5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
Acts 15:9 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In Acts 15, we read about an incident in which racism raised its ugly head in the church. The Jewish Jesus-followers were looking down their nose at the Gentile Jesus-followers. Those who held onto this racism justified their attitudes by the fact that the commandments and promises in the Old Testament were given to the Jews, not the Gentiles.
Yet, when we hear Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8, we realize that the Good News of the Gospel is intended to be spread in “Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Well, when we read the book of Acts, we see the Gospel going into the world. But the problem became: How were the Jewish believers to relate to the Gentile believers? Are they second-class believers? No!
Just listen to the Apostle Peter’s words again…
Acts 15:9 (CSB): “He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
The Jewish Jesus-following church leader (the Apostle Peter) said that the Gentile Jesus-followers were on the same footing as him. God “made no distinction between us and them.” How did this come about? By faith! When a Jew or Gentile trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they all became a part of the same family of God.
Friend, if you have been keeping up with world news, you know about the tension between America and Iran. While we are right to do whatever it takes to protect our own, we (as Christians) still have no justification for racism.
Did you realize that God is moving powerfully in Iran right now? Do you know that there may be as many as a million Jesus-followers in Iran as I type this? Just Google it and read about the current Christian revival in Iran.
Do you know what that means? If you are saved, we have family members in Iran!
Acts 15:9 (CSB): “He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”
Friend, there is no room for racism in the Christian faith. God is calling people all over the world to Himself. You, my friend, are part of a huge, growing family!
Revelation 7:9 (CSB): “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…”
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Lord Jesus, I pray that you would rip out any hint of a racist bone in my body. Help me to see people as valuable since they are all created in Your image. But let me also rejoice that many of them are my brothers and sisters. Thank you for my big, growing family!
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“Taking a Trip to Israel:
Pictures, Videos, Reflections and Tips from a Trip to the Holy Land”
A trip to Israel can bring the stories of the Bible to life! It is unfortunate that most people will never be able to afford such a trip or fit it into their busy schedules.
Let Matt Ellis take you on a trip with his wife. They went to Israel in the summer of 2018 and spent much time taking pictures, capturing videos, and providing reflections on the numerous sites he visited.
In the pages of this digital book, you’ll visit places like Nazareth and Capernaum. You’ll take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. You’ll visit the possible site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. And these are just a few of the more than 20 sites that are highlighted in this interactive book.
Making your way through the pages of this book will help you to ultimately get more out of your time in the greatest Book of all, God’s Word.
Click here to purchase this digital, interactive book on Amazon for $2.99.
Matt’s Musings 