First Baptist Church Branford Florida

06/05/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
After James is murdered

Acts 12: 5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

How well can you sleep on death row, well Peter certainly slept well. Herod had received the Jews approval when he killed James and was certainly about to kill Peter but God intervened. The church was not sleeping but praying, imagine if they had been like Peter on the Mt of Olives with Jesus, sleeping when he should have been praying.

The angel had a glorious light but that did not wake Peter, he was sleeping soundly, then the angel smote him on the side. Notice Peter was awake to see the chains fall off as the angel spoke to him. That’s better than a cup of coffee for getting your attention. He was chained with two chains to two soldiers but the angel kept them asleep while he rescued Peter.

They were away from the guards and danger when the angel departed and Peter came to himself. He now had to make some decisions on his own and needed awareness of what was happening. What he thought was a vision was in fact reality and he finds himself at the city entrance where the large gate opened unto him, no guards are there either.

It is an amazing thing to awaken and realize that God says, “I’ve got this”. What is happening in your life that has you tossing and turning, maybe you need to hear from God, “I’ve got this” so you may rest in his comfort between the problems that surround you.

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06/04/2026

MOMENT OF CLARITY
Herod kills James

Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Herod was a Jew appointed king over Palestine by the Roman authorities. He thought it would be a great political move to please the Jews by persecuting the church. The killing of James pleased the Jews and inspired Herod to continue in his atrocities. He may have trumped up some false charges and it seems he made a public spectacle of his ex*****on. History seems to indicate James was beheaded with a sword making it a public ex*****on.

Now bloodthirsty Herod sets his sights on Peter as his next spectacle to please the Jews but something gets in the way, the Passover. With this feast beginning they certainly could not purify themselves for passover while shedding blood. This allowed for the power of God and peace of Peter to be put on display as he awaits his ex*****on.

Four squads of four soldiers were stationed to make sure Peter is available for ex*****on after the feast of Passover. It seems Herod must have thought other disciples of Jesus would try to rescue Peter since he placed such heavy security in his imprisonment. I sincerely doubt if he was expecting a miracle, but as we saw at the tomb of Jesus, no amount of soldiers could keep him in the tomb, and no amount of soldiers will keep Peter in Jail, if God wants him out.

It does not matter how much Satan and evil fortify their devices against you, when God wants you free you will be free. These fools are toying with the God of the universe and think they have some kind of ace in their hand. They will soon see they are playing the joker and will be used as pawns in the game of life and eternity.

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06/03/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
The church at Antioch

Acts 11:25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Jerusalem is the religious center of the world, the message of Christ has gone to the Jew first (Jerusalem) but now the religious center is shifting to Antioch where the Gentile church is taking the focus of teaching and preaching. Believers in Christ are no longer tied to the Jews and are certainly distinct from the Gentiles, they have a title of their own, “Christians”.

God fulfilled Agabus’ prophecy (cf. Acts 21:10). In the reign of Emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-54) there was a series of severe famines and poor harvests in various parts of the Roman Empire. {Note: Bruce, Commentary, by Constable}

Notice the cooperation of one church to another. They were not competing with each other but the church in Antioch became a blessing to the church in Jerusalem. This also shows the growth and strength of the Christian movement that they could not only stand on their own in Antioch but were now formidable enough to help the Jerusalem church. We also see a partial fulfillment of “Joel” in that “your sons and your daughters shall prophecy”. The work of the Lord had surely turned from the temple and was now mainstream by the work of the Holy Spirit.

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06/02/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
The gospel comes to Antioch

Acts 11:19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Hellenists is a term for a non-Jew, a Greek speaking Gentile. While others were scattered preaching to Jews only, but some from Cyprus and Cyrene preached unto the Gentiles. The Lord blessed this and for the first time apart from the apostles we see believing Jews going to the Gentiles with the Gospel. Antioch was a major city and very significant in the spread of Christianity.

The Jerusalem church took notice and sent Barnabas to testify if everything was on the up and up. He found it was and they all rejoiced that God had done a great work among the Gentiles in Antioch. Barnabas added to the work with his great zeal and encouraged this work of the Lord. It would have been easy to criticize it since it was not orchestrated by an apostle, but it was clearly orchestrated by Jesus and Barnabas was wise enough to see that.

Then this church had the benefit of having Saul come and teach for an entire year. This is the man who God used to write most of the New Testament as the apostle to the Gentiles. We also get to sit under his teaching in the book of Romans, Corinthians, Timothy, Titus, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, etc. etc. You get the idea, the message formulated for people just like you and me. We can bypass Jewish law and tradition and come directly to Jesus.

Of course the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. Two Covenants with one message, the glory of God through Jesus Christ. Study both together to get the full counsel of God.

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06/01/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
Reciving the Holy Spirit

Acts 11:1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” 4But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning..

Peter rehearsed the story we just read in Acts 10 how he saw the vision of the sheet and then the men were waiting at his gate to see him, so he could return with them to Caesarea.

13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.

What are we to conclude from all of this; by that I mean the book of Acts up to this point. This story is one continual narrative of selections of events that the Lord desires for us to pay attention to.

It is obvious that no one is saved apart from the Holy Spirit, but also notice the difference between how the Spirit baptizes certain groups of people. In Acts 2 the Spirit falls on the Jewish disciples and cloven tongues of fire appear on them to all the Jews celebrating Pentecost.

The next group is Samaritans in Acts 8, the Spirit is given to them by laying on of hands; (17Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit).

Then Peter is given a vision in Acts 10 that God has accepted the Gentiles and goes to preach to Cornelius and his friends and household who are all gathered (v 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word).

So do we get to choose which section of scripture we want to practice? The obvious answer is God chose for us. We don’t get to run back to Acts 2 or Acts 8 and try to recreate it in our assembly. God clearly is moving the attention to the Gentile church by the apostle to the Gentiles who is the apostle Paul. He clearly tells us how the gentiles receive the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

And in the church of the new covenant …

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

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05/31/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
The Holy Spirit given to Gentiles

Acts 10: 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

We saw a similar event in Acts chapter two, the day of Pentecost. The spirit fell on those in the upper room, who were all Jews. And the message from Peter all the way through Acts chapter 7 is to Jews, repent and accept your Messiah. The Jews placed him on a cross, he died, was buried and rose again.

Now that message has come to the Gentiles of his death, burial and resurrection. Notice it was not something they worked up, they were not jumping pews, they were only listening to God’s word. Peter had not even given an invitation to receive Jesus, but the Holy Spirit of God fell on those who heard the word.

This amazed the few Jews who accompanied Paul to this meeting, they were astounded and amazed that God had reached out to the Gentiles. Most people don’t pay any attention to whether it was Jew or Gentile hearing and believing, but those in this portion of scripture did, as did the Holy Spirit writing the scripture let us know how he was moving through the book of Acts in a determined fashion. Maybe we should pay attention also. I wonder why the church today which is mostly Gentiles, run back to Acts 2 and try to recreate a Jewish Pentecost?

It is worth notice that they receied the Holy Spirit and were saved before baptism, it always follows salvation, not creates it.

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05/30/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
Peter speaks to group of Gentiles

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Peter is speaking to people who don’t know about the promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The middle wall of partition has been broken down. The etched markings in the temple that display “No gentile may enter on penalty of death” has crumbled as the curtain to the Holy of Holies has been ripped open providing access by all.

Peter even laid the blame of the crucifixion squarely on the Jews v 39 and not on the Gentiles. Peter’s message to the Jews was quite pearcing back in chapter two.

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

But death could not hold him, he is offering grace and life to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, whosoever will may come. Although good works get God’s attention, without belief in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, we remain dead in our sins. What a savior, to take them all upon himself. Hallelujah.

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05/29/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
Peter travels to meet Cornelius

Acts 10: 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

When Cornelius saw Peter he fell and worshipped him. He did not know any better, he did not know Genesis, Deuteronomy, Isaiah or any of the prophets, he was ignorant of spiritual things. Peter had gathered family and friends to hear this message, and they were also gentiles who had no idea how to find God.

Peter reminded them in v28 that it was unlawful for a Jew to keep company with a gentile, can you imagine. What kind of social and religious taboos permeated this era of living for Jew and Gentiles alike. If a Gentile brushed against a zealous Jew in the marketplace he would go home and wash and change his clothes, amazing. They really did consider these people unworthy of God and to be looked down on and despised as unclean.

Then Cornelius described how he was fasting and saw an angel, who spoke with him. His charitable gifts and sincerity had been noticed by God but they would never bring salvation. He needed a new birth, a work of the Holy Spirit. So now they are all gathered, Peter what words do you have for this situation? Is it light candles, buy someone out of purgatory, or maybe go on a painful pilgrimage to some holy place. You will see in the next verses, it is not about what we do, but what God does, this Gentile group is about to experience their Pentecost as the Spirit of God falls on them.

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05/28/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
Peter after his trance

Acts 10:19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”
22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Notice someone else greets the travelers at the gate as they seek for Peter. But before they can tell Peter the men are seeking him, the Lord tells him directly that he has sent these men. Verse seventeen says “while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant”. So just as he wondered what the trance and vision was about, he got his answer. It is not about eating clean or unclean meats, it is about accepting people God has called clean.

The men explain to Peter the vision of Cornelius and vouch for his character and acceptance by those Jews who knew him. Peter invites them in. Do you think that was easy, that act just went against everything he practiced and was taught. Even when Peter was with Jesus in John chapter four and saw Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman he was troubled at seeing that; the Jews had no dealings with Samaritans or Gentiles.

Now these men are invited in to be lodged for the night, that must have included having a meal since it was only noon. How does a Jew behave, what does he say having a meal with a Gentile for the first time in his life. Surely God is breaking down some long established ideas, traditions and even the levitical law.

Mark 2:16 When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

05/27/2026

A MOMENT OF CLARITY
Peter has a vision

Acts 10: 9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

It is amazing that just as the men are arriving in the city, Peter goes up on the housetop to pray. How do you think that happened? Peter isn’t thinking about food, he is going up to pray, but he becomes very hungry. He then falls into a trance. That word in the original means “as if carried out”.

Definition – “transported as it were out of himself, so that in this rapt condition, although he is awake, his mind is so drawn off from all surrounding objects and wholly fixed on things divine that he sees nothing but the forms and images lying within, and thinks that he perceives with his bodily eyes and ears realities shown him by God” Philo.
Peter is told to kill and eat the unclean animals that every Jew knew were unclean before God and Peter answered he could not because they are unclean. This happened 3 times and each time God said no, they are clean.

Upon awakening from the trance he cannot figure the meaning of this vision, it goes against the levitical law totally, but then, guess what, three unclean gentiles arrive at the door. The plot thickens.