Category Archives: Daily Devotions

In this passage Luke reports another significant step in the progress of the gospel to the ends of the earth.  As he does so, he lets us observe some keys to vibrant community life that enabled the church to flourish.  … Continue reading →

The fundamental emphasis of the Cornelius story is that, since God does not make distinctions in his new society, we have no liberty to make them either.  Yet, tragic as it is, the church has never learned irrevocably the truth … Continue reading →

In the Christian faith there is really no room for prejudice.  Of course it exists.  Northern Ireland is famous for people who claim Christ being at war with each other.  Over here in America, a family that would claim racial neutrality … Continue reading →

With both healings Peter clearly places the emphasis on Christ as the healer.  The first time he says, “Jesus Christ heals you” (v.34), the second time, before speaking, “he got down on his knees and prayed” (v. 40). After Aeneas’s … Continue reading →

Conversion is the essential starting point of the Christian faith.  Paul changes from being a persecutor of Christians to being a follower of the Way.  We all are born into a way of life that is unprofitable.  It does not … Continue reading →

Egypt and Tunisia have recently seen a lot of political unrest.  It seems that Africa is a continent that has struggled with many problems in recent decades.  Countries like Uganda have struggled with AIDS; Countries like Ethiopia have struggled with … Continue reading →

The central story of the Bible is one of reconciliation.  Through the fall of mankind, we are alienated from ourselves, our fellow humans, and from God.  through Jesus we can live in relationship with God, other people, and ourselves in the … Continue reading →

I can not imagine a stone hitting me and breaking a bone.  I can not imagine being concussed from boulders.  I can not imagine the pain of dying from stoning.  However, Stephen believed in the risen Jesus so passionately and … Continue reading →

When Stephen was accused of bringing the Temple and Moses into disrepute he did a number of things worth noting.  He argued from the scriptures and he argued for Moses and against ‘sacred space’.  Stephen pointed out that God was worshiped … Continue reading →

The disciples were getting caught up administrating all the gifts that were coming in.  Their passion was teaching and spreading the news about Jesus’ death and miraculous resurrection.  However, someone needed to distribute the supplies that the early church had … Continue reading →