The series comes to end with what seems like the focus on the Roman centurion, Cornelius. He was the one who was weeping in the previous episode and he contemplates his actions in killing Tabitha. We find more happening in his life as an angel appears before him and is to send for Peter. Peter has a vision also that will lead him to Cornelius. What is remarkable is that Cornelius will hear a word of forgiveness on behalf of his wrongdoing. How timely, as we consider the word of forgiveness that came from the families of those killed in the church in Charleston.
Cornelius comes to accept Christ and is baptized and the place is vibrant with the speaking in tongues. God's Holy Spirit is present. What struck me was the statement made by Cornelius: "I feel so alive!" I wonder how many of us have this same feeling - in terms of the difference faith in Christ makes in our lives? Is everyday just an ordinary day, or is it one where we are living out the adventure that we have in being a follower of Christ?
Although Cornelius has come to faith in Christ, he now feels the tension as he is called back to Jerusalem to deal with the placement of the emperor's statue in the temple. Can Cornelius go through with this now that he is a Christian? I believe the same tension comes to us today. You may be in the working world and discover that you are asked to do things that might be unethical and actually go against your faith. How will you respond?
I also found the scene intriguing where Peter and the apostles are together and contemplating leaving Jerusalem. Peter asserted that if they did nothing, they would be like the priest in the Good Samaritan story who failed to act. They needed to do something! It is also a challenge for us today whether it is injustice or helping the poor. Will we remain in a safe position or will we have the courage to act?
The episode ended with a cliffhanger with Peter facing the sword of a Roman soldier. What is going to happen to him? Maybe there will be a 2nd season!
I believe that the series was remarkable in dealing with the resurrection experience of Christianity. While the movie industry may have done some embellishments, it made me think of the courage needed to be a disciple at that time. How much are we overcoming safety and complacency in being disciples today would be my major question from this series.
You can feel free to express your thoughts in the comments section.
Pastor Marty
Cornelius comes to accept Christ and is baptized and the place is vibrant with the speaking in tongues. God's Holy Spirit is present. What struck me was the statement made by Cornelius: "I feel so alive!" I wonder how many of us have this same feeling - in terms of the difference faith in Christ makes in our lives? Is everyday just an ordinary day, or is it one where we are living out the adventure that we have in being a follower of Christ?
Although Cornelius has come to faith in Christ, he now feels the tension as he is called back to Jerusalem to deal with the placement of the emperor's statue in the temple. Can Cornelius go through with this now that he is a Christian? I believe the same tension comes to us today. You may be in the working world and discover that you are asked to do things that might be unethical and actually go against your faith. How will you respond?
I also found the scene intriguing where Peter and the apostles are together and contemplating leaving Jerusalem. Peter asserted that if they did nothing, they would be like the priest in the Good Samaritan story who failed to act. They needed to do something! It is also a challenge for us today whether it is injustice or helping the poor. Will we remain in a safe position or will we have the courage to act?
The episode ended with a cliffhanger with Peter facing the sword of a Roman soldier. What is going to happen to him? Maybe there will be a 2nd season!
I believe that the series was remarkable in dealing with the resurrection experience of Christianity. While the movie industry may have done some embellishments, it made me think of the courage needed to be a disciple at that time. How much are we overcoming safety and complacency in being disciples today would be my major question from this series.
You can feel free to express your thoughts in the comments section.
Pastor Marty
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