Josh1Eight

Scripture: Acts 11:1-3 "Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him." Observations: As the message of Christ was spreading rapidly, multitudes were coming to faith and lives were being changed on a daily basis. People from all walks of life were discovering the power of God's forgiveness and experiencing new life for the first time. However, every move of God has opposition. This particular time it came from Jewish Christians who were appauled that Peter had associated himself with disgusting non-Jews in Cesarea. Now first off, those who were complaining were Christians who had themselves recently experienced God's grace when they believe in Christ. Yet, soon after they find Christ they were upset that people they didn't like were now believers! Peter didn't hesitate to share with them that the fact that God is rea...

Scripture: Acts 9:1-3,8 "1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him...8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind..." Observations: The Bible records the conversion of one of the most hard headed individuals in history- Saul of Tarsus. Full of pride and self righteousness, he sought to inflict punishment on those with whom he disagreed. He was a prominent and rising star in Judaism but was as far away from God as they come. On the outside he had it all amd didn't need anything- especially another religion. He had his mind mad...

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:1-6 1 Three days later, when David and his men arrived home...they found that the Amalekites had made a raid...they had crushed Ziklag and burned it to the ground. 2 They had carried off the women and children and everyone else but without killing anyone. 3 When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, 4 they wept until they could weep no more...6 David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God." Observations: Still afraid for his life, David left the land of Israel and moved into a Philistine neighborhood far enough out of Saul's reach. But he ran away from one problem only to run into another. While he and his soliders were away their town was raided by the Amalekites who stole everything amd burned the rest. David's men were on the verge of killing him. In that moment...