Family Church Online

Freedom

Peter — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 05:35:42 +0000

We all long for freedom. So many things promise it, or some form or concept of it. But true freedom is not what it’s sold as. Freedom is not just being able to do what we want, more importantly, it’s the freedom of not having to do what we want. We don;t always want to do the right thing, or what is best for us and those we love. The compulsion to do what is bad for us and those around us is sin, and it’s consequence is ultimately death. The only freedom from this comes by faith in Christ Jesus and the subsequent work of the Holy Spirit of God. Paul’s time with some of the most powerful and popular leaders proves this irony and gives us, and those we get to share it with, a chance for real freedom.

Eternally Satisfied

Peter — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:16:07 +0000

Jesus died and was buried, delivered up for our trespasses.

The death of The Servant. No greater love.

Peter — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:23:25 +0000

Last week we looked at whether Jesus is the Servant who suffers in Isaiah’s prophecies, and what the implications are if He is. Do Isaiah’s predictions accurately match Jesus death? Does Isaiah explain why the promised Messiah and almighty Son of God had to die? It’s uncomfortable to look at why it was necessary, but when we do, it’s a deep blessing to know every detail of how God rescues us from our own wickedness.

Who is the Servant in Isaiah, and what difference does it make?

Peter — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 05:19:50 +0000

On Palm Sunday we remember the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling an ancient prophecy and in so doing identified Himself as the Messiah. Some believed Him and some didn’t and there were profound implications. Today, almost 2800 years ago a prophet named Isaiah wrote about God’s chosen and suffering Servant. Since then many have argued for and against the identity of this Servant. Many say it’s a prophet or the nation of Israel, some that it’s a prophecy of Jesus of Nazareth. Does it matter who it is? What are he implications if it was written about Jesus more than 700 years before His birth? This Palm Sunday we start a series looking at the implications for our faith and for the hope of the world.

The judgement that brings us peace

Peter — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 05:11:35 +0000

Human beings are designed by God to love Him and one another. Part of this design is that we crave love, joy and peace. These are only truly realised by faith in Jesus Christ and the subsequent work of His Holy Spirit living in us. Our relentless pursuit of these is usually distorted into chasing after substitutes rather than the real thing, and this pursuit is exhausting. Paul may be under trial, but it’s his judge and accusers who are most vulnerable and desperate for a peace that eludes them, Paul’s has passed from death to life and is free from condemnation, but they still stand accused under God’s law. We have so little time to find the peace that guarded Paul, and to make this peace known to the world that stands accused before our Holy God.

Even though we walk through the valley

Peter — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 05:33:35 +0000

The easiest time to concede a goal is when you’ve just scored. We are most vulnerable immediately after great things happen. Have you ever noticed that we seem to be attacked after we do good things in the Lord? Paul’s experiences teach us to stop thinking like this, as if God responds when the enemy attacks. God doesn’t need to respond, He’s omniscient, nothing takes Him by surprise, He doesn’t need to respond because He’s initiated before He need to respond. God is always ahead, always working, He is with us before, through and after every dark valley.

The resurrection divides

Peter — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 04:41:18 +0000

The resurrection covers the death and rise of Jesus, and the subsequent hope that He will raise us after death. This is deeply offensive to those who refuse to be accountable to a moral authority - Who rules over life and thereafter. No matter how we package the resurrection, it will be refused or distorted by those who refuse to humble themselves before Jesus Christ. What are we to do about that? We must not be disheartened, Jesus shows us how deeply he cares for our imperfect efforts and how He uses our testimony.

How has Jesus changed you?

Peter — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:28:42 +0000

The Bible describes meeting Jesus as a life changing experience. Putting our faith in Him and receiving His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit is said to so drastically alter us as to render us “reborn”. That implies that the old person dies and is replaced with a new one. Sadly though we’re more inclined to be content to hear the Gospel and to take comfort in it’s message of mercy, and less to embrace a full commitment to a drastically changed life. Paul’s defense to the crowd that wants to beat him to death, helps us understand the way Jesus changes those who genuinely follow Him.

Listening first

Peter — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 05:38:48 +0000

It’s a rare and wonderful gift to be able to learn from the mistakes of others. When we can do so we are saved from the pain of making those mistakes ourselves. We can learn from the crowds that tried to murder Paul. They themselves were hurting, afraid and helpless and prone to further abuse. Jesus loved and taught many such crowds and He teaches us how to avoid the destruction of rage and find the peace that we call crave. If you’re longing for peace, come and listen.

Does grace replace the law?

Peter — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 05:16:39 +0000

Ever felt completely confused by a passage of Scripture? That's exactly where this message begins—with one of the most challenging passages in Acts. Paul has been preaching that we're saved by grace, not by keeping the law, so why does he suddenly participate in temple ceremonies? Has he abandoned his message, or have we completely misunderstood grace? Whether you're crushed by guilt or comfortable thinking you're "not that bad," this sermon will challenge how you understand God's grace and what it truly means to obey Him—not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Jesus has already done.

How do we hear God speaking?

Peter — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 03:00:05 +0000

We don’t like being told what to do, yet when making decisions, we often want all the facts first. Even then, knowing the facts does not always make the right choice clear. Sometimes, we still choose wrongly—or hesitate. The prophet Agabus revealed by the Spirit that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Hearing this, the disciples urged Paul not to go. From their perspective, the facts were clear: danger awaited him. But Paul, also led by the Spirit, declared he was ready even to die for the name of Jesus. The Spirit does not contradict Himself. Agabus and Paul both heard the same warning. The difference was in the response. The disciples interpreted it as a reason to stop. Paul understood it as preparation to obey—no matter the cost. We see this pattern throughout Paul’s life. In Damascus, Thessalonica, and Berea, he faced danger, sometimes escaping but always enduring. Ananias, too, obeyed despite fear when sent to help Paul (who was infamous for murdering Christians at the time). Paul was later imprisoned, yet from prison came some of his greatest letters—Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. God’s will is not always convenient—but it is always purposeful. Do we obey when His path is not what we wish to hear?

Scripture

Acts 21:1-16 ESV And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. [2] And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. [3] When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. [4] And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. [5] When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed [6] and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. [7] When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. [8] On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. [9] He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. [10] While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” [12] When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” [15] After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. [16] And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Through the Scripture

Resolved and constrained by the Holy Spirit

Acts 21 presents a difficult question, but before we even get to that question we need to remember what’s come before. The preceding context of any passage is often critical to understanding it. Before we even encounter the challenges of chapter 21, lets read and remember that Paul had “resolved in Spirit” to go to Jerusalem with an financial gift for the Church, and that he made it clear that the Holy Spirit was constraining or compelling him, toward Jerusalem. Paul didn’t know exactly what would happen there, but he was repeatedly warned of arrest and affliction. Still he was compelled.

Acts 19:21 ESV Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

Acts 20:22-25 ESV And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, [23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. [24] But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. [25] And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.

“Through the Spirit” telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem

Chapter 21 raises a tough question. Christians in Tyre kept telling Paul “through the Spirit” not to go to Jerusalem. Were they speaking to him through the Holy Spirit as it seems to say in the text? How then could they be contradicting The Holy Spirit? Perhaps Paul was wrong in going to Jerusalem and the Holy Spirit was warning him not to? The previous chapters reiterate that Paul resolved to do this in the Holy Spirit and was compelled by Him to continue. That means the Christians in Tyre were likely hearing the Holy Spirit’s warning of the consequences but coming to a different conclusion as to what should be done with that information. It’s not that they couldn’t hear God, they had troubles accepted what they heard. How often this is also our problem.

Acts 21:1-4 ESV And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. [2] And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. [3] When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. [4] And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

“We” (Luke and the disciples) urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem

It’s not just the Christians in Tyre that did this. Agabus the prophet, who’d accurately fortold a famine earlier in Acts, confirmed the fact that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem. When Luke and the other disciples heard this, they too urged him not to go. It doesn't matter who it is speaking, how many of them there are, or how often they repeat the message - we always need to cling to God’s Word, rather than that of people.

Acts 21:10-12 ESV While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” [12] When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 13:16-18 ESV And he said, “I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, [17] for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’” [18] And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him.

Let the will of the Lord be done

Eventually Paul’s steadfast faith and obedience help the disciples to accept and surrender to God’s will. It’s important to wrestle and struggle to understand God’s will and to honestly confess our reluctance or refusal to accept it, but it’s more important to eventually submit to Him. It was a wise thing for the disciples to do, as we’ll see.

Acts 21:13-14 ESV Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Escaping in Damascus Thessalonica and Berea

The disciples could have considered many things to help them to accept the impending arrest of one of their most effective leaders. They could have remembered how many times God delivered Paul from arrest (just like Jesus), and even freed him after his arrest (just like Peter). Knowing this they could trust that the sovereign Lord was always in control, even of the enemy and the authorities that served the enemy. This may have helped them accept that if God was going to allow Paul’s arrest, he knew what He was doing.

Acts 9:23-25 ESV When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, [24] but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, [25] but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Acts 17:10 ESV The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Acts 17:14 ESV Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.

Bearing witness to governors and kings

The disciples could also have considered the prophecy of Jesus. Jesus warned His followers generally, that He would use their arrest and mistreatment to further the Kingdom of God by extending the Gospel to the leaders and authorities that would preside over these cases. They may have asked Paul about the specific prophecy over his life, when Jesus told Ananias that Paul would carry the Gospel to kings and gentiles. God uses all things to His glory and for the saving of many people of all nations.

Matthew 10:17-18 ESV Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, [18] and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.

Acts 9:15 ESV But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

The way that seems right to man

The disciples could have remembered the proverbs that warn us to trust God’s Word over our own understanding and logic. But all these things are difficult to do in the face of losing someone we love. That makes it even more remarkable that they were able to let go of Paul and trust God’s plan for him. Of course they were right to do this, look what God eventually accomplished through Paul’s arrest. The Lord still delights to accomplish these things through us, if we’re able to accept His sovereignty and trust in His will.

Proverbs 14:12 ESV There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Philemon 1:1 ESV Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker

Ephesians 3:1-3 ESV For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— [2] assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, [3] how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.

Colossians 4:2-4 ESV Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— [4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Philippians 1:12-14 ESV I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, [13] so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. [14] And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 4:21-22 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. [22] All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Hearing and Obeying God's Voice

Seven Daily Devotions Based on Acts 21:1-16

Monday: Resolved in the Spirit

Scripture

Acts 19:21 ESV - Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, 'After I have been there, I must also see Rome.'

Reflection

Understanding God's will often involves a journey of resolution. Paul didn't receive his direction to Jerusalem in a flash of instant clarity. Rather, he 'resolved in the Spirit'—there was a process, a wrestling, a struggle to discern what God was calling him to do. This is both comforting and challenging. It means that seeking God's will isn't always instantaneous, but it also means that when we genuinely seek Him, He meets us in that place of wrestling. Paul's resolution wasn't merely an intellectual decision or an emotional impulse. He resolved 'in the Spirit,' meaning the Holy Spirit was intimately involved in this process. The Spirit guided, confirmed, and settled the matter in Paul's heart. Once this resolution occurred, it became unbreakable—not because Paul was stubborn, but because God Himself had spoken. When we face important decisions, we too can invite the Holy Spirit into our wrestle, trusting that He will bring us to a place of settled conviction about God's will.

Supporting Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Application

Are you facing a decision that requires discernment? Perhaps you've been frustrated that God hasn't made His will immediately clear. Take comfort in knowing that resolution often comes through a process. This week, set aside time each day to bring your decision before the Lord. Don't rush the process. Journal your thoughts, pray through the options, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask Him not just for an answer, but for His presence in the wrestling. Remember, it's better to take time to resolve something 'in the Spirit' than to make a hasty decision based solely on human wisdom. As you wait, trust that God is working to bring you to a place of settled conviction.

Prayer Points

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in any decisions you're currently wrestling with. 2. Pray for patience to wait on God's timing rather than forcing quick answers. 3. Request discernment to distinguish between your own desires and God's leading. 4. Ask God to give you peace and settled conviction when His will becomes clear. 5. Thank the Lord that He doesn't leave us to figure things out alone, but actively guides us.

Tuesday: Constrained by the Spirit

Scripture

Acts 20:22-23 ESV - And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Reflection

After Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, God didn't simply leave him to his own strength to follow through. The Spirit actively constrained him—compelled him, moved him, propelled him forward. This divine constraint was necessary because Paul's journey to Jerusalem wasn't going to be easy. In every city, the Holy Spirit warned him of imprisonment and suffering ahead. Without the Spirit's continuous constraining presence, Paul might have been tempted to turn back. How encouraging it is to know that when God calls us to something difficult, He doesn't just give us initial direction and then abandon us. He continues to move us forward, strengthening our resolve, renewing our courage, and reminding us of His purposes. The same Spirit who gave Paul his mission also sustained him through it. Notice that Paul was honest about the unknown: 'not knowing what will happen to me there.' God doesn't always show us the complete picture. But He does promise His presence and His power to carry us through.

Supporting Scriptures

Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Application

Have you ever felt God's constraint—that sense of being compelled forward even when the path ahead looks difficult? Perhaps you're in that place right now, knowing what God has called you to do but struggling with the cost. This week, meditate on the truth that the same Spirit who called you will also sustain you. When you feel your courage wavering, cry out to Him for renewed strength. Keep a record of how God constrains and sustains you: moments when you sensed His gentle push forward, times when His presence gave you courage, or instances when He renewed your commitment to obey. Remember, you're not meant to accomplish God's purposes in your own strength. He who began the work will complete it.

Prayer Points

1. Ask God to help you recognize His constraining presence in your life. 2. Pray for courage to move forward when you know God's will but face difficulty ahead. 3. Request the Holy Spirit's continued empowerment for tasks He has called you to. 4. Ask for contentment with not knowing every detail, trusting God's guidance step by step. 5. Thank God that He doesn't just give direction but provides the power to follow through.

Wednesday: Hearing Correctly, Responding Wrongly

Scripture

Acts 21:4 ESV - And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

Reflection

This verse presents a puzzle: how could the Spirit tell Paul both to go to Jerusalem and not to go? The answer reveals an important truth about hearing God's voice. The believers in Tyre heard correctly from the Holy Spirit—they received accurate information about what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem. However, they drew the wrong conclusion from that information. The Spirit was warning Paul of the cost, but the disciples interpreted this as a prohibition. They heard the right facts but gave the wrong advice. How often do we do the same? We receive true information from God, but we filter it through our own fears, preferences, or limited understanding. We hear His warnings and interpret them as prohibitions. We hear His challenges and assume He couldn't possibly want us to proceed. The problem isn't always in our hearing—sometimes it's in our accepting and applying what we've heard. This reveals something profound: it's often easier to hear God's will than to accept it. When God's direction conflicts with what seems logical or safe, our hearts naturally resist.

Supporting Scriptures

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 1 Kings 13:16-18 - And he said, 'I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, "You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came."' And he said to him, 'I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, "Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water."' But he lied to him. Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Application

This week, examine how you respond to what you hear from God. Are there areas where you've heard Him clearly but are resisting because His direction doesn't align with your preferences? Perhaps He's shown you the cost of obedience, and you've interpreted that as a reason not to obey. Or maybe you've received wise counsel from others, but you need to check it against what God has already revealed to you. Take time to distinguish between God's actual words and your interpretations of them. Write down what you believe God has said, then honestly ask yourself: Am I struggling to hear, or am I struggling to accept? Remember, well-meaning Christians can hear from God and still give wrong advice if they filter His message through human wisdom rather than surrendering to His will.

Prayer Points

1. Ask God to help you distinguish between hearing His voice and accepting His will. 2. Pray for honesty to recognize when you're resisting what you've already heard. 3. Request wisdom to filter advice from others through the lens of God's direct word to you. 4. Ask for humility to surrender your preferences when they conflict with God's direction. 5. Thank God that He is patient with our struggles to accept His will.

Thursday: When Everyone Says Don't

Scripture

Acts 21:11-12 ESV - And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, 'Thus says the Holy Spirit, "This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."' When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Reflection

Imagine the pressure Paul faced. First, believers in Tyre urged him not to go. Now, Agabus—a proven prophet whose previous prophecy had been fulfilled—dramatically demonstrated what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem. Even Luke, the author of Acts and Paul's close companion, joined in urging him not to go. These weren't strangers or enemies; they were godly, Spirit-filled believers who loved Paul deeply. Their concern came from genuine affection and reasonable fear. Who wouldn't want to protect such a valuable servant of God? Paul had planted churches across Asia and Greece, raised the dead, and transformed countless lives. Surely God wouldn't want anything to happen to him! Yet Paul's response reveals a crucial principle: the number of people giving advice, their spiritual qualifications, or their love for us doesn't determine whether their counsel aligns with God's will. Even the most well-meaning, spiritually mature believers can urge us toward what seems right but contradicts what God has specifically said. This is why we must always measure human counsel—no matter how sound it appears—against God's direct word to us.

Supporting Scriptures

Galatians 1:10 - For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Matthew 16:21-23 - From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, 'Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.' But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.' Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.

Application

Are you facing a situation where everyone—even wise, godly people—is telling you not to do what God has called you to? This is one of the hardest tests of obedience. The pressure to conform to reasonable, loving counsel can be overwhelming. This week, if you're in this position, take time to revisit what God has said to you directly. Write it down. Remind yourself of how He confirmed it. Then pray for courage to obey even when it means disappointing or confusing people you love and respect. If you're not currently in this situation, ask yourself: Would I have the courage to obey God if everyone around me disagreed? Use this time to strengthen your resolve to follow God's word above all else. Remember, those who urged Paul not to go loved him dearly—but love alone doesn't guarantee wisdom about God's will for someone else's life.

Prayer Points

1. Ask God for courage to obey Him even when others urge you not to. 2. Pray for wisdom to discern between helpful counsel and well-meaning opposition. 3. Request grace to honor those who disagree while still following God's direction. 4. Ask for conviction that holds firm when facing pressure from multiple voices. 5. Thank God that He speaks clearly enough for us to distinguish His voice from others.

Friday: Let the Will of the Lord Be Done

Scripture

Acts 21:13-14 ESV - Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, 'Let the will of the Lord be done.'

Reflection

Here we see a beautiful transformation. The disciples moved from resistance to surrender, from trying to control the outcome to releasing it into God's hands. Paul's unwavering obedience—his readiness not just to be imprisoned but even to die for Jesus—helped them see that this wasn't about logic or safety. It was about the lordship of Christ. When they finally said, 'Let the will of the Lord be done,' they weren't giving up in defeat. They were surrendering in faith. This is the place we all need to reach: accepting God's will even when we don't understand it, even when it costs us something precious, even when it breaks our hearts. Notice the honesty in this passage. Paul acknowledged that their weeping was breaking his heart. The disciples didn't pretend to understand or approve—they simply ceased arguing and submitted to God's sovereignty. Sometimes surrender doesn't mean we suddenly comprehend God's plan. It means we choose to trust His goodness and wisdom despite our confusion or pain.

Supporting Scriptures

Matthew 26:39 - And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.' Luke 22:42 - saying, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.' Romans 12:1-2 - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Application

Is there a situation in your life where you've been wrestling with God, trying to convince Him to change His plan? Perhaps you've been praying for a different outcome, a safer path, or relief from a difficult calling. This week, practice the surrender demonstrated by these disciples. It may help to literally kneel and pray the words, 'Let the will of the Lord be done.' Be honest about your struggles—Paul's companions didn't hide their tears. But then choose to release your grip on the outcome. Surrender doesn't mean you stop caring or that the situation stops hurting. It means you transfer the weight from your shoulders to God's. If you're wrestling with God's will in a specific area, write out your concerns and fears, then consciously hand them over to Him. Remember, this kind of surrender often doesn't happen all at once. It may be a daily, even hourly, choice to let go and trust.

Prayer Points

1. Ask God to help you genuinely surrender areas where you've been resisting His will. 2. Pray for grace to say 'let Your will be done' and truly mean it. 3. Request strength to trust God's goodness even when His plan doesn't make sense. 4. Ask for peace that comes from releasing control into His capable hands. 5. Thank God that His will, though sometimes painful, is always ultimately good.

Saturday: Remembering God's Faithfulness

Scripture

Acts 9:23-25 ESV - When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall in a basket.

Reflection

One of the most powerful tools for accepting God's will is remembering His past faithfulness. Paul had been delivered from arrest multiple times—in Damascus, Thessalonica, and Berea. Each time, God intervened to preserve his life and ministry. The disciples could have reflected on these moments and realized that God was always in control. If He had protected Paul before, He certainly had the power to protect him again. And if He was now allowing Paul to be arrested, it wasn't because He had lost control or stopped caring—it was because He had a purpose that transcended Paul's safety. Similarly, Peter was arrested twice and freed by angels both times. Jesus Himself evaded arrest repeatedly until the appointed time. The pattern is clear: God's servants aren't arrested until God permits it, and when He does permit it, He has sovereign purposes at work. Looking back at God's faithfulness helps us trust Him with uncertain futures. Every past deliverance, every answered prayer, every provision becomes a stepping stone of faith for the next challenge.

Supporting Scriptures

Psalm 77:11-12 - I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 1 Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, 'Till now the LORD has helped us.' Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Application

This week, create a record of God's faithfulness in your life. Write down specific instances where He provided, protected, guided, or delivered you. Include both dramatic moments and quiet provisions. When did God make a way when there seemed to be none? When did He sustain you through difficulty? When did He prove His word true in your experience? Keep this record somewhere accessible, and return to it when you're tempted to doubt His goodness or wisdom in current circumstances. If you're struggling to see God's faithfulness in your own story, meditate on the cross. There, God demonstrated His ultimate faithfulness—giving His Son to die for your sins. If He loved you enough to do that, can you trust Him with your current situation? Let the cross be your 'Ebenezer,' your stone of remembrance that declares: 'Thus far the LORD has helped us.'

Prayer Points

1. Thank God for specific ways He has been faithful to you in the past. 2. Ask Him to help you remember His faithfulness when facing current uncertainties. 3. Pray for eyes to see His ongoing provision and care in your daily life. 4. Request faith to believe that His past faithfulness guarantees His future faithfulness. 5. Thank Jesus for the cross, the ultimate demonstration of God's faithful love.

Sunday: God's Purposes in Our Pain

Scripture

Philippians 1:12-14 ESV - I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Reflection

The beautiful conclusion to this story reveals why God's way, though it leads through suffering, ultimately leads to life. While imprisoned, Paul wrote letters that have strengthened billions of believers for two thousand years—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were all penned from prison. He advocated for a slave's freedom, declared profound mysteries about Christ and His church, and brought the gospel to Caesar's own household. The imperial guard heard about Jesus. Other believers were emboldened by Paul's example. What looked like tragedy became triumph. What seemed like the end of Paul's ministry became its multiplication. The way that seemed right to everyone—keeping Paul safe and free—would have led to death of opportunity. God's way—allowing Paul's imprisonment—led to abundant, eternal life for countless people. This is why we can trust God even when His will includes suffering. He wastes nothing. Every tear, every trial, every sacrifice can become seed that produces a harvest we could never imagine. The question isn't whether God will use our obedience—He always does. The question is whether we'll trust Him enough to obey when the cost seems too high.

Supporting Scriptures

Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Matthew 10:17-18 - Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. Philippians 4:22 - All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

Application

As you reflect on this week's devotions, ask yourself: What is God calling me to that seems costly or difficult? Where am I resisting His will because I can't see the purpose in the pain? This week, choose one area where you've been holding back from full obedience. Write down your fears and concerns honestly before God. Then, beside each fear, write this truth: 'God wastes nothing. He can use this for purposes I cannot see.' Make a conscious choice to obey, trusting that what God is doing through your obedience may not be fully revealed for years—or even until eternity. Remember, there are people in heaven today because Paul obeyed God rather than well-meaning friends. There may be people in heaven one day because you chose to trust God's will over what seemed reasonable. Let that possibility give you courage for costly obedience.

Prayer Points

1. Ask God to help you trust that He can use even painful obedience for eternal purposes. 2. Pray for faith to believe He wastes nothing—no tear, no trial, no sacrifice. 3. Request vision to see beyond immediate circumstances to eternal impact. 4. Ask for courage to obey even when you can't see how God will use it. 5. Thank God that His way, though it may lead through suffering, ultimately leads to abundant life.

Legacy

Peter — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:42:26 +0000

What will our lives mean when we lose them? What will we leave behind that’s of real value? The last will and testament of the most diligent, responsible and successful person, leaves only temporary goods to people to enjoy temporarily. If that’s important, how mush more important is an eternal legacy, one that serves people for all eternity? Paul’s life is an example of how God’s grace can leave a legacy through our lives, that will live on for ever.

Why the long sermon?

Peter — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:28:31 +0000

Sometimes in the Scripture, as in life, we encounter strings of events which seem nothing more than meaningless diversions. We view them as irritations to overcome and put behind us so that we can carry on with what’s important to us. This passage of Acts is wrapped in exactly those kinds of events, but when you look closely and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, we find God’s purpose precisely timed and encoded in every detail. We need to ask God to direct our every move, trust Him to do so not matter the outcome, and continue to obey Him in the details.

Idolising business

Peter — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 05:53:29 +0000

Do we follow Jesus so that we can “get into heaven?” Sure, it’s part of it, but if we’re not careful this approach can lead us further away from Jesus and an eternity with Him. Idolatry isn’t defined by by the worship of statues. It’s defined by a transaction mentality, a desire to manipulate in order to gain. The Idolising business characterises every religion except for genuine Christian faith. What can we learn from Scot Adams heart wrenching statement and the contrast between Paul and Demetrius, to ensure that we stay on God’s path to eternity instead of trying to forge our own?

What is your purpose?

Peter — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 04:45:54 +0000

What are we here for, is everything a meaningless pursuit of survival and pleasure - or is there far more? As we look out at our plans for the new year, let’s learn from Scripture what makes us who we are, and what we’re supposed to do to understand and live out the purpose for which God created us. David’s life provides a great picture of what it means to be authentically ourselves and to live for God’s purpose.

New Beginnings

Peter — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 05:46:09 +0000

The start of the new year gives us an opportunity to think about our lives and their purpose in God’s plan. We are not capable of doing anything new or worthwhile. Without God our existence is meaningless repetition of the same old stuff. The older we get the more we realise this. But God is a God of New Beginnings, and when we seek His will and purpose in our lives, we can look forward to a meaningful and fulfilling new year regardless of what it holds. The proof is in Scripture, in God’s blueprint for New Beginnings.

What are you planning for 2026?

Peter — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

As we look toward 2026, we may find our minds crowded with ever-changing plans often leading to restless 3 a.m stints. as we try to control an uncertain future. Proverbs 19:21 invites us to discover the unshakeable peace of recognizing that while our human plans may fail or change, God’s singular purpose is firm and eternal. Rather than relying on self-belief, faith in Jesus Christ empowers us with the Holy Spirit to perform the true "work of God"—loving others with a genuine and fervent heart. Like Moses, our small, daily acts of honest obedience can align us with God’s purpose that we do not yet fully see. Join us as we learn to navigate the coming year aligning our will with God’s purpose by gratitude, constant prayer, and a commitment to serve, starting with the needs of those right here in our own Church community.

Is Christmas Christian?

Peter — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Is the 25th of December even Jesus’ birthday, is Christmas a pagan holiday? Should we rather celebrate the Jewish festivals of the Old Testament? These questions aren't new, and thankfully the Bible addresses them in one way or another, but whatever we think about Christmas, it remains a great opportunity to share our faith and be blessings to one another. It’s also an opportunity which is under constant threat whether by distraction or disruption. How can we make Christmas the Jesus centred celebration that it should be?

The Virgin Birth

Peter — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:06:23 +0000

The Cornerstone of Christmas, why the Virgin Birth matters.

The Magi

Peter — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 06:14:49 +0000

Monday: Following the King of the Jews

Reflecting on the Magi's diligent search for the newborn King, guided by a miraculous star and fulfilling ancient prophecies.

Today's Verse
Saying, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2 ESV

Reflection
The Magi were noble pilgrims from the east who followed a miraculous guiding star to Bethlehem where they sought to pay homage to the infant Jesus as king of the Jews. They attracted the interest of King Herod I of Judea in Jerusalem by announcing His birth and asking where this child was. Although the Magi were not Jews, God revealed to them the significance of the Saviour’s birth, as well as where and when it would take place, demonstrating that God reveals truth to both the lowly and the very wise. These wise men traveled great distances with a large caravan, seeking Him to worship Him and offer Him gifts.

Additional Scripture
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1-12 ESV

Life Application
Consider the diligence and long journey the Magi undertook to find and worship Jesus. Reflect on what effort you are putting into seeking Him and giving Him homage in your own life.

Prayer points

Pray for a spirit of diligence in seeking Him daily.
Pray for clarity and guidance in following the signs He gives you.
Pray for the dedication to worship Him wholeheartedly.

Tuesday: Recognizing the Light of the World

Understanding how the coming of Jesus Christ was prophesied centuries in advance, detailing His glory and the reverence He would receive from the nations.

Today's Verse
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1 ESV

Reflection
Incredible prophecy found in the Old Testament, recorded hundreds of years before His birth, describes the nations of the world recognizing Israel as the light of the world. This prophecy stated that the nations and kings would come to the brightness of His rising. Darkness shall cover the earth, but the Lord will rise upon His people, and His glory will be seen upon them. The wealth of the nations shall come, and camels shall come from Midian, Ephah, and Sheba, bringing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.

Additional Scripture
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. The camels of Midian and Ephah shall cover you, all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:2-6 ESV

Life Application
Be amazed by how Scripture fulfills Scripture and how the detailed plans of God cannot be thwarted. Allow the incredible prophecy of Jesus's coming to increase your faith in His word.

Prayer points

Pray for a heart that thrills and exults when reading and recognizing His glory.
Pray that His light may shine through you in the darkness.
Pray for deep appreciation for the fulfilment of prophecy in Jesus Christ.

Wednesday: Dealing with Selfish Opposition

Reflecting on the reaction of King Herod, who took the news of the King of the Jews seriously, not out of faith, but out of selfish intent to oppose God's plan.

Today's Verse
Saying, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2 ESV

Reflection
King Herod, a puppet king set up by the Roman government, took the news of the birth of the King of the Jews very seriously. After learning the place of Jesus's birth from the priests and scribes, Herod gleaned from the Magi the precise date the star appeared as confirmation of biblical prophecy. Herod had subversive, malevolent plans to use this information to secure his own power. He rejected the prophecy and God's plan because he was too selfish. He intended to circumvent the birth of Jesus as the true King of the Jews, eventually committing infanticide against young male children in Bethlehem under the age of two in a vain attempt to kill the infant Jesus.

Additional Scripture
Saying, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2 ESV

Life Application
Recognize that taking the truth of the Scripture seriously does not equate to accepting it. Guard your heart against selfishness that would lead you to reject the truths of God's word and oppose His sovereign plan for your life and the world.

Prayer points

Pray for the humility to accept and submit to God's will, even when it challenges your power or comfort.
Pray to cast aside selfish motives that lead to deliberate rejection of Him.
Pray for the wisdom to discern between believing and merely taking His word seriously.

Thursday: The Call to All Kings and Peoples

Considering that God revealed the significance of His Son's birth to people of high status and wealth, indicating that His kingdom is for all people, great and small.

Today's Verse
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalms 72:11 ESV

Reflection
The revelation of the Saviour’s birth was given not only to the lowly shepherds but also to the Magi, who were wise men from the east and possibly kings in their own homes. These individuals were people of great wealth and power, suggesting they were esteemed astronomers. They came great distances with large retinues, bearing luxurious gifts. It is often believed that these Magi were a fulfillment of the prophecy that all kings would fall down before Him. This demonstrates that God's plan encompasses all people, from those engaged in menial tasks to those holding positions of great authority.

Additional Scripture
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalms 72:11 ESV

Life Application
Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King over all the earth and that His message of redemption is directed toward all nations and all classes of people. Commit to honoring Him with your status, wealth, and wisdom, just as the Magi did.

Prayer points

Pray for the understanding that His salvation is available to all, regardless of status or wealth.
Pray for the grace to serve Him alongside people from all walks of life.
Pray that all nations will indeed fall down before Him.

Friday: The Gift of Gold (His Kingship)

Focusing on the significance of gold as a gift that symbolized Christ's earthly kingship and provided practical aid to the Holy Family.

Today's Verse
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:6 ESV

Reflection
Gold was one of the three gifts brought by the wise men, and it was particularly significant because it symbolizes kingship on earth. Gold has always maintained its value, representing wealth and prosperity. This gift would have been incredibly useful to Mary and Joseph when they had to flee with Jesus to Egypt, providing necessary wealth for their journey and sustainment during that difficult time. The gold brought to the manger was an acknowledgment of Him as the newborn King, the wealth provided to Him by the nations.

Additional Scripture
The wealth of the nations shall come to you. Isaiah 60:5 ESV

Life Application
Remember that everything you possess is ultimately for His service. Consider how you can use the wealth and resources God has given you to honor His kingship and further His divine plan.

Prayer points

Pray for a commitment to recognizing Jesus Christ as the supreme King of your life.
Pray for wisdom in using your resources to support His kingdom.
Pray for generosity in sharing your wealth and possessions.

Saturday: The Gift of Frankincense (His Deity)

Examining the significance of frankincense, an expensive item used for religious purposes, signifying the divine nature of Jesus Christ.

Today's Verse
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:6 ESV

Reflection
Frankincense was an expensive perfume or incense, similar to the nard used to wash His feet later in His life. This luxurious gift served as a clear symbol of deity. This gift illustrates that He is not merely a king, but He is God, the Son of God. The gifts offered by the Magi illuminate the different aspects of Christ’s identity, confirming that He is Christ the King and Christ the God, revealing His magnificent grace.

Additional Scripture
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. Isaiah 60:6 ESV

Life Application
Since He is God, He is worthy of your absolute adoration and worship. Do not let familiarity or distraction cause you to forget that the infant in the manger was fully God, deserving of the most expensive and symbolic offerings.

Prayer points

Pray that you may worship Him daily, acknowledging His deity.
Pray for a spirit of adoration and praise for His magnificence and grace.
Pray that you may offer Him the best of your life as a spiritual sacrifice.

Sunday: The Gift of Myrrh (His Sacrifice)

Contemplating the meaning of myrrh, a gift that grimly foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ would make for humanity.

Today's Verse
And they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. Mark 15:23 ESV

Reflection
The final gift brought by the wise men, myrrh, was used in ancient Egypt in the embalming process. This gift marked a pivotal and important foreshadowing of Jesus' death. Years later, He was offered wine mixed with myrrh before His crucifixion to help numb the excruciating pain He was enduring. Myrrh was also used in oil for anointing kings, signifying that the Magi came looking for the King of the Jews. The presence of this gift makes clear that Christ died so that we may live with Him in eternity, recognizing His incredible sacrifice.

Additional Scripture
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalms 72:11 ESV

Life Application
Ponder the profound significance of this gift, which pointed beyond the cradle to the cross. Live your life in gratitude for the supreme sacrifice He made to redeem you from your sins.

Prayer points

Pray that you may never forget the incredible sacrifice He made on the cross.
Pray for the strength to live a life worthy of the grace He has given you through His death and resurrection.
Pray for thankfulness for the redemption He brought you.

What do you treasure?

Peter — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 04:18:26 +0000

As Christmas approaches, we have many things on our minds. Even when thinking about Jesus and His birth, Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and angels can be a distraction. We can fall into a dangerous trap when we focus too much on people like Mary, but we can also learn a great deal from her, as we can from others in Scripture. Mary did something wonderful and powerful and very useful in the way that she treasured the works of God and pondered them deeply. We may not have the same blessed experiences as she did, but we can gain deep blessing from our own experiences of God by responding in a similar way. Such a response yield great blessing now and for eternity.

The Good Shepherd

Peter — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:03:34 +0000

Scripture Reading

Psalms 23:1-6 ESV A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Daily Devotions

Monday: Recognizing the Identity of the Good Shepherd

Today's Verse: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for His sheep. (John 10:11)

Reflection Jesus is the Good Shepherd who willingly gives His life for His sheep. He is the one who provides the necessary guidance in our lives. He is known by the Hebrew name Yahweh Raah, which means God is my shepherd. The responsibility of a shepherd is high; it concerns the well-being and livelihood of the flock. We must look to Him as the one who fulfills that vital, guiding role for us.

Life Application Acknowledge that He is the one who watches over your well-being and livelihood. Trust in the guidance He provides daily, knowing that He is your personal Shepherd.

Prayer points

Pray to recognize Him as my Shepherd, Yahweh Raah.
Pray for help in trusting His guidance and following Him.

Tuesday: Finding Provision and Satisfaction in Him

Today's Verse: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:1)

Reflection He provides lavishly for His people. The shepherd feeds His people in peaceful green pastures. He refreshes and cools them with water from a quiet stream. He provides so well that His people lack nothing and are completely satisfied. This profound satisfaction comes because His people know Him and call Him their shepherd, and He knows them too.

Life Application Be satisfied with His provision and remember that He cares for us lavishly, not only in eternity but while we are here. Seek to know Him well, just as He knows us. Be open to receiving His lavish love.

Prayer points

Pray for a deepened relationship so I may know Him well.
Pray for trust in His provision, believing that I shall not want.
Pray for an open heart to receive His love daily.

Wednesday: Reflecting on the Humility of the Savior

Today's Verse: For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Reflection God chose to share the glory of Christ’s birth with humble shepherds. These were men tending their sheep in the field at night, engaged in a highly responsible task. When an angel appeared, they were overwhelmed with great fear, but the angel brought good news of great joy for all people, not just a select few. Jesus is the essence of humility in His coming, moving from the shepherds in the field to a humble stable and humble parents. He is the Savior, Christ the Lord, in the heritage line of David.

Additional Scripture

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8)
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. (Luke 2:9)

Life Application Remember that God values the humble, choosing to show His glory to the lowly shepherds. Testify to what has been witnessed concerning Jesus. Treasure the things He reveals, pondering them in your heart.

Prayer points

Pray for a humble heart, recognizing His glory.
Pray for the opportunity and courage to testify to others about Him.

Thursday: The Necessity of Restoration and Repentance

Today's Verse: He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)

Reflection We need the Shepherd to restore our soul because it is the nature of the sheep to wander away from the safety of the fold and into the wilderness of sin. Like lost sheep, we have gone astray, turning everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid our iniquity upon Him. Only He can restore our souls from the ravages of sin and make us right with God again. The restoration He gives is the forgiveness of sin and peace with God. Repentance, which means we stop going our own way and return to the Shepherd, coupled with faith, is required to be restored.

Additional Scripture

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

Life Application Stop going your own way and return to the Shepherd. Ask Jesus to restore your soul, believing that He died for your sins and rose again to give new life.

Prayer points

Pray to repent of sin and stop wandering.
Pray for faith in His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Friday: Following the Paths of Righteousness

Today's Verse: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)

Reflection We walk in the paths of righteousness by following Jesus, the Good Shepherd. This righteous leading is done for His glory, not ours. It is by Christ’s death that we are saved, but it is His resurrection that enables us to walk righteously. He offers salvation to all, but only those who believe He died for them will be saved. His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them, and they follow Him; He gives them eternal life, and no one shall snatch them out of His hand.

Additional Scripture

You do not believe because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:26-28)
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Life Application Actively listen for His voice and follow His guidance. Remember that true righteous walking is accomplished through His power, made possible by His resurrection. Never cease to pray for those who reject His word.

Prayer points

Pray for the grace to walk in paths that bring Him glory.
Pray for His resurrection power to work in you to do His will.
Pray for those in difficulty who struggle and reject His guidance.

Saturday: Assurance in the Valley of Death

Today's Verse: Yay, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Reflection This psalm describes the process we go through in our walk with the Lord. We find assurance when facing death by making this journey with the Shepherd, because He knows the way. He is the only one who has journeyed through death and emerged victorious, having conquered sin, hell, and the grave. He will personally lead His sheep home. His rod and His staff symbolize His presence and they are the source of comfort.

Life Application Do not be afraid of death if you know the Shepherd, because He will take you home. Trust Him as the indispensable guide who knows the way on this journey. Have the confidence to say that even when leaving this life, you will be more alive than you are now.

Prayer points

Pray for assurance and lack of fear when facing difficult processes in life.
Pray to feel His comforting presence (His rod and staff) during times of darkness.
Pray for the assurance that He will lead you home.

Sunday: Anticipating the Eternal Home

Today's Verse: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)

Reflection Those who belong to the Good Shepherd receive a lavish welcome when they arrive home. He prepares a table before His people, which speaks of feasting and fellowship that will continue forever and ever. God's sheep will never again leave His house. Goodness and mercy follow them all their lives, and they will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The promise of God’s provision, sins forgiven, a constant companion, and a home in heaven only applies to those who know Him. This is the triumph and coronation day for those who are His.

Life Application Receive His love now, knowing that He lavishes it on you even here. Anticipate the eternal fellowship and feasting in His house. Ensure you know the Good Shepherd personally so that you can dwell with Him forever.

Prayer points

Pray to be open to receiving His lavish love every day.
Pray that I may know Him truly as my Shepherd, securing the hope of dwelling in His house forever.
Pray that I may find hope and assurance for my loved ones as well.

The power of the Name of Jesus

Peter — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 04:36:10 +0000

The Name of Jesus is powerful beyond our understanding, but it’s not a magic word or incantation. God works powerfully through His children who rely on the grace and authority of Jesus Christ. God exercises the power of Jesus Christ through us when we confess our sin, humble ourselves and trust completely in Him rather than our own strength or that of anything else. Evil seems to triumph in the world, but remember Jesus Christ has already overcome the world, our sin and the enemy. Jesus wins, always and forever.

What is it to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Peter — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 05:47:21 +0000

We find a curious situation in Ephesus that leads to questions on the Holy Spirit and His gifts like speaking in tongues. many different understanding are out there around these questions but the most important question is, have we received the Holy Spirit and are we being filled with the Holy Spirit with power to be witnesses?

Scripture

Acts 19:1-10 ESV And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. [2] And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” [3] And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” [4] And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. [7] There were about twelve men in all. [8] And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. [9] But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. [10] This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Through the Scripture

Have you received the Holy Spirit?

Paul went looking for disciples in Ephesus after Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos had been ministering there. He found disciples but we’re not sure if they were disciples of Jesus or of John the Baptist. Were they saved or not? We just can’t be 100% sure. What we can be sure of is that they received the Holy Spirit at this time and that He manifested in them the gift of tongues. What is important is the question Paul asked them, what would our answer be if we’re asked the same. Have we received the Holy Spirit?

Acts 19:1-7 ESV And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. [2] And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” [3] And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” [4] And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. [7] There were about twelve men in all.

John 13:10-11 ESV Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

John 20:21-22 ESV Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4-5 ESV And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

All who belong to Jesus have received the Holy Spirit

In one sense we can answer this critical question of receiving the Holy Spirit in this way: Have we believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do we belong to Him, if we do, then Scripture tells us that we will have the Holy Spirit. So the first question is do you believe the Gospel, do you belong to Jesus?

1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ESV For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

Romans 8:9-11 ESV You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [10] But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

John 3:16 ESV “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ESV And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, [22] and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

The promise of the Holy Spirit

This assurance that we belong to Jesus and have received the Holy Spirit is of great comfort but it should not end there. There is a promise of the Holy Spirit that is fulfilled at Pentecost and that raised some additional questions. What does it mean to be filled by the Holy Spirit, is that different from having the Holy Spirit?

Joel 2:28-29 ESV “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. [29] Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

Acts 2:1-4 ESV When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit

Jesus promises that the Apostles will become witnesses when they are empowered by the filling of the Holy Spirit which happens at Pentecost, but happens again and again thereafter. The same pattern appears to be experienced by Paul. Do we experience this repeated filling with the power of the Holy Spirit? If not why not?

Acts 1:8 ESV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 4:7-8 ESV And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,

Acts 4:29-31 ESV And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 9:17-18 ESV So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;

Acts 13:9-11 ESV But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him [10] and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? [11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

The prophecy tongues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit

The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips us for ministry and also unifies us as the Church. He gives different gifts of power to each of us so that we need Him, and need each other. This unifies His Church as we take care of all the parts because we all need each other.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ESV To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. [8] For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, [10] to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

1 Corinthians 12:20-26 ESV As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” [22] On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, [24] which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, [25] that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. [26] If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

1 Corinthians 14:26-28 ESV What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. [27] If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. [28] But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 ESV So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But all things should be done decently and in order.

When are we filled with the Holy Spirit?

So if we know that we need the filling of the Holy Spirit, when does this happen to us? We need to understand this and how to seek God’s gracious gift. We see that it happens differently for different people in Scripture, so we should cast in stone how and when this should happen to us or to anyone who believes, that is up to God.

Acts 8:14-17 ESV Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, [15] who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-47 ESV While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. [45] And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, [47] “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Prayer for the Holy Spirit

While we can not know how and when this happens we can and should hunger for it. We should not rest in the knowledge that we are saved, we need to surrender to the complete and dedicated service of God in the power of God through His Holy Spirit. While we escape condemnation by faith in Christ alone, we all will still have our works judged to determine our reward. Do you want to escape with your eternal life like someone escaping a fire, with nothing but your life - or do you want to receive all the rewards that God promises to His faithful servants? Do you want to be an advocate or a powerful witness?

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. [14] If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. [15] If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Acts 5:32 ESV And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Luke 11:11-13 ESV What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Daily Devotions

Monday: Examining the Foundation of Faith

Today's Verse Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (Acts 19:2)

Reflection Paul asked disciples a challenging and critical question: whether they had received the Holy Spirit upon believing. Their reply, that they had not even heard about the Holy Spirit, showed that something vital was missing. While there is debate on whether they were Christians already, the core issue is that they subsequently received the Spirit and were empowered. This initial question compels believers to examine the state of their own faith and whether they possess the Spirit of Christ, for if one belongs to Jesus, they must have His Spirit dwelling in them.

Additional Scripture

And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all. (Acts 19:1-7)
Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for His feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” (John 13:10-11)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22)
And while staying with them He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, “you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5)

Life Application Do not rest in confusion or doubt concerning your salvation. If you have believed in Christ, repented of your sins, and accepted the gospel, you have received the Holy Spirit. Ensure that your understanding has moved beyond mere preparation (like John's baptism) to a full commitment to Jesus Christ.

Prayer points

Pray for clarity and assurance regarding your relationship with Jesus.
Thank Him for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit who testifies that you are His.
Ask Him to help you understand the foundational truths of the gospel.

Tuesday: Guarantee of the Spirit in Salvation

Today's Verse Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. (Romans 8:9)

Reflection A critical way to answer the question of receiving the Holy Spirit is by examining whether one belongs to Jesus Christ. Scripture is clear that if you belong to Him, you must have the Holy Spirit. It is the moment of faith, acceptance, and rebirth when one receives Him. God establishes us in Christ, anoints us, and gives us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee of our standing with Him.

Additional Scripture

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:9-11)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

Life Application Focus on believing the gospel of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection. If you trust in the risen Christ, you are saved, and the Holy Spirit is the precious gift who dwells within you as a confirmation of that salvation.

Prayer points

Pray for a faith that is firmly rooted in the complete gospel message.
Thank Him for placing His seal on your heart, assuring you of eternal life.
Ask Him to deepen your relationship with Him, recognizing that He dwells within you.

Wednesday: Anticipating the Promised Power

Today's Verse “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. (Joel 2:28)

Reflection The promise of the Holy Spirit was foretold in the Scriptures, prophesying a time when God would pour out His Spirit not just on select leaders like prophets or kings, but on all flesh—all believers. This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. While receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation is a comfort, we should not assume that the journey ends there; the promise raised questions about the ongoing work and filling of the Holy Spirit.

Additional Scripture

Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out My Spirit. (Joel 2:29)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

Life Application Recognize that the Holy Spirit is for all believers, not just a select few. Do not limit your expectation of what God can do based on past experiences, but hunger for the complete measure of His fullness.

Prayer points

Pray to experience the fulfillment of the promise of His Spirit in your life.
Ask Him to fill you completely, so that you may know Him and love Him like never before.
Pray that the church would be a place where His promises are fully realized.

Thursday: The Power to Be Witnesses

Today's Verse But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Reflection Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their ministry, stating that they needed power to become witnesses. A witness speaks the truth based on experience, which is more powerful than the eloquence of an advocate. This empowerment is not a one-time event; the disciples were filled at Pentecost, but Scripture shows they were filled again and again for specific tasks, demonstrating that the filling of the Holy Spirit is a repeated experience necessary for ministry and effective witnessing. The same pattern of repeated filling was evident in Paul’s life.

Additional Scripture

And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, (Acts 4:7-8)
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him He said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; (Acts 9:17-18)
But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. (Acts 13:9-11)

Life Application Do not rely on your own strength or intellect to share the gospel. You need the power of the Holy Spirit to transform you into an effective witness. Seek to be continually filled with His power for the service He has called you to.

Prayer points

Pray to receive the power needed to be an effective witness for Christ.
Ask Him to grant you boldness to speak His word with conviction.
Pray for continual filling with the Holy Spirit, empowering you for ministry tasks.

Friday: Gifts for the Common Good

Today's Verse To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Reflection The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips believers for ministry and unifies the Church. He distributes different gifts, such as wisdom, healing, prophecy, and tongues, to each individual as He wills. These gifts are given primarily to glorify God and to serve one another, ensuring that the church body is interdependent, like a human body where the eye needs the hand. The focus must be on the Giver of the gifts, desiring Him and His fullness, rather than obsessing over the gifts or using them for personal pride or status.

Additional Scripture

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1 Corinthians 12:20-26)
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (1 Corinthians 14:26-28)
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40)

Life Application Seek the Giver of the gifts, desiring Him to have all of you. Use whatever gifts you have been given to serve the church and bring glory to Him. Do not allow pride or desire for recognition to corrupt your use of the gifts.

Prayer points

Pray that the gifts received would always be used for the common good and His glory.
Ask Him to help you appreciate every member of the body, recognizing the indispensable role of each person.
Pray for guidance to know and operate in the gift He has chosen for you.

Saturday: Seeking God's Timing for Empowerment

Today's Verse While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. (Acts 10:44)

Reflection The timing and method of receiving the Holy Spirit’s power vary, as He works in His own way for His glory. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit falls upon people while they are hearing the word preached. In other instances, such as with Paul's converts, belief and baptism happened first, and then the empowerment came later through the laying on of hands. Because God does not always work in a predictable way that satisfies human expectations, we should not attempt to limit how or when He chooses to grant His power for ministry.

Additional Scripture

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)
And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:45-47)

Life Application Do not cast in stone how or when the Holy Spirit should empower you. We should not be complacent just because we are saved; instead, we must desire and seek the power needed for ministry. Be humble and receptive to receiving His power whenever and however He chooses to work through you.

Prayer points

Pray for openness to receive the power of the Holy Spirit according to His timing and will.
Ask Him to prevent you from being complacent, even in the security of salvation.
Pray for deep humility to accept His methods for filling and empowering believers.

Sunday: Praying for Fullness

Today's Verse If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:15)

Reflection The motivation for seeking the Holy Spirit's power is tied to serving God fully. Though condemnation in judgment is escaped by faith alone, the works done by believers will be judged, to determine what eternal rewards are given If a believer relies only on their own strength, their work may be burned up, leaving them saved "only as through fire". We must surrender completely to His service, not being content merely to be saved, but desiring to be empowered to do His work so that we can stand before Christ having served Him in His strength. The Father is a good giver and will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

Additional Scripture

each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:13-14)
And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5:32)
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:11-13)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Life Application Do not be complacent, thinking that being saved is enough; fully surrender to the dedicated service of God, empowered by His Spirit. Continuously pray for this power for yourself and for the church, so that we are not relying on your own strength.

Prayer points

Pray for strength and power through His Spirit in your inner being.
Ask Him to grant you the power to do the work He has called you to do, so that you may receive the rewards He promises.
Pray that you would be filled along with the whole Church with all the fullness of God, knowing the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.

Making Jesus’ Team

Peter — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 04:53:18 +0000

The Church is called the bride of Jesus. A successful marriage is built on teamwork, and the Church needs to be reminded of this all the time. Sometimes when we’re doing the work of God, we can get focused on the outcome and not on Jesus Himself. Watching the team at work through the first century Church can help us to remember to put Jesus first, to trust Him for everything, and to give Him the Glory. God can achieve any outcome any time. Our focus needs to be on trusting and obeying Him regardless of the outcome.

Jesus changes everything

Peter — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:39:58 +0000

Paul was more like us than we realise. He also got tired and despondent, he could only do the extraordinary things he did because of the love and power of Jesus Christ. When we reach the same lows as he did, we can be encouraged and strengthened in our faith that Jesus will supply our needs and raise us up to complete His purpose for us.

Getting to know the unknown God

Peter — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 05:08:30 +0000

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Paul encountered intelligent, educated people who considered themselves wise, cultured and sophisticated, but still believed nonsense about our inexistence, value and purpose because they believed that they made gods rather than that God made us. in 2000 years nothing has changed we still encounter people like this every day. Paul teaches us how to reach them with the truth, and give them every opportunity to know the One true God Who made us to know, love and worship Him.

Fact Checking: Like a Berean

Peter — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 04:59:50 +0000

The Bereans are people that we only hear of once or twice in the Bible - but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn a lot from them. They received God’s Word the right way, and they responded to Him the right way. God’s plans are timeless and perfect, and we need to decide to join His plans and be part of His glorious work, or miss out on the opportunity of an eternal lifetime. There’s no time like the present to get involved.

Do you have a Jesus sharing strategy?

Peter — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:17:23 +0000

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a massive blessing, and it carries with it a great responsibility to make disciples as we journey in our faith. Making disciples can be hard and thankless, it can become discouraging. Paul and Silas give us great insight into the way to deal with the challenges, of making disciples by praying for and being obedient to the strategic wisdom of Jesus Christ and trusting in Him to build His Church.

It is War. Who wins?

Peter — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:49:17 +0000

The Church is being attacked from outside and within. It always has been. How do you feel about the rampant evil that surrounds us, and the way it infiltrates the church? We should be aware of this, but never be disheartened and distracted from continuing the work of God to the very end. In the end He always wins. We can see His victory in Philippi, even though it looked like a loss, and we will see the same in our lives if we keep trusting, obeying and seeing things from Jesus’ perspective.

How do we hear from God?

Peter — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 04:42:40 +0000

When big choice are before us, we naturally want to know what God wants us to do. But how? Too often we are preoccupied with the desire to be in control and have perfect knowledge before making a decision. Faith does not operate like this. Learning to keep going in trust and obedience until God changes our path is difficult but deeply rewarding in our journey with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul Silas and Timothy show us how, and encourage us to keep going.

Access granted

Peter — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

When we last look at Acts we saw the way that God uses all kinds of people, and their strengths and weaknesses, without giving up on them, to achieve His purposes. This passage introduces a very active and gifted person called Timothy. Timothy was effective because he had a knowledge of Scripture, the gift of the Holy Spirit and access to the communities that God sent him to reach. We all have access to a communities that need the Gospel. They may be age, culture or otherwise defined, who are particularly equipped to help access God’s Kingdom?

Bible Study Explained

Peter — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 04:32:11 +0000

The news this week, like any week, can leave us in a distracted and anxious frame of mind. The more you hear about the events of this world and our human reaction to them and attempt to make sense of them, the more you realise how scarce truth is. We need truth - we crave it - but how can we know it, when even the Bible gets distorted and abused by unreliable human influence. The Scripture shows us what it is and how to study it, when we do what it teaches us, we have truth, love, joy and peace.

The Table Explained

Peter — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 03:34:17 +0000

Why do Christians break bread and drink the blood of grapes? Our answer would probably be simply “to remember Jesus”. It’s good to ask questions about the Lord’s Table, but the Table also answers our deepest questions about suffering, life and death, good and evil, justice and mercy. The deeper we meditate on the Table the more our eyes are opened to the beauty and Truth of the Gospel.

Fasting explained

Peter — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 04:59:38 +0000

From Acts we’ve seen that the Church, under the leadership of the Apostles fasted and prayed together at certain critical junctions, especially when selecting or sending out workers for Jesus Christ. Should we still fast, why and when?

Jesus never quits: Neither should we

Peter — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt “out of your depth” and wanted to, or decided to quit? We know Jesus felt like this in the garden of Gethsemane - just before His arrest - but we also know that He never quit, and that He was strengthened by our Heavenly Father and empowered throughout His suffering, death and resurrection. Jesus never quits. He calls us to draw on His strength so that we will never quit and gives us great examples of perseverance and second chances, when even people like Paul give up on us.

Unburdened - by the symphony of the Spirit

Peter — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:58:01 +0000

When difficult things happen, things that test our faith, we can be sure that God can use them to actually strengthen our faith and the faith of others. It can take much time and painful effort, but God gives us three things to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. See how God uses the Scriptures, Signs and wonders and the testimony of the Saints to turn serious stumbling blocks into faith strengthening blessings, even when we don’t realise that we need them.

Set them free

Peter — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 04:31:04 +0000

Our mission is to make disciples of all nations, that means setting them free from sin and it’s consequences by sharing the Gospel and our testimony of what Jesus Christ has done for us. When anything, especially false teaching, threatens that mission we should be quick to deal with it, not getting distracted from our mission and not allowing it to rob us or others of our joy. We should draw together under the authority of the Church, be lead by the Scripture and the Holy Spirit and trust that God has already seen the problem coming and has a solution.

Complete: Under the care of God

Peter — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 04:10:37 +0000

We can see a pattern of people humbling presenting themselves for service and asking God to send them out to make disciples. It starts with the prayer and worship of the Church and then follows with the obedience of those sent out to preach and minister His grace. Persecution seeks to interfere with the process but only serves to strengthen it. The process continues with new leaders being appointed and the cycle repeating. The Church is meant to grow and keep growing under this pattern, but always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How is our part of the Church growing, are we following the patter and the Holy Spirit?

Rise up

Peter — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 04:10:48 +0000

The attempted murder of Paul shows us that evil is present, determined and relentless. Christians who want to serve Jesus will suffer. God’s Spirit in us is more powerful than all the enemy put together. We will be knocked down, but God can pick us up and keep us going. In order to be strengthened in our work for Him we need to understand that we’re not alone, that He has a purpose for us and that He will fulfil His promises to us. This will help us to rise up when we are knocked down and keep us going through the challenges of living out our faith in Jesus Christ.

Do you have the look?

Peter — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:55:40 +0000

Paul saw something in the way a crippled man was listening to the Gospel as he preached it. This set the man apart from the crowd, who could hear him speaking but didn’t believe. Thinking about the contrast between the two can help us to focus on what real faith in Jesus Christ is, and to appreciate it’s immeasurable power to save. See how he listens to learn not confirm, how he trusts in God not man and how he gives God the glory not man. Who are we like, the cripple or the crowd?

Fight or flight

Peter — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 04:49:21 +0000

The way that people react to us sharing our faith will differ. Some will reject it strongly and even attack us, but that shouldn’t determine when we move on and when we persevere. A close reliance on the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit will help us to see great wonders done to save people, just like Paul and Barnabus did in a place called Iconium.

Where Justice and Mercy meet

Peter — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 03:00:00 +0000

While God brings judgement on Israel’s disobedience and rebellion, He continually recovers them in His grace and mercy. The preaching of the Gospel first to the Jews, who widely reject it, is never wasted. God’s plans do not just survive the attacks of the enemy and the rejection and rebellion of people, they are more firmly established by them. From the rejection of Israel in the time of Moses, the murder of Jesus, the jealousy of the Jews at the power of the Gospel, their rejection of it, all the way to their subsequent jealousy of the gentiles who received it. God uses it all to establish His unbreakable eternal plans.

The Irresistible Gospel

Peter — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 14:55:40 +0000

We are constantly being called to go out and share the Gospel. It’s God’s power and plan to bring humankind to repentance and to faith and relationship with Him. There is spirtual and physical opposition to this which can become frightening and demoralising. Faith in God and His irresistable power, delivered through the Gospel of Jesus, overcomes this opposition and brings astonishement, love, joy and peace to those who God is calling.

Set Apart

Peter — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 04:17:28 +0000

In Acts 13 we read about the next phase of the growth and expansion of the Church to every corner of the globe. It is the start of Paul’s first journey through many cities, preaching the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. In the first three verses we are given a formula for being the kind of Church that grows and does the will of God. Do we want to be a Church that is in maintenance mode and dying, or a Church which is faithful, obedient, committed and growing?

Give God the Glory

Peter — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 05:02:14 +0000

Herod like many before and after him tried to destroy the Church. After being humbled by the miraculous deliverance of Peter he continued to oppose Jesus, and hold himself up to being some kind of god. The following events in Acts contrast Herod with Jesus, and show how all attempts at destroying the Church, the bride of Christ, only succeed in glorifying Jesus Christ and building up His Church. We can grow our faith in Christ by learning from these events and trusting that Jesus Christ is still in control and still using all the attacks against Him and His Church, to grow her and bring Glory where it is due. To God alone.

The Rescue

Peter — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 04:31:06 +0000

The very detailed account of Peter’s rescue from prison and certain execution shows us how important this is. It reveals far more than just a physical rescue but echos the theme of salvation and resurrection. It also contrasts our weakness with God’s sovereign power and reminds us of the critical value of telling everyone what Jesus has done for us.

Greater things than these

Peter — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Nobody wants to be persecuted and mistreated. Peter suffered persecution that was similar to Jesus in uncanny detail. When we read that we as believers will do great things just like Jesus, we don’t want to think that these great deeds could be done under suffering and persecution like that which Jesus faced. But when we consider this, and see that God turns all evil around to fulfil His purposes, we can have great courage in completing the work God has created us for, even when times are tough and things are not going according to our plans.

The Momentum of Testimony

Peter — Sun, 25 May 2025 04:39:48 +0000

The rise of the Church amongst the Gentiles happens in Antioch and is achieved by God working through relationships between His followers. God works through people, no matter how small, and no matter how different or insignificant their gifts and abilities appear to be. When ordinary people testify to God’s work in their lives, to those they know and love, and those they don’t yet, God builds momentum from what He’s done in them to radically affect others. Sharing testimony and gifts is how God builds momentum in the growth of His Kingdom. A small testimony goes a long way.

The power of a Testimony

Peter — Sun, 18 May 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Testifying to God’s glorious goodness and power is life changing beyond our comprehension, to us, and those to whom we testify. The way we should think about testimony and approach it is beautifully demonstrated in Acts 11. It shows us that we should look for the opportunity, be prepared to hear from God, listen carefully and pay attention to what He says, obey His instruction, embrace the body of Christ, test and confirm His Word, and finally testify and celebrate His Glory. Our lives need changing, the testimony of Jesus changes everything!

Authenticated

Peter — Sun, 11 May 2025 04:13:46 +0000

God’s plans don’t change because He doesn’t change, He’s perfect. We are not, and we need to change all the time. Coping with change is difficult especially when we’re unsure of God’s plans for us and what decisions to take to follow His will for us. We need to evaluate everything according to His Word to discern what His will is and then we need to trust Him to authenticate His work in us. We can see how Peter followed God’s will even when it seemed to be a departure from everything He knew, He did this by trust and obedience to the word of God, and the evidence of the Holy Spirit. We need to learn to do the same.

Embracing Game Changing Moments

Peter — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:10:45 +0000

We all know that feeling that things are not going according to plan, in fact they seem to be heading in the opposite direction. It’s at these times that we must cling to God and trust that His plans are better than ours, that He loves us and that He’s in control. These are tough but precious moments, moments that call us to leave our comfort zones, submit to God and witness His greatness and goodness. Peter and Jonah were both called into moments like these, God’s will was done in both cases, but Peter’s experience was so much better than Jonah’s. What will ours be like, who will we be like?

A Life Worth Raising

Guest User — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This morning, we get back to our exposition of Acts. The story picks up with the growth of the new Church and Peter’s travels, looking at the story of Tabitha. It’s a perfectly timed story in terms of where the world is at. We’re living in a time of achievement culture, where everyone is trying to outdo everyone else with the amazing lives we live. No one is exempt, it affects every one of us. And while our intentions may be well-meaning, the outcomes we’re producing are counter-kingdom. We’re just getting busier as humans, not making more of an impact. Meanwhile, God is looking for His people to do good works, not more works. Today, we will see what good works are all about, and how and why they have such a powerful impact on God’s Kingdom - and us.

You are witnesses

Peter — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 03:00:00 +0000

We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sin and was raised to life 2000 years ago and today we celebrate His rising from the dead. In doing so we are being witnesses, we’re telling the world that He is alive, but are we doing what He told us to do? Is gathering on Easter and celebrating with food and drink fulfilling His commandment to us? This Easter we look at how Jesus first appeared to His disciples and what He took them through before sending them out as witnesses. If we are witnesses, then we must learn from them and do what they did.

Creation’s Victory Cry

Guest User — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:19:00 +0000

This morning, we come to Good Friday, the day that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. This is a story we talk about all the time as Christians, but when we stop to take a look at it carefully, the mysteries of our creator are too profound to ponder. We pick up the story this morning, where Jesus is hanging on the cross. He has been tortured and shamefully mocked. And now we see no less than 5 miracles: darkness, then after Jesus’ victory cry, the tearing of the temple curtain, an earthquake, the opening of graves of some of the saints, and the saints walking around in the city. But what do they all mean? They all point to the divine love of God for His Son and His people. And it’s too wonderful to behold!

Matthew 27:45-54 ESV Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. (46) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (47) And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” (48) And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. (49) But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” (50) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. (51) And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (52) The tombs were also opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, (53) and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (54) When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Fighting like Jesus

Peter — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:40:39 +0000

Have you ever gone through a season of struggle, wondering if it will ever end and asking “does it always have to be like this”? Are you waiting for things to get better so that you can get on with life? The Bible shows us that life is full of trouble, and that we can’t wait for it to get better before we get on with living to the full. Jesus’ life was a constant struggle, but never let it delay Him. He fought on, winning the most awesome victory for the Glory of God and for our eternal blessing. He also showed us how to keep fighting through it all.

Fear and Comfort

Peter — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 04:31:51 +0000

Are we paralysed by the fear of man or mobilised by the fear of the Lord and the comfort of His Holy Spirit? The Church is a living, breathing body that grows when it’s healthy, but it will not grow when we who are the living stones making up it’s walls are are trapped in fear. Peter shows us four things to focus on to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit so that the Church may live and grow as she should.

God’s Purpose Blueprint

Guest User — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Last week, we saw Saul’s dramatic, extraordinary conversion to “The Way.” The scripture dealt with the importance of purpose, the inate human desire to have purpose, and what purpose means from a Biblical perspective. Today continues that message, showing us that walking in Christ’s purpose is hard. And today, we will see what it means to walk in our purpose, what we can expect, and what God does for us along the way.

None so blind

Peter — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 04:14:21 +0000

There’s a popular saying that nobody is as blind as those who don’t want to see. Paul was like this, he had all the intellect, education and opportunity to know and follow Jesus, but he couldn’t. Instead, he persecuted Jesus and His followers. Jesus had to intervene and bring together everything He’d been preparing for Paul to save him. Paul didn’t even know that he was spiritually blind until Jesus made him physically blind for a time. We can also be blinded spiritually. We can depend on our physical abilities and material things, and ignore what really matters - or learn from Paul and plead with the Lord Jesus to open our eyes to what really matters.

The great value of simple obedience

Peter — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 05:13:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why you’re here, or what value your life has? God has purpose for all of us and values us because He created us. We can never realise that value or discover that purpose until we start to respond to His guidance and obey His voice. When we do start doing that wonderful things happen. Philip and and Ethiopian official show us how simple obedience leads to a great understanding of our value and purpose in Jesus Christ.

Fake Faith?

Peter — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:43:32 +0000

The Church faces many attacks from outside and within. We’ve seen these attacks through the infancy of the Church and how Jesus Christ turned them around to grow the Church. Today we see how false messiah’s can infiltrate the Church and how they need to be dealt with. Simon the magician was always after power and attention, yet he joined the Church and instead of repenting of his pride and selfish ambition, he saw Jesus Christ as a way to get what he wanted. We need to be aware of Simon’s in our Church, but also examine our our faith and make sure that we are not like him.

Are things falling apart or into place?

Peter — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 05:01:44 +0000

What do we see when we look at the early Church in Acts? We may see the persecution and the pain, but then there’s the growth and healing. Where there’s scattering there’s a great harvest, mourning comes with joy, death brings new life, It’s all a matter of perspective and when we look carefully, we can’t but see a magnificent plan falling into place. Perhaps we need this lens to relook at our own lives and the world we are living in, is it falling apart or is God’s plan falling into place?

When Jesus Stood

Guest User — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Last week, we met Stephen for the first time. Along with other noble Christians, he was selected to serve the church. Clearly, he was a good man, well respected, trustworthy, and faithful. In today’s scripture, we see even more of his character on display, when he is falsely accused by the Jews, just for standing up for the truth of the Gospel (does that sound familiar to you?). And just like Jesus, Stephen tells the truth under tremendous fire, and he does not falter. Let’s take a deep dive into this man's life as we know it, and see what lessons we can learn and apply in our lives today.

The hidden opportunities in conflict

Peter — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 05:19:03 +0000

Christians, like everyone else, have to face conflict. It happens outside and inside of the Church. Conflict often accompanies growth, but what if it is an opportunity for growth, especially for those most affected by it? Understanding why conflict arises in the Church helps us to prioritise our response accordingly and allows the Lord to turn that conflict into growth. Acts teaches us how service can addresses conflict and how to apply it in our own congregation.

Do you fear humans or God?

Peter — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 04:15:47 +0000

Acts 5 has revealed much about the fear of God, how valuable, and what a blessing it is. The second arrest of the Apostles contrasts the fear of God and it’s transformative power with the fear of human beings and is debilitating consequences. The weak are raised up by fear in God and the strong and wise (by wordly standards) are crushed by their fear of human beings. The current powerlessness of the Church proves that we need to repent of our lack of fear of God and plead with Him to restore it.

Signs and Wonders

Peter — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 05:26:44 +0000

The early Church went through an extraordinary growth which, according to Acts 5 , was accompanied by an atmosphere of great fear of God. We often think of fear in a purely negative sense, but can fear be a good thing? Does God actually require us to fear Him in order that we may have the very best relationship with Him and realise His most powerful works in and through us? What if God is not working through His Church because we’ve lost our fear of Him?

The Wide and Narrow Gates

Guest User — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This week, we pick up where we left off in Acts in 2024. Last year, we saw how the early church had everything in common. They sold their possessions and laid them at the apostle’s feet. They were sold out for Christ. Now we read the tragedy that is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. They saw what was happening in the church and they wanted in. To get in, they have to choose from two gates. One leads to life, and the other to death. Here we see what happens when we take the wide gate.

The beauty of Baptism

Peter — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 04:43:07 +0000

Baptism shows us what God has already done for us. When we are Baptised we declare to the world what He’s already done. It is rich in symbolism and the perfect demonstration of the righteousness and mercy of God almighty. The Apostle Peter draws a comparison to the flood of Noah to bring out all of this rich meaning.

The beauty of commitment

Peter — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 18:18:26 +0000

God almighty, the creator of all things and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is a God of new beginnings. When we’re given a new start by Him, we’re called to hold tightly to Him through the changes that come, surrender to Him in every area of our lives and commit ourselves fully to Him. Hanna and her son Samuel are a great example of this kind of commitment to God, and reveals to us the great blessing of starting a new with Him every day through faith in Jesus Christ and by the power of His Holy Spirit..

The beauty of surrender

Peter — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 05:18:00 +0000

As the new year opens before us, we’re invited into new beginnings. Fresh starts need us to let go of the old and hold tightly to the new. God calls all of us into the ultimate fresh start by letting go of our perceived control and trusting rather in His. This letting go is hard, it’s a struggle and a wrestling with God. Jacob’s life can teach us how to do this, and how everything changes when we cling to God rather than ourselves and the things of this world.

The beauty of change

Peter — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 04:49:52 +0000

The year is about to end, with that comes new beginnings and changes. Some of us fear change, but God shows in His creation and in His Word how He uses change to change us for the better. It may be scary and uncomfortable, but in God’s all powerful hands, change will be used to make us more like Jesus Christ and therefore closer to our Loving Heavenly Father and Creator. Change can be good and bad, it’s not change that needs to be embraced, it’s the One who is in control of change Who we should embrace, now and in the year to come.

The King of kings

Peter — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 02:52:52 +0000

Jesus says in John 17 that knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent is eternal life. Knowing God for Who He is is the most important thing any human being can do. To know Him is to allow Him to teach us Who He is through the Scripture, His Son Jesus and His Holy Spirit. This Christmas may we know the Word, commandments and precious promises, the loving grace and mercy and the awesome, majestic power and authority of God’s Prophet, Great High Priest and King of Kings.

The Perfect Priest

Peter — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 04:47:47 +0000

Jesus is not just the prefect Prophet but also the perfect Priest. The Priest is sent to minister God’s grace to His people, he is sent to save. Jesus is the perfect Priest who saves us completely, but only if we trust and believe in Him completely. Christmas should be a time to celebrate and appreciate His saving grace and love. God didn’t have to become a human being to save us, He chose to, and did so joyfully.

Prophet, Priest and King

Peter — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 04:54:01 +0000

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but all too often in all the busyness, celebration and traditions we forget what is most important: Who is Jesus and do we know Him? Knowing Jesus is the single most important pursuit of this lifetime, it is the way in which we glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The Scripture shows Jesus to be uniquely Prophet, Priest and King. We start this new series by looking at Jesus as the Prophet.

Remembering Jesus

Guest User — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week we take a break from Acts to take part in a youth-led Lord’s Table service. At the last supper, Jesus said to the disciples “Do this in remembrance of me” when He ate the bread and drank the cup. Remembering God is a powerful theme in the Bible. But how exactly do we remember God, and what does that mean for us? What are the implications? In this morning’s sermon, we will attempt to answer these questions, as we strive to live a life of Remembering Jesus.

Different but One

Guest User — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Last week, we saw how the disciples came together to overcome adversity and to proclaim God’s glory. This is a blueprint not only for overcoming adversity, but also for Christian living. We need to come together to the point where we are of one heart and one soul. And this is what we see in the scripture for this week. The disciples were of one heart and soul and when they are in this state of unity, they have everything in common, including their assets. No one among them had need. As the universal church, it’s safe to say that we fall short of this standard. But why, what are we missing? Let’s take a closer look!

How to overcome adversity

Peter — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 04:47:49 +0000

Hos do we deal with adversity, is it something to be avoided, do we strive to get through it waiting patiently for better times? Living like this severely limits our lives and wastes countless opportunities for growth, joy and peace. Instead, we can follow the example of Scripture and overcome Adversity by Assembling, Acknowledging, Accepting, Asking, Anticipating and Advancing. Overcoming means more than making it through, it means making it work for God’ glory and His purpose.

Our Faith & Fear : Only Jesus!

Peter — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 17:52:12 +0000

Are you afraid, empty or searching for meaning and purpose? The answer is Jesus. Jesus has a profound effect on everyone who encounters Him. Whether He is embraced or rejected, there is nobody like Him. The book of Acts shows us how deeply Jesus impacted and empowered His followers, and how He astounded His enemies. Both His followers and enemies fear Him, the former with fascination and adoration and the latter with envy and rebellion. Studying this dynamic in Acts 4 can teach us to overcome the fears of life and death and to find profound peace and purpose that comes only through Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Turn Around

Peter — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 15:58:54 +0000

In the second great sermon of Peter that we read about in Acts, we get a profound lesson in the priorities of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead in order to bring about something wonderful and miraculous. God healed a man born lame, and used the healing to bring people to faith, to trusting in Jesus so that they would be forgiven their sins, but that was not all, and it wasn’t the ultimate goal. What is the ultimate goal of the Christian faith apart from glorifying God through Jesus Christ?

The Name of Jesus

Peter — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 05:22:11 +0000

The Name of Jesus Christ is powerful. What does this passage about the healing of a man born lame teach about Jesus Christ and about how we are to treat His Name, and how we should trust, pray and act in His Name. There is no greater Name, and no greater purpose than that which is found in His Name.

Touched by Jesus

Peter — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:33:11 +0000

When we bless children, or rather ask Jesus Christ to bless them, we are taking our direction from what He did for little children even when He bore great burdens and was under pressure to accomplish much. Looking at His blessing helps us grasp the immense wonder of the love, power and holiness of the Almighty Jesus Christ and what He calls us to, especially regarding His children.

Baptism and

Peter — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 02:58:12 +0000

Are you growing in your faith, is the Church growing? After Peter’s Holy Spirit empowered sermon, 3000 people were baptised and became part of the Church, the Scripture that follows this mass baptism includes the word “and” 17 times. They were baptised and, and, and… It’s a key word which shows the consistent devotion, commitment and growth of those who truly believe and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. If the Church is to grow it must follow their example of devotion, then Jesus Christ will add to her.

He is on The Throne

Peter — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 04:06:08 +0000

Peter’s first sermon at Pentecost in Jerusalem is simple and yet so powerful. It provokes a strong response in the Jews who witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s useful to look at the response of these crowds and compare it to our own response to the Gospel and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Have we been cut to the heart by our own sin and Christ’s self-sacrificial mercy? If we have - then do we grasp and cling to the understanding of His complete power and authority over every detail of our lives? When we treasure this realisation we have a powerful hope that He can use to carry us through anything.

The Grand Entrance

Guest User — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

After the disciples watched Jesus ascend into heaven, they went to Jerusalem and waited. And it was worth the wait. One Pentecost, a Jewish festival, God sent the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples to build the church. The event is extra-ordinary and the impact has been felt through the ages and is in effect in our lives right now. Today we learn the significance of the events at Pentecost, and what it means for us today.

Chosen

Peter — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 04:37:32 +0000

There’s a lot of debate about whether the choosing of Matthias was a mistake by Peter or not. Was Paul meant to be the twelfth Apostle? The Bible never explicitly says, but we can learn so much about God’s sovereignty and our responsibility before Him who knows all things and decides all things from the beginning. Matthias is a beautiful example of a faithful and largely anonymous servant of God being rewarded for His faith.

Speak louder with your words and Acts

Peter — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 05:04:26 +0000

The book of Acts shows us how God patiently and powerfully perseveres through His plan until every one of His promises are fulfilled. It urges us to do the little things in faith and obedience until God does the big things through His power and for His glory. Acts encourages us to do this and two other things. Don’t waste your life, we don’t know when He’ll return and and our opportunity to be part of His plan passes. Don’t give up, God never does, and He never fails.

Every last opportunity

Peter — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 04:56:33 +0000

Jesus makes the most of every opportunity to glorify God and see His will done. He calls us to do the same, “take up your cross and follow and follow Him”. The closing chapters of Luke not only call us to do this, but show us how. Jesus demonstrates this clearly to the bitter end, and even shows what happens when others follow His call. The world is full of opportunities to achieve all manner of things, what are we using our opportunities for, and what will be the ultimate result of all our efforts?

Your place at the table

Guest User — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

We’ve been looking at how Jesus uses every opportunity to teach through everyday occurrences. Today, we look at the remarkable Last Supper. There is a lot we can learn from Jesus by the way He reacts to circumstances. But in this scripture, He uses the Last Supper to provide the disciples and us with some potent thoughts which we need to apply to our everyday lives. As we will see, the part we need to play is to take our place at the Lord’s Table.

Humility

Peter — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 04:28:04 +0000

Jesus uses every opportunity to it's fullest. In Luke 14 He uses the events around a meal at a Pharisee's home to teach on humility. Humility is thinking less about ourselves so that we can think more about God's grace, God's glory and God's will. Comparing at the way the Pharisees and Jesus use the same opportunities differently gives us a chance to learn to be more like Jesus, to embrace humility and live for God's will and glory by trusting in His grace.

Forgiveness

Peter — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 04:27:14 +0000

Everyday circumstances offer opportunities for us to learn about Jesus and to learn to be more like Him. They also offer us opportunities to teach others, especially our children the very same things. In this short series entitled “taking opportunities”, Jesus shows how He takes every day situations and uses them to teach the truth, and bring people into a knowledge of Him and the freedom of forgiveness from their sin.

Personal Commitment

Peter — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 04:24:07 +0000

In a passionate and personal argument, Paul summarises the difference between true and false teachers and the power and beauty of the One True Gospel of Jesus Christ. It leaves us with a clear way of avoiding false teachers, but also of living out an authentic and committed faith In Jesus Christ.

Carrying each other

Peter — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 04:27:03 +0000

Galatians focuses on the difference between the Gospel of Jesus and other false gospels. It contrasts the belief in self against the belief in the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ and His loving mercy towards us. When we really trust that we are saved by faith alone by God’s grace alone, it profoundly affects the way we behave. Having the humility that comes from confessing our own weakness and need for grace helps us to be more merciful and gracious in the way we treat each other. Are we treating one another in a way that is consistent with the Gospel of Jesus?

Embracing God’s love, joy and peace

Peter — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 04:09:31 +0000

The latter part of Galatians 5 reveals that everything we humans do, is motivated by a pursuit of love joy and peace. When we pursue God however, we experience love, joy and peace through His Holy Spirit. When we pursue these in the flesh, we end up in grabbing at substitutes and falling to sin. So how do we pursue God and embrace the love, joy and peace that comes only from Him and has no substitute? Philippians 4 is one of many passages which give us practical instructions on doing exactly this.

Fruit of the flesh

Peter — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 04:12:54 +0000

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is too often reduced to being only a way to avoid God’s punishment for our sins. The Gospel doesn’t just help us to die in peace, it empowers us to live in peace, in love and in joy. When we don’t realise this, we’re prone to looking elsewhere, whether in legalism, liberalism or any other “ism”. Jesus Christ is enough for all our lives and for every aspect of our lives. He came that we may have life and life in abundance - and that doesn’t mean material wealth or prosperity or a life of ideal circumstances - it means a life of love, joy and peace - regardless of our circumstances.

What does God want you to do?

Peter — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 05:14:24 +0000

The legalist believes that we can legislate morality, we can force people to behave by threat of punishment. Cancel culture has formed under this delusion, it says “you must treat me this way or face the consequence”. The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to say “I will treat you with love because of His great love for me”. God proves through Scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that the only way to change people is through His love. We are set free by God’s grace and mercy by believing that Jesus diied in our place to take our punishment. If we want this liberty without loving others, then we will be left deluded that we have a licence to do whatever makes us feel good. When we embrace our liberty in Christ and respond in love then we have real freedom, freedom to do what God created us to do.

Scripture

Galatians 5:13-15 ESV For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. [14] For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Bible Study

What does God call us to?

Those who have been called by God to be the Church by His grace and through faith in Jesus Christ are freed from guilt, from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin and free from the law.

Galatians 5:13a ESV For you were called to freedom, brothers.

How do we respond to God’s call to freedom?

God ransomed us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ His Son. This is how He calls us to freedom, by His grace and through faith in His Son Jesus. Responding to this call of freedom means no longer conforming to the desires of our former ignorance.

1 Peter 1:14-19 ESV As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” [17] And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, [18] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Mark 1:14-15 ESV Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

What does God not intend for our freedom?

Being free like this should not be taken for granted and misused. It should lead to gratitude, repentance and obedience. We should not use it to disguise our sin and use it to for selfish reasons that end up hurting each other.

Galatians 5:13b ESV …Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh,

1 Peter 2:16 ESV Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Jude 1:4 ESV For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

What does God intend for our freedom?

Through our love for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we should self-sacrificially serve each other. Liberty plus love is serving others.

Galatians 5:13c ESV …but through love serve one another.

Mark 12:29-30 ESV Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

1 John 5:1-2 ESV Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. [2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.

What does God want us to do?

The list of tick boxes, or the law has been replaced by the commandment to love God and others.

Galatians 5:14 ESV For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

John 14:15-17 ESV “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, [17] even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

What happens when we abuse our freedom?

Some are inclined to cling to the law and use it to punish others. While some are inclined to cling to grace and use it as an excuse to disobey the law. These two extremes will naturally be inclined to attack each other. Liberty minus love is licence and licence is destruction.

Galatians 5:15 ESV But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Philippians 3:2 ESV Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

James 4:1-3 ESV What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? [2] You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. [3] You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

What does embracing our freedom lead to?

1 Peter 1:22-25 ESV Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, [23] since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; [24] for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, [25] but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

John 17:3 ESV And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Revelation 21:3-4 ESV And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Running free

Peter — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 04:15:52 +0000

Galatians chapter five gives some very simple advice. Being made right with God is simple, and staying right with Him is too, but it’s not always easy and takes patience and perseverance, especially since it will come with tough times. We are encouraged to keep life simple, avoid seemingly trivial sins, and keep doing the little things right, in love and in faith in Jesus Christ, let God deal with the big stuff. Just keep running.

No accidents, no mistakes

Peter — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 04:07:35 +0000

God’s plans are perfect and transcend all peoples and generations. Tough times bring temptation, temptation to take away our pain and leave us in peace by trusting in a substitute for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul uses the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac to show us God’s perfect plans and how careful we need to be not to reject or resist them. The temptations can be subtle and so deceitful, we need to be humble, patient, persevere through persecution, rooted in Scripture and constantly reminded of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no substitute or additive to God’s grace through Him.

Just do it, see what happens

Peter — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 03:30:00 +0000

Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between true and false teaching. The Holy Spirit contrasts the difference, not only through the inspired teaching of Paul but by inspired actions and their supernatural consequences. Galatians 4:12-20 provides a crystal clear example of speaking the truth in love, a core principle of the Christian Faith, and only possible by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. The Gospel speaks the truth in love, false teaching lies for selfish gain.

Scripture

Galatians 4:12-20 ESV Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. [13] You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, [14] and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. [15] What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. [16] Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? [17] They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. [18] It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, [19] my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! [20] I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Bible Study Questions

The truth inspires us to become all things to all people

Galatians 4:12 ESV Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong.

1 Corinthians 9:20-23 ESV To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

The truth inspires us to make the most of every opportunity

Galatians 4:13 -14 ESV You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 ESV preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

False teaching hurts relationships and robs us

Galatians 4:15 ESV What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 ESV If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, [4] he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, [5] and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

The truth divides to expose what’s genuine

Galatians 4:16 ESV Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

1 Corinthians 11:18-19 ESV For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, [19] for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

Flattery exposes selfish ambition that shuts us out

Galatians 4:17 ESV They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.

2 Peter 2:17-19 ESV These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. [18] For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

The truth is painful but forms Christ in us

Galatians 4:18 ESV It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, [19] my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

The truth disciplines in love and draws us in

Galatians 4:20 ESV I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Ephesians 4:15 ESV Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Throw Salt and Shine Light

Guest User — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

No going back

Peter — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 03:29:59 +0000

Galatians 4:8-11 ESV Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. [9] But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? [10] You observe days and months and seasons and years! [11] I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.