SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1:1-6 OBSERVATION: The best (most blessed) way to live (ie the way to happiness, success, well-being, etc.) is by living according to the will of the Lord. They will live rooted, fruitful lives, like a tree growing close to water. Those who go against the Lord, the way that the wicked (sinners, mockers) do,…
Aug 19 — Acts 15:36-16:5
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:36-16:5 OBSERVATION: John had abandoned them earlier (Acts 13:13), but now wants to join them again. Barnabas wants to show him grace for his failure, but Paul is not yet ready to welcome him back. This results in a major disagreement and separation, and raises the question of why Paul was being so hard-headed? Or…
Aug 18 — Acts 15:22-35
SCRIPTURE: Acts 15:22-35 OBSERVATION: The official decision is made, the non-Jews will not be expected to keep the Law of Moses, with the exceptions noted – not as laws binding on all Christians but as helpful advise for believers at that time, under those circumstances. Their decision is communicated as “it seemed good to the Holy…
Aug 17 — Acts 15:1-21
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…
Aug 16 — Acts 14:21-28
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,…
Aug 15 — Acts 14:1-20
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…
Aug 14 — Acts 13:44-52
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…
Aug 13 — Acts 13:32-43
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…
Aug 12 — Acts 13:13-31
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…
Aug 11 — Acts 13:1-12
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…