trying to find His way
“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) This first church was not perfect, but this description is amazing.Despite their divisions and differences, they aimed to be radically one.They even renounced ‘private property’ to generously sharing everything!Not claiming our possessions as our own seems so…
“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” (Acts 4:28) What is God’s will for us?As I understand it, God’s will is that we love God and love people.God used His power to create this kingdom of love, where His will was done.When this verse is read, we normally think of God’s…
“Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29) Jesus knew what His mission was, and the what risks involved.A commitment to living for God’s love will make you a target.The first disciples are committed to this same mission, with the same risks.They are threatened, but notice what…
“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) Those who have experienced God’s love in Jesus cannot help speaking about it.Jesus and the Jesus Way are so radically different and superior to all others.The way that this love blesses, heals and transforms people is incredible!How can I not…
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The only hope for rescue from this broken, messed-up world is the love of God.God’s Name is compassion, grace, patience, abounding love, faithfulness, unfailing love, forgiveness.This was God’s Name to…
“If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man…” (Acts 4:9) The religious leaders want to know the power and the name behind this miracle.But for Peter this was not a miracle for its own sake; it was an act of kindness.The power and the name at work…
“When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” (Acts 3:26) When we think of blessing, we think of the gifts God has given us.Family, health, financial success, a safe place to live… ‘I am so blessed’.Peter refers to how God…
“For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.’” (Acts 3:22) Peter refers to Deuteronomy 18:14-22, where Moses talks about “the prophet”.Moses seems to be referring to prophets in general, but also to one specific prophet.There were…
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. (Acts 3:19-20) The word repent means to change the way that you are thinking.Their mindset had led them to reject…
“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.” (Acts 3:15) God designed humans to live, and to give life by living for love.Life is more than being physically alive; it is about how and why we live.Life and love go hand in hand: loving God and others makes us fully alive.But…