January 16 Acts 9:20-43 (ESV) 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to … More January 16 Acts 9:20-43
John Piper, in a sermon “Overflowing Grace for All Who Believe” comments on the conversion of Saul in Acts 9, which we read today. This is the kind of person that no one expects to be converted. His opposition is too deep and too articulate. So much of his life would be threatened if Christianity … More God’s mercy and power are not limited. Period.
January 15 Acts 9:1-19 (ESV) The Conversion of Saul 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now … More January 15 Acts 9:1-19
John Piper in a sermon, “The Leading of the Lord in Personal Evangelism” from Acts 8:26-40, in our Bible reading plan today. …. the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch teaches us one of the ways God uses to evangelize the world. I say “one of the ways God uses” because it is clear … More God-given Direction
January 14 Acts 8:26-40 (ESV) Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south [1] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, … More January 14 Acts 8:26-40
January 13 Acts 8:1-25 (ESV) Saul Ravages the Church 8:1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was … More January 13 Acts 8:1-25
We read today: Acts 7:39-60 Did you notice the repetition of the word “hands?” In 7:41, he mentions how in the incident of the golden calf, Israel rejoiced in the work of their hands. In 7:48, “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands.” In 7:50, “Was it not My … More Hands and hearts
January 12 Acts 7:39-60 (ESV) 39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of … More January 12 Acts 7:39-60
Today we come to the first half of Acts 7, the story of Stephen. Here is a sermon from Acts 7, The Story of a Stiff-Necked People by John Piper. So in Acts 7:1 the high priest gives Stephen a chance to defend himself, “Is this so?” he asks. And Stephen does a very strange … More History as a defense
January 11 Acts 7:1-38 (ESV) Stephen’s Speech 7:1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and … More January 11 Acts 7:1-38
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 