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.

Acts 9 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Saul of Tarsus was terrorizing the Christian community by having them put in jail for heresy. However, the Lord performed a miracle to get Saul’s attention and turn him around. Knocking him off his horse and blinding him, Christ Jesus Himself spoke to Saul our of a cloud and challenged him for persecuting Him and the believers. After the Holy Spirit arranged for Ananias to pray for Saul opening his eyes, Saul became a mighty witness for God’s Kingdom.

No doubt there were Christians praying for Saul.

Go ahead. Think of someone who is doing great damage to Christians and begin praying for them.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. [Jn 14:12]

Acts 7, 8 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Stephen gave one of the most powerful sermons ever, but it infuriated the Jewish religious leaders. They had him stoned to death. Resistance to Christ’s message was growing, but the church grew even more. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned into good. Stephen will have been rewarded for his courage and witness.

He was FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST. We need more like him.

What makes us glad makes other mad.

Acts 5 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Ananias and Saphira both lied to the Apostles and the Holy Ghost when they kept back some of their offering for themselves. Their deceit was the offense, not keeping their own money. Communism adherents supposedly have “all things common.” when the leaders and aristocracy keep more than their share in deceit, the system and its integrity breaks down.

When those better off “remember” the poor by financially assisting them, we have a healthier benevolence system. Each man will be rewarded by the Lord for his generosity. No need to deceive anyone. Just don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing …give in secret. [Matt. 6:3]

Acts 4, 5 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Peter and the disciples performed a notable miracle when the lame man in the Temple was healed. It created quite a stir in Jerusalem and a platform for the disciples to preach about Christ. They were brought in and challenged by the High Priest and the leaders NOT to preach about the name of Jesus. The disciples rather continued ministering in the Name of Jesus and thousands were added to the church. Their stance could only be described as BOLD!

There is growing persecution for the name of Jesus in our culture. Continual prayer and fellowship with Christ and His Word will maintain a boldness within us needed to overcome the diabolic resistance coming.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [Rom. 1:16]

Acts 2 [NV Dramatized Audio]

Peter stood up and preached a marvelous sermon at the occasion of the Pentecost infilling in Jerusalem. People were moved as He spoke because he was FILLED with the Holy Ghost. There was a curiosity level that inspired them to ask, “What should we do?” “Repent … and be baptized in the Name of Jesus,” was his response.

You and I should be so filled with God’s Spirit that people begin asking us what to do to get right with God. That’s my goal. How about you?