The Next Steps, Day 18 Keep on speaking. As we continue to read about the journeys of Paul, we see that he continues to share the message. Read Acts 18. No matter what is going on around him, Paul is always sharing the message of Jesus Christ and the truth of who Jesus is. It doesn’t matter whether people accept his message or they don’t. It doesn’t matter whether he is liked or not. Either way, Paul continues to share the message. Do we have the tenacity that Paul had and are we as committed to the message as he was? Do you recognize that nothing else in this world…

The Next Steps, Day 17 Tell everyone. As we read through Acts chapter 17, we see that Paul shared the message with absolutely everyone. Paul was not concerned with how people would respond to the gospel or how they would respond to him, instead Paul was only concerned that they had the opportunity to hear the message. Paul went out of his way to defend the gospel and to share the life and mercy of Jesus Christ with everyone he came into contact with. Do we have that same passion? Do we realize that people need Jesus and that we are the ones who have the answer the answer? Are…

The Next Steps, Day 16 Believe in the Lord Jesus. As we read today in Acts 16, we see the story of the impact that God can make in the life of an individual. So many stories in this chapter share how God impacted specific individuals, but not just that. You see, when God moves in our lives, yes it impacts us individually, but it also impacts our families and households as well. Both Lydia and the jailer experienced God move and they themselves believed, but not just them. Their entire households came to understand who Jesus was and believe on him as well. Do we share with our family…

The Next Steps, Day 15 Time. When we think about all of the disciples and the new believers they had, ths becomes the key in Acts 15. The people had some questions about exactly what they should expect of new believers. Then this key verse is written. Paul and Barnabas poured their lives into these other believers. When we are working with believers, we have to be willing to walk with them and “remain” with them. Who are we walking with? Who do we need to come alongside and wall with?

The Next Steps, Day 14 Two verses, such change. When we read Acts 14, we see such an incredible change in the people from one verse to the next. As we read through the story, we see how Paul and Barnabas dealt with some of the issues they encountered while they were on their missionary trip spreading the gospel of Christ. In one place, the people thought they were gods and treated them as such, that is until one verse later and people told them they weren’t and then they wanted to kill them. When we have a relationship with Christ and are seeking to follow him, the way people…

The Next Steps, Day 13 Spread. When we talk about the message of Jesus, we must understand how it spreads. Read Acts 13. As we see people going out and sharing, we understand just exactly how important it is that we share the message of Christ. The gospel does not spread on its own. God uses each of us to share his message with others. Why? People need to see physical examples of what God is doing and can do, and we are those messengers. As we are experiencing God in our lives, we can show others exactly what God is doing and how God works. We are God’s messengers.…

The Next Steps, Day 12 Judgment. God is a jealous God and he will not allow anyone to share in His glory. He makes that exceptionally clear in Acts 12. Herod was basking in glory. He loved it when other praised him and when they applauded him. He wanted to be honored as a god. And then it happened… the people began praising him and calling him a god. Well, God had enough of that and killed him. Are we giving God the glory and praise He deserves in our lives? Do we realize that everything we do is evidence of His grace and mercy? God loves us and he…

The Next Steps, Day 11 Searching for people. As we continue and read through Acts 11, we come to this amazing verse. Barnabas seeks out Paul. When we think about the other people that we know and have contact with, God sometimes gives us insight into their gifts and how God can use them. Barnabas knew that Paul had the calling of God on his life and it was time to go get him and encourage him to come back and get busy. Paul had a calling on his life and Barnabas knew it, he just needed some encouragement. Who do we know who needs some encouragement? Who has a…

The Next Steps, Day 9 Transformation. As we continue to follow the journey of the early church, we see the transformations that were taking place. Read Acts 9. The disciples were getting adjusted to the new disciple Saul. He used to persecute the church, but now he is preaching. But, he causes quite a commotion everywhere he goes. Finally, the disciples send him off to Tarsus and as a result, they experience a time of peace. The Christian life is often one of transformation and restoration. There are times when God is transforming us and using us to create change and do amazing things, and there are other times that…