Universal Utterings
for April 28, 2026
A Godcast
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04-28-2026 Acts 11 v1926 In Antioch The Disciples Were First Called Christians
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 Verse 19 thru 26
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. 20 There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas [to go] to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, 24 for he was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Acts 11:19-26 is a profound passage that illustrates the unfolding mission of the early church and the transformative power of the grace of God. Following the scattering of the believers due to persecution, we find a remarkable movement igniting among the Gentiles. Individuals, sparked by their faith, spread the good news of Jesus Christ beyond Jerusalem, reaching out to those who had not yet encountered the message of salvation. This diversity of outreach reveals that God’s grace is not confined to a specific group; rather, it is a universal invitation extended to all people.
In this passage, we see how the church in Antioch becomes a vibrant hub for evangelism. The grace of God is not merely an abstract concept but a living reality that manifests through the dedication of believers committed to sharing their faith. Barnabas’s role as an encourager underscores the importance of support and community in nurturing the growth of faith. His journey to Antioch reveals that the blessings of God multiply when we actively engage and evangelize in our neighborhoods.
My dear readers, this is a direct challenge and invitation for each of us. Just as the early disciples boldly shared the good news, we too are called to do the same within our communities. Look around; the grace of God is at work in the lives of those waiting for hope and salvation. Our involvement can illuminate the path for many to experience God’s love.
Evangelizing isn’t always about grand speeches or programs; it can start with simple acts of kindness, sharing our testimonies, or extending an invitation to church. Let us be vessels of God’s grace, reaching out to those who need it most. Together, we can reflect the love of Christ and witness the transformative power of salvation working in our community. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. Novena Day Three for Marco’s business. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
04-28-2026 Acts 11 v1926
**In Antioch The Disciples Were First Called Christians**
In ancient times when faith took flight,
Amidst the shadows, shone the light,
From Jerusalem, the word did roam,
To lands afar, it sought a home.
Dispersed by strife, the faithful spread,
In cities bold, the message led.
To Phoenicia’s shores and Cyprus’ grace,
They shared the love, they sought His face.
With hearts aflame, the Greeks drew near,
To hear the news that brought good cheer,
Of Jesus’ love, His grace profound,
A new-found hope, in Him they found.
It reached Antioch, a bustling place,
Where mercy flowed, and hearts embraced,
When Barnabas came, with kindness wide,
He nurtured faith and walked beside.
In the earthly home of a heavenly King,
Believers gathered, sweet praises to sing.
They taught and encouraged, till all could see,
That love and grace were meant to be.
For in this place, they were first called “Christians,”
A body of lovers, united in their kitchens.
From humble beginnings to vibrant growth,
They echoed the love that bound them in oath.
And thus in Antioch, the seeds were sown,
A beacon of hope, a place of their own.
In every heart, the Gospel ignites,
Transforming lives, giving new sights.
So let us remember, in our own quest,
To spread the Word, let love manifest.
Like those early saints, with courage and grace,
May we share His love, all over the place. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
April 28, 2026 @ 04:49 AM EST
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