Proclaiming the truth concerning Jesus was the focus of Peter's first message in the Book of Acts. He stood with the other disciples and boldly proclaimed the prophecy pointing to Jesus and the miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among all people. Then he proclaimed that it was not up to the Jewish leaders or Roman leaders that Jesus was crucified; instead "He was delivered up according to God's determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail Him to a cross and kill Him" (Acts 2:23).
But Peter didn't stop with the death of Jesus. The very next words proclaimed "God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it . . . God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear . . . Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah" (Acts 2:24, 32-34, & 36).
That is the gospel message, the good news of salvation in Jesus. This was not Plan B. God didn't simply one day choose to send Jesus because there was no other plan. This was the plan - determined, planned, and through foreknowledge. God knew what was going to take place.
Now Jesus is with the Father in heaven exalted to the Father's right hand and declared as "both Lord and Messiah." Anytime we share the gospel, these truths need to be proclaimed. These truths are essential. Now let us go and Preach Jesus!!!
Praying Today For:
(1) The Lake O' the Pines community of Berea
(2) The State of Wyoming
(3) The Nation of Sudan
(4) European Peoples throughout the World
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