Don’t Be Surprised By Sufferings

Don’t Be Surprised By Sufferings | 1 Peter 4: 12–19 |

How do we respond when suffering takes us by surprise? Here, Peter is writing to persecuted believers in Asia Minor (in modern-day Turkey). In the midst of increasing opposition, he reminds them not to be surprised by trials. Because, in Peter’s mind, God is using suffering to purify the church. With the heart of a pastor, Peter was preparing Christians to suffer well. So, how can we suffer well as Christians? Following in our passage, Peter says:- a) When you suffer, do not be surprised. b) When you suffer, know that you are blessed. c) When you suffer, trust in God’s faithfulness.

God’s Purpose in Your Sufferings

God’s Purpose in Your Sufferings | 2 Corinthians 1: 3--11 | Pastor Joey Zorina

Where can we find comfort in times of suffering? When all earthly comforts fail, where do we turn for comfort? Writing from Macedonia, around A.D 55–57, Paul endured unimaginable sufferings for the Gospel. His missionary journeys were often far beyond what his strength could endure—that he wrote in verse 8, we “were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” But if anyone had experienced God’s comfort in suffering it was Paul! So following Paul in this passage, we’ll see: a) The purpose of God in our afflictions. b) The comforts of Christ in our sufferings. c) The unshakable hope of our resurrection.

Don’t Waste Your Trials

Don’t Waste Your Trials | James 1: 2--12

What has been hard, challenging and robbing you of your joy lately? The letter of James was written to Jewish Christians scattered across the Roman world (v. 1). These believers were severely tested by oppression, persecution, sickness and poverty. But as the trials were becoming hard to bear, some were falling into temptations (v. 14) and failed to put their faith into practice (vv. 19–26). So, James here is encouraging believers to persevere with joy, pray for wisdom and trust in God's unfailing promise. With that in mind, we’ll look at:- a) The various trials that test our faith. b) The wisdom that God gives in our trials. c) The crown of life God promises to give us.

The Unshakable Hope of The Gospel

The Unshakable Hope of The Gospel | Romans 5:1–8

Where do we stand in relationship with God? This is the most important question we can ask. This was the question that troubled Martin Luther as he struggled with doubts and assurance of faith! But in the fall of 1515, Luther began to teach the Book of Romans to his students. As he painstakingly prepared his lectures, he began to see—that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. This was the hope that ignited the Protestant Reformation in 1517. According to Luther, no chapter in the Bible can equal Romans 5. So, following in our passage we’ll look at: - a) The hope of the gospel in which we stand. b) The hope of the gospel in our sufferings. c) The hope of the gospel in Jesus’ sufferings.

The Sovereign Hand of the Lord

The Sovereign Hand of The Lord | Acts 11: 19-30 (ESV)

Whose hand do we trust to lead us as a church? Remember that this story takes us back to chapter 8. After Stephen was killed for his faith, the Gospel spread into Samaria. Even persecutors like Saul were miraculously converted (chapter 9). But here, those who were scattered because of Stephen’s death were taking the Gospel further into new places. This is because Luke says (in v. 21), “the hand of the Lord was with them.” So throughout this passage, we will see:- a) The hand of the Lord in difficult times. b) The hand of the Lord in saving people. c) The hand of the Lord in bringing relief.

Jesus At The Center of The Story

Jesus At The Center of The Story | Acts 10: 36–48 |

What would bring healing to all that divides peoples and nations? As we continue in Cornelius’ conversion story, remember that his house was full of Gentiles waiting to hear about Jesus. As Peter begins to speak, he begins with how God shows no partiality in salvation (v. 35). The wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles had been broken. The Holy Spirit had fallen even on the Gentiles. God’s grace now extended not only to the Jews; but to everyone in every nation. So this is what we are going to see in our passage:- a) Jesus came to bring good news of peace. b) Jesus came to die and was raised for us. c) Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a gift to us.

Welcome in The Presence of God

Welcome in The Presence of God | Acts 10: 17–33 (ESV)

How can we welcome those who are different and far from us? As we continue in Cornelius’ conversion story, remember that the Jews had a difficult time accepting Gentile Christian converts. Since Gentiles were seen as ceremonially unclean, the Jews tried to avoid mixing with them. Yet, it was while in the house of Simon that Peter began to see that God showed no partiality. Even the dietary laws were not about food, but about people. God’s grace now extended not only to Jews but to everyone in every nation. So in our passage, we’ll look at:- a) Welcoming outsiders as our guests. b) Meeting outsiders where they are. c) Welcoming outsiders in God’s presence.

When God Cleanses The Unclean

When God Cleanses The Unclean | Acts 10:1-16 (ESV)

How many of you cannot eat certain foods due to health issues? Here, we now come to the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile. The Jews, like Peter, had a difficult time accepting Gentile converts to Christianity. Because Jews had dietary laws and considered Gentiles ceremonially unclean. But (ch.9: 43) Peter was staying in the house of Simon, a leather maker; a trade considered unclean by the Jews. And it was in that house that God showed Peter that what God called clean Peter cannot call it unclean. So in this passage, we’ll look at: a) Those who are truly seeking God. b) Those who are prepared by God. c) Those who are made clean by God.    

The Coming Alive of Our Bodies

The Coming Alive of Our Bodies | Acts 9:32-43 (ESV)

Does God still heal miraculously today?  Here, we now come to the story of Aeneas and Tabitha—who were miraculously healed.  Since the coming of the Holy Spirit, the church was growing rapidly despite persecutions.  Even in v. 31, as the church was “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” And so the healing of Aeneus and Tabitha shows that the Spirit was moving powerfully through the apostles.  But what was God’s purpose in healing Aeneas and Tabitha?  In our passage, we’ll see:  a) The deeper healing we all need.  b) The death that comes to us all.  c) The resurrection that awaits us all.     

When The Church Welcomes Enemies

When The Church Welcomes Enemies | Acts 9: 23–31 (ESV)

How many of you are skeptical of people’s conversion stories? When famous people become Christians, I am often skeptical—until I see real change in their lives. Here, in Saul’s conversion story, the church in Jerusalem was also afraid and skeptical at first. Because Saul had a violent past! As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And ever since Ananias had come to pray for him, Saul had been preaching to his own people (vv. 21–22). But very soon, Saul is going to face opposition. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) With new life comes new opposition. b) With new life comes a new family. c) With new life comes peace and awe.

A Chosen Instrument of Grace

A Chosen Instrument of Grace | Acts 9: 10–22 (ESV)

Who among your friends, families, or co-workers are resistant to Christianity? Here, as we continue in Saul’s conversion story, we see that Jesus can turn even the most hardened enemy into His chosen instrument. As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And very soon Saul is going to be sent on a mission as Jesus sends Ananias to restore him. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) Jesus chooses reluctant servants. b) Jesus chooses broken instruments. c) Jesus sends out restored sinners.

The Unlikely Convert: An Enemy of The Way

The Unlikely Convert: An Enemy of The Way | Acts 9: 1–9 (ESv)

Who do you think is unlikely to convert to Christ? Here in ch. 9, we now come to the story of Saul—a violent persecutor and enemy of the early Church. Remember (in ch. 7: 58), when Stephen was stoned to death, Saul was there. He was approving the killing of Stephen in ch. 8: 1. But little did Saul know that as he was out to persecute Christians he would be dramatically converted on the way to Damascus. This is a story of how the grace of God saves sinners and transforms us for His glory. So, from this passage, we’ll see: a) Those who oppose the Way. b) Those who encounter the Way. c) Those who have seen the Way.

Do You Understand What You Are Reading?

Do You Understand What You Are Reading? | Acts 8: 26–31 (ESV)

Do you understand what you read in Scripture? After the apostles saw the Holy Spirit fall on the Samaritans, they continued preaching as they returned to Jerusalem (in v. 25). But Phillip, led by the Holy Spirit, went towards the south to a desert place. It was in that unlikely place that he met an Ethiopian longing to understand the Scripture. As Phillip explained the Scripture, he was used mightily by the Spirit to point someone to Jesus. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) The Spirit leads us to the Scripture. b) The Spirit shows us Jesus in Scripture. c) The Spirit unites us to new life with Jesus.

Money and The Free Gift of The Spirit

Money and The Free Gift of The Spirit | Acts 8: 14-25 (ESV)

What happens when the Holy Spirit falls on a city? As a result of the great persecution in Jerusalem, the Gospel began to spread in Samaria (ch. 1: 8). As Phillip went to preach in Samaria, many came to believe in Jesus and were baptized. God in His sovereignty was working powerfully in that city. And He was going to send the apostles to Samaria to see the Holy Spirit fall on the Samaritans. But when Simon the magician saw the apostles, he wanted to buy their spiritual power. So, in this passage, we'll see that: a) The Spirit unites us as one people. b) The Spirit exposes hidden motives. c) The Spirit brings true repentance.

Spreading The Good News In The City

Spreading The Good News in The City | Acts 8:1-13 (ESV)

What obstacles are we facing in a nation where there is no persecution? What are the visible and spiritual challenges that come against us? After Stephen was stoned to death (in ch. 7: 58-60), it led to a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem. But that great persecution was going to work for a greater good. God, in His sovereignty, was using difficult circumstances to spread the Gospel in the regions. No matter how difficult or dark, nothing can ultimately stop the Gospel from spreading. So, in this passage, we'll see that: a) The Gospel spreads despite opposition. b) The Gospel brings freedom in the city. c) The Gospel dispels darkness in the city.

Courage To Face A Polite Crowd

Courage To Face A Polite Crowd | Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)

Where can we find courage to face a polite crowd? Do we tend to say things that are only safe to say to maintain harmony? Here, Stephen showed great courage in the face of an angry crowd that had gone out-of-control. As Stephen was wrapping up his speech, the Jewish crowd were enraged and began to attack him. Instead of running away, Stephen stood firm and echoed Jesus' words on the cross. This shows Christians can stand firm as they make Jesus known even at the costs of their lives. So, in this passage, we'll see that: a) Fear disappears when we see the glory of God. b) Faith comes when we see Jesus standing for us. c) Forgiveness flows when we see Jesus on a cross.

Light of The World | Pastor Justin Lucero

Light of The World | Pastor Justin Lucero

The Coming Ruler and Redeemer

The Coming Ruler and Redeemer | Acts 7:30-42

Are you daily living in awareness of God's presence? Is there an increasing awareness of God's presence in your life? Here, as Stephen was speaking to the Jewish leaders, he continued with the story of Moses (vv. 17-29). When Moses was 40 years old he tried to save his people from oppression. But he was rejected and became an exile for another 40 years. And just when Moses thought it was over, the God of glory appeared to Moses and sent him on a mission to rescue His people. So, following in our passage, we'll see: a) God has come down to us. b) God has sent us the redeemer. c) God has called us to worship.

God's Chosen Deliverer

God's Chosen Deliverer | Acts 7: 17-29

Do you daily live in awareness of God's work in your life? How are you living in response to God's work? As Stephen was accused of speaking against Moses (in ch. 6), he began to retell the story of Moses. From the very beginning, the Jews had rejected Moses and broken his laws. They were guilty of the same things they had accused Stephen of doing. So, Stephen retells the story of Moses to show how they had rejected the Messiah. With that in mind, we'll see in our passage: a) God's chosen deliverer is adopted. b) God's chosen deliverer is rejected. c) God's chosen deliverer is exiled.

The God of Glory Has Appeared

The God of Glory Has Appeared | Acts 7:1-16

What gives us confidence to speak the Gospel in the face of opposition? As Stephen was accused of speaking against the temple (ch. 6), he began to tell the back story. And this was the message that got Stephen killed. In a country where we enjoy religious freedom, what is more dangerous for our faith is not persecution; but personal comfort and complacency. What did Stephen say that led to his death? He began to tell how God appeared to their forefathers long before the temple began! That the blessings of God are not limited to Israel and the temple. So in our passage, we'll see that: a) The God of glory calls us to a life of faith. b) The God of glory keeps His promise to us. c) The God of glory rescues us by His grace.