You know who is outstanding? The Apostle Paul. He wrote more books of the Bible than anyone. His understanding of law and grace is unmatched. He is the intellectual of intellectuals, a genius who used his gifts with total dedication. His secret? Two things. First, his passion was unrivaled. “I advanced in Judaism beyond myContinue reading “HOW TO BE OUTSTANDING. Galatians 1:15; Acts 9:20-22.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Peter and Paul: BOTH MEN OF ACTION. Acts 10:10-16; Galatians 2:11-14.
The early church had two great leaders. Peter was the first to step up and lead. A number of years later, Paul became the leader, or perhaps a co-leader. The powerful men were close and worked together in spite of the vast differences between them. Christians have long believed they were even martyred together inContinue reading ” Peter and Paul: BOTH MEN OF ACTION. Acts 10:10-16; Galatians 2:11-14.”
CAN YOU YIELD? Acts 9:1-6.
Saul was committed. As a Pharisee, he was wholly committed to the law. He was brilliant but faith was not an academic pursuit for him—he LIVED it. When Stephen was stoned, Saul did not shy from bloody death. Saul may have felt like a benchwarmer holding everyone’s cloaks (was he the youngest?), but he “heartilyContinue reading “CAN YOU YIELD? Acts 9:1-6.”
God Sends Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8:26-40.
Read Acts 8:26-40. An angel (from the Greek “angelos” meaning “messenger”) tells Philip to go to the Ethiopian eunuch who is in a chariot heading back to Africa after worshipping in Jerusalem. Philip finds the eunuch—a high ranking royal servant—reading the scroll of Isaiah and struggling to understand the prophecies in chapter 53 (“He wasContinue reading “God Sends Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8:26-40.”
FORGIVENESS, GRACE, & CONSEQUENCES. Acts 5:1-11.
Some think they can sin all they want because God will always forgive. What’s the harm in a “white lie,” right? So I cheat a little on homework or taxes, so what? Well, God may forgive, but what about CONSEQUENCES? Even in this AGE OF GRACE, we reap what we sow. The worse your sin,Continue reading “FORGIVENESS, GRACE, & CONSEQUENCES. Acts 5:1-11.”
Don’t Commit Simony. Acts 8:18-24
Simony, n. The buying or selling of church positions, spiritual power, or miracles. Putting a temporal (finite) value on something spiritual (infinite) in nature. If a priest was promoted to bishop after paying a bribe, the priest committed simony. The name comes from Acts 8:18-24. A man named Simon wanted to buy a gift onlyContinue reading “Don’t Commit Simony. Acts 8:18-24”
REFRESHING. Acts 3:19.
Advertisers do violence to some of our best words. “Refreshing” is one such word. According to those who draft ad copy, you can be refreshed by snacks, drinks, soap, coffee, and a dozen more things—but the meaning is so poor, the so-called “refreshing” so brief. To be truly refreshed is to “be made fresh again.”Continue reading “REFRESHING. Acts 3:19.”
WHAT DOES GOD FEEL LIKE? Acts 2:41-43.
Here’s a touchy-feely topic—but what does it feel like to encounter God? My first response is joy—so much JOY. Add to that PEACE, ACCEPTANCE, and a sense of RIGHTNESS. My experiences with God have never resulted in one Biblical emotion: FEAR. If I did not know better, I might argue fear is an Old TestamentContinue reading “WHAT DOES GOD FEEL LIKE? Acts 2:41-43.”
You Think Change is Hard? Consider the Biggest Change in History. Luke 24:45.
Change is hard. They say the most stressful times are times of change. Moving, graduating, beginning a new job, getting married, having children—no matter how wonderful, each of these changes is stressful. If they all happen within a short period of time, the stress may become anxiety. Losing a spouse is an even more difficultContinue reading “You Think Change is Hard? Consider the Biggest Change in History. Luke 24:45.”
MYSTERIES. John 21:25.
The Bible is massive, filled with answers to life’s questions—but NOT to every question. Many interesting things are left out. Here are three: The Transfiguration. Before His arrest, Elijah and Moses met with Jesus and talked to Him about his death. What did they say? Did they encourage Him? Remind Him of His purpose? RemindContinue reading “MYSTERIES. John 21:25.”
Household Words: 