In the book I am reading by Charles Spurgeon, The Power In Prayer, he poses the question: "Does God listen to the prayers of non-Christians?" He actually asks this to counter an ultra-radical group that challenged his teaching on prayer. People still ask that question. Indeed, I have heard it said with authority: "The only prayer of a non-Christian that God answers is the prayer for salvation."Cor...  Read More

God gives us mentors along life's journey. I am rich, for I have had many...still do. There are some mentors I have whom I have never met in person, some who have been in heaven a very long time. Barnabas is one of them (Acts 9:27). Follow his journey through Acts. He believes in young people. He believes in those the church might hold at arms length. He believes in the second chance. He believes ...  Read More

There are few transformations as extreme as that of the apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-22). His zeal was so powerful that he kept moving in expanding geography to pursue and prosecute, i.e., with the authority of the Sanhedrin, Believers in Jesus. Paul tells the Philippians in his own reflection, 'as for zeal, I persecuted the Church' (Philippians 3:6). You see, Jesus stops him in his tracks and calls Pau...  Read More

Let's keep this thread going. Now Philip the layman reminds us that everyone matters in the Body of Christ and that everyone is part of fulfilling the Great Commission (to go disciple-making in all nations). He has been used greatly of God in Samaria, now he is about to influence the world for Jesus (Acts 8:26-40). Here's my take-away from Philip. He obeys God's direction...he goes when God sends ...  Read More

Every power, or display thereof, pales in comparison to the power of God at work in our world, and especially at work in the human heart. Simon, the Magician (Acts 8:9-24) had gained great wealth and influence through his 'sorcery' but it was no match for the working of the Holy Spirit through a 'mere' layman named Philip. I say 'mere' because in the world's eyes he was of no importance. He co-adm...  Read More

Job asks, "...but how can a person be justified before God? " (9:2) He carries on his thought process and draws it to a close: "For he is not a man like me, that I can answer him...There is no mediator between us..." (9:32-33). Truth be known, no one can answer this challenge in his, or her, own strength and ability.Thanks be to God Who has answered Job's challenge! "Therefore, since we have been ...  Read More