The spread of the gospel message in the early church was accompanied by signs and wonders performed by the Apostles. These miracles served to authenticate the message and the messenger as one sent from God. These miracles later became unnecessary with the completion of the New Testament Scriptures. We now have in His word allContinue reading “Whether It Be Right…”
Author Archives: randylivingston
What is a Christian?
The Bible tells us that the “disciples [of Jesus] were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Over the centuries, the term “Christian” has grown in its embrace of peoples and practices that are anything but what those who coined the term observed of believers in first century Antioch. Reviewing the term in its originContinue reading “What is a Christian?”
We Ought to Obey God…
Following Christ is a path that regularly encounters opposition. In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). If you are walking close with Christ, you know whereof Paul spoke. The world is not a friend to Jesus Christ nor his followers.Continue reading “We Ought to Obey God…”
To the Unknown God
“But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people” (Acts 17:13). The gospel message is either received or rejected and, often, when it is rejected it is openly resisted. This was the case in Berea. Consequently,Continue reading “To the Unknown God”
The Gospel is for All
Chapter 10 in the Book of Acts records for us a very clear and important principle related to the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a matter of background, the Jewish religion incorporated a very extensive and specific dietary regimen. Leviticus 11 provides a detailed “law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of everyContinue reading “The Gospel is for All”
The Chief of Sinners
Paul’s viewpoint concerning his own conversion to Christianity gives insight to the unsearchable depths of God’s grace. Prior to his salvation, he was a fervent opponent of the faith and persecutor of the church. The Bible records that Saul (Paul) “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, [he] went to the highContinue reading “The Chief of Sinners”
Speak the Truth
In the days following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the believers’ love for one another was characterized by selfless giving to meet the needs of one another. The Scriptures record “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices ofContinue reading “Speak the Truth”
Simon and the Gift of God
The Scriptures record that following the martyrdom of Stephen “there arose a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they [believers] were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria…and went about preaching the word. And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them Christ” (ActsContinue reading “Simon and the Gift of God”
Showing Compassion
While Saul was in Antioch teaching, “there came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And…one…named Agabus…signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout the world…Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea” (Acts 11:27-29). The world is frequently subject to eventsContinue reading “Showing Compassion”
Peter’s Message on Pentecost
In the second chapter of Acts, we have the first recorded sermon following the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The occasion was the day of Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the Feast of Weeks in the Jewish calendar. It began fifty days after Passover and was one of three feasts that required everyContinue reading “Peter’s Message on Pentecost”
From the Chaplain 