VCSTUDENT

Acts28

Matt — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:28:36 +0000

As God promised, Paul finally reaches Rome and begins his ministry there to the Romans and this leads us into our next book to read. The book of Acts is a great setup for the rest of the New Testament because it lays the groundwork for us to understand who Paul is writing to in Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, and so on. It also helps develop Paul’s character for us to see where he comes from.

Acts27

Matt — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:22:35 +0000

As you read this chapter, pause for a moment and remember that we’re not reading fiction. This is a true story as written by Luke. Put yourself on the boat and in a storm for fourteen days. What would it be like? What would it feel like to lose all hope? Imagine not eating for days. This is one of those great chapters in the Bible that remind us that the Bible is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Acts 26

Matt — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:15:57 +0000

Once again what do we find at the center of debate? The resurrection of the dead. Without the resurrection our faith is pointless… With it our faith is limitless. I pray for faith without limits – believing in a God who rose and raises from the dead. God is not dead. He’s alive! Let him be alive in you.

Acts25

Matt — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:14:28 +0000

“Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.” (Vs 19) Everything we believe hinges on our faith in the resurrection… on the fact that Jesus is still alive. Paul staked his life on this truth and in doing so it gave him an audience with kings and governors. Doesn’t it seem like deja vu when you read “I don’t find this man guilty”?

Acts 24

Matt — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:09:38 +0000

Another good reason about reading one chapter in the Bible a day is that it helps us really capture what’s going on in the story. For instance, it would be easy to just skim through this chapter and completely miss the fact that two years passes by with Paul in prison. Reading at this pace allows us to reflect on this real life situation and helps us think about what might have transpired during his time in prison. I ask myself, what was the church doing why Paul was in prison? Was Paul writing to churches while in prison?

Sadly it seems that Felix never comes to a decision to follow Jesus even though Paul spent quite a bit of time investing in him and his wife. He put it off telling Paul to come back at a more convenient time. Why put off till tomorrow that which can be done today? If God is moving on your heart in some way, don’t put it off. Take action today and allow God to work in your life because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Acts 23

Matt — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:44:24 +0000

Paul’s nephew warned the Roman commander about the plot to kill Paul. This is one of those moments in the Bible where one person makes a small earthly decision with a big eternal impact. God had already promised Paul that he would make it to Rome and he used Paul’s nephew to fulfill that promise. Never underestimate the power of obedience to God. No matter how small your action may be, its effects are immeasurable.

Acts 22

Matt — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:39:24 +0000

If you weren’t born one, becoming a Roman citizen was a costly endeavor. Natural born citizens were considered better off than those that bought theirs, so it wasn’t odd for the commander to be alarmed about finding out Paul was a citizen. Being a Roman citizen had its privileges. It sounds a lot like being an American citizen. We have rights and privileges that many people in the world dream of. We should be grateful for our freedom and not take it for granted. At the same time, Paul wouldn’t let that freedom keep him from risking his life to share the Good News. Don’t let fear rule your life… Follow the path where God leads you and don’t be afraid.

Acts 21

Matt — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:39:58 +0000

Why would Paul still go to Jerusalem with everyone prophesying that if he went there he’d be arrested? He knew that was what God was leading him to do. Others interpreting the prophecies as warnings, but Paul saw them as confirmations. He wasn’t afraid to obey God even if it meant he was being led to his death. He wouldn’t let fear rule his life.

Acts 20

Matt — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:07:43 +0000

This is one of the funniest stories you’ll find in the Bible… the story of Eutychus. Paul is preaching until midnight and Eutychus gets a little sleepy and falls out of the third story window to his death. Paul casually goes down and prays for him and he comes back to life. Then he preaches for about six more hours.

Acts 19

Matt — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:30:55 +0000

The seven sons of Sceva were running around casting out demons when they stumbled across one that was a little less frightened than the ones before them. This one said, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” and then proceeded to pummel them. What do we have to learn about from this little portion of Scripture? I think that it speaks to two things. First of all, there is power in the name of Jesus. Not really because of its spelling or pronunciation, but because of who it represents – our Savior Jesus. Evil scatters in His presence and the mention of His name. It also is a good lesson on authority. The demon knew Paul because he walked with the authority of Jesus. Think of a police officer or federal agent. The represent authority and something greater that we must answer to. It’s similar to the authority we can have in Jesus. When we walk in full obedience to Jesus, we walk in His authority as well.