Acts of the Apostles

Sorry I haven't written in a while! It's been a crazy, juggling kind of month. Why do April, May, and June always seem to be like this?

Well today, I read Acts 13 and 14. Here are some verses that caught my eye:

(Paul speaking) "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39)

This would've been a pretty startling statement to all present. What the law could not do (justify a person, or declare him righteous) Jesus Christ can do!

"When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)

This is after the sermon was finished, and some of the Jews were being boisterous. Paul basically says to the Jews, that since you continue to reject, we're now turning to the Gentiles. Just think what would've happened if the apostles hadn't begun preaching to the Gentiles!! That would've been disastrous! But God had an amazing plan!

Paul preaches in numerous cities these words-- "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22b)

This is shortly after Paul was stoned. Once again, God had a plan. Paul could've died right there--his troubles over (for him to live was Christ and to die was gain). But he went on to preach and teach, encourage and exhort, write amazing letters filled with the knowledge of the Holy Spirit, and even speak before the Roman Emperor, THE highest authority in the world at that time!

So when we face trials and hardships, how can these word's comfort us? Firstly, to know that God has an amazing plan for our lives, and secondly, that one day we will enter the kingdom of God, and how good it will be if we have persevered to the end.

~~~

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In Christ,
Ellie Faggion

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