trying to find His way
“The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.” (Acts 3:13) Peter is connecting the healing of this man to Jesus and to the God of Israel.This raises the question as to why God chooses to work through Israel.The ancient nation of Israel was not chosen because they…
“He went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:8) Something amazing and life transforming happened to this man, and it showed.His praise was not scripted worship, a part of the order of worship.It was spontaneous, the natural result of experiencing something great.I have not been healed this way, but…
“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6) I once heard someone observe that Peter says two things we can’t say today.We cannot say ‘silver and gold I do not have’.And we cannot say ‘in the name of…
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47) I’ve always understood this passage as a checklist for a successful church.This list was reduced to worship, discipleship, fellowship and outreach.Though stewardship was highlighted, not to the extent of this…
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41) On this momentous occasion, about 3000 Jesus followers were baptized that day.These were Jewish believers and their children, gathered for the Pentecost Feast.These were families, old and young, from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5).I try to…
“Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33) Peter is explaining the significance of this moment.The sights and sounds are the result of a creation being restored.This “man accredited by God” (2:22) is now ruling…
“David said about him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me.’” (Acts 2:25) Did David really say this about the coming Messiah?This quote is from Psalm 16:8-11, and is David’s own prayer.The NIV has “I keep my eyes always on the LORD.” (Psalm 16:8)Based on this confident, he is certain the Lord will save him from death.This is…
“Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him.” (Acts 2:22) Many Christians think of Jesus as a miracle worker.They assume that miracles were easy for Him because He was God.Like superman with superpowers hidden by Clark Kent’s normal clothes.I affirm that…
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17) Peter quotes the prophet Joel, who is speaking about a time of national crisis.Joel calls everyone together – the old, young, even nursing babies (Joel 2:15-17).In that moment a radical blessing of God’s Spirit will come on all of them.This represents the fullness of God’s presence,…
“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own to languages!” (Acts 2:11) Jesus sends us to make disciples of all nations.But how can we communicate with people with think and speak differently?How can we overcome the confusion and division of Babel?On this day the Spirit of Jesus gives them the words to speak.on…