Acts 11:12

Acts 11:12 - “So if God gave them the same gift as He gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?”

Peter was raised to think one way. All of his life he had been taught that the Gentiles were nobodies and not to associate with them. If you asked him he would have told you that his beliefs about these people were from God. But then God tells him to go and visit them and minister to them.
Even though Peter doesn't understand, he obediently does what he is instructed. Then he sees that God has poured out His Spirit to these people, these Gentiles. That goes against everything he ever thought about the Gentiles.
Peter was challenged, but when it came down to it he knew it was God, because no one could receive the Spirit of God without God giving it to them. And, of course, he was not about to oppose God.
Our lesson in this is to always be open to change. Never think that you have it all figured out. You may have doing something one way for your entire life, and there was nothing specifically wrong with it, but now God is telling you to change. Be obedient. You do not want to find yourself fighting against God.
In this story of Peter we see that he was willing to change his views and God continued to use him to do great things. If you are obedient to God, He will use you in ways beyond what you could ever imagine.

Acts 10:34-35

Acts 10:34-35 - Then Peter began to speak, “I realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.”

Sometimes when God speaks it goes against everything we've been taught or how we've been raised. We saw this in chapter 9 regarding Saul. He had been raised a Pharisee, and he served God in the best way he knew how. Then God spoke and it changed everything.
Now we see Peter and the rest of the disciples being challenged in their way of thinking. They were raised to view the Gentiles as ‘dogs’ in comparison to them, the Jews. God sent Peter to minister to some Gentiles and he watched as God poured out His Spirit upon them. When he returned to the rest of the disciples, they began to question his actions. They asked why he would go and stay with Gentiles.
This was Peter’s response. “I realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” Peter came to understand that all men are equal in God’s sight.
As we look at this story we of course need to realize the truth that Peter came to: that all of us are equal. When we are in God there is no difference between us. That’s not all we can learn from this story though.
We can also take a look at how God is challenging the disciples thinking. Just because you have thought one thing your whole life it does not make it right. You must be open and willing to change if God asks you too. He is wanting you to be more like Him and sometimes that goes against everything that you have been taught. Listen to Him, because He wants to and will help you if you let Him.

Acts 9:5

Acts 9:5 - “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.

Saul was a man on a mission. He had already thrown many Christians into prison and even stood by in approval as others were killed. Saul held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen. This was a man who was passionate about what he was doing and he thought he was serving God.
Saul was raised in the strict disciplines of the Pharisees and he thought that Jesus and the Christians were an abomination to God. He took it upon himself to do something about it. After getting documents that would allow him to arrest more Christians he headed to Damascus.
This is a trip that would forever change him. While on the road he had a blinding vision and spoke to Jesus. From that point on Saul changed his mission and his goal. Instead of persecuting the Christians he became one of the most influential.
As we look at this story we see a man who wanted to serve God with everything He had. He thought he knew what God wanted him to do and was doing it; but he had missed it. God interrupted him and he obediently changed what he was doing to line up with what God told him.
In our lives, as we serve God, there may be times when we miss it as well and start heading in the wrong direction. Be open and willing to change what you are doing if God tells you to. Then, once you are walking in God’s plan, give it all that you’ve got and nothing will be able to stop you.

Acts 8:4

Acts 8:4 - Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.

What the devil meant for harm, God turned around and used for good. The early church was under a lot of persecution. People were being beaten, thrown into prison and even killed. It did not look good. Christians were being scattered to outlying towns and villages to avoid persecution. It may have looked like the enemy was getting the upper hand, but God had a plan.
God always has a plan. As the Christians were scattered they preached the gospel. Wherever they went, God went with them and the message of Christ spread. Now, just to keep it straight, God was not the one causing the persecution. He does not want harm to come to His children.

We, however, live in a fallen world. Because of the choices of man, sin entered into the world and now bad things will happen. God does not cause them to happen, but He will make good come out of them for all those who Love Him.

If you trust in Him, God will take all of the bad things in your life and bring good out of them. Sometimes this is hard to remember, especially when we are going through the hard times, but it is the truth and we need to hold onto it. Jesus tells us that we will face hard times because we are in the world, but then He reminds us that He has overcome the world.

So, the next time that you are going through something difficult, don’t let it get you down. Instead, do like these early Christians and find a way to continue your message of spreading the gospel. Look for the good to come out of every situation.

Acts 7:60

Acts 7:60 – Then he (Stephen) fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this against them.”

As the number of disciples was increasing in the early church it became too much for the original twelve to take care of. They had too many responsibilities and there were widows being neglecting in food distribution. The twelve decided it would be best to delegate some of the responsibility. They told the people to pick seven men to take care of these extra needs.

Out of all of the people, Stephen was chosen as one of the seven. He was described as a man ‘full of faith and the Holy Spirit.’ In Acts 6:8 we read that Stephen did great wonders and miraculous signs. Stephen was a man who stood out among the believers because of the fruit his life produced.

Now, when Stephen was opposed and persecuted, he never faltered in his stand. In fact, this verse (Acts 7:60) reflects his heart towards the people. He Loved them and wanted to see all of them come to God. These men are literally killing him and he is forgiving them.

God has called us to Love Him and to Love people. Once you see all that God has done for you and the Love He shows you, Loving Him becomes easy, but people are a different story. People can be harsh and mean, but we are to Love them anyway. That is the true test of Loving your neighbor: Loving them while they are persecuting you. Do you Love them that much?

Acts 6:7

Acts 6:7 – So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

This verse says that a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. What does it mean to be ‘obedient to the faith?’ Obedience means that you are following instructions and are doing what is required of you. So then it is not enough to just believe, we must act on that belief.

James tells us that faith without works is dead. I think that is what this verse is talking about when it says that the ‘priests became obedient to the faith.’ When we come to believe in Christ and put our faith in Him our actions need to reflect it.

That is also how God’s word will spread; that is how the number of disciples will increase. We have to understand that faith in Christ is caught more than it is taught. You can teach all you want, but if your lifestyle does not live up to your teaching no one will follow you.

I think that is often the problem in today’s church. There are a lot of people that profess Christianity, but few are obedient to it. If you look at their lives you will not be able to tell them apart from the unbeliever. That is not how it should be.

If we are obedient to our faith our life will be different. You will be able to see Christ in us. When we reach this point of obedience in our life we will see disciples increase. People will not just get ‘saved’, but they will actually become followers of Jesus.

Acts 5:38-39

Acts 5:38-39 – “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God.”

As the disciples were spreading the message of the gospel they often encountered opposition. Much of that opposition came from the religious leaders of their day, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They opposed Jesus and now that He was gone they wanted to put a stop to the disciples as well.

They were deciding how they were going to come against them this one man stood up. His wisdom shows in the words that he spoke. He knew that if there was no supernatural power behind the disciples they would eventually grow tired and they would fail in their message. But, on the other hand, if God was in their message and mission nothing could stop them.

In our lives as we live for God we can trust in this logic as well. If God has told you something you can rest assured that He will help you complete it. With God on your side you will be unstoppable.

Understand though, that there will be opposition. Just like the disciples had people coming against them, you will have people trying to stop you. Don’t take that as a message to stop, but rather keep pushing through. If you are walking in God’s will then He is with you and with God all things are possible.

Acts 4:19-20

Acts 4:19-20 – But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Who should we obey? Peter and John had it right. They had committed their lives to God and they were going to tell the world about all He had done in their lives. In fact, they couldn't help it. God had made such a change in their hearts and lives that all they could was talk about it.

Think about your life. If you won a million dollars you would have trouble keeping it quiet, wouldn't you? People would be able to read it on your face and your actions would reflect it. You would be spending money. That’s just the way it is; you wouldn't be able to help talking about it.

Now what about what God has done for you? He has taken you from death to life; He has set you free from the sin that once bound you, not to mention forgiving you for all of it. Your life is not the same and now you will live with Him for eternity. It is so amazing, yet we keep quiet. Why is that?

The reason we keep quiet is because we don’t truly understand all that God has done for us. It’s not real to us. Pray that God opens your eyes to all that He has done for you. Then you will be like Peter and John, you won’t be able to stay quiet. You will not be able to help speaking about all that you have seen and heard.

Acts 3:16

Acts 3:16 – By faith in the Name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can see.

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Peter spoke these words to a man who had never been able to walk. This man was born a cripple and had been a beggar his whole life. This day was no different for him, until now.

As Peter was walking into the city the man cried out to him for money and Peter gave him so much more. As we look at this story of healing we see Peter speak these words of faith, but it wasn't until the man acted on them that his legs grew strong.

In verse 7 we see Peter taking the man by the hand and helping him up. As he stood, his feet and ankles were instantly made strong. Then in verse 16, when those around them were amazed at what Peter did, he doesn't take credit for it, but instead gives all glory to God.

So as we look at this story we can see 3 basic steps to receiving healing that we need to remember. First, speak the words of faith. God has given us His word, which is full of promises for those who Love Him, but we speak them in faith.

Next, we must act on that faith. James says, “Faith without action is dead.” Your actions prove your faith real. And lastly and most important: whatever it is give God the glory. Without Him you can do nothing. With Him all things are possible. Always give God the glory for all the good in your life because He is the one who brings it.

Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Imagine this, an ordinary fisherman. He had no schooling or training other than living with Jesus for a few years. Peter witnessed Jesus life, His death, and then saw Him resurrected. Now he was living in fear of the Jews. He saw what they did to Jesus and was afraid he would be next.Then the Holy Spirit came upon him.

Peter now had the power of God inside of him. This was the same man who had been with Jesus. He had denied him, ran away when they took him and had been afraid for his own life, but now he had confidence; he had Christ in him.

Peter was with the other disciples and they all received the Holy Spirit. With all the confusion and excitement of what was happening, a crowd started forming around them. Peter stood up and began to speak. His words cut straight to the heart of the people and they were convicted of their sin. “What must we do?” they asked.

This was Peter’s answer, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you.” It is amazing how God used Peter and the other disciples. They had no background of speaking, no training in how to deliver a message, but God used them anyway.

See, a lot of people have talent and ability, which is good, but without passion it will amount to nothing. What God really wants is a heart after Him. If you seek God, He will use you. With His Spirit inside of you, He will give you the words to say. Seek Him and let Him take care of the rest.

Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

You are a witness. In your life you have seen and experienced something that God has done. If you have received Christ in your life you have undergone a change. That’s what God wants you to talk about. Tell people about your experiences with God. Make it personal because that is what will touch people.
I know that it sounds scary sometimes, but that is why God has given us the Holy Spirit. He is our helper and our strength in weakness. Let Him flow through you and guide you in all you do and say. And make sure you are a witness everywhere you go.
Notice as Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples He began with Jerusalem and then worked His way out to ‘the ends of the earth.’ Jerusalem was where they were currently at. Jesus was telling them to start where they were, at home, and then broaden their circle of influence.
If you are not being a witness to those in your home and community you have no business going to other places and ministering. You must start with those closest to you. Let your life reflect what God has done in your heart.
The bible says that people are saved by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony. Your testimony will lead others to Jesus. Make sure you are using it.

John 21:22

John 21:22 - Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

A decision has to be made. You can’t side with the crowd, you can’t phone a friend. It is not about what everyone else is doing. This decision is one you have to make for yourself. Are you going to follow Jesus? Are you going to do what He has called you to do?
Often we find ourselves where Peter was on this day, wanting to know about those around us. It is easier to do something if you know at least one other person will be doing it too. ‘What about him Lord?’ Peter asked.
Have you ever asked that question when God wants you to do something? I know I have. There have been times in my life where I have not acted because no one else would. I was scared to stand alone.

That’s where I was wrong in my thinking. God says that if you follow Him you will never be alone. He will never leave you or forsake you. We need to put all our trust in Him. If He tells us to do something, do it. It doesn't matter what those around you are doing. You must decide for yourself. Are you going to follow Jesus?

Peter made the decision and his life was never the same. He went on to do some amazing things for God. I promise you, though it may be hard, if you choose to follow Jesus the reward will be eternal. You must decide today who you will serve.

John 20:30-31

John 20:30-31 - Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

Jesus is our example. He did it all; He endured all things to show us how we are to live this life. As we read the gospel we see many stories of what Christ did. We see His teaching, His miracles, His relationships and many other details of His life on earth.

        It is amazing to think that we are only seeing a small portion of all that Jesus actually did. Even with what we do see it blows my mind, but there was so much more. Everyday, everywhere He went there were people getting healed and hearts that were getting touched. Lives were changing.

        So here comes the tough part: we are supposed to live like Jesus did. When was the last time you let God do a miracle through you? Who was the last person you touched? Are the lives of those around you changing for the better?

        Of course that can be hard to answer because we can’t see peoples hearts, only God can. We can, however, look at our own hearts and lives and know whether we are living a lifestyle that reflects God. I know I often fail at this task, but I am a work in progress.

        Jesus spent time with God everyday and that should be our first step as well. If you are not allowing God to change you, He will never be able to use you to change others.

John 19:11

John 19:11 - Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” Pilate tells Jesus, “Don’t you understand that I have the power to either free you or crucify you?” Answering him Jesus says that the power he has is only what God has given him. All power is given from heaven; there is no power other than what God gives. That doesn't mean that everyone in power does what is right with that power. In fact many people abuse it or do evil with it, but God can take it away whenever He wants. Look at the kings of the Old Testament. As you read through their stories you will see how those who served God also had His favor in their lives. Their reigns prospered and they lived long. Then there were the wicked kings. They often suffered through their reigns and then died prematurely, either of sickness or in battle. So we see that God gives power and He can take it away. Whatever power you have been given, use it wisely. Don’t let it go to your head, but let it work for you to spread the kingdom of God. Whoever is is in authority is there because God allowed them to be and God will use that person in one way or another. If that person does evil God is not the cause of it, but He will make good come out of it. We may not always see it right away, but that is where we trust God. So honor those in authority, whether you agree with them or not, but live your life according to God’s authority.

John 18:36

John 18:36 - Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus tells us. He said that if were His kingdom He would fight for it. What are you fighting for? Many times I find myself fighting for the wrong things. Sometimes it is success, or possessions, or other things this world has to offer. Jesus tells us that this world is not worth fighting for, in a sense it is a lost cause. The world we live in is fallen and will perish and will eventually be replaced with a new kingdom; a new earth and a new heaven. So what should we fight for? We should fight for the things that are eternal. What is the only thing we will be able to take with us when leave this earth? People; people are the only part of this world that will be able to come to heaven with us. If we look at Jesus life we see that He fought for the lives of everybody. That was the whole reason He even came to earth. So, what can we take from this? Should we forsake everything? I’m not saying you should, but I am not saying you shouldn’t. What I am saying is that you need to weigh your priorities and make sure the life you are living is producing eternal fruit. Are you touching and changing peoples lives for the better? You should be. That is why we are here. Know that all these other things are not all bad, but there are definitely some things that are more important.

John 17:22-23

John 17:22-23 - I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have Loved them even as you have Loved me.

Jesus wanted to make it as easy for us as possible. He knew we would face trials, so He wanted to give us everything that He had; He made it all available to us. Jesus did this so that we could walk in unity with each other as He and the Father are in unity.

In order for us to be in unity like them we must look at the way they are unified. We see God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. These three beings are unified together in such a way that you cannot tell where one stops and the next one starts. They also never act individually. Jesus tells us that He only does what his Father tells Him.

Now we have Christ in us and He has God in Him, therefore,we have God in us. So when Jesus is talking about us being in unity He is not just talking with each other , but with Him and God. That is the true picture of unity: Jesus in us and God in Him, with us only acting based on what we hear from them.

Imagine walking the earth as Jesus did, preaching and teaching. And if the sick came to Him they were healed. All this could be you as well. Once you enter into unity with the Triune God the world will see and know that God Loves you and is in you.

John 16:33

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus warns us that we will have trouble. There are things in this world that we will face and it will not be easy. Just because you give your life to Christ does not mean that all your troubles will go away. We must realize that we live in a fallen world.

God gave dominion of the earth to man (us) in the beginning. When Adam sinned he gave his authority over to the devil. It brought all the bad into the world: hurt, pain, decay and death. Unfortunately that is still the world we live in.

We've all experienced this; we've all had trouble. But Christ gives us hope; through Him we have something better to look forward too. He came to earth and experienced everything that you and I go through. All the troubles we face, He faced as well, but He did not give into them. He was perfect; He overcame the world. Now when we accept Him as Savior He comes inside of us and makes us more than conqueror’s.

So, first we have the hope to look forward to when Christ returns to make us all perfect. And second, in this life “we are now more than conquerors through Him who Loved us.” We now have the ability to overcome the world as well. This does not mean the pain and trouble will magically disappear, they will still be there, but now you have the strength to push through and overcome them. In Christ we are now more than conquerors.

John 15:4

John 15:4 – Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain on the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

In this chapter Jesus gives us a picture of our life in Him. Think about a vine or tree. It starts as a seed, but then grows roots, a trunk and finally branches. The plant needs food and water to survive. 

Water and food comes in through the roots and then the vine and finally makes it to the branches. If you break off a branch it will lose its source of food and it will not survive; it will wither up and die. It may look healthy for a little while, especially if you put it in water, but without the vine it is only a matter of time.

Our lives in Christ are the same. He is the vine and we are the branches. If we stay connected to Him we will be able to get all we need to survive, but if we cut ourselves off from Him we cannot survive. Just like the branch we may last for a little while, but no for very long. Eventually we will wither up and die. And if we are not connected to Christ there will be no fruit.

As a branch we are the ones who are responsible for bearing the fruit. Jesus is the vine. The vine does not bear the fruit, just the branches. Ultimately it is the vine working through the branches, but it does come off the branches. This is how it works with us as well.

Jesus sustains us and provides everything we need to live and everything we need to produce fruit. So in looking at this picture we can understand that we cannot bear fruit without the life we get from Christ. He flows through us to feed those around us. That is why we must stay connected to Him

John 14:9

John 14:9 - Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Here it is, laid out plainly. This scriptures either proves Jesus as the Son of God or shows that He was a lunatic and a liar.

I've heard people say that there are many paths to God and you have to choose which ever one is right for you. Along with that there are those who have said that Jesus was a great teacher, but not the Son of God. That statement cannot be true and here’s why: Jesus said He is the Son of God. Therefore, if He is not in fact the Son of God then He is a liar and cannot be a good teacher.

Jesus is, however, the Son of God and everything that He says is true. He is not only the best teacher, but He is also our example to follow. Now, in this verse in John we see another truth. There are not many ways to God, there is only one. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The only way for anyone to get to God is through Him.

This may sound hard but Jesus makes it easy. He does all the work for us. All you have to do is turn to Him and accept what He has done. God Loves you and Jesus died for you. Believe in Him and you will be saved. Jesus is the only way, so don’t miss it.

John 13:34-35

John 13:34-35 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have Loved you, so you must Love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you Love one another.”

There is no action in this world that is greater than Love. Love is what binds us together and saves us from death. God created us out of Love and He created us to Love. When He gave us His commandments they were all summed up in two: Love God and Love your neighbor.

Now Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another.” How is it a new command when it seems to be the same as the one God has given from the beginning? See, when God gave us the command we didn’t get it. Man would try to follow God’s commands, but it was out of duty rather than Love.

 Jesus comes and says, “Love one another,” but then takes it a step further by walking it out as a man. He lived the life of Love. God has always Loved us and He always will, but because He is God it has been hard for us to follow His example of Love. But Jesus came and walked as you and I do, except He did it in perfect Love. Now we have an example we can follow.

Jesus says, “As I have Loved you, so you must Love one another.” How did Jesus Love? Jesus Loved unconditionally and He Loved everybody. Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be an example of God by living a life of Love, just as Jesus did.

Jesus set the bar and we have been challenged. It is easy to dislike or hate a person; I challenge you to Love them instead, even when they wrong you. That is how you will live separate from the world. Walk in Love.

John 12:24

John 12:24 - I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Jesus gives us a picture of what is going to happen to Him by telling us about a kernel of wheat. He often did that. He would take something so simple and use it to help the people understand what He was saying. Really, He was just putting it in words that they would understand. They all knew about wheat.

If you have a seed and just hold onto it, that is all you will have, a single seed. If you want to have more seeds you must let go of the seed you already have. That is the only way. If you hold onto your seed too tight you will never see more than that one seed.You must let it go.

Let the seed fall to the ground and die. Only then will you see the seed multiply. And, as the process continues you will see an exponential increase.

This is how it was with Jesus. He was the only one that was right with God; He was the only child. Then He died and was crucified. Just like the seed, He was buried in the ground and just like the seed He rose again. Now we see the multiplication.

At first Jesus appeared to His disciples. They became the first to be like Jesus. After that they continued to spread the message of Christ and what He has done. Even today the increase is still happening. From the death of one man, all men can enter life with God.

Do You Believe This? John 11:25-26

John 11:25-26 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?

Do You Believe This?

Do you believe in life? Life everlasting, never passing away

We’re talkin’ about a new life,

A Christ life, that’s here to stay, everyday.

This life will never end,

for those who call Christ friend.

He says, “Believe in me and you will see,

I’ll set you free for eternity.”

How does this happen, you ask?

How does Jesus complete this impossible task?

Well, it started many years ago,

in what we call the beginning of time.

Christ was with God, you know,

before the earth had reason or rhyme.

God created man to be like Him,

pure and holy in all his ways.

But man chose to sin,

which cut short his number of days.

For years man sacrificed animals,

as a temporary cover for the sin in his heart.

He needed a miracle,

and a brand new start.

Christ became our miracle,

His sacrifice gave us a way;

A new day; A new way to pray.

Jesus said,”I am the resurrection and the life,

my sacrifice paid the price,

and whoever believes in me will live,

even when he dies.”

If you live in Him, you’ll enter in,

To life everlasting, never passing away, never sway

from your faith in Him and all He’s done.

Believe in Christ, God’s own Son.

He’s the One

who didn't want you to miss,

Life with God.

Do you believe this?