Acts

Disheartened, Discouraged, and Rejected {Acts 7}

4:30 PM



Monday Feb. 17 


Have you ever felt disheartened when someone shuts you down while you’re sharing the Gospel? Have you ever felt discouraged when the works you do for God don’t produce the fruit you want? Have you ever felt rejected by others who don’t share your Christian faith? If so, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with stories of the disheartening, discouraging, rejection of God’s prophets and messengers. And one of these is the story of Stephen, the church’s first martyr.

Stephen was a deacon in the early Church and was, "full of grace and power", who was "performing great wonders and signs among the people", (Acts 6:8) But as he was ministering, members of the Jewish “Synagogue of the Freedmen” who opposed Stephen’s faith in Jesus as the Messiah, tried to publicly argue against Him. Frustrated because they were, “unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking” (Acts 6:10), the members hired false witnesses who charged Stephen with speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. And as a result, Stephen was taken into custody and questioned before the council of the synagogue. 

As Stephen stood before the Jewish leaders, he did something unexpected. Instead of providing a defense for himself, he gave a testimony filled with the history of Israel beginning with Abraham, and ending with the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus. He reminded the council that just like they were rejecting Stephen, Israel had a pattern of rejecting and persecuting the messengers and prophets of God. He spoke of Joseph, whose brothers betrayed him; Moses, whom their ancestors refused to obey; and Jesus, the “Righteous One” who, as Stephen charged, was betrayed and murdered by the council themselves. He finished by insulting the council, comparing them to uncircumcised Gentiles in their stubbornness to receive Christ as their Messiah.

The council not only rejected Stephens’s testimony, enraged they dragged him out into the courtyard and stoned him to death. I believe that in his heart, Stephen knew when he entered that temple his fate was already sealed. Yet he didn’t beg for his life. He didn’t plead his case. Instead he stood behind his testimony. For Stephen knew that the greatest calling we have as Christians is to give our testimony. To share with others how the Lord has worked in our lives, why we place our faith in Him and how they too can know Jesus as their Savior. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us we must always be ready to, "make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." 

Yet as Stephen shows, it’s not always easy being messengers of the Gospel. And I too have at times felt disheartened, discouraged, and rejected because of my faith in Christ and the lack of faith of others. But I find hope in the words of Jesus who says, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matt. 5:11-12)

The Bible tells us that Stephen was so full of faith, that as he testified all who looked upon him saw the glory of God. And he gave a testimony so powerful, it forever changed the life of a young man named Saul. I want to be like Stephen. I want to be that full of faith. And so even if I have times of feeling disheartened, discouraged, and rejected, I will keep spreading the Good News. I will keep working for God. And I will keep proclaiming Jesus as my Lord and Savior. For who knows, there may be a Saul in the crowd listening nearby. 


Demoniac

Tell Your Story

9:59 AM




In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the the gospel to all creation.” This is a command He gives to us as well. But witnessing isn’t always easy. And you’re anything like me you can come up with a million reasons why it’s better to leave that job to others.

I used to tell myself things like, “Who’s going to listen to me?” Or, “I don’t know enough scripture to counter any objections.” And, “I don’t feel comfortable talking with people, I’m too introverted.” Then I realized two things. First, if I love God then I should want His will to be done. And His will is, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) And second, it isn’t as complicated as I made it out to be. 

God hasn’t given everyone the calling of being a preacher. But He has given us all the calling of sharing our stories. And there is no greater testimony than when we share our hearts, our love for God, and all that He has done in our lives. But still you may be saying to yourself, “Will my story really have any effect or change a heart?” To that I say, think about the demoniac in Luke chapter 8. 

After being healed by the Lord, Jesus commands him to return home and tell everyone about what God did for him. (Luke 8:39) And so he went about telling his story to all who would listen. And the result? When Jesus returned several months later, thousands came to hear His teachings. Who knows how many of those came because of the story of the demoniac and how his life was forever changed by the love of God.

It isn’t our job to save souls, but it is our job to plant the seeds. So go and tell your story to all who will listen. And on that glorious day when we meet Jesus face to face who knows, we may just meet others there who because of our testimony gave their lives to God! And won’t it be wonderful to hear our Savior say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” 

expectancy

SoulSearching Sunday~Audience Of One

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 4, 2018


Week Forty-four...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Acts 13 - Romans 3:20...

 1. What kind of singing voice do you have? God loves hearing you praise Him regardless of how others would judge your vocal quality. Spend some time vocalizing your praise to God. You may want to write your own song!

 Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. (Acts 16:25)

 2. Write down your own personal testimony. In what significant ways have you seen God work in your life? Today look for opportunities to let others know who it is you worship, and why.

 “Brothers and esteemed fathers, “ Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” (Acts 22:1)

 3. We can react to an unexpected turn of events either with fear and anger or with trusting expectancy of what God has in store. What big plans do you have for next month, next year, or the next five years? Entrust these plans to God as an act of worship.

 I asked you to come here today so…I could tell you that I am bound with this chain because I believe the the hope of Israel - the Messiah - has already come. (Acts 28:20)




Becky Austin

It’s Time to Testify (Daniel 4-6)

11:40 PM



Several weeks ago, we had the privilege of attending a church service where the pastor felt prompted by God to forego the planned message and have people share testimonies instead. It was one of the most heartwarming services I have ever attended.  Each story shared was unique and amazing.  It was so emotionally touching to hear how God had worked in each person’s life to get their attention and showcase how awesome He was and how desperately they needed to surrender their hearts to Him. As I read through Daniel 4-6 I felt like there were some amazing testimonies on display as well.

Nebuchadnezzar's Testimony:  Nebuchadnezzar was King of Babylon when Babylon was a vast and flourishing empire.  He was a proud and powerful ruler who had a very important lesson to learn: Nebuchadnezzar had to learn that only God is all powerful. At the beginning of chapter 4 we have Nebuchadnezzar's testimony written by him, from his point of view. It is a story of a man who needed God to shake him up to get his attention.
“I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid.  As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me.” (4:4-5)
God warned Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel pleaded with him to change his ways but Nebuchadnezzar didn’t heed the warning. God stripped him of his ability to rule and be powerful by taking away the faculties of his mind as well as his dignity. “He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagle’s feathers and his nails were like bird’s claws.” (4:33)
Sounds drastic and cruel, perhaps, but God was actually showing great love and mercy to Nebuchadnezzar. As Charles Swindoll writes: God will go to extremes to show us that He’s Lord. Sometimes, like a surgeon, God has to hurt us to heal us. He uses afflictions like a scalpel, cutting deep into the cancerous core of our sin. We cry as if the world will end, but out of our pain comes new life. Eventually, we are glad that God cared enough to discipline us and through the doorway of sorrow, give us a second chance.”
Nebuchadnezzar is humbled and changed forever as He surrenders his heart to God. “At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever.” (4:34)
Daniel’s Testimony:
Throughout Daniel’s life, he shows consistent dedication to honoring God and having a relationship with God. Daniel exhibits many valued traits and skills that help him find favor with the pagan rulers he must serve under. When Darius (ruler of the Medes and Persians) sets up leadership roles, he gives Daniel a high office. Jealous, less ranking officials set up a trap to use Daniel’s devotion to God as a death sentence.  Daniel testifies of his trust in God by his continued devotion:
“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (6:10)  We all know the story of how Daniel was thrown into the den of lions and an angel of the Lord shut the mouths of the hungry lions and kept Daniel unharmed.  That is an amazing testimony that has been declared for thousands of years. But, what is even more amazing is how this testimony produced another testimony.

Darius” Testimony: Darius, the ruler of the Medes and Persians, is not committed to serving God. Just like with Nebuchadnezzar, however, God does drastic things to get his attention.  God uses the suffering of Daniel to humble Darius.  Darius cares for Daniel but he can not go against the letter of the law and make exceptions for Daniel to be spared the fate of the lion’s den. Darius realizes that the only one who can save Daniel is the God that Daniel trusts in.  Darius pulls an all-nighter, petitioning to God to save Daniel. The next morning, he returns to the den and is in awe of God’s intervention.  He humbles himself and gives his heart to God  He makes a decree…” that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever..” (6:26)


We each have our own unique story.  We each have had to come to terms with our own sin and pride. We each have had to humble ourselves and surrender our hearts to God. Perhaps it is our story that God will use to touch the heart of another and help them see their need. May I encourage you to take the opportunity to share your stories with others.  It’s time to testify of all the wonders that He has done.