"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO US"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO US"

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

Today we understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ if for every human being. But, it was not so in the very early day's of the church. The Leaders of the church in Jerusalem, were under the mistaken impression that the Gospel was only for the Jews. And, there was a group there who believed that to be saved, one had to first become a Jew, and then receive Christ as Savior. God intervened and explained to them through what is recorded in Acts 11, that His grace was for Gentiles as well as Jews. So, what we have in Acts 11:18 is a response by these men in Jerusalem, upon hearing the report from Peter of how God had moved to save a Gentile named Cornelius. This was a monumental revelation and understanding to them.

1. God teaches us about Himself by and through His Word.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

You will notice the verse above says, "When they heard these things" They were hearing the truth of God through the apostle Peter. He was explaining to them what God had just done.

Today, we also learn about God through His Word, as simple as that may sound. But, it's true, and it's the basic way that God communicates to us. This is why it's so important to be men and women who are men and women of the Word, that we read the Word and that we take it to heart and that we do so regularly.
There is no other way for us to grow. God's Word is our "Daily Bread"

1st Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

2. When God teaches us about Himself, sometimes it just quiets our hearts as it did in these men's lives.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

How interesting that these very men who were now becoming so silent, or quiet had just a little earlier been contending or arguing with Peter. But, as he told them what happened, they became quiet.

This silence would indicate that though they were mistaken and arguing with Peter, they nonetheless were Godly men, with Godly hearts, they were simply misguided. And, God was able through Peter to get through to them. And, as they listened, they were being taught by God through Peter, and they simply became quiet.

This is so much like what happens to us today, if we have the same kind of hearts these men had. God's Word will quiet our troubled hearts He wants us to have peace, and not be troubled.

John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

3. When God teaches us something about Himself, we wind up glorifying Him.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

These men went from arguing with man, (Peter) to glorifying God their Savior. As they understood that God had sent Christ to die for the sins of the whole world, they were overwhelmed, and they just began to give Him glory..

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

4. What God taught these men is that He "grants repentance to life" And, He gives it to whoever wants it.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Repentance is a gift from God. It's not produced by man, but rather it's produced by God and given to man.
The reason God gives man the gift of repentance, is so that sinful man can turn around from the deadly direction he is headed, and turn to the Lord and be saved..

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

The Bible is also very clear, and this is so wonderful, not only does God give repentance, but it's His goodness that leads men to repentance.

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Some questions:

1. Repentance means, to change your mind about sin, and about God, can you remember when this happened to you?

2. How long or not so long ago was this, that you were changed, that you turned to God to be saved?

3. Can you think of anyone you know that is desperate need of being saved?

4. Would you pray for them even as you read this, and ask that what God has given to you, He would give to that person?

5. In fact, let's pray together for those folks who attend our church, but have not yet come to faith, that God would lead them to repentance by His goodness. Will you please pray? Do you believe God can do it?

A prayer:

Father, we read about Your gift of repentance, and Your goodness that led us to repent, and we like the men in this verse, are made somewhat quiet. When we really stop to think about where we were headed, and where we are headed now, we also glorify You. Thank You for being so gracious, and so patient, to preserve us till we became saved. We love You Lord, in Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia