Salvation in the face of opposition

First Church Love

Media Give App

Salvation in the face of opposition

September 30, 2024

Give

Introduction:

Opposition and hardship are part of life. Yet, when we look at Acts 8, we see that God uses even the most difficult circumstances to advance His kingdom. The early church faced severe persecution, but that very opposition became the catalyst for the spread of the gospel. As we dive into this passage, we’ll explore how God works through trials, the importance of spiritual integrity, and the central role of the Holy Spirit in empowering our faith.

- Persecution Leads to Purpose (Acts 8:1–4)

Key scripture:

“Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.” – Acts 8:1

What’s happening:

The early church was under attack. Saul’s campaign against the followers of Jesus was intense, and many believers were forced to flee Jerusalem. But instead of silencing the gospel, this scattering fulfilled Christ’s command in Acts 1:8—His message began to spread far beyond Jerusalem. What looked like a tragedy became part of God’s divine plan to reach the world.

Think about it:

Have you ever experienced a time when a difficult situation actually pushed you closer to God or into a new opportunity? God often uses adversity to move us into His purposes. Just as the early Christians were scattered and became missionaries through their hardship, God may be using your challenges to reposition you for growth and impact.

Pray about it:

Ask God to help you trust His hand during difficult seasons. Pray for the strength to remain faithful, knowing that even in hardship, He is working to fulfill His purposes in your life.

- True Spiritual Power vs. Selfish Ambition (Acts 8:9–24)

Key scripture:

“You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts.” – Acts 8:21–22

What’s happening:

Simon, a sorcerer, was impressed by the miracles he saw through Philip’s ministry. Although Simon believed and was baptized, his desire for personal power was still evident. He offered money in exchange for the ability to lay hands on people and impart the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him, making it clear that spiritual authority and power come from a heart aligned with God’s will, not from selfish ambition.

Think about it:

In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking recognition or using faith for personal gain. Whether it's in leadership, work, or ministry, the condition of our heart matters. Are we serving God out of love and obedience, or are we driven by the desire for power, approval, or influence?

Pray about it:

Pray for God to examine your heart. Ask Him to reveal any selfish ambition and replace it with a deep desire to honor Him above all else. Seek a heart that is pure and aligned with His purposes.

- The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14–17)

Key scripture:

“Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 8:17

What’s happening:

Although the believers in Samaria had accepted Jesus and been baptized, they hadn’t yet received the Holy Spirit. When Peter and John laid hands on them, they were filled with the Spirit, empowering them to live out their faith more boldly. The Holy Spirit’s presence wasn’t just an added bonus—it was central to their walk with Christ and to their mission.

Think about it:

How often do we try to live the Christian life relying on our own strength? Without the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, our faith can feel incomplete. The Holy Spirit equips us for daily life, helping us make wise decisions, grow spiritually, and share our faith effectively.

Pray about it:

Ask Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit afresh. Pray for guidance, strength, and the boldness to walk in step with the Spirit’s leading every day.

In conclusion:

Acts 8 reminds us that God’s plan is unstoppable. Even in the face of persecution, selfish ambition, and challenges, His kingdom continues to advance. As we submit our hearts to Him and rely on the Holy Spirit, we can live a victorious, purpose-driven life that reflects His glory.

Final Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the way You work through every circumstance. Help me to trust You when life gets tough. Fill me with Your Spirit, purify my motives, and give me the strength to follow You faithfully, no matter what.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

The question everyone must answer

October 21, 2024

Context Introduction: In Acts 19, we see the continuation of Paul’s ministry, focusing on proper baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Paul encounters twelve disciples of John the Baptist who had received John’s baptism but had not heard of the Holy Spirit. This moment highlights the importance of full obedience to God’s plan for salvation, which includes repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s time in Ephesus led to a major spiritual revival, as his teaching and ministry reached beyond the twelve disciples and impacted the entire region. This study will examine key lessons from Paul’s ministry, focusing on the need for proper baptism, the role of the Holy Spirit, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. The Necessity of Baptism in the name of Jesus Key Scripture: Acts 19:2–5 What’s Happening: Paul meets a group of disciples in Ephesus who had been baptized into John’s baptism, a baptism of repentance. When Paul questions them about the Holy Spirit, they reveal they had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that John’s baptism was only the beginning of the process—baptism in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit were essential to complete the plan of salvation. The disciples immediately obeyed, being rebaptized in the name of Jesus. Think About It: Baptism is more than a symbol—it’s a crucial step in salvation. Paul emphasizes that being baptized in the name of Jesus is necessary, not just optional. Have you experienced baptism in the name of Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back from taking this step of faith? Pray About It: Ask Jesus to open your heart to the truth of His plan for salvation. Pray for the willingness to obey His command to be baptized in His name, and thank Him for the gift of His name that brings us salvation. The Power of the Holy Spirit Key Scripture: Acts 19:6–7 What’s Happening: After the disciples were baptized in the name of Jesus, Paul laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. This moment was significant because it confirmed that receiving the Holy Spirit was not just for a select few but for all believers. The speaking in tongues was a sign of the infilling of the Spirit, marking a powerful transformation in their spiritual journey. Think About It: The Holy Spirit isn’t just a part of salvation—it’s the source of power for living out our faith. Do you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in your daily life? Have you received the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues? Pray About It: Pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit if you haven’t yet received it. If you have, ask Jesus for a fresh touch of His Spirit and for the boldness to walk in the power He gives you to live for Him daily. Boldly Proclaiming the Gospel Key Scripture: Acts 19:8–10 What’s Happening: After teaching and baptizing the twelve disciples, Paul continued preaching in the synagogue for three months. Even when opposition arose, Paul didn’t stop. He simply moved his teaching to a new venue—the school of Tyrannus—and continued spreading the gospel for two years. As a result, both Jews and Greeks in the entire region of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Think About It: Sharing the gospel often comes with challenges, but Paul’s example shows us that persistence and boldness are essential. Are there times when fear or opposition has made you hesitate to share your faith? How can you grow in boldness to proclaim the message of Jesus? Pray About It: Ask Jesus for the courage to be bold in sharing your faith. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others, and for strength to continue even when you face challenges or opposition. Conclusion and Wrap-Up: Paul’s ministry in Acts 19 reminds us of the importance of full obedience to God’s plan for salvation—repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. These foundational steps empower us to live for Christ and to boldly share the gospel with others. Just as Paul’s teaching sparked revival in Ephesus, our obedience and boldness can lead to transformation in the lives of those around us. Let us finish with a word of prayer - Jesus, thank You for the clear plan of salvation You’ve given us—repentance, baptism in Your name, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to follow You fully, trusting in Your promises and walking in the power of Your Spirit. Give us boldness to share Your truth with others, even in the face of opposition, and let our lives be a reflection of Your love and power. In the name of Jesus, amen.

To the ends of the earth

October 14, 2024

Introduction: Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He gave His followers a clear command: stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. This promise would not just give them strength, but the power to take the message of salvation to the world, starting from Jerusalem and spreading “to the ends of the earth.” Jesus’s followers would learn that the power of the Holy Spirit wasn’t for personal gain or worldly power—it was for sharing the gospel everywhere. In this study, we will focus on three key lessons from this passage: the importance of waiting for God’s promises, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the global mission of Christ’s kingdom. Waiting for God’s Promises Key Scripture: Acts 1:4 What’s Happening: Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father—the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t the first time Jesus spoke of this promise (see Luke 24:49), but now the time was near. The disciples had just witnessed the most amazing events: Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Now, in this moment of waiting, they were filled with anticipation for what was coming next. Think About It: Waiting is hard, especially when we are eager to see what God will do. But sometimes God calls us to wait as part of His plan. Are there promises or prayers you’re waiting for God to fulfill? How can you trust God more deeply during those seasons of waiting? Pray About It: Ask Jesus to help you wait patiently for His promises. Pray for trust and faith during times when you can’t see what’s next, and ask Him for peace while you wait for His perfect timing. The Power of the Holy Spirit Key Scripture: Acts 1:8 What’s Happening: Jesus explained to His followers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power wasn’t for earthly authority or military strength—it was a supernatural power, given so that they could be witnesses to Jesus. The Holy Spirit would give them the courage and strength to share the gospel, starting in their hometown of Jerusalem and reaching all the way to the ends of the earth. Think About It: Have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s power in your life? The same Spirit that gave the disciples courage to spread the gospel is available to us today. How is God calling you to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to be a witness for Him in your own life? Pray About It: Ask Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit, empowering you to live boldly for Him. Pray for the strength to share the gospel with those around you, trusting in His Spirit to guide you. The Global Mission of the Gospel Key Scripture: Acts 1:8 What’s Happening: Jesus told His followers that their mission was to be His witnesses, starting in Jerusalem, then moving out to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the whole world. This command set the trajectory for the rest of the Book of Acts and the early Christian movement. The gospel is not meant to stay in one place—it’s for everyone, everywhere. The disciples’ mission was to take what they had seen and heard and spread it to all people, and that mission is still ongoing today. Think About It: The call to spread the gospel isn’t just for the early church—it’s for us, too. Are there ways you can be more intentional about sharing the message of Jesus with those around you? What role do you think you can play in God’s global mission? Pray About It: Ask Jesus to give you a heart for the lost, both near and far. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel, both in your community and beyond. Ask for boldness to step into the mission He’s given us to reach the world. Conclusion and Wrap-Up: The early disciples had to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, but when it came, it changed everything. The Holy Spirit gave them power, not for personal gain, but to be witnesses for Jesus. Their mission wasn’t just for their city—it was to take the gospel to the whole world. Today, that same mission continues through us. We are called to wait on God, trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, and carry the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. Let us finish with a word of prayer - Jesus, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit and for the power You give us to be Your witnesses. Help us to wait patiently for Your promises in our lives, trusting in Your perfect timing. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to boldly share Your message with those around us. Give us hearts that care for the lost and the courage to be part of Your global mission. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Salvation for every nation

October 7, 2024

Introduction: The story of Cornelius’s conversion reveals God’s faithfulness and impartiality. As Cornelius earnestly sought God, he and his household experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that salvation is available to all who seek God with sincerity. This study will explore the significance of Cornelius’s conversion and its implications for believers today, focusing on God’s response to seekers, His impartiality, and the distinct events of salvation in Acts. When viewed in the greater context of Acts, this story also helps demonstrate that baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit are separate and unique events, regardless of the order in which they occur or the time between each event. In Acts 2, Peter first commanded baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit, and then both events occurred for the recipients on the same day. A similar order of events happened in Acts 19 where correct baptism preceded Spirit infilling. In Acts 8, Philip baptized the Samaritans first, and then sometime later the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid hands on them. In Acts 10, Cornelius’s household received the Holy Spirit with the sign of tongues first and then submitted to water baptism in the name of Jesus. In all these events, the apostles recognized both events were distinct and necessary for salvation, regardless of the order in which they occurred. God Responds to Earnest Seekers Key scripture: Acts 10:30-33; Jeremiah 29:13 What’s happening: Cornelius, though a Gentile with limited knowledge of God, sought Him through prayer, fasting, and generosity. His earnest seeking led to a divine encounter where an angel instructed him to call for Peter, demonstrating God’s promise that He is found by those who seek Him with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13). Think about It: Are you earnestly seeking God in your daily life? Cornelius’s story teaches us that God responds to those who genuinely desire to know Him. Take a moment to reflect on your personal pursuit of God—what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? Pray about It: Ask Jesus to help you seek Him with a pure heart. Pray for the clarity to see what might be distracting you from fully pursuing God and ask for strength to remove those distractions. God Shows No Partiality Key scripture: Acts 10:34-38 What’s happening: Peter realized that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Cornelius, a Gentile, received the gospel and the Holy Spirit, highlighting that salvation is available to all, regardless of background or ethnicity. Think about it: How often do we allow prejudices or assumptions to limit whom we reach with the gospel? God’s love extends to all, and we are called to share it without discrimination. Consider any biases you may hold and reflect on how you can overcome them to be more inclusive in sharing your faith. Pray about it: Ask Jesus to help you love others without partiality. Pray for a heart like His, one that embraces all people and sees them as worthy of His love and salvation. The Necessity of Baptism and the Holy Spirit Key scripture: Acts 10:44-48 What’s happening: While Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius’s household, and they spoke in tongues. This astonished the Jewish believers, confirming that the Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit. Peter then commanded them to be baptized, emphasizing the necessity of both baptism and the infilling of the Holy Spirit for salvation. Think about it: Do you understand the importance of baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit? The story of Cornelius demonstrates that these are vital components of salvation. Reflect on your own journey—have you been baptized in Jesus’ name, and have you received the Holy Spirit? Pray about it: If you have not yet experienced water baptism or the infilling of the Holy Spirit, ask Jesus to lead you in this step of faith. If you have, pray for the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life and for the opportunity to help others experience this truth. Conclusion and Wrap-Up: Cornelius’s story in Acts 10 is a powerful reminder that God responds to those who earnestly seek Him, shows no favoritism, and offers salvation to everyone through baptism and the Holy Spirit. We are called to break down barriers and extend the gospel to all, trusting that God will guide each person to salvation. As we reflect on Cornelius’s example, may we pursue God with the same sincerity and openness, ready to receive and share His truth. Let us finish with a word of prayer - Jesus, we thank You for Your faithfulness to respond to those who seek You. Help us to seek You with all our hearts, free from distractions, and to love others without partiality. Lead us into a deeper understanding of Your salvation, and may we boldly share Your truth with all we encounter. Guide us in the steps of faith You’ve called us to, whether it’s baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, or walking in Your love daily. In the name of Jesus, amen!