New Testament | Acts 10:34-38 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
God Is Good (You Are Worthy) by Ben Smith, Daniel Bashta, and Pat Barrett

Lyrics:
No height or depth can separate
Your steadfast love who can escape
Your faithfulness an endless sea
So full of grace and mercy

We sing God is so good
God is so good
God is so good
He's so good to me

Haunted by the past no more
My innocence has been restored
Forgiveness flows from Your veins
Your kindness shown in all Your ways

(Oh there's) never been anyone like You
Never been anyone like You
You are worthy You are worthy

Hope is rising like the sun
The old is gone the new has come
I fix my eyes on Christ alone
My Rock my Shield my Cornerstone

God You are good
God You are good
God You're so good
You're so good to me

God You're so good always good to me

God is so good
He's so good to me
God You're so good
You're so good to me

Passage:
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Musical Reflection:
“Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune

Reflection Notes:
This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.

Prayer:
Father of all mercies, you revealed your boundless compassion to your apostle Saint Peter in a three-fold vision: Forgive our unbelief, we pray, and so strengthen our hearts and enkindle our zeal, that we may fervently desire the salvation of all people, and diligently labor in the extension of your kingdom; through him who gave himself for the life of the world, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.