Trinity Lutheran, Watertown, WI

09/07/2026

September 7

Acts 11:19-30
Evangelical Heritage Version

The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that took place at the time of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene who came to Antioch and also began to speak to the Greeks, preaching the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

22 A report about this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go on to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw God’s grace, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts. 24 He was a good man who was full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a large number of people were added to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

The Church in Antioch Sends Relief to Jerusalem

27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there was going to be a severe famine all over the known world. This took place during the time of Claudius. 29 Each of the disciples, according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea. 30 They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.

~~~~~

Believers in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch. He went to Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch to work with him.

09/07/2026

https://www.youtube.com/live/LLGhwbvDU2k?si=srtkOy1FISkqxNPk

How to Help Another Christian Who Sins

09/06/2026

September 6

Acts 11:1-18
Evangelical Heritage Version

Peter Defends His Actions

11 The apostles and brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 When Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who insisted on circumcision criticized him, 3 saying, “You went to visit men who were uncircumcised and ate with them!”

4 So Peter began to explain everything to them, point by point. He said, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision in which an object like a large sheet was let down from heaven by its four corners. It came right to me. 6 When I inspected it very carefully, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter! Kill and eat!’

8 “But I replied, ‘Certainly not, Lord, for nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

9 “A voice spoke from heaven a second time: ‘What God has made clean, you must not continue to call unclean.’ 10 This happened three times, and then everything was pulled up into heaven again.

11 “At that very moment, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them without any hesitation. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he saw an angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and call for Simon, the one called Peter. 14 He will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’

15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them, just as he came down on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to try to stand in God’s way?”

18 When they heard these things, they had no further objections, and they praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted repentance that results in life also to the Gentiles!”

~~~~~

The Jews in Jerusalem objected to Peter’s visit to the Romans, but when they heard what the Lord did, they praised God.

09/05/2026

September 5

Acts 10:24-48
Evangelical Heritage Version

24 The following day, he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was about to enter the house, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter helped him up and said, “Stand up! I too am just a man.”

27 While he talked with him, Peter went inside and found many people gathered there. 28 He said to them, “You understand how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to associate with or visit anyone who is not a Jew. But God showed me that I should no longer continue to call anyone impure or unclean. 29 That is why I came without objection when you sent for me. May I ask why you sent for me?”

30 Cornelius replied, “From four days ago to this hour, I have been fasting. At the ninth hour, I was praying in my house when a man in shining clothes suddenly stood in front of me. 31 He said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your gifts to the poor have been remembered in God’s sight. 32 Therefore send to Joppa and call for Simon, who is called Peter. He is staying as a guest in the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything that the Lord has instructed you to say.”

The Holy Spirit Comes on All Who Listen

34 Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really am beginning to understand that God does not show favoritism, 35 but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 He sent his word to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

37 “You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, because God was with him.

39 “Indeed, we are witnesses of all the things he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem, yet they killed him by hanging him on a cross. 40 But God raised him on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had already chosen—by us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify solemnly that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that, through his name, everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out, even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and praising God.

Then Peter responded, 47 “Certainly no one can refuse water for baptizing these people! They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 He gave directions that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

~~~~~

Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius and proclaimed the gospel. Many believed and were baptized

09/05/2026