Preparing My Heart
Generally speaking, Gentiles make poor Jews. The Jews knew that. So did the Gentiles. The Jews just had spiritual superiority that Gentiles hardly could achieve. But they were welcome to try. And a notable few get Biblical recognition as having succeeded. But they were exceptions.
Such is not the case with Christianity! Neither I nor “my people” make better Christians than some other “race” or culture. It may be that democracy isn’t suited to some societies, but the Gospel is suitable and workable everywhere.
Making the Bible Personal
Does God expect me to somehow sharpen my sensitivity of Him?
What have I learned recently about God or from God?
If I were “preaching peace by Jesus Christ,” what would I say?
Where does “Jesus is Judge” fit into my presentation of the Gospel?
Do any of God’s ways shock me out of my theological zone?
Is there any aspect of the Gospel which I’m reluctant to present?
Reviewing Basic Truths
Nobody gets preferential access to the Gospel.
God accepts anyone who fears Him and keeps His commandments.
Those who experience the work of God must give witness to it.
All the prophets point to Jesus, by Whom we “receive remission of sins.”
Applying God’s Word to Me
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Jesus — the name above all names. Jesus — King of kings. Jesus — “to him give all the prophets witness.” Jesus — of Whom the disciples witnessed.
Jesus. What can I say about Him from the Scriptures? I’ll use some fragments from God’s Word, including some from today’s text.
Jesus, light of the Gentiles…and anyone else.
“Light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:33).
Jesus, our peace.
“Preaching peace by Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:36).
“He is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
Jesus, Lord of all.
“He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36).
“Shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords” (Revelation 17:14).
Jesus, doer of good.
“Went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).
“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not” (John 10:37).
Jesus, Son of God.
“God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
“The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
Jesus, Savior.
“We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Jesus, Judge of all.
“Ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead” (Acts 10:42).
Jesus, forgiver of sins.
“Shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).
“Your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake” (1 John 2:12).
This concludes my comments based on the alternate lesson developed by Christian Light Publications. To read my comments on the passage for the International Bible Lesson, click here: Paul Sails for Rome.
excerpted from Panting
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