THE EARLY CHURCH - Ephesus to Jerusalem

FINISHING WITH JOY

Read Acts 19:21–41; 20:17–38

     Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. Acts 20:37b–38a NKJV

* * *

     For the first three months in Ephesus, Paul preached in the Jewish synagogues, but when opposition to the gospel escalated he began to reason daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. (19:9b–10 NIV) 

     After three years of ministry, Paul was forced to leave. Later, when he arrived at Miletus, he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said, "And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." (20:22–23 NIV)

* * *

     Paul traveled on three missionary journeys, planting churches everywhere. Then he would go to prison and accomplish the greatest task of all – writing inspired letters that are still ministering to us today as part of the Word of God. Lord, help us to build carefully on the foundation others have laid – and be faithful to pass on the message of Your grace.

* * *

     But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - A Faithful Couple

AQUILLA AND PRISCILLA

Read Acts 18

     There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Acts 18:2 NIV

* * *

     Leaving the city of Athens, Paul traveled to Corinth where he sought work. He met Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish believers who had recently been banished from Rome. As natives of Pontus, Aquila and Priscilla may have heard the gospel on the Day of Pentecost and fled to Rome during the dispersion of the church from Jerusalem.

     Now by God's sovereign design, He used them in the evangelistic ministry of Paul, traveling with him to Ephesus, where they stayed and worked with the Ephesian church. Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos' dynamic preaching, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (18:26)

* * *

     This faithful, mature couple set an example of patient endurance, hard work and fruitful ministry. Lord, I pray that our home will always be a welcoming place where other believers are encouraged and built up in the Word.

* * *

     When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. Acts 18:27 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Evangelism in Athens

THE UNKNOWN GOD

Read Acts 17:22–34

     "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.   Acts 17:22b–23a NIV

* * *

     After fleeing to Athens, Paul found himself in a very different setting. He went to the marketplace daily, preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection to all who would listen. This was easily done since all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas. (17:21) 
     A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers disputed with him about Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Paul began his argument by referring to their monument to "An Unknown God." 
     "Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…(17:23b-24a) From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him…”(17:26-27)

* * *

     Paul was trained in the Jewish law, but the Holy Spirit enabled him to present the gospel to secular philosophers. Lord, I need this kind of discernment to be ready to give an answer to people I meet out in the marketplace of ideas.

* * *

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."  Acts 17:30 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - The Noble Bereans

EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES

Read Acts 17:1–15

     Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."  Acts 17:2-3 NKJV

* * *

     For three Sabbaths Paul taught in the synagogue at Thessalonica before opposition began. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks, both men and women. These would become the founders of the Thessalonian church. But the Jewish leaders were jealous and hired some evil men to round up a mob and cause a riot. When word of this arrived, the believers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.

     Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. (Acts 17:11-12 NIV)

* * *

     Lord, help us to be like the Bereans, getting to know Your Word and teaching it accurately to our children, so that they can recognize the difference between truth and error and find Your perfect will for their lives

* * *

     When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea.   Acts 17:13-14 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Singing In Prison

IMPRISONED IN PHILIPI

Read Acts 16:16–40

     At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 NKJV

* * *

     One day on the way to the place of prayer, a demon possessed girl followed Paul and Silas shouting "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the demon, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" (Acts 16:17-18) 

     This act of compassion for the girl resulted in a loss of profits for her owners. They arrested and flogged Paul and Silas, threw them into prison and fastened their feet in stocks. At midnight, as they were singing hymns, a violent earthquake caused the doors to open and everyone's chains to come loose. The frightened jailer, said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31) At that hour of the night, Paul spoke the Word of the Lord to the jailer's family and they believed and were baptized.

* * *

     Lord, Your chosen ones were in every place the apostles traveled: A city given over to demons, a cold dark prison, a prayer group by the river – all known to You before the beginning of time. Thank You for including us in this vast multitude of believers.

* * *

     So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. Acts 16:40 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - The Gospel Message Heading Toward Europe

LYDIA OF PHILIPPI

Read Acts 16:6–15

     And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."  Acts 16:9 NKJV

* * *

     Paul, Silas and Timothy attempted to enter Asia on their second missionary journey, but the Holy Spirit prevented them, closing the door on their plans. Paul saw a vision as he slept, of a Macedonian man pleading with him to come and help them. 
     When the three men arrived in Philippi, Macedonia, they stayed for several days. On the Sabbath they went to the riverside where prayer was customarily made. What they found was not a man, as Paul saw in his vision, but a prayer meeting for women.

     One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. (16:14 NIV) Lydia opened both her heart and her home for the apostles to stay, planting a church at Philippi and beginning what would become a lighthouse of the gospel in Europe.

* * *

     Lord, how glad I am that You value the ministry of women like Lydia, Mary, Martha, and so many others who helped to start the early churches. May our home be a welcoming lighthouse and may our influence be multiplied through our children.

* * *

     When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay."  Acts 16:15 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Disagreement Among Believers

BARNABAS REPLACED BY TIMOTHY

Read Acts 15:36-41; 1Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 1:5–7

     He came to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.    Acts 16:1 NIV

* * *

     Many of the believers in Antioch were taking on the responsibility of teaching and preaching, so Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." (Acts 15:36) 
     Barnabas insisted on taking John Mark along, but Paul sharply disagreed because Mark deserted them on the first journey. So Paul chose Silas, while Barnabas continued with Mark and they went their separate ways. God blessed the ministry of all these men.

* * *

     It must have been a heartbreaking loss for Paul to break fellowship with his friend, but soon after that, Paul met another man with the gift of encouragement, Timothy. Paul would later say of him, "Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Philippians 2:22)

* * *

     Lord, sometimes we are saddened when believers disagree. But You are always faithful to provide the encouragement we need to keep going. Help us to trust in Your perfect provision. 

* * *

     "For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."    1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Salvation for everyone

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Read: Acts 13:13–52

'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" Acts 13:47 NIV

* * *

     Paul and Barnabas, led by the Holy Spirit, set out on a journey to Cyprus where they spoke in the synagogues. From there they traveled to Pisidian Antioch where the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak." (13:15)
     Paul stood up and motioned with his hand, "Men of Israel and you Gentiles, who worship God, listen to me …We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus…" (Acts 13:16, 32-33a)

      The people, eager to hear more, invited the apostles to speak the next Sabbath when almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. (13:44-45)

      The desire for power in these men blinded them to the truth that their Messiah had come and offered them forgiveness of sin. By rejecting Him, they were giving up the gift of eternal life.

* * *

     Lord, I am so thankful that You offered the gift of salvation to us also, so that we could share the good news with others, both Jews and Gentiles.

* * *

     "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles."  Acts 13:46b

THE EARLY CHURCH - Earnest Prayer for Peter

KING HEROD'S PERSECUTION

Read Acts 12:1–24

     (King Herod) had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword… So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.  Acts 12:2, 5 NIV

* * *

     On the last night before Peter's trial, the disciples gathered at John Mark's home to pray for his deliverance. What they did not expect, was that their prayers would be miraculously answered that very night. 
     A young servant girl, Rhoda, came to answer the door, and we are told that "when she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." (12:14–15)

     While they tried to process what was happening, "Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished." (12:16)

* * *

     Lord, I wonder how many times I have prayed without really expecting an answer. It is a comfort to me that You worked this miracle, not because of the strength of their faith, but on the basis of Your Almighty power in answer to earnest prayer. 

* * *

     …Herod, (who had murdered James) wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.   Acts 12:21–23 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - The Gift of Encouragement

BARNABAS THE ENCOURAGER 

Read Acts 11:19–30, 12:24–13:3

     They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.   Acts 11:22-23 NIV

* * *

     Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, received a new Christian name from the apostles. They called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement." He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord through his ministry. (11:24) He went to Tarsus to find Saul, and brought him to Antioch, where the two of them ministered for a year. In later years Saul, also called Paul, would write of Barnabas and his cousin John Mark, "They have proved to be a comfort to me." (Colossians 4:11)

     Barnabas possessed the gifts of encouragement and discernment. He was quick to recognize the Spirit of the Lord in a new believer and slow to write him off when he failed. His cousin John Mark ran away during a time of persecution, but later rejoined Barnabas in powerful ministry. 

* * *

     Lord, help me to be an encourager like Barnabas. Grant me the wisdom to teach our children and grandchildren  how to encourage each other as well. As with Barnabas, fill us with the Holy Spirit and faith so that we can encourage other Christians to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. (11:23-24)

* * *

     The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26 

THE EARLY CHURCH - Gentiles Included

PETER AND CORNELIUS

Read Acts 11:1–18

     But the voice answered me again from heaven, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' Acts 11:9 NKJV

* * *

     Up to this time, the apostles preached primarily to the Jewish people. Even at Pentecost, the people from various nations were professing Jews. To come to God, Peter believed a person must become a Jew and follow the Jewish laws, abstaining from unclean foods. 

     But God told Peter that he was going to do a new thing through him. He directed him to an Italian centurion named Cornelius whose heart was prepared to hear the gospel. Today he and his household were going to hear the good news, believe it, and receive the Holy Spirit; bringing Gentiles into the New Testament church.

* * *

     Dear heavenly Father, help me to remember that before I ever speak to someone about Christ, You have already paved the way. You said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,"(John 6:44 NKJV) I pray for the drawing of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Speak to their hearts, so that our words will fall on willing ears.

* * *

     If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"      Acts 11:17 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Beautiful Feet

HOW SHALL THEY HEAR?

Read Romans Chapters 9 –10

     That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.    Romans 10:9 NIV

* * *

     Although the church at Rome was started by Jewish believers, the larger growth was among the Gentiles. Paul’s heart was that his own Jewish brethren would be saved, but God had called him to spread the Word to all who would believe. 
     He now makes his case for the importance of evangelism. He asks them, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (10:14)

     The Jews, he said, had heard the message by way of the prophets, though most had not accepted their Messiah when He came. But the way of salvation was the same for both Jews and Gentiles. 
     "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' " (10:12-13)

* * *

     Lord, I pray for the day when Israel will recognize their Messiah. I am so thankful that the gospel was preached to those who passed it down to us. May we be faithful to tell others that As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (10:11)

* * *

     ...And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"   Romans 10:14b-15 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Encouragement in Opposition

WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?

Read Romans 8:28–39

     "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 NKJV

* * *

     In the early days of the church, believers faced opposition among their own people, sometimes in their own families. Rome certainly had no great love for the Truth and the Jews saw it as a threat to their long established traditions.   

     Paul is writing letters from afar, giving encouragement that was sorely needed in the lives of these new believers. He first reassures them that God knows and sees everything they are going through. He also has a future plan for them which was in place before they were even born. He says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”(8:29)

     He tells them that just as they are now justified, they will one day be glorified in His presence. “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (8:31-32)

* * *

     Lord, never let me take for granted that You have a plan for my life, You knew me before I was born, and all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalms 139:16 NIV) Nothing can separate me from Your love.

* * *

     For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.""   Romans 8:38-39 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Hope In the Struggle

THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST IN YOU

Read Romans 8:1-27

     You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.   Romans 8:9 NIV

* * *

     Paul has presented the dilemma of our struggle with sin – and its solution through the sacrifice of Jesus. We still, however, must live with the presence of sin and in a physical sense we will one day face death, unless Jesus returns in our lifetime. 
     So Paul goes on to say, “...if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness." (8:10) –so what is our ultimate hope? 
     “...And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (8:11)

     We not only stand as righteous before God because of the death of Jesus, we also have the hope of eternal life because of His resurrection. This life begins today with the Spirit who dwells within us.
     “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children ." (8:15–16)

* * *

     Thank you, Father that I am your child and I do not need to fear death. I thank you also for the abundant life you have promised us through your indwelling Holy Spirit. No matter what my circumstances are from day to day, I can be secure in your love for me.

* * *

     And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.    Romans 8:27 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - The Inward Struggle

WHO WILL RESCUE US?

Read Romans 7:1–8:2

     I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature, for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.    Romans 7:18 NIV

* * *

     All of their lives the Jewish believers had been taught the laws given by God to Moses. Did this new teaching mean that Moses was wrong? “What shall we say, then?Paul exclaims, Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘Do not covet.’” (7:7) 

     The problem, he explains, is not with the law; the problem is with us ─“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.” (7:14-16) 
     The righteousness we could not attain because of our constant struggle with sin – God purchased for us through His Son. “…Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord…!” (7:24-25)

* * *

     Lord, I see myself in this passage, striving to have the perfect attitude and to do the right thing, but so often getting off the path into self pity, resentment and just plain carnal thinking. How thankful I am that You are the perfect one and Your Spirit dwells in me, enabling me to be forgiven and start anew whenever I fall short of Your Word.

* * *

     "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."    Romans 8:1-2 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - No Longer Slaves To Sin

DEAD TO SIN BUT ALIVE TO GOD IN CHRIST JESUS

Read Romans 6

     What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?  Romans 6:1-2 NIV

* * *

     We as believers were once slaves to the sinful nature we inherited from the first man, Adam. The penalty for sin is death, and the price was paid by the one perfect man Jesus, the Son of God. Paul explains that "If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." (6:5)

     One day we will stand before him rescued from our old sin nature. We have already been rescued from the penalty of sin, and because of this, we should give ourselves to the service of the one who bought us with His blood. "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." (6:6)

     Though we will often struggle in this earthly body to resist our sinful nature and submit to God, Paul reminds believers that “since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him…In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (6:9, 11)

* * *

     Lord, I praise you for the mercy and grace that sent Your Son to the cross for my sin. I thank you also that through your Spirit I have the resources to live a life of victory over my sinful nature.

* * *

     "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” (6:12)

THE EARLY CHURCH - Saved Through His Life

JUST THE RIGHT TIME

Read Romans 4–5

     You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly─ God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   Romans 5:6, 8 NIV

* * *

     After giving the example of Abraham’s faith in waiting a lifetime for God’s promise of a Savior, Paul tells the believers in Rome that Jesus came “at just the right time.” Certainly God’s time clock is different from ours. Abraham died without seeing the promised Messiah, but he is with Him now as the recipient of eternal life.
     In the fullness of time, God sent His Son into the world to pay for the sins of all who would receive Him, for …where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (5:20b-21)

      Abraham believed God, "being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 
     The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness–for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead"  (4:21-24)

* * *

     Dear Father, I cannot find the words to express the gratitude I have in my heart that you sent Jesus “at just the right time.” I not only have eternal life through the death of Your Son, I have an abundant life today through His life in me.

* * *

     For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - The Life of Faith

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Romans

Read Romans Chapters 2 ─ 3

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 3:20 NIV

* * *

     Paul speaks especially to the Jewish believers in these chapters. He teaches them the reality that every human being has sinned in God’s sight. Some are obviously sinners by the wicked deeds they do – but then he goes on to tell them that they too have transgressed God’s laws. 

     The only hope for all of mankind is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (3:22-24)

     These new believers needed to be taught that just as they had received Christ by faith, now they needed to live their lives in that same faith. A truly righteous life would not come from observing the law, but by trusting in the Son of God who wrote the law.

* * *

     Thank you Lord, that in spite of my sin, You paid the price on the cross so that I could live an abundant Christian life by faith. Help me to apply this truth to everything I do for my family, in my church and out in the world – that in everything I would trust in You.

* * *

     Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.    Romans 3:27 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Mutual Encouragement

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Romans

Read Romans 1:1-19

     I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong– that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith   Romans 1:11-12 NIV

* * *

     The church at Rome was established by Jewish believers who came to faith at Pentecost. (Acts 2) Paul wrote them this letter to encourage and build them up in a full understanding of the Truth. He also encouraged them to build each other up through the abilities God had given them.

     Reports of the ongoing spread of the gospel brought tremendous encouragement to Paul. He said, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” (Romans 1:8)

     Paul had suffered much for preaching that Jesus "was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead…" (1:4) But in spite of persecution he said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (1:16)

* * *

     Dear Lord, grant me the ability to share my faith, realizing that it is not my ability to convince, but the power of the Holy Spirit that will bring men and women to faith. Help me also to be a source of encouragement to other believers.

* * *

     For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."   Romans 1:17 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - House Arrest in Rome

Read Acts 25:1-12; 28:16-31

     Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God- the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures…To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1–2, 7 NIV

* * *

     The church at Rome grew from the nucleus of Jews who believed the gospel during the feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem. At the time Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, he was in Corinth and had not yet been to Rome. This inspired letter contains very concise doctrinal teaching for both the Jews and Gentiles who made up the church.

* * *

     Paul had been on three missionary journeys preaching the gospel to those who had not yet heard which he believed was his primary calling. He wrote, “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again…” (Romans 15:14-15a) He then tells them that he is going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to him there, but he hopes he will be able to come to Rome after he delivers a gift to the believers there.

* * *

     Later in Jerusalem, Paul was arrested for preaching the gospel and taken before the authorities, where he claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. Because he appealed to Caesar, he was taken to Rome, where the authorities allowed him to live in his own rented house under a guard. 

* * *

     Three days after his arrival, he called together the leaders of the Jews. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. Acts 28:23b-24 NIV

* * *

     When the unbelieving Jews left him, rejecting the message, Paul said, "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" (Acts 28:28) and so it was that the church in Rome grew through the ministry of a preacher confined to his house.

* * *

     Lord, I praise You that your plan for reaching men and women is not limited to our efforts and vision for the future. What a wonderful thing that the apostle Paul, under house arrest, was still able to preach the gospel to all who came to him. Help me to remember that it is still Your Holy Spirit who draws men, women and children to You.

* * *

     For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:30-31 NIV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Sorrow Turned To Joy

SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE

Read John 16:5–33

     "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."   John 16:7 NKJV

* * *

      The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (16:22) 

* * *

      At one point, the men thought they understood; they said, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." (16:29–30)

      Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone…”(16:30-32 NKJV) 

          The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down.

* * *

      Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

* * *

     "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - At The Cross

BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER

Read John 19:17-37

     Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.    John 19:25-26 NKJV

                                                                         * * *

     Years before, Mary and Joseph stood before the priest to dedicate her newborn Son. The old man Simeon had prophesied, "This child is destined to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34-35)  

     Now Mary was experiencing the ultimate piercing of her soul, as Jesus hung from the cross in agonizing pain: 
     When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.   John 19:26-27 NKJV

     Jesus knew the emotional pain that this moment brought to His mother. God had chosen her of all women to give birth to His Son, but His plans for her were not over. After the resurrection and ascension, Mary's other sons became devout believers. In Acts we read,

   "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."   Acts 1:14 NKJV

* * *

     Lord, so often Mary stood in the background watching God's plan unfold. She is an example I would like to follow when it seems better to be still and wait on You. What honor came to this humble woman as the Son of God saw to her needs in His last hour. I know that You are aware of my needs and the needs of my children. I pray that like Mary's sons they will follow You.

* * *

     One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water... These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled ..."They will look on the one they have pierced."    John 19:34-37;  Zechariah 12:10

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Behold Your King!

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Read: Luke 19:28-40

     …the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"  Luke 19:37-38 NKJV

* * *

     After leaving Zacchaeus' home in Jericho, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, where a colt was already prepared for Jesus to make His entry. Jesus knew the donkey would be there, because His Father had prophesied "Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9b NKJV) The praise of the crowd echoed the words of the angels at His birth - all planned since the beginning of time.

* * *

     Lord, I want to praise You for all Your mighty works. You are the King of Kings who will one day return to Jerusalem again. You have ordained that the mouths of babes would praise You. I pray for the "babes" in my family that their lives will be lived in praise of the King and that one day we will all stand together and see You face to face.

* * *

     And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."    Luke 19:39-40 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Finishing with Joy

FROM EPHESUS TO JERUSALEM

Read Acts 19:21–41; 20:17–38

     Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. Acts 20:37b–38a NKJV

* * *

     For the first three months in Ephesus, Paul preached in the Jewish synagogues, but when opposition to the gospel escalated he began to reason daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. (19:9b–10 NIV) 

     After three years of ministry in Ephesus, Paul was forced to leave. Later, when he arrived at Miletus, he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said, "And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." (20:22–23 NIV)

* * *

     Paul traveled on three missionary journeys, planting churches everywhere. Then he would go to prison and accomplish the greatest task of all – writing inspired letters that are still ministering to us today as part of the Word of God. Lord, help us to build carefully on the foundation others have laid – and be faithful to pass on the message of Your grace.

* * *

     But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 NKJV