The apostle Peter is known for two things (1) putting his foot in his mouth often and (2) delivering the sermon on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Those two events in Peter’s life are his most well-known, but also a testimony to his personal growth.
Peter followed Christ after his brother Andrew brought him to see Jesus (John 1.41-42). Who knew that fisherman from a small town in Galilee would follow the Messiah for three years, open his mouth too soon, yet stand before other followers of Jesus and deliver a message which would, through the power of God, convert over 3,000 people from the beginning. (Acts 2.41)
Who knew?
God knew.
God knew that one person had the power to share a message and convert others.
Jesus knew.
From their first meeting, Jesus called Peter “Cephas” which means rock. Whether it is a look into Peter’s character or his firmness in his beliefs, we know that the word “rock” would mean greater things as the years went on. (Note Matthew 16.16-18)
What caused such growth in Peter? What caused Peter to go from being a fisherman to being a gospel preacher? What allowed Peter to go from an open mouth to preaching from an open heart?
Peter was not a PH.D. candidate, nor was he a theological scholar, yet the Jewish leaders noticed something about his life. They noticed that this “uneducated, common” man had been with Jesus. (Acts 4.13)
Because Peter spent time with Jesus, people saw his boldness and his life. Spending time with Jesus not only changed Peter’s life, but it will change your life.
How can you spend time with Jesus?
Open his words and spend time with His followers being encouraged together.
Another year has begun, and a fresh start is here!
As the days of a new year are upon us, let us remember that even though it might be a new year, God is still the same and He desires a relationship with you.
God wants you to come to Him. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
God wants to give you His mercy. “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10)
God wants to give you His grace. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)
God wants you to be victorious. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God wants to give you a home. “…Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)
Remember, no matter what the year, the month or the day, God still wants you. It is His desire for you to have the greatest gift one could consider; a home with Him forever.
Engage your kids in an exciting adventure back to Bible times with our Bible Times Coloring Book. This coloring book, which can be downloaded and printed for free, is a unique way for your child to learn while having fun.
Features pictures that relate to biblical times, making learning interesting.
Suitable for all age groups, fostering a shared family activity.
An excellent free resource for parents and Bible class teachers.
Downloadable and printable, convenient for all your creative needs.
Click the image below to download your Bible Time Coloring Book
(You can right click and choose “Save As” and save it to your computer.)
As rocks fell upon the body of the preacher Stephen, standing close was one holding the coats of the stone throwers who agreed with the death sentence of a preacher of God. His name…Saul. He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees and held to the law, blameless. It was this Saul who, just a little later, would carry documents to Damascus, allowing him to put Christians in jail; perhaps to meet the same sentence as Stephen.
Sometimes it might be hard to believe it was this same man Saul who would, in a short period, start speaking to the Christians as one of their own. The Christians even had a hard time believing it. Why would a staunch Pharisee convert to Christianity? How could he leave behind everything he believed and live as a Christian? The answer was simple…Jesus.
You know of Saul’s discussion with Jesus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 and his baptism in Acts 9.18, but do you remember his words in 1 Timothy 1.15 – “the chief of sinners.” Saul, later to be called Paul, carried a burden with him because of his past. Even though he might have carried this burden, he knew that living in the past was not his purpose. His purpose was to continue to run to the race to receive the prize (Philippians 3.12-14).
Paul knew that focusing on the past would steer one off the track of righteousness. Jesus had spoken of this in Luke 9.62. We need to remember this as Christians, focus on the prize ahead not on the events behind. Colossians 3.2 tells us to, “Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth.”
Let us strive, as Paul did, to press onto the prize of Jesus Christ.
Have you ever pondered why Sunday worship services are so important to your Christian walk?
It’s more than just a weekly routine. It’s a community gathering where we can fellowship, grow, and find strength in God’s words.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25. This scripture underscores the importance of communal worship. It’s not about just ticking a box every Sunday, but it’s about spiritual nourishment, unity, and growth.
Three Benefits of Attending Sunday Worship Services
#1 – Spiritual Growth
Sunday worship services provide an opportunity for you to delve deeper into God’s Word. It’s a chance to learn and grow in your understanding of the Bible, and in turn, grow closer to God.
Remember what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
#2 – Fellowship and Community
When you regularly attend Sunday services, you become part of a community, a family, that supports and uplifts each other. Acts 2:46-47 speaks to this, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
#3 – Inspiration and Motivation
As Proverbs 27:17 puts it, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Through the shared experiences and unity with other believers, you’ll find encouragement and motivation to keep the faith, even in challenging times.
A Call to Action
Sunday worship services are a fundamental component of your journey as a Christian. They offer a space for reflection, fellowship, and learning. It’s where you are reminded of God’s love and grace.
So, are you ready to take this step towards personal and spiritual growth?
Will you make a commitment to join us every Sunday?
Remember, together we are stronger, together we grow. Let’s embark on this beautiful journey of faith, unity, and spiritual growth.
Your spiritual journey starts here. Your best life starts now.
