That Word ... Is Lord of All - Part 859

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Many of us are comfortable reading the gospels but if we do so, ignoring the book of Acts (that specifically details how the apostles implemented Jesus' teachings) we miss out on the excitement and joy that comes from stepping out in our faith journey. Peter, standing with the eleven on the Day of Pentecost instructs us to "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus" so that we will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)

But Peter and the eleven did not stop there. In the following scriptures, we learn even more about the "Him" whom God showed openly -- "not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead." (Acts 10:41-42) Not just to the Jews but to us -- the Gentiles as well.

Paul wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)

We also learn from Acts that we are commanded to preach unto the people and "that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43) Beginning in Acts 10:34:

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him. The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) -- that [same] Word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree ...

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly -- not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:34-43)

While Peter yet spake these words, "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." 

Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:34-48)

God is not the author of confusion. The Word is Jesus -- Almighty God come in the flesh to save His people from their sin. As such, there is no greater love story, than the one whereby our very Creator willingly shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.