In today’s Bible reading*, Jesus encounters lots of people and heals many of them. He begins with some men bringing a paralytic on a stretcher. Jesus tells the paralytic that his sins are forgiven. (Matthew 9:2) But wait, his friends only brought him to be healed! Why would Jesus tell him that his sins were…
In addition to reviewing the once-for-all sacrifice Jesus gave for our atonement, today’s Bible reading includes one of the most compelling arguments for being regularly involved in a local church. As a pastor, I often hear excuses from people who have no interest in going to church. One of the most popular arguments is that…
In today’s Bible reading* Paul asked some disciples in Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. (Acts 19:1-4) Like Apollos in yesterday’s reading, they had only heard of — and received — John’s Baptism; they knew nothing of the Holy Spirit. When Paul told them the rest of the story, they…
In today’s Bible reading*, Paul and Barnabas flee persecution when they learn that both Jews and Gentiles in Iconium want to kill them. They come across a man who has been lame from birth and Paul tells him to stand up. When he does, the people of Lystra think that Paul and Barnabas are gods….
Several places throughout our reading through the book of Acts, including today’s Bible reading*, various Apostles will stay in a certain area for an extended period of time. Today, it’s Barnabas and Saul who stay in Antioch for a year. (Acts 11:26) Why? Wasn’t it important for the Apostles to get as many converts as…