Years ago, after my closest Indonesian friend died, I pondered the disciples and how they must have felt from Friday to Sunday morning after Jesus died. And I put those thoughts in my journal. A version of this as a liturgy—a written prayer—will appear in my upcoming book, "In Every Moment: Recounting God's Goodness in Overseas Life."
Jesus
Acts 16–17: The Second Missionary Journey
After the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15, Paul sets out again, taking Timothy with him on his second missionary journey (Acts 16–17). "As they traveled from town to town [in Macedonia and Greece], they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey" (16:4). They witnessed the daily growth of the church as they strengthened them in the faith (16:5).
Exploring Acts 13–15: The First Missionary Journey
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.
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?"
