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Explore the Acts of the Apostles, focusing on Peter's ministry, miraculous conversions, and Tabitha's impact. Learn valuable lessons on spiritual gifts, prejudice, and serving God faithfully.
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Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Peter’s Expanding Witness Acts 9:31-43Review of Acts 1-9The AscensionThe coming of the Holy SpiritThe bold preaching of the ApostlesThe example of love of the early ChurchThe miraculous conversion of Saul
Lydda & Joppa Peter meets Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years Peter heals him Many turn to the Lord Romans 10:17
Peter’s Ministry in Joppa The Need - vs. 36-38A “Certain disciple” – Tabitha (gazelle) Abounding” = full, complete, filled with A NT example of Proverbs 31:20 Her Death was a blow to the community Normal Jewish custom was to bury the body quickly before it decayed in the warm climate
Peter’s Ministry in Joppa) Peter’s Response - vs. 39-42 The widows showed him the tunics & garments Tabitha had made Peter followed Jesus’ example in raising Jairus’ daughter (Lk 8:48f) Peter commanded her, “Tabitha, Arise” Peter presented her alive to her friends
The Use of Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12 Paul uses the physical body as an illustration of the spiritual body of Christ – the Church Every member, gift and ministry is needed. Everyone is important! Tabitha is an example – her gifts were helps and mercy
The Use of Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12 Tabitha impacted people for Christ Your spiritual gift, ministry & its power are given by God as He desires God wants you to be faithful to Him Of the 9 people raised from the dead in the Bible, only Jesus was famous and had a position of power
Peter’s Continuing Ministry Acts 9:43 Peter stayed with Simon the tanner Tanners were considered unclean and avoided by “godly” Jewish society God has been removing Peter’s prejudice The greatest hurdle will come in Acts 10 in learning to accept Gentiles
Overcoming Bigotry & Prejudice Bigotry & prejudice hinder ministry The Jews were to bear God to the world, but their pride & prejudice hindered them Ephesians 2:11-22 / Galatians 3:28 At the heart of prejudice is pride, and it is difficult to overcome, but God is working to humble His people
The Challenges Follow the example of Peter and Tabitha and be available and faithful in serving God. Make positive steps toward change in your own life, even if it means doing what makes you uncomfortable What area of your life is God working on?