The transforming power of the gospel shines through in this story of two women from vastly different backgrounds. Remarkably, the first convert in Europe was a female Asian business leader—a powerful reminder that God’s grace reaches across every boundary.
Grace is a radical concept. If it grabs hold of us, it will absolutely change us–not making us different versions of ourselves, but new people altogether. This new identity means we’re no longer struggling to be free, but free to struggle.
Sometimes the Bible, like life, just doesn’t make sense. We see this in two early experiences from Jesus’ ministry that showcase the mystery, mercy, and majesty of God–and give us clues that help us understand the things that perplex us.
On Pentecost Peter preached to a large gathering of people who didn’t believe. By the end of this first sermon Peter ever delivered, over 3,000 people had become followers of Jesus. What did they hear that changed their life?