Ben Church of Christ

Acts 10 brings conversion to the rest of the world. Until this time, recorded examples include Jews, but Cornelius was not of that bloodline. Events occurred that broke that wall, which was part of the plan. Yet what was required to be a convert is no different than we have studied. Let's look at the Case of Cornelius.

Work is hard. The couch can have a stronger appeal than the shovel. Principles for life include serving, earning and providing.

Our story begins with the creation followed by life in the Garden of Eden, the fall of man, the ups and downs of obedience through history, the coming of Christ, the departure of Christ and the establishment of the church - to hit a few lmile-markers. But before any of that was a plan for man...

Fear is powerful and can rule our lives. Faith might seem less powerful, yet in the end it is Faith that rules over Fear.

One of the most vivid changes in life comes from Saul. His zeal was visible before as well as after his conversion. And the changes brought on by that conversion are evident seeing the stark contrast in his changed life. We consider the similarity of what took place with Saul in review of others studied in Acts.

There is how we wish to be seen, and then who we really ara. They might not be far apart, though God sees the heart.

Two more (plus) examples of conversion. A former magician takes a liking to the miracles and would like to sign on to have the same. And quickly learns some life lessons. And Phillip helps a traveler better understand Isaiah which leads them both into water where the traveler was baptized.

The Bible references harsher judgment/punishment for those that intentially ignore and rebel. Is there the same for reward?

As the work continues in the early mission work of spreading the Good News, strong opponents end up in a rage that ends in the stoning to death. Yet, this was not even a ripple in the growth of the Church. We continue looking at Conversions in the book of Acts

We are creatures of habit and routine. Do things often enough and long enough and it is a challenge to consider anything else. Right is not established by routine and time, but the letter of the law.

The Apostles had been given all power. Yet the focus was not on the power of healing, but the power of words. We look into the 3rd chapter of Acts as the conversion to Christ is well underway.

What does it mean to commit? Trials, tests, circumstances are a part of our existence. Yet, so are blessings. How does one get to a place to perceive death as gain - commitment.

Those hearing the words of Peter in Acts two were given words that brought the cleanliness concept of the old law up to date. And a similar process was issued that not only cleansed them, it also is the process that connected them with the sacrificial blood of the one that they just accepted as Saviour. We continue looking acts of conversion - this week at the end of Acts 2.

Is the Kingdom Past, Present or Future? Christ came to establish as King His Kingdom. Was this accomplished?

The book of Acts is where the conversions to the Gospel came into full being. We see the lives of people impacted by hearing and coming to a knowledge of what Christ had brought. It starts shortly after the death of Christ as he preps his Apostles for what comes next....

Revelation 21. Followers of Christ look for greater treasure this earth cannot offer. And no corruption will exist. We want the one, but what does it mean that sin will not be present?

Conversion is a turning from and turning to. In the first century what listeners were leaving varied greatly, though the message was the same. We consider these audiences setting a foundation for our study on The Plan of Salvation.

God has the whole world in his hand - meaning what? God has foreknowledge yet man has free-will. How do these qualities co-exist?

Thou shalt and thou shalt not typically poses no problem. What of when some things are not directly spoken against. Does not being told specically "not to" give permission?

The Bible fully furnishes man. Can this fullness be found in one verse? We consider a passage in Matthew 26 in application of searching the Scriptures.

Our lives could not exist without standards. And a standard has to have authority. Our Spiritual lives are no different. What is that standard and how is it established?

Faith comes by hearing. Teachers/preachers have been a vital part of planting the seed that leads the lost to Christ. We look at this vital yet responsible part of God's plan for man.

Sin is transgression of the law - so how far across that line does one have to go? What if that person simply does not know better or they have been misled? Does this change the outcome? We consider the importance of discerning and coming to the knowledge of the truth.

Satan is the father of all lies. And? Lies can be bold but they can also be sly and cunning. We consider examples of how Satan takes truth, stops short giving the impression that nothing is wrong - and we can believe him.

Evidence was necessary to prove the messengers were God-Sent. Supernatural powers were given to convince and convict. Are these supernatural events still active among us? Are the reasons and purposes still needed?