CONCORD

The book of Acts is the beginning of the church. The excitement of the time drips off the pages as we read about large groups of people coming to believe in Jesus as well as individual stories of those turning to Jesus. We even read of those who almost believe. The church is growing. In the middle of the excitement, persecution starts. Stephen is stoned. Saul receives letters to capture and try those who are found to follow Jesus. In spite of or maybe because of the persecuti

God’s grace is life changing. The word grace is one that is used often but not very well understood. We have phrases like, “saying grace” or “tell me your experience of grace”. So what is grace and why does it change lives? In numerous locations (Col 4:18, 1 Tim 6:21, 2 Tim 4:22, Tit 3:15, Heb 13:25) Paul concludes letters by saying Grace be with you. Unfortunately, I have at times glanced over this because it is not at the heart of the letter Paul was writing, however today

In Galatians 2:11 Paul describes an encounter where he confronts Peter for straying from his belief. The situation is that Peter had formerly shared table fellowship with gentile believers but, when Jewish Christians came Peter withdrew. The result is Galatians 2:11 where Paul opposes Peter. Out of this Peter once again demonstrates that it is faith in Jesus Christ alone that brings salvation not the Law. As believers, we should constantly be checking our beliefs as we read t