Romans 10 - Jason

I think it is sad that there are so many people of Israel and Jewish descent who do not know Christ. I feel like since I grew up in a Christian home I too was like an Israelite who was raised to know better but still went my own way. 

"All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people." Romans 10:21

Lord, I want to know you and follow you without going my way and doing my own thing. Help me to surrender to you completely and continually as I have decisions to make. Help me to put you first and find your direction for me. Help me to not give in to fear or selfishness or pride. Please take away my pride and my desire to justify myself. Help me to live humbly trusting in Jesus for my salvation and spiritual growth.

 

Romans 8 and 9 - Jason

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

I love Romans 8. It has so many good reminders about what it is to be a follower of Christ and the strength of our relationship with God through Christ Jesus. I like this verse that summarizes what it is like to live in the flesh--when I think about only what I want and what is "best" for me, then I feel spiritual death. But if I think about the Holy Spirit and what God is leading me to do and obey Him, then I experience life and peace. This is a good reminder to check how I am thinking and making decisions on a daily basis.

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9:16

Romans 9 has been a bit confusing for me in recent years, especially when I have talked with people who are strong in saying that God created some people to be saved, and some people to be unsaved, and there's nothing we can do about it. I don't think that's true, because in other Scriptures the Lord expresses His desire for all people to be saved. I think the point of this discussion is that we cannot save ourselves, but we are dependent on God to show mercy to us. Is it possible that God will show mercy to the whole world? Yes, I believe He would show mercy and save the whole world if each person would turn to Him and believe in Christ Jesus as their savior.

Romans 8 - Nathanael

This is a powerful and hopeful chapter! There are so many important verses it is hard to limit myself to only a few 😃.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 

Romans 8:1

This is a promise of great hope! When we feel condemned we need to remember the truth that for those in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation! It is a lie that we should not listen to. 

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.  

Romans 8:6-8

Or minds cannot serve or please God by themselves.  That is why it is so important to learn to hear God's voice and follow him! 

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  

Romans 8:13

 Though in Christ we have the promise of life and a changed heart, there are still choices we must make as we put to death the misdeeds of the body. 

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:14

This is both a promise and a call. The promise is that God will lead us. The call is that we need to listen and follow God rather than ourselves. 

 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

Romans 8:18

We will go through sufferings here on earth. But they are nothing when compared to God's glory and working that we will experience later! 

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 

Romans 8:23

We wait in hope for our resurrected bodies and living with Jesus forever! 

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 

Romans 8:26

Many times we don't know how to pray. But the Spirit helps us and prays with and leads us in prayer. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8:28

Here is another great promise! All the painful and confusing circumstances that we God through are not for nothing. Jesus is working in all of them for our good! 

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

Romans 8:31

Wow! Another powerful promise! We have the God who created the universe on our side. That means that there is nothing that can stand against us or stop God's plan in us! 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:‬38‭-‬39 NIV

Another amazing promise! 

Nothing can separate us from God's love! He is a loving father who cares for us and is watching over us. He paid the highest price for us and he won't let us go and nothing can separate us from him! 

http://bible.com/111/rom.8.1-39.NIV

Romans 7 - Nathanael

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.  

Romans 7:6

By following Jesus and being baptized we die to sin and can now live by the Spirit and serve God. 

Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.  

Romans 7:13

The law shows us what is wrong and convicts us so we know that we are sinful and in need of a savior. 

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 

Romans 7:15

Though we have good intentions, we cannot fulfill them without God's help. 

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 

Romans 7:18

 It is impossible for us to live righteous lives on our own strength. 

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! 
Romans 7:24‭-‬25 NIV

The  good news is that Jesus can deliver us from this horrible state of being a slave to sin. 

http://bible.com/111/rom.7.6-25.NIV

Romans 7 - Jason

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

Romans 7:21-23

This description of how we wrestle against sin in our effort to obey God and follow him has been very familiar to me for a large portion of my life. I know that Paul is going to describe how in Christ Jesus we can have victory in this spiritual battle against the flesh, but it cannot be won with our effort alone. I need God, and I need to trust in Jesus Christ and admit and understand that I am a sinner in my flesh, and I cannot play with sin and expect to escape unharmed. I need to be "delivered from this body of death" and only through faith in Jesus Christ it is possible. Please help me Lord to be delivered and live in the freedom that you provide!

Romans 6 - Nathanael

For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 

Romans 6:9

Jesus had defeated the power of death. We no longer have too great death but can live in the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus! 

The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.  In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 6:10-11

Not only does his death free us from death but it also frees us from the source of death, which is sin! 

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 

Romans 6:12 

Jesus then calls us to live for him. He set us free from the power of sin so that we can obey God. Without Jesus we are slaves to sin. But now that we are free he calls us to make a choice not to go back to our former captor. 

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

Romans 6:22

We should now serve God as our master and not sin. Serving God leads us to holiness and eternal life! 

 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 NIV

Here us the summary of the message: when we sin, we receive the just rewards of sin which is death. But the good news is that God had given us a free and undeserved gift of life. When we choose to follow him and put our hope and trust in Jesus, he gives us this free gift of eternal life!

 
http://bible.com/111/rom.6.9-23.NIV

Romans 5 and 6 - Jason

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. Romans 5:18 

I love this passage comparing the sin of Adam to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As death and consequences came into the world and into our lives through the one sin of Adam, in the same way eternal life and blessing have come into the world again through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 6:22-23 

I love this passage too explaining how when we sin we are choosing to serving the world, the flesh or the devil as our master, and we do not get good fruit from this in the end. Compared to obeying God, we are choosing to serve Him, and we get great fruit from this decision and pathway including eternal life, peace with God, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Lord God, please help me to choose you every day and not let anything in this world or my fleshly desires or the temptations of the devil distract me from knowing your ways and following you with all my heart. I need you Lord, and thank you for your mercy and love for me and everyone. 

Romans 4 - Jason

I love this chapter about Abraham, the father of faith. Actually, the Lord is the author of faith, and Abraham was a man who believed the words and promises of God even though he didn't know how it would happen or when. I love the way that Paul compares the way that Abraham believed the promise of God to the way the Lord wants us to believe in the gift of forgiveness that we have through the death and resurrection of Christ. Just as Abraham was not righteous because of his works, but he was counted as righteous because of his faith, so I am not righteous because of my actions but because of my faith in Jesus Christ. Lord God, I pray that you would give me faith in Christ and increase my faith. Please help me to have the faith in Christ that makes me like him and makes me willing to do "greater things" than Christ did. Please give me the Holy Spirit and faith to obey.

In this chapter we see Abraham who is the father of faith for all who believe - both the Jew and the gentile. 

As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.  

Romans 4:17

Abraham believed and trusted in God. And that is what you and I can do as well!  

God us not some empty dream or philosophy, but rather the creator of heaven and earth who can give life to the dead - and that is what he does for us. He is also the one who creates what does not exist. He is the almighty one who is worthy of our faith and trust! 

being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 

Romans 4:21

God's promises are key! God can and always will do what he promised! It isn't a maybe but a certainty. So we should look to God and his promises. We should seek out his promises and hold steadily on to them - both the many promises that God has in his word, and the specific promises that he makes to us. 

but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Romans 4:‬24‭-‬25 NIV

Here is one promise!  God will credit righteousness to us who trust in him, the one who raised Jesus from the dead! 

Jesus was put to death for our sins - to pay the penalty,  and he wad raised to life so our sins would be remembered no more - that our guilt would be removed and it would be as if we never sinned! 

Thank you Jesus! 

http://bible.com/111/rom.4.17-25.NIV

Romans 1, 2 and 3 - Jason

The book of Romans has been very impactful to me. It teaches me that I am a sinner, and I am unrighteous, which is something that I don't automatically recognize or think about myself. It has a lot of hard-hitting truths from God's words about how I do not always honor God as the King or thank Him for everything I have, and this leads to a downward spiral of selfishness, and sinful thoughts and behaviors that I lose control over. Just because I go to church or behave in a "religious" way does not save me, and does not justify my actions. However, God does have a plan to save me and he loves me, but I am only justified and made righteous through faith in Jesus. I must trust in Jesus Christ with all my heart and only through Him can I be washed of my sins and be made new. Please help me Father to trust in Jesus Christ with all my heart, and not trust in myself or my "religious" actions. I cannot be saved by the Law because I do not keep the Law completely--I need to be saved through Jesus Christ and continuously submit and surrender to Him. Thank you Father God for your words and your mercy and love.

Romans 2 - Nathanael

Chapter 1 focused on the sins of those who don't follow God and chapter 2 follows up with the sins of those who are following God. 

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 

Romans 2:1

Two big sins of religious persons: hypocrisy and pride

What often follows with those sins is a judging and condemning attitude whereby we look down on other people. 

One of the human conditions is being able to see others failures and faults and not our own. We tend to judge ourselves by our good intentions and others by negative external appearance. 

In humility we must see that we are sinful just like those we judge so that our attitude can be one of mercy.

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 

Romans 2:12

People are guilty before God whether they know his laws or not. 

No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God.

Romans 2:29 NIV

We who are gentiles can become spiritual Jews as by God's grace we seek Jesus and follow him and seek God's favor and not man's. 

http://bible.com/111/rom.2.1-29.NIV

Romans 1 - Esther

"The good news shows how God makes people right with himself. From beginning to end, becoming right with God depends on a person's faith." -Romans 1:17

Acts 25, 26, 27 and 28 - Jason

I love reading about Paul's adventures. It seems like he was in prison for most of the end of Acts, but God was still using him to speak to many people, especially people in high positions in the government, and they listened to him. It is unclear how many of them believed, but they certainly did not think that he was doing anything to incite violence or riots against the Roman empire. It is amazing to me how God continued to speak to Paul and gave him directions for the people he was with, including instructions about how to save them from being shipwrecked. Even when they were wrecked on Malta for a time, God brought people for Paul to minister to and the Lord granted miracles to be done for the people there. In every situation and place that Paul went, he sought God and was prepared to speak and pray for others. Please help me Lord to be led by your Spirit, and let me be useful to you in your Kingdom. I pray to put your Kingdom first and trust in you for everything that I need.

 

Romans 1 - Nathanael

Romans is a powerful and complex book. It is philosophically deep and morally challenges us to a higher ground.  It paints for us the picture of the bleakness of man's sinfulness and the shining hope of God's love, heave and mercy.  This first chapter jumps right in describing the problem of humanity.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 

Romans 1:21‭

Paul describes a downward spiral into moral chaos that starts at this point: 1) not recognizing and glorifying God as God and 2) not thanking God. 

Thankfulness and gratefulness toward God are absolute cornerstones for our lives that, according to this passage, keep our mind and heart clear and free to recognize the truth. 

Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 1:21‭, ‬32 NIV

The spiral of moral depravity spins downward as those who do wrong become brazen, feel no shame and encourage others to follow. 

We are all susceptible to this pull. When we read this, most, including myself, immediately think that this refers to "those other bad people" and not us. 

The truth is that each person is on this slippery slope. There are sins that we become numb to, things like speeding, gossip, anger, lying, and we dismiss their gravity, continue in them and encourage others to join us because "everybody does it. "

We all need to take stock of where we are and seek God's mercy and forgiveness. 

http://bible.com/111/rom.1.21-32.NIV

Acts 28 - Esther

Paul was extremely brave about preaching in Rome. So glad to see that he welcomed all who came to see him.

Acts 28 - Nathanael

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts 28:30‭-‬31 NIV

Though from the outside it would appear that God had deserted Paul since he had been arrested and was still under house arrest. But in reality God's plan was at work and Paul was in the center of God's will. In the middle of these circumstances God was using Paul to preach to many. 

So don't lose heart musty because your conditions seem bad. See how God can use you where you are. 

http://bible.com/111/act.28.30-31.NIV

Acts 26 - Nathanael

"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.

Acts 27:10‭-‬11 NIV

When God is speaking it is better to listen to him than experts. 

http://bible.com/111/act.27.10-11.NIV

Acts 25 - 27

"I have appeared to you to appoint you to serve  me and be my witness. You will tell others that you have seen me today." -Acts 26:16

Acts 24 - Esther

"I am a follower of the Way of Jesus." -Acts 24:14

Acts 24 - Jason

Paul was on trial before the governor Felix, and he was not convicted of any crime, yet he was confined to the prison and was allowed some liberty so that his friends could attend to him. God was using Paul to speak to the Roman governor during this time, which was an amazing opportunity for Paul because the leader of that region was hearing him about Jesus Christ several times. It is unclear whether Felix became a believer in Christ, but he certainly had the seed of the Word of God planted in him. Father God, please use me in the ways that you know are the best. Please help me to listen and learn wisdom from you.

Acts 19 through 23 - Jason

Paul is hearing from many prophets as he is returning to Jerusalem from his 2nd missionary journey, and they all tell him that the Holy Spirit is warning that he will be bound and imprisoned in Jerusalem by the Jews. The prophets in turn urge Paul not to go, but he knows that it is better for him to go back and be ready for these things that God said would happen. This reminds me of Jesus going to Jerusalem as part of his ministry path even though he knew that he would be mostly rejected there and crucified--he also knew that he would rise again and this would be the most important achievement of his ministry. Paul followed God's plan for his life even when it included suffering and pain and earthly humiliation. Lord God, please help me to follow you no matter what the cost. Please open my ears to hear from you and my eyes to see what you are leading me and my family to do.

Acts 21 - Nathanael

Crisis in Jerusalem 

We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 

Acts 21:4‭

Paul was urged and warned not to go but he knew that God had called him to go. So no matter what would happen he was determined to go. 

Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "  

Acts 21:11

This is exactly what happened to him later. 

Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 

Acts 21:13

 Paul knew that this was God's will for him and he was willing even to die for Jesus. 

The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 

Acts 21:30-31

When spiritual forces are at work, we see how the crisis gets escalated in unimaginable ways. 

Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people."  After receiving the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic :

Acts 21:39‭-‬40 NIV

 Paul knew how to relate to people in the best ways depending on the audience. To the Roman soldiers he mentions that he is a Roman citizen and speaks in Greek. To a Jewish audience he speaks in Aramaic. 

http://bible.com/111/act.21.4-40.NIV

Acts 19 - Nathanael

Another exiting chapter. It is very active spiritually both in God's power and also in demonic activity. 

On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 

Acts 19:5‭-‬6‭

Another case of people believing but not having a complete understanding and not having experienced the Holy Spirit. 

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.  

Acts 19:11-12

An exiting description of God doing amazing miracles through Paul. 

One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"

Acts 19:15

A serious reminder that demons are not some small thing to play with. Jesus has complete authority over them, but we by ourselves have none. 

 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.  

Acts 19:19

This shows the extent of the influence of witchcraft in the lives of the people then. I'd say that we are somewhat similar these days. 

But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

Acts 19:34 NIV

This demonstrates the influence of spiritual forces that a whole city can be thrown into turmoil for hours and people don't even know why. 

http://bible.com/111/act.19.5-34.NIV

Acts 18 - Nathanael

Strengthening and encouragement. 

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.  

Acts 18:23

After Paul had gone through a region the first time, he later wrung back to strengthen and encourage the new believers in Christ. 

He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

Acts 18:25‭-‬26 NIV

Apollos started out as a learned man who spoke and taught well but only understood part of the good news of Jesus. After Priscilla and Aquila told him about the baptism of the Holy Spirit he was even more effective. 

http://bible.com/111/act.18.23-26.NIV

Acts 16, 17 and 18 - Jason

Acts 16 is the amazing story of Paul and Silas in Philippi and how they helped a few people to believe in Jesus through some amazing miracles! Lord, I pray that you will help me to know what to do in any situation and not look to save myself first, but think about how my circumstances and my response to them can be used by the Holy Spirit to bring people to Jesus Christ.

Acts 17: I loved to see some details about how Paul taught the people in the Areopagus in Athens. They were pagans, but he used things that he knew about their culture to introduce them to Jesus Christ, and some of the men and women believed. I like to see some of the details of what he said, because I can learn from that. Lord God, please help me to listen to what you want me to say as I speak to others and look for opportunities to introduce them to Jesus Christ.

Acts 18: I was interested in what Apollos was teaching the people and then Aquila and Priscilla explained to him the way of God more accurately. Luke (the author of Acts) is very general here and I wish I knew more about what was taught to them more specifically. I think I need to read and know the other books of the New Testament to see what was specifically taught by the apostles. Lord God, please help me to be teachable and look for the lessons that you want me to be learning at this time in my life.

Acts 17 - Nathanael

I love Acts 17, especially Paul's preaching in Athens

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 

Acts 17:26‭-‬27

Some of what I find interesting here are some practical implications of these statements, notably that God has determined when and where we should live - he has a plan for our lives. These statements,  along with many examples in scripture, tell me that before I move somewhere I need to pray and get direction and confirmation from God since he has places in mind for me. Many just follow jobs, education or just preference but if we are following Jesus we should ask him where he is wanting us to live.

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world God's justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."

Acts 17:30‭-‬31 NIV

God is calling everyone everywhere to turn from their previous ways and follow him. Jesus's resurrection is a key proof for God's plans and purposes in Christ

http://bible.com/111/act.17.26-31.NIV

Acts 16 - Nathanael

The excitement continues - miracles, persecution and salvation! 

Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.  

Acts 16:3‭-‬5

I think this is both humerous and instructive. First it is somewhat ironically humerous that Paul had Timothy circumcised in order to deliver a message that gentiles didn't need to be circumcised in order to be saved. 

What is instructive is that Paul is being practical and 'all things to all people I  order to save some '. He knows tuary Timothy's salvation isn't dependant on circumcision but he doesn't want to have a stumbling block in the way when discussing with the Jews in the area. 

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.  

Acts 16:7,9-10

It is interesting to see different ways that God is directing Paul. The Holy Spirit stops Paul from going to Bithynia but then God gives him a dream. God is good and he directs his children. 

When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose. 

Acts 16:24-26

First it is surprising how Paul and Silas could be singing after having been beaten. Second it is exciting how God miraculously got them out of jail!

He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"  They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

Acts 16:30‭-‬31 NIV

 These situations are exciting when someone asks how to be saved! 

http://bible.com/111/act.16.3-31.NIV

Acts 15 - Nathanael

Disagreements and a way forward.

In this chapter there are disagreements over the nature of salvation and over ministry partners.

Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this questions.

Acts 15:1‭-‬2‭

Here the debate was about the nature of salvation: must a believer in Jesus follow all the old testament law, particularly being circumcised, in order to be saved.

There were disagreements back them just as there will be disagreements now. The question is how to handle them. When they affect the whole church, the appeal is made to the spiritual eldership to pray and consider God's will. 

 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.  

Acts 15:28-29

Their determination, led by the Holy Spirit, was that salvation is by the grace of God, not the external actions. However there are some acts of holiness that follow after salvation that were recommended as well. 

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.

Acts 15:32 NIV

There are quite a few prophets around. 

http://bible.com/111/act.15.1-32.NIV

Acts 14 - Nathanael

Persecution and victory

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 

Acts 14:3

There seems to be a common pattern:  1) speaking about Jesus 2) signs that confirm the message. 

Signs rarely happen in a vacuum. They point to God and confirm the good news about him. 

He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.  

Acts 14:9-10

Signs often also come when the recipient has faith to be healed. If they don't think it is possible, a miracle is much less likely. Not sure why God does this but it probably goes back to the purpose of the miracle which is to point to God. 

The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.  But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: "Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 

Acts 14:13-15

1) Barnabas and Paul refused to be worshipped.

2) the good news calls for people to turn from worthless things to the living God 

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.  Acts 14:19-20

Quite serious persecution: stoned and left for dead. But they didn't die. That must have been extremely painful. And yet they didn't stop preaching the good news! 

They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Acts 14:21-22

They went back to the cities where thru were severely persecuted to strengthen the disciples! Wow! I think most people would avoid those cities from that point on! 

Acts 14:3‭, ‬9‭-‬10‭, ‬13‭-‬15‭, ‬19‭-‬22 NIV

http://bible.com/111/act.14.3-22.NIV

Acts 15 - Jason

I'm always interested in this chapter how there is a discussion about whether or not the new believers should adopt Jewish customs and follow the law of Moses or not. Paul and Barnabas argued before the church council that the new believers should not be made to convert to Judaism, but rather they should ask the Holy Spirit what are the requirements for the new covenant. In a letter that was written to the new believers they said that they would not require them to follow the Mosaic laws, but they were to abstain from anything polluted by idols and sexual immorality. This means that they still had to come away from much of their former cultural things and pagan events. We would do well to continue to follow these directions from the early church leaders inspired by the Holy Spirit. Lord please help me to see if there is anything in my house and life that is not pleasing to you that I should get rid of. Please help me to follow you in Jesus' name.

Acts 11, 12, 13 and 14 - Jason

It was great to see that the church in Jerusalem accepted the work that God was doing bringing salvation and the Holy Spirit to some non-Jewish people. Peter explained to them the vision that he had seen and the way that God showed him what to do.

When Peter was imprisoned, it says that earnest prayers were made to God by the church. They were meeting together, fasting, and crying out to the Lord. They wanted Peter to be saved, but then when he appeared at the door, they did not believe that he had escaped from prison. I want to cry out to God for the things that I need, and the things that our church needs, and I want to have faith that God will answer our prayers. I want to believe in the signs and wonders that are being performed by the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas had a very exciting first missionary journey. It seems that when they went to a new place, they preached the gospel in the synagogues first to Jewish people. Most of the Jews rejected the message, but there were still people from those regions that responded positively to God, and Paul and Barnabas continued to minister to them and God granted signs and wonders to be done through them to confirm the message. It's interesting to me that one of the signs was to make an enemy of the gospel go blind for a time--so not all the signs and wonders were good things or healings to help people. I want to be an ambassador for Christ and to the people that God sends me to or the people that God brings into my life. I pray for the Holy Spirit to work in me to confirm the message of the Scripture.

Acts 12 - Nathanael

Paul and Barnabas begin their work.

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.  

Acts 13:44‭-‬45‭

Nothing stirs up opposition like success. Jealousy is a powerful force. It is one that we must guard against in our own lives and be aware of in others. 

But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13:50‭-‬52 NIV

In  many situations there will be such a split - some who accept the message and some who reject it. Though they were expelled from the area, there was still some who believed. 

http://bible.com/111/act.13.44-52.NIV

Acts 12 - Nathanael

This is a sad, funny, surprising and interesting chapter all in one.

He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 

Acts 12:2‭-‬3

This is quite sad. James, the brother of Peter, is put to death. It seems to have happened quite suddenly and caught the church by surprise since there is little mention of anything surrounding it. 

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.  

Acts 12:5

After James was put to death, now the church is alert and aware of the real danger so they are praying hard for God to rescue him. 

Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 

Acts 12:9

It is interesting that Peter could be physically walking out of the prison and not be sure if this was a vision. The visions that Peter had previously must have been extremely clear and realistic. Though perhaps part of it was due to him being quite sleepy, having just suddenly been awakened. 

When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 

Acts 12:12

 It is somewhat funny that the church had been praying all night for Peter, presumably for his release, and yet thru cannot believe that their prayer was answered even when Peter arrives at the house they are at. See the next section below. 

When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"  "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." 

Acts 12:14-15

 They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Acts 12:22‭-‬23 NIV

 First the murder of James and then a prideful response and God determined that Herod's time was up. I wonder how long his death took - if it was the same day or a little bit later. 

http://bible.com/111/act.12.2-23.NIV

Acts 11 - Nathanael

Gentiles and Paul are back on the scene in this chapter. 

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Acts 11:25‭-‬26 NIV

Barnabas was an encourager and a connector. He initially calmed the fears of the apostles in Jerusalem so that Paul could meet with them and now he is bringing Paul back from Tarsus, which is a long ways away. If Barnabas hadn't gotten Paul at this time, Paul likely wouldn't have gone on the three missionary journeys and then not have written all the new testament books that we are so familiar with. God could have still worked it out but clearly Barnabas was a part of God's plan. 

http://bible.com/111/act.11.25-26.NIV

Acts 10 - Nathanael

Another powerful chapter!

One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"  

Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 

Acts 10:3‭,5

It is interesting that the angel could have told the good news of Jesus to Cornelius but 1) God chooses to use people in his mission and 2) God had a work to do in Peter and the church in general for them to know that Jesus came to save the whole world, not just Jewish believers. 

As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."  

Acts 10:25-26

Peter would not allow a man to worship him because he knew he was not God but a mere man. 

He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"  

Acts 10:28-29

It was against the Jewish law to associate or visit with a gentile. God wanted to change that and make it clear that he came to save gentiles as well and that he and other Jewish believers should not have a separation between them. Jesus came to make the two people one! 

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 

Acts 10:3‭4-35

Amen!

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."  While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

Acts 10:‬43‭-‬44 NIV

I like how the Holy Spirit didn't wait for Peter to finish, but came in the middle of Peter's speaking. 

http://bible.com/111/act.10.3-44.NIV

Acts 9 and 10 - Jason

Acts 9 is an awesome story about the conversion of Saul. He was on the path to arrest several Christians in Damascus, but Jesus appeared to him and spoke to him saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Saul did not realize until this event that Jesus is the Christ, and he began to preach and prove to others that Jesus is the Christ using the Scriptures. God said that Saul would suffer much for the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 10 is also an amazing story about how God showed Peter that he should also go to Gentile families to preach the Good News. A man who feared God was named Cornelius and as he prayed he understood that God wanted him to send for Peter and listen to what he would teach them. When they did so and Peter obeyed God, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the news, and many people were baptized who were not people of Israel, but they were God's people.

Lord, please help me to be open and listening to your words. Please help me to be led by you, and give be courage to do everything that you have for me.

Acts 9 - Nathanael

In this chapter, Saul/ Paul comes fully onto the scene. 

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 

Acts 9:3‭-‬4

A very dramatic appearance of Jesus to interrupt Paul's life. 

  "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."  

Acts 9:13, 15-16

Ananias was quite reasonably afraid. But God had plans for Paul. He took the one who was strongly opposed to him and made him strongly in his favor. 

 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.  

Acts 9:22

Paul was a man of action. He didn't sit still but fought vigorously for whay he believed. 

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.

Acts 9:26

It was tough for Paul in the early days to have believers trust him. 

 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 

Acts 9:29

Drama seems to follow Paul. 

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Acts 9:31NIV

Another period of peace. God brings his people through various situations to accomplish his purpose through and in them. We just need to keep our eyes on Jesus and trust him no matter the situation. 

http://bible.com/111/act.9.3-31.NIV

Acts 8 - Nathanael

More excitement but with trouble as well.

And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 

Acts 8:1

There are times of favor and times of persecution and difficulty. Though we often want to avoid the difficulty, God is still ay work accomplishing his propose as we see in the next section. 

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 

Acts 8:4

Though persecution isn't pleasant, it forced the church to disperse and spread the good news. Sometimes we need to be pushed out of our comfort zones! 

because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.  

Acts 8:16-17

They had seen and heard about the holy spirit but had not yet received. 

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 8:39 NIV

exciting times! 

http://bible.com/111/act.8.1-39.NIV

Acts 8 - Jason

When Philip went down the road that the Holy Spirit directed him, he met a man who was reading the Scripture, but he had questions. Philip was able to get close and explain what he was reading and introduce him to Jesus, and he wanted to get baptized that day. I pray for the Lord to lead me into special encounters like this so that I can bear fruit and more people can come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.