Last Sunday afternoon we continued our series in Acts by hearing from Acts 12:1-17 together. In this passage, we saw Christians facing persecution, with James killed and Peter imprisoned. How did the church respond to this suffering? They gathered to pray to God together, reminding us of the value of prayer with other Christians. Yet, despite their earnest prayers, when God actually answered them and saved Peter from prison, the church was completely shocked and surprised. Like the early church, we too sometimes doubt that God can or will answer our prayers. The encouraging reminder of Acts 12 is that God continues to work and answer our prayers even when we struggle with questions and doubts. At the same time, however, God does not promise to always give us exactly what we ask for. Although God saved Peter from prison, God allowed James to die. This shows us that there is a mystery to God’s ways and a mystery to how God answers our prayers in this life. Amid all the surprises and mysteries, our hope remains in Jesus Christ, who died to save us from our sins and who lives to intercede for us even now. This week, thank God that the answers to our prayers do not depend on us but on God’s mercy and grace in Jesus Christ. Then, just keep praying for the things on your heart, trusting that God will answer us in the way that is truly best.

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our series in Acts by looking at the church in Antioch in Acts 11:19-30. We especially saw that the Antioch church was the first All Nations Church—the first church made up of Jews and Gentiles from all nations. We are blessed to be a part of a church like Antioch, a church where we can see that same reality of all nations. At the same time, we need to continue working to include and welcome everyone God brings to us, not just the people who look or sound most like us. We also saw that the church in Antioch joyfully served God and one another, because their ultimate motivation and the deepest thing that united them was Jesus Christ. This week, take some time to thank God for the blessing of being part of a church full of all nations. Then, pray and look for opportunities to welcome, serve, and encourage all the people who God brings through our doors.

Last Sunday afternoon, we resumed our sermon series in the book of Acts together. We saw that Acts is Volume #2 in Luke’s two-volume history of Jesus Christ. Volume #1, the gospel according to Luke, focuses on what Jesus began to do and teach, especially showing us that the Lord Jesus Christ lived and died and rose again to save us from our sins. Volume #2, the book of Acts, focuses on what the risen Lord Jesus Christ continues to do and teach from His throne in heaven. Although Jesus is seated in heaven, the book of Acts reminds us that He is still at work in this world, building His church and spreading His word by the power of His Spirit. With this in mind, Acts 11 especially shows us that Jesus is building His church among all nations—Jews and Gentiles alike. This week, take some time to thank God that Jesus is seated on the throne and still at work in our lives and in this world. Pray that King Jesus would continue to spread the waves of the gospel among all nations, here in Perth and to the ends of the earth.

Last Sunday afternoon, we finished our sermon series considering our church’s core beliefs by thinking about the sacraments together. We saw that the sacraments are signs and seals of the gospel, pointing us to Jesus Christ and assuring us of God’s promises. In particular, baptism points us to Jesus’ work cleansing our hearts from sin and pouring out the Holy Spirit on God’s people. The Lord’s Supper points us to Jesus’ body and blood given for our forgiveness. Yet, the sacraments do not work “automatically.” God’s gospel promises must be received and embraced by repentance and faith. This week, take some time to thank God for the wonderful gift of the sacraments. Reflect on your baptism and give thanks to God for the promises it symbolizes and seals. Prepare your hearts prayerfully for the next time we take the Lord’s Supper together, as we both remember Christ’s death and look forward to His return.