Kroger and Albertsons: A Bad Idea
It was recently announced that two of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, Kroger, and Albertsons, are planning to merge. If shareholders and regulators approve this merger, it will create a grocery store behemoth with annual sales of over $280 billion. The larger competitor left in the market will be Walmart. This […]
The Sad State of Portland
Portland. City of Roses. City of Protests. City of Empty Streets, empty sidewalks, empty storefronts. Here are my images from walking around a couple of blocks in the downtown central business district. This was the premier place to be. Full of shops, culture, unique stores, and people. Take a look at it today. Boarded up. […]
Day 330 – Saul’s Conversion
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the conversion of Saul on his way to Damascus to arrest the Christians. Jesus appeared to him and asks why Saul is persecuting him. This is important since Jesus is identifiying himself with directly with the Church. Jesus also appears to Ananias and sends him to Saul to […]
Day 329 – The Ethiopian Eunuch
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the martyrdom of Stephen, persecution of Christians in Jerusalem and the scattering of Jesus’ desciples thoughout the region of Judea and Samaria to fulfill the words of Jesus to spread the gospel. The persecution of the church sparks the next wave of evangelization. Suffering and persecution do not […]
Day 328 – Stephen is Martyred
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Stephen who gives a speech before his martyrdom. He says that just as the Israelites turned away from God throughout their history, now they are turning away from Jesus. Paul in Romans says that the people of Israel have not been abandoned. We as Christians have Jewish roots […]
Day 327 – Origin of the Diaconate
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the Hellenists who were the Greek-speaking Jews and they read the scriptures in Greek. We are starting to see a cultural division between the Christians who were Hellenists and the Christians that read the scriptures in Hebrew. Even in the early Church, there are broken and fallen humans […]
Day 326 – Life in Spirit
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Ananias and Sapphira who sold things to give the proceeds to the apostles. They are just pretending to be generous and hypocritical. The apostles continue to heal people which is a sign that the Lord uses them in remarkable ways. We are called to allow Jesus to work […]
Day 325 – Boldness in Faith
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read how the Jewish leaders were annoyed with Peter and John since they cured the crippled man. Peter says there is salvation in no one else but Jesus. The followers of Christ are bold in their witness. John and Peter are told not to speak or teach in the name […]
Day 324 – The Name of Jesus
Thoughts and Reflections Today we read about Peter and John going to the Temple to pray. They run into a lame beggar. Peter tells him, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” (Acts 3:6). The man leaps up […]
Day 323 – Pentecost
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles. Those who received the gift of the holy spirit, just don’t dwell on it, instead they go out into the world and proclaim Jesus Christ risen for the dead. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts hearts and converts people, not […]
Day 322 – The Ascension
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about Luke speaks about Jesus’ ascension. The apostles ask Jesus if he will “restore the kingdom to Israel.” He answers say it is not for them to know the times and seasons of God’s plan. He further tells them they will be the ones to restore the kingdom. Jesus […]
Messianic Fulfillment Recap
Luke is the only non-Jewish Gospel author and gives us the most comprehensive view of Jesus. We have the longest and most comprehensive presentation of Jesus’ life and public ministry to reach a gentile audience. Luke is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles and sees Jesus’ work come to fruition. Review Questions […]