Author Archives: Marvin Bryant

The Good News Told in Acts – 7

Acts 17:16-33 Speaker:  Paul Audience: A Greek council that included Philosophers (Epicurean and Stoic). The council was called the Areopagus because its original meeting place was on the hill of the Greek god Ares. The council was a prestigious group that had jurisdiction in matters of morals and religion. Occasion: After debating with some philosophersContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 7”

The Good News Told in Acts – 5

Acts 10:34-48 Speaker: Peter Audience: Cornelius and his household. These were God-fearing Gentiles. Occasion: God worked extensively on both Cornelius and Peter to bring the two together. The meeting took place in Caesarea, about 75 miles NW of Jerusalem. Result: Cornelius and his entire household received the Spirit and were baptized in the name ofContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 5”

The Good News Told in Acts – 4

Acts 5:29-32 Speaker: Peter and the apostles (v. 29) Audience: The Jewish high priest, council, and senate (vv. 21, 27) Occasion: The high priest and Sadducees were jealous of the power and popularity of the apostles, so they arrested them. During the night an angel released them from prison and told them to go toContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 4”

The Good News Told in Acts – 3.

Acts 4:8-12 The summary of the good news told in Acts 4 is medium in length. It is longer than the several one line summaries we find (such as Acts 11:20), but shorter than the extended accounts in Acts 2, 3, 10, 13, and 17. Still, it has rich insights about the gospel and speakingContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 3.”

Four Differences between Secular and Spiritual Resolutions

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 There have been times in my life when I made New Year’s Resolutions and times when I haven’t. Sometimes I have been down on making them because it seems so difficult to keep them. A recent online article suggests about 1/4 of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions and about 1/3 say theyContinue reading “Four Differences between Secular and Spiritual Resolutions”

How to Respond to the Birth of Christ

Luke 2:8-20 In two weeks we will return to our exploration of the good news told in Acts. As Christmas approaches, however, I want to call attention to what the shepherds have to teach us about responding to the birth of Christ. Then, next week, we will notice consider some helpful truths about (New Year’s)Continue reading “How to Respond to the Birth of Christ”

The Good News Told in Acts – 2.

Acts 3:11-26 In this series of posts we are seeking to clarify our understanding of the good news, not for merely theoretical reasons, but as a way of equipping ourselves to be useful to our Master. He may well give us opportunities to speak, and we need to be ready (cf. 1 Peter 3:15; ColossiansContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 2.”

The Good News Told in Acts – 1.

Acts 2:22-41 If God gave you the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus with someone, what would you say? One of the best ways to ready is to clarify our understanding of the good news. And one of the best ways to gain clarity about it is to carefully explore the good newsContinue reading “The Good News Told in Acts – 1.”

Parables of the Kingdom 14

Judgment. Though some Christians still seem to over-emphasize the judgment that is coming at the end of time, in my circles many more Christians today seem to neglect it. I get it. It is important for us to grasp God’s grace too. And we also need to emphasize the importance and relevance of living likeContinue reading “Parables of the Kingdom 14”