Day 32/260: Read Acts 8

What does it mean to preach Jesus? When Philip went to the city of Samaria, “he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.” The result was an obedient faith. The Scriptures tell us “they believed” and “both men and women were baptized.”

Later, Philip was sent to the Ethiopian eunuch as he traveled from Jerusalem to Gaza. The man was reading from Isaiah’s prophecy, but had trouble understanding its import. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.” The result was again belief and baptism.

Many in the religious world attempt to circumvent the grace of God, seeking loopholes to avoid obedience. Some want the benefits of Christianity without submitting to the commands of Christ.

This chapter shows that obedience based upon faith is a part of believing the message of Jesus. “Preaching Jesus” is not just telling stories about the Lord, but includes instructions on how to follow Him and how to access the blessings available to His followers. May we always strive to teach and preach the whole counsel of God.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Acts 8:12. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Pray

Pray for wisdom in teaching others about the Savior. Pray for strength to resist compromising His truth.

Day 31/260: Read Acts 7

Isn’t it amazing how the same message is received in different ways by different people? On Pentecost, Peter told the Jews gathered there that they had crucified the Son of God. Their response was one of repentance and obedience. Here, Stephen delivers the same general message, but the response was much different.

Both audiences were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37; 7:54), but instead of inquiring how to fix their condition, Stephen’s audience “gnashed at him with their teeth.” They didn’t want to hear the truth; they didn’t want to accept responsibility.

Stephen was murdered because of his faith and his boldness. He refused to back down; he declined to compromise the message even in the face of death.

How strong is our faith? How easily do we bend to the will of our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors and reject the truth of the Word? It is not likely we will face the same level of persecution as Stephen and others in the first century when Christianity was illegal, but far too often we compromise when the stakes are much lower.

How can you take a stand for Christ today?

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Acts 8:12. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Pray

Pray for those over whom you may have a positive influence for Christ, that they may receive the message with an open heart like those on Pentecost.

Day 30/260: Read Acts 6

How important is your reputation? When the apostles sought men to help serve the widows, a good reputation was important. Yet, a good reputation does not guarantee a wealth of friends. Winston Churchill said, “If you don’t have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything.”

Stephen stood for the truth, and his stand created enemies. There were some men who disputed with Stephen, accused him of blasphemy, and even set up false witnesses against him.

Peter wrote, “But even if you should suffer for righteous-ness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness has fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17).

Suffering can come from good or from evil. Do an honest evaluation when you face trouble to be sure your suffering comes from standing for the truth.

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Pray

Pray for strength in your stand for the truth, and for patience in the face of persecution.

Day 29/260: Read Acts 5

Jealousy. A desire to receive the accolades of peers. Greed for attention and praise. This is not only the story of Ananias and Sapphira, but all too often, this is the story of us.

The early church shared their possessions and distributed to each other when needs were made known. Ananias and Sapphira saw others doing this, and wanted to be included, but when they sold their land they kept part of the money back. They claimed that they had given all, and Peter called them out. “You have not lied to men but to God.”

The result was an immediate punishment from God; both Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead. The impact on the church was widespread.

We need to guard our hearts against jealousy in the church. Rejoice in the accomplishments of others without seeking the steal the spotlight for yourself. Do not lay claim to the good works of others, or lie about your own activities.

Do not seek the praise of your fellow man. Do good to the glory of God and let God reward you, even if no one this side of eternity takes notice.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the _______________ of Jesus Christ for the _______________ of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy _______________.”

Pray

Pray for humility in your service to the Lord, seeking glory for Him and not self.

Day 28/260: Read Acts 4

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”

What a testimony to the impact Jesus had on the lives of these men! What kind of an impact has the Christ had on your life?

When you talk to others about the Lord, are you confident in your belief? Can others see Jesus in your life, the way you talk and act? Do you exhibit the meekness and mercy of the Messiah? Do you love your neighbor enough to tell him about the only path to salvation?

Peter and John were so convinced that they would not let the threats of violence derail them from the mission. “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Is your faith so strong that you have to tell others?

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “_______________, and let every one of you be _______________ in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall _______________ the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Pray

Pray for boldness as you talk to others about God regardless of consequences.

Day 27/260: Read Acts 3

The birth, life, and death of Jesus were foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament. Hundreds of years before He appeared in the flesh, they said He would appear. They not only prophesied about Him, but also His church. Peter says, “Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days.”

Here are just a few of the prophecies fulfilled in Christ:

• Jesus’ lineage (Genesis 26:1-5; 28:13-14; 49:10; Isaiah 11:1-10)
• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
• Worked miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6) and taught in parables (Psalms 78:1-4)
• The betrayal (Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12-13)
• The crucifixion and surrounding events (Isaiah 50:6; 53; Psalm 109:24-25; 34:20; Zechariah 12:10; Amos 8:9)
• The resurrection (Psalm 16:8-11; 68:18; 110:1)
• The church (Isaiah 2; Daniel 2; Joel 2)

These were not educated guesses; these were Spirit-inspired prophecies about the Savior of the world and His kingdom.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Pray

Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the foreknowledge of God to provide a path to salvation for His creation.

Day 26/260: Read Acts 2

How do you react when someone confronts you about something you have done? Are you defensive, or penitent? How we react to the awareness of sin in our lives says a lot about our hearts and our desire to be right with God.

After giving a brief history lesson, including prophecy that pointed to the very day they were witnessing, Peter tells the Jews on Pentecost that they had crucified the Lord and Christ sent from God. What was their reaction? Luke says, “They were cut to the heart,” then they asked, “What shall we do?”

They were genuinely concerned about the atrocious act they had participated in and wanted to correct it. Obviously, they could not undo the act, but by the grace of God they could be forgiven.

It is interesting to note that Peter responded definitively: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Without obedience to this command, their sins would not be remitted.

What do you lack in your relationship with God? Have you repented of your sins and been baptized? Are you obediently faithful to the revealed Word?

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Pray

Pray for forgiveness, but do not neglect obedience. Pray for stronger faith.

Day 25/260: Read Acts 1

For three years, Jesus prepared His closest followers for the mission of taking His gospel all over the world. That mission was to begin in Jerusalem, but it was never meant to stay there. They were to preach the truth “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Two things absolutely necessary to accomplish this mission were unity with each other and communication with God. Luke tells us, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Without unity with each other (“one accord”) and communication with God (“prayer and supplication”), these men could have never accomplished their mission.

We still need that unity and communication today. The will of God will be accomplished, but if we are to be involved (and all faithful Christians should desire involvement) then we need to be united in the truth and constant in prayer. These two fundamental facts are repeated throughout inspiration (Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Do you endeavor for unity and peace among the brethren? Are you praying without ceasing?

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Acts 1:11. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Pray

Pray that God will use you in His service; pray for unity in the local congregation and the brotherhood at large.