Acts Chat

Monday, April 3

Monday, April

Key Verse: Acts 1:8 (NIV) — 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Devotional: The apostles had no idea what to expect. They had no clue as to what was going to happen after Jesus ascended to heaven. They had little hope that their lives would ever go back to normal. They really had nothing to hang their hats on. Nothing but a promise.

Jesus didn’t give them a how-to speech. He didn’t give them a podcast to inspire them. He didn’t even form a task force. He just gave them a promise. The Holy Spirit would come upon them.

Obviously, Jesus thought that was enough to equip his apostles to carry His message throughout the world. It was enough for them and it is enough for us. The promise is good for you and me just as it was for Peter and John et al. We have the Holy Spirit and He has made us witnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus.

So, armed with this promise, go out and witness. Tell people about Jesus. It worked then and it’ll work now.

Action: Pray for the Holy Spirit to be more active in your life. Have confidence that the Holy Spirit is enough for you. Be a witness to someone today by what you say or what you do.

Tuesday, April 4

Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Key Verse: Acts 2:42–47 (NIV) — 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Devotional Thought: The new Christians spent a lot of time together and, in that spirit of unity, they found strength to be the witnesses Jesus commanded them to be. Two noticeable things happen when Christians live and work together. Their generosity and worship reach new heights. They see needs and meet needs. They remember the gift of Jesus and lift up praise to God. Service and worship typify the early church and where there is service and worship, good things happen.

This selflessness and praise seem to be at least somewhat responsible for the ongoing growth of the church. Church growth experts may offer many tangential methods and schemes for evangelism, but at the very heart of a growing church are saved people serving one another and worshipping God. As all of us revive this spirit of service and worship, growth happens.

Action: Find someone in need and do something for them. Spend some time with a fellow believer and celebrate the grace of God together.

Wednesday, April 5

Reading: Acts 3:1-10

Key Verse: Acts 3:6 (NIV) — 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Devotional Thought: Isn’t it amazing that the early church was able to evangelize the Roman world with little or no budget? It appears that there was no finance committee and no special fund drives to kick-off the world evangelism tour Jesus had commissioned his followers to undertake.

Naturally, there are many other scriptures that urge us to be generous with our money, but this story reminds us that the greatest currency for evangelism is the name of Jesus Christ. No amount of mission’s budget can replace the name of Jesus. No fund drives can replace the call for all of us to live our lives out in the name of Jesus. Without the name of Jesus, the church becomes just a side-show.

It was and will continue to be His Name that will underwrite our efforts and any efforts to bring grace and healing to the world.

Action: In some way communicate to someone in need that you are praying for their needs, but make sure that you let them know that the power of healing is only in the name of Jesus.

Thursday, April 6

Reading: Acts 4:1-12

Key Verse: Acts 4:12 (NIV) — 12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Devotional Thought: It’s easy for us to fall into the trap that our “good” neighbors are not in need of the message of Jesus. In a world that minimizes the power of Jesus’ name, it’s easy for us to “live and let live.” The people Peter was preaching to were not bad people. They weren’t committing heinous crimes. They were for the most part respected members of their community. But salvation doesn’t come by our own goodness or through a respectable life. Salvation comes only at the profession of the name of Jesus as Lord.

There are many philosophies of life that can lead a person to success and respectability but there’s only one person who can bring salvation – Jesus. Peter and the apostles were so committed to this truth that they called the Jewish people to accept Jesus as the one and only source of salvation, not Moses, Abraham, or any other prophet.

There are ways of living that can help you be good, but there’s only one way to salvation.

Action: Have you been hesitant to talk to someone about Jesus because they seem happy and successful even though they are not a Christian? Today pray for the courage and wisdom to boldly introduce them to Jesus, the only name that can save us eternally.

Friday, April 7

Reading: Acts 4:13-17

Key Verse: Acts 4:13 (NIV) — 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Devotional Thought: Not only was there no budget for this Great Commission tour, there was also no training. None of the apostles had formal training. None appeared to have even been notably successful in their previous lives. They were ordinary men.

One of the impediments to evangelism is the notion that we have to have some special training or be of a particular personality. “I’m not smart enough.” “It’s just not my nature.” That’s a common and easy cop-out. Peter and John know too well how “common” they were. So, what made them such great witnesses for the gospel?

It’s right there – they had been with Jesus. Hanging around Jesus transforms any personality into an evangelistic one. Hanging out with Jesus takes our commonness and makes it astonishing. Actually, it’s even more impressive that ordinary, untrained, common people demonstrate great evangelistic faith.

You’re not smart enough? You’re too common? Welcome into the company of great evangelists.

Action: Instead of complaining that you’re not smart enough or don’t have the right personality to evangelize, instead spend some time with Jesus and allow his life to shine through you. Make it a habit to read the Gospels and walk with Jesus and trust that just being with Him will take your commonness and make it astonishing.

Saturday, April 8

Reading: Acts 4:18-22

Key Verse: Acts 4:18–20 (NIV) — 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Devotional Thought: Talking about your faith is not always going to be welcomed by your co-workers, family, and friends. They may not say it aloud, but you will (if you haven’t already) felt a silent but obvious hint to keep that kind of stuff to yourself. And many of us do.

Instead of giving credit to the Lord for something he has done in our lives, we’ll keep it to ourselves knowing that we’ll just get that look from a kind but exasperated friend. Instead of talking about a Bible reading that spoke to us or an experience we had at church, we’ll divert the conversation to politics, fashion, or sports. Safe things. Things we know will keep the peace.

Peter and John probably were tempted to talk about the weather, but they just couldn’t stop talking about Jesus. Even when it meant threats of prison and punishment, they chose the gospel over safety. They were witnesses and witnesses tell the truth even when the truth is not wanted.

Let others judge, but never let that keep us from speaking what God has laid on our hearts.

Action: Be bold today. Speak up about your faith in a venue where normally you are tempted to keep it to yourself. Don’t worry about what others think, speak about what you have seen and heard.

Sunday, April 9

Reading: Acts 4:23-31

Key Verse: Acts 4:29, 31 (NIV) — 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Devotional Thought: Imagine how this story would have turned out if the disciples were timid. Imagine if they backed down at the threats. Imagine if they just gave up at the resistance.

A key to the success of the early church, and a key to every revival throughout Christian history, is boldness. Courage in the face of adversity. The conviction of a truth that runs so deep that nothing can deter you from speaking that truth. A commitment to truth over fear.

Boldness does not come naturally to most of us, and it may not have come naturally to the early Christians. I’m pretty convinced it didn’t. One false assumption is that these early believers had no fear. That’s far from the truth. It wasn’t easy for them, but they knew how to overcome their fears. Prayer.

They recognized that the boldness and courage they needed would only come from God. The boldness required to stand up to adversity and pressures to be silent would not come from within themselves, but from heaven itself.

Evangelistic boldness comes only with desperate prayer. And when they confidently and sincerely prayed, God showed up and gave them a boldness they didn’t know they could possibly ever experience. Their meeting place was shaken and boldness flowed from their once timid lips.

Action: Don’t think you’re unspiritual because you’re afraid. Don’t think talking about Jesus comes naturally to everyone. In your fear pray to God for boldness and expect great things.

Monday, April 10

Reading: Acts 5:1-11

Key Verse: Acts 5:11 (NIV) — 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Devotional Thought: Talk about a wake-up call! In spite of persecution and threats, the church is going full-steam ahead. That is until Ananias and Sapphira come along. The husband and wife tandem drop dead because they held back some of the sale of a plot of land even though they told the apostles they forked over the whole enchilada. Sounds like the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. So why is God so serious about this offense?

Can’t say for certain, but I do think that one thing God is trying to communicate is that dishonesty and disobedience are two main ingredients in the recipe to spoil this whole evangelist effort. Lying and greed are sure to bring disgrace and dishonor on the church.

When things are going well it sure is tempting to take a short-cut or two. It’s tempting to fudge a little bit on the truth. It’s tempting to ease up on the obedience. It’s tempting to take credit where credit is not due.

How many ministries or churches have fallen off the rails because of dishonesty and disobedience? A lot.

This can’t happen and the early church needs a strong reminder that the success of this mission is at least partially due to the selflessness and honesty of the believers. When those important qualities are compromised, the mission suffers.

The church then and now needs a healthy dose of fear. We need to stick with the program and at the top of that program are honesty and obedience.

Action: Inspect your own life for signs of selfishness, greed, and dishonesty. Remind yourself that these qualities do nothing but bring disgrace on you and the church. Pray for the leaders of the church that they can maintain complete integrity in their leadership.

Tuesday, April 11

Reading: Acts 5:17-32

Key Verse: Acts 5:29 (NIV) — 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

Devotional Thought: You’ve heard the saying, “Everyone has their price.” Usually this phrase is used in the context of a bribe being offered. A certain dollar value is offered by the briber. It’s refused by the bribed and the briber ups the ante while uttering the phrase. The phrase implies that everyone has a breaking point where they will violate their consciences.

That’s what happening in the early years of the church. Those opposed to the idea of Jesus being the Messiah keep upping the ante against the believers. They operate under the assumption that if the heat is turned up high enough, the disciples will melt. They’ll throw in the towel and acquiesce to the pressure.

Fortunately, the early disciples couldn’t be bought, threatened, or persecuted enough to silence them. They had no price but their own lives, and some would pay that price.

What’s your price? What’s your breaking point? Can you be silenced by criticism, ostracism, or persecution?

The price is high but the cause is priceless. Revival takes place when Christians can’t be bought.

Action: Consider factors in your life that silence your profession of Jesus as Messiah. Be willing to face whatever consequences may come your way as you obey God rather than man. Remember, that those who confess Jesus before others, Jesus will confess them to His Father in heaven.

Wednesday, April 12

Reading: Acts 5:33-40

Key Verse: Acts 5:38–39 (NIV) — 38 “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Devotional Thought: Not much is known of this figure Gamaliel. It’s him that advises the Sanhedrin who’ve been giving the early disciples so much trouble to ease up a bit and let things play out. His advice seems wise – if this is of God you can’t stop it. If it’s not, then it’ll fizzle out on its own.

This news must have been like a drink of cold water in the hot desert for the believers. They’ve been so faithful. They’ve persisted through persecution. Now, finally, it seems like they catch a break, and maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered. Or perhaps just what the Lord ordered.

Isn’t it true that when we get so close to our breaking point that God does something to bring respite? Could it have been that God acted through this man to bring much needed relief to the believers? Could it be that God acts through people and situations even today to bring us much needed relief as well?

I’m thinking of that promise in 1 Corinthians that reminds us that “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” God provides ways out. He provides a retreat. He provides a refuge for the weary.

Finally, a bit of good news and just at the right time.

Action: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by circumstances, pray to God for relief and trust that He will send it at just the right time. Or, perhaps you need to be a Gamaliel in someone’s life. Maybe you need to be that relief to the hurting brother or sister. Speak up and act and be the vehicle of God’s provision for someone in your life.

Thursday, April 13

Reading: Acts 5:41-42

Key Verse: Acts 5:41 (NIV) — 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Devotional Thought: Rejoicing in suffering seems to defy all logic. Who gets pleasure out of pain? Is this some sort of spiritual masochism?

It’s really not the pain that brings them joy--it’s the fact that this pain connects them to the one who suffered the ultimate pain. With every blow, every insult, every slur the apostles are reminded that they are in the company of Jesus. And that brings them joy.

Suffering, struggles, and pain are derivatives of commitment, dedication, and allegiance. There is no cause that succeeds without sacrifice and there is no satisfaction without commitment. Suffering is part and parcel of a life of discipleship.

The apostles call us to see our suffering not as a negative but as a reminder of our commitment to a cause so big that we’re willing to take it on the chin. A life of ease seldom is a life well-lived. The apostles believe in something big, and big causes always carry a big price tag. But more than that, big causes with big price tags result in big lives. And that’s something to rejoice over.

Action: Have you been avoiding big spiritual things in your life because of the big price tag? Be willing to put it on the line for Jesus, and, when suffering comes, be reminded that this is an indication of your commitment – and rejoice!

Friday, April 14

Reading: Acts 7:54-8:1

Key Verse: Acts 7:59–8:1 (NIV) — 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. 1 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Devotional Thought: Martyr, a technical term in second-century Christianity for those who showed allegiance to Christ by their death.

Stephen is the first recorded martyr of the Christian faith. He pays the ultimate price and, in doing so, shows an incredible amount of grace. His last words are words of forgiveness for his executioners.

There’s an unfortunate break in our English Bible between the end of chapter 7 and the beginning of chapter 8. Just a reminder, chapters and verses weren’t added until much later, so the original text of Acts would flow right from the martyrdom of Stephen to the introduction of Saul, the great persecutor of the church, who would become Paul, the great missionary of the church. And I don’t think the connection between Stephen and Saul is coincidental.

Could it be that as Saul was watching this execution and observing the demeanor of Stephen that God was already acting on his heart? Softening it just a little so he’d be receptive to the forthcoming revelation he’ll have on the road to Damascus? I think so. I think Saul’s witnessing of Stephen’s great faith contributed to Saul’s future conversion.

People are watching. They’re watching you. Seeing how you respond under pressure. Watching to see if you really practice what you preach. And it could be that the way you respond under duress could be that little nudge for them to start considering the claims of Christianity.

Action: Take inventory of how you respond under pressure. Do you maintain a character of grace and forgiveness around people who offend you? Or do you compromise your character when nudged? Your graceful behavior could be what people are really looking at.

Saturday, April 15

Reading: Acts 8:1-8

Key Verse: Acts 8:4 (NIV) — 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Devotional Thought: The Law of Unintended Consequences states that actions of people always have effects that are unanticipated or unintended. The intended consequence of persecution was to stop the spread of Christianity when, in fact, it actually resulted in the more rapid and far-reaching spread of Christianity. Persecution in Jerusalem resulted in believers leaving the more highly concentrated Christian region to cities and countries where there was a lower concentration of faith. Persecution resulted in individuals going on mission trips!

The opponents of faith think they have achieved victory when actually they are hastening their own demise! God must be laughing.

God has a way of taking something that others intended to bring you harm and turn it into an opportunity for ministry and spiritual growth. Ask the Old Testament patriarch Joseph who was sold into slavery only to end up second in command in Egypt, the world power at the time. He puts into words this law of unintended consequences so clearly when he said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

This fall America has fallen in love with the television show This Is Us. In the first episode of the series the doctor who has to break the news to the new father that one of his triplets was lost in delivery say this: “I like to think that one day you'll be an old man like me talkin' a young man's ear off explainin' to him how you took the sourest lemon that life has to offer and turned it into something resembling lemonade.”

God takes lemons and makes lemonade!

Action: When faced with a setback, consider how God can take that setback and make something good out of it. This will add a whole new dimension to how you deal with difficulties. Believe that God has an unintended yet good consequence in the struggles you face.

Sunday, April 16

Reading: Acts 8:26-40

Key Verse: Acts 8:31 (NIV) — 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Devotional Thought: We’d like to think that people will just get it. They can figure it out on their own. They have Bibles. They can get on the internet. They can understand it just fine. We see ourselves as useless. But we’re not.

The Ethiopian needed someone to shed some light on what he was reading, and Philip was willing to jump into another man’s chariot and help him understand.

Philip made himself available, and when he was given this God-ordained opportunity to talk to someone about the gospel, he took it. He didn’t refer him to someone else. He didn’t suggest that someday they get together for lunch. He sat with the man and told him the beautiful story of the lamb who was slain. Apparently whatever Philip said was enough, because before too long he was out of the chariot and in the water.

A soul saved because someone was willing to help.

Action: When someone asks a spiritual question, seize that moment and explain to them the gospel. Just plain and simple. Christ died for you, was buried, and was raised from the dead. Tell them the Easter story. Everyone needs to hear it