While God can certainly transform people in an instant, there is often a progression that brings about transformative impact. The church in Antioch set apart Saul and Barnabas and then sent them out on a mission trip. But before this happened, they had sought God’s will through prayer and fasting. That was the foundation of …
Spirit-filled authority is available to every believer and demonstrated by Paul on the island of Cyprus. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, wanted to learn more about the Gospel, but an advisor tried to distort its message. Acts 13: 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the …
God demonstrated His grace for the Gentiles through Saul and Barnabas. Jews had always considered that they were the only people of God and had excluded the Gentiles. However, God had always planned to include the Gentiles. The prophets had foretold what Jesus, the Messiah, would do. Isaiah 49: 6 He says, “You will do more …
As the message of Jesus spread, the believers began to understand that the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too. What seemed chaotic was actually God’s quiet strategy. After Stephen’s death, believers were scattered by persecution, carrying wounds, grief, and uncertainty. Yet as they traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, they carried something stronger than pain: …
Shortly after his conversion, Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. But what led up to that? Before his conversion, Saul was on his way to persecute believers when God suddenly interrupted him. A blinding light stopped him in his tracks, and he heard the voice of Jesus calling him by name. …
Unfortunately, many modern Christians don’t realize that the festival of Pentecost was put into place 1400 years before Jesus was born. Moses instructed the people to celebrate this festival fifty days after Passover (Lev. 23:15-22). It originally was to celebrate the first wheat harvest, but it also became a reminder of the giving of the …
Paul begins our story by explaining his motives for ministry. 2 Corinthians 5: 11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be …
Taking time to pray may be the essential thing that you do regularly. Is the Lord asking you to pray for someone today? Does He want to take you to a new level in your prayer life? Will you say yes to the Lord’s leading, whatever it may be, in connection with your prayer life? …