This perpetual calendar includes:
- Remarkable testimonies of souls won to the Savior
- Explanations of gospel concepts
- Answers to frequently-asked questions
- Stories of real-life witnessing opportunities
- Encouragements and tips for sharing the glorious gospel
April 22
It is natural that we should turn to the Acts of the Apostles to see how the first preachers proclaimed the gospel. We have ample evidence to go on, for no less than twenty-two sermons or speeches are recorded in that book. Of these, nine are by Peter (Acts 1:15ff; 2:14ff; 3:12ff; 4:8ff; 5:29ff; 8:20ff; 10:34ff; 11:4ff; 15:7ff). Nine are by Paul (13:16ff; 13:46ff; 14:13ff; 17:16ff; 20:17ff; 22:1ff; 24:10ff; 26:1ff; 28:25ff). Others are as follows: Stephen at his stoning (7:1ff); Philip to the eunuch (8:30ff); James at the council (15:13ff); and Ananias to Saul (22:12ff). What a wealth of material we have here that we may learn how to preach the gospel. These men by the testimony of their foes “turned the world upside down” (17:6) and saw thousands converted (2:41; 4:4). This was followed by a seven-fold action: they were baptized, continued in the apostle’s teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, in prayers, giving, and holy joy. O for such converts today! —G. Goodman
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 27-29 Memorize: Joel 2:12-13April 21
Hasn’t the New Testament been changed since it has been repeatedly recopied throughout time? This is key. As F.F. Bruce explains, “The historical ‘once-for-all-ness’ of Christianity which distinguishes it from those religious and philosophical systems, which are not specially related to any particular time, makes the reliability of the writings which purport to record this revelation a question of first-rate importance” (The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? p 8). Sir Frederic Kenyon, director of the British Museum, stated: “The interval between the dates of original composition (of the NT) and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established” (The Bible and Archaeology, pp 288-289).
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 24-26 Memorize: Joel 2:32April 20
On that tragic Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School near Denver, CO, two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, massacred 12 students and one teacher, injuring 21 other students. One of those who died that day was Rachel Scott, age 17. Some time before, she had written: “I have no more personal friends at school. But you know what? I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I am not…going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will.” Another believer who was gunned down, Cassie Burnall, stated: “Now I have given up on everything else. I have found it to be the only way to really know Christ and to experience the mighty power that brought Him back to life again, and to find out what it means to suffer and to die with Him. So, whatever it takes I will be one who lives in the fresh newness of life of those who are alive from the dead.” To live = Christ; to die = gain (Php 1:21).
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 19-23 Memorize: Hosea 14:9April 19
What does man find objectionable about the gospel? Everything! Think of John 3:16. “For God,” and some object to the idea that God even exists. “So loved the world,” and they object to Him loving all, even the worst. “That He gave,” and they are offended that they cannot contribute something of merit. “His only begotten Son,” and they do not like the exclusivity of the One Way. “That whosoever,” and they ask, “Do you mean mass murderers can pray and have a lifetime of sin wiped out?” “Believes on Him,” and they stumble at its simplicity. “There must be more,” they say. “Should not perish,” and they deny that they are so bad as to deserve such a fate. “But have,” and they call it presumption to say you know you are saved. “No one can know,” they opine, in flat contradiction to Scripture. “Everlasting,” but no, they argue, “It must be possible to lose it, or else one would live like the devil.” “Life,” not religion or rules, but life as a gift! Thank God for His convincing Spirit! —J.B.N.
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 16-18 Memorize: Hosea 13:14April 18
W.T.P. Wolston was born at Brixham, England, on September 6, 1840, and was converted at the age of 20 while listening to Charles Stanley, a commercial hardware salesman from Sheffield who led thousands to Christ. Wolston eventually became a loved and respected physician in Edinburgh, Scotland where he took every opportunity to speak to people about his Savior. He writes: “A short time ago I was traveling on a train, and there was in the car with me a bright-eyed boy named Robert, on his way home from school. We got into conversation. Presently I said to him, ‘Robert, I know a friend of yours.’ ‘Know a friend of mine? I never saw you before. Who can it be?’ His whole face brightened with expectation. He guessed a half-dozen names and then gave up. ‘Shall I tell you?’ I asked. ‘Jesus!’ His face fell. Alas! the dear boy’s heart was just like many, a stranger to Jesus, and he had no interest in Him.” But what a Friend He is—“a friend of…sinners!” (Lk 7:34).
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-15 Memorize: Daniel 9:9April 17
Anyone witnessing will be challenged on homosexuality. Some will say it’s wrong to condemn, since people are born that way. Others will say grace prohibits judging. What is our response? First, we are all born sinners (Ps 51:5) with proclivities in different directions, but cannot excuse our sins by claiming “that’s the way I am.” Second, although some sins do greater damage that others, we should declare a gospel that both condemns all sin and provides forgiveness for all sin repented for. Third, it is not temptation to sin that is deserving of judgment (unless we put ourselves in harm’s way), but yielding to sin. A person who feels Christianity cannot be for them because they could not abandon their homosexuality must be told not only about Christ as Savior from sin’s penalty, but also from its power. “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (see 1 Cor 6:9-11).
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 10-12 Memorize: Ezekiel 36:26April 16
Andrew Stenhouse writes: “We rented a hall on one of the main arteries of the city. It was busy and noisy, but God gave us the joy of seeing souls saved there. On one occasion a gentleman, Senor Marfan, was walking by when he had a seizure of pain and looked around for somewhere to sit. The nearest place was the doorstep of our hall. One of our young men, distributing invitation cards, brought him some water. In a few minutes he felt better and went on his way, after receiving an invitation. He didn’t return, but told his wife about his experience and handed her the card. As a result, she came to the meetings, bringing two daughters; in a short time all three were converted. Senor Marfan did not come for about three years, but one day this son expressed scepticism in the existence of God. “What! my son an atheist! I am to blame; I’ve never shown any interest in the things of God.” Both father and son began to attend the meetings and were also happily converted.
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-9 Memorize: Ezekiel 33:11