This week In Acts we will see the “good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (Acts 10:36)” preached by Peter to an entire household of Gentiles. And we’ll hear from Peter’s own lips that this should not have been a surprise to the early Jewish church, because “to Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives the forgiveness of sins through His name (Acts 10:43).”
After an entire household believes and the Holy Spirit falls on them just as He had at Pentecost, it calls forth rejoicing and praise from the Jerusalem church.
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life (Acts 11:18).”
This Sunday we will glorify God that we, too, have received and been transformed by in this good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. And Lord willing, the Spirit will continue to fan into flame a burden for the nations among us.
Over the last 25 years, God has led us into partnering relationships with over 25 households of gospel ministers and missionaries who serve around the world from our own backyard to some of the remotest places, to bring this good news to those who have yet to hear it. In Japan, Thailand, North Africa, Central Africa, China, and the Netherlands. In mountain villages in the Caucuses and the Andes and the Himalayas, and to majority Muslim nations in the Middle East. This all because we believe that “everyone who believes in him receives the forgiveness of sins through His name!
Fred Sanders will be preaching Acts 9:32-11:18 this Sunday (a large passage that I encourage you to sit and read through before Sunday in preparation) and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? Psalm 67:1-3 is a great prompt for prayer as we gather this Sunday.
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
Song of the Week
Let the Nations be Glad recorded live at the 2023 Sing! Conference
Let the nations be glad
Let the people rejoice
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the whole earth be filled
With the praises of the Lord
For salvation belongs to our God Let the nations be glad