Spread His Good News (Acts 17:6)

Acts 17:6

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁶ Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too.





What a reputation these early Christians had! The power of the gospel revolutionized lives, broke down all social barriers, threw open prison doors, caused people to care deeply for one another, and stirred them to worship God. Our world needs to be turned upside down, to be transformed. The gospel is not in the business of merely improving programs and encouraging good conduct, but of dynamically transforming lives. Take courage and ask God how you can help spread His Good News all over your world.





Joe














 

Introduce your family to Jesus. (Acts 16:31-34)

Acts 16:31-34

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” ³² And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. ³³ Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. ³⁴ He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.



Paul and Silas took the family unit seriously. So the offer of salvation was made to the jailer's entire household - family and servants. Yet it was not the jailer's faith that saved them; they all needed to come to Jesus in faith and believe in Him in the same way the jailer had. Yet his entire family did believe and all were saved. Pray that God will use you to introduce Jesus to your family and that they will come to believe in Him.



Joe





















 

Variety ! (Acts 13:1)

Acts 13:1

New King James Version (NKJV)



 

13 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.



What variety there is in the church! The common thread among these 5 men was their deep faith in Christ. We must never exclude anyone whom Christ has called to follow Him.




Joe













 

You can't afford to wait ! (Acts 12:23)

Acts 12:23

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²³ Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.




Herod died a horrible death accompanied by intense pain; he was literally eaten alive, from the inside out, by worms. To be eaten by worms was considered to be one of the most disgraceful ways to die. Pride is a serious sin, and in this case, God chose to punish it immediately. God does not immediately punish all sin, but He will bring all to judgment. Accept Christ's offer of forgiveness today. No one can afford to wait.



Joe












 

Don't be surprised; be thankful! (Acts 12:11-15)

Acts 12:11-15

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

¹² When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. ¹³ He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”

¹⁵ “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”


The prayers of the group of believers were answered, even as they prayed. But when the answer arrived at the door, they didn't believe it. We should be people of faith who believe that God answers the prayers of those who seek His will. When you pray, believe you'll get an answer. And when the answer comes, don't be surprised; be thankful.


Joe










 

Pray with Confidence (Acts 12:5)

Acts 12:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

⁵ But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.



Herod's plan undoubtedly was to execute Peter, but the believers were praying for Peter's safety. The earnest prayers of the church significantly affected the outcome of these events. Prayer changes things, so pray often and with confidence.




Joe
















 

Give God the Glory ! (Acts 10:25-26)

Acts 10:25-26

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!”




This act of worship could have caused Peter to become arrogant. After all, a Roman centurion was bowing before him. Instead, Peter pointed Cornelius to Christ. We too should remember our mortality whenever we are flattered or honored, and use the opportunity to give glory to God.




Joe