Make Jesus the Vision Reflection  Luke’s final observation of Paul was that he “taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance.” Paul never lost sight of Jesus; his Christ-centered message was proclaimed wherever he went. He spoke the name of Jesus, believing in the power of the name and being a man who was not … Read More

Serve Relentlessly Reflection  We are struck by the relentlessness of Paul, how this great apostle kept going. The word we associate with Paul is servant, he served the Church, and he served his Savior. He was a beautiful servant of the gospel. His life’s mission was to testify to the good news of God’s grace.  As we think about gathering … Read More

Worship Truly Reflection  Paul speaks to the people of Athens about their altar dedicated to “the unknown God.” He saw a world filled with idols and false gods but used that moment to introduce them to the one true God. Like Athens, our world today is full of people worshiping “unknown gods” and following things that cannot satisfy. Paul boldly … Read More

Be Unshaken in Praise Reflection  We find it amazing that as the church grew and continued to experience opposition that Paul and Silas sang hymns to God even while they were in chains. It would seem to us that the growth and mission of the church was marked by joy, that the men and women of the early church regularly … Read More

Turn to Jesus Reflection  We see today that a praying church saw a miraculous breakthrough. Peter was in prison, but the church was “earnestly praying to God for him” and as the church prayed earnestly to God for him, he was set free. We learn from this that when the church gathers and prays that we will see miracles. Our … Read More

Keep Going Reflection  We are once again encouraged that despite persecution, the early church persevered and didn’t give up. They remained true to the Lord with all their hearts. This meant that they did not give up in spreading the word and they saw great fruit.  There are times in our own lives where we can feel like giving up, … Read More

Let Faith Win Reflection  Today we read that Peter propelled the growth of the church into a new audience, through receiving a vision while praying. Up until this point in the book of Acts, the gospel had been predominantly proclaimed among the Jews. Here, we see a radical change that was essential for the proclamation of the gospel to all … Read More

Find the Unexpected in the Ordinary Reflection  It’s interesting that Paul had this experience on the road to Damascus, a rather inconsequential and insignificant road, it is on this road that Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. This didn’t happen through a preacher or someone else sharing their faith; this was a miraculous revelation of Jesus. We all know people who … Read More

Pray Strength for the Persecuted Reflection  We read that the church came under intense persecution and then scattered. We are distinctly aware today of our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted for having faith in Jesus. We pray that they would be strengthened and know that God is with them as they seek to preach the word … Read More

Depend on the Spirit Reflection  Peter and John are released, and they go back to the church who have been praying. Together they all resolve to persevere and to keep going. At that moment, the room they are in is shaken and they are once again filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s word boldly. Commentator Adam Clarke said … Read More