“Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy — The Glorious Sweep of God’s Abundant Grace — The Kingdom Foreshadowed in Power But Nevertheless Rejected”

One thing we have learned in our studies on the Great Transition is that the preaching of the Kingdom when it is authorized by God is always accompanied by Signs and Wonders.  That is so evident in the early chapters of Acts.  In chapter 2 Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost and the great miracle was that of foreign languages.  All those Jews that had gathered in Jerusalem speaking only languages other than Hebrew or Aramaic heard and understood Peter’s message that day.  That was convincing and 3000 were converted. Now, in chapter 3 Peter preaches boldly again and this time it is in the Temple with the high priest and other rulers of the Nation of Israel in attendance. A man has been healed and no one can deny it.  Peter preaches that those present, Israel’s rulers, are personally responsible for his death and that they will judged when he returns. Israel’s rulers reject that message even though Signs and Wonders have been seen by so many.  That message was the first of several offers of the Kingdom to this rebellious nation. Peter’s message that day was an offer of the Kingdom to the nation such that if they would receive it they would be forgiven when the Lord returned.  But they clearly did not and plotted against the disciples.  The Lord did require a believing and “elect” nation and a people for his name.