It is God's desire for everyone to be saved, regardless of who you are. So far from the book of Acts we have seen how when social, economical, gender and cultural obstacles were addressed and overcome, multitudes were added to the early church.

Up to this point in the book of Acts we have seen Peter in a number of contexts, whether in his status among the apostles as in chapter one, or his gospel ministry in chapters two and three, his boldness before the Sanhedrin in chapter four and five, or his condemnation of sin in chapters five and eight, and his gospel presentation to the gentiles later in chapter 10, but the picture isn't complete until we see the pastoral tone of his apostolic ministry at the end of chapter nine. In this important, touching story we see him doing what he has done up until this point in that God carries out astounding miracles through him, but we also see another side of Peter. A snapshot of how he acts and speaks. This snapshot shows us that he sought to act and speak in a way that drew attention away from himself, so that Christ would be glorified and to act and speak in an intentionally Christlike way. This resulted in many people coming to Christ as the church played their role in witness. How do you come across withing your friendship group and in your workplace? Is Christ seen and heard?

Last Sunday, we witnessed the dramatic conversion of Saul when Jesus appeared to him. What does Saul then share with his fellow Jews - and what was the reaction of those that both rejected and accepted Jesus as the Messiah? How can share our faith today in Indonesia - and what reaction might we expect? And how can we ourselves be a modern-day Barnabas who we read mentored Saul (who we know as Paul) as a new believer who went on to do great things for our Lord.

What are the characteristics of a true conversion? When the apostles and prophets preached the gospel, many people wanted to believe in Jesus. However, not all were true converts, such as Simon the magician. It is important for us to know the characteristics of a true conversion.

This week, millions of Muslims celebrate Eid Al Adha (Feast Of Sacrifice). On this day, they commemorate the devotion of Abraham to sacrifice his son. As Christians, let’s use this momentum to learn and apply the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ as the lamb of God that takes away our sin.

On Sunday, we explored Acts 8:26-40, about Philip the Evangelist and the Ethiopian eunuch. This passage highlights the powerful work of the Holy Spirit and the profound impact of sharing the Good News. Come and be inspired by Philip's obedience and the Ethiopian eunuch's pursuit of God.

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church' is the famous saying by the church father, Tertullian. Persecution does not contain the gospel, but it helps trigger the expansion of it as we see in the Acts 8: 1 -25 and beyond.

Last Sunday, we read about Stephen being the first Christian martyr almost 2,000 years ago. In fact, the Apostle Paul reminded Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 that "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted". This Sunday, please join us to be encouraged by the testimonies of modern day Christians throughout the world who have been persecuted for their faith as we watch the video "The Power of the Persecuted Church".

Has God ever put you in a situation where you have to defend God's truth or confront sin? Think about current hot topics like LGBTQ. What did you do? Or what would you do if God puts you in a situation like that? In what situation should you confront or be more patient and tactful? Come and learn how Stephen reacted and learn how to apply the Bible in our various situations.

Stephen was a wonderful man, used by God in amazing ways. Yet his Christ-like ministry, while certainly used to draw people to Christ, provoked a familiar reaction from the Jews: Anger, slander and lies, leading to his arrest. Stephen's very godliness and wisdom led to his persecution. Stephen's lifestyle, ministry and character under trial is a much-needed example for us as we seek to stand for Christ and boldly speak the truth amongst people who could well react the same way the Jews did. Do you believe that God can use your life and words for His glory in your context?