Posts

So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone

  Good morning. So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. Of course the gospel was to go to the Jews first. Even Peter’s experience did not convince them to also preach to the Gentiles. However there were some that came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks (people who lived by Greek customs and culture) also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. This was just like Peter and John coming to Samaria after they heard of the people there becoming believers through the ministry of Philip. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he encouraged them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. A large number of people were ...
Post a Comment
Read more

They heard them all speaking with tongues; so Peter said, surely no one can refuse the water for those to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?

  Good morning. They heard them all speaking with tongues; so Peter said, surely no one can refuse the water for those to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he? As we will see in a minute, this was a very big deal for the Jews. He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Hopefully you have been shielded from this; but there is a big controversy among some people about the formula for baptizing someone as far as into what name you baptize them. One would think that everyone would be excited about this happening when the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. When Peter came to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised took issue with him, saying, you went to uncircumcised men and ate with them. Seriously? The Gentiles had just received salvation, and all they can think about is Peter eating with uncircumcised men? So Peter told them all that had happened with Cornelius....
Post a Comment
Read more

And he ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead

  Good morning. And he ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. Jesus did not take this assignment upon Himself; it was predetermined by God before the beginning of time. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. Remember that it said earlier that there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. OK so next Peter led them in prayer, and then gave an invitation for all to come to the altar. No, it was totally out of his control. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. If it had been left to Peter, this probably would not...
Post a Comment
Read more

In every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all

  Good morning. Peter’s response: I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality. As I said before, sadly people do not understand that in the modern world. They seem to think that their group is preferred over another group. Applying Paul’s comments to the church at Corinth to the church universal, there are not many rich, wise, etc. among you. That’s because they tend to think that they’re better than others. It’s hard to trust in God when you trust in yourself. Peter: but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. You know Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God...
Post a Comment
Read more

Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who will transform the body of our humble estate into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself

  Good morning. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who will transform the body of our humble estate into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. There is our guarantee that this is not the end of everything. When our body dies, that is not the end. It ain’t over till it’s over. The body that we have now is subject to all types of frailties; but the one that we will receive when He returns will be eternal like His. How can He do that? We say that we believe that He has the power to subject all things to Himself. If so, would it not be a trivial matter for Him to change our decayed body into one like His glorious one? Father thank You that we have a hope that will one day be fulfilled - our bodies will be just like Jesus’!
Post a Comment
Read more

The Holy Spirit said to Peter, three men are looking for you. Go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself

  Good morning. We saw last time that Peter was very religious. He had never eaten anything unholy or unclean. That is the way Christians are sometimes. They have to have some set of rules to follow, so that they will know that they are doing what they’re supposed to do. Some even have a checklist: read my Bible ✅ , prayed ✅ , gave my tithe ✅ , etc. The easy/hard part of living the Christian life is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will lead you to do everything on the checklist and then some. But there are times when He will have you do something completely off the list, and if you’re not following Him, you’ll miss out on what God wants. The vision of the sheet with animals on it happened three times and then was taken up into the sky. Of course Peter was wondering what this was all about. About this time unbeknownst to Peter, the men from Cornelius arrived at the house. They said they were looking for him. The Holy Spirit said to Peter, three men are looking for you. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A voice told Peter to kill and eat; but Peter said, by no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean. What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy

  Good morning. We left Cornelius with the angel visiting him. And just like we would do if we saw an angel, he said, what’s up dude? Hardly – being much alarmed (just like we would be), he said, what is it, Lord? Your prayers and gifts have ascended as a memorial before God. Just how long he had been praying and giving gifts, we do not know. We also do not know what he was praying about; but considering what will happen shortly, it was probably about how to know God. It is a lesson for all of us, to keep praying and giving even when we don’t see the answer right away. Send some men to Joppa for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; for he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. (this is why Peter stayed where he was not too far from Caesarea - about 30 miles away). After explaining everything to them, he sent two of his servants and a devout soldier to go get Peter. In verse two it had said that Cornelius was also devout. The soldier would have been...
Post a Comment
Read more