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The
Gentiles Had Accepted
God's Message
– Acts Eleven
Word spread quickly about what had happened at Cornelius' house.
The apostles and the brethren in
Peter reviewed the details of the events that had transpired. He
explained about: (1) his vision in Joppa, (2) how the angel had appeared to
Cornelius, (3) how God had bidden him to go to Cornelius, (4) how the Holy
Spirit had fallen on the Gentiles, and (5) how six Jewish brethren had been
witnesses to what had happened. Peter said that God gave the Gentiles the same
gift of the Holy Ghost that he had given to the Jews. When they heard Peter say
this, they stopped arguing and started praising God. They knew that God had now
allowed the Gentiles to turn to Him, and that He had given spiritual life to
them.
The gospel spread from
Barnabas realized that he needed help in this work so he sent to
Peter's defense of his visit to the gentiles – Acts 11:1-18:
The apostles and brethren that were
in
The Jews seemed insulted by the fact that Peter had stayed in the
home of Gentiles, and had even eaten with them. Peter explained the events that
had led him to preach to Cornelius. He recounted his vision in Joppa of the
unclean beasts. He heard the voice of God say, "What God has cleansed you
must not call common." He told these brethren about the three men that
were sent by Cornelius and how that the Spirit told him to go with them and not
to worry. An angel of the Lord had instructed Cornelius to send for Peter in
order to learn how to be saved. Peter did go with these Gentiles and he was
accompanied by six Jewish brethren. As Peter began to speak, the Holy Spirit
fell on the Gentiles just as upon the apostles at the beginning.
Peter believed that refusing Gentiles into
the church would be withstanding God. God made no distinction between Jew and
Gentile when He granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life. When they heard
Peter say this, they became silent and started praising God.
The church was established in
The gospel reached
Barnabas was sent by the church to
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. Many
more people turned to the Lord through the work of Barnabas and others. Barnabas found Saul and brought him to
Barnabas and Saul were sent to
Each Christian did what he or she could to relieve those that were
suffering. Each person, whether rich or poor, master or servant, according to
the substance he was possessed gave to help those that were in need. The gift
was sent to the elders of the church in
If you have not started the Christian life
"Today is the day of salvation." (II Corinthians 6:2.) To become a
Christian hear the gospel (Romans
- - - - Charles Box
News & Notes
1. Prayer
List: In Need Of Prayers: Malachi Beauchamp, Ethel Gafford, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, Frank Johnson, Mary
Lawrence, Evelyn Lewis, Joyce Massey, Glennie Ruth
Palmer, Mary Powell, and Joe Smith. Crowne Health Care: Laura Ellis,
Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, Bertha Phelps, and Iva Lou Wright.
2. Please
Pray For: (a)
Alan Jackson as he serves in
3. Special
Need For Prayer: Brenda & Willie Herring
are expecting triplets. Brenda is facing several weeks of bed rest. Please pray
for her and the babies.
4. Birthdays:
Celebrating birthdays this week are: June 12th Lou Acreman,
Tete Stabler, and Morgan Till, June 13th Ethan Alford
and Betty Findley, June 14th Neomia Collins, Christine Lucas, and Becky
Till and June 17th Dennis Lowery.
5. Golden
Anniversary: You are invited to join us in the celebration of the Golden
Wedding Anniversary of our parents William and Margaret
Pierce, Saturday, June 17th,
6. Thank
You: (a)
7. Area
Events: (a) June 11th
– Singing – New Providence Church of Christ – Highway 62 near Greenville – 2:30
p.m. (b) June 11-14 – Gospel Meeting
– Ramer Church of Christ –Alan Watkins – 7:30 p.m. (c) June 11-15 – Gospel Meeting – Rock Hill Church of Christ
–Raymond Elliott – 7:30 p.m. (d)
June 11-16 – Gospel Meeting – Wald Church of Christ –Charles White – 7:30 p.m. (e) June 18-23 – “National Worship for
the Deaf” – Niceville Church of Christ – call 850-678-2911 for details. (f) July 9-14 – Backwoods Christian
Camp. (g)
June 19-23 – Fairhope Church of Christ – VBS –
8. Please Pre-Register: We anticipate a
great week at Backwoods Christian Camp. The dates are July 9th – 14th.
Our theme for the week is “Learning to Lean on Jesus”. We are expecting a tremendous
number of people so all groups and individuals are requested to pre-register.
If you need registration forms please contact Walnut Street Church of Christ,
9. Thank You: Dear Brethren, Thank you
so much for your generous $1,000 donation to
Modesty
One Sunday morning I was scheduled to preach for a certain congregation of the Lord’s people. When the time came, I approached the podium, set my Bible and notes down, and looked up. When I did so, I saw a woman walking in the auditorium doors wearing nothing but a one-piece bathing suit. Appalled, some women of the congregation rushed over to her, trying to cover her. This would naturally be the sentiment of any congregation of the Church. It is obvious that this woman’s attire was inappropriate, and offensive. So why can’t members of Christ’s church stay dressed when they are in public?
Thankfully, this did not really happen. But think for a few moments about your own practices and beliefs regarding modesty. What is the difference between this and wearing the same thing to a pool party where members of the Church are gathered, or allowing your teenage son or daughter to wear a swimsuit, or the lack thereof, to the beach? If you have difficulty finding the fault in these activities, maybe you’ve just never really thought about them.
When Paul addressed women in I Timothy 2:9, he said, “…women adorn yourselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” The common sense that caused you to be shocked about the actions of the young woman I mentioned should also cause you to realize that some of the apparel worn on beaches, in swimming pools, and at other places is not appropriate.
Young Christian Ladies, when you wear such attire, no matter what you think, young men do not see you as a chaste, or consecrated and pure person (Titus 2:5). You place an occasion to stumble in front of your brothers. Mothers and Fathers, when you allow your daughters to wear such things, you are allowing her to advertise her body to any and every male whose eyes behold her. Put your foot down. Don’t be so afraid that she won’t consider you her friend, that, you fail to act as her parent and protector.
This is one of the many challenges that parents and teenagers face. But if we seek God wholeheartedly, the decision we must make is obvious.
-
- - - Darrell Powell
-
The
first-century Christians took the Great Commission seriously.
(Mark
16:15-16) Do we?
Don’t just own a Bible; read it!
(334-382-3001)