Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:1-21 OBSERVATION: A constant problem in the church, people telling some believers that they are not good enough, do not measure up. The old covenant revealed through Moses was in effect until Jesus came (Galatians 3:19-23), it not longer is binding as a religious code (its moral claims are universal, still applying today, like “you…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:21-28 OBSERVATION: After a successful disciple-making journey, they go back to encourage/equip the disciples already made. Paul’s encouragement involves strengthening, being challenged to stay true, and preparing them for hardship; he also appoints elders (more spiritually mature believers) to help them. Paul describes the kingdom of God as something that disciples are still entering,…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:1-20 OBSERVATION: Paul was an effective speaker, even if he was not impressive when he spoke (2 Corinthians 10:10) or easy to understand (2 Peter 3:15-16). The Lord confirms/backs up Paul’s message of grace with miracles. Despite the opposition, they stay on in Iconium for a long time, until a plot finally forces them to leave. They just…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:44-52 OBSERVATION: Paul generated a lot of interest in Antioch, from both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). It was jealousy that led the Jews to reject the message, as if it were a competition. Paul spoke first to the Jews, since they were the ones God promised to work through, to be a light for…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:32-43 OBSERVATION: Paul stresses the resurrection as the key to Jesus’ claim, and the only hope for forgiveness. Death is the result of sin, so by defeating death, Jesus has defeated sin and guarantees forgiveness and freedom to those who trust in Him as the promised messiah. Paul realizes that a crucified messiah is…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:13-31 OBSERVATION: Paul attends the synagogue (Jewish church) service, though his primary mission is to the Gentiles. He briefly reviews the history of Old Testament Israel, showing how Jesus is the fulfllment of Old Testament promises and prophecies, the ultimate king (messiah). Paul also quotes the message of John the Baptist, that Jesus is…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:1-12 OBSERVATION: While the Christ-followers in Antioch were together, speaking together about the greatness of the Lord, and renewing their commitment to Him by fasting, they sensed the Spirit setting apart Barnabas and Saul for their mission to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16). The laying on of hands was a symbolic way of commissioning them for…

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 4:28-37 OBSERVATION: This is a remarkable story. It seems that when pride got to Nebuchadnezzar’s head, God humbled him to the level of animals (see Acts 12:1-24 for similar account). In both cases the purpose of the Lord is what endures, even against those who are in power. Nebuchadnezzar had plenty of opportunities to see…

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 4:19-27 OBSERVATION: Daniel seems to like and support Nebuchadnezzar, wishing that this bad dream was not for him but for his enemies. Even oppressive governments (as Babylon’s was to many nations) can have positive results for those under its authority (providing food for all, nesting places for the birds). God may use oppressive governments…

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 4:1-18 OBSERVATION: The wise men probably feared to tell the king what it meant, for it was not a good dream. By this point Daniel has proven himself (the spirit of the holy gods is with him). Nebuchadnezzar still speaks of the Most High God (4:2), having learned from experience that Daniel’s God “is…