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.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard about the healing of the lame man from Acts 3:1-10. We saw that this man with broken feet is a picture of the entire world. Because of Adam’s sin, we live in a broken world that is groaning under the curse. The effects of the curse include everything from broken feet to broken minds to broken souls. Yet, we also saw that the risen Lord Jesus completely healed this lame man. Again, this is a small little picture of what Jesus does for every single person who believes in Him. When we put our trust in Jesus, God forgives our sins and brings our spiritually dead hearts to new life. Although God may not heal all our physical diseases right now, God will heal His people completely—body and soul—when Jesus returns. Finally, we saw that the only proper response to this incredible grace is to worship God with overflowing joy. This Easter week, take some time to thank God for all that Jesus has done—not just forgiving our sins but also giving us the hope and promise of resurrection life.

Last Sunday afternoon, we saw a picture of life in the early church from Acts 2:42-47. In the process, we saw some of the key priorities of church life: God’s Word, fellowship, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and prayer. Critically, however, these aren’t things that we do once or twice; they are things that we continually devote ourselves to as a church—over and over again. As we strive to be faithful in these basic areas, we remind ourselves and others of the gospel of Jesus Christ and all that God has done for us by His grace. This week, take some time to thank God for all that He is doing through All Nations. Then, pray and how you might use your gifts and resources to help the church to grow in deeper fellowship together.

Last Sunday afternoon, we looked at the conclusion of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost from Acts 2:37-41. In particular, we saw that the proper response to Jesus Christ is to repent. To repent means to turn from sin to trust in Jesus. It means to admit that we are sinful, spiritually lost, and cannot save ourselves, and to trust in Jesus Christ to save us. We also saw that Peter encourages the people to be baptized. Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant, and baptism symbolizes the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Although baptism is a wonderful gift from God that assures us of His promises, it is not automatic; we are called to embrace the gospel by repentance and trust in Jesus. Finally, we saw who these promises are for: believers, their children, and everyone who puts their trust in Jesus Christ. This week, take some time to thank God for the incredible gift of our salvation, and pray that the children and young people of our church would embrace this salvation for themselves.

Last Sunday afternoon, we thought about how Peter used, read, and understood the Bible from Acts 2:14-41 together. In particular, we saw that Peter kept quoting and alluding to the Old Testament. This reminds us that the story of the Bible does not start in Matthew. In fact, to rightly understand the New Testament, it really helps to understand the Old Testament. We also saw that Peter treated the Bible as God’s authoritative word. Peter recognized God as the ultimate author of Scripture; therefore, Scripture speaks with the full authority of God. Finally, we looked at the way that Peter understood the message of specific Old Testament passages, and we saw that the Old Testament is ultimately pointing forward to Jesus Christ. The Bible really is an incredible gift—it is God’s authoritative word that tells us about Jesus our Savior. Since all of this is true, what is one specific step you can take to read and know God’s Word even more this week?