By Dr. Mark Scott The pioneer statement, “Go west, young man,” matches our text. Another way to say our title, “From Derbe to Philippi,” is “From Asia to Europe.” Those of us who live in the western hemisphere need to thank God for this text. Western civilization would have been different had this geographical leap […]
God Rescues Peter—The Uniform Lesson for November 1, 2015
By Dr. Mark Scott Rescue is at the heart of the gospel. Germane to the meaning of the word salvation is deliverance or rescue. The Bible often uses salvation in its most spiritual sense—redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life (Colossians 1:13). But since salvation also includes the healing of all creation, salvation has […]
Peter Defends His Actions—The Uniform Lesson for October 25, 2015
By Dr. Mark Scott Not everyone is happy with church growth. The wide embrace of the gospel can really mess with prejudice. When the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius’s house, God was turning a new page in the church’s history. The church would never be the same. Perhaps the greatest word in John 3:16 is […]
Peter Preached to Gentiles—The Uniform Lesson for October 18
By Dr. Mark Scott Reading the book of Acts is like throwing a pebble in a pool of water and watching the ripple effect. The circles keep getting wider. When Peter preached to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) that was the first ripple. When Peter confirmed Philip’s ministry in Samaria (Acts […]
Saul Begins to Preach—The Uniform Lesson for October 11, 2015
By Dr. Mark Scott It is hard not to overstate the significance of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. His conversion story is told three times in Acts (9:1-19a; 22:6-11; 26:12-18). God used Peter to open the door of faith to Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. But God would need a universal man who would be […]