Who Are You Pleasing?

Salvation only comes through Repentance. Repentance acknowledges one has done wrong and knells before the One who has the power to forgive.

The Lord gives David victory as he seeks and obeys God, establishing his reign and bringing fear of him upon the nations. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/1-chronicles-14-8-17-bow-to-christ-our-king

This Bible study examines the pivotal moment in Acts 10 where God breaks down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles through Peter's vision of unclean animals. The central message emphasizes that God's cleansing work in the heart of a person, such as the Roman centurion Cornelius, superseding cultural and religious traditions of separation. By highlighting the parallel prayers of Peter and Cornelius, the text illustrates God's sovereign orchestration in using ordinary believers to proclaim the gospel to all nations. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging listeners to view all people as reachable by grace rather than defined by their background. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a posture of humility and obedience, recognizing that the knowledge of the Lord is intended to fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.

In every list of the Twelve Peter is named first. John 1:35-42 sets out the first meeting of individual disciples with Jesus. It is Andrew, his brother who brings him to Jesus. Mark 1:16-18 recounts the call of Peter and Andrew and here we have a pattern of discipleship set before us. The story of Peter continues with him being Rebuked by Jesus, his Denial and Restoration, and Leadership ministry in Acts. Andrew is also considered. He follows the Lamb, brings others to Jesus, has faith in His power and witnesses His grace in receiving the Greeks who have come up to the Passover.

Mark 10:39 (KJV), "Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized."

Betrayal. Arrest. Denial. Trials: Jewish, Roman, Galilean. Simon of Cyrene bears the cross.

Paul teaches us that being "in Christ" is the believer's real and secure identity: in Him, we are blessed, chosen, adopted into God's family, freely welcomed by grace, redeemed and forgiven. This status is given through Christ and rests on God's love and grace. Belonging to Christ also gives our lives clear direction: we are called to live for the praise of God's glory and to hope in the future He has promised. We have a new belonging, a new standing before God, and a new life shaped by His purpose for us.