Posts by Josh Moody

Exodus 27-29, Psalm 33, Matthew 14:1-21, Acts 20:1-12 Acts 20:1-12: Here we first are told about Paul’s journeys encouraging and strengthening disciples, and then about a particular instance with a young man called Eutychus. What do we learn? First of all, Paul’s journeys in the first six verses open up for us a window of an apostle constantly…

Exodus 24-26, Psalm 32, Matthew 13:44-58, Acts 19:23-41 Acts 19:23-41: Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is having such a large impact that it is starting to impact the economy! What can we learn from this extraordinary story? First, when God brings revival, it not only causes excitement, it actually changes how people really live—and how they spend their money.…

Exodus 21-23, Psalm 31, Matthew 13:24-43, Acts 19:1-22 Acts 19:1-22: Paul’s work in Ephesus produced a significant bridgehead for the gospel into the province of Asia (see churches of Asia in Revelation chapters 2 to 3). What was that ministry like? What can we learn from the effectiveness of his witness in that city of Ephesus for our…

Exodus 19-20, Psalm 30, Matthew 13:1-23, Acts 18:18-28 Acts 18:18-28: The kingdom of God continues to advance and grow. Here in this part of Luke’s story of kingdom advancement from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, we learn some more good lessons that are applicable to our lives in the contemporary world. First, do not give up.…

Exodus 16-18, Psalm 29, Matthew 12:38-50, Acts 18:1-17 Acts 18:1-17: We come now to Paul’s ministry in Corinth. There are several things we can learn from his experience as described by Luke in this passage in Acts: Use the skills that you have to have an impact in evangelism and discipleship. Paul used his tent-making skills to provide…

Exodus 13-15, Psalm 28, Matthew 12:22-37, Acts 17:16-34 Acts 17:16-34: We come now to Paul’s famous sermon on Mars Hill. What can we learn from it? First, that Paul was observant. He noticed the idols. If we want to understand the culture around us, it is important that we observe what are the idols which dominate our particular…

Exodus 10-12, Psalm 27, Matthew 12:1-21, Acts 17:1-15 Acts 17:1-15: Two cities with different responses to the gospel, and lessons for us to learn from both. In Thessalonica we learn: Paul’s ongoing custom of going first to the synagogue. Paul began with God’s people and moved on only once the message was rejected. There is a great need…

Exodus 7-9, Psalm 26, Matthew 11:20-30, Acts 16:16-40 Acts 16:16-40: Paul and Silas in prison—a remarkable story with much to teach us. First, the power of Jesus over evil spirits. This woman was possessed, and through that possession claimed to predict the future. What the evil spirit was saying about Paul and Silas was true—they were telling people…

Exodus 4-6, Psalm 25, Matthew 11:1-19, Acts 16:1-15 Acts 16:1-15: Three wonderful stories with three sets of important lessons. First, we have the decision to circumcise Timothy. Here seems a strange thing. Why would Paul do this? He’s just delivered a letter from the Jerusalem Council saying it wasn’t necessary for Gentiles to be circumcised. Now he goes…

Exodus 1-3, Psalm 24, Matthew 10:21-42, Acts 15:22-41 Acts 15:22-41:   “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” One of the most famous beginnings to a novel ever written—and in some ways appropriate to this passage in front of us today.   On the one hand, we have the wonderful fruit of wise governance and…