God certainly is everywhere. We are seeing the Gospel message working its ways into people hearts in every chapter of Acts. Last eek, Paul and his group went through three cities and today they will enter several more, but one central place is of geographical importance. Corinth comes into play here and we see the early beginnings of this once mighty church. What do we do when our earthly government leaders get involved in the narrative? We have seen briefly certain governors or prison wardens being a part of the story and how their lives have been affected by hearng the message of Christ. What happens when a Roman emporer jumps into the record? Jesus told his disciples to go int all the world". The world will only get bigger from here. Lets read... We have seen what happens when Jewish backlash comes against the Christian presentation of this "new" teaching about Jesus. There are confrontations and arguments that lead to jailings or having to sneek out of a city at ni...

  God is everywhere! Literally, everywhere the new and growing church turns there are great and mighty acts being done that show God is at work in their world. Chapter 17 of Acts brings us into three different areas along this part of Paul's journey. Yes, God is at work through Paul and Silas and the message is being presented. People are finding the Lord in droves. It should also be noted that everywhere they go, people are popping up who do not believe. Some of them causing problems and agitations. Some of them hear that Paul has moved to another area or city, and they pack up and go there just so they can bother him and contradict him. If you want evidence that God is at work in our world, take a careful look at where the devil's advocates are playing their tune. Most often they are spilling their tea right in the midst of the very work that is being done for the Kingdom. Paul ran into it regularly and Chapter 17 is here for our benefit so that we can know exactly what it is...

  The work has begun. This message about Jesus is starting to spread and people are wanting to jump in and give their hearts and lives to this cause of sharing that love and forgiveness with others. They will walk. They will take boats. They will go everywhere they can. In these early days and moments of the church we see in Acts , they won't be alone either. Paul has set out with Silas in one direction. Barnabas , with John Mark in tow, have set off in the other. And, lots of others will jump into the account and become part of the movement. A very familiar face finds his first introduction into the biblical account here in Acts. Timothy is trusted with carrying on the work in places where Paul has already visited. Later, Paul writes two letters to Timothy . He encourages and strengthens the young pastor in the work he is doing. Timothy will be entrusted to lead the church in Ephesus after Paul finds false teaching being presented there. While with Paul, the young disciple wi...

  Disagreements (in Three parts) Most of us don't care for confrontation. I don't like it at all. I stress and sweat and worry. Mostly about what I'm going to say and how I'm going to say it and the person I am intending to say it all too. What are we told not to talk about in public when we are out and about? Politics, Religion, and Sports. Steer clear of the big 3 and just talk about the weather. Oh brother. That can lead to a disagreement about climate change. How about we just don't go out at all. We'll just order in. Then comes the disagreement about paying for Door Dash to deliver it and whether or not to tip the driver. (Yea, it gets expensive.) Finances can be the number one thing to argue about within the home. So many people in our world and so many things to get bent out of shape about.  Of course, the subject of religion is front and center for us today. It will be a major issue for the first century church and much of what Paul and John and Peter en...