Finding Joy in the Little Things
Good afternoon, Pleasant Ridgers! hope you all are having a good week. We are having a good week here on our end. We enjoyed time with Jonny over Easter break. He went back to college on Monday afternoon. We were able to watch some basketball with him, which is always fun.
He didn’t get to watch the NCAA National Championship game with us, but we enjoyed texting each other throughout the night, as we watched our Michigan Wolverines compete and win the Championship. Not sure if many of you know, but I’ve been a Michigan fan since 1988. I grew up liking them and passed that on to the family. So we were pretty excited to see our team finally win it all. It had been 37 years. We can find joy in the little things in life. What little things are you finding joy in?

Life Lesson #1
As you might know, I like to watch things and observe things like sports from a certain perspective. What can we learn about life? What can we take away from what we see and hear that relates to the Christian life and the life of the church?
 
And what struck me, from what I heard about the Michigan team, was the overwhelming emphasis on their unity and love for each other. They didn't care about stats. They didn't care about their own personal success. And they were described like this – “Michigan was a team built on unselfishness, togetherness and determination. It was a team that embodied the new age of college basketball. More than anything, it was a team that embodied love and brotherhood.”

I think that’s pretty neat. And how much more, can we as a church, who have deeper bonds in Christ, display that kind of connection, unselfishness, togetherness, and determination to accomplish the mission God has entrusted to us. And who knows what the Lord might do in and through us!? It's pretty exciting to think about!
 
Life Lesson #2
The other life lesson that jumped out at me was this:
I watched parts of the game a 2nd time. And I watched highlights and times where things were difficult for the team. And what’s fascinating, is that when you watch it back and know the outcome, there is a calmness then in what takes place. We know the outcome! We win in the end!! What a blessing to know that and to be able to embrace that when things are not going the way we think they should. Remember...Jesus wins! God knows the end from the beginning!
Okay...so that’s my long update with life lessons ? We are enjoying the little things in life.
 
An Update on Church Life
The latest on the Capital Campaign – Your generosity has helped us reach $88,893.53! Praise the Lord for His grace and provision through you!! We have a generous God that we serve. And you are displaying His generosity!

Church Work Day – May 2, starting at 8AM! We invite you to help us get the building ready for the renovation project. There are a lot of things that need to get done before the insulation and HVAC can be installed in June.Time goes by so fast. It’s crazy for me to think that we only have a few more weeks in the sanctuary before we move to the Fellowship Hall for our Worship Services, while the project is underway.
We will officially move into the Fellowship Hall for church on May 3.
 
Sunday School – We start a new series this week. You can click here to see the preview. It is called “Seize the Day: Embracing a Mission with Purpose.” Yep, we’ll be looking back at the early part of Acts again.

Sermon – This week I will be preaching on “Divine Deliverance” (Acts 23:12-35). We pick up where we left off before Easter with Paul now inching closer and closer to Rome. And through it all, we see God’s providential hand leading, guiding, and caring for Paul, through ordinary means, in order to accomplish His purpose and plan.
Well...that’s all for now on this beautiful Friday afternoon!
 
Lord willing, see you Sunday!
Pastor Chaun

Did you hear words this week like ‘Fire, lit, rizz, mid, mogged, main character vibes’?
I am amazed at how much 67 is used. Does anyone else feel this way?

Learning a New Language
To me, it has been so confusing. I really liked learning different languages in high school and seminary, but I don’t seem to be picking this one up very quickly. I often put my own definition to these words that I have heard in different contexts. Whatever it takes though, I am willing to learn the language of the current generation, so that I might best be prepared to communicate truth to this generation. And I hope you are too!!

I brought this idea up on Sunday in my message, because speaking to people about sin, salvation, grace, and Christ, who have no knowledge of the Bible, is like hearing the words of this generation. It can fall on deaf ears. It can be confusing. Or people add their own definition to the terms they hear.

When we teach people the Bible, to those who aren’t familiar with it, the words we use might sound foreign to them. And it feels like we don’t make any real progress in helping people know and love Jesus. And so we need to explain the terms and concepts, otherwise they will fill in their own definitions, or interpret them through their own worldview.

In part, that seems to be what was happening in Lystra. They didn’t have a Biblical framework for how to view the events that were taking place. Their traditions and worldview shaped their actions. Just as they often do for all of us.
They had no concept of the Bible. So Paul started at a different point with them.

A Lesson on Evangelism
In light of this, Paul teaches us a lot about evangelism. We see the relevance here for reaching a generation who has little to no knowledge of the Bible, compared to those who do (see Acts 2:14-40 and Acts 13:16-47). If there is little understanding of God, then it is helpful to start with who God is. And who we are. And then lead them to Jesus.

#1 – Establish common ground.
We need to see ourselves as sinners in need of God’s grace, if we are going to reach the people around us.
Paul said to the people, “We also are men, of like nature with you.”
We are no different. We are humans. We are fallen. We have the same nature.
This isn’t intended to minimize our sinful actions, but to help people see that we are sinners too, we just happen to sin in different ways. We can relate. We are not better than other people. We all stand in desperate need at the foot of the cross.

#2 – Expose idols of the heart.
If you struggle to discern your own idols, think through what you treasure most, what you trust in, what you devote your time and attention to, what you can’t live without? David Powlison, in his book called “Seeing With New Eyes” provides a great list of X-Ray Questions to expose our functional gods. Click here for the list.

#3 – Exalt God. Lead them to Christ.
At the end of the day, we have not gone far enough, if we only establish common ground and expose idols. Otherwise people still end up in despair and without hope.
We also have to draw people into an encounter with the One True and Living God. We have to reveal who God is and what He has done for us in Christ.

We must point people to the Savior who died on the cross and rose again, to rescue us from those idols, from our rebellion, from those things that hold us captive, that we might have joy and freedom and the hope of eternal life with Him forever!

Keep learning the culture. Keep learning about Christ! See the world through the lens of Scripture, so that you might speak words of life to your circles of influence.

This week: Read Acts 14:21-28

What did you sign up for? Have you had some volunteer work at your kids’ school, work, or in ministry that you weren’t sure what you were getting yourself into, but signed up anyway? How did it turn out for you? Would it have been helpful if you were prepared and knew what you were signing up for. Share those stories.

This past Sunday, we reflected on the fact that preparation that is essential for us as Christians. If we are going to share Christ, and be encouraged to share Christ, it is helpful to know what we are getting ourselves into. But at the same time, it is also helpful to know ‘how’ we are to share Christ. Are we prepared to make Him known?

In Acts 14:1-7, we observed that the world was marked by darkness and division. People were divided over the truth of the gospel. But Paul continued to offer to all, the gift of salvation that is received by faith in Christ alone.

And just how did he do that? This is what we reflected on in the message.

#1 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with clarity. (Acts 14:1)
Paul spoke in such a way that ‘a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.’
Having been driven out of Pisidian Antioch, Paul traveled some 90 miles to Iconium. And when he arrived, he entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and shared the good news of God’s grace. He spoke with clarity as he proclaimed how the Bible pointed to Jesus. As Paul traced the storyline of the Bible for his audience, they learn that God was faithful in keeping His promises. The Savior had arrived. Jesus Christ is the King whom God promised to send. And now, all who repent of their sins and turn to Him in faith are forgiven of their sins, and declared right with God.
Paul spoke with clarity with those who were familiar with the Bible.

Application:

• Spend time daily in God’s word so that you can learn how to speak with clarity and confidence as you share Christ with those you interact with.
• Articulate what you believe and why.
• Speak clearly: We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone!

#2 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with courage. (Acts 14:2-4)
We all recognize that it takes courage to speak about the gospel and the ethical implications that flow from the gospel.
It takes courage to stand for Jesus when we face opposition, pressure, ridicule, danger, and even death. Paul witnessed first hand, that people were being poisoned by the Jews. Therefore, he remained longer. He wanted people in that town to know the truth. He displayed great courage in the face of worldly pressure.

Application:

• In what ways do you need to step out in faith and stand for Jesus?
• In what places do you find it difficult to have courage to share about Jesus?

#3 – Proclaim the good news of God’s grace with wisdom. (Acts 14:5-7)
We recognize that we are not to seek trouble. We don’t intentionally seek persecution. But we know that it will come when we do stand for Jesus. It does take wisdom to discern when to remain and when to relocate. In this instance, Paul heard about an attempt on his life, and so he fled to another location.
Persecution was used by God to open new doors for the gospel to advance. Persecution furthered the gospel. It did not hinder the progress of the gospel but only served to fuel Paul to continue to preach.
I suspect and hope that when you hear of Christians being persecuted for the gospel, that it fuels you, not to speak ill of those who have harmed our brothers and sisters, but to offer the gift of God’s grace for them to receive!
This is what we signed up for. Let’s offer the hope of the gospel!

The mission remains the same no matter where the Lord places us. The gift of God’s grace is the superior gift that we offer. Let’s be prepared to share it – with clarity, courage, and wisdom.

Closing Questions:

• Will you share Christ with clarity so others can understand?
• Will you share Christ with courage even when opposed?
• Will you share Christ with wisdom so that the mission continues?

For next week: Read Acts 14:8-20

In light of the tragic events that have occurred over the past week, we are reminded of the reality of sin and evil in our world. We are reminded that all is not well in the world that we live in. That all is not well, even in our own hearts in the way we respond to sin and suffering. We are reminded of our need for a Savior. We are reminded of our need to point people to our Savior.

A CALL TO PRAY
And we are called to pray. To pray for our nation, to pray for our leaders, to pray for those who suffer, to pray for those who cause suffering, and to pray that we, as Christians, would persevere in standing for the truth of the gospel.

I am convinced that God often uses the trials that Christians face, for the furtherance of the gospel. The light of Christ is most visibly seen against the backdrop of darkness. The work of Christ can be most fully realized and appreciated when viewed against the backdrop of our own sinfulness. It is when we see our sin, that we can glory in the beauty of Christ who gave himself for our sin.

In my reading and reflection on Philippians 1 this past week, I am reminded that what happened to the apostle Paul (in his imprisonment) actually served to advance the gospel. Persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel, and the ethical implications of the gospel, can lead to Christians becoming more bold in sharing Christ and standing for Christ. My hope is that as we reflect on any tragedy, especially of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, that it will lead us to a courageous faith in Christ. That it will empower us to follow the examples of those who have gone before us, who lived and died for the sake of the gospel.

YOUR TURNING POINT - ACTS 13
This past Sunday, in Acts 13:13-52, we reflected upon a turning point. A turning point is taking place in our society, and I hope, in us as well.

The apostle Paul had a mission of being a witness of Jesus to the ends of the earth. He took advantage of the opportunities that he was given, because he knew he had a Superior Savior, who fulfills the saving promises of God, forgives sins, and frees all who trust in Him.

Practical Implications of Acts 13:13-52:
#1 – Be ready to share about Jesus. (Acts 13:13-16a)
We have a Savior worth sharing.
Paul traveled far distances to make Christ known. His life was changed by Jesus, and he was ready to share Jesus in the synagogues, or wherever the Lord would direct him. When given this opportunity, he proclaimed Jesus, not himself or his preferences, or his opinions. And he took advantage of this opportunity, knowing that it would lead to mixed reactions. Some would believe. And some would reject.

• Consider your circles of influence. How might you share Jesus in these settings?
  • Your home
  • Your world (your workplace, school, neighbors, friends)
  • Your church

#2 – Remember that the Bible is all about Jesus. (Acts 13:16b-37)
We have a Savior who is the climax of the story of the Bible, and who fulfills the saving promises of God.
In this passage, Paul then gives his sermon. He traces the storyline of the Bible, from Abraham to David and John the Baptist, to show that Jesus is the promised Savior! He then speaks of Jesus’ rejection, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
And then, at the end of his sermon, in verses 38-41, he concludes with an appeal. An invitation to receive Christ, and a warning for those who reject Him.

When we share the story of Jesus, remember that it is God’s story of His grace and faithfulness to His promises. Our story is part of His story. And when we share, we should then extend this grace to others. We should allow His grace toward us to impact the way we relate to others.

#3 – Respond with faith in Jesus, and call others to do the same. (Acts 13:38-52)
Paul concludes his sermon with an invitation. And Luke provides the response to those who heard the message of salvation. Some respond with faith in Jesus. And some reject Jesus. Some will believe. And some will be hostile.

The message of Jesus, demands a response from all of us. This is your turning point.
How will you respond?

When you respond by trusting in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you can have assurance that your sins are forgiven, and that you are declared to be right with God.
When you respond to Jesus, you can be filled with joy, despite your circumstances.
And you are filled with the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence in our lives and makes us more like Jesus.

A decision has to be made! There is no middle ground.

Will you trust in Christ today?
Will you call others to trust in Him as their Savior?

For this week: Read Acts14:1-7

CEDAR FALLS BIBLE CONFERENCE + BIRTHDAY FUN
We are on Day 2 of running the VBS at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference, and it happens to be my birthday! It’s hard to believe I’ve been helping Becky with this for over 20 years. I’m 45 today and still the 'Game Guy'! I like to get out there and play the games. Sometimes I still think I can move like I did 20 years ago, but recovery takes quite a bit longer. Thankfully, I have handed off much of the responsibility to my kids and other great young helpers.

The Cedar Falls Bible Conference is a highlight each year for my family. Bonds have been formed through it for our kids. And it gives us the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with about 120 students all week. It is amazing to see how these students grow over the years, and to hear how they are continuing to walk with the Lord.

It’s not every day that we encounter opportunities to share the gospel with this many people, but as I mentioned on Sunday, God has placed each of us in certain situations to participate in making Him known.

GENTILE PENTECOST - ACTS 10
This past Sunday we focused our attention on Acts 10:34-48. It is a significant passage in the storyline of the Bible, because it signals a massive shift. Many scholars call this passage the “Gentile Pentecost” because of the parallels to Acts 2.
The gospel, which brings peace with God for ANYONE who would believe in Christ for salvation, was now being proclaimed to the Gentiles by Peter. The Holy Spirit was poured out on all who heard the message. And they were speaking in tongues and praising God. And they were commanded to be baptized. Peter then stayed at Cornelius’ house for several days, implying that he ate with them. This was a massive shift for the Jew. And it signaled that God had broken down the dividing wall of hostility between these groups through Christ. They now had fellowship with God and one another through Jesus! God had blown open the door for salvation to reach the ends of the earth. The gospel is for ALL PEOPLE!

3 Application points I highlighted on Sunday:

#1 – Proclaim the gospel without partiality. (Acts 10:34-43)
God does not show partiality. We shouldn’t either.
The gospel message is about who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Peter describes the life and ministry of Jesus. And he focused on his death and resurrection. Peter was a witness to Christ, sent to preach and testify that Jesus is the Lord and Judge, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name (Acts 10:43).

LOVE YOUR CHURCH
I mentioned a book that I am reading with the Deacons. It is called “Love Your Church” by Tony Merida. If you haven’t read it, I would encourage you to check it out.
In his chapter on Witnessing, he speaks of ‘Engaging with people in your networks.’

Consider these 5 categories:

1. Familial: people in your family
2. Geographical: people in your neighborhood
3. Vocational: people at your workplace
4. Recreational: people you play with or hang out with
5. Commercial: people you see at shops

Identify 5 people in each of these groups. And think about how you can: Pray for them, Invite them, Serve them, Give Resources to them, and Share the Gospel with them.

#2 – Receive forgiveness and peace through Christ. (Acts 10:44-46a)
In Acts 10:34-43, Peter described the message he shared as the gospel of peace. This reminds us that the good news of Christ is a proclamation of peace with God and with one another. Christ came to this earth, died on the cross, and rose again, so that all who receive Him by faith are granted peace with God for all eternity! A peace that we can have now and experience now!

This peace comes through Jesus, who died in our place, taking upon himself the punishment we deserve from the Judge. God now declares us Not Guilty. Innocent by faith in Christ!
I think we sometimes forget that, even as Christians. And when we sin, we still live under that guilt and condemnation. And we try to appease our guilty conscience by doing good works.

What we need to do is rest in Christ! Receive His forgiveness! And recognize that Christ died to bring us peace!
You can have peace with God today!

#3 – Welcome all believers as family. (Acts 10:46b-48)
Now that the gospel was received by the Gentiles, the Jewish Christians were amazed. Peter was amazed and recognized that they couldn’t withhold baptism from them.

Baptism was an act of obedience for those who trusted in Christ for salvation. It was the outward sign of the inward change that had taken place. And it was the initial act of identification with the new covenant community.

These new Gentile Christians were then baptized and welcomed in the family. Peter then further showed his acceptance of them by staying with them for a few days.
This also serves to highlight the importance of not just making a decision for Christ, but being a disciple of Christ. We need each other to grow in our walk with the Lord.

I conclude as Pastor Garrett Kell rightly observed – “God’s people are to get the gospel to the ends of the earth. It’s what Jesus calls us to be about. When you look at your to do list today, it always needs to start with ‘make disciples among the nations’, ‘be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ And everything else that you do has got to be under that heading if you are a believer.”

Today is about far more than celebrating and enjoying a birthday! It is about celebrating the unity and peace that we have in Christ!!

Let’s look at our “To Do” List and participate in making Christ known.

Who do you want me to be praying for that you are investing in? Let me know!

Remember the Titans: A Picture of Gospel Unity – Acts 10:1-33
Have you seen the movie Remember the Titans? Did you get a chance to watch it this week?

As I mentioned on Sunday, it is one of my all-time favorites. There is so much we can learn about unity, perseverance, and transformation. But what jumps out to me most is the way it reflects the beauty of biblical community, in the midst of racial tensions and barriers.

Just as those young men were drawn together from different backgrounds and sang in unity, how much more should we – as people redeemed by Jesus – sing and live in unity because we share a Savior.

This past Sunday, we reflected on Acts 10:1-33, where I alluded to Remember the Titans in order to highlight the deep, long-lasting tension that existed between Jews and Gentiles. It was filled with suspicion and barriers. But God was doing something radically new.

A Turning Point in Scripture
This passage marks a massive shift in the storyline of Scripture. The gospel, which had been proclaimed to the Jews, now begins to break through ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries – reaching Gentiles like Cornelius.
Cornelius was a devout Gentile, a Roman Centurion who feared God along with his household. He received a vision from God, instructing him to send for Peter.

And at just the right time, Peter also received a vision. In it, he saw animals that were considered unclean and was told to eat. God said – “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:15). This happened three times. Peter came to understand that this wasn’t just about food – it was about people. God was opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles, welcoming them into His family by faith. In Christ, Jew and Gentile were being brought together into one body.

God’s Heart for All People
Being directed by the Holy Spirit, Peter obeyed and went to Cornelius’ house. There he found a room filled with Gentiles, who were eager to hear the message that the Lord had commanded him. This house, where God’s presence dwelt, became the place where Peter would proclaim the Word of God. And in the verses that follow, God would pour out His Spirit, just as He did at Pentecost.
But in this episode, God was preparing Cornelius, the seeker. God was preparing Peter, the messenger. And God is also preparing us, to remember His heart for ALL people.
 
Three Takeaways
#1 – Take the Gospel to ALL people. 
The Lord didn’t send an angel to preach to Cornelius. He sent Peter. Even though Peter hesitated, God made it clear: no one is too far gone, too unclean, or too different to receive His mercy and grace.

• Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus?
• Who have you unintentionally written off or avoided because of their background, beliefs, or behavior?

 
#2 – Receive Christ Jesus as Lord. 
Cornelius was a religious man. He was a God-fearing man. He was generous. But he still needed the gospel.
Through this passage, we learn that God makes us clean, not through our works, but through faith in Christ. God forgives and purifies all who receive Christ by faith.

Maybe you feel too unclean, or too far gone. The message is not, clean yourself up and do good works. The message is this: you can be made clean through Christ!

• Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
• And will you rest in the promise that Christ has made you clean?

#3 – Fellowship with one another. 
Jew and Gentile. Black and white. Male and female. Slave and free. Rich and poor. The gospel brings us into fellowship with one another. The gospel tears down dividing walls and builds a new community.

So let’s sing. Let’s celebrate. Let’s serve. Let’s share life together as we labor side-by-side as one body in Christ.

• Will you join me in sharing life together?
• Will you join me in taking the gospel to all people?
• Will you join me in opening wide our doors for all to receive Christ and welcome them into the family of God?

For this week: Read Acts 10:34-48

This past Sunday we had the privilege of celebrating 4 graduates. I am incredibly thankful for all 4 of them, as I have gotten to know them in various settings inside and outside the church. It is encouraging to see how they have grown through the years.

As we picked up in Acts 7:44-8:3 on Sunday morning, in my mind at least, it served as a fitting word for our graduates as they journey on to the next chapter in life. And this word, not only serves to inform and inspire graduates, it is meant to serve as encouragement for all of us to press us on in faithfulness to Christ, as we strive to finish well.

I sought to draw out 3 implications from the passage. I hope these will challenge you this week.

#1 – Stand Firm in the Truth (Acts 7:44-53)
As we pick up with Stephen’s speech, we are immediately drawn to his courage. A courage that enables him to stand firm in the truth. He continues to highlight the truth that God’s presence is not limited to or restricted by a physical building. That God transcends all human structures and that His presence is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Stephen overflows with courage as he calls the Jewish leaders to rightly respond to God’s Word and not be like ‘their fathers’ who rejected God’s messengers.

• Our courage often comes from having deep convictions. Spend time in God's Word and be molded and shaped by it, so that your convictions and commitment to the truth would be strengthen. 
• In what ways do you find yourself resisting God's Word in your life?

#2 – Fix Your Eyes on Jesus (Acts 7:54-60)
We are now drawn to Stephen’s vision.

The religious leaders were filled with rage because of Stephen’s rebuke, so they sought to destroy him. But Stephen looks heavenward. It’s as though he gets a vision of the heavenly temple. And he sees the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And in doing so, Stephen recognizes that Jesus stands in judgment upon the religious leaders,  he stands as his advocate in God’s court, and he stands to welcome him home.
With his eyes fixed on Christ, he then follows the example of Jesus in his death as he commits his spirit to the Lord, and pleads for forgiveness for those who are sinning against him.

Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Look around and be distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest.”

• Where do you look? Where is your gazed fixed?
• Do you look at the world? Do you look within? Or do you look at Jesus?

We become what we behold. The more time we spend with Him the more we become like Him.

#3 – Leave a Legacy of Faithfulness (Acts 8:1-3)
I’m not sure how often you think about leaving a legacy. As we age, we begin thinking more about making a lasting impact on younger generations. I’m not sure Stephen thought about this. But what we do know is that he was faithful to Christ to the end. And he had an impact on those who witnessed his death.

The stoning of Stephen had a ripple effect far beyond Jerusalem. His death led to the church scattering from Jerusalem to reach Judea and Samaria for the gospel. This was in fulfillment of the mission of Christ found in Acts 1:8.
His death, certainly, had some impact on Saul who was eventually called and converted by Christ in Acts 9.
His death impacts you and me. As ordinary Christians, we are empowered to proclaim Christ as Lord to those near and far, trusting that God will use our faithfulness for the advancement of the gospel.  

Your life can count for Christ! In the same way God used Stephen, He wants to use you and me to reach our family, our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers. He wants to use us to reach those who are close to God and those who are far from God.

We can leave a legacy of faith, as we behold the glory of God in Christ, as we stand firm in the truth of the gospel, and as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen!

For this week: Read Acts 8:4-25

Were you able to remember and reflect upon those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom? How do you respond to the freedom that you have been given?

We should be filled with gratitude for the freedom that we have received. And we should have joy and gratitude, when we remember and reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Because of his sacrificial death for us, we are forgiven of our sins and are freed from our sins to serve and worship Him forever.
So often, I can be prone to forget to respond with a heart of gratitude. We must constantly remind ourselves of all that Christ accomplished for us and for our salvation.

This past Sunday, we reflected on the story of Moses, and how his story ultimately points us to Christ. In Acts 7:17-43, Stephen continued through the story of the Bible. Previously, he devoted time and attention to Abraham and Jospeh, in order to show that God’s presence was with His people outside of the promised land and apart from a temple. That pattern continued this week, with God appearing to Moses at a burning bush outside of the promised land.

We discovered 4 movements through the story, as Stephen spends the most time on Moses’ life. Stephen does this in part, to show that he is not against Moses. But also to show, that Moses’ life and rejection serves as a mirror of the human heart. It reveals the ways we rebel against God’s chosen leader, Jesus Christ.

#1 – God protected Moses through affliction. (Acts 7:17-22)
This span covers the 1st 40 years of his life. You can read about it in Exodus 1:1-2:10.
Moses’ early life revealed that God was with him. Moses was beautiful in God’s sight. He was mighty in his speech and actions.
God was with Moses, even though he was born in times of affliction and hardship for the people of Israel. God protected Moses in Egypt, while he learned the ways of the Egyptians and was raised outside the promised land.

Do you recognize that God is with you, even in times of affliction? So often we can think that if we are going through difficulty that God isn’t present with us.
Through the life of Moses, we see the contrary is true.

#2 – Moses was rejected by the people of Israel. (Acts 7:23-29)
These verses covered the next 40 years of his life. You can read about this in Exodus 2:11-22.
As Stephen works through the story of Moses, he draws our attention to the account of Moses rescuing an Israelite from an Egyptian. They were fighting, so Moses stepped in to save the day by striking down the Egyptian. Moses supposed that his fellow Israelites would see that God was using him to bring salvation to the people of Israel.
They didn’t understand but instead rejected him. This becomes evident on the next day, when he sees two Hebrews fighting with each other. He tries to be the mediator and peace maker, but they want no part in it. He then flees to the land of Midian, and becomes the father of two sons.

There are several points of application that we draw from this. I mention two:

• As a church, we are to be eager to maintain peace with one another. We are on the same team, part of the same family. Internal conflict should not characterize Christians.
• As individuals, we can act like we don’t need to be rescued. We act as though we don’t need a Savior. And so, when Christ is presented to us, we reject him and his word. We need to repent of the pride in our hearts and submit to Christ as our Savior, Ruler and Judge. He is our Mediator who brings us peace with God and with one another. Give Him the proper place He rightfully deserves in your life.

#3 – God commissioned Moses to deliver the people of Israel. (Acts 7:30-34)
40 years had passed for Moses while living in the land of Midian as a shepherd. He might not have felt like he was doing much ministry. He is now 80 years old, and God calls him and commissions him to go back to Egypt. God has seen the affliction of His people and is going to use Moses to deliver them from their bondage in Egypt.

This passage is found in Exodus 2:23-3:22. In this story, Joseph highlights God’s call and commission at the burning bush. God’s presence was made known to Moses outside of the promised land and apart from a tabernacle or temple.

And what we discover it that where God’s presence is located, that place is holy. The place where Moses standing was on ‘holy ground.’ And that ‘holy ground’ was located outside of the promised land. This is absolutely stunning and remarkable, when we think deeply of its implications.
But what I want us to reflect upon is the call and commission of Moses. God commissioned him to go back to a people who had previously rejected him, in order to deliver them from their slavery in Egypt. What a lesson for us to learn and reflect upon.

Apart from Christ, we are in bondage to sin. We are slaves of sin. And like in Egypt, we need rescued and redeemed. And like in Egypt, there is nothing that we can do to free ourselves from it. In fact, there is a part of us that doesn’t desire to leave the sin we are in. But God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to die on the cross. He is our Passover Lamb. He died to set us free from sin to serve and worship Him. Now, when God sees us, through faith in Christ, as the blood of Christ is applied to our hearts and lives, we are forgiven. We are passed over and don’t experience judgment, ever! Instead, we are called children of God. And we are commissioned by God, to point people to the Savior.
He sends us to tell people about the Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Who in your life is God calling you to help them see their need for Jesus?
• Who in your life is God calling you to walk beside in this wilderness journey, until we make it to the ultimate promised land (=the new heaven and new earth)?

#4 – God judged Israel’s rebellion. (Acts 7:35-43)
We get a final look at Moses’ life, which serves as a summary of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness.
It was Moses who was rejected, even though he led the people out, performed signs and wonders in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness of Sinai.
And God’s Word was rejected. Moses received these living oracles, but the people refused to listen to him. They pursued the idols of their hearts. They offered sacrifices to the idol and rejoiced in the words of their hands.
God then responded by turning away from them and giving them over to worship the created things. God responded to their ongoing, unrepentant rebellion by bringing judgment and exile upon the people.
The religious leaders in Stephen’s day were in danger of facing that separation and judgment from God. It was not Stephen who was against Moses and God, but the religious leaders.

There is a lot we can learn from history. For history serves as a mirror for our hearts.
It is so easy to point the finger at those who are ‘living in sin’ outwardly, all while those who claim to know God and be religious are guilty of rebellion and in danger of judgment.

Acknowledge those idols in your heart. Confess them to the Lord. And submit to Christ and receive His forgiveness.
Let’s respond this week to Christ’s death for us and the freedom that He has graciously given us, with worship! Let’s submit to His Word.
Let’s understand our call and commission to make Christ known to those around us.

For this week: Read Acts 7:44-8:3

What was your favorite subject in school? For me, history was not one of them. It required too much reading. And I wasn’t really into reading. I preferred Math or PE, which probably doesn’t surprise anyone. It wasn’t until I got to seminary that I learned to enjoy history more. And I learned the importance of history, as the saying goes, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Even if history isn’t your favorite subject, there are so many valuable lessons that we can learn from it. And in Acts 7, Stephen provides a history lesson for the religious leaders, so that they might learn from the past and not repeat the same mistakes.
And that’s what we discovered on Sunday, as we began to unpack Stephen’s sermon. He took us on a journey to see that God’s presence was never limited by or restricted to the temple or the promised land alone as the place where God would be with his people, provide for his people or bless his people. Those places that we read about in Scripture had a unique role in the story of Israel, but they pointed beyond themselves to Christ.
Stephen shows from this history lesson that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not at odds with the Old Testament. It is not at odds with the land, the law, or the temple.
And this becomes evident when you consider God’s Presence. Israel’s Rebellion. And Christ as the fulfillment of God’s saving promises.

This past Sunday, we began with “The Journey and God’s Presence.” Special attention was given to tracing the story of Abraham and Joseph.

We discovered three movements as Stephen began this message.

#1 – God’s presence was with Abraham. (Acts 7:1-5)
Something that I didn’t spend enough time on in my sermon, was this opening comment by Stephen in verse 2 – “Brothers and fathers, hear me.”
He is calling the people to consider and pay attention to what he has to say concerning these things. Though it is a history lesson, it is not merely a history lesson. It demands a response from them. They must respond to his words. We must respond to his words.

And the point Stephen is making is that God’s presence was with Abraham outside the land and the temple. God’s presence and power must not be limited to a place.
This matters because so often we think we can only experience the presence of God, if we are in a certain location. Whether it’s Israel, Rome, nature, or the sanctuary of the church.
But we must recognize that the presence of God is found in a PERSON, namely, Jesus Christ.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (tabernacled among us).” – John 1:14.
In Jesus, God’s presence has arrived. And for those who trust in Christ, God’s presence dwells within them. For we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

God is present to bless and provide for his people wherever they are found trusting in Christ. The location doesn’t matter. God is with you wherever you go! God is with us wherever we are located as a church as well.

• Where have you thought we truly experience the presence of God?

#2 – God makes promises to Abraham. (Acts 7:6-8)
God not only called Abraham to leave his land and kindred and go to the land that he would show him. But God also made a covenant with Abraham. God promised to give him land, seed, and blessing. For through Abraham, all nations of the earth will be blessed.

Stephen doesn’t fully unpack this, but focuses on their journey to the land. That his offspring would be sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and be afflicted for 400 years. And then God would judge that nation, so that his people would be delivered “to worship God.”

That’s the goal of the exodus. That’s the goal of this whole journey. It is TO WORSHIP GOD!
That’s the goal of our lives. It is to give glory to God. To worship Him alone!
God saves a people for Himself, from bondage, so that we might be freed to worship and devote our entire lives to Him.
And this involves loving people in such a way that they too become worshipers of God and fulfill the purpose for which they are made.
It is so easy to fall into a trap of the isolated individual life, that we could just think, “I’m worshiping God.” And yet, have little to no concern for those who aren’t worshiping God.

I still remember in college, John Piper saying something to the effect of “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” We tell people about Jesus, so that they too can worship Him alone! We make Christ known so that He might be glorified. We evangelize, because people are worshiping and serving the created things, rather than the Creator – who is forever praised.

• Did you know that you were made for a purpose? 
• How have you thought about your purpose? 
• Are you striving to fulfill your purpose?

#3 – God preserves Joseph. (Acts 7:9-16)
Stephen transitioned to the story of Joseph, which falls under the Abrahamic covenant, and the promises that God made to his people. Joseph faced great difficulty from his own brothers. He was mistreated and rejected by his own people. And yet, God was with him. And God blessed him in Egypt.
This serves again, to remind the Jewish leaders that God was with Joseph and preserved him in a foreign land. God’s blessing was revealed beyond the promised land.

God’s presence was never about a place. It was always about a Person. And that Person is Jesus Christ! He is the place where Gods’ presence is found. He is the meeting place between God and man.
When you encounter Jesus, you encounter God’s presence.

• Through Christ we have access to God.
• Through Christ all our sins are forgiven. Through Christ we are offspring of Abraham. Through Christ, all the promises of God are Yes and Amen.
• Through Christ we are freed to worship and serve God.
• Through Christ, God’s presence is with us and in us, by the Spirit whom he has given to us.

What do you need to learn from this history lesson? Where are you looking to experience God’s presence?
Look to Christ! God’s presence is with you on this journey in life, as you cling to Christ. He will keep His promises. He will preserve us to the end.

For this week: Read Acts 7:17-43
 

Did you consider how people would describe you? Did you make known the great traits of your mom this week?

I was thinking about this more this week, that it’s often not until something significant takes place in a person’s life or on the calendar, that their good qualities are described. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, marriage, Mother's day, or most often death, that we highlight the good qualities that we see in someone.
If we could hear one thing while we are still alive, I think we would be content to be described as a godly or faithful servant. For that is what we hope to hear our Savior say on the final day, “Well done, good and faithful servant!...Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). And that's what ultimately matters. But this only comes by the grace of God. There is nothing in me that is good or faithful. But Christ is! And by the grace of God, we can be described with Christ-like qualities.

This past Sunday, we reflected on a godly servant and what it means to be a godly servant. Luke described Stephen in Acts 6:8-15, as one who was “full of grace and power” and characterized by “wisdom and the Spirit” in his speech. Stephen, (one of the 1st deacons/servant leaders), displayed several godly qualities that we can learn from and apply to our lives.

#1 – Be a witness for Christ. (Acts 6:8-10)

A godly servant witnesses for Christ in their actions and their speech. We recognize that we don’t do this perfectly, but our walk and our words should be characterized by testifying to who Jesus is.
Stephen’s relationship with the Lord was evident in his daily life. He was a man full of faith, and he relied on the Holy Spirit as he navigated through life. This was evident to those in the church, and as a result, he became actively involved in caring for the widows in the church. He had a concern for God’s Word being proclaimed and for unity in the church.
And he followed the pattern of Jesus and of the apostles in performing signs and wonders among the people (Acts 6:8). Because of the grace of God given to him, he lived out this grace in the way he interacted with people.

• What would it look like for you to extend grace to those you interact with?
• Do you dwell upon God’s grace on a regular basis?

I would encourage you and challenge you to remind yourself every morning of the gospel. And remind your children of the gospel. And stand firm in it, when you face cultural pressures to conform. Receive God’s grace and let it overflow toward others.

#2 – Endure hardship like Christ. (Acts 6:11-14)

Do you have a big brother who comes to your defense and stands with you in difficulty? I do. And I am incredibly thankful for that!
When we live for Christ and proclaim Him, it’s not always well received. It wasn’t well received by the religious leaders in Stephen’s day. They sought to put a stop to him.
He was gaining the upper hand in their interaction, so they took drastic measures to make sure he was silenced. They lie, cheat, steal, deceive. They secretly persuade others to be false witnesses against Stephen in order to have reason to put him to death.
This is the tendency of my sinful heart, that when I hear God’s Word proclaimed, I take subtle or drastic measures to resist or refute it.

The religious leaders had accused Stephen of speaking against Moses and against God. Against the law and against the temple. Against God’s Word and against God’s Dwelling Place. And this would be deserving of death.
But Stephen didn’t shrink back in fear. He simply followed in the footsteps of Christ. Even though he was physically on trial, it was the religious leaders who were on trial that day before God. They were on trial for their rejection of Christ. For they stand condemned for their refusal to submit to Jesus as Savior and Lord.

• When you face challenges, do you stand for Christ?
• Are you following in the footsteps of Jesus?
• Are you resisting God’s Word or receiving it by faith?

#3 – Reflect the glory of Christ. (Acts 6:15)

When the religious leaders gazed at Stephen they were stunned. His face was like the face of an angel. His face reflected the glory of Christ.
It is often rightly stated that “We become what we behold.”  Like Moses, whose face was shining after being in the presence of the Lord, so our lives should reflect the beauty and glory of Christ. And this will happen as we behold Him more and more each day.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

The way we become more like Christ is by beholding the glory of Christ.
The way we become more like Christ is to gaze upon the beauty of Christ.
And when this happens, His beauty will shine through us and it will be evident to those around us that we have been in the presence of Christ.

• Are you taking time this week to be in the presence of Christ?

Take time this week, whether in your room, in your car, on a walk, or with friends and family, to spend with Jesus. Read. Pray. Sing. And Rest in His presence.

For this week: Read Acts 7:1-16

As my family and I prepare for Jonny’s graduation party (which you are all invited to, Saturday 1-4pm), I’ve taken some time to look back at pictures. It is amazing to see how much our children grow through the years. Sometimes, we don’t notice much growth taking place, but then at other times, we see rapid growth. Have you noticed that in your own children? The contrast of pictures that are only a year apart can be quite drastic. Changes take place. It is part of the aging process.

And what we find out, just as it was in the early church, growth spurts led to great challenges. The aging process at times, leads to aches and pains. And that’s what we discovered on Sunday in Acts 6:1-7. Rapid growth in the early church led to unexpected challenges in the church. And this became an occasion for unity and service in the church.

As we reflect upon Acts 6:1-7, consider 4 things we can learn from the early church:

#1 – Expect Challenges in the Church (Acts 6:1)
In Acts 6:1, we learn that the challenge they faced due to their rapid growth was due to a complaint among church members, because some of their own were being neglected and overlooked with respect to their physical needs.

Whether big or small, whether a church is declining or growing rapidly, the church will be met with challenges. This in part, is due to living in a fallen world. It is due to the reality that we bring our sinful desires into a church. And it can also be due to the reality that Satan ‘prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour' (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy attempts to attack the church from the outside through persecution. He also tries to destroy the church from within through moral corruption, division, and distractions.

We can expect challenges in our church. But we should view those challenges as an opportunity and occasion for unity, service, and growth.

What have been some of your greatest challenges? Are there people that you know who are being neglected or overlooked? How can you be part of God’s solution?

#2 – Promote the Priorities of the Church (Acts 6:2-4)
In Acts 6:2-4, the church leaders brought a proposal to the entire church body. And this pleased the whole gathering. They recognized that the leaders were to focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer. So they recommended that other servant leaders be raised up to help care for the physical and practical needs in the church. These individuals became the first ‘deacons’ in the church.

In our church, we have deacons. They joyfully assist me and the elders in their service of the church. They care for the practical needs in our church. And in doing so, they are promoting and protecting the unity of the church, and the priority of leaders to minister the Word of God to you.

I am so thankful for our deacons! They are a joy to work with and they love our church body! They have freed me up in so many ways so that I can focus on teaching, preaching, prayer, and leadership.
When you see them, thank them for their service!  And ask them how you can join them in their ministries.
Every believer in a local church is called to serve.
 
Where is God calling YOU to serve?
Are you prioritizing the Word of God? Do your actions reveal that the preaching and teaching of God’s Word is a priority in your life?

#3 – Empower Servant Leaders in the Church (Acts 6:5-6)
In Acts 6:5-6, we further see the solution to this growing pain. Part of the solution to challenges in our church, is not merely to have the right programs or plans, but people! Godly servants of Jesus, from within the local church body, who seek to help one another. And that should be ALL of us.
Ministry and service in the church is not reserved only for those in leadership. It takes each one of us, using the gifts that God has given to us, to build up the church in maturity and unity.
Every follower of Jesus has been given a vital role in the church, not only to live out the Christian life, but to help others do the same.

How can you live out the Christian life, in your home, in the church, and in the world?
And who is God calling YOU to help live out the Christian life? Think of 3 people you could invest in.

#4 – Trust God to Grow His Church (Acts 6:7)
We need to trust God. He is the One who grows His Church. And He was pleased to bring about further growth in the early church.
The early growth spurt led to a problem. But the leaders didn’t dwell on it. They proposed a solution. And the church was pleased. The leaders would prioritize the ministry of the Word. Godly servants were empowered to care for practical needs in the church. And those needs were met. Unity was evident as the church worked together to serve one another, whether spiritually or physically.

And this led to God’s Word spreading like a wildfire. More and more people became followers of Jesus because of the service and unity in the local church.
The work done in the church and for the church has an impact on those outside the church.
The way we love each other and care for each other, God may use this to grow His church.
So I leave you with my concluding questions I asked on Sunday:

• What if EVERY Christian in our church was engaged in serving and sharing the gospel?
• What might the Lord do, in our midst and in our communities, if YOU were actively involved and mobilized to serve?

For this week: Read Acts 6:8-15
 

How many of you like doing puzzles? I’m not very good at them. Maybe because I’m not very patient. I like seeing the puzzle completed, and I don’t mind observing the process that it takes to complete them, but for me to sit down and work on one, that’s not one of my hobbies. However, when it comes to figuring out how to fit the pieces of the Bible together and observing that process, I could spend hours and hours on it. In theological circles, the practice is known as Biblical Theology. But even more so, I love the final picture. I love to see how the Bible fits together and reveals the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ! How about you?

This past Sunday, my father-in-law was able to preach for me. It is always a blessing for me and my family to hear him proclaim God’s Word. I am thankful that he unpacked Luke 24:13-35 and the Road to Emmaus. In his message, he illustrated the conversation that went down between Jesus and the disciples on that road. Like puzzle pieces, the disciples couldn’t fit the Scriptures together. But Jesus came alongside them, and revealed to them, how it all points to Him. Jesus put the puzzle together. I wish we could have been there on that day. Like the disciples, I am certain that our hearts would have ‘burned within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures’ (Luke 24:32). That truly would be every preacher’s dream.

Even though we couldn’t be there, what do we do? How can we make progress in putting the puzzle pieces together?

• Keep reading the Bible. 
• Seek to understand what the original author intended. 
• Consider what came before the passage that you are reading. 
• And then, reflect on how it points to Jesus.

In other words, keep reading and studying the Bible on your own and in groups. We can sharpen one another as we meditate on God's Word and interact with each other. 

The other thing that jumped out to me from my father-in-law’s sermon was the rabbit trail he took us on. He told us he was ‘chasing rabbits’ and stepped aside for a moment to apply an aspect of the text to our everyday lives. In Luke 24:15, we learn that ‘while they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.’ But they didn’t recognize Him. It was good to be reminded that in our trials, in our difficulties and challenges in life, we can know with certainty that Jesus draws near to us. He goes with us through the storms of life. What a word of assurance and comfort! So glad he decided to chase the rabbits.

Do you realize that Jesus is drawing near to you in your situation and context?
Do you recognize that He is with you on the mountains and in the valleys of life? 

May God assure you of His presence. And may He open our eyes to see the beauty of our crucified and risen Savior!

For this week: Read Acts 6:1-7

Have you seen those AT&T commercials? Their slogan is, “Connecting changes everything.” Whether it’s connecting to the internet, a phone call, or a service—AT&T wants you to believe that connection will change your life.

What we find in John 20:1-18 is that connecting with Jesus changes everything. The resurrection changes everything.

As we reflected on a memorable passage for Easter Sunday, we were drawn into an encounter with the Risen Christ. This encounter changed everything for Mary. From sorrow to joy. From confusion to clarity. From hopelessness to purpose.

In a similar way, we are invited on a journey to encounter the Risen Christ. And we are called to respond in the following ways:

#1 – Come and See that Christ is Risen (John 20:1-10)
Already filled with grief, Mary is the first to the tomb, and what she finds is deeply unsettling: the stone is rolled away. So she runs to Peter and John with a desperate report: “They have taken the Lord” (John 20:2)

Peter and John then sprint to the tomb, and what they see changes something in them. The linen cloths are arranged in an orderly manner. John sees this, and he ‘believed’ (John 20:8). He understands the fact of the resurrection, and it leads to faith. Yet he doesn’t fully understand the meaning of the moment.

Where do you turn in times of despair, sorrow, and confusion? Look to the empty tomb.
Where do you turn in times of doubt and skepticism? Examine the empty tomb.

The first step is to come and see the empty tomb. Consider the fact that Christ is risen.

#2 – Hear and Believe that Christ is Risen (John 20:11-16)
While John and Peter head back home, Mary remains at the tomb still filled with sorrow and confusion. And even when Jesus appears to her, she doesn’t recognize Him—until He speaks her name. One word from Jesus changed everything. “Mary.” When she hears her name called out by Jesus, she is changed and transformed. Her sorrow turned to joy. Her confusion turned to clarity. Her despair turned to hope.

How about you? Have you allowed the noise of this world – distractions, busyness, temptations, worldly concerns – drown out the voice of the Risen Christ?

Jesus invites you into a deeper relationship with Him.
Are you listening for the voice of Jesus calling out your name?

The next step is to hear and believe in Him. Listen to His Word and trust in Him.

#3 – Go and Proclaim that Christ is Risen (John 20:17-18)
Mary’s encounter doesn’t end in personal comfort. Jesus gives her a mission: “Go and tell my brothers.” The first person to proclaim the resurrection was Mary Magdalene. A woman with a past, now becomes the first witness for Jesus.

The message of the risen Christ is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It is meant to be shared. From clinging to a commission. From weeping to witnessing.

We are sons and daughters of God. And we are sent ones. Both are essential.
We are not just meant to experience the resurrection—we are called to announce it.
 
Who needs to hear your story of your encounter with Jesus?

In the span of one morning, Mary moves from weeping to witnessing, from hopelessness to purpose. That’s the power of the resurrection. That’s what happens when we encounter the risen Christ.

Where are you on this journey? Do you need to come and see? Do you need to hear and believe? Or is Jesus calling you to go and tell?

Who can you invite to come and see? Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus and believe in Him? And who can you go and tell this week, that Christ is risen?

The empty tomb is an invitation. Connecting with Jesus really does change everything.

For this week: Read Luke 24:13-35

Did you celebrate anything this past week? It was my oldest son’s 18th birthday on Sunday, and we were able to celebrate by going to Texas Roadhouse! We are not able to go there very often, but it is our favorite restaurant. Those rolls! I could get full just on the dinner rolls and butter. Have you tried them? As I’ve said before, when you taste and experience something so amazing, you can’t help but celebrate and proclaim it. Well, that’s what we encounter in the Gospel of John and the arrival of King Jesus on Palm Sunday. He is worth celebrating and proclaiming because of the salvation that He provides.

On Palm Sunday, we remember a moment filled with joy, celebration, and expectation. The crowds gathered in Jerusalem, waving palm branches, shouting ‘Hosanna!’ as Jesus entered the city riding on a young donkey. But what started as a royal welcome would soon take an unexpected turn - leading not to a throne, but to a cross.

In John 12, we are invited to see three responses to Jesus as King: celebration, reflection, and proclamation.

#1 - Celebrate the Salvation of our King (John 12:12-13)
The people celebrated Jesus’ arrival, crying out “Hosanna!”- a plea for salvation. They laid palm branches, a symbol of victory, in His path. But their expectations were misplaced and misguided. They wanted a political savior, someone to rescue them from Roman rule. Still, their instinct to celebrate salvation was right.

Jesus came not to conquer Rome, but to conquer sin and death. He came to save us from eternal separation from God. If we’ve experienced that salvation, we have every reason to celebrate every day.

What we celebrate reveals what we value.
So, are we celebrating Christ and the salvation He brings with the same enthusiasm we give to birthdays, graduations, or promotions?

What are you most tempted to celebrate over Jesus? How can you practically express joy in your salvation this week?

#2 - Reflect on the Promises of Our King (John 12:14-16)
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He rode on a donkey–not a war horse. This fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 and revealed His identity as a humble, servant King, who would bring peace.

At the time, even His disciples didn’t understand what was happening. It wasn’t until after Jesus' death and resurrection that things started to make sense to them. That gives us hope: we may not understand everything God is doing right now, but with time, reflection, and the Spirit’s help, we will.
 
Being a disciple isn’t about knowing everything. Rather, it involves staying committed to Christ and growing in understanding.
Let’s reflect regularly on the God’s Word, trusting that God will bring clarity in His time.
 
Are there truths in Scripture you struggle to understand or apply? How might regular reflection and prayer help you grow in clarity?

#3 - Proclaim the Power of our King (John 12:17-19)
Those who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead couldn’t keep it to themselves. Their testimonies sparked curiosity and drew more people to Jesus. This resulted in the religious leaders watching in frustration as “the world has gone after Him” (v19).

If you are trusting in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you have a story to share. A story of how Jesus rescued you, brought you from death to life, and gave you eternal hope.
Sharing that story might lead someone else to seek Him.

Who in your life needs to hear what Jesus has done for you? What’s one way you can share your story this week?

As we remember Palm Sunday, we are called to respond with hearts full of celebration, minds open to reflection, and voices bold in proclamation.

Our King has come! Our King is coming again! How will you respond?

For this week: Read John 20:1-18

So often when we watch a movie or tv show, we are left wondering what’s going to happen next. That is typically where you encounter the climax of the story, which eventually leads to a resolution.

Have you noticed that in shows before? They just stop the episode with a cliffhanger, or with the words “To Be Continued...” only to leave wishing that you could immediately watch the next scene and see how things will get resolved.

Well, I’m not saying I did that well in my presentation of Acts 5:12-26. Perhaps you weren’t wondering what was coming next. But it was a “To Be Continued...” moment.
This past Sunday, as we unpacked Acts 5:27-42, we picked up at the 2nd half of the story, and observed the resolution of what went down with the apostles after being put in prison by the Jewish leaders, released by the angel, and then arrested again by the Jewish leaders.

In Acts 5:27-42, we see several points of application for us, when we face suffering and persecution for our faith in Christ.
 
#1 – Submit to God’s authority in your life. (Acts 5:27-32)
The apostles were pressured to give in to the Jewish authorities, which would have resulted in disobedience to God. We too can be tempted to give in to peer pressure, or be swayed by the culture or the opinion of others or even political powers. But it takes courage to say like Peter and the apostles, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

We must feel the tension though, that submitting to God in your life, doesn’t mean rejecting all other authority figures in your life. Scripture is clear, that we are to submit to and honor those in authority over us, even those who are evil. It takes wisdom to know how to obey the Lord and submit to human authorities.  

And ultimately, we are to submit to God as the authority over us.
Have you given Him control of all aspects of your life? Have you placed yourself under the authority of Bible, allowing God's Word to determine, dictate, and direct your life?

#2 – Rejoice in God. (Acts 5:33-41)
One of the hardest things to do, at least for me, is to rejoice in God in the midst of suffering. But that’s what the apostles did. The Jewish authorities were enraged and wanted to kill the followers of Jesus. After they were given some sound advice, they chose instead to “beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go” (Acts 5:40).
To which the apostles left “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (Acts 5:41).

How can you rejoice in God when you suffer for following Jesus? When you encounter opposition for being a Christian, how do you not only survive, but thrive?

For me that’s incredibly difficult. But I have come to the realization that if I focus my mind on the reward of heaven and being with Jesus, I can endure and rejoice. And, if I can see how God can use it make an impact in someone else’s life in a saving way, I can endure and rejoice.

How about you? Have you experienced mistreatment for being a Christian? How did you find joy in the midst of suffering?

#3 – Do not stop sharing the gospel. (Acts 5:42)
It is quite convicting to think that these followers of Jesus, after being persecuted and mistreated, continued to go about their business of “teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus” (Acts 5:42). And to think they did this on a daily basis, in the temple and from house to house, is quite remarkable.

They give us an example here of what their lives revolved around. Their entire lives centered around Jesus and making Him known. They enjoyed being in the company of other believers. They shared their lives with each other. They were connected to Christ and to each other.

And that’s my encouragement and challenge for you.

• Prioritize the preaching and teaching of the Bible.
• Prioritize being connected to the church family.
• Find ways to share your life with other Christians.

And in doing so, we are following the example of the early church, bearing witness to Jesus, and trusting in the promise of Christ to build His church.

For this week: Read John 12:12-26
 

I was reading an article this morning on the persecuted church, when I came across some astounding and sobering statistics. The article stated that research reveals that “over 380 million Christians around the world suffer persecution or discrimination for their faith in Jesus Christ. That means they experience some kind of hostility as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus or living out their faith.”

They define Christian persecution as “any hostility experienced as a result of proclaiming the name of Jesus.” That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment and even death.”

This should drive us to our knees in prayer to God. Not only for their protection, but also for their endurance to remain faithful to Christ. And that God would use it to advance the gospel, and give us boldness where we live today.

Christians in other parts of the world experience firsthand what the early church faced in Acts 5. They are giving evidence to the truth of the gospel, because in the midst of opposition they continue to go and tell people about Jesus. And they remain faithful wherever the Lord places them.

As we consider the example of the early church and the apostles in Acts 5:12-26, several truths stand out in our efforts to follow Christ in the midst of opposition.

#1 – Give evidence to the truth of the gospel. (Acts 5:12-16)
The apostles were performing signs and wonders before the people, on a regular basis. And people were witnessing the truth of the gospel.
Some people were afraid to join them. And yet, the believers were added to the Lord in great numbers.

What does fear drive you to do, or keep you from doing? 
Would you describe your relationship with Jesus as being a ‘committed follower,' or a ‘casual follower’?
What steps are you taking to move toward being a committed follower of Jesus?

As Christians, we are called to live out our faith and give evidence with our actions to the good news of Jesus. We won’t do this perfectly, but the pattern of our life is to be characterized by a serious commitment to Jesus.

#2 – Go and tell people about Jesus. (Acts 5:17-21a)
The apostles faced opposition for their faith. They were arrested and thrown into prison. But an angel of the Lord rescued them one night. He opened the prison doors and told them to ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life' (Acts 5:20). And that’s exactly what they did.

God freed the followers of Christ to go serve Him and speak about Him. They were not to remain silent. They were entrusted with Christ’s mission and message about eternal life...and they were compelled to continue to share!

The good news of Jesus is the message that brings eternal life!
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

You can have assurance of eternal life with Christ, if you would turn away from your sins, and trust in Him alone as your Savior and Lord.
We are freed from sin, to serve Him and to tell people about Jesus.

Who have you shared the good news of Jesus with this week? I would love to hear!
You can start with your family and friends. Believers or unbelievers.
We all need to keep hearing the good news of Jesus!

#3 – Be faithful to the Lord, wherever He places you. (Acts 5:21b-26)
The news eventually made its way back to the Jewish leaders that the apostles somehow got out of prison and were back in the temple telling people about Jesus.
The officers then brought them back, but not by force.
The apostles were trusting in the Lord and seeking to be witnesses of Jesus wherever He placed them.

Sometimes the Lord delivers his people from opposition. But as the persecuted Christians around the world would remind us today, even if we are not delivered in this life, the Lord strengthens us to persevere, just like the apostles did.

Wherever God has placed you, in whatever situation He has put you in, be faithful to Him. Give evidence to the truth of the gospel. Look for opportunities to share your life, and the message that brings eternal life.

For this week: Read Acts 5:27-42

Did your team advance in March Madness? Were you rooting for a ‘Cinderella’ story? My team isn’t necessarily considered a Cinderella, but it sure has felt like a rags to riches story. As you may know, my favorite sports team is Michigan. Even though I didn’t grow up in Michigan, I have enjoyed watching them since I was 8 years old. Last year, Michigan finished in last place in their conference. And this year, the story has completely flipped. After winning the Big Ten tournament championship, they have gone on to advance to the Sweet 16. And I suspect, that’s where their story will end.
But, enough about basketball. What does this have to do with the story that we looked at in Acts 4:32-5:11 on Sunday?

I compared church life, and our church community to that of a team in March Madness.
Anyone who has been a part of a team (and it doesn’t have to be sports), recognizes the challenges and joys that they face, in their efforts and attempts to survive and advance.
Teams face adversity from the outside. Players on the same team have common opponents.  And the coach strives to give the team a shared mission and goal. And he strives to create unity and chemistry within the group. And as the team develops, each player recognizes that they have a role to play that might look different than someone else’s, but it serves for the benefit of the entire team. When a player doesn’t support or share in the same mission, they either get disciplined in some way, or now days, they enter the transfer portal.

Well, as I’ve said, a church community is a lot like a team.

In Acts 4:32-5:11, Luke gives us another brief summary of the early church (see Acts 2:42-47). The early church was a fellowship of believers that expressed itself in unity, generosity, and holiness.

They were united around the gospel of Christ. They shared their possessions with one another. They displayed generosity. But when one couple failed to live this way, the Lord brought judgment upon them. And this served to highlight the need for holiness and integrity in the church community.

And there are a lot of lessons that we can learn from their example. Let me list 3.

#1 – We are to be characterized by unity. (Acts 4:32-33)
This involves having...
(1) A Shared Mindset. One that seeks what is best for the team. One that recognizes our common opponent, which is not people, but Satan and his minions.
(2) A Shared Message. This message is the good news of Jesus Christ.
A church’s statement of faith, which summarizes the essential Christian beliefs also serves to unite a church community around the same Biblical convictions.
(3) A Shared Mission. It shouldn’t take you long to figure out what our mission is at Pleasant Ridge. I share it almost every week when we gather together. It is “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known.” It is a mission that we are to carry out beyond our walls. It is a mission to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

#2 – We are to be characterized by sacrificial love and concern. (Acts 4:34-37)
If my first application highlights ‘who we are’, this point emphasizes ‘what we do.’
When a group is united in the way we are called to be, this is often evident in what we do for each other. We are to display a sacrificial love and concern for one another, as we meet their practical needs. When we do this, like Barnabas, we encourage not only the one we bless with our gift, but the entire team.

What are ways you have encouraged someone with your sacrificial care? How have you joyfully met the needs of others? Was it with your time, your service, or your possessions?

I have experienced this in countless ways from our church. I am extremely grateful for the generosity that is displayed to me on a regular basis. Let’s pay it forward and bless others as well.

#3 – We are to be characterized by holiness. (Acts 5:1-11)
Sometimes when we see teams that are succeeding, we think everything is perfect. They don’t deal with any problems. I have been coaching different sports for a long time (over 20 years), and I learned quite early on, that just because your team is succeeding, it’s not perfect. Behind closed doors there are still challenges. The same is true in church life.
Even though the early church was growing and the gospel was advancing, they were not perfect. Even with 'the best coaches' out there (who wouldn’t want Peter, James, and John leading this team?!), they still had challenges in the group.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us of the early challenges. It reminds us of what God thinks of sin. It reminds us that if sin goes unchecked, it can spread throughout a group like a cancer. It reminds us of the mercy of God toward us, sinners saved by God’s grace. In God’s kindness, he warns us of judgment, that we might pursue holiness and integrity, so that we might be better used by Him, and display His beauty to those around us.

My encouragement to you is to Pursue Christ! Pursue Unity, Generosity, and Holiness. Strive to be a light shining in a world of darkness, deceit, and division.

For this week: Read Acts 5:12-26

Have you had any gospel conversations this week? Have you told anyone the good news of what the Lord has done for you? It could be with your spouse, your kids, your friends, or your co-workers. How did they respond? I hope it has led you to, Share. Pray. Repeat.

Like I’ve said before, it is easy to talk about things that we either know people will agree with us on, or that we are passionate about. How about the weather? Are you loving the storm? Is anyone else excited about March Madness? Those things are easy to discuss.

This past Sunday, we saw the disciples’ passion for telling people about Jesus. Having been released from outside threats, they return and share with their friends what happened. Their friends then prayed for them. And then they “continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
 
In application, they gave us an example to follow.

#1 – View the church as your friends. (Acts 4:23)
Do you have a church that you could call ‘friends’ or ‘family’ or ‘your own?’ I would encourage you to find friends in a local church. Friendship is not about you. You were made for friendship. We need a variety of friendships in our lives. Friendship is about love. Some friendships will be deeper than others. Look for ways to further develop those friendships and relationships.

Where do you turn when you are excited, in need, or overwhelmed? I turn to my friends. And I also strive to turn to the Lord in prayer and in Scripture. I would encourage you to do the same.

#2 – Go to the Lord in prayer. (Acts 4:24-30)
The reaction of the church was to turn to the Lord in prayer. And specifically, they prayed, not for deliverance from difficulty but for courage to tell people about Jesus. That’s hard to do. I would have asked the Lord to remove the obstacle. But instead, it’s as though they prayed – “Don’t change my circumstance, but change me in my circumstance. Give me boldness to tell people about Jesus.”

What are the things you pray for? How do you pray for other people? When I pray for my church, I pray that God would give each member strength to be witnesses for Jesus, in whatever circumstance they face!
Friends, let me know how else I can pray for you! Go to the "Prayer Requests" section and fill out the form. It goes directly to me.

#3 – Continue to tell people about Jesus. (Acts 4:31)
The disciples continued to share the good news of Jesus with boldness. God answered their prayers and allowed them to keep spreading the gospel. And they continued, because they understood their mission and their purpose. Do you understand your purpose? We are to join in Jesus’ mission of making disciples.

So, I end where I started. Have you had any gospel conversations this week? If not, I pray that God would give you the ability to see opportunities. If not, start right there in your own home with those you know and love. Tell them what the Lord has done for you.
And if so, SHARE that with your friends. Allow them to PRAY for you. And then REPEAT.

For this week: Read Acts 4:32-5:11

Did you get ice cream from Dairy Mart this week? As I drive through town, I am often amazed, not only by the lines at Dairy Mart, but the cars that I see after they leave Dairy Mart. Almost every time, I see a driver holding out their ice cream cone, which is visible through the windshield as you pass by their car. Perhaps you see this too. I know. I know. We hold out the ice cream so we can keep our eyes on the road and still eat our ice cream cone. But it’s fun to think about it in terms of showcasing for all to see that they just got Lemon Ice Cream.

As I mentioned on Sunday, one of the things Glidden is known for, is Lemon Ice Cream from Dairy Mart. News about it has spread to other parts of Iowa. And people come to Glidden because they want to try it. I don’t know about you, but even if I have never had that kind of ice cream, it sure makes me interested in trying it.

Why do we tell them about it? Because of our experience. We have tasted and seen the goodness of Lemon Ice Cream!

I wonder, if this is what the early followers of Jesus experienced, when they couldn’t “help but speak about what we have seen and heard.” They couldn’t keep the good news about Jesus to themselves. They had been with Jesus. And had been changed by Jesus. And it moved them to tell others about Jesus. They showcased Jesus with their lips and their lives.

What if we had that passion to tell others about Jesus, the way we talk about Lemon Ice Cream (or whatever it might be that we love)? Maybe, just maybe, it would lead to the spread of the gospel, the bold proclamation of the gospel, and people praising God because of it.

That’s what we encounter in Acts 4:1-22, as the disciples are arrested, questioned, threatened and then released.

In application:
#1 – Believe in Jesus. 
He is the only way to be saved. Make him the cornerstone of your life.
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

#2 – Spend time with Jesus. 
The disciples were recognized as those who “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Spend time with him each day in the Bible. Make it a priority to gather with other believers where you can be with Jesus together. In healthy relationships, our love for someone grows the more we spend time with them. So it is in our relationship with Jesus.

#3 – Boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus. 
Spread the good news of Jesus to those around you. Be bold. Have courage and speak clearly about what Jesus has done for you.

Who knows, God may use you, so that others might “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).

For this week: Read Acts 4:23-31
 

How often do you pay attention to signs? You know, like road signs or building signs. Whether it’s a sign telling you to how far away you are from a destination, or a warning sign telling you to avoid heading down a certain path, or a sign outside the store telling you about the benefits you receive, we understand the significance of signs.

Signs point beyond themselves to something else. Signs provide information, give direction, promote or warn. Signs spur the viewer into action.

When I think of all the signs that I encounter in a week, I am reminded of the early signs that were performed by the apostles. In Acts 3, we observe the sign of healing that was performed by Peter and John. It was a miracle that came with a message. It was intended to draw the audience’s attention to the risen and exalted Christ. It was intended to spur the crowd to repentance and faith in Jesus.

As we reflected on Acts 3 on Sunday, the miracle Peter performed and the message he proclaimed should cause us to pause and consider the characters that were involved as we seek its relevance for our lives.
 
Who do you relate to in the story?

#1 - Consider the Crippled Beggar 
"But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (Acts 3:6-8)

The lame man was born with an ailment, and he couldn’t do anything to fix it on his own. We are in a similar situation spiritually apart from Christ.

We enter the world spiritually crippled, poor, and helpless. Unable to provide for ourselves what we truly need in our life. Our only hope is Jesus. Salvation is accomplished by the power of Christ.

Our heart response should be similar. Leap with joy and praise God! Participate in community life together.

Are you praising God for the miracle of salvation?
Do you praise God for the changed life that has taken place?
Would others notice that a miracle has taken place in your life?

#2 - Consider the Crowd

Following this miracle, the crowd was filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened.

And then, Peter said to them: “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you” (Acts 3:17-20)

Peter tells them to repent and turn back, and they would receive the benefits of total forgiveness, spiritual refreshment, and full restoration.

Even though they had crucified Jesus, the offer of salvation was still available.
Even though we have sinned time and time again, the offer still stands. We are never too far gone or too lost that God’s merciful hand can’t reach out and rescue us.

You can be forgiven of all your sins, by repenting and trusting in Jesus to save you!

Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus to save you?

#3 - Consider the Christ-followers

The disciples saw this moment as an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. They used this miracle to spread the hope of the gospel.

Take the opportunities that you have been given to share the good news of Jesus.

Who can you share the good news of Jesus with this week?

For this week: Read Acts 4:1-22

I still remember watching or hearing about our kids taking their first steps. I remember the excitement of finding out that they took a step. And then another step. And then another step...until it finally characterized their daily movements.
When I think of those first steps and next steps in a church setting, I’m reminded of the birth of the church (Acts 2), their first steps, and the next steps that they took, which eventually characterized their lives together in Acts 2:41-47.

These steps included...
#1 - Conversion (Acts 2:41)
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

Peter had just proclaimed the gospel of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit convicted the people of their sins. They received Peter’s message and were born again. They repented of their sins. Trusted in Jesus to save them. Were baptized. And added to the church.

How about you?

• Have you repented of your sins?
• Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
• Have you been baptized?
• Have you joined a local church?

Take the first steps: Repent and Believe in Jesus. Be Baptized. And Join a local church.

#2 - Devotion (Acts 2:42-43)
Following their conversion, Luke says that the early church took the next steps. They “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers.”

What are you devoted to? Are you devoted to the teaching of God’s Word? Are you devoted to sharing life together? What do your time, treasure, and talents reveal?

Take the next step by joining a group to grow in the Bible and in relationships.

#3 - Fellowship (Acts 2:44-46)
Luke unpacks further what this idea of fellowship looked like in the early church. These young believers had all things in common. They gathered together on a regular basis. They ate meals together. They shared what they had with each other. They were hospitable. They were generous. They were a loving community.
They were united around a common goal and purpose: the advancement of the gospel and the building up of each other.

Do you love gathering with other Christians?

Take the next step: Find a group of Christians that you can share your life with. Find a place to serve in your local church.

#4 - Evangelism (2:47)
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

The lifestyle of this young Christian community had an impact on the people around them, when they proclaimed the good news of Jesus. The Lord saved. The Lord added. Other people took the first step and were born again. And then the process of next steps continued.

Take the next step: Go and share the good news of Jesus.

I am excited to find out what next step you are going to take.
What is your NEXT STEP? Let me know in the comments below!

For this week: Read Acts 3

Did you have one of those ‘I wish I was there’ moments this week? What has been your ‘I wish I was there’ moment?
Sometimes these moments can happen in good situations or in bad situations. As I mentioned on Sunday, Peter’s first sermon on the day of Pentecost is one of those moments for me, as he shared the gospel with boldness and clarity, and as the Spirit of God convicted people of sin and thousands repented of their sins and publicly identified with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

In Peter’s sermon, he answered the question ‘Who is the Lord that we are to call upon and so be saved?’ To which he explains that the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus resulted in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the bold proclamation of the gospel in their own languages, which the people observed. Jesus is the Lord whom we are to call upon and so be saved.

1. You crucified Jesus, but God raised Him from the dead. (Acts 2:22-32)
2. You crucified Jesus, but God exalted Him as Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:33-36)
3. You crucified Jesus, but God is willing and able to save you! (Acts 2:37-40)

So then, how are we to respond to this good news?

#1 – Repent
The initial response to the good news of Jesus, is to REPENT. Turn away from your sins and trust in Jesus Christ to save you!
Have you repented of your sins? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?
If you haven’t, I would plead with you to do so! And if you are interested in hearing more, I would love to talk with you about this.
 
#2 – Be Baptized
The outward action and expression that flows from repentance and faith in Christ is baptism. It is to publicly identify with Christ.
Have you been baptized? Are you interested in publicly identifying with Jesus? If so, please let me know.

We have a promise in Scripture, that all who repent of their sins, and trust in Jesus alone for salvation, will be forgiven of their sins, receive the Holy Spirit, and are granted eternal life with God.

For this week: Read Acts 2:41-47

I’m not sure if you watched the Super Bowl. Maybe you tuned in for the commercials. Maybe you tuned in to hear Lauren Daigle perform ‘America the Beautiful.’ Maybe you tuned in to watch the game, because that’s just what we always do. I heard today that it was the most watched Super Bowl of all time with 126M viewers.

While I was watching the game, I was shocked. I was surprised, astonished, and amazed. I’m guessing that not too many people expected the game to go the way it did. Personally, I was stunned by the outcome of the game.

Just think, fans from both teams were filled with great anticipation and excitement, as they celebrated the Super Bowl festivities leading up to the game. They were filled with hope, believing that their team would be successful and be crowned Super Bowl Champions.

But when the game concluded, it left people with mixed emotions and responses. If you were a Chiefs fan, certainly you would be disappointed and devasted that your team had the opportunity to 3-peat, but underperformed on the biggest stage. And if you were an Eagles fan, or a Cooper DeJean fan, you were thrilled. Excited and ecstatic that they knocked off the defending champs.

This reminds me, in some way, of what I addressed in my sermon on Sunday: the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21). An annual celebration, that Jews participated in as they gathered together from all different locations, to take part in the festivities in Jerusalem.

On this occasion, something unique took place. The Holy Spirit filled the believers, and they began to speak in other languages that they had never learned. This led to mixed responses from the crowd. It led to shock and amazement, curiosity and confusion.

What can we take away from this annual celebration in Acts 2:1-21?

#1 – Be encouraged that the Holy Spirit is given to you by faith in Christ. 
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God’s Spirit now dwells within you and fills you, so that you might be empowered to bear witness to Jesus.

#2 – Be amazed by the mighty work of God.
There is no middle ground in how we respond to Jesus. We are either for him or against him. Some from the crowd mocked the message of the disciples, while others were amazed and wanted to know more. Don’t be surprised by the different responses that you encounter.
We are to be amazed by God’s love for us in Jesus. That God sent His Son to die on the cross for sinners and rise again on the 3rd day, so that all who trust in Him will be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life.

#3 – Call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved.
We are living in the last days. We should feel the urgency of the call to turn to Jesus. This good news is for everyone. It is for anyone who would call upon Jesus to save them. It doesn’t matter your race, class, gender, age, or background. It doesn’t matter what you have done or how many times you have done it. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For this week: Read Acts 2:22-40

As we all know, we need constant reminders. I am prone to forget things. I am prone to forget birthdays, events, practice times, bus departures, appointments, and many more. We need reminders to help us. This is not surprising or new to us. Memorials were established in the Old Testament, so that God’s people might not forget what He had done for them. And in the New Testament, the apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 3:1, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder.”
So...this Pastor’s corner is intended to do just that. To remind you of what we have learned so that you might be encouraged to love and good works.

This past week, we reflected on Acts 1:12-26.

Here are the application points from Sunday:
#1 – Devote to prayer.  
Who are you praying for? Who are you praying with? How can I be praying for you?
Like I said, I need reminders. One of our members told me about a Prayer App on our phones, where you can get reminders to pray for specific people. I love getting reminders early in the morning when I wake up. Click on the link to check out the App. It’s called “Prayminder”
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prayminder/id1309466339

#2 – Be guided by God’s Word.
What are you reading in the Bible?
Consider reading the passage that will be preached each week. This is what I used to do when I wasn’t preaching. It helped me be more engaged with the sermon on Sunday morning.

#3 – Trust in God’s perfect plan.
What do you need to trust God with? Your family? Your finances? Your future?
When obstacles and difficulty come our way, keep trusting that God is working out His perfect plan for you.
Plan time when you can spend with God each day.

For this week: Read Acts 2:1-21.