Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Acts 10:37-43
That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John
announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by
hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all
the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after
he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one
ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that
everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

How do you tell the story? What is the good news that you share?
I find it difficult to speak the "good news. I am comfortable with "being" a person who cares for
other people and all of God's creation. But I do not easily speak my faith and I do not like the
creeds. As creeds go, this summary of Christ's life and ministry by Peter is better than most. It
presents a picture of Jesus doing good and healing all who were oppressed. It states that God
was with him.
For me, the stories of how Christ lived are more important than knowing that Christ was
resurrected. If I am to follow Christ, I need to know how he lived, because I only have control
over how I live. I have no control over whether or not I am resurrected - but it is good to know
that my God has power over death. It is also good to know that, if I believe in Christ, my sins are
forgiven. For it is difficult to live a day without sinning! But still, knowing how to live each
moment is more critical to me.
Another part of this reading that is helpful to me is revealed in its place setting in the story of the
early church. This sermon by Peter occurs in the house of a gentile and it begins and confirms
that the God of the Jews is also the God of the Gentiles. This is a major turning point in the
history of Christianity. Peter's vision and call to the house of the centurion Cornelius, mark the
movement of Christianity to all the nations. My God is the God of all creation. The Apostle
Peter instigates and confirms this belief.
What difference has Christ made in your life? If you are interested in the creeds, also known as
statements of faith, go to our Chalice Hymnal, numbers 353, 358-361. Re-read this statement by
Peter. What salient facts about Jesus, God and Christianity are important to you? Write them
down and practice saying them.
Dear God of all creation,
Strengthen our faith in you. Give us words as well as actions to share with others who don't
know you. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
A. M.

THE GOOD NEWS!