As Paul and Barnabas travel to Antioch, they are invited to speak at a synagogue. Paul launches into his first recorded sermon, and proclaims that God’s promises to Abraham and David are fulfilled in Jesus Christ! The blessing to Abraham in Genesis 12 pointed to Jesus, forgiving our sins and justifying us through his death & resurrection.
The focus now shifts from Peter and James to Barnabas and Saul, with Saul/Paul being the main character from here on out. The gospel continues to spread, made up of these key items – Worship, Obedient Faith, Community, Discipleship, and Readiness for Spiritual Warfare.
Peter’s message presents the gospel, and God opens the eyes of 3000 people to repent of their sin and turn to Jesus. Now, those 3000 are looking to live out this new identity in Christ as this gospel begins to bear fruit in their lives.
If your team doesn't make the championship game, you might still watch, albeit with a large helping of "I don't really care" on your plate of nachos. Jesus lays it out pretty strongly that when it comes to him, we don't have the luxury of that option.
The first step to persevering through hardship and trial is to remember the truth of the gospel. But there are practical things we can do daily as we endure.
The first step to persevering through hardship and trial is to remember the truth of the gospel. But there are practical things we can do daily as we endure.