Last Sunday afternoon, we heard the story of Saul’s conversion from Acts 9:1-19 together. We saw that Saul was a persecutor, a blasphemer, and a violent opponent of Christians, even approving of Stephen’s murder. Yet even though Saul was not searching for Jesus, Jesus appeared and saved Saul. Not only did God save Saul, God also commissioned Saul as a missionary to take the gospel to the Gentiles. We saw that this remarkable true story has much to teach us. We were all spiritually blind, lost, and unable to save ourselves, but in His mercy and grace, Jesus saved us. Even more, if Jesus can save Saul, then Jesus can save absolutely anyone—including even our most hard-hearted friends. And just like Saul, God doesn’t just save us; God also uses even weak and unlikely people like us as His messengers to share the gospel with others. This week, take some time to thank God for His mercy to you in Jesus Christ, continue to pray for God to show that same mercy and grace to the people you love, and look for opportunities to speak about Jesus to others around you.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 8:26-40 together. In this memorable passage, we meet an Ethiopian eunuch. We saw that this eunuch was rich and powerful, but he was missing what is most important—he could not enter into the temple. Yet, in a divine appointment, the eunuch who had almost everything met Philip, who explained the good news of Jesus from Isaiah 53. Jesus is the suffering servant promised in Isaiah 53; in fact, just as Isaiah prophesied, Jesus died to pay for our sins and then rose again from the dead. The eunuch hears the good news of what Jesus has done, he believes in Jesus, and he is baptized.  The eunuch’s conversion and baptism fulfills the promise of Isaiah 56 that God would save and welcome even eunuchs, giving them a salvation better than sons and daughters. This week, take some time to thank God for sending Jesus to suffer and die for our sins. Thank God that He saves and welcomes even outcasts like us. Then, look for opportunities to share this wonderful news with people around us who have so much, but are missing what is eternally important.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 8:4-25 together. In this passage, we saw the gospel breaks into Samaria for the first time. This is an incredibly momentous event, as the Jews and Samaritans had a long history of deep conflict. The Samaritans were part of the northern tribes who broke away from David’s line and became the Northern Kingdom of Israel centuries before. Even worse, they had intermarried with people who worshipped foreign gods, they used a different Bible than the Jews, and they worshipped at a different temple. Yet, despite these deep and long differences, when the Samaritans hear about Jesus, they believe in Him and receive the Holy Spirit. We saw that this event is part of the fulfillment of God’s OT promise to reunite His people. Even more, it reminds us that the gospel is for all kinds of people from all kinds of different backgrounds. Indeed, Jesus Christ can forgive and reunite even old enemies! This week, thank God that Jesus brings forgiveness even to people like us. Then, take some time to consider if there are other Christians with whom you have a strained relationship. Ask God for help to move forward in that relationship together, remembering that God has reunited us in Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 7:54-8:8 together. In this passage, Stephen is killed for his faith in Jesus. A widespread persecution then breaks out against the church, and believers are scattered across Judea and Samaria, where they carry the gospel into a new region. We especially saw that as Christians, we will suffer for our faith. Yet, even in our suffering, there is hope. Jesus Christ our Savior has suffered before us, dying to pay for our sins. Not only that, but God also uses our suffering to spread His Word in this world. One day, our suffering will be over, and Jesus Christ will welcome us His blood-bought children home to glory. This week, take some time to thank God for Jesus Christ who suffered and died to save us. Then, ask for strength from the Holy Spirit to face whatever suffering you are experiencing with patience, faith, and grace.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Stephen’s speech in Acts 7:1-53 together. We especially considered how Stephen answers the charge that he speaks against the temple. We saw that Stephen’s basic point was this: God’s presence has never been limited to the temple. The temple was a gracious gift and a regular reminder of God’s willingness to live among His people, but the temple was never meant to be a box that limited God. We also saw that the temple was temporary; it was always pointing forward to Jesus, the true temple, God with us. Even more, we saw that all those who believe in Jesus are united to Him by faith and filled with the Holy Spirit, so that we too become a temple of the living God. What does all of this mean for us? It means that as a temple of the Holy Spirit, we should flee from sin and glorify God with our bodies, and it also means that God is with us in the ups and downs of our lives. This week, take some time to thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and ask for His help to address specific sins in your life.

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.