The ruins of this ancient Roman city are found in modern Turkey. Historians call it the “cradle of Gentile Christianity.” It was here that Barnabas brought Paul to help teach. The name Christian or “little Christs” was given because of the way these new followers gave glory to Christ in everything they did.
After the brook dried up, Elijah heard from God. I wonder how long he sat there without water before God spoke?
Peter’s strategy for reaching Romans- pray and obey. He prayed on the roof of Simon the Tanner in the port city of Joppa while Cornelius the Centurion sent three men to invite him to carry the gospel to his house.
This season of peace followed one of persecution. Seasons are not coincidental. The Gardener uses them to make the Vine’s branches more fruitful.
Solomon started well but finished poorly. How will you finish? Will your devotion and service for Christ increase as you age or will you retire and coast in the end? Where are the elders whose hearts burn ever brighter with age?
The Written Word points to the Living Word. This is a paradigm for right preaching. Preach the whole of Scripture while always focusing on Jesus as its fulfillment. If Christ isn’t central to our message, we preach in vain.
When persecution caused the church in Jerusalem to scatter, the gospel was spread to other nations. What was intended to stop the message, instead spurred its growth. God has commanded us to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Will it take persecution for us to obey?
King Solomon commissioned these 27 ft tall, bronze pillars for the entrance to the Temple. One he named Jakin (He establishes) the other Boaz (In Him is strength). Has God established your house? Is He your strength?
With both working to pay the mortgage, buying a house in the nicest neighborhood, filling it with expensive furnishings, you still labor in vain without God. A house doesn’t make a home. Love does. God is love. Let Him build your house.
What Israel thought of King Solomon. Will God still give wisdom to national leaders? We should pray for those that are in authority that God would imbue them with His wisdom for the administration of justice.