Jeremiah had a new assignment but his message was not well received. Hananiah, on the other hand, was preaching a popular message. How were the people to discern what was the truth? How do we today discern what is truth?

Matthew records that Jesus had clearly told the disciples three times (16:21; 17:23; 20:19) that He would die and rise to life again. This news sounded so improbable that they had not understood it. The disciples have abandoned the Lord, fearful that they also may be killed as His followers. Then the women who had gone to the grave bring back a fantastic story. Could they and we believe it?

God gave Jeremiah a physical example of what was happening in the spiritual realm in the nation. Jeremiah was to bury a pair of linen shorts, or sometimes translated belt, then later dig it up. What common, everyday things does God use to teach you lessons?

Paul did not give up telling others about Jesus although he was just run out of three towns and experienced little fruit in Athens. How could he keep going? How can you keep going when you experience difficulties in life?

Paul has preached in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens with varying degrees of success. In the first three towns, Paul was forced to leave because of mob action. He was essentially laughed out of Athens. Now he comes to Corinth. Who will encourage him? What will he hear from the persecuted church of Thessalonica?

God made a bold move in allowing Christ to die for our sins on the cross. God also sent supernatural events to show what was happening in the spiritual realm. There was an earthquake and the curtain in the temple was split in two from top to bottom. Many tombs broke open and holy people who had died were raised to life. Where do you need God to move boldly in your life?

There is a spiritual battle in your life. Satan wants to destroy what you are doing for the Lord. He continues to use the same tactics today as he did in the Bible. He wants to blind people to prevent the advancement of the Gospel. Satan doesn’t want you to be forgiven. He doesn’t want you to experience the fullness of life. But Jesus does! When Saul experienced opposition, the Holy Spirit gave him a word that changed the whole story.

The early church can model so many great principals to us today. The church in Antioch met in homes not in church buildings. This opens up the possibilities for people who resist going to church. They had an establish system of mentorship to develop leaders and to send them out. They were diverse but united. As Paul and Barnabas were sent on their first mission trip, they began to spread this type of church from the book of Acts.

Jesus has endured several biased trials. His disciples have almost all deserted Him. Pilate has ordered that Jesus be whipped, and then Jesus is expected to carry His cross out to the place of crucifixion. But still Jesus goes on, why? Because of His love for each of us.

Jesus has endured several biased trials. His disciples have almost all deserted Him. Pilate has ordered that Jesus be whipped, and then Jesus is expected to carry His cross out to the place of crucifixion. But still Jesus goes on, why? Because of His love for each of us.