FBCL Daily Bible Reading

June 19, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Some people will stop at nothing.

June 18, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Paul found himself on dangerous ground. He found a way to diffuse this tense situation. The council had members from two religious/political groups—Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul was raised as a Pharisee. This group was very strict in its interpretation of the Law. The Sadducees were more supportive of the Roman occupation. One of their beliefs was a denial of any type of resurrection of the dead. When Paul cried out his “crime” was to speak out in favor of the hope of the resurrection, immediately the focus turned away from him. The issue became the long-held division between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Tensions escalated so quickly, the Roman commander removed Paul from the scene. Note Paul was confident of God’s protection (23:11).

June 17, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 22:22-30

Paul failed to calm the crowd. When the Roman commander seized Paul and prepared to beat him, Paul played his “trump card.” He was a Roman citizen. Such status meant he had rights. It was unlawful to seize and beat a citizen of Rome. Paul was spared this beating and was brought before the Jewish ruling council to explain his actions.

June 16, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 22:12-21

Paul appealed to his relationship with Ananias, a man who was very committed to the Law. Paul also admitted that he doubted himself at the beginning. Who would believe him? We all doubt ourselves, many times because of a shameful or troubled past.

June 15, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 22:1-11

Paul defended himself before the angry mob. Notice how he communicated his story. He described the days when he persecuted Christians. He described his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Jesus had changed his entire life. If you were ever placed in similar circumstances, what would be your story?

June 14, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 21:27-40

The plan to keep things under control almost worked. Paul’s presence in Jerusalem, especially in the Temple area, was just too much for some of the people. They seized him, they falsely accused him, and they almost managed to kill him. Agitated crowds seldom get things right. It’s too easy to stir emotions and make rash decisions.

June 13, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 21:15-26

There is certainly nothing wrong with trying to manage difficult issues. Some would say Paul’s friends were putting their own “spin” on things, so Paul would not be harassed. Sometimes good intentions work. Sometimes they don’t.

June 12, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 21:1-14

Paul was bound for Jerusalem. More tearful goodbyes are found in these verses. The prophecy of Agabus (21:10-11) would stop most of us in our tracks. Paul never felt more sure of God’s will than he did on this day. Amazing.

June 11, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 20:25-38

Have you ever left those whom you loved? This passage breaks the heart of anyone who has experienced such a goodbye.

June 10, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 20:13-24

Why was Paul so determined to get back to Jerusalem? The Holy Spirit had revealed to Paul that he would suffer upon his return, yet he still pressed on. The answer surrounded an offering Paul had collected to bring back to Israel to support those who had endured a severe famine. Yet there was much more in Paul’s mind than just the bringing of a relief offering. He saw this offering, collected mainly from Gentile believers, as a way to bring unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

June 9, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 20:1-12

Note that in 20:6, you can tell Luke had rejoined Paul and his companions—he tells the events in the first person. Most of us have fallen asleep in church, but not with the consequences described here.

June 8, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 19:33-41

Sometimes even governmental officials get it right! Cooler heads usually prevail. Can you think of a time when you jumped to a conclusion, solely based upon your emotions?

June 7, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 19:23-32

Idolatry was alive and well in first-century Ephesus and it is alive and well in our day too. Can you identify a few idols that threaten our commitment to Christ? Name them.

June 6, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 19:11-22

This passage is all about miracles. One finds copycats and the practice of magic in this passage. What do you think about all this?

June 5, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 19:1-10

Sometimes we misunderstand the meaning of baptism. When Paul was in Ephesus, he encouraged some believers to experience baptism again. If you were baptized as an infant, or did not understand the meaning of baptism, it could be an encouraging thing to experience believer’s baptism again.

June 4, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 18:23-28

The third missionary journey began with Paul revisiting previous stops. Apollos, a young, powerful believer, came to Ephesus. Apparently, some of his understanding of Scripture was distorted. Paul’s friends, Aquila and Priscilla spent time with this young man and helped him get his beliefs back on track. We all need encouragers and teachers.

June 3, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 18:12-22

The second mission journey came to a close with Paul visiting Ephesus. He would return here later. In 18:18, Paul cut his hair as part of a vow. This could have been the Nazirite vow, described in Numbers 6:1-21. Typically, the shaving of one’s head signified the end of a vow.

June 2, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 18:1-11

Paul’s next stop was Corinth. He stayed here a year and six months. This place became as much a home as he would have on these journeys. What promise did God make to Paul while he was in Corinth?

June 1, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 17:22-34

The ancient Greeks were very open to all religious beliefs. So as not to offend any group, they even built an altar to “an unknown god.” How did the crowd respond to Paul’s sermon?

May 31, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Fri, 31 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 17:16-21

Paul found himself in Athens drawing quite a crowd. Two schools of philosophy were popular in first century Athens: Stoics and Epicureans. Stoics believed one found ultimate happiness when one was in touch with nature and when one became independent. Epicureans taught that supreme good was happiness. Know any one today who holds these beliefs?

May 30, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Thu, 30 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 17:1-15

Here we go again. Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica, stayed at least three weeks and ran into the same opposition they experienced on the first journey. What was it?

May 29, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 16:31-40

Paul had some leverage with the Philippian officials who imprisoned him. What was it?

May 28, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Tue, 28 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 16:22-30

If you were where Paul and Silas found themselves on this night, what song or songs would you sing?

May 27, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 16:14-21

What does this passage say about the role of women in God’s work?

May 26, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sun, 26 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 16:1-13

This passage contains the famous “Macedonian vision.” Paul was seeking direction and found it in a most unlikely place. This change of direction altered everything—the gospel was now spreading to regions Paul never dreamed of. Has God ever changed your plans? Are you seeking for direction now? Don’t be surprised if God directs you to places you never imagined.

An interesting point is found in 16:10. Up until this verse, Paul and his companions are described in the third person—“they” went here, “they” went there. Now it’s first person—“we” set sail, “we” went here, etc. Luke (the author of Acts) joined the group at this point. He now describes what he sees and hears and does.

May 25, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Sat, 25 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 15:30-41

When Paul and Barnabas began to plan the second missionary journey, what disagreement did they have? What was the result? Would you have made as big an issue of this as Paul did?

May 24, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 15:22-29

Concerning the letter drafted explaining their stance—do you think these requests were reasonable? What is the difference between compromise and capitulation?

May 23, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 15:13-21

This James was the brother of Jesus. No doubt, his words carried great authority. What was his opinion? What four things did James feel were reasonable to ask of Gentile converts?

May 22, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 15:1-12

The church leaders met to solve the nagging issue of legalism. Would Gentile converts be required to submit to the rules and regulations of Jewish law, or not? In what ways is legalism practiced today? If you were part of this meeting, what side do you see yourself defending? Why?

May 21, 2013

First Baptist Church Lewisville — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Acts 14:19-28

If you look at a map (hopefully you have a map of the missionary journeys in the back of your Bible), notice Paul and Barnabas backtracked. They revisited each city, encouraging the new believers. How important do you think follow-up is for new Christians today?