On September 26, 2020, we examined Acts 2:42-47 and its context. We noted that, when Peter had preached to the Jews gathered on that Pentecost, he convinced many in his audience that they had been guilty of crucifying the Son of God whom God had raised up, the people were "pricked in their hearts" and asked what they must do. Peter answered, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:381). About three thousand souls obeyed and were baptized (Acts 2:41).
The new converts did not stop with being baptized, but, Luke informs us, they "continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). We learned that the context of the words, "breaking of bread," shows Luke referred to the Lord's Supper (Communion).
Acts Sixteen, an Amazing Chapter, I and II
In Acts Sixteen, an Amazing Chapter (No date) and its sequel, Acts Sixteen, an Amazing Chapter, Part II (November 22,2020) we studied the examples of the conversions of Lydia and the Philippian jailer. We saw that both, to be saved, believed in the Lord, repented, and were baptized. We also noted that these same requirements for salvation were set forth in the other examples of salvation in the book of Acts (Acts 37-38; Acts 8:35-36; Acts 22:16, and in Jesus' Great Commission, (Mark 16:15-16); See also Baptism Cannot Save You, August 16, 2020, but read it carefully and notice the twist!.
Jesus' Teaching on Jesus' Teaching on and Example of Prayer and the Importance of Prayer
In After this Manner Pray, Part I (November 15, 2020), and Part II we examined what is commonly known as the "Lord's Prayer," because it was the model prayer given by Jesus in Matt 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. In this prayer Jesus taught that men must pray that God be hallowed, for our food, deliverance from the evil one (Satan), for the coming of His kingdom, and that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' Prayer in John 17 (November 8, 2020), we studied the prayer offered just before His betrayal. Two main lessons can be learned from this prayer, 1) Jesus prayed not primarily for Himself, but for His followers. 2) Jesus prayed that His followers would be one in Him as he and the Father are one (John 17:11, 21; See also Praising God and Having Favor With All the People, September 6, 2020).
We studied the importance of this unity that our Lord prayed for in Unity in a Time of Division (November 1, 2020). The religious world is seemingly hopelessly divided among hundreds of denominations. But it is not a hopeless situation. When you consider that the Lord prayed for unity, and Paul urged unity (1 Cor. 1:-13, it is not hopeless. All believers in Christ can be united if we all truly stand on God's unity platform as set forth in Ephesians 4:1-4.
Another article on prayer, The Importance of Prayer in a Time of Uncertainty (October 25, 2020). The year 2020 was certainly a time of uncertainty in so many ways. In our effort to cope with COVID, the riots in many cities, slayings by police offers of black suspects, the elections, fires, hurricanes, etc., it is important to pray regularly (1 Thes. 5:17; Rom. 12:12). Prayer really helps (James 5:16; Eph. 3:20). But, that is only if we keep his commandments (1 John 3:22; John 9:31; Is. 59:1-2, etc.).
Praising God and Having Favor With All the People
On September 26, 2020, we examined Acts 2:42-47 and its context. We noted that, when Peter had preached to the Jews gathered on that Pentecost, he convinced many in his audience that they had been guilty of crucifying the Son of God whom God had raised up,
Evening Worship: 5:00 *Suspended due to Covid-19* (Singing at Greenfield Senior Living, 14 Maynard Ln., (540) 298-6835, even-number months, 6:30 pm.) *Suspended due to Covid-19*
Wednesday: 6:00 *Suspended until time changes in Spring*
10:00 