By Michael C. Mack “A leopard can’t change its spots”—meaning, people can’t really change their character, especially if it’s bad, even if they pretend they’ve changed. Is this saying true or false? Why? Read Acts 9:19b-31. Why did people have such a hard time believing that Paul had become a Christian? (See 7:58; 8:1; 9:1, […]
By David Faust We know Abraham for his faith, Joshua for his leadership, Esther for her courage, and Job for his patience. We know Jeremiah for his tears. I don’t think I would want to be nicknamed “the weeping prophet.” Is there any worse insult than being called a crybaby? But Jeremiah had good reason […]
By Dr. Mark Scott It is hard not to overstate the significance of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. His conversion story is told three times in Acts (9:1-19a; 22:6-11; 26:12-18). God used Peter to open the door of faith to Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. But God would need a universal man who would be […]
By Michael C. Mack 1. When have you been fooled by something (or someone) that was counterfeit, fake, or artificial? Read Acts 8:9-24. 2. Who would you compare Simon to and why? Harry Potter (wizard) Harry Houdini (magician) Larry Page (Google’s CEO) Benny Hinn (preacher/healer) 3. What was the issue regarding these new Samaritan believers […]
By David Faust To illustrate his culture’s moral decline, God’s prophet used a startling metaphor: “Truth has stumbled in the streets” (Isaiah 59:14). That’s a strange word picture because truth shouldn’t stumble. Truth brings to mind stability and respectability, not someone staggering in the street like a late-night carouser who’s had too much to drink. […]
