What is the Result of Spiritual Bankruptcy?

Layman

Keywords

·author-steve-ham

·biblical-authority-devotional

·the-beatitudes

February 28

 

What Is the Result of Spiritual Bankruptcy?

by Steve Ham, AiG–U.S.Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (

Matthew 5:3)

Today’s big question: what is the result of spiritual bankruptcy?

The investment market is volatile and uncertain, yet millions of Americans have pinned their hopes on the prospect that there will be more ups than downs and eventually money will compound to give a positive return. Nearly every day, we hear tales of victory or loss in the financial markets. The evening news runs stories of someone who may have made a fortune by floating their company or lost millions of dollars through crashing markets or scandalous scamming. People enter the markets for profit, but I have never met a sensible person who actually wants to be bankrupt.

In the light of God’s glory, our spirit is at the lowest of lows—completely bankrupt. Our state before God would be hopeless without His mighty and gracious solution of salvation through Christ. But the result is exceedingly glorious.

The kingdom of heaven is found only in Christ. It is His kingdom. This is a kingdom inherited by sinners casting their bankrupt, hopeless situation before the only One who can turn it into a rich and hopeful situation. Just think: heaven will be filled with bankrupts. Every person in heaven will be a bankrupt turned into an heir of eternal riches.

Amazingly, we have access to that kingdom right now. Thanks to the completed work of Jesus Christ, who is exalted and reigning, we are partakers of that kingdom. What a thrill to know that we not only have access to His kingdom, but we shall also reign with Christ.

Since this kingdom is gained when a bankrupt spirit calls upon God, how did it originally come about?

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

The riches of the kingdom of heaven are available to us because our God came to live among a poverty-stricken humanity and He endured the burden of our sin on the Cross. It is through the poverty of our Savior that we will be raised to His exalted glory. This is a glory that lasts forever and ever.

This is the ultimate result of the first revealing step of spiritual bankruptcy—a bankruptcy that leads to true riches. What a contrast to the people in this world who focus their attention one earthly riches, which result in eternal bankruptcy.

Today’s big idea: those who become spiritually bankrupt can become rich through Christ. What to pray: Lord, help me to gaze upon your rich and glorious prize.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/01/result-of-spiritual-bankruptcy

How Must I React to My Sin?

Layman

Keywords

·author-steve-ham

·biblical-authority-devotional

·the-beatitudes

February 27

How Must I React to My Sin?

by Steve Ham, AiG–U.S.

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

 

 

Today's big question: how must I react to my sin?

I have watched as my mother lost her husband and one of her sons. Perhaps the sorrow of a loved one's death never goes away in this world. Perhaps she will always mourn these losses. When grief like this comes, I don't think you get over it with a pat on the back and someone telling you, “It will all be better soon.”

The first beatitude brings us to a place of spiritual bankruptcy when we acknowledge the depravity of our condition in the light of a holy God. We are without excuse, and we have no way out in our own strength. The great thing about these beatitudes is that He attached hope to every one of them. Spiritual poverty leads to His kingdom. Spiritual mourning leads to eternal comfort. But what is this mourning?

King David provides us with a great example. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and trying to cover it up by murdering her husband, David's sin was exposed by God through Nathan the prophet. David was devastated by his sin and he pled for the mercy of God.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when Your judge. (Psalm 51:1–4)

The first step of true mourning is to understand our need to completely depend upon Jesus. No matter who we sin against, our sin is ultimately directed against God, so we must deliver our pleas to Him. Thankfully, God is merciful, and His mercy is limitless and everlasting. He desires to give mercy, and He patiently waits to give it. What comfort this is to the mourner! Cast your cares upon God because He cares.

God's mercy in the Cross of Christ is a total and fulfilling mercy, and His comfort is everlasting. God's mercy and wrath are displayed in the Cross, but Christ has taken the wrath on Himself, and He grants His mercy to all who repent and trust in Him. The response to sin in our life must surely be to plead for His mercy—the all-comforting mercy found in the completed work of Christ.

Today's big idea: sin should bring us to our knees before our Creator—the one against whom we have sinned.

What to pray: confess your sin to the Lord and take comfort in His mercy.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/05/react-to-my-sin

Where Is Your Heart Leading You?

Febryary 26
Where Is Your Heart Leading You?
by Steve Ham, AiG-U.S.

 

Today’s big question: where is your heart leading you?

“Home is where the heart is.” Most people have heard this saying. What we desire most is where we feel most comfortable. While this statement is often used as a sentiment, it can also be dangerous.

If we want to get a sense of where our heart is likely to lead us, we should consider the biblical explanation of the human heart. The Bible states that prior to the Flood of Noah’s day, God “saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:4). The Lord severely judged humanity by flooding the entire earth.

In His infinite mercy, the Lord spared eight people from destruction who would repopulate the world. These eight people came off the boat and sacrificed to God. At this stage, God once again described the human heart. He said that “the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21).

Left to our own devices, our heart is unlikely to lead us in the right direction. This is true even when we think we are doing good because many of our good deeds are done for selfish reasons. We often do good deeds because they make us feel good, and we desire to please ourselves. In these cases, even though we do good deeds, the intent of man’s heart is still evil.

Our passage today stands in direct contrast to man’s general condition. True purity can only come through faith in Christ because it is only God’s purity that can transform our hearts. God frees us from our own selfish motivations and gives us a desire to serve Christ. Through the renewing of our minds and the transformation of our hearts we long for our true home with the Lord. The old hymn rightly states that “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

John Owen once said that we cannot apprehend the glory of Christ in heaven unless we first see it on earth. Presently we only see the glory of God as through a glass dimly, but living in Christ Jesus guarantees we will see His glory in all its brilliance throughout eternity. Until our heart has been transformed through faith in Jesus Christ, we will never truly see God and the home found securely with Him.

Today’s big idea: only a heart transformed by Christ can lead us in purity to see God.

What to pray: ask God to create in you a pure heart so that you may see the brilliant glory of the Son.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/14/heart-leading-you

Are You Content with God's Provision for Your Life?

·spirit-vs-flesh

February 25
Are You Content with God’s Provision for Your Life?

by Jeremy Ham, AiG–U.S.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are . . . jealousies (Galatians 5:19–20)

Today’s big question: are you content with God’s provision for your life?

There are times when we envy another’s material possessions, job, health, or the like. In these times we are not content with our current situation, and we believe others have it “better” than us. Scripture states that jealousy is a work of the flesh. Therefore, we should strive to be content with everything God has given us—but what does that look like? How do we walk in the Spirit when it comes to avoiding envy?

Rather than focusing on not being jealous, we should remember the Scriptural mandate to love God first of all, and love others also. The following passage clearly shows that envy cannot abide with true love:

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:4–6, emphasis added)

True love is of God (John 3:16; 1 John 4:16) and is contrary to envy. If we love as God loves us, we will care for a person’s spiritual well-being and be happy for the things God has done in their life. Material things have little spiritual significance because they are only temporary. Why be envious of temporary things? When we see people who glory in temporary things rather than God, we should feel sorry for them, not envious of them. Moreover, love is not self-seeking; it looks out for others when they fail or are misguided.

If we have true love, we will not be envious. We should also notice a truth about God’s character that is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 4:24 states, “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” God is the Creator and worthy of all glory and worship. When others turn to idols rather than God, He is jealous. God has a right to be jealous, and He knows that worshiping Him is best for us. We, on the other hand, will never be God and should never be jealous for selfish ambitions.

Your health may not be the best, or you may not have everything you desire to live in comfort. Remember, as sinners, we really deserve death, so we should be thankful for all the provisions we have right now, no matter how small, because they are graciously given by God. And first and foremost as Christians, we should praise God for abundant spiritual blessings, including the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Today’s big idea: Christians have all they need in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What to pray: thank God for all He has done for you.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/28/content-with-gods-provision

Are You Following Heresies?

·author-tim-chaffey

·biblical-authority-devotional

·spirit-vs-flesh

February 24
Are You Following Heresies?

by Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are . . . heresies (Galatians 5:20)

Today’s big question: are you following heresies?

Before you answer this question, allow me to explain how the term is being defined for this devotional. The word translated as “heresies” is derived from the Greek term haireseis, which refers to divisions or factions within a group. A heretic is someone who adheres to beliefs contrary to what has been commonly accepted by that group. In Scripture, it refers to someone who introduces or follows doctrines contrary to the teachings of Christ and His apostles (2 Peter 2:1).

Does this mean there is no room for differences within Christianity? Even Paul recognized that there will be disputes among Christians (2 Timothy 2:23), and the early church showed us how to handle these disagreements (Acts 15). We are called to be of one mind (Philippians 1:27), but we are sinful people with limited understanding. So while we are united in the gospel of Christ, sincere, Bible-believing Christians may reach different conclusions on other matters.

So, at what point do disagreements move into the realm of heresy? We may not be able to give a definitive answer on every debated doctrine, but we can look at principles in Scripture for guidance. Paul stated that heresies were a work of the flesh. I believe this point is crucial in discerning between true and false teaching. If one’s view is derived from a desire to please mankind rather than trying to faithfully interpret the Word of God, then that belief would be a work of the flesh.

Elsewhere Paul wrote, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Paul told the Colossian saints to make sure they did not follow teachings of men that were rooted in worldly thinking. Similarly, John wrote about people who believed in Jesus, but were afraid to confess Him because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42–43).

The problem in each of these cases is one’s focus. Do you desire to follow human ideas, which may include your own? If so, you are committing a work of the flesh because you are exalting someone other than God. This is heresy, and it causes division in the church.

As Christians, we must be willing to humble ourselves and allow God’s Word to determine our beliefs. Instead of using man’s fallible and ever-changing ideas to reinterpret Scripture, we need to base our beliefs on the Bible. At times, we will disagree with other Christians, but if we allow Scripture to be the authority then we will be united, even if we don’t agree on every detail. Today’s big idea: humbly approach God’s Word and ground your beliefs on the Bible.What to pray: ask God for humility so you do not bring destructive heresy into the church. 

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/07/29/following-heresies

 

What Is the Great Commission?

 

·acts-of-the-apostles

·author-tim-chaffey

·biblical-authority-devotional

February 23
    What Is the Great Commission?

by Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Today’s big question: what is the Great Commission?

The most well-known passage describing the Great Commission is found in the Lord’s words at the end of Matthew:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

This passage is often used as a basis for evangelism, which is certainly an appropriate application of Christ’s words, but the emphasis is often misplaced. In English, it seems as though Jesus gave several commands: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. However, in Greek, the only imperative is the verb translated as “make disciples.” The instructions to go, teach, and baptize explain how the command to make disciples is to be carried out.

Since Jesus told His disciples to teach their followers “all things that [He] commanded,” the command to make disciples must also be obeyed by the next generation of believers. As such, the Great Commission was not only for the first disciples, but is to be obeyed by every Christian.

So how can we obey our Lord’s teaching? Many people mistakenly believe that the command was only about sharing the good news. In fact, one of the weaknesses in the church today is that too many people think church is all about evangelism. Please don’t misunderstand me. Evangelism is extremely important, and we are definitely commanded to witness to others. Without evangelism, there could be no discipleship. However, the emphasis of the Great Commission is to “make disciples,” and this involves far more than simply leading someone to the Savior. Followers of Christ are supposed to make more disciples who live in obedience to Christ. We must spend time teaching and mentoring believers so they will grow and mature in the faith (Hebrews 5:12–14).

Today’s verse from the first chapter of Acts records a restatement of Christ’s command and functions as a practical outline of the book (i.e., the disciples were His witnesses first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth).

May we have the boldness and wisdom of the apostles to both witness to an unbelieving world and disciple those who repent of their sins and trust in Christ.

Today’s big idea: we are commanded to mature in the faith and disciple others.What to pray: ask God to help you fulfill the Great Commission.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/08/29/the-great-commission

What Will It Be Like Around the Throne of God?

 

February 22

What Will It Be Like Around the Throne of God?

by Steve Ham, AiG–U.S.After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)

Today’s big question: what will it be like around the throne of God?

With all the incredible imagery we are given in the Bible about the throne room of God, I still cannot even imagine how great it will be. Revelation provides the most details about this amazing place, particularly in chapters 4, 5, and 7. Reading through these chapters makes me want to break into praise as those in the vision cried out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10).

Let’s just consider some of the vision John recorded for us. Chapter 4 tells of One who is like precious shining jewels encircled by a brilliant rainbow and worshipped by 24 white-robed elders crowned with gold. Lightning flashes and thunder crashes from the throne along with glorious voices. God is present, and everyone worships Him. There is a sea of glass, like crystal, before the throne, and in the midst of the throne room are amazing creatures bowed before God, worshipping the holy Creator.

Chapter 5 describes our Savior, a Lamb standing as though it had been slain, before the throne. He has taken our punishment and has full victory over death and sin. The Lamb is the King. Worshipping him are “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:9). These voices join with all of creation proclaiming “blessing and honor and glory and power” to the Lamb forever (Revelation 5:13). God will be praised.

The second half of chapter 7 describes a great multitude of people from all tribes, nation, peoples, and tongues, in white robes, waving palm branches and singing to the Lamb. The angels and the great creatures fall on their faces in worship of the utter glory of God before them. As they serve the Lamb day and night, He is in their midst, wiping away all their tears and leading them to fountains of living water.

Christ’s victory is magnificently described in visions of the throne room. He is the victorious Lamb, and yet He is the mighty Shepherd. The Savior’s glory is eternally brilliant, and our love and awe of Him will never fade. Each day will be full of wondrous service to Him (Revelation 22:3). The primary focus in God’s throne room is not on the magnificent creatures, the beautiful scenery, or the glorious noise. Everything in heaven centers on eternally glorifying the triune, holy God.

Today’s big idea: if you are a Christian, get used to praising God.

What to pray: bow in awe before the majestic King.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/08/16/throne-of-god

 

How Can We Follow the Spirit?

 

February 21
How Can We Follow the Spirit?

by Chuck McKnight, AiG–U.S.They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. (Acts 16:6–7, NASB)

Today’s big question: how can we follow the Spirit?

Our passage for today may seem a bit strange at first. The Holy Spirit actually forbade Paul and his companions to speak in certain locations. How could this be? Isn’t sharing God’s Word a good thing? Why would God not want them to speak in these places?

The answer to these questions is found in the subsequent verses. At that time, the Spirit specifically wanted these men in Macedonia. Yes, preaching to the lost in Asia or Bithynia would generally have been a good thing to do, but it was not God’s specific direction for them.

That raises an important question. How can we determine where He is leading us? For the most part, God has not chosen to speak to us audibly in this age. He does, however, speak to us in other ways, if we are willing to listen.

First, we should already be living our lives with a desire to please God. Whether or not we currently know the specific directions He has for us, we do know the universal commands He has given in His Word. We know what pleases Him, and we know what grieves Him. If we are not already obeying God’s universal commands, we should not wonder why He has not shown us our specific directions.

Second, we should actually ask God what He would have us to do. He has given us the wonderful privilege of coming before Him in prayer. Why not use that gift to ask for His guidance? Instead, we so often make our own plans, and then we ask Him to bless them. That isn’t how it’s supposed to work.

Third, we should not expect God to immediately reveal the whole course of our lives to us. He wants us to come to Him every day and every hour. I have found that God always gives directions when I’m obedient and ask Him, but He often waits until the very moment He wants me to follow those directions.

Finally, we should constantly watch for His leading and be ready to obey as soon as we are directed. This leading can come in any number of forms. Sometimes it is a need placed before you that you know you could fulfill. It could be a brother who asks for help. Perhaps it is simply a burden that God places on your heart. And sometimes it is a closed door you may have planned to enter.

Today’s big idea: seek the Spirit’s guidance, and be ready to obey.

What to pray: ask God to reveal His plan for you in His timing.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/09/07/follow-the-spirit

Should We Suffer For The Gospel?

February 20

Should We Suffer for the Gospel?

by Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.“For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (

Acts 9:16)

 

Today’s big question: should we suffer for the gospel?

God told a man named Ananias that Saul, the church’s greatest persecutor at that time, had converted to Christianity and was on his way to stay with him. Then the Lord said to Ananias that Saul (soon to be called Paul) would suffer “for My name’s sake.”

Paul deserved to suffer because he had greatly persecuted the church, right? Yes and no. He did deserve to suffer, as do we all, but he had also been forgiven of his sins. Christ bore his punishment, so Paul’s impending suffering was not a result of the sins of his past. Instead, Paul faced persecution because he would proclaim God’s message in a dark world.

Many Christians in the Western world today have little to no concept of what it means to be persecuted. The worst trial most of us have faced is being mocked in the media, although we have definitely witnessed an increase in the mistreatment of Christians. For many, what started out as mockery has turned into bigotry against Christianity. Revisionist historians and Marxist professors have painted Christians as the enemy, so many young people carry a bitter animosity against believers. It may not be long before this vitriol turns into violence.

However, many believers around the world regularly face persecution, even to the point of death. This has been the case from the start of church history as recorded in Acts. Stephen was stoned to death, James was killed with the sword, and other apostles were arrested and beaten. Paul was stoned, flogged, and beaten, and tradition tells us he was eventually beheaded.

Christians have suffered because we live in a world that loves darkness rather than light. When we shine the light of the gospel into this darkness, people are either attracted by it or repelled by it. They are repelled because they love their sin too much and would rather continue in their rebellion, so they lash out against godly people whose very existence calls attention to their rebellion and impending judgment.

It has often been said regarding the persecution of Christians that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Persecution purifies the church by filtering out those who are not truly committed to the Lord. When that occurs, true believers are powerfully used by God to shine the light of truth.

Paul could not have been clearer when wrote, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). When that promised persecution occurs, we must face it like the apostles who rejoiced because “they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).

Today’s big idea: rejoice if you are persecuted for the sake of the gospel.What to pray: thank God for the opportunity to serve Him, and ask for the strength to endure persecution.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/09/06/suffer-for-the-gospel

How Do We Recognize Our Role in the Church?

·biblical-authority-devotional

February 19

How Do We Recognize Our Role in the Church?

by Jeremy Ham, AiG–U.S.Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” (

Acts 6:2–3)

Today’s big question: how do we recognize our role in the church?

Every Christian has a role in the church because we are all part of the body of Christ. Each member helps make up the whole, and if one member hurts, the whole body shares that pain (1 Corinthians 12:26). We support each other while serving our risen Savior Jesus Christ—who is the Head of the body—and everyone has a part to play.

Paul illustrated this truth when he stated, “The whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Jesus does not select just a few members of His body to fulfill His command to make disciples; Christ uses everyone to accomplish His purposes.

In today’s passage, the apostles were busy following God’s calling to study and teach the Word, and they did not have time to serve tables (i.e., caring for people with physical needs such as food). Rather than doing this task themselves, they asked the brethren to find some godly Christian men who could handle it.

Both jobs were important, but the apostles were dedicated to prayer and the teaching of God’s Word. They recognized the need for everyone to work together toward the same goal. If the apostles did not delegate the task of serving tables their particular calling would suffer.

We are all called to various tasks according to our God-given abilities, passions, and desires. If we try to do too much, we will be unable to do our best at anything. No matter what role we fill, we are serving God first and foremost. Everything we do should be done as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17). Determining our part in the body requires acknowledging God in all things, and He will lead us as we follow Him.

Are you doing your best? Could you be doing better in another role? Prayerfully consider your part in the body of Christ. No matter if you are a pastor, evangelist, teacher, etc., we all work toward the time when “we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

Today’s big idea: all Christians should be involved in the work of God’s ministry.

What to pray: ask God to help guide you as you consider your role in the body.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/08/30/role-in-the-church

 

Can We Present the Gospel in Any Circumstance?

February 18

Can We Present the Gospel in Any Circumstance?

by Chuck McKnight, AiG–U.S.

Layman

Keywords

·acts-of-the-apostles

·author-chuck-mcknight

·biblical-authority-devotional

And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the Council. (Acts 6:12)

Acts records multiple occasions where Christians were placed on trial for proclaiming the gospel. This came as no surprise since Jesus had clearly told His followers they would face such opposition. “But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:17–18).

We first read of such an event in Acts chapter 4. Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, where they witnessed to everyone present. Chapter 5 records the apostles’ imprisonment, from which they were miraculously freed by an angel. Without delay, they went to the temple and resumed teaching people “all the words of this life” (Acts 5:19–21). As a result, they were quickly recaptured and placed back on trial.

Chapters 6 and 7 record the account of Stephen. He was chosen to minister by simply serving tables, and he faithfully did so. The Bible does not state that his ministry had ever been one of public evangelism. Nonetheless, men of the synagogue spread lies about him and placed him on trial. He delivered a powerful speech (starting with Genesis) in which he proclaimed the truth of Christ. Because of his boldness, Stephen became the first recorded Christian martyr. The rest of Acts is filled with arrests, imprisonments, and persecutions. What can we learn from the way these men responded to their trials? What ought we to emulate in our lives?

These men boldly proclaimed the truth without regard for the consequences of their words. They were not concerned with what men would think or do because they considered it better to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). How often do we allow the fear of men to keep us from being bold in our speech?

These Christians didn’t resist when arrested, and they certainly didn’t deny what they had said. For the most part, they didn’t even defend themselves. Rather, they viewed even these negative circumstances as opportunities to spread the gospel, just as Jesus had told them.

They didn’t worry about what they were going to say but allowed the Spirit to lead them (Matthew 10:19–20). That’s not to say that they were unprepared. They knew the Scriptures, and they spoke from the Scriptures.

We too must be bold in proclaiming Christ. We must see our circumstances as opportunities to further share the gospel. Moreover, we must be filled with the Spirit and knowledgeable of God’s Word in order to effectively spread the good news.

Today’s big idea: proclaim God’s Word with boldness.What to pray: ask for opportunities to share the gospel, and ask to be given the words to say.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/09/02/present-gospel-any-circumstance