Day 315 - Better Than Silver or Gold

Daily Reading:  Acts 3-5

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."  Acts 3:5,6

Footnote:  The crippled man asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better -- the use of his legs.  We often ask God to solve a small problem, but he wants to give us a whole new life and help for all our problems.  When we ask God for help, he may say, "I've got something even better for you."  Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when he gives you what you really need.

"In the name of Jesus Christ" means "By the authority of Jesus Christ."  The apostles were doing this healing through the Holy Spirit's power, not their own.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you -- even Jesus.  Acts 3:19,20

Footnote:  When we repent, God promises not only to wipe out our sins, but to bring spiritual refreshment.  Repentance may at first seem painful because it is hard to give up certain sins.  But God will give you a better way.  As Hosea promised, "Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth" (Hosea 6:3).  Do you feel a need to be refreshed?


Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.  Acts 5:14

Footnote:  What makes Christianity attractive?  It is easy to be drawn to churches because of programs, good speakers, size, beautiful facilities, or fellowship.  People were attracted to the early church by sincerity, honesty, and unity of the members, and the character of the leaders.  Have our standards slipped?  God wants to add believers to his church, not just newer and better programs or larger and fancier facilities.

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.  Acts 5:42

Footnote:  Home Bible studies are not new.  As the believers needed to grow in their new faith, home Bible studies met their needs, as well as serving as a means to introduce new people to the Christian faith.  During later times of persecution, meeting in homes became the primary method of passing on Bible knowledge.  Christians throughout the world still use this approach when under persecution and as a way to build up believers.

Keep reading -- 50 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV