Jesus’ birth happened just like God said it would. He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem. He was born in a humble stable and laid in a manger. He was named Jesus and three decades later He was “wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities” — just like the prophet Isaiah foretold hundreds of years earlier
We must stay clear on who God is. In our study of Acts 13-14 we have seen that God is sovereign, love, longsuffering, merciful, all-powerful, and all-knowing. No matter what your circumstances seem to tell you, you know from God’s own word that He is these things. You know that sometimes your circumstances do not tell you the whole story about God, but that you must choose to trust God!
This is the need of our nation and world more than any other solution a politician could ever offer. The gospel affects your marriage, your parenting, your attitude, your work ethic, your peace of mind, and your view of human life more than any other solution one could propose! Learn the gospel, live the gospel, and share the gospel as the solution to the struggles all humanity faces!
When people become enraged, they speak with little forethought and even less consideration for how God would view their spoken thoughts. In Acts 13:48-49, the Jews’ anger was fueled by envy. Envy hurts your testimony, hurts those around you, and hurts the work of the gospel. However, envy does the most damage to the one who embraces it and reveals the most of that person.
You and I can never do enough to satisfy God’s judgment for our own sin. God has already done that. We focus on DOING to earn God’s favor, but God wants us to focus on what He has already DONE. Your sin has already been judged through punishment laid on Jesus Christ at the cross. He took your judgment, in your place, and willingly gave Himself for you. Jesus paid an unimaginable cost for you!
Notice how Paul addressed his audience with their background in mind. So, instead of beginning with Jesus as the Messiah, which would have the Jews in a defensive position at the start, he provides a review of their history. Since they are not defensive, they are listening to understand what he says.
