In Acts 13–14, we journey with Paul and Barnabas (and Mark) on their first missionary journey. We travel to town after town witnessing the signs and wonders God did and the many who believed in the word of God. Opposition arose yet they persevered, strengthening and encouraging the new church. In Acts 15, the church overcame the first major threat to the good news of salvation and reiterated that Gentiles are accepted as believers and do no need to become Jews first.
Faith
Exploring Acts 10–12: Christ is Lord of All
In this section of Acts, we see "Christians" realize and accept that the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" is for the Gentiles too. The first apostle is martyred (James) and Peter is rescued from prison. Yet "the word of God continued to spread and flourish." Here are my (somewhat) random thoughts from Acts 10–12.
Exploring Acts 7–9: God’s People
I continue my study of the book of Acts with snippets of thoughts and insights. In these chapters we meet Stephen, Philip, Simon, Saul, Ananias, Barnabas, and Dorcas. We see the church continue to grow despite opposition.
Exploring Acts 4–6: Filled With the Spirit
There is so much to see and learn from the action-packed book of Acts, so I'm only sharing snippets of thoughts and insights that stand out to me—things like being filled with the Spirit, courage, prayer, authority, persecution, leadership, and of course more salvation verses.
Exploring Acts 1–3: Insights and Reflections
Acts is a different book from my other studies. Tara-Leigh Cobble in her guide, ACTS: The Spirit and the Bride, describes it like this: "For Christ-followers, studying the book of Acts is like watching a documentary about the establishment of our faith via God’s work through men and women who sacrificed for us to know Jesus."
I Trust in God’s Unfailing Love and Watchful Care
During a recent night, lying awake and filled with worry for a loved one, I experienced one of those rare instances when the voice of the Lord is almost audible. As I feared I'd never sleep again, I sensed the Lord ask, "Do you trust me?"
Advent 2025 Fourth Sunday: LOVE
This year, I'm pondering the traditional Advent themes—HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (my recent Bible study). We've examined HOPE, PEACE, and JOY. Today we look at LOVE.
Advent 2025 Second Sunday: PEACE
This year, I'm pondering the traditional Advent themes—HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (my recent Bible study). Last week we examined the "hope of righteousness." Today we look at PEACE.
