Focal Passage: Acts 5:29-42 

The word “worthy” is defined by the dictionary as having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in a specified way. When used biblically, it characterizes a believer who walks in a manner worthy of the calling with which he has been called and is one whose daily living corresponds to his blessed position as a child of God and fellow heir with Jesus Christ. 

We find it hard to rejoice in suffering. In fact, human nature drives us completely in the opposite direction. The only way this changes is if we recognize the cause of our suffering is of a higher value and greater worth. The Apostle Paul often remarked about the joy he received in suffering affliction because of Jesus. Why? Because it elevates us to a level higher than ourselves as we share in the suffering of Jesus who suffered for us in our redemption. It is easier for us to suffer for those we love. It may not be pleasant, but we know the reason we are experiencing it and the value is worth the price.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 4:36-5:11 

As we begin our study this week, we see two stories about two similar events. Neither gives a great deal of information about the details, but only a summation of the very different outcomes. 

In Acts, Luke, as with his gospel, was more interested in his readers understanding the “why” rather than get caught up in the minutia of the particulars. We can assume that there were more to each of these stories than what Luke chose to include.  

For example, Luke doesn’t tell us why Barnabas decided to sell his land and give the money to the church. Similarly, we do not know why Ananias and Sapphira decided to do the same. All we know is that one had righteous motives and intent and the other did not.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 4:8-21 

Sometimes I must admit that I really don’t understand the thinking of some people. Some will cling to a lie even though truth is staring them right in the eye. They would rather hold on to their preconception regardless of the evidence to the contrary. 

Mark Twain once quoted, “No amount of evidence will ever persuade a fool.” We may find this quote somewhat humorous, but it does contain an element of truth.  

When someone refuses to change their perspective knowing that it is false as evidenced by the truth is foolish. We see an example of that ideology in our passage this week. The Sanhedrin could see physical truth before their eyes but continued to reject the Holy Spirit’s proof. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 3:12-26 

In our study today one might read this passage and say, “Wonderful story about a man getting healed. But how is that fulfilling the Great Commission?” The answer is context. 

You see we may think we are the ones that have to create our own opportunities to share Jesus. And we should be looking for those opportunities and be ready to give people a reason for the hope that is in within us. But, where we make the mistake is we sometimes try to force opportunities and that’s why we are not very successful in our witness.  

We must truly understand what Jesus commanded if we are to truly understand how we are to obey it. Many take the “Go” to mean it is all on them to make things happen. The “Go” in Jesus’ command in the Greek also can be translated “As you go.” Life is a linear path and is always moving. In other words, as we proceed forward in life, we need to be His witnesses in presented opportunities.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 2:41-47 

On the day of Pentecost, God establishes the early Church with the coming of the Holy Spirit.  And after Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the group of disciples present, estimated to be 120, exploded to more than 3,000 in a single day. 

One would think that kind of growth would produce mass chaos and monumental logistical problems within the Church. Luke emphasizes in our study this week that just the opposite happened. Instead of massive disorganization, the Church came together in a unified body of cohesiveness.

The passage also tells us they devoted themselves to learning more about God through the teaching of the Apostles. They were eager to know how to deepen their understanding on how to live as God’s people. What they heard and saw filled them with amazement, awe and wonder. We, too, can experience that kind of excitement if only we devote ourself to the study of God’s Word.   [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 2:5-16, 36-38 

In this week’s study we examine probably one of the most discussed phenomena’s in the New Testament. When the Holy Spirit came upon the believers it marked one of the most remarkable events in the life of a follower of Jesus. Until this time, the Holy Spirit made His appearance in specific instances and only for certain period of time.  

However, this time His appearance was very different. This time the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence in the lives of the believers. What happened then is still happening today to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus. At that moment, the Holy Spirit enters our heart and makes it His permanent home.

In Acts 2:5-16, we see that Jerusalem was crowded with people there for the Feast of Pentecost.  They came from everywhere even as far away as Rome, Egypt and Asia. And, there were as many languages and dialects as there were countries.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 1:4-11, 23-26 

The book of Acts is wonderful and powerful piece of literature. It combines divine power evidenced in factual history in a story narrative. Most scholars believe that Luke is the author and the style is most definitely familiar with his. 

There are also internal references as well. Take for instance the fact the book is addressed to Theophilus. We know that Luke’s Gospel was also addressed to Theophilus which is alluded to in the prologue of Acts. The “we” passages also present a strong case for Luke because we know he was a traveling companion of Paul on many of his missionary journeys. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Genesis 50:15-26 

One of the mountain top verses of the Old Testament is “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, the saving of many lives.” A transformative verse for me.  

A brief story. In the fall of 1983, I was 26 and a student at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Having completed my master of divinity in the spring, I had begun my Ph.D. work and was scheduled to lead my first seminar in a class on sisdom literature.  My assignment was an in-depth book review and response to Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book Why Bad Things Happen to Good People which was a bestseller at that moment.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Genesis 45:1-15 

While the final note of the story of Joseph would come when the brothers no longer had the protection of their father after the death of Jacob when Joseph professed his love for them, the climax of the story took place in the revelation of Joseph to his brothers (45:1-15). The fulfillment of the dreams was now complete.

The worst nightmare for the brothers became reality. Not only was Joseph alive, but he was in charge. What was expected never happened.  No shouting. No death threats. No multiple ways of destruction. No “I told you so!” Only tears. 

Joseph had the power now, not the older brothers. Now was the time for revenge for the pit, the slave caravan, the prison, Mrs. Potiphar, the prison, and all those who “forgot!’ But most of all, it was time to put the brothers in their place for lying and deceiving their father. Yet, it did not come.   [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Genesis 41:14-20, 33-37 

As a widower, one of the things that I find joy in, is the occasional conversation with someone that remembers my wife and something that she did or one of her characteristics. We usually laugh about some wonderful memory. I enjoy remembering. I enjoy someone saying her name one more time. And I really enjoy that she is not forgotten.

Being forgotten is a fear that many may have. Being forgotten is like an old song — “just blowin’ in the wind.” We often feel irrelevant and not important. Throughout Joseph’s life — the caravan trip, his first time in prison, his early days in Potiphar’s house and his second trip in prison — Joseph seems to have been forgotten. His brothers forgot. The caravan leaders forgot. Potiphar forgot. Even the cupbearer and baker — his prison buddies — forgot! All forgot, except two. First, the Lord.  [Read more…]