Thursday Faith Thought

After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” 

You may not realize this, but the Apostle Peter started sharing the message of the Gospel to non-Jewish people seven years after Jesus ascended to Heaven. And 10 years later, the early church was still struggling with including Gentiles, us. 

It took a long time for the truth to sink in that Salvation was for anyone and everyone regardless of their upbringing or cultural background, it is by grace alone through faith in Christ (Acts 15:11; Eph. 2:8-9). 

This big change took a long time to take root in the early church. 

May our lives and doors always be open to those who need HIS grace and forgiveness. Who need to hear this message of truth, hope and love. 

Jesus saves. 

   Amen

Pastor Michael Thurlow