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God's Gift of Scripture with Belton JoynerAuthor: NC Conference of The UMC
Belton Joyner has enriched and enlivened our study of scripture with his insightful writing over the years. Now, we're offering a new way for you to engage with the Bible Study: an audio version of his weekly commentary, narrated by Belton himself. "God's Gift of Scripture with Belton Joyner" is a new way for you or your group to utilize this Bible Study. Language: en Genres: Christianity, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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An Escape Too Good to Be True? (7/26/26)
Sunday, 26 July, 2026
Have you ever made a public confession of faith that Jesus Christ is your Savior? If so, you are an angel. Have you ever contributed to a fund to help feed underprivileged people? If so, you are an angel. Have you ever reached across racial lines to develop a new friendship? If so, you are an angel.The word “angel” is a translation of aggĕlŏs, a Greek word that means “messenger.” If you have by word or deed expressed the saving, healing, loving truth of Jesus Christ, you have been a messenger of that truth. You have been an angel.Sometimes, others do not accept the work of angels. In today’s study text, there is a dramatic telling of how Peter was rescued from prison. Then he showed up at the home of some friends (v. 13), and some of the folks didn’t think it could possibly be true (v. 15). Peter had to keep on knocking v. 16). When have I given up on a mission because I did not get immediate results?There is a sad side to Peter’s escape from prison. Herod is so upset that his prisoner got away that he orders the guards at the prison be put to death (Acts 12:19). Clearly, not everyone is pleased with the message and work of an angel. Have there been times that I have ignored what God’s messenger had to say? This strange story ends with the death of Herod (v. 23). Eaten by worms! What an infamous death! In putting it this way, Luke (the author of Acts) is making it clear that wealth and power are not the measurements of faithfulness. So, I am moved to wonder how I have measured my faithfulness to God. Because we know the story has a happy ending, we can laugh at the way the maid (Rhoda) reacted to the sudden awareness that Peter was out of prison (vv. 13-14). Instead of opening the gate to let him in, she rushes to tell the others the good news. This makes me remember times when I have failed to do the most obvious, simple thing that would have helped. Maybe as simple as a smile at a lonely person…maybe as simple as saying “Hope to see you at church next week” …maybe as simple as holding the door for someone to enter the store. Sometimes, the best way to serve God is a simple first step.What Someone Else Has Said: In Wesley, Aquinas, and Christian Perfection (Baylor), Edgardo Colon-Emeric wrote: “Because angelic understanding is unerringly true, (angelic) actions are unceasingly oriented toward fulfilling the will of God.”Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Use me, O Lord, even me…”
