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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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