Houdini’s Secret, Part Two

Yesterday I told you a story about an amazing feat by Harry Houdini in which he escaped from locked handcuffs before a roaring crowd—incredible stuff! He later admitted that he stopped repeatedly to address the crowd because he needed their applause to keep up his enthusiasm! Two things set Houdini free: (1) his knowledge of what he knew to be true and (2) the cultivation of his own enthusiasm.

Say It Well

Paul was a misfit. When it came to a place like Athens, the crusty apostle clashed with the decor. Made no sense at all. The classic oil-and-water combo. A monotheistic Jew smack dab in the middle of polytheistic Gentiles. Narrow-minded former Pharisee surrounded by broad-minded philosophers. One idol-hating Christian among many idol-worshiping pagans. Outnumbered. Outvoted. Outshouted. But not outwitted.

Qualities of Godly Living

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognised them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing […]

Hope for Survival

A certain fascinating social phenomenon occurred in American history. Understand, I wasn’t living back then, but from what I read, this actually happened. It occurred when “Go west, young man!” was the challenge of America . . . when squatter’s rights seemed the most advantageous way to pry families loose and dare them to brave the elements via the covered wagon.

Be on Guard!

So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock— his church, purchased with his own blood— over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group […]

Power for the Battle

A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honoured. (Acts 19:17) Never doubt this fact: wherever we experience the bold and uncompromising declaration of God’s truth, we will encounter the test of spiritual warfare. Satan hates it when God’s Word is declared, believed, and obeyed. It is […]

Obey God First

We must obey God rather than any human authority. (Acts 5:29) Too many people these days are relying on too few to walk in integrity. Your personal integrity matters more than I can put into words. As Christians, we can’t play fast-and-loose with our money and expect it not to affect us. It’s God’s money. […]

Handling Growth Wisely

Those who believed what Peter said were baptised and added to the church that day— about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:41) Sometimes we idealise the first church on record as a model of perfection. Perhaps the setting was more ideal, but it certainly wasn’t idyllic. It was more pristine, but not perfect. They had challenges, […]

Think Spiritually, Stay Biblical

Day by Day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts […]

Four Essentials

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42) When the first body of believers gathered together, they devoted themselves to four essentials: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This verse is not only descriptive of what the early church did; […]

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