Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 6:7-15 together. This passage gave us the opportunity to step back and consider the big picture of the book of Acts so far. We especially saw that Jesus is spreading God’s Word through His servants by the power of the Holy Spirit, even though we suffer. This encourages us that ultimately the salvation of others depends on the work of God’s Spirit and not on our own ability. Yes, God graciously uses ordinary people like us as His servants to share the message of Jesus with others in word and deed. Ultimately, however, it is only the Holy Spirit who can change anyone’s heart. This week, take some time to pray for non-Christians you know, asking God to give you opportunities to talk with them about your faith, but even more, asking God to change their hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 6:1-7 together. As the early church grew in numbers, they were faced with new problems: people started to slip through the cracks and get missed. The apostles’ plan to address this problem was to establish church government. The apostles would devote themselves to prayer and proclamation, while the deacons would focus on practical ministry and caring for material needs in the church. The result of this church government was the continued progress and growth of the church. What does all of this have to do with us? We saw that church government is actually a beautiful gift from God. God has given each one of us different gifts, and it is only when each person in the church—elders, deacons, and members—use their own unique gifts that the whole church continues to grow and thrive. This week, take some time to thank God for All Nations. Then, prayerfully consider how you can use the specific gifts God has given you to serve God and others at this church.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Philippians 1:18-26 together. In this passage, the apostle Paul looks ahead to his trial before the Roman authorities and considers the two possible outcomes of that trial: life or death. In the process, we see what matters most for Paul. In particular, Paul rejoices at the thought that Jesus Christ will be honoured, regardless of whether Paul lives or dies. If he lives, Paul resolves to spend the rest of his life serving Jesus Christ and working for the spiritual good of others. If he dies, Paul knows that he will go to be with Jesus Christ in glory. This week, take some time to re-read Philippians 1:18-26. Then, consider what it is that matters most to you in life and death. Prayerfully consider how you can use the life that God has given you to serve Him faithfully.

Last Sunday afternoon, we welcomed new members, witnessed a baptism, and heard from Psalm 103 together. This psalm especially encourages us to stop and remember all of God’s countless gifts to us. We especially thought about how God has given so many gifts to us as individuals and as a church family, we remembered God’s immeasurable love and forgiveness to us in Jesus Christ, and we rejoiced in God’s covenant faithfulness to us and to our children. This week, take some time to re-read Psalm 103. Then, talk with your family or friends about some of the ways God has been gracious to you and thank God for His gifts together.

Last Sunday afternoon, we looked at the topic of miracles from Acts 5:12-16. We saw that miracles in the Bible always have the technical sense of being special signs that point to and confirm the truth of Jesus Christ. As special signs that point to Jesus, miracles in the Bible are always connected to specially appointed messengers like the OT prophets or the NT apostles. Now that the apostolic foundation of the church has been laid (Eph 2:20) and now that we have the completed Bible testifying to Jesus Christ, we do not need miracles in this technical, Biblical sense anymore. Yet, we also saw that we often speak of miracles in a much looser sense as anything that we cannot explain scientifically, or even more loosely, as something unexpected. In these looser, more general senses, miracles are no longer tied to specific individuals, they do not serve to directly confirm the truth of Jesus, and they are not necessary for our faith. Significantly, we saw that we should never allow the possibility of God working a miracle to make us neglect our God-given responsibilities to work faithfully and take care of our bodies. Even more, we should not let a desire for the miraculous blind us to God’s normal, ordinary providential care in our lives. Indeed, even now, God is still calling spiritually dead sinners to new life in Jesus, a far greater miracle than merely physical healing. This week, take some time to thank God for all the ways that He is at work in your life, whether they seem unexpected and “miraculous,” or whether they seem ordinary and quiet.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:32-37 together. This passage gives us a picture of a healthy church. In particular, it highlights the importance of ministering in both word and deed. First, Luke shows us that the church should be a place where we show practical love, care, and generosity to one another. How can we learn to be generous to others? Only when we recognize that we are all sinners saved by Jesus, and all that we have ultimately belongs to God. Second, Luke shows us that the church faithfully proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. We saw that while it is important to love and serve others, we also need to be hear and proclaim the message of Jesus, for He is the only hope for sinners. This week, take some time to pray about how you can use what God has given you to serve others in practical ways and to consider how you can speak to people around you about Jesus this week. Then, empowered by God’s Spirit, seek to serve in word and in deed.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:23-31 together. This passage shows us the disciples’ response to the threats and persecution they faced from the religious leaders. We especially saw that the disciples respond by remembering God’s sovereignty. Even though they were facing suffering, the disciples were confident that God is sovereign, in control of everything that happens. God’s sovereignty is especially clear at the cross, where God overruled even the sinful intentions of the religious leaders to bring our salvation through Jesus’ death. All of this reminds us that whatever is happening in our lives, as Christians we are safe in God’s sovereign care. Second, we saw that the disciples’ faith in God’s sovereignty leads them to pray. Because God is in control of everything, the disciples pray to God, asking God to continue spreading the good news of Jesus. This reminds us that while we can pray to God about absolutely anything, we should especially pray for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the honor of Christ’s name. This week, take some time to thank God for His sovereign care of your life, and pray to Him about whatever is on your heart—including the salvation of non-Christians you know.