Tag: Early church

Uncategorized

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 8

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The persecution of the early church resulted in their being scattered, and this resulted in the spread of the Gospel. Acts 6:4 says, “They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Philip went to Samaria and preached the Gospel and a great revival broke out. Surprisingly, God called Philip to leave the masses and the great revival, and go to one lost Ethopian. God was preparing the Ethiopian’s heart for a Gospel witness. God used three things to win the Eunuch from Ethiopia to faith in Jesus Christ. He used the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the child of God. Philip preached Jesus and the Eunuch trusted Christ and followed through with baptism. After trusting Christ the Eunuch went on His way rejoicing. We may not always understand many of the pressures and challenges we must face in life, but with God’s help we can be like Philip and the early church and share Christ wherever we go.

Prayer: “Dear Father, may we be sensitive to opportunities You may give us today to witness, and may we see every hardship as an opportunity to share the Gospel. In Jesus name.”

Randy J. McPheron

Uncategorized

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 7

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

It is encouraging to know that great men and women of the faith have been willing to give their lives for the sake of the Gospel.  Stephen was such a man. The Bible says that Stephen was full of faith and power, and that he did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). Stephen was unmatched in his testimony for the Lord. Even his countenance reflected the character of God. Acts chapter 7 records Stephen’s speech. I imagine that Stephen’s speech was a lot like what Jesus said to the two disciples on the Emmaus walk. Luke chapter 24 records that Jesus expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. As Jesus opened up the Scriptures these two disciples’ hearts were set on fire for the Lord. Stephen preached like Jesus, looked like Jesus, ministered and lived like Jesus, and when he died, he died like Jesus. From the cross Jesus cried, “Father forgive them.” As Stephen was dying he cried, “Lord, forgive them.” Everything about Stephen reminds us of Jesus. He paid the ultimate price for the Gospel by giving his life. Stephen’s life wasn’t wasted. God used Stephen’s witness to convict and eventually covert the Apostle Paul to the Christian faith. What is it about your life and mine that resembles Jesus? The more like Jesus we become the more God can use our witness.

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, thank You for faithful Christian witnesses like Stephen. May we be more like Jesus in everything we do. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is Acts chapter 4

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The early church had a tremendously powerful ministry and witness, what were some of its characteristics? They unashamedly preached Jesus and Him crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. Their constant concern was to glorify the name of Jesus. Along with that was the intentional way they witnessed about the Gospel. The disciples were willing to suffer and die for the sake of the Gospel. Part of their witness was a willingness to endure suffering. Also, they were marked by the influence of the Holy Spirit. They experienced God’s power as a result of being Spirit filled. The early church knew how to pray and when they called upon the Lord their place was shaken. They saw thousands trust Christ as Lord and Savior. They were marked by unity and a mutual concern for one another. They experienced great grace from the heavenly Father. They were generous and gave sacrificially. Their gatherings were marked by praise as they rejoiced in everything God accomplished. Believers today must get back to the same qualities that marked the early church. The early church turned the world upside down for Jesus Christ. We can do the same today if we will follow their example.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, raise up churches today that resemble the early church in the book of Acts. May we each do our part to seek revival in the church today. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron