Acts 9:20-21

It's awesome when God transforms a life. What's so incredible about it is that it is such a catalytic event for God to minister through that person to transform other lives. When there is a dramatic storyline, and really every redemption story is, it's exciting to hear about. It's exciting to watch the change. It's exciting to be a part of.
And that excitement rubs off. The most exciting ministries to me are the ones that are reaching people for Jesus. I'm not trying to discount the necessity of creating disciples, but the actual redemption event is the most exciting thing in the world. I hope I never lose the desire to be around it. JM

Acts 8:32-40

I love how Philip used that passage to transition into presenting the gospel to this guy. And what's really incredible is that he talked about more than just salvation, he talked about baptism, too. A lot of people like to use this verse as proof that baptism is part of salvation. I don't really see it that way. The guy just wanted to be baptized because he so passionately wanted to show that he was a follower of Jesus.
I think it's important for us to be able to think on our feet. So many people have certain methods of presenting the gospel that require the person to ask a certain question and sit through a 5 minute presentation. That seems lame to me. I think if we're familiar with it and truly understand it, then we should be able to communicate that truth however we feel we need to. JM

Acts 3:18-26

It's easy to forget what it was like being a non-Christian. It's been a long time (almost 12 years). I think what I like best is the peace that you have. I like how verse 19 says "then the Lord will send the time of rest". It's a comforting feeling knowing that you're salvation is secure. Knowing that you have a personal relationship with the creator of the world. It's indescribable. JM

Matthew 27:54

Sometimes I refuse to believe things. Because it's easier. Or safer. Or more comfortable. But that doesn't make it true. I love the reactions of the roman soldiers here when they finally realize that Jesus was God. It reminds me of my own reaction. I can remember sitting on a couch at Missouri Baptist College and realizing that Jesus really was the Son of God. Realizations like that change your world. It's awesome. JM

Matthew 25:41-46

So much of being a Disciple of Christ is about action. It's not just praying Jesus into your heart, and it's not just getting baptized, but it's about making a life commitment to discipline yourself to the standard that Jesus has set. It's awfully high, but there's always help. JM

Matthew 25:1-13

You have to be prepared. I like that they don't share. I mean, it's a Bible story, so you think the bridesmaids would share, but they say that they are concerned about themselves above all else. They won't let anything compromise their chance of getting into the wedding feast.
I'm not really sure how that relates to how we should live our lives, but I know there's something there. Maybe we should always be willing to help people find their way to God, but we don't need to go so far as to compromise our own relationship with God. We can go to a bar to talk to people about Jesus, but we can't get drunk. Just a thought. JM