Acts 20 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul was a hard worker. As he traveled and evangelized, he worked with his hands to support himself and those who traveled with him. As he gave final instructions to the elders of Ephesus, he likewise encouraged them to work hard to meet the needs of the weak. He was always thinking of others. Because of his skill as a tent-maker, he might have received a good wage which he used to help others. I can’t remember him ever taking an offering to meet his personal needs. He was very honorable in all his dealings.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ [Acts 20:35]

Acts 19 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Wherever the Apostle Paul went, he stirred it up. He “reasoned” with the Jews in the synagogues on the sabbath whenever he visited a new town. In Ephesus, the followers of Artemis went ballistic over the effect the Gospel was having on their city. The word “uproar” seems to be Paul’s effect on communities to which he preached the Gospel or where he endeavored to correct doctrinal error. Surely there was no other evangelist who was more zealous for articulating truth than him.

We all need a little more “Paul” in us.

Acts 18 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul preached and reasoned in the synagogue at Corinth every sabbath, although he encountered much resistance. A new church was begun regardless of the discouragement he must have felt. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his family became converts. In spite of the grief Paul must have felt, a lasting work which received two of the backbone chapters of the Canon of Scripture were generated. The resistance he experienced produced valuable teaching that all New Testament Christians profit greatly from.

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. [Gen. 50:20]

Acts 17 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

When Paul preached to the Bereans, they studied the scriptures to authenticate Paul’s message. This was termed “noble character.” Then when Paul preached in Athens, the Greeks contemplated and deeply considered Paul’s message and claims. (I’m of Greek descent, and proud of it at the moment)

Whenever you see a church with the name “Berean,” the implication is that they greatly value deep scripture study. They are less moved by emotion and dramatic oratory, and more convinced by their own, personal study of the scriptures.

O that we all were better “Bereans.”

I’ve been a father for nearly 54 years. These are some tips for fathers:

• Build your family around the Lord, the Bible, the Church, and prayer
• Correct your children while they’re young so they don’t have to suffer the consequences of disobedience when they are parents themselves
• Speak corrective but loving words to your children
• Praise desired behavior
• Constantly show your children how much you love and value their mother
• “Bring home the bacon” so the family’s basic needs are met
• Look for God’s gifting in the lives of your children and fertilize it
• Pray for their well-being on a daily basis

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. [Luke 12:32]

Acts 16b [NIV Dramatized Audio]

To the Philippian magistrates who jailed him, Paul said, “We are Roman citizens, and you have beaten us and jailed us without cause.”

The magistrates were fear struck upon learning that they had violated the sacred civil rights of two Roman citizens, an action which could have subjected the rulers to severe personal penalties, perhaps up to and including execution. Profuse apologies followed, and a request that the abused men quietly leave the city. -Douglas K. Kutilek

The Apostle Paul was no doormat. He showed great spunk as he obviously demanded to have his rights as a Roman citizen respected.

“He that winneth souls is wise.” [Pr. 11:30b]

I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. [1 Cor. 9:22b]

Acts 15, 16 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed for casting a demon out of a girl who was profitable to her handlers. While in bonds, God’s angel set them free along with everyone else in the prison. The jailer feared for his life because the prisoners were his charge. He fell at their feet and said, “What must I do to be saved?”

Upon his conversion right there in the jail, he brought his entire family to be saved. Exhibiting INSTANT OBEDIENCE, they were all baptized that night.

Acts 13, 14 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul was stoned at Lystra and thought to be dead, but the disciples gathered around him, prayed (no doubt) and he went back into the city. He got Barnabas and they then went to Derbe. It appeared that nothing could stop him from preaching, teaching, and praying for the sick.

The Christian life has it hardships. Just ask me. I surely didn’t ask for Multiple Myeloma (cancer of the blood and bone marrow.) But, I deal with it and keep on going. Christians have hardships of many different kinds, but they take courage, receive God’s grace, and keep going.

We take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jn. 16:33

Acts 12 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

King Herod stood before the people who were shouting, “This is the voice of a god.” He failed to correct them, letting them believe that he, in fact, was a god. The TRUE GOD sent His angel to pronounce judgement.

Immediately an angel from the Lord struck Herod down, because he didn’t give the honor to God. He was eaten by worms and died. [Acts 12:23]

All honor and glory belong to God and not to us. We are wise to conduct ourselves in humility and deference to God.

“For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever, Amen.”

Acts 9-11 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Peter’s revelation that God loved the Gentiles too revolutionized the Christian community. Regardless of what the Mosaic Law said, God now said that what He had made clean was not to be shunned. This doctrine began catching on as Pater shared about his vision of the sheet being dripped from Heaven with unclean animals in it. Believers went out from Jerusalem and began preaching to Gentiles.

God so loved the WHOLE world that He sent Christ to witness and die for our sins. Jesus had said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [Matt. 28:19]

Like Peter, God needs to get our attention some way so that we become obedient to preach the Gospel.