As Peter continues his second letter, he continues with his discussion of adding the divine characteristics to our daily living. Transformed living like this comes only from knowing God more and more and adding the effects of that knowledge to your daily living. Peter calls us to put on the characteristics that should be added increasingly to our faith. Those characteristics include: goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection and love.

In his letter, likely to the same group to which he wrote 1 Peter, Peter encourages believers to continue to grow in their understanding of their faith and to live it out daily. The grace of God available through Jesus truly transforms and empowers believers to live rightly, even when facing opposition.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!  

Following the accusations brought against Stephen, the high priest asks if they are true and Stephen proceeds to offer an extended sermon on the history of Israel. Stephen addresses the misconceptions of the land, the customs of Moses and the temple. Stephen presents the historic rejection of the Word of God by the people of God, at times, lacking understanding, but often flatly resisting and rebelling against the truths of God. Stephen suggests this same tendency in the religious leaders present before him. Stephen applies his sermon to them and their rejection of Jesus, even by their betrayal and murder of Jesus - the

In response, the religious leaders stone Stephen outside the city. Even in death, Stephen clearly exemplifies the character of Jesus, asking God to receive him and to forgive his murderers for their sin against him. The transforming power of Jesus is displayed in the magnificent sermon of Stephen and clearly displayed in his death. How do you respond to the truth of God: like the religious leaders or like Stephen?

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Peter begins this second letter by grounding his readers in their position with God through Jesus. Believers possess all that we need for both salvation and our ongoing sanctification. God, through Jesus, has given us all that we need for growth in godliness. In salvation, we become partakers of the divine nature, putting on characteristics that are lost in the fall. By his grace, believers can and must be increasingly transformed into the image of Jesus.

In his letter, likely to the same group to which he wrote 1 Peter, Peter encourages believers to continue to grow in their understanding of their faith and to live it out daily. The grace of God available through Jesus truly transforms and empowers believers to live rightly, even when facing opposition.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!

Here in Acts 6, Luke gives us insight into the focus of the early church both the necessity of serving the daily needs and serving the disciples through the word of God. Serving is an important theme, especially related to the new leaders chosen by the congregation of disciples. Christian leaders must always be characterized by a desire to serve others. Are you quick to serve others? Service is a natural outflow of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit; it is should be natural response of godly leaders. Leaders are not to be characterized by their desire for recognition or position among the church body. True leaders

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

As Peter concludes his letter to believers scattered because of persecution, he culminates with another statement of hope offered through the all-sufficient grace of God. The grace of God is available for you as you suffer, as you endure hardships that are just part of life. This is our greatest source of strength in times of difficulty and hardship - the grace of God. Peter in these concluding words says, this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! All that Peter has written is intended to function as a source of strength for believers suffering and facing hardship. As you face hardship, are you firm in your faith? Being rooted and grounded in your faith gives you strength to stand, even as you suffer. God's grace is enough to support us in times of suffering.

Peter writes to believers who have been scattered because of the opposition and persecution they are facing. These believers are now scattered across Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia; which is modern day Turkey. Peter addresses throughout this epistle the appropriate response to suffering. Part of that response involves understanding our connection as believers to Jesus and the suffering that he endured on our behalf. We can follow the example of Jesus and endure suffering and the various hardships that may come into our lives. Peter writes to encourage these believers to endure because of the

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!

Luke records the ongoing and what will become an increase in opposition and persecution even from the religious leaders of Israel. They persecuted Jesus, they now continue with his followers.

Several fascinating interactions occur in this passage. The response of the Sadducees, the council to the apostles, but also the apostles response to them. Peter, speaking for the apostles, tells the religious leaders that they must obey God rather than men. He reminds them of their impression of Jesus, based on their willingness to hang him on a tree. He also reminds them of God's impression of Jesus - he raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him. The religious leaders are left with a choice - will they repent and be forgiven by Jesus, this is indeed the reason that he came.

Instead, they are angry and intend to kill the apostles - right then and there. A wise man, providentially speaks on their behalf and the they are ultimately released. As believers in the 21st Century, we too must yield to the plan of God, even if it doesn’t fit our perceptions and even if it involves suffering! God can and will give us grace to follow his plan, but we obey him rather than men.

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!

Peter continues his letter to believers scattered because of opposition and persecution by challenging elders, pastors to continue teaching the Word to his people. He addresses the character and approach of elders as they lead the church. Peter also challenges believers to respond to leadership and concludes with an important exhortation for all - engage one another with humility, literally clothe yourselves - put on humility. This characteristic protects all from abuses and inappropriate interactions. Humility is an essential for engaging each other within the body.

Peter writes to believers who have been scattered because of the opposition and persecution they are facing. These believers are now scattered across Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia; which is modern day Turkey. Peter addresses throughout this epistle the appropriate response to suffering. Part of that response involves understanding our connection as believers to Jesus and the suffering that he endured on our behalf. We can follow the example of Jesus and endure suffering and the various hardships that may come into our lives. Peter writes to encourage these believers to endure because of the living hope that we have through Jesus. You can endure today, as you hope in Jesus.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Easter is known and celebrated for the Resurrection of Jesus, but for all believers, this truth is actually what we celebrate every single Sunday! In Acts, a book that has been called the Gospel of the Resurrection, the apostles focus on this theme repeatedly. From the introduction in chapter 1 throughout, this theme is repeated. It is theme of the apostles' preaching throughout the book: 2:24, 31-32; 3:15; 4:2, 10, 33; 5:30-31; 10:40; 12:30; 13:30, 32, 34, 37; 23:6; 24:15, 21; 26:8, 23. The Resurrection of Jesus is so significant it becomes the basis for the message and a right understanding of the gospel. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is essential for authentic, saving faith – you must believe Jesus rose! As Peter states, To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (10:43)

The resurrection also offers believers assurance, a right standing with God, power to change and hope for the future. If you're a believer take comfort in the power of the resurrection and all that is available to you because Jesus is alive!

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!

Peter continues his encouragement and exhortations for these

Peter writes to believers who have been scattered because of the

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose

As Luke continues the story of the early church, he presents a very

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose