God Can Speak to Us When We’re Awake The prophet Joel foresaw a time when people would see visions (Joel 2:28). It was fulfilled on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-17). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, all followers of Jesus can receive visions today. But just because they can see visions, doesn’t mean they do. Let’s […]
Acts Bible Study: Day 18 Today’s passage: Acts 11:1–18 Focus verse: “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17) God has just shown Peter that Jesus is for everyone, both Jew and Gentile. First, God revealed this to him supernaturally through a vision. Then God revealed it to him tangibly […]
Acts Bible Study: Day 17 Today’s passage: Acts 10 Focus verse: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” (Acts 10:28) Cornelius, who is both a Roman centurion (which makes him a Gentile) and a God-fearing man, helps people in need and prays each day. One afternoon he has a vision. […]
Cornelius is a commander in the Roman army; he’s also a man of faith, who prays often and gives to the poor. One day, during his afternoon prayers, he has a vision. An angel appears to him and says that God has received his prayers and gifts as a memorial offering. Imagine that. God sees […]
Cornelius emerges as a bit of an enigma. On one hand he’s part of the Roman military, a force known for its brutality and absolute power. He’s part of this machine, a centurion with one hundred soldiers under his command. Yet Cornelius is also a religious guy. His family is a devout, God-fearing clan. He […]
Peter’s Message to the Gentiles The fourth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 10:23-48 (specifically Acts 10:34-43) Setting: Caesarea Speaker: Peter Audience: Cornelius, his family, and close friends—all Gentiles (that is, non-Jews) Preceding Events: Through a dream, God tells Peter to go to Cornelius’s house. Overall Theme: God makes no distinction between people; traditional […]