Day 288 SUMMARY

The book of Acts begins with the most amazing truth of all. Jesus is alive. For forty days He teaches His friends and tells them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Then He returns to heaven, and the disciples pray and wait. Suddenly, on the day of Pentecost, a powerful wind fills the house, and the Holy Spirit gives them courage to speak in many languages. Thousands believe, and the church is born. Ordinary people become brave messengers, sharing hope with the world (Acts 1–3).

The message spreads fast. Peter and John are arrested but keep speaking boldly. The believers pray, share what they have, and take care of one another like a big family (Acts 4–6). Stephen stands firm for his faith, showing that God is always near His people, even in hard moments (Acts 7). Then Saul, who once hunted believers, meets Jesus on the road to Damascus and becomes Paul, the greatest missionary of all (Acts 9).

From that moment, the good news travels everywhere. God shows Peter that His love is for everyone, not just one group (Acts 10–11). Paul and his friends sail across lands and seas, sharing about Jesus in cities big and small. They face storms, prisons, and angry crowds, but nothing can stop God’s plan (Acts 13–20). Even when Paul is arrested, he keeps teaching with peace and courage. On a ship to Rome, a violent storm hits, but God keeps everyone safe. When Paul finally arrives in Rome, he keeps welcoming people and teaching them about God’s love (Acts 21–28).

Acts shows that God can use anyone who is willing to follow Him. The same Spirit that gave courage to Peter and Paul still gives courage to us. Every act of kindness, every word of peace, and every step of faith continues the story that began in Jerusalem.

Paul’s letter to the Romans explains why this good news matters so much. He says that everyone needs God’s grace and that His love is offered to all, no matter who they are or what they have done (Romans 1–3). He reminds readers that Abraham was made right with God by faith, not by perfection, and that the same is true for us (Romans 4–5).

Paul teaches that following Jesus is a fresh start. We can leave behind guilt and fear and live in freedom because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts and reminds us we belong to God (Romans 6–8). He tells us that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love.

Then Paul talks about what this looks like in real life. He encourages believers to be humble, kind, and peaceful, to respect others, and to love even when it is difficult (Romans 12–13). Faith is not about rules but about relationships. It is about letting God’s love shape how we think, speak, and treat others.

Through Acts and Romans, we see one great story. God’s Spirit moves through His people, turning fear into courage and rules into relationship. The message that began with a few followers has reached the whole world, inviting each of us to live with that same love, courage, and grace.