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     All of the New Testament is an example of preaching after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Even the four gospels, which try to tell the story of Jesus ministry as well as his suffering, death and resurrection, present different interpretations of his life for the purpose of preaching about him.  The Acts of the Apostles, which will be featured a lot in the first scripture this week gives us examples of the early preaching, especially by Peter and Paul.  Today's passage shows the fundamental preaching, also known as the "kerygma" - the proclamation of Jesus as Lord.  It also gives a glimpse at a fundamental issue that would be facing the early church.  For whom did Jesus die?  Did he come only for the Jewish people, or for all the world?  The circumstances of the Roman destruction of the temple and Jerusalem meant Jews would scatter all over the Roman Empire into what is called the "diaspora."  When missionaries went to preach to them, there would be gentiles/pagans in the audiences who would be attracted.  Did they have to become Jews first in order to become Christians?

     The church and all preachers of any pastoral experience know that people come to Jesus in all states of mind and circumstances.  They may be those whom Peter refers to as being from "far off."   What do we ask of them?  Another question, perhaps more fundamental, is Do we feel comfortable talking to them at all?  Do their questions threaten us?  Do we hoard the gift of the Spirit that sent the apostles and other missionaries out into the world?  After all, we ourselves would not be believers today if it had not been for their courageous proclamation.  Proclaiming Jesus as Lord is the fundamental commission of our baptism.  The Church is founded on that preaching.  The Acts of the Apostles tells us what happened then.  What are we doing to make it happen now?  AMEN