Author Archives: randylivingston

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”

Paul’s Journey to Rome

The Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey led him from Ephesus through Macedonia “into Greece, and there [he] abode three months” (Acts 20:2-3). He had determined that he would return through Macedonia on his way to Jerusalem for he wanted to “be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost” (Acts 20:16). While he was in Greece (mostContinue reading “Paul’s Journey to Rome”

Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus

Paul came to Ephesus on his third missionary journey. While he was there “he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8). Preaching and teaching in the synagogues was Paul’s practice throughout his journeys. But, as was theContinue reading “Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus”

One Step at a Time

After the martyrdom of Stephen, the Scriptures indicate that “there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they [the believers] were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” (Acts 8:1). The Bible also tells us that “they that were scattered went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). ThisContinue reading “One Step at a Time”

Murmuring, Discord and Division

We read in the Scriptures of the spiritual prosperity of the early church. A great love prevailed in the believers so that they “had all things common” (Acts 5:32). The apostles gave “witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 5:33). As a result, the “number ofContinue reading “Murmuring, Discord and Division”

Known by Our Doings

Before the Apostle Paul was converted, the Scriptures record that he was “a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious [to the church]” (I Timothy 1:13). He sought and received authority from the high priest in Jerusalem “that if he found any that were of the Way [Christians], whether men or women, he might bring themContinue reading “Known by Our Doings”

It is Better to Give

The Apostle Paul declared unto the Ephesian elders “I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to rememberContinue reading “It is Better to Give”