November 11, 2020 | Acts 9:32–10:48 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue While Saul traveled toward Caesarea, Peter was on the move, preaching the gospel and performing miracles at Lydda and Joppa (modern Jaffa). While there, a “devout and God-fearing” man from Caesarea named Cornelius, a Gentile and a Roman officer, had a vision of an angel […]
November 10, 2020 | Acts 9:1-31 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue It used to be common for high school yearbooks to designate someone from the graduating class as “Most Likely to Succeed.” If Saul of Tarsus had attended high school, he might have been chosen for that honor. But I think he would also have […]
November 8, 2020 | Acts 7:1-60 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue As a young Christian, I remember reading the story of Jim Elliot, one of the five missionaries who lost their lives when they attempted to bring the gospel to the Huaorani people of Ecuador. When I was finished, I got down on my knees and […]
November 7, 2020 | Acts 6:1–15 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Most churches say they want to grow, but when numbers actually increase, not everyone is happy. More people often bring more challenges. This was also true for the early church. As their numbers grew, some widows were overlooked in the daily distribution of food (v. 1). […]
November 6, 2020 | Acts 5:1–42 DEVOTIONS Read This Month’s Issue It is tempting to idealize the early church. Yes, the early believers were a courageous, faithful, and unified group of people, passionate about teaching the gospel. But today’s account provides a reality check. There were hypocrites in the early church just as there are […]
November 5, 2020 | Acts 4:23–36 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Many churches have a sign that promises visitors a “friendly church.” Unfortunately, newcomers who venture inside some churches may discover that the church members really only like the people they already know. A truly friendly church will care deeply for every person who enters the […]
November 3, 2020 | Acts 3:1-26 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue “What’s in a name?” William Shakespeare asked. If the name is Jesus, the answer is “Life!” This was the message Peter preached to those who saw him heal a man who had been lame since birth. The miracle took place at the temple, which the […]
November 2, 2020 | Acts 2:1–47 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue When I was a boy, I would eagerly count off the days until my birthday. This wasn’t because I was in a hurry to be one year older; it was because I wanted presents. It is customary for people to receive gifts on their birthday, […]