Focal Passage: Psalm 8:1-6, 14:1-7 

God’s creative purpose for this world and humanity is greater than any fulfillment we can find ourselves.  Because of the Fall, however, mankind has rejected God’s ideal and sought selfish ways to find meaning in life.  As we studied last week, this only leads to frustration and despair.  Only when we seek the Lord shall we find true and lasting purpose in our lives.  

God created a world of purpose. The Lord is majestic and magnificent in His creation! The beauty of Psalm 8 is that God finds His glory and majesty in creating humanity.  Genesis 1:26 illustrates God’s desire to create man and woman in His image and to maintain an eternal relationship with us. As King David writes this Psalm, he stands in awe of God’s handiwork. The more we observe the heavens, we grow astounded at the grandeur and immensity of the cosmos the Lord has fashioned.   [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 13:42-52 

In this study, we find that Paul and Barnabas have left Paphos and traveled to Perga in Pamphylia  (modern-day Turkey). John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas and had accompanied them as a helper according to Luke in Acts 13:5. 

It was here that John Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. Luke gives no details as to why he left. We do not know what role he played, but his departure created some difficulty for the missionary team. So much so, that later a division developed between Paul and Barnabas when Barnabas wanted to take him with them again on their second missionary journey. As a result of this division, Barnabas took John Mark and returned to Cyprus and Paul took Silas and headed toward Syria.

The missionary team did not stay in Perga, but traveled on to Pisidian Antioch. It is believed they arrived several days before the events Luke describes in the passage. By this time, no doubt the two had made introductions and had some communication with the rulers, and/or, leaders of the synagogue.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 13:1-12 

I have served in several churches during my 40-plus years of ministry, range from three to eight years to my longest ministry at one church of 14 years. I once was asked, “If you love a church and its congregation, and they love you, why leave and go somewhere else and start all over?”

There are many reasons pastors would give, some of which would have negative connotations in certain instances. But I have been blessed and personally never left any church under duress. The only difficulty I experienced with each change was the heartache of leaving those you have come to love. And, the only reason I left was because I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to another place of ministry. This week’s lesson talks about that very thing.

Beginning in Acts 13:1, Luke mentions several prophets and teachers, Barnabas and Saul being two among them. That is significant because these men were the pillars and posts of the church leadership in the church at Antioch. Losing any of these individuals would significantly impact the church. Later we will see that God’s desire for Barnabas and Saul would come to the attention of the congregation through probably the prophets among them. The congregation would need this leadership to determine God’s will for not only Barnabas and Saul, but for the church as well. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 12:6-18 

The study this week focuses on a topic that we talk about a lot but in many cases do very little of. We confess our belief in the power of prayer, but often times fail to apply that power to our lives as we should.  

Let me give you an example. All of us encounter problems in life. And, if we are believers, prayer is something we will probably do. But, most often it is not the first thing we think of doing. And for some, it is the last option they turn to after we have tried to resolve the problem ourselves and failed.  

Sometimes when we face problems we can become so focused on the situation that we forget about the power that is available to us is only a whisper away. No one can pray too much.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 10:34-48 

Have you ever noticed how people react to one another in large groups or crowds?  The peculiarities which become very distinguishable?  How people begin to segregate from the larger group into smaller groups of commonalities.  

Some might call what I have just described as a clique. I have always seen that term as being judgmental and a little harsh because it has always been used negatively against a group wishing to degrade someone else. 

I say this because all of us are drawn toward this natural human behavior, and most likely, have done it ourselves. We feel most comfortable when we associate ourselves with those we know who have common interests and share similar beliefs, goals, experiences and ideologies.  Most often we don’t have anything against the other people that may be present, but we like to stay in our little pond of familiarity. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Acts 9:32-43 

In our study for today we will be discussing an issue that many have difficulty with. Can someone be an instrument through which healing can take place? 

We all have heard examples where someone claims to have been healed through the powerful prayer or action of other individuals at a religious gathering. But we also know that not everyone who suffers from a physical condition is healed. 

Jesus healed a lot of people, but even He did not heal everyone. Even though many were, there were also many who returned home with their problem. The same is true today. There are many people who return home from these “healing services” still bearing their malady.  [Read more…]