Acts 11:19-30 – Stay True to the Lord

Read Acts 11:19-30

It was happening. Jesus had wanted his name to be preached to all peoples. That was the upside to all the believers being scattered after Stephen’s death. It’s hard to minister to new people when you stay sheltered in place. But the danger was also real that getting caught up in the world was the best way to fall away from the Lord.

The church at Jerusalem used their judgment in sending Barnabas in to encourage the isolated believers. These faithful ones were on the front lines facing the hatred and mistrust of fellow Jews, and the uncertainty of what Gentiles would think. And yet Jesus’ name was being proclaimed, and lives were being transformed. Continue reading “Acts 11:19-30 – Stay True to the Lord”

Acts 10:39-11:18 – What a Stir!

Read Acts 10:39-11:18

This reading picks up right where we left off. Cornelius and his household now hear the whole story of what happened to Jesus, his death, his resurrection, and the promise Jesus made. Peter shared that “everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” What a stir that message must have created!

I love that the Holy Spirit showed up even before Peter finished delivering his message. There could be no question now. God’s promises extend to Gentiles, too. What a stir such a realization caused the Jewish friends who had accompanied Peter! Peter had already come to terms with that reality. It was good to see that the others came to see the truth as well. Continue reading “Acts 10:39-11:18 – What a Stir!”

Acts 10:1-38 – No Favorites

Read Acts 10:1-38

Have you ever watched an episode of the television show, The Chosen? For me, picturing the Roman officer, Gaius, from the show as Cornelius in our reading today makes sense. Gaius was also respected by the Jews. But this story is so much bigger than the faith of a Roman army officer who may have been kind to the Jews.

Peter learned a lesson about God’s acceptance and love for the Gentile. That’s a huge shift of thought, for devout Jews would not be eager at all to share their inheritance with outsiders, the non-Jews known as Gentiles. Peter was even given a vision to help open his mind to the reality. Continue reading “Acts 10:1-38 – No Favorites”

Acts 9:32-43 – Healing Power

Read Acts 9:32-43

Our scene shifts to Peter, and while all that was going on for Saul,  Peter had two encounters with Jesus’ healing power. I can’t even imagine the thrill Peter was feeling. Knowing the power of the Holy Spirit was flowing and the faithfulness of the people was growing had to be so rewarding for this apostle.

Being used by the Holy Spirit for any mission elicits a joy of its own. The person of the Holy Spirit is not only a character in a book, but the Bible speaks of God’s power in a way that is accessible to us humans. That fact alone should cause us to pause and be amazed. God has thought of everything to give us for our success. Continue reading “Acts 9:32-43 – Healing Power”

Acts 9:1-31 – Transformed!

Read Acts 9:1-31

This is one of the greatest stories of transformation in the Bible. We’re given hope that God can use us, too, no matter what we have done in the past. Here we meet Saul. He was mentioned only briefly in chapters 7 and 8, but here we see what God had intended for him.

We’re given a glimpse into the person Saul was before encountering Jesus, and he was “eager to kill the Lord’s followers,” known as “the Way.” Just the sight of Saul would have brought fear to the believers. Saul’s assignment to Damascus would end differently than he expected. Continue reading “Acts 9:1-31 – Transformed!”

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