Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:23-31 together. This passage shows us the disciples’ response to the threats and persecution they faced from the religious leaders. We especially saw that the disciples respond by remembering God’s sovereignty. Even though they were facing suffering, the disciples were confident that God is sovereign, in control of everything that happens. God’s sovereignty is especially clear at the cross, where God overruled even the sinful intentions of the religious leaders to bring our salvation through Jesus’ death. All of this reminds us that whatever is happening in our lives, as Christians we are safe in God’s sovereign care. Second, we saw that the disciples’ faith in God’s sovereignty leads them to pray. Because God is in control of everything, the disciples pray to God, asking God to continue spreading the good news of Jesus. This reminds us that while we can pray to God about absolutely anything, we should especially pray for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the honor of Christ’s name. This week, take some time to thank God for His sovereign care of your life, and pray to Him about whatever is on your heart—including the salvation of non-Christians you know.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:1-22 together. There, we saw Peter and John being questioned by the religious leaders about the healing of the lame man. The leaders’ anger towards Peter and John showed us that not everyone is happy about Jesus and His work. Indeed, we should recognize that even today some people will hear the news of Jesus and reject it in angry unbelief. At the same time, however, some Acts 4 encourages us that people will hear the news of Jesus and believe. Indeed, Jesus’ name is the only name that can save sinners like us. Recognizing the power of Jesus’ name gives us confidence to keep speaking for Jesus even when some people reject the message. This week, ask God for wisdom and love to speak about Jesus to others around you, and pray that God would lead many more not to anger but to repentance.

Last Sunday afternoon we resumed our series in Acts by hearing from Acts 3:11-26 together. In this passage, Peter preaches a sermon that is all about Jesus. In particular, we saw that Jesus is the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. Even though He was completely holy and righteous, Jesus suffered and died so that our sins may be blotted out. Yet, Jesus did not stay dead; as the Author of life, Jesus rose from the grave. Even more, as the Author of life, Jesus is leading all His people to times of refreshing and the fullness of eternal life when He returns. Finally, Jesus is the Final Prophet—the prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18 who is even better than Moses. Because Jesus is the Final Prophet, we should be careful to listen to all that He tells us on the pages of Scripture. This week, take some time to thank God for the many aspects of Jesus’ work for us—as the suffering servant, the Author of life, and the final prophet. Then, ask for God’s help to listen carefully to all that Jesus tells us in God’s Word.