The Good News spreads as Christians scatter in the book of Acts. As the opponents of the Gospel seek to suppress the truth and prohibit its distribution, the Gospel still advances. This is very encouraging news: in spite of opposition and persecution, the Gospel of Jesus Christ still spreads. Yet, while celebrating the advance of the Gospel, we must also be mindful that if a Gospel to advance despite persecution, there must be some persecuted. Thus, in Acts 12 where Peter is freed from prison (and likely death), James suffers death from the sword. In the Christian life and in service of spreading the Good News Christians will suffer. It is only by embracing both truths: personal suffering and God-exalting evangelism that we will be able to say with Paul that our sufferings are not worthy of being compared with the glory that is to come (Romans 8:18). To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 12:1-25.
The Good News spread from Jews through Samaritans to Gentiles. In this we learn that Jesus is enough – there is no need to follow Jewish law such as circumcision and abstaining from certain food. At first the “circumcision party” was not so sure Peter knew what he was talking about when he explained that faith in Jesus was enough. Once Peter made it clear that this was God’s plan, the Jews joined Peter in voicing praise to God. This truth has implications for us today, including: who we evangelize and what we expect to see in the way of a changed life from those who profess faith. To listen to this sermon, please click the following link: Acts 11:1-18.
The book of Acts records the growth of the early church and the spread of the message from the Jews in Jerusalem, to the Samaritans, and in chapter 10 to the Gentiles. As the Good News spreads one is struck by the fact that the message remains the same: reconciliation with God through the atoning death of Jesus the Christ. As Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, he was clear that peace was possible through Jesus. Peace is necessary because Jesus is Lord of all (every tribe, tongue and nation), yet all have sinned and deserve God’s wrath, leaving all at enmity with God. On the last day, Jesus will stand as the Judge of all men. Only those who have their sins forgiven through Jesus Christ truly be at peace with God. The gospel message is that Jesus is Lord, Judge and Redeemer. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 10:1-48.
Jesus said He would build His church. He identified with the church so closely that opposition to the church was equal to opposition to Himself (Acts 9:4-5). Further, the church was built through faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the Christ. There is no other way to reconciliation to God than through Jesus. Yet, through Jesus even the most rebellious of sinners can have a changed heart and be granted forgiveness of sins. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 9:1-18.