Author Archives: Corey Sharpe

Saul’s conversion doesn’t just affect him personally: it changes the world. A verse comes to mind: If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).. Meeting Christ radically … Continue reading →

Now those who were scattered abroad went about preaching the word” (8:4). It is ironic that the violence that was supposed to put the early Christians in their place put them in Samaria to fulfill Christ’s great commission preach the … Continue reading →

Stephen gives a good summary of the first 5 books of the Old Testament (the Pentateuch). Resistance to the Holy Spirit is nothing new to God‘s people, and it’s pretty bold for Stephen to admit that. We can look back … Continue reading →

Acts 6:1-7 is about leadership in the midst of change. When a ministry grows we must adapt, or else it becomes unmanageable. Then it is more work and less spirit led ministry. Greek-speaking widows are being neglected. “It is not … Continue reading →

It’s a troubling story, but there is something natural about the lies of Ananias and Sapphira in 5:1-11. When we struggle with covetousness, acquisitiveness, and insecurity, do we rationalize and excuse it? “I’m not really all that well off,” “I … Continue reading →

Peter silenced the Jewish leaders. He was bold. He knew the Scriptures, which surprised people since he was not an educated man. They noticed he had been with Jesus, and they saw the lame man standing. We can be bold. … Continue reading →

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 The lame man asked for what he wanted; he received what … Continue reading →

Fifty days after Passover, or in church language, Holy Week, God’s Spirit creates a radically reshaped community. We call this the Day of Pentecost, while Jews named it the Feast of Weeks, named for the first-fruits of the harvest (cf. … Continue reading →

On May 1 I invited Mount Zion United Methodist Church to a 40 day Bible reading challenge. The same Luke who wrote the 3rd Gospel also wrote Acts. It’s a sequel, so he continues where he left off: the disciples … Continue reading →