Go, Proclaim the Good News - Matthew 10:1-15

The Jews were waiting for the Messiah to usher in His Kingdom. They hoped for a political and military kingdom that would free them from Roman rule and bring back the days of glory under David and Solomon. But Jesus was talking about a spiritual Kingdom. The Good News today is that the Kingdom is still near. Jesus, the Messiah, had already begun his Kingdom on earth in the hearts of His followers. One day the Kingdom will be fully realized. Then evil will be destroyed and all people will live in peace with one another.

Filling a Vacancy - Acts 1:15-26

This was the first church business meeting. The small group of 11 had already grown to more than 120. The main order of business was to appoint a new disciple, or apostle, as the 11 were now called. While the apostles waited, they were doing what they could-praying, seeking God's guidance, and getting organized. Waiting for God to work does not mean sitting around doing nothing. We must do what we can, while we can, as long as we don't run ahead of God.

God's Chosen Instrument - Acts 9:10-21

Immediately after receiving his sight and spending some time with the believers in Damascus, Saul went to the synagogue to tell the Jews about Jesus Christ. Some Christians counsel new believers to wait until they are thoroughly grounded in their faith before attempting to share the Good News. Saul spent time with other believers to learn about Jesus before beginning his worldwide ministry, but he did not wait to witness. Although we should not rush into a ministry unprepared, we do not need to wait before telling others what has happened to us.

A Light From Heaven - Acts 9:1-9

As Saul traveled to Damascus, pursuing Christians, he was confronted by the risen Christ and brought face to face with the truth of the the Good News. Sometimes God breaks into a life in a spectacular manner, and sometimes conversion is a quiet experience. Beware of people who insist that you must have a particular type of conversion experience. The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you.

Content In All Circumstances - Philippians 4:10-20

Are you able to get along happily (be content) in any circumstances you face? Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret was drawing on Christ's power for strength. Do you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don't have what you want? Learn to rely on God's promises and Christ's power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that he knows is best for you.

Befriended by Barnabas - Acts 9:22-31

It is difficult to change your reputation, and Saul had a terrible reputation with the Christians. But Barnabas, a Jewish convert, became the bridge between Saul and the apostles. New Christians (especially those with tarnished reputations) need sponsors, people who will come alongside, encourage, teach, and introduce them to other believers. Find ways that you can become a Barnabas to new believers.

The Surpassing Value of Christ - Philippians 3:2-11

Often people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights. They think, "I can cheat on this test; after all, I myself-I worked hard for it," or "I can spend all this money on myself-I worked hard for it," or "I can get an abortion, I have a right to control my body." But as believers, we should have a different attitude, one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as He lived. We should develop His attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. Are you selfishly clinging to your rights, or are you willing to serve?

Persecutor Now Proclaimer - Galatians 1:18-24

Paul's changed life had brought praise from those who saw him or heard about him. His new life had astonished them. They had praised God because only God could have turned this zealous persecutor of Christians into a Christian himself. We may not have had as dramatic a change as Paul, but still our new life should honor God in every way. When people look at you, do they recognize that God has made changes in you? If not, perhaps you are not living as you should.

A Revelation of Jesus Christ - Galatians 1:11-17

Because God was guiding his ministry, Paul wasn't doing anything that God hadn't already planned and given him power to do. Similarly, God appointed Jeremiah to be his spokesman even before Jeremiah was born (Jeremiah 1:5). God knows you intimately as well, and he chose you to be His even before you were born (Psalm 139). He wants you to draw close to Him and to fulfill the purpose He has for your life.

Full of the Spirit and Wisdom - Acts 6:1-15

The most important prerequisite for any kind of Christian service is to be filled with faith and power of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit's power, Stephen was a wise servant (6:3), miracle worker (6:8), and evangelist (6:10). By the Spirit's power, you can exercise the gifts God has given you.

Scattered But Proclaiming - Acts 8:1-8

Persecution forced the believers out of their homes in Jerusalem, and along with them went the Good News. Sometimes we have to become uncomfortable before we'll move. We may not want to experience it, but discomfort may be the best thing for us because God may be working through our hurts. When you are tempted to complain about uncomfortable or painful circumstances, stop and ask if God might be preparing you for a special task.

Obeying God - Acts 5:27-39

The apostles knew their priorities. While we should try to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), conflict with the world and its authorities is sometimes inevitable for a Christian (John 15:18). There will be situations where you cannot obey both God and people. Then you must obey God and trust His word. Let Jesus' words in Luke 6:22 encourage you: "God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man."

Breaking Community Trust - Acts 5:1-11

The sin Ananias and Sapphira committed was not stinginess or holding back part of the money-it was their choice whether or not to sell the land and how much to give. Their sin was lying to God and God's people, saying they gave the whole amount but holding back some for themselves and trying to make themselves appear more generous than they really were. This act was judged harshly because dishonesty, greed, and covetousness are destructive in a church, preventing the Holy Spirit from working effectively. All lying is bad, but when we lie to try to deceive God and His people about our relationship with Him, we destroy our testimony for Christ.

Speaking the Word Boldly - Acts 4:23-31

Boldness is not reckless impulsiveness. Boldness requires courage to press on through our fears and do what we know is right. How can we be more bold? Like the disciples, we need to pray with others for that courage. To gain boldness, you can (1) pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to give you courage, (2) look for opportunities in your family and neighborhood to talk about Christ, (3) realize that rejection, social discomfort, and embarassment are not necessarily persecution, and (4) start where you are by being bolder in small ways.

What We Have Seen and Heard - Acts 4:13-22

Although the evidence was overwhelming and irrefutable (changed lives and a healed man), the religious leaders refused to believe in Christ and continued to try to suppress the truth. Don't be surprised if some people reject you and your positive witness for Christ. When minds are closed, even the clearest presentation of the facts can't open them. But don't give up either. Pray for those people and continue to spread the Good News.

No Other Name - Acts 4:1-12

Many people react negatively to the fact that there is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for salvation. Yet this is not something the church decided; it is the specific teaching of Jesus himself (John 14:6). If God designated Jesus to be the Savior of the world, no one else can be His equal. Christians are to be open-minded on many issues but not on how we are saved from sin. No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to earth as God's only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus, whom God provided as the way to have an eternal relationship with himself. There is no other name or way!

Living in the Last Days - Acts 2:1-21

Not everything mentioned in Joel 2:28, 29 was happening that particular morning. The "last days" include all the days between Christ's first and second comings and is another way of saying "from now on." "That great and glorious day of the Lord" denotes the whole Christian age. Even Moses yearned for the Lord to put His Spirit upon everyone (Numbers 11:29). At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was released throughout the entire world-to men, women, slaves, Jews, Gentiles. Now everyone can receive the Spirit. This was a revolutionary thought for first-century Jews.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:1-13

God made His presence known to this group of believers in a spectacular way-violent wind, fire, and his Holy Spirit. Would you like God to reveal himself to you in such recognizable ways? He may do so, but be wary of forcing your expectations on God. In 1 Kings 19:10-13, Elijah also needed a message from God. There was a great wind, then an earthquake, and finally a fire. But God's message came in a "gentle whisper." God may use dramatic methods to work in your life-or he may speak in gentle whispers. Wait patiently and always listen.

One Body in Christ - Romans 12:3-8

Look at this list of gifts and imagine the kind of people who would have each gift. Prophets are often bold and articulate. Servers (those in ministry) are faithful and loyal. Teachers are clear thinkers. Encouragers know how to motivate others. Givers are generous and trusting. Leaders are good organizers and managers. Those who show kindness are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counselor, and a generous giver might fail as a leader. When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God's family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can't do the work of the church all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build Christ's church.

Receive the Holy Spirit - John 20:19-23

Jesus was giving the disciples their Spirit-powered and Spirit-guided mission-to preach the Good News about Jesus so people's sins might be forgiven. The disciples did not have the power to forgive sins (only God can forgive sins), but Jesus gave them the privilege of telling new believers that their sins have been forgiven because they have accepted Jesus' message. All believers have this same privilege. We can announce forgiveness of sins with certainty when we ourselves have found repentance and faith.

Living in Fellowship - Acts 2:37-47

About 3,000 people became new believers when Peter preached the Good News about Christ. These new Christians were united with other believers, taught by the apostles, and included in the prayer meetings and fellowship. New believers in Christ need to be in groups, where they can learn God's Word, pray, and mature in the faith. If you have just begun a relationship with Christ, seek out other believers for fellowship, prayer, and teaching. This is the way to go.

Living in Hope - Acts 2:22-35

Everything that happened to Jesus was under God's control. His plans were never disrupted by the Roman government or the Jewish officials. This was especially comforting to those facing oppression during the time of the early Christian church.

Fellowship With God and Jesus (1 John 1:1-4)

John writes about having fellowship with other believers. There are three principles behind true Christian fellowship. First, our fellowship is grounded in the testimony of God's Word. Without this underlying strength, togetherness is impossible. Second, it is mutual, depending on the unity of believers. Third, it is renewed daily through the Holy Spirit. True fellowship combines social and spiritual interaction, and it is made possible only through a living relationship with Christ.

"Water From the Sanctuary" - Ezekiel 47:1-12

This river is similar to the river mentioned in Revelation 22:1, 2. Both are associated with the river in the Garden of Eden. The river symbolizes life from God and the blessings that flow from His throne. It is a gentle, safe, deep river, expanding as it flows. The Jordan Valley is the geological depression in which the Dead Sea lies. The Dead Sea is a body of water so salty that nothing can live in it. The river will freshen the Dead Sea's water so it can support life. This is another picture of the life-giving nature of the water that flows from God's Temple. God's power can transform us not matter how lifeless or corrupt we may be. Even when we feel messed up and beyond hope, His power can heal us.

"The Water of Life" - Revelation 22:12-17

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He told her of the living water that He could supply (John 4:10-15). This image is used again as Christ invites anyone to come and drink the water of life. The Good News is unlimited in scope-all people everywhere may come. Salvation cannot be earned, but God gives it freely. We live in a world desperately thirsty for living water, and many are dying of thirst. But its still not too late. Let us invite everyone to come and drink.

"Give Me Living Water" - John 4:7-15

What did Jesus mean by "living water"? In the Old Testament, many verses speak of thirsting after God as one thirsts for water (Psalm 42:1; Isaiah 55:1; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1). God is called the fountain of life (Psalm 36:9) and the fountain of living water (Jeremiah 17:13). In saying He would bring living water that could forever quench a person's thirst for God, Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah. Only the Messiah could give this gift that satisfies the soul's desire.

Planted by Streams of Water - Psalm 1

God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. He judges them on the basis of their faith in Him and their response to His revealed will. Those who dilligently try to obey God's will are blessed. They are like healthy, fruit-bearing trees planted along a riverbank with strong roots (Jeremiah 17:7, 8), and God promises to watch over them. God's wisdom guides their lives. In contrast, those who don't trust and obey God have meaningless lives that blow away like dust.

There are only two paths of life before us-God's way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction. Be sure to choose God's path, because the path you choose determines how you will spend eternity.

"Like Showers and Spring Rains" - Hosea 6:1-6

God answered His people, pointing out that their profession of loyalty, like mist and dew, evaporated easily and had no substance. Many find it easy and comfortable to maintain the appearance of being committed without deep sincere loyalty. If you profess loyalty to God, back it up with your actions.

"The Water of Rebirth" - Titus 3:1-7

Paul summarized what Christ does for us when He saves us. We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by God's Holy Spirit. All our sins, not merely some, are washed away. Washing refers to the water of baptism, which is a sign of salvation. In becoming a Christian, the believer acknowledges Christ as Lord and recognizes Christ's saving work. We gain eternal life with all its treasures. We have a new life through the Holy Spirit, and He continually renews our hearts. None of this occurs because we earned or deserved it; it is all God's gift.

"Wash Yourselves" - Isaiah 1:12-17

Crimson was the color of a deep-red permanent dye, and its deep stain was virtually impossible to remove from clothing. The bloodstained hands of the murderers are probably in view in this Scripture. The stain of sin seems equally permanent, but God can remove sin's stain from our life as he promised to do for the Israelites. We don't have to go through life permanently soiled. God's Word assures us that if we are willing and obedient, Christ will forgive and remove our most incredible stains.

"You Shall Live" - Ezekiel 37:1-14

This vision illustrates the promise of Chapter 36-new life and a nation restored, both physically and spiritually. The dry bones are a picture of the Jews in captivity-scattered and dead. The two sticks (37:15-17) represent the reunion of the entire nation of Israel that had divided into northern and southern kingdoms after Solomon. The scattered exiles of both Israel and Judah would be released from the "graves" of captivity and one day regathered in their homeland, with the Messiah as their leader. This vision has yet to be fulfilled. Ezekiel felt he was speaking to the dead as he preached to the exiles because they rarely responded to his message. But these bones responded! And just as God brought life to the dead bones, he would bring life again to his spiritually dead people.

"A New Song" - Psalm 40:1-5

Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David received four benefits from waiting: God (1) lifted him out of his despair, (2) set his feet on solid ground, (3) steadied him as he walked, and (4) put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting.

"New Mercies Every Day" - Lamentations 3:19-31

Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all this sin and sorrow surrounding him: "The unfailing love of the Lord never ends...Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day." God willingly responds with help when we ask. Perhaps there is some sin in your life that you thought God would not forgive. God's steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and He promises forgiveness.

"A New Creation" - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated-we are re-created (new creations), living in vital union with Christ. At conversion we do not merely turn over a new leaf; we begin a new life under a new Master.

"A New Covenant" - Luke 22:14-23

In Old Testament times, God agreed to forgive people's sins if they brought animals for the priests to sacrifice. When this sacrificial system was inaugurated, the agreement between God and His people was sealed with the blood of animals. But animal blood did not in itself remove sin (only God can forgive sin), and animal sacrifices had to be repeated day after day and year after year. Jesus instituted a "new covenant" or agreement between God and His people. Under this new covenant, Jesus would die in the place of sinners. Unlike the blood of animals, his blood (because He is God) would remove the sins of all who put their faith in Him. Jesus' sacrifice would never have to be repeated; it would be good for all eternity. The prophets looked forward to this new covenant that would fulfill the old sacrificial agreement, and John the Baptist called Jesus 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

"A New Strength" - Isaiah 40:25-31

Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God's power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength. When you feel all of life crushing you and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength.

"God Will Do Something New" - Isaiah 43:14-21

This secton pictures a new exodus for a people once again oppressed, as the Isrealites had been as slaves in Egypt before the Exodus. They would cry to God, and again he would hear and deliver them. A new exodus would take place through a new wilderness. The past miracles were nothing compared to what God would do for his people in the future.

Testimonies of Restoration

Recall a time when God restored you, something in your life, or someone you know. How did this restoration benefit others?

God's People Restored Again - Psalm 25:11-22

We are bombarded today with relentless appeals to go in various directions. Television advertising alone places hundreds of options before us, in addition to appeals made by political parties, cults, false religions, and dozens of other groups. Numerous organizations, including Christian organizations, seek to motivate us to support a cause. Add to that the dozens of decisions we must make concerning our job, our family, our money, and our society, and we become desperate for someone to show us the right way. If you find yourself pulled in several directions, remember that God teaches the humble His way.

Do life's problems always seem to go from bad to worse? God is the only one who can reverse the downward spiral. He can take our problems and turn them into glorious victories. There is one necessary requirement-we, like David, must cry out, "Turn to me and have mercy on me." When you are willing to do that, God can turn the worst into something wonderful. The next step is yours-God has already made His offer.

Restored to Service - Jeremiah 15-15-21

Jeremiah accused God of not helping him when he really needed it. Jeremiah had taken his eyes off God's purposes and was feeling sorry for himself. He was angry, hurt, and afraid. In response, God didn't get angry at Jeremiah; He answered by rearranging Jeremiah's priorities. As God's mouthpiece, he was to influence the people, not let them influence him. There are three important lessons in this passage; (1) in prayer we can reveal our deepest thoughts to God; (2) God expects us to trust Him, no matter what; (3) we are here to influence others for God.

Restored Through Repentance - Jeremiah 31:7-9, 16-20

The words in verses 18 through 20 picture grief and mourning. Although Israel, the northern kingdom, had sunk into the most degraded sins, God still loved the people. A remnant would turn to God by repenting of their sins, and God would forgive. God still loves you despite anything you may have done. He will forgive you if you turn back to Him.

Restored to God - Lamentations 5:15-21

A high calling flouted by low living results in deep suffering. Lamentations gives us a portrait of the bitter suffering the people of Jerusalem experienced when sin caught up with them and God turned his back on them. Every material goal they had lived for collapsed. But although God turned away from them because of their sin, he did not abandon them-that was their great hope. Despite their sinful past, God would restore them if they returned to him. Hope is found only in the Lord. Thus, our grief should turn us toward him, not away from him.

Restored to Our Salvation - Psalm 85:1-9

The psalmist was asking God to revive his people, bringing them back to spiritual life. God is capable of reviving both churches and individuals. He can pour out his love on us, renewing our love for Him. If you need revival in your church, family, or personal spiritual life, ask God to give you a fresh touch of His love.

Sometimes our trouble or pain is so great that all we can do is cry out to God for protection. And often, when there is no relief in sight, all we can do is acknowledge the greatness of God and wait for better days ahead. The conviction that God answers prayer will sustain us in such difficult times.

"Nowhere among the pagan gods is there a god like you." The God of the Bible is unique! He is alive and able to do mighty deeds for those who love Him. All human-created deities are powerless because they are merely inventions of the mind, not living beings. The Lord alone is "worthy...to receive glory and honor and power" (Revelation 4:11). Although people believe in many gods, you need never fear that God is only one among many or that you may be worshipping the wrong God. The Lord alone is God.

Restored to Be Saved - Psalm 80:1-7

Three times the writer calls on God to "turn us again to yourself." Before God can turn us to Himself, we must turn away from sin. Repentance involves humbling ourselves and turning to God to receive his forgiveness. As we turn to God, He helps us see ourselves, including our sin, more clearly. Then, as we see our sin, we must repeat the process of repentance. Only then can we constantly be restored to fellowship with God.

Restored with God's Help - Psalm 60:1-5, 11-12

This psalm gives us information about David's reign not found in the books of first and second Samuel or first and second Chronicles. Although the settings of psalm is found in 2 Samuel 8, that passage makes no reference to the fact that David's forces had met stiff resistance (60:1-3) and apparently even a temporary defeat (60:9, 10). The closer we get to God, the more our enemies will attack us because we threaten their evil and selfish way of living.