SCRIPTURE: Acts 27 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. [Matthew 5:16] The story in Acts 27 is amazing, obviously a firsthand account of a great adventure. And in the center of this story is the hero Paul, who stands out…
Author: Norm
its all about Jesus
SCRIPTURE: Acts 26 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. [Luke 24:27] Paul is on trial for believing what Jesus said, that He is the fulfillment of all Jewish law and prophecy. The hope that drives the Jews is the hope that…
we will be persecuted
SCRIPTURE: Acts 25 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. [Matthew 5:11-12] These words of Jesus sound lofty,…
a month of living levitically
Starting Monday, February 23!!! In the next few weeks we will be reading through the book of Leviticus. As I was preparing my message series, I discovered a church with a creative way of reading and applying the book of Leviticus. It is a challenge to READ and APPLY the book of Leviticus in a…
the leviticus challenge
As we read through Leviticus, think about symbolic ways that you can act out or apply the lessons and principles behind the text. For example (based on Leviticus 1): Instead of offering a sacrifice for our sins – Jesus did that for us already – lay your sins symbolically in fire by writing them out on…
greater than the temple
SCRIPTURE: Acts 24 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. [Matthew 12:6] Like Jesus, Paul is accused of dishonouring God’s temple. At one time, Paul would have joined these Jews in defending the sanctity of the temple, but now he has met the One that is greater than the temple. Though he…
bless those who curse you
SCRIPTURE: Acts 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’ But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. [Mark 14:60-61] When Paul lashes out at the high priest, we can sympathize. I have been in…
why I sometimes preach too fast
our world belongs to God
As followers of Jesus Christ, living in this world— which some seek to control, and others view with despair— we declare with joy and trust: Our world belongs to God! These are the opening words of the Contemporary Testimony, a expression of faith adopted by the Christian Reformed Church. I recently used some sections of…
changing church
Yesterday we changed our church gathering. No big deal, just changed the seating to be more intimate, in a semi-circle. No stage, just me standing at a table at the open end of the semi-circle. The time of worship was in simple format too, voices and acoustic guitar, again no stage. I welcomed everyone to…