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Acts 13:42-52 We are in the Book of Acts this morning. Acts 13:42-52 which takes place in the Roman city of Antioch in Pisidia. The closing verses of Acts 13 describe two reactions toward a sermon that Paul preached. We find an encouraging reception of God's Word and also fierce opposition. Acts 13:42ff. proves beyond a doubt the Power of God's Word – as it produces two reactions. The Power of God's Word – think of it this way 'One Gospel, Two Reactions' this is what we find in our passage this morning.
Acts 13:16-41 Imagine you are given an unrestricted invite to speak at a gathering. Your subject for the impromptu speech 'a word of encouragement.' You are given 'center stage' all eyes are fixed upon you. What would you say? In a certain way, this was the setting of Paul's first sermon. He rose to the occasion and he preached a message of encouragement – don't misunderstand – it wasn't a 'feel good' talk by any means. Paul delivered a powerful message that shook the world of those who had gathered on a Sabbath day at a synagogue in Antioch – Pisidia.
Acts 13:13-16 Our text for today is Acts 13:13-16. It marks a noteworthy shift in the biblical narrative, as Paul and Barnabas, sent by the Holy Spirit, begin their first great missionary journey. It transitions the focus of the New Testament from Jerusalem to a much wider mission. After the incident in Cyprus with Elymas and the salvation of Sergius Paulus, the mission team encounters another setback - John Mark's departure. The mission team arrives at Antioch in Pisidia, enter the synagogue, and are invited to speak to the congregation after the Sabbath readings.
Acts 13:4-12 The first missionary journey begins in Acts 13:4ff. Barnabas and Saul are sent by the Holy Spirit. Accompanying Barnabas and Saul is John a.k.a Mark or John Mark (Acts 13:5; Colossians 4:10). While on Cyprus, the team will share Jesus' story in the Jewish synagogues and rescue a proconsul from the influence of a false prophet. Saul, in particular, will make a major change as he not only switches to the Roman form of his name, Paul, but takes the lead in the ministry. By the time this group leaves the island, they will be identified as "Paul and his companions" (Acts 13:13).
Acts 13:1-3 Listening – such an essential aspect of daily life. Listening comes by hearing. In fact, the Greek word for listen (hearken KJV) comes from the word akouo (AH-KOO-OH) found 437 times in the NT – means to hear, to consider what is being said i.e., listen, to understand, perceive the sense of what is said. The Book of Acts points out various aspects of listening/hearing
Acts 12:20-25 The words associated with pride/proud as defined in the OT Hebrew and NT Greek generally describe arrogance, conceit. This trait inevitably brings the judgment of God upon those who manifest it. One such word that certainly has relevance to the passage today is 'pride.' Even though the last five verses of Acts 12 does not have the precise words 'pride' or 'proud' – the essence of this word is implied.
Acts 12:6-19 A review of Acts 12:1-5 - James was killed, Peter arrested, and the church prayed. From a human standpoint, the outlook wasn't very promising. With James already dead, Peter was now incarcerated, the church was praying fervently. Nonetheless, it was a somber state of affairs. But, from a divine perspective, this was another tremendous opportunity for the Lord's almighty power, sovereignty, and His perfect timing to be displayed.
Acts 12:1-5 The early church that started out in Jerusalem was growing rapidly. This brought about the first wave of fierce persecution. The persecution of the church is never unwarranted. Persecution often accompanies progress. This is made clear in Acts 12 this morning. Those opposed to the Christian faith are fighting a losing battle. Unable to stop the spread of the gospel. Which resulted in multitudes embracing the true faith. This prompted a second wave of persecution. An attack was carried out upon the early church. This time the opposition against the church was conspicuous. It went beyond the verbal threats and warnings that the apostles endured.
Acts 11:19-30 The beginning of Acts 11 Peter explained the universal scope of the gospel – was not just for Jews, God designed it to include Gentiles. As we examine the closing verses of Acts 11, this portion of Scripture describes the preparation of the church at Antioch – for the same reason – the scope of the gospel. The focus of the church was shifting northward to an amazing missionary church in Antioch of Syria. The concluding verses of Acts 11 give us a picture of a church used by almighty God to change the world. The church at Antioch was revolutionary as it was 'birthed' by evangelism by means of persecution.
Acts 11:1-18 Generally speaking, there are two kinds of criticism, destructive and constructive. The former is not one we would welcome. The latter can be helpful. Criticism is part of this experience we call life. The apostle Peter wasn't immune to criticism.
Colossians 9-14 The book of Colossians follows the typical pattern of Paul's letters: the first half is heavily theological, while the second half is intensely practical. In most of his letters you can clearly identify a pivot point where he transitions from explaining what is true to outlining what to do about it.
The Scriptures are clear that no human being has the capacity or the ability in and of himself to secure salvation. No mere man can save another man, let alone save himself. No man has the power to save anyone else; no man has the authority to save. We cannot earn salvation through human effort.
The message of the glorious gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel centers on the belief that through faith in Jesus (his death, burial, and resurrection) sinful man can be saved and reconciled to God (this encompasses both God's grace and the faith enabled by the Holy Spirit that leads to repentance, confession, and receiving the free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ).
The passage for today tell us - the men sent by Cornelius along with Peter and several of the brothers from Joppa are headed to Caesarea. This marks the final leg of this particular divine journey. The visions experienced by Cornelius and Peter will come into play as these two men will meet.
Peter's journey, which begins with our passage this morning, is a divine journey. The sovereign grace of God prepares a Jewish apostle, Simon Peter, to bring the gospel message to the Gentiles. Peter's journey was the catalyst of a journey that continues today.
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