While the story of Acts 8:1-25 is primarily about Philip and Simon, we can see John’s changed heart if we look closely. John and his brother James were fishermen before Jesus called them as disciples. Jesus gave these brothers a nickname. Mark 3: 17 James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons …
Receiving the Holy Spirit when we believe is the greatest gift we will ever receive. Think about how the Holy Spirit has transformed your life and the work He is still doing. As Philip ministered in Samaria, something began to happen in people’s hearts as they heard the Good News of Jesus. As the Holy …
Peter and John had to decide what is right in the sight of God. Acts 4: 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.[1] What …
Salvation is only in Jesus, who gave His life for us on the cross. This enables us to come to faith and repent of our sins. Yes, Jesus is the only way people can go to heaven. Peter affirmed this truth as religious leaders confronted them. Peter and John prayed in the name of Jesus …
Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ [1] Those listening to Peter would have been familiar with this imagery as it is a direct quote from Psalm 118:22. The Old Testament often refers to God in the image of …
The fact that Jesus heals today is remarkable news for every person of faith. As Peter and John were entering the Temple for a time of prayer, the Lord led them to pray for a man who had been lame from birth. The man looked to Peter and John for money, but they had something …
God’s word and believers are dangerous to the enemy. As a result, our adversary satan and his minions do everything possible to hinder them. Jesus contrasts satan’s purpose with His. John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [1] We …
Understanding Temple politics can help us gain insight into what was happening when Peter and John were arrested. Acts 4: 1While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. 2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John …
child and how important being loved was. How has being loved shaped your life? As I write this, our granddaughter is almost a year old and loves to give her doll hugs. It does not take long for a child to understand something unique about hugs and love. Love did not begin with us but …
How do we avoid fear and judgment when stepping into the unknown of eternity? Eternity is not something most of us are thinking about unless a loved one has died, is seriously ill, or we are struggling with a life-threatening situation. Faith and peace are the opposite of fear. John gives us the words of …