ACTS 10 - BREAKING BOUNDARIES

 

ACTS 10

 

This is the chapter that marks a significant event in the church – when the gospel breaks beyond the Jewish boundaries straight through the gentiles – showing salvation is for all.

v 1-8 – GOD LISTENS TO HIS SEEKERS
Cornelius didn’t know Jesus yet but because he was devout and a sincere seeker of God – his prayers were heard and God sent Peter to him for him to know Jesus. He indeed looks at the heart not the label nor religion.

v 9-16 – SALVATION FOR ALL
In Peter’s vision – the Lord changed the perspective of Peter about the gentiles – that they too must hear the gospel and that nothing is UNCLEAN – the Father changed our perspective before He change a nation.

v 17-33 – THE GOSPEL BREAKING CENTURIES OF DIVISION
When Peter arrived at Cornelius house, he discerned that the Lord is at work in his household. Indeed, the gospel is for all nations, hearts and people. Peter’s heart was changed forever.

v 34-48 – THE UNIVERSAL GOSPEL
Peter started preaching boldly that Jesus Christ is for all – he died and rose again for all to be saved. And it is only by grace that we will be saved – the gospel is universal no one is too sinful, too far that the gospel can’t be reached.

As peter was speaking the Holy Spirit confirmed the truth of His preaching by filling each listener with His presence and they started speaking in tongues and praising God.

The gospel united every nation, every tongue and every sinner to Jesus. Because of the obedience of Cornelius and Peter revival happened it opened the door to miracles.

let us pray:

Lord thank you for showing us that Your love knows no boundaries – it breaks any walls, any heart, any language. Thank you, Lord, for giving us access to your truth and miracles. Continue to convict us to preach your word to all who are willing to listen. Your name is power! Oh, Holy Spirit continue to fill us with your presence that we walk with you and we work with you. Amen.

ACTS 8 - DIVINE PURPOSE

 

— Acts 8 

A chapter of transition and expansion. 

V 4-8 is a message of hope, resilience, and divine purpose.

It shows how God can turn pain into progress and persecution into proclamation.

After Stephen’s death, believers were scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1).

Instead of hiding in fear, they preached the Word wherever they went.

The scattering of believers became the seed of the gospel’s expansion.

When life pushes you out of comfort, God may be pushing you into your calling.

Philip, one of the seven deacons (like Stephen), goes to Samaria — a region despised by Jews.

Yet this is where God sends him next.

God’s love reaches even those considered “outsiders.”

God doesn’t just send us where it’s easy — He sends us where it’s needed

As Philip preached, the Holy Spirit worked with power — demons fled, the sick were healed, and people were set free.

The gospel is not just words, but power.

When the message of Christ is proclaimed, lives are healed, delivered, and restored.

When Jesus enters a place — whether a city or a heart — He brings transformation and joy.

The gospel always leaves behind freedom, peace, and celebration.

The presence of Christ turns despair into delight, sorrow into singing.

 God can use my pain for His purpose.

Like the early believers, I may be “scattered” by hard circumstances — but God can use me wherever I am.

 The gospel crosses all barriers.

No person, culture, or background is beyond the reach of Jesus’ love.

 

The Holy Spirit empowers the message.

I am not alone in sharing the gospel — God confirms His Word with power.

 Joy is the fruit of the gospel.

True revival brings joy — not just miracles, but hearts filled with Jesus.

Let us pray: 

Lord,

thank You for turning persecution into purpose,

and scattering into sending.

Help us to speak Your Word wherever life takes us. 

Fill us with Your Spirit like Philip,

that Your power may bring freedom and healing to others.

Amen.

ACTS 7 - TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH

 

ACTS 7

Contains the longest speech recorded in the book of Acts. His martyrdom made him the first Christian to die for Jesus.

When Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin council when he was falsely accused of speaking against Moses, the law and the Temple (v6:13-14) He didn’t defend himself, instead he recounted the history of Israel in a spirit filled way, showing how Israelites resisted God’s message from the very start.

In his speech he showed them:

-          God’s presence is everywhere, never confined in the temple – He works with people who trust Him. v 2-8

-          That as they rejected Joseph – their savior in famine, they also rejected Jesus who saved them spiritually. V 9-16

-          That God’s chosen leaders were rejected by them, even Moses who delivered them from slavery – they still turned to idols. V27

-          That their stubbornness leads them to rejecting God’s truth even when the truth is right in front of us. V51-53

 

As Stephen was being dragged and stoned, he had a vision of Jesus welcoming him home. And Stephen gave his Spirit to the Lord and forgave them all.

 

These dying words of Stephen, can be paralleled to Jesus’ last words on the cross “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?”

Indeed, Stephen became the kernel of wheat – his death sparked the church’s expansion – his persecution scattered all the believers and spread the gospel far beyond Jerusalem.

God can turn tragedy to triumph and testing to testimony if WE FACE THEM WITH FAITH and when we respond with grace under pressure.

Let us pray:

Lord, when we face trials and pain, persecution and doubts, remind us to respond with grace and strong faith. Transform our testing into testimony of your power. Like Stephen help us fix our gaze unto You alone. May all our suffering become a story of Your victory in our life. Amen.

 

ACTS 6 - STEP IN LIKE STEPHEN

 

Acts 6

marks a turning point in the early Church. It shows how God guided the believers to solve internal problems, raise new leaders, and expand the mission — all while maintaining unity and spiritual focus.

 

There was a problem: since the church grew rapidly – resulted to unequal distribution of food – the apostles find it not right for them to be serving the food and neglecting the ministry of the word (v2)

Every growing church meets problem and shaking – So, the apostles — rather than ignoring the issue — gathered everyone together and presented the problem and together they solved the problem.

The Solution: to choose Spirit-Led Leaders (vv. 3–6)

The apostles instructed the church to choose seven men who were:

• of good reputation,
• full of the Spirit, and
• full of wisdom.

They appointed them to oversee the practical needs so the apostles could focus on prayer and preaching.

The chosen seven included Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.

The apostles prayed and laid hands on them, commissioning them for service.

It explains why every church must have deacons – for the ministry of the service

And elders – for the ministry of the word

And pastors – to oversee the whole church

The Result: Growth and Impact (v.7)

“So, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

When the church worked together in unity and order, God multiplied their influence and impact.

Let us note:

Healthy churches serve both body and soul — meeting physical and spiritual needs through teamwork.

God often promotes those who start with humility and faithfulness in small tasks.
When believers work together — each using their gifts — the gospel advances rapidly.

When you stand for truth, God’s presence will shine through you, even in trials.
The Spirit works through both pulpit and table — every act of service is holy when led by God.
Spiritual growth and numerical growth go hand in hand when the church stays Spirit-led.

let us pray:

Lord’ teach us with humility and wisdom. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we meet every needs of our remnants. Help us be united in love and service for Your glory. May Your churches grow in truth and service and be Holy Spirit led. Make us all step in in service like Stephen. Amen.

ACTS 5 - HOLINESS AND UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF GOD

 

Acts 5

 

This chapter is about the holiness of God and the unstoppable power of the Lord in the early church.

 In v1-11 – the sin of Ananias and Sapphira gave us a clear picture of the holiness of God – dishonesty and hypocrisy must have no place in the life of a believer much in the church. When peter exposed the couple, they dropped dead and it gave the whole church with fear and at the same time reverence to the Lord.

This event reminds us that God sees everything – beyond our outward appearances.  Focusing on outward appearance kills our spiritual life. Let us walk in truth.

V12-16 - though the apostles were persecuted and oppositions grew fast, the apostles continued to perform miracles. Sick were healed, blinds were able to see, the lost was found – God’s power was working mightily through His believers. Their true faith stood firm under pressure because they knew who called them.

V17-42 – led us to know the suffering of the Apostles – they were arrested but freed by the Lord when an angel opened the prison doors for them. Indeed, when we work for the Lord His hands is also upon us and would never leave us nor forsake us. The apostles were flogged and suffered but they rejoiced in taking part in the suffering of Christ because their suffering confirmed their identity with the Lord.

 When we find joy not in comfort but in serving faithfully then it is a proof that we are true believers.

let us pray:

Lord, Like the apostles, make our heart always pure and honest. Grant us boldness to truly obey you even when it’s hard, may we also find joy not in comfort but in the persecution of others. We also want to be identified as your true servants. Let our life bring glory to You. Amen.

ACTS 3 - MINISTRY OF HOLY SPIRIT FILLED BELIEVERS

 

Acts 3

shows the continuing ministry of Jesus through His Spirit-filled followers. The apostles’ ministry was full of healing, boldness, and transformation — revealing what it means to live in the power of the risen Christ.

v6 is one of the most powerful single verses in the book of Acts. It shows the heart of true ministry: giving not what the world asks for, but what God knows it truly needs.

Let us look closely on this verse: Acts 3:6

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’”

The lame man just like other beggars was in need of money and expecting to receive it but Peter didn’t have any to give. The lame didn’t realize that what he needs is to be whole but Peter did understand what he really needs – the coins but spiritual healing.

Material help can ease a moment a temporary convenience, but spiritual help changes a life.
As believers, God calls us not to rely on wealth or human strength, but to trust in His power.

When we are in Christ, we carry something far more precious than money – the name of Jesus that brings life, hope healing and salvation.

Peter acted under the authority and power in the name of Jesus – he wasn’t relying on his own strength – he was speaking by the authority if Jesus – who heals and saves until now.

 Peter commanded “Walk.” A short and powerful command spoken by faith – he did not pray a long prayer or ritual – he believed and obeyed and the lame was healed.

Faith acts boldly on God’s word.
When God calls you to speak or move, obedience releases His power.

True ministry gives what money cannot buy.
The world seeks comfort, but God offers transformation.
Our calling is to share the riches of Christ — hope, love, and healing.

Let us pray:

Lord, you are in us and we have Your name- we carry the most valuable in our life – YOUR NAME – Your name has power, healing, peace and restoration.  Help us Lord to truly rely on Your name because we cannot do anything without You. Like Peter oh Lord, use our weaknesses to reveal Your strength. May our life declare: “In the name of Jesus, rise and walk.” Amen.

ACTS 2 - OUTPOURING OF THE POWER OF GOD

 

Acts 2

Is a very powerful chapter for it changed the world – spiritually. It is the chapter that marks the birth of the church by the help of the Holy Spirit – it fulfilled the promise of Jesus of sending a Helper.

In Acts 1:8 the disciples were waiting in obedience as instructed by Jesus.

V 2:1-13 – “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven…”

As promised of Jesus – the Holy Spirit descended like a rushing wind and tongues of fire, filled all the believers and they all began to speak in other tongues – preaching and declaring God’s wonders. By this, the Holy spirit unites what sin divided. The Holy Spirit united every heart through one message- JESUS.

In this event – it was proven that when God fills us with His Spirit, fear becomes boldness. Confusion became clear and unity became our way.

V 16-17 - “No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.’”

This is the spoken prophecy of prophet Joel – he emphasized that the outpouring of the power of God is the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan – the new era has begun.

The presence of the Lord is now everywhere, not anymore confined in the temple or chosen leaders. His presence is now in every believer – regardless of the age, the race and the gender.  – we are now all empowered to speak, see and understand the spiritual things.

The Holy Spirit has broken every barrier – race, class and gender – His power is ow upon on all who calls His name.

The outpouring continues today.
Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event — it’s the beginning of a movement that still flows through every believer.

v 42-47 - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

This is now the start of the fellowship of the believers – the CHURCH was established – a family of God.  The ways of the disciples showed that Christianity is not a private belief but a shared life – the disciples shared love, life, resources as they grow together in Christ.

“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47

Let us pray:

O holy Spirit, fill us like You filled the first believers, turn our fears to boldness and empower each one of us with the power of the Lord. Help us live an obedient life – sharing loving and practicing what Gos has commanded us to do. Let our life show that Jesus is the Lord. Amen.

JOHN 17 - THE HIGH PRIEST PRAYER

 

John 17

is often called “The High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus. Jesus prayed this right after the Last Supper and before entering the Garden of Gethsemane.

We are impressed with Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 8), Abraham’s prayer (Genesis 18), and Moses’ prayer (Exodus 32), but this prayer is by far the greatest recorded in the Bible.

It’s one of the most sacred and intimate moments recorded in Scripture — Jesus praying to the Father before His arrest and crucifixion.

In this prayer, we glimpse His heart — full of love, unity, and intercession for His disciples and for all who would one day believe in Him (that includes us!).

1.      Jesus Prays for Himself (vv. 1–5) “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

 

Glorify Your Son: Jesus prayed first for Himself, but His petition was not selfish. His concern for Himself was actually a concern for the glory of the Father. The Son can only glorify the Father if the Father first answers the prayer of the Son, “Glorify Your Son.”

True glory is not found in power or comfort, but in obedience and sacrifice that reveals God’s love.

Jesus knows His time has come to die but, He asks not for escape, but for glory through the cross — showing the Father’s love and plan of salvation.

2. Jesus Prays for His Disciples (vv. 6–19) “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name.”

Jesus lived out the love and goodness and righteousness and grace and holiness of God the Father; He manifested God’s name to them. “‘I manifested 

Christians are called to live in the world but not be of it — standing firm in truth and love amid darkness.

• Jesus asks God to guard the disciples from the evil one, to sanctify them by the truth, and to keep them united. He doesn’t ask for them to be removed from the world, but to be strong and holy within it.

 

2.      Jesus Prays for All Believers (vv. 20–26) “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

 

That they all may be one: Jesus envisioned the great multitude before the throne of God of every nation, race, language, class, and social level (Revelation 7:9-10). Jesus prayed that they might rise above their different backgrounds and understand their unity; that they may all be as one.

Our unity as believers is meant to be a living testimony of God’s love. When we love each other, the world sees Jesus. He prays that the unity among His believers be founded in love.

• This is Jesus praying for you and me. He desires unity among all believers — that our love and harmony would show the world who He is.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You for praying for us — for our protection, unity, and love.
Help us live as one family under Your truth.
Teach us to glorify You in all things, even though hardship.
May Your love in us draw others to You. Amen.

 

JOHN 16 - TO OUR ADVANTAGE?

 

John 16

is one of the most heartfelt chapter in the Gospel of John.
It continues Jesus’ farewell conversation with His disciples just before His crucifixion.
In this chapter, Jesus prepares them for sorrow, persecution, and confusion — but also promises them victory, peace, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:7 is one of the most surprising and powerful statements Jesus ever made.

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you;
but if I go, I will send him to you.”

How could it be good for Jesus to leave? This sounds impossible!

It is always hard to let go of someone we walked with, we loved and who taught us almost everything we know. It is heartbreaking – so the apostles asked, HOW CAN IT BE TO OUR ADVANTAGE?

It is the most difficult thing to comprehend for the apostles even for us believers.

To your advantage that Jesus is arrested?

· To your advantage that Jesus’ ministry of teaching and miracles is stopped?

· To your advantage that Jesus is beaten?

· To your advantage that Jesus is mocked?

· To your advantage that Jesus is sentenced for execution?

· To your advantage that Jesus is nailed to a cross?

· To your advantage that Jesus dies in the company of notorious criminals?

· To your advantage that His lifeless body is laid in a cold grave?

Nevertheless, is one of the great words of the Bible, meaning despite all of that. Jesus knew they were filled with sorrow because of what He told them. But, despite all of that He wanted them to know that it was to their advantage.

Jesus didn’t say this because He lied most of the time. He said this because HE WANTED THEM TO MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO TRUST HIM AT THIS POINT. Jesus knew this was difficult to believe.

We must truly TRUST HIM FOR THE REASONS:

• Jesus’ physical presence was limited to one place at a time.
• The Holy Spirit would make His presence universal and personal, living in every believer’s heart.
• Jesus didn’t leave us; He came closer — not beside us, but within us.

• The Spirit’s coming depended on Jesus finishing His redemptive work — dying for our sins, rising, and returning to the Father.
• Only then could the Spirit come to dwell in a cleansed, forgiven heart.

The cross opened the way for the Holy Spirit to live in us permanently, not just visit occasionally like in the Old Testament.

• The Spirit is the continuing presence of Jesus in the world.
• He comforts, convicts, guides, strengthens, and reveals truth.

Jesus didn’t abandon His followers; He multiplied His presence through the Spirit — now living in millions of hearts across generations.

 

Let us Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit — our Comforter, Helper, and Friend. Your presence is not gone – it has become deeper because You are within us now. Thank you for sending us the advocate who speaks, leads and loves us – our inner compass. We now understand that what we feel like loss may actually be a doorway to something better, that letting go and trusting you is what we must do as your true believers. Our testing today is preparing us for our greater testimony tomorrow. Fill us with Your Spirit’s peace, strength, and wisdom every day.
Amen.

 

John 15 - Christian life is not about striving but staying

 

John 15

Jesus started His farewell from John 14 and continues till John 16 to His disciples. For this chapter He uses the image of a vine and branches to describe our relationship with Him.
He calls Himself the True Vine, the Father the Gardener, and believers the Branches.
The heart of this chapter is in verse 5:  Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

Christian life is not about striving but staying.

v:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.
If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.”

STAYING CONNECTED - Jesus uses the image of a vine to describe our dependence on Him.
Just as branches cannot live or produce fruit unless we are connected to the vine, we cannot live fruitful, purposeful lives without remaining connected to Christ.

• “I am the vine” — Jesus is the source of everything in our lives - life, strength, and nourishment, provision etc.

STAYING CONNECTED gives, us strength. We don’t have to strive to be fruitful — we simply have to stay close to Jesus. The fruit will come naturally when our hearts stay rooted in Him.

• “You are the branches” — we are created to stay connected to Him and reflect His life.

NOT STAYING CONNECTED – will dry us up.
Living independently, on our own wisdom or strength, we lose peace and joy. Just like a branch separated from the vine, our lives wither without His life flowing through us.

• “Remain in me” — to abide means to stay close, rely, and draw life from Jesus daily.

STAYING CONNECTED DAILY - It’s not a one-time act, but a continual relationship — praying, listening, trusting, and obeying.

• “You will bear much fruit” — fruit represents love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

STAYING CONNECTED – we will be fruitful. If our life reflects love, joy, and peace, it’s because His Spirit is alive in us. The fruit reveals the root.

 

• “Apart from me you can do nothing” — our efforts without Him may look successful but lack eternal value and spiritual power.

STAYING CONNECTED – we find our purpose. A branch doesn’t exist for itself — its purpose is to bear fruit that honors the vine. Our lives are meant to reveal Christ’s beauty to the world. Giving nourishment to others and spreading the good news.

Let us pray:

Lord, may we always stay connected to you, when life feels dry draw us closer to you. We welcome your pruning oh Lord if it for us to bear fruits, for we know without You tending us we are nothing. Lord, help us abide in your word, let your word shape us according to your master plan and put in our hearts to abide in your love so that we may also love others, just as you love us. Amen.

JOHN 14 - FAITH OVER FEAR

 

John 14

a chapter of comfort, guidance, and assurance. It is now the chapter where Jesus starts to reveal himself to His apostles before His crucifixion - a farewell message full of hope, peace, and divine promise.

 (v. 1) “You believe in God; believe also in me.”

… It brings peace when we fully trust Jesus even in our most challenging moments. Our hearts cannot have fear and faith at the same time.

Jesus calls us to have faith over fear. Even when circumstances are uncertain, He invites us to trust Him completely. “Do not let your hearts be troubled”

It is an assurance that He will not abandon us. He reminds us that His departure isn’t the end— it’s part of God’s plan. 

(v. 6) “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” “No one comes to the Father except through me.” …. Salvation is not found through religion or good works, but through relationship — through Jesus Himself and it is personal.
This verse is very clear that Jesus didn’t just show us the way – He is the way to the Father. If He is the way – then TRUTH is not an idea, not a concept but a person – Jesus. In this Jesus claimed His divinity and exclusivity.

 (v. 9) “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”

… If you want to understand who God is, look at Christ. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus reveals the very nature of God — His compassion, power, and love. If we want to know the Father, we must strive to know Jesus because they are one.

” (v. 16–17, 26) “The Helper, the Holy Spirit “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.”

… You are never alone. The Spirit is God’s presence within you — your comforter, guide, and source of strength.

Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit — the divine presence that will dwell in believers. The Spirit comforts, teaches, and reminds us of Jesus’ truth. It is the role of the Holy Spirit to bring us to the truth.

 (v. 27) “Peace I leave with you” “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

… True peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of Christ.

 Jesus gives peace not as the world offers — not temporary calm, but inner wholeness rooted in His presence. The peace sustains us through storms and sorrow alike.

Let us pray:

Lord, when you feel anxious, help us to remember Your words: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” May we all rest in your promises. When we feel lost, may we all cling to the truth that You are the way and guide us to go back into your arms. When we are confused, may we all rely in the clarity and comfort that the Holy Spirit brings us. May we all live in you and never leave You so we may not feel abandoned. We claim your peace that surpasses all understanding. The peace that only You can give. Amen.

 

JOHN 10 -- "I AM"

 

JOHN 10

is one of the most COMFORTING chapter in the Gospel. In it, Jesus reveals Himself as both the Good Shepherd and the Gate for the sheep, showing His tender care, intimate guidance, and sacrificial love for His people.

It contrasts true shepherds who care for the sheep with false ones who exploit or abandon them.

It contains two of Jesus’ “I AM” statements:

1.“I am the gate for the sheep.” (v. 7)

2.“I am the good shepherd.” (v. 11)

v. 7–10 “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”

•In ancient sheep pens, the shepherd would literally lie down across the entrance at night — becoming the “door” that kept sheep safe.

•Jesus is the only way to safety, security, and eternal life. If we always enter through Him he can inspect us always- He knows what we need, if we are hurt or if we are wounded and He will comfort us and mend us.

•He contrasts the His care to what the false shepherd does - the thief (symbolizing false teachers or Satan) comes to destroy, but Jesus gives abundant life.

Jesus is the one and only way to salvation and peace. Entering through Him means living in His presence, protected and cared for.

2. “I am the Good Shepherd” (v. 11)

“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

•Unlike a hired hand who runs away when danger comes, Jesus willingly sacrifices Himself for His flock. You don’t have to fear — the Good Shepherd knows your name, your struggles, and your needs. Even when you can’t see the path, His rod and staff are leading you safely home.

•His death on the cross shows His personal, self-giving love. No matter what comes, nothing and no one can separate you from His love.

Jesus knows each of His followers by name and values every soul enough to die for it.

Let us reflect: If Jesus is our True Shepherd- 

- Do we follow His voice?

- Do we Rest in His care?

- Do we trust in His guidance and His security?

Let us pray:

Lord teach us to fully trust your guidance and care, convict us to always listen to your voice and enter your pen sheep. You are our only gate Lord... make us always enter through you. Amen.