Paul explained his example of working hard, not to benefit himself but to use what he gained to help those less fortunate. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35) If our giving is with the proper motives, we please God and show our trust in His continued…
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he complimented them for being magnificent Christian examples to others. “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth…
Study of God’s Word takes diligence, like the Bereans had. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Paul also encouraged us thru his second letter to Timothy that we should make sure we understand and are living by the Word. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of…
Paul used another farming analogy to explain to the Galatians that whatever they spent their time and energy on would determine how their life would turn out. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8) He then reminded them to…
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote to them about equality of all people when it comes to our Savior. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) In the verse just prior to that statement he reminded them what it takes to get in Christ. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians…
Paul and Barnabas did a lot of work together, but their relationship was not without issue. “And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” (Acts 15:39-40) Notice they did not let their disagreement stop them from doing good. They both continued to do God’s work and actually turned what would…
Have you ever wished you were a little bit wiser? James tells us there is a way to take care of that. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5) He does put a condition on these requests. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the…
Paul had people with vastly different opinions of him. Some treated him as a god, but not much later some were stoning him. “And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’” (Acts 14:11) “But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.” (Acts 14:19) In…
King Herod was persecuting some in the church and had Peter thrown into prison. “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5) During the night Peter was led out of the prison by an angel of the Lord. He went to a house where some of those were praying for him. “And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s…
During his preaching to Cornelius, Peter explained that God treats all men equally. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34) Paul also referred to that fact in his second letter to the Corinthians when talking about who Christ was sacrificed for. “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” (2 Corinthians…