Come Together

Written By Betty Predmore

Acts 11: 1-30 (June 17)

A line from an old Beatles song... "Come together, right now, over me."

Today's reading gives us a further glimpse into the "coming together" of the Jews and Gentiles. And they are "coming together" over one thing...God.

When Peter got back to Jerusalem, he was criticized by the Jews for going into Cornelius' home and eating with him. They were still bound by their old beliefs about Jews not associating with Gentiles.

He recounted what had happened, and when they saw the many different ways God had made things "come together", they began to believe as well. They stopped objecting and starting praising God, saying, "We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life."

Some of the believers that had scattered when Stephen was killed began preaching in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria, but only to the Jews.

Others went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene and began preaching to the Gentiles, turning many of them to the Lord.

The church at Jerusalem heard about this and sent Barnabas to Antioch. What joy he felt when he saw what was happening there! His encouragement brought even more believers to the Lord. This was actually the first place where these believers were called Christians.

Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul, who had been sent there for safety. He brought him back to Antioch where they both stayed and preached for a year.

A prophet named Agabus also came to Antioch. During one of the meetings, he predicted a great famine would come upon the entire Roman world. All the believers sent what they could to help, trusting Barnabas and Saul to deliver it.

We see the walls between Jews and Gentiles tumbling down. We see them coming together in their beliefs and their worship. We get a glimpse of them helping one another as fellow brothers and sisters.

I think of our world today... all the problems, all the hate. I ponder the division and discrimination. And I can't help but wonder...

What would it be like if we could all Come Together?


Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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