Kristi Burchfiel

VERSE: Acts 15:11–But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are. TRUTH: What must a person do to be saved? Essentially that is the core question that was being discussed by the church at that time. Was belief in Christ by grace through faith enough, or were there additional works and responsibilities that must be done? Ultimately the people came to understand that the sacrifice of Jesus was enough to cover our wrongs and that ever person can receive the salvation of the Lord this way. Do we hold some people to greater standards before we believe…

VERSE: Acts 14:22–strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” TRUTH: We find strength and encouragement when we come together and share what God is doing in our lives. We need this time because we are going to go through many trials and tribulations as we walk in obedience to the Lord. Do we find the time to meet with others and encourage them? Do we go to others for encouragement and prayer as we walk through difficulties ourselves? RESPONSE: Lord, You are a wonderful encouragement to me and You have placed in…

VERSE: Acts 13:2–While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” TRUTH: Barnabas and Saul were directed by God to be set apart, but they weren’t just sitting around and doing nothing before that. They, along with the others in the church, were busy ministering and fasting, so when the Holy Spirit spoke to them, they were listening and ready to respond in obedience. Are we ministering to the Lord at all times and in everything we do? That is when we will truly hear the calling of the Spirit…

VERSE: Acts 12:16–But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. TRUTH: Peter had been knocking for a while. His presence was believed by Rhoda the servant girl, but not by anyone else in the house. Still, instead of leaving or being angry, he just kept knocking. Eventually, when the people were ready, they did open the door. Do we wait on people to be ready to hear about the message of Jesus and salvation or do we give up after a few knocks? Witnessing of the amazing works of God requires persistence. RESPONSE: Father, I know You know what it is to…

VERSE: Acts 11:17–“Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who am I that I could stand in God’s way?” TRUTH: Peter had gone and done something radical; He shared the message of Jesus Christ with someone who wasn’t a Jew. Afterward, people were questioning and critical of that decision. Peter’s response is a good reminder that we are to simply be obedient to God, not assume that we set God’s agenda for Him. We are part of God’s plan, not the director of God’s plan. Do we spend more time obeying or questioning God’s plan…

VERSE: Acts 10:9–On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.TRUTH: Occasionally we can become so focused on our own situation and circumstances that we forget that God is working in and through lots of people all at the same time in order to fulfill is plan. God moved in the life of both Cornelius and Peter to bring them together so that when they met, both were ready and God was ultimately glorified. We must never lose sight of the big picture and trust that God is preparing all sides of a…

VERSE: Acts 9:22–But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ. TRUTH: Saul had just recently come to know Jesus, yet he was already sharing what he knew with others. He was still interested in learning and growing. No matter how long we have known Jesus, we always have room to grow and increase. Are we focused on sharing with others what we know while still seeking to learn and grow more? RESPONSE: Father, I praise You and I love You; I want to grow and learn more about You every day. I will share what I…

VERSE: Acts 8:4–Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. TRUTH: The whole reason they were scattered is because they were being persecuted due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, as they went to other places, they continued to share and preach the truth about Jesus to everyone the met. Do we hold fast to the truth of Jesus no matter what? Do we share that truth wherever we go? RESPONSE: Father, I pray that no matter where You take me as I follow You, that I will be faithful and obedient to share Your truth with everyone.

VERSE: Act 7:54–Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. TRUTH: The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ always gets a response. Sometimes, as in this case where Stephen shares it with the Jews, it’s a very strong and angry response. The people listened to Stephen’s message, but didn’t want to believe that they were responsible for the wrongs they had done. They heard and understood the message, but refused to believe. As a result,  their decision was to kill the messenger. Do we share the powerful message of Jesus Christ? Or are we afraid of the possible…