TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 17:16-33
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
Postmodern philosophy has stirred up a lot of questions about the notion of truth, many of which are being asked inside the church. One Christian author wrestles with truth in this way: “The challenge in modernity was to prove that we're right and they're wrong. But I think we have a different challenge in postmodernity. The question isn't so much whether we're right but whether we're good.”

Certainly our lives and lifestyles are important. But this conclusion isn't completely sufficient. What is truth? is and always will be an important gospel question. In our reading from Acts 17, Paul found truth for his proclamation of the gospel in some unlikely sources. But it shouldn't surprise us that the world that God has made and everything in it can tell us something about Him. As the theologian Abraham Kuyper has said, “There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus does not cry out, ”˜This is mine!'”

The most important dimension of gospel truth is the historical truth of Jesus Christ. Paul made the story of Jesus and His resurrection the primary content of his preaching in the Jewish synagogues and in the secular forums. We cannot escape the importance of the “facts” of Jesus' life in speaking of gospel truth.

But Paul shows us how the gospel can embrace other elements of truth, outside of our normal categories of religious truth. We cannot preach the gospel apart from its historical content, but we can include in the gospel other nonreligious ideas, whether scientific, political, literary, or historical. If an idea is true, then it ultimately belongs to God. For example, Paul used a pagan altar to speak of the Living God. In his sermon, he incorporated secular Greek poetry to speak of the Imago Dei.

He closed by speaking of eschatological truth, that is, the truth of what will happen in the future. God has appointed His Son, Jesus, to judge the world with justice. And this truth is supported by the fact that Jesus Himself was raised from the dead, and has proven Himself to be God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The gospel insists upon truth: truth about Jesus, truth about our future, and truth about the world. And the Bible is ultimately our source of truth. Because our world does not submit to this truth, our challenge as Christians is to remain critically engaged with culture, understanding how we can provide inroads for the gospel by discovering other expressions of God's truth. Publications, like Books and Culture and Christianity Today, can help us to gain that Christian perspective on our culture.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 1:3-23
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him. - Colossians 2:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In her book, Total Truth, Nancy Pearcey argues persuasively for the importance of constructing a Christian worldview. She herself was strongly influenced by the ministry of Francis Schaeffer, a gifted apologist of the twentieth century. But even Pearcey, an academic who thrives in the world of ideas, admits the insufficiency of a purely cerebral faith. “We may do a great job of arguing that Christianity is total truth, but others will not find our message persuasive unless we give a visible demonstration of that truth in action.”

The gospel lives squarely in the midst of this tension of faith, the tension between belief and behavior. Our culture exalts sincerity as the only religious virtue of importance. They say it matters less what we believe and more that we believe it passionately. Christianity, on the other hand, insists upon truth. Faith depends upon right belief. Colossians 1:15-20 reaffirm orthodox Christian belief, apart from which there can be no saving faith. We believe in Christ, Creator and Lord, Son of God, Head of the church, Savior of the world. We believe in God's redemption having been accomplished through Christ's death on the cross. We hold onto our faith as we continue to believe in these truths of the gospel (v. 23).

For all of the truth claims of the Bible—even in this particular passage in Colossians—faith is more than simply having the right beliefs. Faith is not just a matter of mastering the facts. Authentic Christian faith is a marriage of belief and practice. Paul demonstrated that the gospel always bears the fruit of godly character. Knowledge and doctrine are not a destination but a means to discovering a life well-pleasing to the Lord. Faith is a matter of mind and heart, thought and action.

The gospel is given credit for the godly character for which the saints in Colossae were commended by Paul. Our belief today is doing its job when we, like they, are growing to trust God and love the saints more and more.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
With rates of divorce and sexual immorality about the same among conservative Christians and unbelievers, it's no surprise that some people consider the definition of “Christian” to be “hypocrite.” Imagine if the church could gain a reputation rivaling that of the Colossians. Imagine the gospel bearing fruit in our churches and Christians being known for their generosity, humility, truth, love, sacrifice. Pray for the church today, that we would hear and understand the truth of God's grace and grow in faith, hope, and love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 18:21-35
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine that you're scheduled for knee replacement surgery. The doctor explains, “First, you'll do six months of intensive physical therapy, and after that, we'll perform the surgery.” You'd have some questions! Why practice walking when you don't have the good knee yet?

Christian discipleship starts with aggressive surgery: a new heart. Then comes the practice of living like Christ. The order should never be confused. The Christian gospel isn't first a message of moral behavior, as if we become Christians by doing right things. Protecting this understanding of salvation by grace was the focus of the Protestant Reformation and remains critically important today. That's why verse 35 might offend our sensibilities. Is God saying that our forgiveness is contingent upon human effort?

Absolutely not. Jesus began His parable with the phrase, “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like . . .” He isn't offering up a way to enter the kingdom of heaven. He isn't showing a road for salvation. Instead, He's giving us a glimpse of what it looks like when men and women, redeemed by God, live under His rule.

Their example is God Himself, the King. He is just, having every right to demand that those indebted to Him repay what they owe. But the King is merciful. He shows pity. His forgiveness is extravagant.

That's why the ungrateful servant's actions were so repugnant. The debt he owed, itself the value of the lifetime service of 10,000 slaves, was irredeemable. But the debt he demanded repaid, the value of 100 days wages, could have been repaid in time. Yet he was unwilling, impatient, and unmerciful. His fellow servants saw the injustice of his actions.

The gospel invites us to throw out the weights and measures by which we assess what we're owed and what we deserve. Because God has forgiven us a debt that we could never have repaid, we can no longer exact from others the justice from which we've been spared.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our key verse sets a standard for forgiveness, which, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, would be impossible: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Consider the implications for your life. Are you, like the Lord, ready to forgive when someone has not even apologized? Are you willing to completely erase the record of offense? Can you forgive generously even when the offense itself is great? Pray for the willingness and obedience to begin a journey of forgiveness in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. - 2 Corinthians 9:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, launched a courageous mission last Easter. Seeking to be radically generous, they have established an initiative called “XYZ.” First, they work toward helping every child in West Michigan have food and shelter (X). Next, they help the poorest families in Grand Rapids gain meaningful employment (Y). Finally, they will reach out to the country of Burundi, the world's poorest economy (Z).

Mars Hill Bible Church is living out the grace of the gospel. Second Corinthians 8 explains that when gospel grace is operative in our lives, we will become financially generous. This makes sense as we look toward the example of Jesus Christ. God's love came to us by way of extraordinary sacrifice. The Son of God, rich in glory and divine privilege, set these aside to become a man and to die on the cross as a substitute for sinners.

God's grace isn't a one-time force, operative only at the time of conversion. Sometimes we think of grace narrowly in the context of salvation. We think of grace as something to receive, rather than as something to live. And grace does originate with God (v. 1). Our human efforts cannot manufacture grace. We must receive it from its divine source. And yet, grace becomes then something to give, a principle to live out (v. 7).

Here this active, responsive grace is defined in terms of financial generosity. The example of the Macedonian church, whose generosity Paul used to inspire the Corinthians to give, is particularly challenging. They were suffering persecution. They had no means by which to give. They had every right to ask that a collection be taken on their behalf.

But the gospel inspired them toward financial sacrifice. They gave what they didn't have, and they gave it willingly and cheerfully. They had been made rich by God's grace. Money was scarce, but joy and love were not.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever given money away that you didn't really have? This requires an immense amount of faith, and it's this kind of faith that pleases God. Read Mark 12:41-44, the story of the widow's offering. She demonstrated a radical dependence upon God to meet her needs. You may have significant financial needs as a result of losing a job or incurring a significant amount of debt. Rather than waiting for a time when you have the money to give, give now as an expression of your trust in God's provision.

[nChrist]

God's grace isn't a one-time force, operative only at the time of conversion. Sometimes we think of grace narrowly in the context of salvation. We think of grace as something to receive, rather than as something to live. And grace does originate with God (v. 1). Our human efforts cannot manufacture grace. We must receive it from its divine source. And yet, grace becomes then something to give, a principle to live out (v. 7).

AMEN!

GOD'S Grace is impossible to measure, and each of HIS children continue to receive HIS Grace every day. If we yield to HIM, HIS GRACE will work in and through us to others.

Love In Christ,
Tom

KEEP LOOKING UP!!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:1-11
Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.� - 1 Peter 5:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many contemporary churches have chosen to remove religious symbols from their physical worship space: no pulpit, no pews, no cross. A church can worship without pews, of course, but the cross, from the first century until today, has been our most important visual symbol and organizing principle in the Christian faith. We know of no other way, apart from God's grace, that sinners could turn back to God.

But God's grace is more than just a means for getting us into heaven. It becomes a pattern by which we are to live. The cross secures our atonement, but it also provides for us a visual of what it means to lead grace-filled lives. Yesterday, we explored the idea of generosity. Today we look at humility.

Everything about the Incarnation and the cross speaks humility. God's Son, fully God, decided to forego His divine rights and privileges. What He deserved—that to which He was entitled—was voluntarily and humbly surrendered. His obedience to the Father led Him to utter humiliation: a criminal's execution. Scorn quickly followed misunderstanding. Jesus suffered for us because He looked “not only to [His] own interests, but also to the interests of others” (v. 4). This willing sacrifice required great humility.

People of the gospel are humble. Responding to the encouragement, comfort, and fellowship we have with Christ, it necessarily follows that we will in turn live out the humility of Christ. The implications are sobering. The pursuit of like-mindedness in the church will require us to talk less and listen more. We might have to compromise the ideas about which we've become impassioned but which are peripheral to the gospel, for the sake of unity. Humility means turning away from the drive to be the best, even in spiritual and ministry realms. We can celebrate others' achievements and gifts when we've determined we're no longer racing to the top. Humility is partner to the virtue of love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God calls His church to humility, but often, humility feels the most elusive of all of the Christian virtues. How do we actually become humble people? In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus calls our attention to serving “the least of these:” the imprisoned, the poor, and the immigrant. Serving those who might never express gratitude and doing invisible acts of kindness for which you might never be recognized are important ways to learn humility. How might you pursue opportunities to serve “the least of these?”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In January, a film debuted in Japan that recounted the story of Lee Su Hyon, a South Korean man who was killed when he tried to rescue a drunken stranger who had fallen from the platform on to the train tracks in Tokyo. His attempted rescue was particularly remarkable given the complex feelings of many South Koreans toward Japan, their former colonial ruler. It's hard enough to love the people we know, much less sacrifice ourselves for a stranger from a country we dislike.

Love is the mark of Christian believers. The gospel is our source of this love, not simply as information but as transformation. When the gospel hasn't informed someone's mind, there is only “darkened understanding,” and “futility of . . . thinking” (vv. 17-19). But the effects are not exclusively cerebral. Such ignorance inevitably corrupts the behavior. Wrong thinking makes for wrong living.

By contrast, Christians live a life informed and transformed by the gospel. The gospel has given us a new identity and a new sense of belonging. Now we are members of a redeemed humanity, the body of Christ. And just as Scripture calls us to living a life of love, it first demands that we “put off” all that impedes love, including lying, stealing, anger, and unwholesome speech.

Gospel people must preserve necessary trust in the body of Christ. That's why they refuse to lie and steal, for this kind of deception would undermine any and every relationship. Gospel people seek more peaceful resolution to conflict, a method that doesn't give personal anger a foothold. They don't allow themselves a tirade here and a rant there. They don't grant themselves permission to hold onto a grudge. And they are vigilant about what they say to each other. There can be no excuses or rationalizations, defending what they say because it's true. The biblical standard isn't just, “Is it true?” but, “Is it helpful?” Honesty, self-control, and gentleness—these are more fruits of the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What would it be like if, in our churches, in our Sunday schools, and in our small groups, we all heeded the biblical principle to speak when and what could “benefit those who listen?” What stories would we stop telling because they are only meant to cast us in a favorable light? How much less gossip would masquerade as “prayer requests?” How much more gently would we speak words of correction and admonition? How much regret could be avoided for words we say that we can never take back?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. - 1 Timothy 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
This fall will be the fiftieth anniversary of the integration of Central High School in Little Rock. We remember the courage of nine black students who walked through the jeering, bigoted crowds. We'll recall the work of the leaders of the civil rights movement, whose commitment to equality began to transform a society infested with racial discrimination.

The people who changed the world have been committed to great ideas. The gospel is the most important among these. We started our study this month with a passage from Galatians, exploring Paul's passion for the defense of the gospel. He never tolerated sloppiness when it came to thinking about and communicating the gospel. Paul's preoccupation with the power and preservation of the gospel echoes throughout each of the New Testament books, and no less here in 1 Corinthians 15.

The gospel always ignites action. Notice all the verbs in the first two verses of chapter 15: preach, receive, take a stand, save, believe. The gospel is an agent of action, doing the work of saving us. But it is also a promoter of action. It compels us to preach its truth, to receive and believe by faith, and defend its truth with courage. What the gospel can never accommodate is apathy or indifference. It always pushes us to a precipice of faith, forcing us to choose what and whom we believe and trust.

The gospel conveys to us the historic truths of the Christian faith, those about which Paul reminds his audience in verses 3 through 7. In every age, these truths have been attacked. But Christians, following the example of Paul, have gone to bat, defending the veracity of the gospel. And this will continue to be our job.

Most of all, the gospel changes us. As Paul put it, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect” (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What action do you need to take in response to the gospel? Have you never yet received the truth of Jesus' love and sacrifice for you, a sinner? Embrace the gospel by faith today. Is God calling you to preach the gospel to someone in your life who needs the hope of Jesus? Will you take a stand for the gospel when attacked by its critics? And will you surrender yourself to the life-changing power of the gospel?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 1:1-11
Go and make disciples of all nations. - Matthew 28:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the 2005 Baylor Religion Study, 79.1 percent of Christians said that they had not shared their faith with a stranger during the previous month. This reflects the uneasiness that many Christians feel about evangelism. Many don't know what to say or worry about offending people. If you can identify with these sentiments, you're not alone. Yet both Matthew's Gospel and today's passage make it clear that Jesus commissioned His followers for this very purpose—to be His witnesses.

The book of Acts—our focus for September—is filled with great encouragement for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Throughout our study, we'll find numerous summaries of the gospel, compelling examples of evangelism, and winsome role models. We'll see the amazing ways in which the gospel spreads and transforms everything in its path.

Recording the gospel's power was one of Luke's primary purposes for writing Acts. In his Gospel, Luke tells Theophilus (who may have funded Luke's work) that he's writing an account of Jesus' life so that Theophilus might be certain of what he's been taught (Luke 1:4). In “volume two,” Luke summarizes where he left off (see Luke 24:44-53) and assures Theophilus of the many “convincing proofs” that affirm Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:3). Although Luke himself wasn't an eyewitness of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, his written record rests solidly on eyewitness testimony.

Luke next records how Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. It would only be through the Spirit that the disciples could be Jesus' witnesses to the ends of the earth.

The disciples' question (v. 6) shows how deeply they longed for the physical restoration of God's kingdom on earth. Yet Jesus' answer is a good reminder that God alone knows the timing of His plans. Even the disciples had to be warned against speculating about the future. Instead, both they, and we, can know with certainty the most important thing—that Jesus is coming back (v. 11)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many Christians have thought a lot about the resurrection, but not as much about Jesus' ascension. Yet knowing that Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, has complete authority over every evil power (see Eph. 1:19-21), and is currently interceding on our behalf (see Heb. 7:25), fills us with assurance as we share the gospel. And until His glorious return, we've been given the Holy Spirit, who emboldens us to bear witness to the risen Lord Jesus, and works through our fears and failures.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 1:12-26
On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. - Matthew 16:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
On November 4, 2006, a letter was read to members of New Life Church, in Colorado Springs, written by their pastor, Ted Haggard. Part of this letter read: “I am guilty of sexual immorality . . . I am a deceiver and a liar.” Haggard's admission left many Christians stunned, grieved, and confused. How could this happen to such a prominent Christian leader? How could New Life Church go on after such a publicized moral failure? The public failings of a trusted Christian leader are painful for any church or Christian organization. The early disciples experienced this pain to a much greater degree as they considered the magnitude of Judas's betrayal of Jesus. But God sustains His people, giving both New Life Church and the disciples strength to move forward.

After Luke's opening focus on the ascension, today's passage is a jarring reminder of sin's devastating effects. In some ways, this passage seems to interrupt the command to wait for the Spirit and the upcoming events of Pentecost. Yet this passage has some very important assurances to offer about God's unstoppable plan for the gospel.

First, we see the essential role of Scripture. Quoting from Psalm 69 and 109, both written by David, Peter understood that David's enemies were actually God's enemies, because David was the Lord's anointed. Just as David prefigured Jesus the Messiah, so also David's enemies pointed to Jesus' betrayer, Judas. Thus, Scripture informed Peter's insight concerning Judas's defection, as well as the need for his replacement.

Second, we see the church's sure foundation. Ephesians 2:20 says that the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles, and in Revelation 21:14, the twelve stones of the foundation of the New Jerusalem are inscribed with the names of the twelve disciples. It was necessary to replace Judas and not to start the church with eleven disciples. Understanding this also counters the idea that Peter was acting impulsively by not waiting for Paul.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The moral failure of any Christian leader is devastating. Yet today's passage assures us that ultimately the gospel isn't thwarted by such events. If you know of a church facing this trial, here are three applications from today's passage. First, look to the Bible for understanding and direction. Human sin is no surprise to the Lord. Second, join with others in prayer. Notice what the early church was doing in verses 14 and 24. Third, rest in God's sovereignty and the church's unshakable foundation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 2:1-41
The Lord confused the language of the whole world. - Genesis 11:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Perhaps you can relate to the difficulty of struggling through a few phrases in another language while traveling. Now imagine having to read the Bible in another language because it's unavailable in your own. This explains the joy that Pa Bates, in Cameroon, had to receive God's Word in his language: “I had never thought that God could understand and even speak Ejagham, because I had never met any preacher since I was baptized 50 years ago who preached in Ejagham, much less read God's Word in Ejagham. I am pleased to know that God will understand me when I talk to Him.”

This same thrill electrified Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago—people from all over the Roman Empire suddenly hearing about God in their language!

Recall that Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. It's no coincidence that the outpouring of the Spirit took place as thousands were gathering for Pentecost, the Festival of Weeks, which celebrated the first fruits of the wheat harvest (see Lev. 23:15-22). Jews from all over were gathered to hear the good news that Jesus is both Christ and Lord. The barrier erected at Babel was being reversed through the Holy Spirit.

Yet this “wonder” needed God's revelation to be understood properly. So the Spirit directed Peter to Joel (2:28-32) to explain that the promised Spirit, not wine, enabled humble Galilean fishermen to speak other languages. Moreover, “miracles, wonders, and signs” attested the lordship of Jesus (v. 22), who had been crucified some 50 days earlier. Peter then moved to Psalm 16 to show that because David's death and burial were well known (v. 29), David's words actually pointed to the Messiah, Jesus, who could not be held by death and was resurrected. Finally from Psalm 110, Peter shows that Jesus is now exalted at God's right hand.

Peter's words cut to the core of those listening. Finally grasping the true identity of Jesus of Nazareth, they repented and were baptized.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Peter's sermon is one of several summaries of the gospel in Acts. Take a few minutes and meditate on what Peter says about the gospel's key components: Jesus' life and ministry (v. 22), His death (v. 23), His resurrection (vv. 24-32), and His exaltation (vv. 33-35). Then consider the importance of repentance, baptism, and accepting the gospel (vv. 38, 41). Next, try to answer the question “What is the gospel?” in your own words. Now pray that the Holy Spirit will open a door to share this wonderful news!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 3:1-26
Then will the lame leap like a deer. - Isaiah 35:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Like other troubled kids, Roberto Ortega tried to escape problems at home with alcohol. Together with thousands of other teenagers in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, life seemed meaningless for Roberto. Other teens turned to drugs or prostitution to try to cope. The situation was so dire that Managuan officials advertised for help! That's when the Nicaraguan Bible Society suggested that students be taught biblical values in the schools and received permission to do so. The Scriptures for Young Alcoholics Program hopes eventually to reach 117,000 young people, but it has already helped one young man. Roberto Ortega rejoices: “I am now liberated from my addiction. Thanks be to God!”

The journey from despair to joy is a hallmark of the gospel. Consider the lame beggar whom Peter and John meet in today's passage. We can only imagine the despair he felt day after day being carried to the same place to beg. But God had something much more in store for this desperate man! As with many homeless people today, few people make eye contact with beggars. Not only did Peter look at the man, but he also commanded him to look at John and himself. Surprising as that was, nothing could have prepared him for what happened next!

Like other biblical accounts of healing, however, this miracle alone wasn't enough to bring about saving faith. So Peter seized the opportunity to explain that this miracle was only possible “by faith in the name of Jesus” (v. 16). The power evident during Jesus' incarnation was now manifest through His disciples.

Notice how Peter immediately deflected attention from himself and put the focus on Jesus. The gospel clearly is presented, even to those who had a hand in Jesus' crucifixion. Like his sermon at Pentecost, once he proclaimed the Good News, he immediately called for repentance (v. 19). For this Jewish audience, it was essential to understand that only true repentance could open the doors for the blessing promised by the prophets, and available only through faith in Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Miraculous healing is sometimes controversial. It's a mystery why some are healed and others aren't. Today's passage offers some important truths about healing. First, notice the context of prayer. Peter and John were on their way to participate in a daily prayer time, indicating a lifestyle of prayer. Second, notice the focus on Jesus, not on Peter, the instrument whom the Lord used. Finally, notice the link between the act of healing and the proclamation of the gospel, showing a balance between the physical and the spiritual.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 4:1-31
The kings of the earth take their stand . . . against the Lord. - Psalm 2:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The June 1988 issue of Mission Frontiers, the bulletin of the U.S. Center for World Mission, describes the arrest of Xu Yongzhe, an itinerant evangelist from China, who risked coming to Beijing so that he might meet Billy Graham. Xu Yongzhe was a fugitive for refusing to follow a government policy designed to prevent itinerant evangelists from preaching the gospel. Yet despite persecution, house churches overseen by Xu Yongzhe had grown from 200 to more than 3,000 during the previous eight years.

Acts 4 records the church's first imprisonment for “unauthorized” preaching, but sadly the past 2,000 years have witnessed countless other such arrests, such as Xu Yongzhe's case.

The religious authorities, the Sadducees, were particularly offended by teaching about the resurrection, which they denied. They probably also didn't like the idea of “lay people” instructing the masses, who were clearly responding (v. 4)!

The ruler's question to Peter and John is crucial (v. 7). Certain that they acted on God's behalf and spoke with His authority, they couldn't imagine what power Peter and John might be drawing upon.

Considering that this same court convicted Jesus just weeks earlier, Peter's boldness is unbelievable. Although already indwelt by the Holy Spirit, he was given a special filling at this point. Recall Jesus' own promise: “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12).

Upon hearing what had happened to Peter and John, the whole community praised the Sovereign Lord. Recognizing the fact that the rulers of the world rage against God, the early disciples prayed for more boldness to preach and power to perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We should be encouraged from Peter and John's example that being an effective witness doesn't require going to seminary! The most essential qualification for evangelism is available to every believer—reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Although a seminary degree is certainly appropriate for some ministries, God is more than happy to use “untrained” individuals with willing hearts. Peter and John are also an example of the importance of teamwork in ministry. They were no doubt encouraged by each other's presence.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 5:1-11
There should be no poor people among you. - Deuteronomy 15:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1848, Karl Heinrich Marx wrote a book that changed modern history. In The Communist Manifesto, Marx argued against private land ownership and for state ownership of factories and farms. He advocated a classless society using the stirring slogan: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs!”

People often point to similarities between Marx's ideals and today's passages in Acts. There are, however, some profound differences between Communism and the early church. For one thing, giving among the disciples was purely voluntary. Moreover, Acts 12:12 shows that believers owned houses. But even more importantly, the early church was motivated by a unity of love and sincerity of heart (2:46), only possible because of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Our first passage begins with a wonderful glimpse of the comprehensive follow-up program for the 3,000 Pentecost converts. These new believers were grounded in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer (2:42). Outsiders were struck by the unity of this new community (v. 43) and were drawn to it, showing that evangelism occurs both through powerful preaching (Acts 2:14-36) and godly lifestyles (2:47).

Next we find the noteworthy example of Barnabas, who lived up to his name (“son of encouragement”) by selling a field to help those in need. In stark contrast, we read about Ananias and Sapphira. Peter's words make it clear that this couple wasn't obligated to sell their property. Apparently, they wanted to enjoy the kind of reputation that Barnabas did, only they weren't as generous as he was. Their sin was hypocrisy.

The verb “kept back” used in Acts 5:2 is the same word used in the Greek translation of Joshua 7, which describes how Achan withheld for himself that which was devoted to the Lord. Like Achan, God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira was immediate and purified God's people. Nothing destroys the unity of the church more quickly than hypocrisy.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Concerning Acts 4:32-37, John Calvin wrote, “They sold their own possessions in those days; in our day it is the lust to purchase that reigns supreme.” Today this same lust still reigns. Sharing one's possessions doesn't come naturally. Yet we all need to be challenged that withholding our tithes and failing to help the needy is a serious sin—particularly when we often want to be known as generous, committed Christians. Let's all prayerfully ask the Spirit to convict and guide us in our giving of resources and time.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 5:12-42
Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Experts tell us that the church is facing more persecution now than ever before. In several central Asian countries, laws ban churches that aren't legally recognized, but make it virtually impossible for churches to become legal. New Christians are often accused of forsaking family and culture and can be “brainwashed,” isolated, and even beaten to force them to renounce Christianity. And yet, despite death threats, martyrdom, and intense opposition, the church is growing in Central Asia, just as it often does with persecution.

Recall that the church prayed for bold preaching and more signs and wonders in the name of Jesus (see Sept. 5). Here we see this prayer powerfully answered.

It's not surprising that once again the Sadducees feel threatened. But physical power is never effective against the power of the gospel. Prison doors are no obstacle for an angel who also gives the apostles a fresh commission to preach. Once again we see that ultimate allegiance can only be given to God. Other places in the Bible (such as Rom. 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14) exhort believers to submit to the governing authorities. Yet when governments require believers to deny the Lord or to commit immoral acts, believers must choose to obey God and suffer the consequences.

As we've seen before, Peter used the event at hand as an opportunity for preaching the gospel. The truth about Jesus enraged the Sanhedrin, who would have killed the apostles, if not for the council of Gamaliel, perhaps the greatest teacher of his time. His “wait and see” advice spared the apostles, although flogging was a brutal punishment that could result in death.

Yet the disciples didn't pity themselves, but rejoiced for suffering dishonor for the Name. Renewed by the very punishment that was intended to silence them, the disciples increased their efforts to share the good news that Jesus is the Messiah!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
For those of us who may not experience direct persecution, it's crucial that we stay informed and pray for our brothers and sisters who are oppressed. To help get started, visit www.bibleleague.org for a 21-day prayer guide for the persecuted church. Yet perhaps some of us need to ask why we aren't persecuted. Consider the following words from evangelist Ajith Fernando: “Evangelism provokes persecution, while persecution energizes evangelism.” A lack of evangelism may account for a lack of persecution.