Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 8

Read Acts 16:6-34

Leading others to grow in Christ is more than a program of study or scheduled activity. Real life change happens in the teachable moments that aren’t always planned.
Paul & Silas habitually took extra time to invest in others (Acts 16:15, 28). They didn’t run when they had the chance — they stayed! Similarly, your investment in others will create life change all around you. Take time to slow down and live in the present. When you live like Jesus in close relationship with others, people can see, hear, and experience the new life Christ offers. Listen and watch for the interruptions that may lead to teachable moments and real life change!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 7

Read Acts 15:22-16:5

Think about the people who lift your spirit. More than likely, they are encouragers. These people lift up, appreciate, and affirm others. Barnabas was an encourager. The 6 times he is mentioned in Scripture, he is cheering on others. And we can see the results — he changed the trajectory of people’s lives. Paul and John Mark, for example, were both grateful for how Barnabas believed in them when no one else wanted to take a chance.
What about you? Whom do you need to encourage? Whom do you need to take under your wings and develop? People need encouragement. The voice of affirmation and appreciation is clearly distinguished over the endless noise of critics and cynics. Don’t underestimate the power of your encouragement to others. Do it today!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 6

Answer the following questions in regards to your readings from this past week:

How has your salvation and God’s transforming work in your heart led you to become a source of grace and generosity to others?

2. Describe a specific time in your life when you clearly understood and followed God’s will. How did you discover it?

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 5

Read Acts 15:1-21

Can you think of a time when you found out that you’d been accepted to a school or offered a job you’d been excited about? In that moment, you were thrilled! After putting in the necessary time and effort to become a candidate they were looking for and complete it the application process, you finally met your goal. What a great feeling!
Did you know that God has an acceptance policy too? His is much simpler. There is only 1 condition: you must come to the cross in repentance and faith, completely trusting in the finished work of Christ for salvation. That’s right — no complicated application process, no weighted system to evaluate grades, no required work experience — simply grace.
Acts 15 reminds us that our salvation in not based on our ability to fulfill the law. The Judaizers taught that one must keep the law of Moses and be circumcised in addition to having faith in Christ. But this is completely contrary to grace. Grace teaches that God accepts anyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
Jesus accused the Pharisees of cleaning the outside of the cup while ignoring the inside (Luke 11:39), which is exactly what legalism does. It focuses only on external activities while ignoring the attitude of the heart. In the end, we should all know we are incapable of fulfilling the law, and this should make us desperate for God’s grace. Embrace this reality today and humble yourself at the feet of Jesus.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 4
Read Acts 14:1-28

The book of Acts records the journey of the early church and its members. In Acts 14 alone, we see division (vs. 1-7), confusion (vs. 8-17), persecution (vs. 19-20), and tribulation (vs. 21-28). But through it all, God was leading His people. We can clearly see Him direct the journey of Paul & Barnabas.
This chapter reminds us of the importance of following God’s will every day of our lives. The Holy Spirit reveals God’s will to believers through prayer, Bible study, circumstances and the advice of godly people. The next time you decide to go somewhere, make sure to ask God for directions. He wants to lead you every step of the way!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 3
Read Acts 13:26-52

Acts 13:48 says the Gentiles who trusted Christ for salvation were glad. Here, that word means more than just being happy. The word is used in other passages to describe a positive outlook in the midst of persecution and suffering. That’s much more substantial than superficial emotion. That verse also says the Gentiles “glorified the Word of the Lord.” These are the responses of people who have been saved by God’s grace.
Did you respond similarly when you first put your faith in Christ? Do you still give God thanks for His salvation at this point in your journey with Him? Pause to recall His great acts of grace in your life, and praise Him for them! Let your heart develop deeper gladness in Him and a stronger desire to glorify Him every day.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 2
Read Acts 12:25-13:25

In Acts 12-13 we see God performing miracles through Paul & Barnabas. These miracles led others to faith in Jesus Christ.
Today there is often much confusion about miracles. But if you pay very close attention to the New Testament and to the miracles of Christ you will notice something important. The miracles of Christ and the apostles always supported the message of the gospel. Miracles were never intended to be simply entertainment. Let the miracles of the New Testament be a reminder of a greater reality — Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior and Lord of all.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament

October 1

Read Acts 12:1-24

Whoever said the Christian life is free from trouble is probably not a Christian! Being a Christian does not guarantee a problem-free existence. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Jesus promised His followers would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). He also told His disciples, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
Acts 12 records a remarkable story of God’s miraculous intervention to free the apostle Peter from prison. In this case, God answered the fervent prayers of His people and delivered His servant from suffering and harm. But remember, God has not promised he will always deliver us from pain and sorrow. However, He has promised He will be with us in times of trouble. Sometimes He bails us out; sometimes He doesn’t. We are not the ones who decide — He is!
Whatever your situation, draw near to God in prayer. Cast your cares on Him, and keep trusting His wisdom and relying on Him.