Stapleton Baptist Church

Today we look at one of the most significant events in the history of the Christian church: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul's story is one of the most spectacular and interesting accounts in the New Testament. Yet, when it comes down to it his story is not so different than ours. Though the circumstances of our salvation may look different, we all share certain aspects of conversion that are true to all believers.

Because we have been united with Christ, we now share in his death and resurrection. Our old self has been crucified on the cross and now we have been resurrected to new life here and now that is alive to God! All that is made possible through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In Acts 8:1-25 we see persecution scattering the church across Judea and Samaria. Rather than eradicating the church though, the persecution catalyzes the spread of the gospel. The good news spreads to the Samaritans and a magician named Simon. But Simon's profession of faith serves as a warning to us. Not all belief is true belief. Not all faith is saving faith.

In Acts 6:1-7 we get a glimpse of the early experiencing growing pains. The Lord had exponentially grown the church in a short amount of time. No longer was it only 120 people in the upper room. They now numbered in the thousands, and that growth lead to growing pains. In this passage we see the apostles addressing the problem head on and willingly change to solve the problem so the church can continue thriving.

This week in Acts 5 we see the church continue to expand like never before even after the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. The truth is that God is the one who draws people to himself. God is the one who builds his church. We are simply called to obey what he has already commanded us: to be his witnesses and to make disciples!

In Acts 4:32-5:11, Luke puts side-by-side the accounts of Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphira. Both are examples of giving, but they are done with very different motives. God doesn't just want our obedience, our money, or our time. He wants our hearts first. Hypocrisy is a constant danger looking to take hold in the hearts of Christians. 

The honeymoon period of the church is brief as persecution arrives in chapter four. However, rather than giving into fear or giving up, the first church prays for increased boldness and even more opportunities to make the gospel message known. Acts 4 provides us with a playbook for how we can respond to persecution today if and when it comes. 

In Acts 2:42-47 we get a snapshot of what church life looked like for the very first Christians. They were deeply devoted to the Word, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Their devotion to these things had a reverberating effect felt by everyone, even those outside the church. When God's people do what they should be doing, we can expect God to save people!

This week we move into Acts 2 and look at the day of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a singular, unrepeatable event, but it forever changed how God would empower his people. The Holy Spirit is now present in the life of every believer and gives us everything we need to take part in God's mission!

Today we move into Acts 1:12-26 as the apostles replace Judas. The disciples were told to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit, but that doesn't mean they are supposed to be idle. Because God is in control, they can confidently take action based on what God has already told them. Let us do the same as we wait for the return of our Lord Jesus!