In Acts 10, the Apostle Peter encounters a vision from God that challenges his cultural understanding of race and ethnicity. In today's world, race is a dividing issue, sometimes even among Christians. But the Gospel should be transforming our culture, and not the other way around.

Last week we summarized the gospel as "New life with God through Christ." This week we looked at the powerful transformation that takes place when that new life breaks into the life of an unbeliever.

The revolution of faith that the disciples (now apostles) embarked on after Jesus' resurrection scattered them throughout the known world. They took the Gospel with them. In Acts 8, we see two very different reactions to the Gospel, and so today, we each have a choice to make as we decide how it will impact us.

When the Holy Spirit is living in us we see things differently. We see the needs in the world around us and he equips us to meet them. A person filled with the Spirit will serve wherever, whenever, and without reservation.

When the Holy Spirit is working in our lives there should be clear evidence. One of those things is Joy. In the book of Acts, the apostles expressed joy even while being persecuted and despised for talking about Jesus. This joy that exists in difficult times must be rooted in the Holy Spirit. It does not come from ourselves.

After all the presents have been unwrapped and all our family and friends have said goodbye, we all still long for something more--Jesus. The baby in the manger is the only One who satisfies our longings and unites us as Christians.

Come, let us adore Him--

Christ the Lord.