Central Atlantic Florida FCA

#24 | Take Time to Think

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:37:58 GMT

Read: Acts 14:1-8

Meditate on your own:

What did Paul and Barnabas do in Iconium and Lystra? How did people respond?
What do you notice about Paul and Barnabas’s response to the crowd at Lystra? What do they emphasize in their message?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from this?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Is it necessary to verbally share the gospel, or can we simply let our good deeds speak for themselves and wait for someone to inquire about our faith? In the case of Paul preaching in Lystra, he demonstrated the power of God through healing a crippled man who believed in his message. Yet when the crowd saw it, they didn’t ask Paul about his faith; they didn’t need to. They had their own definitions for things like God, spirituality, the supernatural, and good works. So, when they saw God working through Paul, they thought they knew exactly what happened — their gods had come down in human form (14:11).

Like so many people today, their definitions were not informed by God’s word. Because of that, they did not see good works as coming from God, and their lack of knowledge led them to even more sin. Paul and Barnabas did not allow this to go uncorrected. Instead, they explained their good works by sharing the gospel, starting where many of us should start today: clarifying who God is and what he has done. Paul and Barnabas explained that God is the only holy Creator who “made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them” (13:15). Further, he is the source of every good thing people have, not their gods or their work ethic (13:17). Indeed, this God created all things, including those from Lystra, and he was still blessing and pursuing them despite their rejection of him to “walk in their own ways” and devote themselves to “worthless things” (13:15-16).

Doing good works is important, even essential, to be witnesses for Jesus. But, like the people at Lystra, people today will not know that you do good works in the name of Jesus unless you share the gospel of Jesus with them. In what ways are you tempted to think your good deeds speak for themselves rather than sharing the gospel? Is there a situation in your life where you can explain your motivation for the good works you do by sharing the gospel? Take time to review the gospel — God loves you; sin separates you; Jesus rescues you — and think of how you would share it in your own words with the people around you.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#23 | Take Time to Think

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:32:42 GMT

Read: Acts 13:42-52

Meditate on your own:

What words or phrases are repeated?
What different responses to Paul’s preaching do you notice?
How do Paul and Barnabas respond to those people?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from this?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

The Bible is full of mysteries, and God’s invitation is to seek to understand those mysteries and so understand him (Prov. 25:2). One such mystery is highlighted in a phrase so small you’d miss it if you read Acts 13 too fast. After Paul preached the word of the Lord in the synagogue, some faithful Jews and God-fearing Gentiles followed Jesus, and everyone wanted Paul to preach again the next week. Everyone should have been filled with excitement. God had fulfilled what he promised to the fathers by raising Jesus (vv.32-33)!

Yet some unbelieving Jews were “filled with jealousy” and tried to contradict and slander him. In doing so, they were choosing to reject the word of God and were therefore bringing judgment on themselves (vv.45-46). Paul and Barnabas demonstrate that judgment by turning their ministry focus to the Gentiles of the city. God-fearing Gentiles were long considered second-class citizens within the people of God, but now they were the focus of God’s mission! Salvation was held out to them just like it was to Israel! “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed to eternal life believed” (v.48).

Did you catch the mystery? God appoints individuals to eternal life and all of them respond to the gospel in repentance and faith. He is sovereign over salvation just like he is sovereign over everything else (Psa. 135:6; Dan. 4:35). At the same time, individuals choose to reject the gospel and bring judgment upon themselves. They are responsible for their free actions (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12). These things seem at odds with each other — if God is in control of salvation and everything else “then why does [he] still find fault? For who can resist his will?” (Rom. 9:19, ESV) — yet both are true. This is a deep mystery that God invites you to search out for yourself with your church and the people of God throughout history. As you do, know that God’s sovereignty is intended, among other things, to bring you comfort and courage. If God is sovereign over salvation, then you can rest knowing that he is in control. Furthermore, because he is in control, he can save anyone, no matter how hardened, far-off, or indifferent they may seem. So, faithfully share the gospel in love with the people around you and watch God work! Some people may reject the gospel, but others, perhaps many, have been appointed by God to eternal life, and they will believe! When you think of sharing the gospel, how does the truth about God’s sovereignty in salvation comfort and encourage you? With whom can you share the gospel this week?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#22 | Take Time to Think

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:26:40 GMT

Read: Acts 13:13-41

Meditate on your own:

What are the main sections of Paul’s sermon? How does Paul tie the main sections of his sermon together?
What is Paul arguing in his sermon? How does he use Scripture to strengthen his argument? (If you have time, read the context of the verses he quotes.)
How does Paul’s argument lead to his appeal in verses 38-41?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What is its purpose in the sermon? Why does Paul say it when he does?
What truth about God or mankind can you draw from this?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Our lives are full of problems. But our biggest problem is our natural inclination to decide for ourselves what is best and chart our own course instead of obeying God’s law and trusting what he says is the path to life.

Essentially, everyone tries to be like God by doing as they personally see fit (cf. Gen. 3:5; Judg. 21:25). The Bible calls this sin, and it corrupts our relationships with each other and the created world and keeps us from enjoying life with God both now and forever.

What’s more, God must judge every sin, and ultimately, the payment for sin is death. But it gets worse, for sin is also depicted as a force that holds us as willing captives. We are each bound to our sinful nature that lures and entices us to sin, and we gladly do what it says and so heap condemnation on ourselves, because we have bought the lie that what we are doing is best.

To make matters worse, we would need an infinite amount of time to pay our just sentence for sinning against an infinite God and people made in his image, and that’s if we stopped sinning right now! We are stuck, and without help, we are doomed. We need someone to break us free from the chains of sin, grab us by the hand, and lead us out of this darkness. In the Old Testament, God promised a king who would do just that — a Savior King who would sit on the throne of David forever. He would rule over Israel and the nations and would lead them all to delight in God and obey his law as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Moreover, he would represent the people of God and would ultimately stand in their place by bearing their sins in himself and dying as a sacrifice for sin on their behalf. Jesus’ resurrection emphatically declared

that he is that king! (Acts 13:23, 32; cf. Rom. 1:4) He is the Savior King we desperately need. He is the Suffering Servant King of Isaiah 49-55 which Paul quotes in Acts 13:34. He died in the place of sinners, but he did not stay dead because death cannot hold a sinless man! He broke the power of sin and so removed the sting of death (1 Cor. 15:56).

Now, he offers forgiveness and freedom from the power of sin to everyone who would confess and turn from their sins and trust in his finished work alone to free them. If you have not accepted this offer of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus, talk to someone about what is holding you back. If you have, what are you tempted to trust in to free you from sin’s power? What sins are you tempted to accept as, “Just the way you are,” instead of believing the promise that in Christ “sin will no longer be your master” (Rom. 6:14)?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#21 | Take Time to Think

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:21:08 GMT

Read: Acts 13:1-12

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the Spirit’s interaction with the church at Antioch?
What do you notice about Paul’s interactions with Sergius Paulus and Elymas the magician?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from that verse/phrase?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
What are the implications of your response to question a)? What would be the implications if this weren’t true?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Do you want the Holy Spirit to work in your life? Then seek the Lord alongside God’s people in the local church and do what he says together. Why?

Because the Holy Spirit normally works in and through the local church as they walk in step with him. Such a statement pushes against our individualistic tendencies. It makes us uncomfortable because we are generally convinced we can do things on our own.

Further, we perceive our relationship with God as our own personal and often private relationship. Yet, the Bible has no category for such individualized Christianity. While there seem to be notable exceptions like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40), they are just that — exceptions. The normal experience of the Christian life, even for an apostle like Paul, was to seek the Lord in submission to the Scriptures as a member of the community that is the local church. Remember that Paul was “a chosen instrument … to carry [Jesus’s] name before the Gentile and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

Yet, it is as the church is gathered to worship and seek the Lord that the Holy Spirit finally calls for Paul and Barnabas to be set apart for the task. He does not speak to Paul and Barnabas individually, though he could have; instead, he commands the church to set them apart. Then, notice that in verse 3 the church lays hands on Paul and Barnabas and sends them off, yet in verse 4 Luke says that Paul and Barnabas are sent out by the Holy Spirit! Taken together, we see that the Spirit-empowered activity of God’s Spirit-filled people, particularly in the context of the local church, should be understood as the working of the Holy Spirit.

Where you see God’s people obeying him, especially in the context of the local church, you are seeing the Spirit at work. Reflect on your own life. What role does the local church play in your everyday life? Are you tempted to see the local church as a helpful but ultimately unnecessary add-on rather than the normal way the Holy Spirit has chosen to work in the world and in your life? What would it look like for you to seek the Lord together with other believers, especially in the local church?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#20 | Take Time to Think

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:14:21 GMT

Read: Acts 12:1-25

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the setting of the narrative? How details do the details about time and place add to the story?
What do you notice about the characters in the narrative? What actions does the author seem to highlight?
How does the passage highlight both the mercy and judgment of God?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from that verse/phrase?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
What are the implications of your response to question a)? What would be the implications if this weren’t true?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Christians should expect God to act when they pray. Facing an impossible circumstance, we read that, “Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (12:5). The expectation is that something is about to happen. God is about to act because of his people’s prayers. Perhaps it is significant that we are not told what they were praying, only that they were doing so for Peter. Furthermore, we find out that they continued to do so deep into the night before he was to be executed (12:12). It is helpful to remember that there is no magic formula to prayer. The point is not what they prayed but to whom they were praying and that they kept on praying. They asked their sovereign God for help and trusted him to act, and he did in ways they were not planning or potentially even asking for, evidenced by their surprise that Peter had been rescued.

But it could be asked, “Why Peter and not James?” God miraculously delivered Peter from “the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting” because of the prayers of the church (12:11). Yet, presumably, the church prayed for James as well, and God did not miraculously deliver him. Why not? We don’t know, but such questions apparently did not deter the church. They were convinced God could deliver, and they were set on asking. How could they persevere? Why didn’t they think, “God is powerless to save” or “God isn’t good, so he

doesn’t want to save” or “Obviously God doesn’t hear me, so why bother”? It is because of Jesus. Because Jesus died for them while they were still sinners, they were certain God loved them (Rom. 5:8). Because Jesus had been raised from the dead and given all authority in heaven and on earth, they were certain he could do anything (Eph. 1:19-23; Matt. 28:18). And because God displayed his infinite wisdom through the salvation he accomplished in Jesus, they were certain he would do what was best (Rom. 11:33-36). So, when God did not save James, they trusted him and submitted their requests to his wisdom. They were determined to keep on asking for good things from their good God while trusting him with the results.

Consider your own prayer life . Do you expect God to act when you pray? If not, why? What tempts you to think he is not strong enough to help, good enough to care, or wise enough to know what’s best? Take time to pray through passages like Daniel 4:34-35, Psalm 23, and Psalm 147. Then, take time to ask God to act in your life and in the lives of those around you and to help you keep on praying.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#19 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:39:47 GMT

Read: Acts 11:19-30

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the interactions between Jews and Gentiles?
What does the author highlight about Barnabas?
How do you see God at work in this passage?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from that verse/phrase?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
What are the implications of your response to question a)? What would be the implications if this weren’t true?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Acts 11:19-30 is a zoomed-out view of what God had been doing in the church since Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7. When “great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem” the Jewish Christians living in Jerusalem scattered to the surrounding cities and nations, sharing the gospel as they went (Acts 8:1). Because of the combined efforts of these unnamed Christians, “a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). But how? What did these run-of-the-mill Christians do to have such resounding success sharing the gospel, especially in a city like Antioch – a vast multicultural city known for its religious pluralism and moral perversion?

Quite simply, they were faithful to share the gospel. Why was that enough? Because the hand of the Lord was with them (11:21). When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he noticed what is always true of any real spiritual awakening—the grace of God had done the work (11:23). Even though these unnamed Christians were the ones who faithfully shared the gospel, Barnabas knew that unless God’s hand was with them, they were as likely to save anyone as dry bones were to live. This means at least three things.

First, there is no room for pride or pity in the Christian life, especially when it comes to sharing the gospel. Christians should not pretend that they are the ones who will save people, they are simply called to love people enough to deliver the good news. Second, since salvation is from the Lord, Christians should pray fervently that God would save the people they share the gospel with. Finally, Christians can rest knowing that it is not their charisma or creativity that saves people, but the grace of God . God is in control of everything and ultimately the one who saves and sanctifies people.

Pause and recognize that this is not an excuse to be lazy or give in to the fear of man. Quite the opposite—this truth is the fuel for evangelism! If you are a Christian, you have in your possession a message that God promises to bring salvation through, and it’s not your job to make it work, nor is it your job to make it palatable to a nation known for religious pluralism and moral perversion. It’s not even your job to gain the favor and honor you deem necessary to share it (Psalm 84:11). It’s your job to faithfully obey God and rely on him for everything that you need for life and godliness, trusting that God is the one who brings the growth (1 Cor. 3:7). How are you tempted to trust yourself to save people rather than God? Is there anything that you need to change in light of these truths?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#18 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:35:51 GMT

Read: Acts 11:1-18

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the Jewish Christians’ reactions throughout this section? How do they change after Peter’s story?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from that verse/phrase?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
What are the implications of your response to question a)? What would be the implications if this weren’t true?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Have you ever thought about who’s in charge of your life and the lives of the people around you? Is it your boss, the government, your spouse, or someone else? Is it you? Over the course of events in Acts 10, Peter is brought to understand the only right answer to that question—Jesus is Lord of all. In one sense, Peter knew that already. He knew that Jesus is the one who sets the agenda and calls the shots for God’s people the Jews. However, throughout Acts 10, Peter learned how Jesus’ authority related to people who weren’t like him, i.e., Gentiles (non-Jewish people) including Cornelius.

Over the course of their history, Jews had become vigilant in their association with the surrounding nations. They created man-made laws that essentially forbid them from even associating with Gentiles and, in the process, had forgotten their original purpose to invite the nations to worship God and bring them under his rule. So, in Acts 10, Peter understood that he could not “associate with or visit a Gentile” according to the law of the land (10:28). However, he also knew that Jesus had the authority to command him to do anything, and he had no authority to say otherwise. So, he submitted to Jesus as Lord of the Jews and trusted that Jesus knew best. As he did, he witnessed God himself do what seemed impossible in tearing down the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jews and Gentiles, and he came to realize that Jesus was so much more than the Lord of the Jews—he was Lord of all.

When you read the Bible, do you read it considering the reality that Jesus is Lord of all? If you are a Christian, he is your Lord and has the authority to declare what is good, and can command you to do whatever he wants, and you have no authority to say or do otherwise. Consider how this fact effects the way you live your life as a Christian. Consider also that Jesus is not just the Lord of every Christian; he is the Lord of all. He is the Lord of your unbelieving neighbors, friends, boss, spouse, co-workers, etc., and he has the right to tell them what is right and demand that they obey. What would it look like for you to live in light of that truth? There may be significant man-made barriers that tempt you to not obey Jesus as Lord or recognize that he is Lord of all and invite those around you to worship and submit to him, but if you do, you will get a front row seat like Peter in watching God do the impossible for his glory and your good.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#17 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:31:52 GMT

Read: Acts 10:1-48

Meditate on your own:

What happens in this story?
How do the author and the characters in the story describe Cornelius and Peter?
How is God involved in the story? Why do you think he acts the way he does?
Read Acts 2. How are the events in Acts 10 like the ones shared in Acts 2?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from that verse/phrase?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
What are the implications of your response to question a)? What would be the implications if this weren’t true?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

In a matter of days, Paul had gone from violently persecuting the church to championing its Lord and Savior. Saul’s conversion seemed dramatic, and it was, so dramatic that many did not believe him. However, Saul’s conversion dramatically demonstrates what is true of every conversion. Like everyone else who becomes a Christian, Saul had not simply misunderstood the Bible and had Jesus miraculously correct his interpretation of it. Nor had Saul simply realized that he was following the wrong rules and started following the right ones. Saul had not simply changed his mind — he was given a new heart. God had removed his heart of stone and given him a heart of flesh that beat for the glory of God and the good of his neighbors. He now loved the things he used to hate, and he was ashamed of the things he used to love (Philippians 3:3-11; Romans 6:19-23).

Formerly Saul had hated the members of the church, but now he loved them and spent his days with them. Similarly, he hated God’s word, especially what is said about Jesus, but now he loved it and spent his days trusting it, obeying it, and declaring it. Likewise, he had opposed those who spread the good news of Jesus Christ, but now he desired for others to hear it and believe with him.

These same things are true for everyone who trusts in Jesus as their Savior and submits to him as Lord. They are given a new heart that loves what God loves and hates what God hates. Specifically, they love God’s word and people and desire to share the gospel with others. Certainly, no Christian does any of these perfectly. In fact, they will likely be very aware of how imperfectly they do all these things (Philippians 3:12-13). Nevertheless, by the power of God’s Spirit, they “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of [them]” (Philippians 3:12).

If you would say you are a Christian, examine yourself. Do you love God’s word and his people, and desire for others to know him, however poor that love may seem? If someone saw everything you did and knew the thoughts of your heart, would they agree with your assessment of yourself? Talk to God and a close friend about your self-assessment and how you can grow in your love for God and others.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#16 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:28:02 GMT

Read: Acts 9:19-43

Meditate on your own:

What aspects of Saul’s ministry stand out to you? What aspects of Peter’s ministry stand out to you?
Take a few minutes and read Luke 4:16-30 and Luke 8:49-56. What similarities do you notice between Jesus’s ministry and Saul and Peter’s respective ministries?
What about Peter and Saul’s ministries do you find encouraging? What do you find challenging?
What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind can you draw from that verse/phrase?
Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
What are the implications of your response to question a)? What would be the implications if this weren’t true?
How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?

Consider

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#15 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:24:25 GMT

Read: Acts 9:1-19

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the characters in this passage? How does the author use irony to describe Saul’s dramatic conversion?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
How is this good news, both for you and for others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

What is the church? In Acts 9:1-19 it is called “the Lord’s disciples” (v.1), those who “belonged to the Way” (v.2), the Lord’s “holy people” (v.13), and those who “call on [Christ’s] name” (v.14). All these titles are significant and worthy of meditating on, yet perhaps the most striking is Jesus’ own description of the church. Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the church until he is stopped in his tracks by Jesus himself, who does not ask, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute my disciples?” or “my holy people,” or “the people who call on my name” — he asks, “why do you persecute me?” Jesus so loves and identifies with his people that to persecute them was (and is) to persecute him.

If you are a Christian, soak in the truth that Jesus, the one from whom and through whom and to whom are all things, loves you as though you were his own body. Indeed, Saul would go on to teach that the church is Christ’s body, even his bride! (Eph. 1:23, 5:25-27) Just as you nourish and cherish your body, so Christ nourishes and cherishes you (Eph. 5:29). He is in control and is able do the seemingly impossible, from bringing life from death to turning the church’s fiercest enemy into its greatest champion. Rest in his love and hold fast to his promises, trusting that he is working all things to shape those who love him into his image. What’s more, not only does Jesus so lovingly identify with his people that to persecute them is to persecute him, but also to love his people is to love him (Matt. 25:41).

Take a moment to reflect. Though you don’t actively persecute the church like Saul, consider the disposition of your heart towards the Christians around you. Do you love that weird guy at church, or that one annoying lady? What about other Christians at other churches who believe things that you don’t agree with? What about the believing members of your family that you’d sooner volunteer for a root canal than be in the same room with, let alone hear more about their problems? Jesus loves them as much as he loves you. In fact, to love them is to love him. Take time to pray through Romans 5:6-8, basking in Jesus’ love for you, praising him for his sacrificial death on the cross on your behalf, and pleading for his help to love his people. Then, think about how you can practically display his love for your family in Christ.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#14 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:19:30 GMT

Read: Acts 8:26-40

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about Philip in this passage? What does he say and do?
What do you notice about the other characters in the story?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same truth?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be the opposite of those implications?
How is this good news, both for you and for others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

How do you go about sharing the gospel? If you’re a Christian, then there is likely an ever-present ache in you for the people around you to know Jesus. Yet, actually sharing the good news about him is often hard and, if we’re honest, kind of scary. Even though we know that Jesus is the Holy One of God who alone has the words of eternal life (John 6:68-69), we are nevertheless hesitant to approach those around us with those words. Perhaps one reason for this is that we have only seen evangelism done poorly if we’ve ever seen it at all. We have no mental model for how a good gospel conversation should look and so are left imagining some incredibly awkward encounter with a friend or colleague that we’re certain will haunt us for the rest of our relationship, or if we’re sharing the gospel with our family, the rest of our life.

Praise the Lord for Philip! In him God has given the church a model of good evangelism and especially one-on-one evangelism. Even though he was the focal point of a massive revival in Samaria, he was willing to follow Jesus anywhere, so when God told him to move, he trusted God and obeyed. Further, Philip was on the lookout for hearts ready to hear the good news and when he recognized the sensitive heart of the Ethiopian eunuch, he crossed the massive cultural divide between them to speak the truth in love. Yet, he did not start with what he thought the man needed to hear; instead, he started with the man’s own questions. Then, he answered those questions with teaching that was rooted in Scripture and revolved around Jesus, rather than his own speculating on some other topic.

In all this, Philip recognized God was the one at work in and through him. He was faithful to plant the seed of the gospel, and another would have to water the man’s new faith after he left, but he knew that God was the one who gave the man life and would cause him to grow (Eph. 2:4-5; 1 Cor. 3:6-7). As you meditate on Philip’s evangelistic encounter, take time to reflect on your own practice of evangelism. In what ways does Philip’s method of evangelism challenge you? In what ways do you find it encouraging? Take time to pray, asking God to “open a door” for you to share and for the strength to “declare [the gospel] fearlessly” (Eph. 6:20; Col. 4:3).

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#13 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:16:49 GMT

Read: Acts 8:1-25

Meditate on your own:

Find the conjunctions/transition words in the passage (i.e., for, and, nor, but, then, now, etc.). How does the author use them to highlight certain things in the story and move it forward?
What do you notice about the characters in this passage, both named (i.e., Philip) and unnamed (i.e., the crowds)? What do they do?
How does this section relate to what has happened already in Acts? Why do you think Luke includes it?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
How is this good news, both for you and for others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

While we might not say it out loud, many Christians generally expect to be enjoying things like health, wealth, comfort, and happiness. Thus, we tend to see things like suffering and trials as punishment and evidence of God’s displeasure with us, or worse, his lack of interest in us. When faced with them, we work frantically to appease God’s apparent wrath, desperate to return to our comfortable life. But what should we make of the “great persecution” that breaks out against the Jerusalem church in Acts 8?

Everything seemed to be going so well, yet suddenly Christians are being stoned to death and others are being thrown in jail while the rest are forced to leave everything and flee. Was God displeased with them or neglecting them? Quite the opposite. Jesus had promised that his people would be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth,” and here, God was directing the sinful desires of men to carry out his good purposes. If this seems out of character, it is exactly what happened at the cross (Acts 4:25-28; cf. Prov. 21:1). God is totally in control, and so he can promise to work all things for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). This isn’t to say that sin doesn’t have consequences. It does, sometimes even physical consequences (1 Cor. 11:30). Nor is it to say that we should not seek to alleviate the suffering in our lives or the lives of those around us. Generally, we should (John 13:34). Rather, it is to say that suffering and trials in the life of a Christian are not indications of God’s wrath or neglect.

On the cross, Jesus took unto himself every sin of those who would trust in him and drank every last drop of God’s wrath against them. Thus, in him, there is no more wrath; instead, everything that God does towards his children is always mercy! Suffering and trials are not indications of God’s wrath; they are instruments that God wields to bring about his good purposes in the world and in the lives of the children that he loves. God nowhere promises physical health, material wealth, or happiness apart from the joy of the Lord, but he does promise himself, and if the Good Shepherd is our shepherd, we lack nothing (Psalm 23:1). H ow are you tempted to not trust God (whether his love, forgiveness, control, provision, etc.) when you think about or are going through suffering and trials? Take time to remind yourself of what is actually true about God by praying through Scripture.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#12 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:12:50 GMT

Read: Acts 6:8-8:3

Meditate on your own:

The accusations against Stephen were that he was rejecting the temple and the law of Moses. How does Stephen talking about God’s acting outside of the temple and Israel’s rejecting God’s appointed leaders address those accusations?
Compare and contrast Stephen with his opponents, noting that Luke’s description of Stephen’s face as being “like the face of an angel” in Acts 6:15 likely indicates Stephen’s innocence and Luke’s approval of his words and actions.
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
How is this good news, both for you and for others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

It is easy to read of grown men plugging their ears, grinding their teeth, and screaming at the top of their lungs and distance yourself from them. Their reaction seems reminiscent of a toddler’s temper tantrum and would be comical if it weren’t so tragic. However, they are more like us than we care to admit. The penalty for blasphemy was stoning (Lev. 24:13-16) and to the ears of the Sanhedrin, Stephen was blaspheming by declaring Jesus to be standing at the right hand of God, i.e., declaring him equal with God. They were sincerely following what they believed to be true. Even covering their ears was more a reflection of their piety than anything else. It indicated that they couldn’t stand the sound of their god being slandered by the blasphemous words Stephen uttered.

Like so many people in the world, and like so many of us, they were doing what they thought was right. However, they were wrong. Their sincere faith was misplaced and so this story is rightly read as a tragedy rather than another account of God-honoring zeal (cf. Numbers 25:6-13). By contrast, Stephen is held out as a model of faith. Why the difference? If both Stephen and the Sanhedrin are sincere in their faith, why is one held out as a hero while the other clearly presented as the villain? It’s because Stephen was right about Jesus. Sincere faith means nothing if it is wrong. Just as sincerity counts for nothing when building a bridge, so too it counts for nothing when it comes to saving faith. Salvation does not come by believing sincerely but believing rightly. Stephen believed rightly. He saw that the honor Jesus received was glorious, not blasphemous. Further, he had repented of his sins and trusted in Jesus as the only Savior and submitted to him as the only Lord, and that made all the difference.

How are you tempted to believe that sincere faith is an adequate gauge for religious truth? How does that keep you from praying for non-Christians around you and sharing your faith with them? How does that keep you from seeking to grow in your knowledge of Jesus? Take time to repent and ask God to help your unbelief, and to pray for the non-Christians around you to know the truth.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#11 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:07:59 GMT

Read: Acts 6:1-15

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the issue in v.1-6 and how it was handled?
What does the author seem to highlight about Stephen? Compare with Luke 21:12-18.
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
How is this good news, both for you and for others? Who needs to hear it?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

Have you ever wondered what your pastors do all day or felt like they should be doing more? Have you ever asked what they should be doing all day? The apostles had to answer those same questions. The church in Jerusalem was bursting at the seams as thousands of new believers were brought in from various ethnic backgrounds. As it grew, Hebrews (native Jews who were from the land of Israel) began to neglect the Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews who were from the other parts of the Roman empire). This was a serious problem that threatened the unity of the church and needed to be addressed quickly and decisively by the apostles.

However, in solving the issue, they didn’t just dive in and do it themselves. Certainly, that would solve everything, right? Plainly, no. The apostles recognized that they needed to devote themselves to “prayer and the ministry of the word.” In their words, “It would not be right to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” If they took up waiting tables, the immediate problem would be solved, and the widows would no longer be neglected. However, the apostles understood that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God,” and by waiting tables, they would be neglecting to give the church the word of God, and the church would starve for lack of true food (Matthew 4:4). Further, they knew there were other people “who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”

As the apostles gave themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word, people like Stephen were empowered to rightly exercise their gifts to build up the church. If more people were going to be saved, and if the church was going to grow up in maturity, then the apostles needed to give all their time to prayer and the ministry of the word. In this, the Jerusalem church models what is true for every church. The health and growth of the individual members that make up a local church depends on their pastors being devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word. However, it also depends on those same members exercising their gifts to meet needs and build up the church.

As you think about your church, pray that your pastors would be devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word. Then, think about what you can do to build up the church, even if it is as simple as distributing food.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#10 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:02:16 GMT

Read: Acts 5:12-42

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the characters in this passage?
What do you notice about the exercise of authority in this passage?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

Certainly, this was the end. The apostles had just been imprisoned, severely beaten, and assured that they would be killed if they continued to defiantly proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord. Even the most levelheaded of the apostles’ opponents recognized that there was no hope for the movement the apostles led to continue unless God himself was at work. If they had been lying about Jesus, surely they would cease proclaiming his death and resurrection, and even if they didn’t, surely no one would follow them in their death. One way or another, this was the end. Yet, the apostles did not see it that way.

These same apostles, who only a few months earlier had fled from Jesus’s side at the suggestion of persecution, left the presence of Israel’s leaders rejoicing for the suffering they got to endure. Why? What would allow these men to endure such extreme pain and stare death in the face with joy in their hearts? In a word—certainty. The apostles were certain that the Sovereign Lord over all Creation was with them. He had all authority and worked everything for their good while their opponents had no authority over them except what had been given by him (John 19:11). He had been answering their prayers and was working through them to heal and perform signs and wonders. Then, he had supernaturally rescued them from prison and enabled them to speak his word with complete boldness in the face of life-threatening opposition. He had given them everything they needed to bear witness to Jesus, and they were certain he would continue to do so. They were certain that nothing could happen to them unless it passed through the hands of their loving Father in heaven who promised to keep no good thing from them (Romans 8:32).

Hence, their suffering was not punishment but something to be “counted worthy” of (Acts 5:41). They had been blessed to endure suffering just like their Savior and for the sake of his name. How does the thought of suffering disgrace tempt you to not obey Jesus? What would it look like for you to trust that God is in control this week? What would it look like for you to boldly proclaim the gospel this week?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#9 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:57:52 GMT

Read: Acts 4:36-5:11

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the characters in the story?
What details does Luke include? Which ones does he leave out?
How does this story seem to fit in the context of the previous chapters?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

Does this story make you uncomfortable? It should. Ananias and Sapphira’s sins reveal their hearts. They did not have to sell their property nor give away the proceeds, but they craved the praise of the community. They did not have to lie, but they longed to maintain financial security. Their actions evidenced that they loved money and the praise of people more than they feared God. Like them, we sin because, in that moment, we don’t fear God. We’re not content with God and his promises and we want things our way and on our time.

Moreover, like Ananias and Sapphira, we are often unconvinced that sin is really that serious, or at least not so serious that that we wouldn’t do something small like lie if it meant gaining power, comfort, control, or approval. Yet, the reality is that all sin is deadly serious. It is rebellion against God’s rule. Further, as God’s image bearers, we are made to reflect God’s character. When we sin, we are lying to the world about who he is by acting in complete opposition to what he is like. The judgement of God on Ananias and Sapphira made plain to the church that Jesus’ work on the cross in no way lessened the seriousness of sin. God will not let sin slide, nor will he be mocked by those who wave the flag of grace while clinging to their sin. As the apostle Paul would later write to the church in Rome, “if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). Sin is deadly serious, and—like a small leak in a boat—every sin, no matter how “small”, would drown you if left alone (James 1:15). Don’t play with sin. Don’t let it fester. Recognize that God judged Ananias and Sapphira for the sake of the church. He did not want their sin to spread. He knows that life is found in his presence and nowhere else, and that sin separates people from him—he wanted his people to live!

Take time now to repent of your sin and ask God to help you put it to death by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, look to Jesus, our only hope for rescue from sin’s consequences. In him, God is faithful and just to forgive sin and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#8 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:52:47 GMT

Read: Acts 4:23-37

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the prayer in this passage? What does it state about God and people? What does it imply about the people praying it?
What do you notice about the community of those who believed? What do you find striking about it?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

If your friend were to ask you, “What is the Bible?” how would you answer? The apostles and their friends understood that the Bible is not what modern culture has made it out to be. It is not a random assortment of religious history books compiled together, nor is it a record of people’s feelings about God and experiences with God. It is not simply a human book, full of errors and contradictions, nor is it a divine book that accommodates to the errors of the times it was written, scientific or otherwise. The apostles understood the Bible to be nothing less than the Sovereign Lord speaking through prophets like David by the Holy Spirit. What’s more, the apostles and their contemporaries would later state that the Bible is not only the record of the Sovereign Lord speaking, but also how he speaks today (2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12).

Essentially, the Bible is Gods own word; God spoke the Bible and now speaks through the Bible. If you want to hear God speak, read his written words. Whether you’ve heard this before or not, pause and marvel at how amazing that is. The Sovereign King “eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,” to whom “be honor and glory forever and ever” spoke and still speaks (1 Timothy 1:17). As you read the Bible, like a real conversation with a real person, you listen to God speak, and that prompts a response from you. When you’re done sharing, you listen to God talk again (read verse 2). Perhaps what he says doesn't prompt an immediate response, so God keeps talking (read verse 3, verse 4, keep going…) until you’re prompted to respond again. God is willing to have that conversation with you as long as you want, as often as you want.

Take time to think about how will you prioritize time talking with God this week? Also, consider praying through a Psalm, perhaps Psalm 23. Look at the Psalm verse by verse and talk to God about whatever comes to mind as you do. If nothing comes to mind or you don't understand the verse, just move onto the next one. If you are able, take a few minutes (or longer) to do that now.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#7 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:48:22 GMT

Read: Acts 4:1-22

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the characters in the passage?
What do you notice about the interaction that takes place?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truths about God’s character and/or mankind’s condition do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

In Luke 22, Jesus was seized and taken before the high priest to stand trial. Peter followed at a distance and settled around a firepit in the high priest’s courtyard to see what would happen to him. Earlier that day he had boldly declared he would follow Jesus even if it cost him his life, yet when identified by three separate individuals as having been with Jesus, Peter denied even knowing him. Now in Acts 4, only a few months later, Peter stood before the same high priest that had Jesus murdered and boldly declared the same truth that led to Jesus’ crucifixion.

As much as we’d like to think, Peter didn’t just grit his teeth and change himself. Rather, Peter was changed because he was filled with God the Holy Spirit. The same is true for every Christian. Everyone who believes that Jesus is their Savior and submits to him as Lord is filled with the Holy Spirit and united to Jesus through him. Like a branch is united to a tree, they are filled with his life and bear the fruit of the Spirit as they draw everything they need from him. Essentially, Christians, like Peter, change because they are filled with and conformed to a life that is not their own. Moreover, Peter was changed because he was empowered by the Spirit. In Luke 12, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would provide words to say in moments exactly like the one Peter found himself in. As Peter walked in obedience, he proved what is always true—God keeps his word and provides what we need when we need it. God empowered Peter by his Holy Spirit to boldly declare the truth of the gospel, just like he promised.

Reflect on your own life: who or what are you hoping in for change? Further, where do you look for help when facing challenge or anything else? If you are a Christian, look to Jesus and hope in his promises, remembering that the Spirit of God fills you and has united you to Jesus. He will change and empower you as you walk by faith in obedience to his word. Think ahead to this week: How is God calling you to walk in obedience to his word by faith? What do you need from him to do so?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#6 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:44:35 GMT

Read: Acts 3:11-26

Meditate on your own:

How does Peter leverage the miracle in his sermon?
How are Peter’s references to the Old Testament functioning in the sermon?
What main point(s) is Peter getting at in his sermon?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truths about God’s character and/or mankind’s condition do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

The Bible makes plain that no one is any better than the people who denied Jesus and killed him. Rather, everyone would likely do the same if given the opportunity. This is because no one is righteous, nor does good, nor seeks after God (Romans 3:10-12). This has always been the case. God has always been pursuing people, pleading with them to turn from their wicked ways, yet they did not listen. Time and time again, people spurned God’s ways for their own. So, God promised that he would make a new covenant with his people and place within them a new heart that rejoiced and trembled before him. They would hate what should be hated and love what should be loved. They would fear God and no one else, and they would obey him because they wanted to.

This is what Jesus came to accomplish and apply. Sin has no dominion over those in Jesus because they have been given hearts that love God more than sin and want to enjoy his presence rather than go their own way. As Christians grow in love for God, the sin that once looked full of life becomes clearly seen to be death! What’s more, they increasingly know that Jesus is the Author of Life and they want life in him! Peter makes clear in his sermon what is still true today. No one needs to be burdened by their guilt or captive to their wicked ways if they don’t want to be. Jesus can free them just as easily and evidently as he healed the lame man. He promises to give a new heart, cleansed of sin by his own blood, to those who trust him as Savior and submit to him as Lord, so that they all can turn from their wicked ways toward the God who made them.

This is the blessing of the gospel, yet it also begs the question—do you see? Do you see wickedness not just being big things like murder and adultery, but also things like gossip, a quick temper, and false thoughts about God? Do you see all sin, not just the big ones, as the seeds of death that, if left on to grow, would destroy you? Do you want to live? If so, Christian or not, the answer is the same—look to Jesus and live.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#5 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:08:56 GMT

Download Issue #5

Read: Acts 3:1-10

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the characters in this passage?
How do you see Acts 2:42-47 playing out in this passage?
What strikes you about the interaction between Peter and the lame man?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What truths about God’s character and/or mankind’s condition do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you find other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

As Luke zooms back into the narrative after his broad summary of the church in Acts 2:42-47, it is important to remember that the apostles occupied a special role in the history of the church. They had been with Jesus during his whole earthly ministry and were eyewitnesses of his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus appointed them to uniquely represent him and bear his authority in what they said and did. In Acts 3, two apostles, Peter and John, encounter a lame man while heading into the temple to pray. An outcast of society with no real hope of change, the man dutifully asks the apostles for money and, like Jesus, Peter and John see past the request to the man’s real need (cf. Luke 5:24). They take the man by the hand and demonstrate that Jesus was as much at work through them then as he was while he walked the earth — the man is healed! Walking and leaping for joy, the man praises God before the crowd around him who knew the man he was.

If you are a Christian, you are like the apostles. You carry on the ministry of Jesus to meet the real need of those around you, showing that he is as much at work now as he was when he walked the earth. While you don’t possess the unique authority and power of the apostles, you can pray to the One who sustains the universe and does whatever he pleases (Heb. 1:3; Psalm 115:3) and share the good news that brings eternal life to everyone who believes. What would it look like this week to learn the needs of those around you and meet them? What’s more, if you are a Christian, you are just like this lame man. You were outcasted from the family of God, lamed by your sin with no real hope of change. Then, hearing the words of the apostles, you believed and were brought to life through faith in Jesus.

Take a moment to praise Jesus for saving you! Then, think about sharing your testimony with a friend who doesn’t know it.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#4 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:58:11 GMT

Download Issue #4

Read: Acts 2:1-47

Meditate on your own Acts 2:42-47 :

Which qualities of the first Christian community are you the most drawn to? Why is that?
Which qualities are you the most surprised by? Why is that?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What does it seem to say about the first Christian community?
What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

Church is hard. If you have been a Christian long, you have likely come to recognize this as a general truth. If you’re honest, sometimes church people are just hard to be around, especially people who aren’t like you or rub you the wrong way. You may know people in the church who lie and cheat to receive praise. Or maybe people who profess Christ then turn around and act like the world, sometimes even before they leave the sanctuary!

Perhaps you’ve seen the way the church has neglected certain people, maybe even yourself. By God’s grace, no temptation has overtaken the church except what is common to mankind. In many ways, the first church was no different than the church today. Acts 2:42-47 is a zoomed-out summary of the first explosive expansion of the church. Everything about it seems to ooze joy and life. It almost seems perfect!

However, you don’t have to read much farther into Acts for things to fall off the rails. In chapter 5, a couple is struck dead by God for lying to the congregation. In chapter 6, the neglect of Greek widows by the Jews almost splits the church. In chapter 8, a man is baptized, then tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. If you read the rest of the New Testament, you’ll start to pick up that people in the church did not like each other. This necessitated the apostles spend a lot of time reminding them that they were a family in Christ, even the same body, and needed to love one another as such, even at cost to themselves. You’ll also pick up that the church started listening to people other than the apostles to learn truth. Thus, a considerable amount of time is spent addressing false teaching. It doesn’t matter if you live in the 1st century or the 21st century, church is hard. But Acts 2 is a window into what the church can be by God’s grace in the power of the Spirit: devoted to sound doctrine and prayer, full of tangible love for one another, seeing people come to trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior, and exuding joy and life. How will you pray this week for you church to be more like this? What can you do to work towards your church becoming more like this?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#3 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 19:42:47 GMT

Download Issue #3

Read: Acts 2:1-47

Meditate on your own Acts 2:14-39:

What is Peter arguing in his sermon? What are his main points?
How does Peter use David’s words from the Psalms (vv.25-28 and vv.34-35) to confirm his points and further his argument?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?

What is its purpose in the sermon? Why does Peter say it when he does?
What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
Why is this good news, both for you and for others?
What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?

Consider

Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Savior and sovereign King, and he is alive. This was clear by the end of Peter’s sermon, and it cut to the heart the devout Jews who heard it. The Savior whom God had promised would come and deliver his people had finally arrived, and they murdered him.

Even more terrifying, he was alive and reigning in power, evidenced by the outpouring of the Spirit they were all witnessing. Now he was waiting for his enemies, which certainly included these people who had crucified him, to be crushed under his feet. Mourning their sin and likely frightened for their lives, the crowd asked Peter if there was any hope for them. In response, Peter pointed them to the last verse of his sermon text, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21). Their only hope was to repent and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Then, stunningly, they would not only be forgiven and completely cleansed of their sins, but they would also be his witnesses, clothed in power just like Peter and the rest of the company (Acts 1:8).

While people today did not have a hand in crucifying Jesus, every person is nevertheless an enemy of God because of their evil thoughts and actions (Col. 1:21). What’s more, Jesus of Nazareth is still the sovereign King who will one day will crush his enemies under his feet. Yet, he is also the promised Savior and only hope for escaping the just wrath of God.

The offer made to the crowd still stands today: if anyone repents and trusts in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, they will be saved from this corrupt generation. If you have already done this, then you are Jesus’ witness, filled with the Holy Spirit to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9).

Have you repented and trusted Jesus? If you have, are you living as his witness?

What would it look like for you declare to his praises this week?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#2 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:37:54 GMT

Download Issue #2

Read: Acts 2:1-47

Meditate on your own Acts 2:1-13,37-41:

What do you notice about how the characters respond to the things that take place?
Who or what does the author seem to highlight in Acts 2:1-13 and 37-41?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?
What do you think you can draw from that verse/phrase about God’s character and/or the Christian life?

Where have you seen that in other parts of the Bible?
What does that imply about God and/or the Christian life? What would be the opposite of that?
How is that good news, both for you and for others?
What does that imply for/demand of your life? In what ways does that reveal your sin? What do you need to ask God for/what help do you need to ask from God?

Consider

Much like the US calendar today, the Jewish calendar in Acts was full of holidays, or festivals. However, one significant difference is that Jewish festivals were established by God to remember and celebrate his mighty works throughout history; two such festivals were the Feast of First Fruits and the Feast of Weeks.

To celebrate the Feast of First Fruits, Jews were meant to bring the very first portion of their harvest to Jerusalem and offer it to God as an act of faith, trusting his promise to provide for them. For people whose entire livelihoods depended on these crops, such an offering was no small thing. Fifty days later, at the end of the harvest season, the Jews were to return to Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, celebrating the end of the harvest and thanking God for his faithfulness.

In Acts 2, devout Jews, both by birth and by conversion, had come from all over the world to celebrate God’s faithful provision. What they did not realize was that the feasts they had been celebrating had merely been foreshadowing what was taking place before their eyes. Fifty-three days beforehand, Jesus was crucified on the day of the Passover Feast as the Passover Lamb to save his people from their sins. Three days later, he was raised from the dead on the Feast of First Fruits as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Cor. 15:20).

Now, on the day celebrating God’s faithful provision, the promised Holy Spirit comes, and three thousand men are saved from every nation under heaven. God had faithfully provided the harvest he had promised and continues to do so to this day.

How has God faithfully provided for you? Praise him for it!

How do you need God to provide? Ask him to provide, trusting in his good timing.

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

#1 | Take Time to Think

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:04:07 GMT

Download Issue #1

Read: Acts 1:1-14

Meditate on your own:

What do you notice about the way the author describes the characters? What do you notice about what the characters do/say?
What verse/phrase stands out to you?
Within the context of Acts 1:1-14, what do you think you can draw from that verse/phrase about God’s character and/or the Christian life?
Where do you see that confirmed in other parts of the Bible?
What does that imply about God and/or the Christian life? What would be the opposite of that?
How is that good news, both for you and for others?
What does that imply for/demand of your life? In what ways does that reveal your sin? What do you need to ask God for/what help do you need to ask from God?

Consider

The book of Acts is the Part 2 to the gospel of Luke and the author picks up right where he left off. Jesus has been meeting with his disciples for forty days, ensuring them of his resurrection and telling them about the kingdom of God.

Then, right before he ascends into heaven, his disciples ask if he is going to restore the kingdom to Israel. They want to know if he is going to bring about the new heavens and new earth, judging the wicked and rewarding the righteous, as we see in Revelation 19. He responds that it wasn’t for them to know the timing of those things; they would need to wait.

While they waited, they would be his witnesses, empowered by his Spirit to testify about his resurrection and the kingdom of God. They were to witness in familiar places like their hometowns in Judea as well as fearful places like Jerusalem where Jesus had been murdered by a crazed mob forty-three days prior.

What’s more, they were to witness to cultural outcasts like the Samaritans and the pagan Gentiles, even if it meant uprooting their families and going to the ends of the earth. But even this command included waiting for the promise of the Father for some unspecified amount of time. Both the beginning and the end of the ministry of the apostles, and everything in between, was wrapped up in waiting for the promise of God for however long he decided. Yet the patient, faith-filled waiting of the apostles was not idle. The apostles waited for the kingdom to come by obeying Christ’s command to witness, seeking to bring it about even as they waited for it. And they waited for the power to witness by praying, likely for God to fulfill his promise to send the Spirit.

The apostles model the normal Christian life through prayer and obedience to his commands by active and expectant waiting in faith for God to keep his promises.

How can you, by God’s grace and in the power of his Holy Spirit, follow their example this week?

Pray:

Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.

Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!

Psalm 119:36

Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.

Psalm 119:18

Unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Satisfy me with your steadfast love.

Psalm 90:14

How to Use the Weekly Devotional

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 18:51:00 GMT

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A Brief Introduction

Take Time to Think

Do you ever come away from reading the Bible and praying and feel like you should enjoy this more?

Maybe you feel like you are missing some secret ingredient that would make all the rest of your Christian life click.

Perhaps you are!

However, there is great hope for you. The secret to the Christian life is … well, not a secret at all. Throughout the Bible God is very straightforward about how his people are to know him more, become more like him, enjoy his company, and do things like put sin to death and obey his commands.

The secret that’s not a secret: Biblical meditation. It is “Biblical” because it is prescribed and described by the Bible, which contains within it everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It is meditation because it is taking time to think about something, either for a brief or extended amount of time. This is the opposite of most modern understandings of meditation, which often prescribe emptying your mind. There is no category in the Bible for empty minds, only minds that are set on something. To know God, to enjoy his company, we must set our minds “on things above;” we must fix our eyes of faith on Jesus and contemplate our Lord’s glory as the Bible reveals him. As we do, by the power of the Spirit we will become more and more like God.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:1-2

“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

Psalm 1:1-2

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3: 18

Since no one enjoys God more than himself, we will begin to enjoy him more as we grow in his likeness. What’s more, we will hate sin and love righteousness. We will find that we love people better and find it easier to put away things that hinder our relationship with God. In short, we will be blessed. Biblical meditation is the secret of the Christian life. Perhaps this short intro has you convinced of this but you’re wondering what to do now. How do you practice Biblical meditation? This devotional is intended to guide you into the practice. Like training wheels on a bike, the goal of these devotionals is to help you start and get to a place where you no longer need them.

What to Expect

While each devotional entry will be unique, the overall structure will be consistent. Each will include the following:

- Introductory prayer prompts

- Passages of Scripture to meditate on

- Guided meditation questions

- Some further meditations to consider

The prayer prompts are from the Bible. The intention is that you pray God’s words back to him. It is important to remember who it is we hope to meet with as well as our dependence on him to do anything, and to ask for his help (John 15:5). The passage of Scripture is noted and is to be read in its entirety. It is important to do this before looking at the questions that will guide your meditation. Reading the passage before looking at the questions and rereading it while you are thinking through the questions will help solidify the passage in your mind. Finally, there are some further meditations to consider. These are provided to be a help and a guide but not a substitute to your own meditation.

To use these devotionals to lead an FCA Huddle, have your student leader follow the following steps:

If possible, go over the lesson in advance to make sure you have answers ready for the Meditate on your own questions and the application question at the end of the Further meditations to consider section.

Make sure everyone has the verses in front of them in some way, shape, or form.
Have someone read the verses.
Give everyone a few minutes to look at the passage.
Lead the group in discussing some of the Meditate on your own questions.
Have someone read the section Further meditations to consider.
Lead the group in discussing applications.

May the LORD bless you and keep you; may he make h is face to shine on you and be gracious to you; may he turn his face toward you and give you peace as you seek him through his word.