord of all nations, thank You that for reaching every person, tongue and nation with the Good News! Your ways are higher than my ways, and I have at one time made fun of those You have baptized in the Holy Spirit. Forgive me Lord and use me to clear up misunderstanding. Amen.
Witness to His resurrection
Scripture reading for May 6: Acts 1
“”. . .So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when He was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to His resurrection.” And they put forth two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven disciples, now called ‘apostles’, decided to pick a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and took his own life. They set the qualification that the person must be a man who had accompanied them from Jesus’ baptism by John (Luke 3:21-22) until his ascension to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9) This person was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection. They put forth two possible candidates and then prayed over them, asking God to reveal His choice. They cast lots believing that God would answer. (Proverbs 16:33) The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to their number.
The world would look upon this process of casting lots as having to do with luck. There would be an equal chance that either person could be selected. But in God’s economy, He controls each person being placed in authority. As these apostles prayed, God alone knows the hearts of all men. His purposes and plans will be accomplished. He determined that Matthias would replace Judas, just as Jesus had chosen Judas, knowing that he would betray Him.
Have you learned to seek God when a change of jobs, relationships, or direction confronts you? How do you view the selection of leadership in our culture today? Has God selected you to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for placing each person exactly where You want them in leadership in Your church. Help me to act in faith and seek You when leadership changes come into my life and church family. Thank You for selecting me to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and sending me out. Amen.
Ship-wrecked, snake-bitten, God directed!
Scripture reading for November 15: Acts 27-28
Do you really believe that God can cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him? (Romans 8:28) Today, we read about events in Paul’s journey to Rome for trial before Caesar. These events were dangerous, exciting, and could have been fatal. But God worked them for good and His purposes stood through all the trouble! Be encouraged today as you read!
The trip from Caesarea to Rome was nearly 2000 miles by ship. It was decided that Paul would travel by a Roman navy ship in the fall season when travel in that direction was more difficult. As they made their way north, the centurion in charge of the prisoners, Julius, gave special favor to Paul by allowing his friends to minister to his needs. (Acts 27:1-3) As travel became more difficult, Paul warned the centurion and crew of impending danger and possible loss of life. They ignored Paul’s advice and sailed on. A great storm hit the ship and tossed it around for days. The crew threw the cargo overboard and after more days of battering, all gave up hope of being saved. (Acts 27:20)
Paul, again directed with a Word from the Lord, encouraged the crew and passengers. He told them that an angel of God had given him a Word, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” The ship would be destroyed but God would spare the passengers and crew! All 276 men on board made it safely to shore when they followed Paul’s advice! (Acts 27:42-44)
As if the shipwreck and storm were not enough of a trial, Paul was warming himself over a fire on the beach after swimming ashore. Suddenly, a viper jumped from the fire and fastened itself on Paul’s hand. (Acts 28:1-6) Paul quickly shook the snake off into the fire and no swelling or death occurred. This opened the islanders to Paul’s message and he began to minister to those present with miracles of healing! God placed him on this island of Malta for three months to minister the Gospel to those there!
When you are committed to God, life takes on a new quality of supernatural direction and hope. God truly does work all things for His will! We can go through shipwrecks, storms, and even snake-attacks and trust that all works out for our good and His glory! Are you ready for God’s next installment in your life?
Almost persuaded
Scripture reading for November 14: Acts 24-26
Are you focused on your mission of taking Jesus Christ with you today wherever you go? Are you ready to share your testimony and share the Gospel? Like Paul of old, we are to bring close encounters with Jesus to a lost world through our testimony and the Gospel!
The Apostle Paul visited Jerusalem and ended up in jail as he had been warned. (Acts 21:10-14) Nothing takes God by surprise and He prepares His people for the troubles ahead. Angry Jews falsely accused Paul and he was put in jail in Caesarea under the Roman governor Felix. Jews from Jerusalem came there to present their case against Paul with a lawyer named Tertullus. Their charges had no proof and Paul, with the help of the Holy Spirit, spoke convincingly. Felix was well acquainted with those of the “Way”. Later, seeking a bribe, he and his wife asked to have Paul brought before him for a private audience. Paul preached the Gospel and sought to convince Felix that Jesus was the “Way” for him as well. (Acts 24:24-26) Scripture records that Felix came under conviction and cut Paul off. Money blinded Felix and his wife from finding the true treasure of eternal life in Jesus Christ!
Two years passed and a new governor, Porcius Festus, was appointed. The Jews came before him to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for trial. They planned to kill him as he was being transferred. (Acts 25:3) Again, Paul spoke by the Holy Spirit and appealed to Caesar. He was granted his request! (Acts 25:10-12)
Royal visitors, King Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice, arrived to pay respects to Porcius Festus. They stayed a few days and Festus told Agrippa about Paul’s case. Agrippa asked to hear from Paul. The leading men of the city, high-ranking officers, and King Agrippa and his wife held a meeting and had Paul brought in chained as a prisoner. Paul was invited to speak to the King in front of all these! Paul again shared his testimony of his encounter with Jesus! He passionately appealed to the King, preaching Jesus as the Christ! The King listened carefully, but in the end stopped the discussion with a question to Paul: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28)
What a heart to share the Gospel! What patience and courage Paul presented before those with authority! He did not bribe or seek to escape but continued his appointed mission of reaching the Gentiles! May we keep our focus this day on bringing people close encounters with Jesus!
The power of a testimony!
Scripture reading for November 13: Acts 21-23
Have you had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ? How did it impact your life? The Word of God tells us that we overcome the accuser, Satan, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! (Revelation 12:11) Our testimony helps us and God uses it to reach others. Many people have been won to the Lord through the power of a testimony!
Paul had gone to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost and had taken Trophimus the Ephesian with him. He went through the temple purification rites for seven days and went to the temple to verify that the appropriate offerings had been made. There Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul and Trophimus and began to stir up a riot. They aroused the city and men came running and seized Paul and drug him out of the temple, and began to beat him, intending to kill him!
The Roman guards heard the commotion and stopped the beating, putting Paul in chains. The commotion of the crowd was so great that they had to literally carry Paul back to the barracks. The crowd was shouting, “Away with him!” (Acts 21:33-36) Paul asked the commander of the guard permission to speak to the crowd. He gave Paul permission to address the crowd.
Paul simply shared his testimony of his own encounter with Jesus Christ. These were his people and quite likely some of the same people who had earlier demanded the death of Jesus Christ. Many were likely their descendants for this was over twenty years later! In sharing his testimony, Paul told this hostile crowd about his own anger against Christ and His followers. (Acts 22:3-5) He told them how he was struck blind and Jesus spoke to him, giving him instructions. He told them of his healing and call to go to the Gentiles. At this point, the crowd turned on him again and demanded his death!
What can we learn from Paul sharing his testimony? We remember that Paul, himself, was touched by Stephen’s testimony on the day he was martyred! (Acts 22:20) We learn how our testimony helps others to relate to us and us to them. It offers us a way to share our personal encounter with Jesus Christ. The results are always up to the Holy Spirit and often they may not appear positive at first! Try sharing your testimony with someone today as the Holy Spirit directs! You will be blessed and obey Jesus!
Casting out evil spirits!
Scripture reading for November 12: Acts 19-20
The Apostle Paul had begun his third missionary journey to reach those in the province of Asia. (Acts 18:23) He ended up in Ephesus where he found a group of twelve men who had been baptized into John’s baptism of repentance but had never heard about Jesus Christ. Paul gave them the Gospel of Jesus, told them about the Holy Spirit and then laid hands on them. The Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied! Thus the church at Ephesus was born and Paul ministered there for nearly three years. This event took place about 20 years after the first Pentecost!
Paul also spoke in the synagogue, as was his custom. He went to his own brothers, the Jews, first, and sought to win them to Jesus. This caused conflict so he left with the new disciples and went to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, and continued to preach there for two years. His ministry was so effective that all the Jews and Greeks in the whole province of Asia heard the Word of the Lord! (Acts 19:10)
The Lord had promised that signs will follow those who obediently preached the Gospel. (Mark 16:15-20) As Paul preached in Asia, God did extraordinary miracles through him as a help in winning the lost and confirming Jesus as the Christ. These miracles included healing and casting out evil spirits. (Acts 19:11-12) Handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from Paul and sent to the sick who were healed!
Paul’s preaching of Jesus and these extraordinary miracles caused some Jewish exorcists to imitate Paul’s methods. They tried to cast out a demon from a possessed man “in the Name of Jesus, Whom Paul preaches.” The demon spoke to them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” (Acts 19:13-15) These seven exorcists were severely beaten by the demon possessed man! The word of this happening brought a revival of holiness. Fear seized the populace and they confessed their evil deeds, sorcery, and witchcraft. They publicly burned their books and charms and the Word of God spread and grew in power!
God’s power is no match against the powers of the Devil! Jesus told us that in His Name, we would cast out devils! We must know Jesus personally or end up like the seven. Demons know both Jesus and those who have Him as Lord! In His name, extraordinary miracles will follow the preaching of the Gospel and the ministry of those who obediently go! Be bold as you enter your mission field today!
Household salvation is a blessing!
Scripture reading for November 11: Acts 16-18
One of the prayers that I have prayed for my family is that they would all be saved and walk with the Lord during their time on earth. God has been faithful and I am very thankful. All my children are serving the Lord and have a personal walk with Him. I am trusting God for salvation of all grandchildren as well. A question that comes up from reading today’s passage about the Philippian jailer getting saved with his whole household, is this: does the Bible promise salvation to each person’s entire family? Can I apply this story and the verse about the jailer and his house responding to the Gospel to claim my family?
“But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”. . . . “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” . . “They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” They spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:28-33
I believe that this record does inspire faith for us to believe God for our entire family to be saved. With faith in God, nothing is impossible. We should ask for the salvation of our families and households and stand in faith in God’s Word and mercy. However, when looking at the rest of Scripture, I feel that it doesn’t promise that all will be saved. Each person must choose to repent and believe on the Lord for himself. God doesn’t make anyone believe! However, our prayers keep the door open and invite God to send laborers and continue to draw the person to saving grace.
God doesn’t want anyone to be lost! (1st Timothy 2:4-5) He has done everything necessary to provide salvation for every person. He draws each person by the Holy Spirit. Yet, each person has a free will and the ability to choose his own way or God’s way. If we could be made to be saved, all would be saved! Jesus taught that the way of salvation was narrow and few were on that narrow path. The way of destruction is broad and many are on it. (Matthew 7:13-14) Each person in a household must choose to repent and follow Jesus.
Prayer is a powerful thing! We must always pray and live by faith for our loved ones! Take time to pray that your household will be saved and that the Lord will draw them to Himself! We don’t want to miss out because we don’t ask!
A Word from the Lord!
Scripture reading for November 9: Acts 13-15
Wouldn’t it be nice to have God just send someone to tell you what He wants you to know? Have you ever had someone give you a word from the Lord that confirmed something the Lord had been showing you to do? Do you believe that God knows everything and wants to share some of His knowledge with you? These and other questions should set us thinking as we read today’s passages from Acts. God uses people to give words of knowledge and prophesy. Lets look at the principles for using these “words”.
“In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hand on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3
In this account of the early church at worship and prayer, we find that the Holy Spirit used one of the prophets or teachers to give a word to Barnabas and Saul. This was not a directive word, but a confirming word. Note that the Holy Spirit had already called them to this work personally previous to this time. This word came during a time of corporate worship and the church obediently responded. They prayed more and fasted and then laid on hands and sent them off on the ministry journey laid out for them by the Holy Spirit. We find that God has prepared the “good works” and all we need to do is respond in obedience. (Ephesians 2:10)
When we get a word of knowledge or prophesy spoken over us, we must always test it in several ways. First, does it line up with what the Lord has been saying already to us? God doesn’t give second-hand mail! Second, does it line up with the Word of God and purposes stated in Scripture? Words must always agree with the written Word of God or at least not be in conflict with the revealed will of God. Next, is the Spirit in you in agreement with that word? Do others with the Holy Spirit agree and bear witness with the word? These tests are important before acting on a word.
God does truly direct His children and sometimes uses others to confirm to us a word. Mary and I experienced this when God spoke to us through two different people about having children in our old age! One of the words was written down and our son reminded us of it years later. It helped us confirm our direction and follow God’s leading! May the Lord direct your life each day by His Holy Spirit! May you learn to properly discern the will of God!