True love for the people of God, may be distinguished from natural kindness or party attachments, by its being united with love of God, and obedience to his commands. The same Holy Spirit that taught love, will have taught obedience also; and that man cannot truly love the children of God, who, by habit, commits sin or neglects known duty. As God's commands are holy, just, and good rules of liberty and happiness, so those who are born of God and love him, do not count them grievous, but lament that they cannot serve him more perfectly.

The two chapters of Acts that we are going to consider this week are largely factual and filled with historical detail. Let’s refuse to settle, though, for a purely intellectual study. Luke tells us in Acts 7:55 that Stephen “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God.” Let’s ask God for that this week – that He would show us His glory, that He would reveal Himself to us through His written Word.

The two chapters of Acts that we are going to consider this week are largely factual and filled with historical detail. Let’s refuse to settle, though, for a purely intellectual study. Luke tells us in Acts 7:55 that Stephen “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God.” Let’s ask God for that this week – that He would show us His glory, that He would reveal Himself to us through His written Word.

So far Jesus Christ has been the object of adoration and worship as he performs miracles and heals the sick. But now, for the first time, the crowds and scribes become a little less certain and a little less comfortable with his power and authority as Jesus introduces them to his true purpose.

Idea: God's love in our lives accomplishes two purposes: 1) Giving us confidence/boldness in judgement, and, 2) Causing us to love others. Do you see these two purposes in your own life as you encounter others?

The believers in Jerusalem were unified. They feared the Lord. They witnessed great signs and wonders. They were “held in high esteem” (Acts 5:13) by many in Jerusalem. In the midst of all that glory, however, we will see that the believers were facing increasing persecution from the authorities.

Sometimes we can sit squarely in the will of God, obeying Him as best we know how, and still face opposition. It may come in the form of persecution. It may be failing health. It may be the degrading comment of a loved one. Read the memory verse in the margin and pray that the Lord would equip you this week with the perseverance that he gave the early believers – to “keep right on” doing what He has called you to do.

The believers in Jerusalem were unified. They feared the Lord. They witnessed great signs and wonders. They were “held in high esteem” (Acts 5:13) by many in Jerusalem. In the midst of all that glory, however, we will see that the believers were facing increasing persecution from the authorities.

Sometimes we can sit squarely in the will of God, obeying Him as best we know how, and still face opposition. It may come in the form of persecution. It may be failing health. It may be the degrading comment of a loved one. Read the memory verse in the margin and pray that the Lord would equip you this week with the perseverance that he gave the early believers – to “keep right on” doing what He has called you to do.

As Matthew continues to paint a vivid picture of Jesus as the King of promise, the very glimpse of the Creator demonstrating complete authority over his created world causes some to stand in awe and others to tremble. The difference between the two responses is simply faith.

That God dwells in us and we in Him, were words too high for us mere mortals to use, had not God put them on the page in front of us in today's passage. But, how can we be sure that this testimony is true? Those who are truly persuaded that they are the sons of God cannot but call him Abba, Father.

The symptoms and causes of a "noisy soul" and what to do about it.

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