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.

Grace And Power For Witnessing

Grace and Power For Witnessing | Acts 6:8-15

When was the last time you shared your faith with someone? When new leaders were appointed to meet the growing needs, v. 7 says, "the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem." And Stephen who was serving tables is now put on trial. Stephen would later become the first to die for his faith. But in a country where we enjoy religious freedom, what is more dangerous for our faith is not persecution but personal comfort. So in this passage, we'll see: a) The power of a witness. b) The lies of false witnesses. c) The face of a true witness.

Serving A Gospel Mission Together

Serving A Gospel Mission Together | Acts 6: 1-7

Where do you see a growing need in our church? How is God calling you to serve with your time, talents and treasures? By this time, the early church had seen massive growth despite opposition from outside. Even in ch. 5:14 we're told that "more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women." But as the disciples were increasing a complaint began to arise in the church. That is when the apostles began to appoint new leaders to meet the growing needs. So in this passage, we'll see that servant leaders were appointed: a) To care for the needs of the church. b) To free up the ministers of the Word. c) To prioritize the spread of the Gospel.

A Mother And Her Dishonoured Son

A Mother and Her Dishonoured Son | John 19: 23-30

How is your relationship with your Mother? Mothers, how is your relationship with your children? Here, we see a heart-breaking yet heart-warming scene of a mother and her Son. John takes us to the cross where Jesus, in His final moments, honours His mother. Mothers are worthy of honour as they play a significant role in God's plan of redemption! So, from Jesus' final moments on the cross, we're going to see: a) The Son who was stripped of honour. b) The Son who honoured His mother. c) The Son who restored our honour.

Worthy to Suffer For His Name

Worthy to Suffer For His Name | Acts 5: 27-42

What made the early church so bold in the face of persecution? When the religious leaders saw the apostles were gaining followers, they arrested and put them in prison. But the prison could not silence the apostles. During the night an angel had opened the door and led them out to teach in the temple (in v. 25). So they were arrested again and beaten and charged not to speak in Jesus' name! Yet, how did the apostles respond to the beating and threats? And how will we respond when our faith comes under pressure? Following in this passage, we'll see:- a) Obeying God when the pressure comes. b) Trusting God rather than fearing men. c) Rejoicing when dishonoured for His name.

The Resurrection and Our Mission

The Resurrection and Our Mission | Matthew 28:11-20

What do we do with news of Jesus' resurrection? From the earliest of times, the truth of Jesus' resurrection had been under attack. Earlier in v. 7, an angel had told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. But while the women were on their way, another group was trying very hard to cover up the truth. So, how will we respond to news of Jesus' resurrection? From this passage, we'll see 3 responses to the resurrection of Christ: a) Those who try to hide the risen Christ. b) Those doubt the risen Christ. c) Those who are sent by the risen Christ.

United with Jesus in His Death and Life

United with Jesus in His Death and Life | Romans 6:1-11

How are we to live in light of Jesus' death and resurrection? Earlier in ch. 5:20, Paul had said, "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." Paul knew that when we hear about the lavish grace of God, it is tempting to think we can continue in sin. It is very easy to think that God's grace is a license to sin. But Paul is going to show how God's grace brings an end to our old selves and raises us to the newness of life. So, in our passage, we'll see that: a) We have been baptized into Christ' death. b) We have been set free from sin's slavery. c) We are now dead to sin and alive to God.

Following Jesus To The Cross

Following Jesus To The Cross | Luke 23:26-34

In the last few weeks, we have been asking: Who is Jesus to you? What has it cost you to follow Him? Since that turning point in ch. 9: 51, Jesus had been on His journey to Jerusalem to suffer rejection. But His journey to the cross had already begun ever since He came to that humble manger (ch. 2:7). And by this time, Jesus had been tried and condemned before Pilate, while Barabbas (a dangerous criminal) was released. So as we come to His final hours, we're going to follow Jesus who was: a) Condemned to carry the cross. b) Warning on the way to the cross. c) Forgiving enemies from the cross.

The Cost Of Being A Disciple

The Cost of Being a Disciple | Luke 14:25-35

Who is Jesus to you? What has it cost you to follow Jesus lately? Last week, we saw in ch. 9 how Jesus began to "set His face to go to Jerusalem." Since that turning point in Luke, Jesus has been calling disciples on His way to Jerusalem. And here in ch. 14: 25, Luke says great crowds were following Him. But Jesus is going to show that unless we are loyal to Him above all else, we cannot be His disciples. So, from our passage, we'll see that following Jesus involves: a) Loving Jesus more than family. b) Loving the cross more than self. c) Loving Jesus more than possessions.

The Cost of Following Jesus

The Cost of Following Christ | Luke 9:51-62

Who is Jesus to you? What has it cost you to follow Him lately? Luke now tells us that from this point on Jesus' face is set towards Jerusalem. After His face was altered in His transfiguration (v. 29), Jesus now set His face to go to Jerusalem. And as they went on the road, He entered a Samaritan village and was rejected. But as they went on, Jesus met 3 others and spoke to them about the radical cost of following Him. So, from our passage, we'll see the cost of: a) Following Jesus in His rejection. b) Following Jesus in His death. c) Following Jesus in His mission.

Following The Crucified Christ

Following The Crucified Christ | Luke 9: 18-27

Who is Jesus to you? This is the most important question anyone can ask. And this is the question Luke had been raising until now. Back in v.9, when king Herod was confused about Jesus he asked, ""John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see Him." So the question today is not: Are you a Christian? The question is: Who is Jesus to you? Whose version of Jesus are you following? With that in mind, we'll see in our passage: a) Confessing the real Christ. b) Receiving the rejected Christ. c) Following the crucified Christ.

The Love That Conquers All

The Love That Conquers All (Romans 8: 31-39)

What is the one thing that never changes in the midst of changing circumstances? When difficulties come, it is easy to wonder if God has abandoned us. Yet, in v. 28, Paul had said that God works all things "together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." And there in vv. 29-30, Paul shows that God has always been working for our good, starting before creation, which will continue on to the day of Christ's return. So, from this grand passage, we're going to see:-- a) The God who is for us. b) The trials that deepen us. c) The love that secures us.

Rest In The Gracious Son

Rest in The Gracious Son (Matthew 11: 25-30)

What has been weighing heavy on you? Where do you turn when you're internally exhausted? We live in a fast paced, overworked and distracted society that does not know true rest. But, what is it that prevents us from resting spiritually? Here, in v. 25, we see how God hides His salvation from the proud and reveals it to the humble. And Jesus goes on to reveal the deep relationship He has with the Father (in v. 27) and offers it to those who are weary. So, following in our passage, we'll see:- a) The gracious will of the Father. b) The relationship with the Father. c) The gracious invitation of the Son.