Author(s): Dr. Brian Simmons

Bibles

Sample passages: From Luke 15 11 Then Jesus said, "Once there was a Father with two sons. 12 The younger son came to his Father and said, "Father, don't you think that it's time to give me the share of your estate that belongs to me? So the Father went ahead and distributed among the two sons their inheritance. 13 Shortly afterwards, the younger son packed up all his belongings and traveled off to see the world. He journeyed to a far off land where he soon wasted all he was given in a binge of extravagant and reckless living! 14 "Now with everything spent and nothing left, he soon grew hungry, for there was a severe famine in that land. 15 So he begged a farmer in that country to hire him. So the farmer hired him and sent him out to feed the pigs! 16 The hungry son was so famished, that he was willing to even eat the slop given to the pigs, because no one would feed him a thing! 17 "Humiliated, the son finally realized what he was doing and he thought to himself, 'There are so many workers at my Father's house who have all the food they want with plenty to spare! They lack nothing! Why am here dying of hunger, feeding these pigs and eating their slop? 18 I want to go back home to my Father's house and I'll say to Him, 'Father, I was so wrong! I have sinned against You! 19 I'll never be worthy to be called Your son, please Father, just treat me like one of Your employees.' 20 "So the young son set off for home, to his Father's house. But from a long distance away, His Father saw him coming dressed as a beggar and great compassion swelled up in His heart for His son who was returning home. So the Father raced out to meet him! He swept him up in His arms, hugged him so dearly and kissed him over and over with tender love! 21 "Then the son spoke up and said, 'Father, I was so wrong! I have sinned against You! I could never deserve to be called Your son, just let me be...' But the Father interrupted and said, 'Son, you're home now!' 22 "Then turning to His servants the Father said, 'Quick, bring Me the best robe, my very own robe, and I will place it upon his shoulders! Bring the ring, the seal of sonship, and I will put it upon his finger! And bring out the best shoes you can find for My son! 23 Let's prepare a great feast and celebrate! 24 For this beloved son of mine was once dead, but now he's alive again! Once he was lost, but now He is found!' And every one began to celebrate with overflowing joy! From Acts 1 42 Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another; sharing communion together and they came together regularly for prayer. 43 A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with each other whatever they had. 45 Out of generosity they would even sell their assets to distribute the proceeds to those among them who in need. 46 Daily they met together in the Temple courts, and in each other's homes to celebrate Communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. 47 They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved.