Both Peter in his long ministry and James in his shorter ministry and less prominent role fulfilled God’s purposes for them. God has different paths for each of us in our service for Him. But to serve Him is to engage in a divine work that ultimately cannot be defeated.
Perhaps the most vibrant church we find in the book of Acts is the church in Antioch. What made it an exemplary church? From its very founding, we see a church that is growing within through biblical teaching and reaching out in love and compassion.
Peter's willingness to listen to the Lord, change his thinking accordingly, and act in obedience assured that the church would not be limited to a single ethnic group but encompass all who will trust and follow Jesus Christ. The gospel is for everyone.
Change is seldom comfortable, but it is often necessary. It is certainly necessary if our attitudes and actions are not in accord with God's Word. As Peter learned, personal changes can have a far-reaching impact on people's lives and God's work.
God uses different individuals and situations to reach people with the gospel. The means, however, always remains the same—it is God working through His humble and faithful servants to witness to others, sharing the biblical message of salvation in Christ.
Serving the Lord is not the easiest path in life, as Saul soon discovers. This is why we all need the support and encouragement of a "Barnabas." And it is why we all need to be a "Barnabas."
The example of Ananias shows us what an impact we can have when we simply live by faith and willingly forgive and accept others. He appears only briefly in Scripture, but his life offers some important lessons for each of us.
The gospel of Jesus Christ turns His enemies into His servants. This is true for all who are saved, but it is most powerfully illustrated by the conversion of Saul. In an instant, the proud persecutor of the church became the humble, submissive follower of Jesus.
Even in our hectic, unpredictable world, it is possible to be a humble, flexible, and available witness for Jesus Christ. A man from the first century, Philip, provides a wonderful example to follow for being just that kind of witness.
Opposition, whether outward persecution or spiritual resistance, is an opportunity God gives us to proclaim the gospel more widely and more boldly. The experience of the early church gives us unique insight into God’s providential workings.
Psalm 51 records David’s heartfelt confession after his sin with Bathsheba, and Stephen Davey explains it as a model of genuine repentance. He begins with David’s petition—a plea for mercy based on God’s steadfast love. Aware of the weight of his guilt, David asks God to blot out his transgressions, wash away his iniquity, and cleanse him from sin. The second step is admission: David accepts full responsibility, refusing to blame others and acknowledging his fallen nature. His sin, he admits, flows from the sinful heart of humanity inherited from Adam. Next comes restoration: David pleads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” recognizing that only divine power can renew what sin has corrupted. Finally, his resolution is to teach others from his failure—to lead sinners back to God through honesty and repentance. Davey concludes that true confession involves humble honesty, complete dependence on God’s mercy, and a transformed resolve to live transparently before Him, proving that no sin is too great for God’s restoring grace.
In The Voice of Creation (Psalm 19:1–8a), Stephen Davey contrasts Carl Sagan’s hopeless view of a silent universe with David’s joyful proclamation that creation declares the glory of God. Davey explains that the heavens continually reveal God’s signature, wisdom, and grace—a universal testimony to His power and creativity. The beauty, complexity, and order of nature point unmistakably to a Designer, but this general revelation alone cannot save; it must be joined with the special revelation of God’s Word. David moves from calling God El (Creator) to Yahweh (personal Redeemer), showing that Scripture revives the soul, makes the simple wise, and causes the heart to rejoice. Davey concludes that while creation proves God’s existence, His Word reveals His character and plan of redemption. Believers, therefore, should worship the Creator revealed both in the world around us and in the inspired Word that leads us back to Him.
Psalms 42–44 open the second book of Psalms, where Stephen Davey explains that God invites believers to pour out their hearts to Him with complete honesty. The sons of Korah—descendants of a rebel who chose faithfulness—wrote of spiritual dryness and discouragement: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Davey notes that even when God seems silent, He is never absent. These psalms teach believers to trust and wait for the Lord, declaring, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” In Psalm 44, this personal trust expands to national suffering as Israel endures consequences for sin yet clings to God’s covenant faithfulness. Paul later cites this psalm to remind believers that suffering is not abandonment but evidence of spiritual maturity. Through these lessons, Davey encourages believers to be honest with God, steadfast in hope, and confident that even in dry seasons, God remains their salvation and strength.
This lesson from Deuteronomy 16–26 emphasizes God's righteousness as the standard for all of life. Moses reviews the importance of righteous leadership—judges, kings, priests, and prophets—who are called to uphold justice and truth. God's laws are revisited to guide Israel in holy living, covering areas like inheritance, morality, and societal order. These commands act like protective boundaries, showing how a righteous person should live. Finally, Israel’s worship is tied to gratitude and public acknowledgment of God's faithfulness. The lesson encourages believers to live righteously, not just privately but visibly, so the world sees God's wisdom and character through them.
Psalm 19:8b–14 teaches that God’s Word is flawless, enduring, and deeply valuable—more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. Unlike the temporary treasures of this world, Scripture enlightens the heart, exposes sin, renews fellowship with God, and guides believers in righteousness. David celebrates the Bible as a timeless revelation that cleanses, corrects, and delights those who cherish it, reminding readers to treasure and obey God’s Word as their greatest source of wisdom and joy.
