ACTS: The Gospel to the World

Jospeh of Arimathea was a secret follower of Jesus who had been afraid to make his allegiance known because of his position in the community. But whilst the other disciples had abandoned Jesus, Jospeh now takes a risk now in order to provide a proper burial for Jesus. This could have had all sorts of consequences for him, but he takes the risk and honours his Master.As we anticipate celebrating Jesus’ resurrection tomorrow, it is timely to consider whether or not we hide our following of Jesus? As we remember and celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection, do the people in your life (friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, or peers) know that you are a follower of Jesus or do you seek to hide it from them? As we rejoice in all that God has done for us, it is a great weekend to share your love for God and let people know that you love Jesus. Friends, let’s not hide our faith away, but rejoice in the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done. For Christ died not only for us, but in order that the whole world might be saved by trusting in him. ALQuestionsWhy is it sometimes tempting to hide away as followers of Jesus? What is your greatest fear of other people knowing?How could you share with people this weekend that you are a follower of Jesus?How can you prepare today, to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with even more meaning and joy?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you that despite us turning from you, that you have never turned away from us. Please help us to show our love for you to the world, that many more might also come to know your saving love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


The description of Jesus’ death in Luke is full of incredible details that point us to the cosmic effect of what was happening. As darkness falls over the land, it seems that the power of evil may be prevailing. It’s a dark day on which the Messiah of the world was crucified by the Romans, to the delight of some of the leaders of his own people. But this isn’t failure. For whilst darkness falls, the temple veil is torn in two, signalling that a new way for relationship with God for all people has been flung open through Jesus’ death. The veil separated the people of God from the holy of holies. Yet through Jesus’ death, a new way, a direct way was being opened up to God. No longer would sacrifices need to be made, because Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice made for us.Even in his final moments on the cross, Jesus demonstrates his great trust in the Father as he commends his spirit into his Father’s hands. This was no ordinary death. Jesus was no ordinary man. He died this death willingly and innocently, in order that we could be saved. In a moment of brilliant clarity, the centurion gets it! The tough centurion, who had probably witnessed innumerable crucifixions, was probably even desensitised to death, realises that something is different about Jesus! He realises that this death is different, because Jesus is truly a righteous man. The centurion’s response? To praise God! As we recognise who Jesus is and what he has done for us, praise - thanking him - is precisely what we should do. Not that we would delight that he had to die; but that we would delight that he would do it so that we could be saved. ALQuestionsWhat evidence is there that Jesus voluntarily and truly died? What is the significance of this?How is it through Jesus’ death that we are afforded life? How was the price for sin paid for on the cross?PrayerThank you Jesus for enduring the cross for us. Thank you for never being dissuaded from your saving mission, even at the greatest cost to yourself. Please help us to grow in our gratitude for the price that you paid, not that we would be overwhelmed in guilt, but that we would rejoice in our freedom! Amen.


Sometimes we’re so familiar with the details of this story, that the substance of all that Jesus did can wash over us. But here Jesus is, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, being crucified between two criminals. He didn’t deserve this. A charge of ‘King of the Jews’ hangs mockingly - yet ironically - above his head. It really does look like a disaster - it looks like Jesus’ mission in the world has come to a horrible and abrupt end. But it hasn’t.Whilst Luke doesn’t include many details about the crucifixion itself, the dialogue between the two criminals, and Jesus’ subsequent response is profound. One criminal, even whilst being crucified, uses the little energy they have to hurl an insult on Jesus. The idea that Jesus was some sort of king must have seen absurd, yet the other criminal can see past what is happening to the very character of Jesus. He might not understand why Jesus is being crucified, but he knows that whilst their punishment is just, the punishment on Jesus was undeserved. What a profound insight!If he saved others, why won’t he save himself?
If he is God’s Messiah, why won’t he save himself?
If he is the King of the Jews, why won’t he save himself?
Because he chose to die the death that we deserve, so that we could be saved.It all might look like a disaster, but this is God’s salvation plan being fulfilled! Jesus has not lost control, but is able to extend forgiveness from the cross, and through the cross, to those who put their trust in him. ALQuestionsHow is Jesus’ death truly fulfilment of God’s promise to save?What most strikes you about this part of the crucifixion account? How can you grow in your gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice?PrayerSaving God, we thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us. Thank you for doing everything necessary to save us. Thank you for facing the death that we deserve, in order that we might be saved. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


The Romans didn’t invent crucifixion, but they certainly did perfect it. Thousands of people would have been crucified by the Romans, but this one was different. Reports of crucifixions in the first century often tell that whilst people were being crucified that they would hurl insults, spit on the people below, or even try to urinate on those close to the cross. But as Jesus goes to the cross, he goes willingly and full of grace. Even though innocent, he does not hurl insults nor seek vengeance on those who put him there. Instead, as they gamble for his garments (unwittingly fulfilling Psalm 22), he asks that his Father to forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. What amazing grace! That even at the height of pain, that even in the face of death, that Jesus desires forgiveness even for the very ones inflicting death on him. We can feel outraged at the most minor infringement against us, yet here is the innocent Son of God, asking for forgiveness for the very ones who nailed him to the cross.As we hear Jesus’ cry for forgiveness, we’re given a phenomenal insight into the loving heart of God. The God who desires that no one would perish, even at the greatest cost to himself. What amazing news that we have to share! That as people put their trust in him, God does not dish out the punishment that we deserve, but willingly takes that punishment on himself. That as we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the unmerited gift of grace. ALQuestionsWhen people wrong you, what is your natural desire for them?How should Jesus’ desire for forgiveness shape our greatest desires for those around us?What does it mean for you that Jesus willingly died for you?PrayerGracious and loving God, we thank you for your great desire that none should perish, but that all should put their trust in Jesus and live. Thank you that you were willing to do whatever it takes in order that we might find forgiveness in you. Please grow our trust in you. Please help us to show forgiveness to those who wrong us, in order that we might point to the ultimate forgiveness that we find through Jesus. Amen.


In 70AD Roman forces besieged the city of Jerusalem. The city had been under control of Jewish rebels called Zealots for four years but now the full force of the Empire was upon them. The siege lasted seven bloody months with the Romans breaching wall after wall. The Zealots fought hard but infighting amongst different leaders and factions, as well as poor discipline, meant that the city finally fell. The temple was burned and looted, surviving Zealots and civilians alike were slaughtered in the streets.Only 40 years earlier the might of Rome had also been on show. As Jesus dragged his Roman cross up to Golgotha, soldiers seized a bystander to help him carry the cross. Crowds of women wailed at the violence and depravity but Jesus foresaw the greater violence and barbarity in Jerusalem’s future. This is why he says “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children... if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Even in his pain and torment Jesus is thinking about others. Jesus is the green tree. A peaceful sapling, a prince of peace, and a bringer of new life. He is no rebel and yet the might of Rome is coming at him with full force. When the people of Jerusalem truly dry up, and a fully formed rebellion begins, the Romans will sack the temple. On that day many will wish their children had never been born. Yet on this sad day, as Jesus carries his cross, he is defeating a much bigger power than Rome. Judgement and destruction lies ahead, but so does the new dawn of Easter Sunday. DBQuestionsHow does Jesus warning those watching him of the judgement in their future?How can we warn others of impending judgement in a way that they will listen, and help them to find salvation in Jesus in a way that encourages them to follow?PrayerGod of justice and grace, thank you that Jesus walked up Golgotha for us. Thank you that he was thinking of us as he bore the judgement that we deserve. Help us to thank you each day for our forgiveness and look to you for a future and hope. Amen!


We’ve reached Week 13 of our devotional and all of sudden we’re taken back to Luke’s account of the spread of the Gospel in Acts, to his account of Jesus’ crucifixion. It may surprise you to learn that Luke wrote more of the New Testament in two books (Luke + Acts) than any other writer. Here we read his account of Jesus’ trial by Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea and from his personal letters we learn that he was a weak and indecisive leader. In Luke’s account we realise that Pilate did everything he could to avoid executing Jesus, avoiding tricky questions, sending Jesus to Herod, and making the people pick between Jesus and a clear rebel in Barabbas.The contrast between Pilate and Luke could not be sharper. Pilate weakly questions Jesus to figure out if Jesus identifies as a king, Luke investigates Jesus’ whole life and gets to the truth of his identity. Pilate tries to pass Jesus’ fate onto others, Luke realises the fate of the world is in Jesus’ hands. Pilate cannot commit to a decision about Jesus and tries to sweep him under the rug, Luke commits his whole life to following Jesus and making him known. The difference between an encounter with Jesus and becoming one of his disciples is often as stark as that between Pilate and Luke. We can be curious about Jesus, and perhaps try to do the best by him whilst trying to save our own skin, or we can be a disciple of Jesus, giving up our whole lives for the one who gave it all for us. DBQuestionsWhy do you think Pilate was trying to avoid killing Jesus?Are there people in your life who are curious about Jesus? How can you encourage them to investigate the truth about Jesus?How can you commit to making Jesus known through your life?PrayerLord Jesus, thank you that you went to the cross for us. Help us not to treat you with mild interest, or avoid the question of our allegiance to you. Help us to submit our lives to your rule and look to you as the resurrection and the life. Amen!


Jesus promised his disciples that they would be his witnesses throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The fact that you are probably reading this thousands of kilometres away from Jerusalem (kudos to you if you’re closer than that) suggests that Jesus kept his promise. The fact that churches have been filled and the Gospel has been preached in ever corner, not just of the then known world, but of the planet we know today is a miracle. In the first century religions were often bound by geographic or cultural borders. Here in Acts 9 we learn that after Saul’s conversion the church kept spreading and enjoyed a time of peace and strengthening.The disciples no longer feared Saul, instead they were all encouraged to fear the Lord and be built up by the Holy Spirit. This idyllic community was not a pipe-dream of religious nut jobs, this wasn’t a commune where people were forced into social submission. Instead this church that Jesus had promised and the Holy Spirit had borne was a place where the Kingdom of Heaven was real.Some years ago an atheist journalist by the name of Matthew Parris travelled to Africa. In an article, ‘As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God’, Parris shared that wherever he found peace, tranquility, and healthy communities in the continent he also found churches and deep faith. Sadly Parris couldn’t concede that the Gospel has had this impact on every community it has touched. Much of the peace and prosperity we enjoy in developed nations is thanks to the impact of the Gospel and Christianity. Wherever the Gospel goes it find resistance, but it also brings true peace. DBQuestionsWhy do you think the church enjoyed such a wonderful time of peace and growth at this point in Acts?Where do you see this sort of Kingdom reality in your church community?PrayerFather forgive us for condemning others in our hearts. Help us to remember that no one is beyond your mercy and grace. Help to reach out with your Gospel of grace and step over social battle lines to love and welcome others. Amen.


It was late and the midnight Christmas service was due to start. In he walked, a mountain of a man with Tattoos on his arms, a big bushy beard, and a leather jacket with patches on it. This man was obviously a biker and I’d heard all sort of stories about bikers. Had he come to cause trouble? Was he here to escape detection by the police? Should I got up to him or leave him alone?These questions revealed more about the state of my heart than they did about this man. He sat through the whole service, prayed diligently and sang the Christmas carols with a mighty voice. He came up for communion and as the service ended he came up to the door and shook my hand. Now I could see the patches on his jacket which read ‘God’s Squad’. God’s Squad is a Christian Motorcycle Club. Members dedicate their lives to sharing the Gospel with other bikies. Here was a brother in Christ who I should have welcomed with open trust but had instead treated with judgement and skepticism.When Saul travelled to Jerusalem, he had a bounty on his head. His former friends wanted to kill him and the Christians in the city didn’t trust him. Thankfully Barnabas stepped up, took a risk, and the rest is history. As Christians we need to cross over well marked social battle lines and welcome people into our community. No one is beyond God’s reach and we need to be willing to take risks and welcome others into God’s Kingdom. The early church lived in fear of the Lord and no one else. That’s why it thrived off the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and increased in numbers. DBQuestionsWho first crossed over the line and took a risk in welcoming Saul? How do you think Paul would have felt after persecuting so many Christians?How can you challenge yourself and step out in faith and welcome someone into your church family this week?PrayerFather forgive us for condemning others in our hearts. Help us to remember that no one is beyond your mercy and grace. Help to reach out with your Gospel of grace and step over social battle lines to love and welcome others. Amen.


Jesus is responsible for radical transformations all over the world. A drug addict finds freedom in Jesus, a CEO finds meaning in the Gospel, a world champion athlete finds her greatest prize in serving God. The stories of joy of people entering into a personal relationship with Jesus abound. In the book of Acts we read of the transformation of Saul, a persecutor of Christians, whose life is turned around. His fellow Jews are baffled by his transformation and his preaching, proving that Jesus is the Christ, thanks to his Jewish background.God uses our experiences, our scars, our trials and even our past sins to glorify himself and to reveal to the world the surpassing glory of his Gospel. Saul’s reputation preceded him but his transformation is what baffled others. The Holy Spirit helped him to prove to others that Jesus is the Messiah. God used Saul’s story to convict others of the truth of his Gospel and help them to become disciples.Radical stories of transformation can sometimes give us the impression that these are the only stories that matter. Perhaps you think that the work that God has done in your life isn’t as valid because it isn’t as sensational. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are people in the world right now who need to hear your story because it’s much like their story. Whether it’s the peace we’ve found in following Jesus or the pain God has spared us in bringing us up in a Christian home, our stories will often be more relatable to people than a sensational conversion experience. The power of personal testimony is awesome and God can use your story to bring others to him. DBQuestionsWhy was Saul’s preaching so powerful for 1st Century Jews?What transformations has God enacted in your life? Think of three main things God has done in your life that you wouldn’t have if you weren’t a Christian.PrayerThank you Lord for your goodness and kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Thank you for redeeming me and making my story part of your story. Help me to share my story with others in a way that helps them come to know you and be saved. Amen!


Bashir Mohammad came to Istanbul, Turkey as a Syrian refugee. He’d defected from Jabhat al-Nusra an offshoot of Al Qaeda. He was broken and traumatised after witnessing his fellow muslims torturing and killing other muslims. Whilst in Turkey his wife fell sick and he turned to a relative who had once sent him videos of radical Islamic preachers for help. The relative was now living in Canada and shocked Bashir by confessing that he’d become a Christian! He asked Bashir to put the phone next to his wife’s ear so he could pray for her. At first Bashir refused but finally he became so desperate to help her that he gave in. His wife’s health improved. Suddenly Bashir was willing to entertain a sacrilegious thought. He asked his cousin to recommend a Christian preacher who could tell him more about the religion. Fortunately Eimad Brim, a missionary with an evangelical group based in Jordan called the Good Shepherd agreed to meet with him. Eimad Brim risked his life to bring the Gospel to Bashir Mohammad a former terrorist who now meets with other Christians to pray and worship a God who changed his life forever.Everyday disciples like Eimad and Ananias risk everything to share the Gospel. People like this need our support and prayers but they aren’t superheroes. While we don’t risk our lives in sharing the Gospel with others, sometimes it takes a lot of guts. We need to draw on stories like Ananias’ and Bashir’s, and be willing to give our time and risk our reputation to share the Gospel with others. (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/world/middleeast/the-jihadi-who- turned-to-jesus.html). DBQuestionsWhy was Ananias willing to visit Saul?How can we be supporting our brothers and sisters who risk everything to share the Gospel with others?PrayerGod of Grace, thank you so much for the courage of Ananias and people like him who take risks to share the Gospel. Help us to see people in our ‘frontlines’ who need to hear about you. Please help to follow your lead when you send us. Amen!


If you’ve ever lost your eyesight, even for a little while, you’ll know what a harrowing and disorientating experience it can be. Saul was blinded by the light of Christ on his way to kill Christians in Damascus and fell to the ground. His companions didn’t see Jesus, like Saul did, but they heard the sound of his voice, and realised that something incredible had happened. When Saul got up from his fall he was blind. What had happened to his eyesight? Had he lost his sight forever? Was this Jesus coming back to finish him off? These may have been the questions running through his mind.Saul had a lot of time to ponder these questions; three days! In the black and confusion of this time he didn’t eat or drink anything. This would have been further distressing, but who could blame him? Saul may have been wracked with guilt at the hatred and evil he had harboured in his heart. He’d persecuted Christians, and by extension he’d persecuted Jesus himself.This proud religious man who had used his eyes to learn the law and hunt down Christians was suddenly disabled beyond recognition. The fear and anxiety of those three days must have been agony but God was using those three days of blindness to reveal to Saul his spiritual blindness. Without Jesus we cannot see anything clearly. God must open our eyes and show us our sin, his salvation, and the fullness of life found in him. Only then will we be able to sing with Saul, and with many disciples of Jesus since that day, “I was blind but now I see!” DBQuestionsWhy do you think God had to issue such a radical and upsetting experience to fix Saul’s spiritual blindness?What are your spiritual blind spots? How does God help us to see him more clearly?How can you help others in your life to see God more fully?PrayerGod who restores sight to the blind, help us to see you for who you truly are. Forgive us for our spiritual blind spots and help us to see you more fully today. Amen!


Saul was a passionate Jew. He had risen through the ranks, learned the Jewish Law by heart and was passionately pursuing God in every facet of his life. He wasn’t persuaded by these ‘stories’ of Jesus of Nazareth. The man was a heretic who had deluded Jews who should have known better and who had claimed to be the ‘Son of God’. What’s more people were claiming that Jesus who fellow Pharisees had persuaded Pilate to crucify, had come back from the dead! This movement had to be stopped!Saul had heard that this crazy cult had travelled as far as Damascus in the north. What if it kept going and made it to his home city of Tarsus, or worse yet Rome! He went to the high priest to get letters for the synagogue leaders in Damascus to warn them and unite all Jews against this dangerous superstition. The disciples called themselves ‘the Way’ but Saul would take them all the way to jail in Jerusalem where they belonged.God breaks into the lives of the most unlikely people. Drug dealers, prostitutes, fundamentalist zealots, and people like you! Sometimes he does this in dramatic and instantaneous ways and sometimes he does it in subtle and gradual ways. What the conversion of Saul shows us is that God can break the hardest heart and no one is beyond his grace. We should never see someone as a lost cause or too hard to crack. A personal encounter with Jesus can break a heart of stone and redeem it forever. Whose heart can you be praying for and speaking into today? DBQuestionsWhy do you think Saul hated Christians so much? Why did God ask Saul “Why are you persecuting me?” when he was persecuting Christians?How did you first encounter Jesus? How did this affect you? Whose heart can you be praying for and speaking into today?PrayerRisen Jesus, thank you so much that a personal encounter with you can change a heart of stone. Please break our hearts for what breaks yours and help us to see people the way you see them. Help us to bring others to encounter you and be saved. Amen!


Having met with, chatted, and baptised the eunuch, Philip is now once again led away by the Spirit to preach the Gospel. Presumably, as God had led Philip to connect with the eunuch, he then would have connected the eunuch with a local body of believers so that he could continue to be discipled and grow. It’s worth mentioning this because sometimes we can elevate one role in the Body over another, however, it’s so important to acknowledge that we all play critical parts in people becoming and growing as Christians. That doesn’t of course diminish the responsibility of every Christian to be prepared and willing to give an answer for what they believe, but it should encourage us as we recognise that we do this together. God brings different people into our lives at different time, but always with the potential for a Gospel opportunity.As Philip heads off, he now goes to Azotus which was one of the five Philistine cities, but he is actually en route to Caesarea. At this point, it might be easy to think of Philip as just going from place-to-place, but when he gets to Caesarea he’ll be there for a while. In fact, his next appearance (cf. Acts 21:8) is some 20 years later! What a great example to us that wherever we go, be it short-term or long-term, that we must be prayerful and open to whatever opportunities there might be to proclaim Jesus. Over the years, I’ve often been astounded by the opportunities that come up when I’m travelling, yet I’m equally amazed by the long-term evangelism through relationships when we’re at home. The point is: whether at home, away, at work, at play, or even en route, God wants to use it all to make disciples. We might not always feel ready, but God is. ALQuestionsHave you ever had an opportunity to share something - even something very small - about Jesus when travelling?What are the long-term relationships that you have with people who are not yet passionate followers of Jesus? How can you pray for them?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you that you are preparing opportunities for us to share the Gospel wherever we go. Please embolden and ready us for those times. Please soften hearts and give us wisdom, that many people might come to put their trust in Jesus as their Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


What a phenomenal conversion story! Having wanted to understand the Bible, and Philip having now explained the Gospel, the eunuch was now ready to receive Jesus and be baptised! Philip must have been so clear in explaining the Gospel, along with the role of baptism, that the eunuch is very quick to point out, to paraphrase, “Well, what’s stopping me?! I’m here, your here, we just need some water!”. And so the rest is history and the eunuch was baptised that very day! Sometimes when we hear accounts like this we can be sad that our conversations about Jesus might never seem to be quite as fruitful! But we shouldn’t fear, for often we just don’t know at what stage the person is at in enquiry. It could be at their 100th conversation with a Christian when they convert, and your conversion could be number 99! Similarly, we don’t know for the Ethiopian if this was his first ever conversation or just one of many. The point for us is to be open to such conversations, being ready to meet people where they’re at, and then trusting in God’s good and perfect timing.I was recently chatting with some leaders from our Church and we were sharing stories of how people grew as disciples in the last year. We were amazed by the people who had come to Christ just in the last 12 months. The stories of how they were connected, who spoke to them, and all of the events that had precipitated were often deeply interwoven and elaborate. No one could have fully predicted that ‘discipleship path’. But when they had been coming into contact with faithful Christians consistently, who were ready to show and share the Good News, all of the essential ingredients were there! We each have a role to play in the proclamation of the Good News, but how encouraging it is to know that we do that as a whole Body, empowered with the Holy Spirit. ALQuestionsWho do you know who has become a Christian, or grown significantly as a Christian, in the past 12 months?Who can you be praying for to become a Christian in the next 12 months?PrayerThank you for the powerful way in which your Spirit is at work through your followers in the proclamation of the Gospel. May we never lose heart, but constantly trust in you, and keep pointing people to your Son. Amen.


Taking a detour from Acts 8, we’re challenged today by the role of every single Christian to point people to Jesus. The logic goes like this: If trusting in Jesus is the only way to be saved, and some people don’t know about Jesus, how then will they be saved!? Answer: By someone sharing the Gospel with them!It’s easy for us to think in Australia that everyone knows about Jesus, but that simply is not the case. Research regularly indicates that not only do fewer and fewer Australians know about Jesus, but that what they know is often very basic or inaccurate. For example, in a 2017 national study on ‘Faith and Belief in Australia’ by McCrindle (in conjunction with Olive Tree Media), 18% of people said that they know ‘nothing at all’ about the church, 28% said that they know ‘very little or nothing’ about Jesus, 3% had never heard of Jesus, and 14% said that Jesus’ life is ‘not at all’ important with regards to the history and culture of the world. Yet incredibly, despite all of this, 23% of non-Christians in the survey said that they would consider or are very interested/quite open to exploring religion! Amidst a country so confused about Jesus, there remains a significant percentage of people who are open to hearing more. But how will they call on the one they have not believed in? How can they hear without someone sharing with them? How can anyone share unless they have been sent? I think you know the answer!As followers of Jesus, we all have all been entrusted with the jewel of the Gospel. People desperately need to hear and receive it. Many people are open to hearing and receiving it! All that is left is for someone to speak. ALQuestionsWho first shared the Gospel with you?Who do you know who might be even a little interested in Jesus? How could you open a conversation up about Jesus today?PrayerHeavenly Father, we thank you for the saving power of Jesus! Thank you that we know you and your saving grace. Please embolden us to share the Good News wherever we go. Please go ahead of us to prepare the hearts of those with whom we speak, that your Good News might take root in their lives. Amen.


Talk about a ‘gospel’ opportunity! As Philip runs up to the Ethiopian, the passage of Scripture that the eunuch has opened, is none other than Isaiah 53! And with great wisdom, the eunuch wants to understand who is the person described? Who is the one who was led like a sheep to the slaughter? Who was this one humiliated and deprived of justice? Was it the prophet, Isaiah, or someone else? Such a brilliant question! And so beautifully addressing the very question that the eunuch has raised, Philip, starting with Isaiah 53, shares the Good News of Jesus. This is such an amazing model of how God is at work in drawing people to himself. In part because of Philip’s willingness to follow the prompting of the Spirit. In part because of the way that the eunuch was following his enquiring and yearning heart for God. In part, because Philip was willing ready to meet the eunuch where he was at, and able to give an answer for what he believed when he was asked (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).As followers of Jesus who are seeking to make other disciples, that means that we not only need to be looking for opportunities to share the Gospel and responsive to the lead of the Holy Spirit, but we also need to be prepared. We need to be prepared not only in our understanding of the Gospel (as per yesterday’s reflection), but also to be willing to come alongside people and explore their questions. I love that Philip started with the eunuch’s question which beautifully led then to the sharing of the Good News. As we seek to proclaim Jesus, we need to be ready to meet people where they are at and explain the Gospel accordingly. As we do that, there is often the great privilege of coming to God’s Word together; reading it together, asking questions together, and ultimately, seeking Jesus together. ALQuestionsHow do you understand Isaiah 53 to be fulfilled in Jesus?If you wanted to share something from the Bible to someone enquiring about Jesus, what would you share?PrayerGracious Father, we thank you that your Spirit is at work in drawing people to yourself. Please help us to respond to the prompting of your Spirit, point enquirers to Jesus, and also be prepared to give an answer. Amen.


The Bible isn’t hard to understand, but sometimes we need a little help. Sure sometimes there are difficult names (Methuselah) and teachings that are hard to understand (did Jesus really want us to eat his body?) or apply (does Jesus really want us to put him first all the time?), but for the most part the Bible can be read by anyone. One of the awesome things about being able to own a Bible translation in the language we speak is that we can pick up and read God’s Word for us today.When Philip meets the Ethiopian Eunuch though, the Eunuch needs a little bit of help to understand what he is reading. Fortunately Philip has been sent by God on a divine mission to do just that. Philip is the person who God appointed to help this Ethiopian hear the Gospel. Who did God put in your life to help you understand the Bible and hear the Gospel?As with any text we sometimes need a little help to understand the Bible but one of the best ways to crystallise what you have learned is to teach others. Who has God put in your life to pray and read the Bible with. Who can you help to get more out of the Bible? If you can read, and have heard the Gospel, then like Philip, you ‘come and sit with’ someone to help them unlock the joy of reading God’s word and the salvation found in the Gospel. DBQuestionsWhat do you find difficult about understanding the Bible?Who has helped you to get more out of the Bible? How did they help you gain more understanding?Who can you help to understand the Bible?PrayerLiving Lord, we thank you for the gift of your word and that we can read it in our own language. Thank you for the people you have put in our lives to help us understand the Bible. Help us do the same! Amen.


‘Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip...’ That’s a powerful way to start a story but if you’re anything like me you may be asking God: “Where’s my angel?”. So often in life it would be great to have clear guidance from God about what he wants us to do. While looking at this verse in isolation may give us the impression that the first disciples had Angelic secretaries guiding their every step, a broader reading of the Bible tells us that followers of Jesus need to work a little harder to discern God’s will.Growing in discernment is a big part of growing as a disciple, and a big first step in discerning God’s will is prayer. From Peter to Paul we see that disciples of Jesus spent time in daily prayer talking to God and asking for guidance. Prayer should be our daily starting point for all our decisions. Sometimes God will speak to us through a sign, vision, or angel, but more often than not we won’t get that sort of guidance in how we should live life. Fortunately prayer helps to orientate the thoughts of our hearts towards God and opens our minds up to the many ways God guides us.As we pray for God to guide us, we’ll often be more open to perceiving the way he wants us to go. God has given us common sense, the Bible to teach us, friends and family to run our ideas and choices past, and our church family to support us and guide us. God may not give us personal angel secretaries but he guides us in all sorts of ways. Let’s keep praying for discernment and God’s guidance each day. DBQuestionsWho in the passage is receiving guidance and how is it being given?How could your prayer life improve in order to help you discern God’s will for your life?Who can you call on to help you make decisions? How can you help people in your life to grow in discernment?PrayerGuiding God, thank you so much for the various ways you guide your people. Help us to be open to your guidance and obedient to your will and ways. Thank you that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen!


“I’ve made a big mistake!” Have you ever found yourself saying that? I do it all the time. Sometimes when I say this it comes from a quick realisation that I’ve done the wrong thing, sometimes it comes from a rebuke from a fellow Christian, other times the Holy Spirit gradually convicts me of my sin and drives me towards righteousness. Fortunately when I’ve made mistakes, those discipling me have prayed for me and helped me get back on track.Simon makes a big mistake. He offers Peter money to give him the Holy Spirit but Peter rebukes him. In v.24 Simon realises the gravity of what he has done and is backtracking quickly. We’re not told how Peter responds but here is a great opportunity to think about how you would handle someone who had made such as mistake. Would you need to check if their repentance was genuine? Could you forgive them? Would you pray for them?We don’t know how Peter treated Simon after this but what Acts does tell us is that they don’t let Simon’s greed hinder the progress of the Gospel. Peter and John continue to proclaim the word of the Lord, preaching in many Samaritan villages. They don’t let Simon’s sin trip them up or hinder future Gospel proclamation. As we disciple others they will slip up, they will sin, some may repent and others won’t. We should be prepared to get our hands dirty, to forgive, to pray for our fellow disciples, and to get on with the vital work of proclaiming the Gospel. DBQuestionsWhy does Simon repent? What does he ask Peter to do for him?How can you rebuke, pray for, and help those you disciple to get back on track in a way that is healthy and doesn’t hinder your relationship?PrayerThank you Lord that you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Thank you that Jesus offers us forgiveness and his mercies are new every morning. Holy Spirit please convict us of our sin and help us to bear fruits in keeping with repentance everyday. Amen!


As an ordained minister people often offer me money. Sometimes it’s in return for something like a funeral or a baptism, other times it’s money to put in the offering plate or money to give to someone who is doing it tough. There’s nothing wrong with receiving support for ministry and the people offering usually have good motives but sadly money can often muddy the waters and give people the wrong idea. This is the case with Simon.Simon has followed Peter and John all the way to Samaria and seen the source of the Apostle’s power: the Holy Spirit. ‘Everything has a price’ is something we often believe today and Simon thinks he can buy the Holy Spirit’s power. A big theme in Acts is the power and deity of the Holy Spirit. You can’t buy God and Peter’s rebuke is warranted because Simon’s heart is not right before God. Simon’s heart is full of bitterness and captive to sin and Peter knows what happens when people take the Holy Spirit lightly.Money can’t buy God. As we disciple others we must remember that money is a great servant to mission, but is a terrible master. Ministers of the Gospel need to be very careful to live with financial integrity and to avoid blurring the lines between being a missionary and a mercenary. We need to continuously make sure our hearts are right before God. We also need to realise that while we may tithe, give gifts to the church, and volunteer, ultimately that doesn’t give us ownership over God’s blessings or power. The Kingdom of Heaven cannot be bought. Access to God is a free gift and so is the impartation of the Holy Spirit. DBQuestionsWhy does Simon want to buy Peter’s power? What is wrong with his motives? How can we hold ourselves accountable to God financially?How can we encourage others to prioritise God above their money?PrayerHoly Spirit, thank you for your power, grace and mercy. Forgive us for the times when we put our money before you and let created things dominate our spirituality. Help us to live lives of integrity and humility before you and others. Amen!


The trajectory of Acts is outward from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit carries the Gospel from place to place in ever widening circles and people proclaim the Gospel in all directions. Here in Acts 8 we hear the good news of how people in Samaria had accepted the Word of God.It seems Peter and John were sent to Samaria to see what exactly was going on as many of the Apostles had stayed in Jerusalem preaching and teaching the believers there. They must have been sceptical as to whether half-casts like the Samaritans could become Christians. In Luke 9:51-55, John asks Jesus if he should call hellfire down on a Samaritan village because they rejected Jesus so you can understand that this would have been uncharted water for the Apostles.Upon arrival Peter and John realise that although many Samaritans had been baptised they had only been baptised in Jesus’ name had not yet received the Holy Spirit. This is often a passage cited for Christians who believe there are two baptisms, one by water in Jesus’ name and the other by the Holy Spirit. This however seems unlikely as the Holy Spirit enters a person at conversion, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism, and Jesus tells us that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to us as soon as we ask him (Luke 11:11-13). This significance of this passage shouldn’t be missed here, here is Samaria receiving the Gospel, here ethnic barriers are broken and prejudices destroyed, Samaritans are receiving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is for everyone - let’s rely on him! DBQuestionsWhy do you think the believers in Samaria had been baptised but hadn’t yet received the Holy Spirit?Why was it so vital that the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit?How can we help those around us to understand God more fully and work with the Holy Spirit in them?PrayerHeavenly Father, we thank you so much for the gift of your Spirit. Please help us to cooperate with you, that our lives might point to your Gospel. Amen.


The TV show ‘Penn and Teller: Fool us’ is a great show with plenty of laughs and insights. In the show, magicians perform a magic trick and Penn and Teller, experienced illusionists themselves, try to guess how the trick is performed. If they guess right then the magicians humbly acknowledge that they are right and if Penn and Teller can’t figure out how the trick is performed they win a trip to Las Vegas and their secret is safe.Simon was an illusionist like Penn and Teller. He was at the top of his game and many people thought he had the great power of God! But suddenly there was a new show in town. Philip came into town and began to cut Simon the Sorcerer’s grass! But Philip didn’t perform tricks, he didn’t pull rabbits out of hats or fool people. Instead he healed them and proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Simon was no fool. He knew real power when he saw it. He was baptised and followed Philip, astonished by the signs and miracles he saw.Sometimes it’s tempting to think that the miracles Jesus and the Apostles performed were magic tricks that fooled simple people into following them and ‘Hey Presto!’ Christianity was born. This account of Philip and Simon shows this couldn’t be further from the truth. Simon knew real power when he saw it. While the people may have been fooled by his tricks, he wasn’t fooled by them. Simon learned where real power came from, God. Philip discipled him and let him follow him. He didn’t win a trip to Vegas; something much more wonderful happened. Simon was won over by Jesus and another soul was saved! DBQuestionsWhy were the people won over by Simon the Sorcerer? How did his tricks differ from God’s miracles and signs?How can we talk about miracles with the people around us without them thinking that Jesus was a magician?PrayerGod of Wonder and Grace, thank you so much for the healing and hope found in Jesus. Thank you that the same Spirit that was in Philip guides your church today. Help us not to rely on tricks or gimmicks, but to faithfully proclaim your Gospel of grace and wonder. Amen.


Persecution can often be blamed for the stagnation and death of a church but there is something arguably more potent in stifling the spread of the Gospel. In 2018 the median income in Australia was $270,00 Australian. What this means is that a typical Australian is now richer than the typical person in any other country.This is a good thing. Australians enjoy a high standard of living, life expectancy, and levels of education. We have a low crime rate and very few Australians live below the poverty line. That said it’s sometimes not persecution but opulence that stifles the spread of the Gospel. In Acts we read of how violent persecution did little to smother the healing, the joy, and the enthusiasm that accompanied the proclamation of the Gospel. The more Saul tried to destroy the church, the more it grew.Sadly we are living in a time when the church in Australia isn’t growing, it’s shrinking. A number of factors can be blamed for this, not least the behaviour of the church in recent decades, but it seems whenever the people of God get too comfortable they get complacent and stop sharing their faith. As we read of the growth of the church in Acts let’s remember what was at the centre of this movement. It wasn’t health, wealth, and comfort; it was Jesus. Money isn’t a bad thing, but greed and complacency are. While Australian’s are richer than ever before, there is little evidence to suggest we’re any more fulfilled. Let’s take our hearts off our bank balances, mortgages, and nest eggs, and fix them on Jesus, who offers us all we need. DBQuestionsWhy was persecution so ineffective in stopping the growth of the church?What do think are the major factors that inhibit evangelism and growth in the church today?PrayerLiving Lord, thank you so much for your grace and mercy. Thank you that your church has stood firm in the face of opposition and that it has come to us. Help us to throw off everything that hinders us from following you, and run to you each day. Amen.


Gnashing of teeth is not something we do very often in the 21st Century. A quick internet search of ‘gnashing teeth’ will uncover dental advice to help you stop grinding your teeth, and websites and videos that discuss the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those confined to the outer darkness of hell in many of Jesus’ descriptions of the place. Gnashing your teeth is a grinding of the teeth made in anger.In the description of the stoning of Stephen we see the hellish gnashing of teeth and anger of Stephen’s persecutors compared to the peace of Stephen. Stephen is about to be killed but instead of confusion, darkness, and despair, he sees a vision of Jesus, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”. This further angers the crowd who cover their ears and yell at the top of their lungs. Stephen is surrounded by an angry gang of men with stones in their hands ready to kill him for being a heretic. The ones in control of the situation are out of control and Stephen has no control but has complete peace in the one who is ultimately in control.The stoning of Stephen gives us a peek into spiritual reality. Where sin brings chaos, darkness, and confusion, Jesus brings total peace and the self-control of the Holy Spirit. Stephen doesn’t depart this world in agony. He departs it in perfect peace, asking for forgiveness for his captors and committing his spirit to God. Ultimately there are two ways to live - immersed in the confusion and horror of sin, or trusting our ultimate destiny to the one who is in ultimate control. Where will you place your trust today? DBQuestionsWhy were Stephen’s killers so angry with him? Why is the Gospel so offensive to those who reject it?Where in our world do you see evil being exposed for what it truly is?PrayerLoving Lord, we thank you for the example of Stephen. Forgive us for rejecting you at times. Help us to love good, hate evil, and always desire mercy for our enemies. May our lives shine out as a witness to your glory, just as Stephen’s did. In Christ’s name, Amen..


If you’ve never called someone ‘stiff-necked’ then I wouldn’t start now! Having reminded those present of Israel’s failure in the past, Stephen now delivers a final denunciation of his accusers. He’s reminded them of Israel’s historical failure, not as an academic history lesson, but in order to show them how they’ve failed in the present to recognise who Jesus is. Stephen has denounced Israel for rejecting God’s messengers in the past, and he is now denouncing them for rejecting God’s ultimate messenger, Jesus.By accusing them of having hearts and ears that are still uncircumcised, it’s tantamount to saying that they do not belong to God’s people. God’s love is absent from their hearts and their ears are deaf to God’s voice. They have rejected those who foretold the coming of Jesus; they have rejected Stephen telling them about Jesus; and they have ultimately rejected and killed Jesus himself. Stephen is warning them not so that he feels good, but as a dire warning to those who have strayed so far from God and resisted the Holy Spirit. There is time for them to repent and turn to the one who was foretold by the prophets and has risen from the dead.Tragically (warning, spoiler alert!), those present do not heed Stephen’s words. They continue to be blind to what he has to say, which ultimately means that they are blind to the only one who can save. But the story does not end here! For not only does Stephen remain faithful until the end, but his proclamation of the Gospel still lives on! Despite some not coming to recognise Jesus as the promised ‘Righteous One’, and in the face of severe persecution, the Gospel is proclaimed and the church grows. ALQuestionsWhat was Stephen’s ultimate purpose in reminding those present of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers in the past?Despite persecution, why did the church continued to grow?PrayerHeavenly Father, we thank you for the faithfulness of Stephen right until the end! Please help us to stand strong, proclaim the Gospel, and point people to your Son, no matter what the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Despite Moses seeking to defend the Israelites, despite God leading the people out of Egypt under Moses, the people still refused to obey him. The people, as Stephen reminds us, were very quick to reject their leader and desire to live under their old lord. What’s most shocking of course is the speed at which this happens. The people had only been in the desert for about one month before they’re ready to return to the old oppressive boss! How short are their memories and lacking in trust are their hearts. Have they already forgotten the dramatic rescue that God orchestrated under Moses’ leadership? But, as Stephen points out, this happened time-and-time again. They not only disobeyed Moses, but in his absence were quick to turn to other false gods.As they accuse Stephen of working against God, Stephen’s accusations against them would have been infuriating. Whilst true, his words would have struck deep in the hearts of those gathered, accusing them not only of faithlessness but also spiritual blindness. However instead of turning their hearts to see the truth, the blindness would only be further compounded. Instead of seeking to discern the truthfulness of Stephen’s words, they would instead seek to silence the speaker. It’s an approach that Israel had demonstrated only too well in the past, and would be an approach that they were about to put into action again. ALQuestionsCan our sensitivity to an area of sin every cause us to attack the very people who might be convicting us of that sin?Is there any area in your life in which you are so spiritually blind that you would be unwilling to listen to the voice of God’s Word?How can we humbly come before the Word of God even when we might be reading something that we don’t particularly want to hear?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you that despite the faithlessness of his people, that Moses persisted in obedience to you. Please save us from spiritual blindness, that the truth of your Word might break open our hard hearts. Amen.


As we continue Stephen’s account of Moses, we’re reminded of his ‘next forty years’ after having fled from Egypt. Moses probably had little desire to return to his people, fearing that his own people would have told the Egyptians what he had done. Yet after forty years, with the intervention of an angelic appearance in the burning bush, Moses was sent back to be the Israelites’ ruler and deliverer. By the authority of God, Moses would take on the very role that his fellow Israelites had accused him of taking on by his own authority! In light of all that had transpired, you can imagine Moses being full of trepidation and doubt that the people would listen to him! He may have also still been fearful that there would be retaliation for he had done some forty years earlier. But God of course does not take ‘no’ for an answer, and eventually Moses does indeed return.Yet despite the reluctance of God’s people to always to listen to Moses, those gathered at Stephen’s trial would have no doubt recognised Moses as a true hero of their faith. Stephen once again is making the point, that despite the status with which he was now recognised, that their rejection of Jesus was similar to the rejection Moses! But even more, Stephen is asserting that they are now failing to recognise that the very one that Moses foreshadowed (i.e., “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people”) has arrived in the person of Jesus! If they thought (now) that Moses was a great rescuer and deliverer, then how much more should they see that Jesus it the ultimate rescuer and deliverer who frees us from sin and death. ALQuestionsWhat are the common ways that the world is willing to recognise Jesus and still be in their comfort zone?What most impresses you about Moses’ faithfulness?Why do you think the people were so offended by the twofold parallel, between Moses and Jesus, and those gathered and sinful Israel?PrayerGracious God, thank you for Moses’ willingness to follow your lead. Thank you that Moses’ rescue and delivering of Israel out of Egypt points us to the greater rescue and delivery from sin and death through Jesus. Amen.


It’s sometimes easy to forget, that before Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt that he had grown up as a household member of pharaoh’s daughter. He would have received an Egyptian education, access to a particular strata of society, and would have been afforded many other privileges. But despite all of this, when he was 40, something caused him to visit his own people. Upon seeing one of his own people being mistreated and despite his established upbringing, something moved him to the person’s defence. He went to the person’s defence and avenged him by killing an Egyptian. The next day he even tried to bring peace between two Israelites only to receive a nasty rebuke. You could imagine Moses becoming a bit of a hero amongst his people. However, instead of the people recognising him as one whom God would use to rescue them, they instead rejected him and caused him to flee. It’s not until Moses is 80 years old that he will return to rescue his people.We’ll cover the second part of Stephen’s summary of Moses’ life tomorrow, however it is an important reminder once again that just as Israel rejected heroes of the past, they have now rejected the greatest hero of them all.I wonder if we are every guilty of rejecting the very people that God sends into our lives? We can be both quick to judge and slow to acknowledge the very ones who God has led to nurture us, rebuke us, and teach us. Let us instead listen humbly and discern everything against the Word of God. ALQuestionsHas there ever been a Christian leader who you found difficult to accept?Why do you think the people were reluctant to recognise Moses as a leader amidst them?How can you wisely listen to the advice given to you by others?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you for the example of Moses’ faithfulness. Thank you for the godly leaders that you have sent into our lives. Please help us to be wise in discernment and generous in our welcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


As Stephen continues his speech, he moves from their rejection of Abraham to their (ancestors’) rejection of Joseph. Why does Stephen do this? To highlight how their rejection of Jesus is grounded in a consistent history of rebellion and poor discernment. Stephen makes that particularly clear by establishing a parallel between Joseph and Jesus.The first and most obvious parallel is established by highlighting the manner in which Jospeh, as a prophet, was rejected by his very own family. Stephen’s point is that this rejection foreshadows and points to the rejection of Jesus as a prophet by his very own people. However, just as God was with Jospeh and was vindicated, so too is Jesus vindicated in his death and resurrection.The second parallel relates to the character of Jospeh. Throughout all of Jospeh’s life, even in the face of very difficult circumstances, he continually demonstrates the two characteristics of wisdom and grace. Jesus of course fulfils those to perfection, but Jospeh demonstrated them nonetheless.What is Stephen’s point? That just as their ancestors had rejected a wise, gracious, and godly prophet, they have now, even more seriously rejected the greatest prophet, full of grace, who was not just godly, but was God’s own Son. Whilst Stephen is meant to be the one on trial, his case against his accusers continues to build! ALQuestionsIn what ways is the rejection of Jospeh like the rejection of Jesus?Why do you think people were blind to understanding who Jesus really was? Are we ever in danger of failing to recognising Jesus for who he truly is?PrayerHeavenly Father, we are sorry for the times that we reject your Word and have rejected your Son. Please help us to heed your Words, receive your Son, welcome your Spirit, and live obediently. Amen.


The proclamation of the Gospel was met with with welcome, apathy, rejection, and even persecution. Not much has changed today! Yesterday we read of Stephen being seized as a result of mounting opposition. People had made false accusations, presented lying witnesses, and were determined to be rid of Stephen. Yet, in a fierce determination to proclaim the Gospel no matter what, Stephen’s “trial” ended up facilitating one of the most famous speeches ever. In the face of the accusations, the high priest simply asks Stephen if the charges are true. Not to miss an opportunity, Stephen takes full advantage of the question and proceeds to give a very (very!) long answer (some 52 verses!). Whilst we’ll look at the entirety of this speech over the coming days, today we focus on just the first portion. You will note that as Stephen seeks to answer the question about the charges, he wants all of those present to understand that his proclamation of Jesus is not simply a new thing, but the fulfilment of their entire history as the people of God. Therefore, Stephen sets out to remind them of where they have come from, of their wavering history, and the big promises that God had made - which they were meant to be part of being accomplished.In five parts, Stephen sketches the history of Israel and turns the tables, in effect accusing them and putting them on trial. His final accusation will be that they have rejected the work of the Holy Spirit, but before doing that, in these verses, he highlights that rejecting God is part of their history. For even the great Abraham, the father of their nation was rejected by the people. This didn’t sway the people as they accused Stephen (sorry for the spoiler alert), but one wonders if anyone felt convicted that day. Friends, as we seek to follow God in our lives, we must never be so arrogant to think that we too can waver from God’s good purposes. We must constantly, with great humility, seek out his will and his ways above our own. ALQuestionsHow are we sometimes susceptible to not only ignoring God, but rejecting his very words in our lives?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you for the example and faithfulness of Stephen. Please help me to be faithful and obedient, even in the face of opposition. Amen.


Those who opposed Stephen’s ministry plotted against him, persuading others to say that Stephen had spoken blasphemous words against Moses and against God. Blasphemy was a serious charge and required eye-witnesses to prove the charge. The agitators recruited wider still, stirring up the people and the Jewish leaders against Stephen. Stephen was seized and brought before the Jewish leaders at the Sanhedrin. These events were consistent with the words of Jesus in Luke 21. False witnesses were produced who, deliberately or ignorantly, misquoted Stephen and told lies about him. Since the Garden of Eden, the Devil has employed deception to disrupt the lives and faith of all Christian people.Their testimony was a subtle and deadly misrepresentation of what was intended. Comparing their words with Jesus' teaching reveals an identifiable mixture of truth and falsehood. Jesus did predict the temple's destruction, but he did not say he was its destroyer. Jesus was not an opponent of the law but did alter the customs of Moses, the oral tradition, when he found that allegiance to them meant nullifying the written law of God. This chapter ends with all eyes on Stephen. The appearance of his face, said to be like the face of an angel, confirmed that he was filled with the Spirit, calmly trusting Christ and his promises. So full of the Spirit, so full of wisdom, faith, grace, and power is Stephen that the glory of God shone from his face.Today, people can be destroyed by the false witness of others. Stephen is an amazing example of how to respond to lies and half-truths in a way that reflects God’s glory and majesty. Even when our lives are torn apart by others, Jesus has promised to bring hope and peace in these circumstances. DRQuestionsHave you been the subject of false gossip or rumours? Think about how you responded.How can we truly reflect God’s glory in the same way as Stephen?PrayerHeavenly Father, help us to reflect your glory in all that we do and say. Protect us from evil and all those who would tell lies about us. May Stephen’s example make us wiser and more discerning in these circumstances. Amen.


Jesus returns to the themes of persecution and betrayal describing them in very personal terms. Family members, even parents and children, as well as friends, will betray one another. When a person is betrayed by a close family member or friend, the pain felt is so much greater due to the strong bonds that are broken. Prior allegiances will mean nothing and trust will disappear. It is not clear whether Stephen’s family or friends betray him, but according to Jesus’ words, it is possible.Jesus tells his disciples that they will be hated due to their faith in Christ and that some followers will be put to death. As the events proceed through Acts 6 and 7, we see this prediction eventuate. Jesus does not promise his followers an easy life, but as they share in his suffering they will share in his glory.This is the good news which brings both comfort and confidence to his disciples. Jesus called his followers to persevere in the face of opposition and threats of violence. Jesus reassures them that in him they will not perish but have eternal life. They could be bold and courageous, they could stand firm, with the assurance that death had been overcome by Jesus’ death and resurrection.In the same way, we are reassured that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ, giving us boldness and courage in our ministries and our Gospel witness. We should also be encouraged by the examples of Christians around the world who risk their lives and lose them for the sake of the Gospel. DRQuestionsHave you been betrayed by a close family member or friend (Christian or non-Christian)? How did that feel and how did you respond?Have you ever avoided talking about your faith or sharing the Gospel because of the fear that they will respond negatively? How can we be bold and courageous?PrayerGod of grace, when we face betrayal, hatred and even death, strengthen our faith and our resolve. Help us to share the good news with boldness, courage and enthusiasm, trusting in the promises of Jesus. Amen.


We turn for a moment to the teaching of Jesus in Luke 21 about the end times and the persecution of his followers, as they are relevant to Stephen’s situation. Jesus first speaks about events which will signify the end times. There will be conflict among the nations as well as signs in nature and from heaven (21:11). However, before the end times, Jesus predicts that those who serve the Gospel will be seized, persecuted, thrown in prison and brought before the secular authorities (21:12). Those who preach the Gospel threaten the political, social and religious status quo. Disciples of Jesus will have the opportunity to bear testimony to him even in dire circumstances.When this happens, Jesus encourages his followers to trust in him and not worry or be afraid (21:14). There is no need for pre-prepared speeches or palm cards. When brought before religious and secular authorities, Jesus promised to give his disciples wisdom and the words to say. Spoken by God’s grace and power, no-one who heard them would be able to resist or contradict them (21:15). We are reminded of the power of Stephen’s preaching and that no-one could stand against him.We are fortunate that in Australia very few Christians are arrested, tortured, or imprisoned for their faith. We need to be prepared for opposition and persecution trusting that God will help us to respond in the right way. When we rely on God’s strength and guidance, our words and actions will carry the power to transform situations and lives. We should remember and pray for Christians facing opposition and persecution around the world. DRQuestionsIn what ways and places do Christians face persecution and imprisonment?Have you ever relied on God’s guidance to respond to opposition to the Gospel? What was the result?PrayerLoving Father, we thank you for the freedom to live out and share the Christian faith in Australia. We give thanks for Jesus’ promise to be with us during times of persecution, giving us the words to say to those who oppose the Gospel. Remind us to pray for the persecuted church. Amen.


At this point, we are introduced to one of the seven, Stephen, who is the main subject of the remainder of this chapter and the next. We are drawn to Stephen’s example because he was full of the Holy Spirit and totally committed to the Gospel. Stephen’s ministry is similar to the ministry of the Apostles. He engages in effective witness by word and action in the power of the Spirit (5:12, 42). Stephen performs great wonders and signs among the people by God’s grace and power (6:8). But he also preaches effectively and powerfully.Stephen's witness in the Hellenistic Jewish synagogues drew immediate opposition. The teaching of Jesus had also drawn opposition and he predicted those who followed him would also face opposition and persecution. Those who challenged Stephen in theological debate had no answer for him and so no-one could stand against him (6:10). Despite winning the debate, those who challenged Stephen did not respond with repentance and accept the good news by faith. This was not a reflection of Stephen’s ministry, but rather a matter between them and God. They would, in fact, continue to plot against him.For our own ministries to be effective, we must also operate by God’s grace and power being filled with God’s Spirit. It is tempting to try to minister in our own strength; however, if we do this, our efforts will not bear fruit. At the same time, we must be aware that people do not always respond to the Gospel when it is presented to them, and our attempts to share the Gospel may result in conflict and persecution. DRQuestionsThink about times when you have ministered in God’s strength and in your own strength. Reflect on the differences.Have you faced opposition/persecution as a result of sharing the Gospel? If yes, how did you respond? If you haven’t, how would you respond?PrayerAlmighty Father, we thank you for calling us, equipping us, and empowering us for the work of mission. Help us to minister by your grace and power, and not by our own strength or understanding. Sustain us in the face of opposition and persecution. Amen.


The suggested appointment of seven men to meet the pastoral needs of the growing congregation was accepted by the whole congregation, meaning that the Hebraic group and the Hellenistic group were in agreement. Even though the Twelve did not specify from which group the seven should be selected, all seven names were Greek: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (6:5). It seems that the congregation decided that the widows should be ministered by those from their own cultural group. Given the differences between the two groups, this decision showed respect for the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows.The group of seven were brought to the Twelve who commissioned them for their ministry by praying for them and laying hands on them (6:6). The Twelve did not pray for them to be filled with the Spirit because being filled with the Spirit was a requirement for their selection in the first place. Instead, the Twelve authorised these seven men to engage in this important ministry on behalf of the Twelve and the congregation as a whole. If this issue had not been dealt with quickly and completely, there was the potential for the congregation to be torn apart. Instead, the word of God spread, there was rapid growth in the number of disciples in Jerusalem and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (6:7). Unity was central to the spread of the Gospel.We must also seek to preserve unity within our own congregation seeking to meet the pastoral needs of all members. DRQuestionsReflect on the ministry to which you have been called and your commissioning for this ministry (if this has occurred). Think about the ways your ministry contributes to the life of the congregation.How does the degree of unity which exists amongst the churches in Toowoomba help the spread of the Gospel in this region?PrayerLoving God, help us to be a unified church under the perfect headship of Christ. Help us to recognise your calling on our lives, and exercise our ministry with wisdom and in the power of your Spirit. Amen.


As the early church grew in numbers, a problem arose which threatened church unity and future growth. The Hellenistic Jewish widows were not receiving assistance in the form of daily food distribution while the Hebraic Jewish widows were. This may have been caused by language and cultural differences or the distance that the Hellenistic widows lived from the rest of the congregation. Whatever the cause of the issue, and it was probably not deliberate, widows were extremely vulnerable because they could not, in most cases, support themselves and relied on external help to survive.The Twelve instructed the congregation to choose seven men to take over this responsibility, while the Twelve would concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word. These seven needed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom (6:3). The decision-making process reflects important values for church order. The process was open and transparent as all the congregation were invited and attended the gathering. It was participatory, the congregation chose the seven while the Twelve would authorise them to minister, giving distinct roles for leaders and congregation. The proposed solution reveals the values that guided the decision: commitment to unity, to a holistic ministry and to growth by means of preaching and teaching. Unity is maintained by ensuring that all widows were treated equally. Luke stresses that this social ministry has equal validity with the apostles' ministry of prayer and teaching, for he uses diakonia to describe both. The church must exercise both, and neither to the exclusion of the other.We are reminded of the importance of pastoral care, prayer and the teaching of God’s word for the health, unity and growth of our congregation, and that these tasks may be shared amongst us so that no ministry is neglected. DRQuestionsHow does St Bart’s care for the vulnerable and empower its leaders?Why is prayer and the ministry of the Word so important for church growth?PrayerLord of all, as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ, make us mindful of the needs of the vulnerable in our midst. Help our leaders to ground the ministry of St Bart’s in prayer, and to be faithful in the teaching of your Word. Amen.


There are often people in our lives who have hobby-horses that they like to talk about, somehow, conversations always gets back to that one topic. When you’re talking to me, we might end up talking about coffee or cricket because I really like those things and are passionate about them. The Apostles loved Jesus and were totally passionate about him and the Gospel and so, even after being commanded by the religious leaders not to continue speaking about Jesus, the apostles refused to stop.Nothing could stop their spirit-fuelled mission. The Sanhedrin trying to stop them teaching about Jesus would be like someone trying to use scotch tape to stop a Boeing 747 from taking off! The Apostles went from house-to-house, they even went back into the temple courts, from where they were captured and they continued to teach there. What were they teaching specifically? The Good News that Jesus is the Messiah.Notice that this isn’t good advice. Good advice is something like a fad diet, you can take it or leave it and it doesn’t really matter. Good news is something which is real, which will have an impact on people. Living with Jesus as Lord isn’t a take it or leave it fad. Living with Jesus as Lord isn’t bad news either. It’s not a set of rules to follow because his yoke is easy and his burden is light. But living with Jesus as King is Good News. He brings salvation, eternal life, freedom, hope, life, joy, and peace and so much more! So then why do we shy away from telling people about him? Do we feel awkward? Do we worry about what people will think about us? Let’s not worry about these things because we have confidence in the Gospel, and in our Saviour. MCQuestionsWhat gets you really ‘fired up’ and passionate? Why is it so important to you? How we can become this passionate about Gospel proclamation?PrayerGod of grace, thank you so much for your good news, and the witness of the apostles. We are sorry for when we don’t take the Gospel seriously. Please refresh and set a passion in our hearts for the Gospel and help us to proclaim it in word and deed on our frontlines. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


What would be considered as being a ‘normal’ reaction to being flogged? Whimpering? Anger? Bitterness? What about rejoicing? That’s not what first comes to mind is it? But that is exactly what the Apostles express after being whipped after their trial. The point made by Gamaliel yesterday worked and the Sanhedrin agreed to release the apostles after a whipping and an order to not teach about Jesus anymore. Given the recent history, we can safety assume that that is not going to happen. But then they are described as leaving with joy. Not just some kind of adrenalin fuelled, fleeting joy, but a continuous gladness. Why would someone be joyful after a beating? Because they had been considered worthy of suffering for the sake of Jesus’ name. In Luke 6:22-23 Jesus teaches his disciples about rejoicing and being blessed when people hate them because of him an in today’s passage we see this at work.How amazing it is to be proven as a true disciple of Jesus by being hated because of telling people about him! But note two things: Firstly, pain and suffering aren’t good things, we shouldn’t go looking around for opportunities to be hated, followers of Jesus aren’t masochists. But we can be joyful when these things come about because we are sharing in Jesus’ suffering and in Jesus’ mission, and we remember that our true inheritance is in heaven. Secondly, we should also be extremely cautious of teaching which promises financial or physical prosperity as a result of following Jesus when in fact the opposite is what the Bible teaches. We shouldn’t be surprised when suffering comes but we should have a deep satisfaction knowing the one in whom we trust. MCQuestionsWhy is the experience of suffering as a Christian so different to the rest of the world? What is your experience of suffering for the Gospel?How could you support or help a friend who is experiencing any form of persecution for following Jesus?PrayerLoving God, we thank you for your word and the example of the Apostles. Help us to trust in you and be joyful when we come across opposition for following you. We pray for the persecuted church world-wide. Give them this same joy, hope and confidence in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


In a fight between God and a human, who would win? It’s pretty silly question because of course it’s going to be God! But that is the question posed at the end of the passage and finally, a bit of common sense prevails in the Sanhedrin after a rough start. It is safe to say that the council didn’t really appreciate Peter’s words that we read yesterday. In fact, they were absolutely furious that Peter had again accused them of putting Jesus to death and proclaiming the Gospel. So they wanted to kill them, to kill the leaders of the church. But before they could, a man named Gamaliel rose to speak. Gamaliel was remembered in Judaism as the “embodiment of pure Pharisaism”. This man was highly esteemed and so when he spoke, everyone would listen intently.He raises up two cases of people who quickly gained a following, but when they were killed, the followers dispersed and the movement came to nothing. What is he reasoning here? Well, if the Apostles are let off and the movement disperses, then it clearly would not be from God and won’t inconvenience the Sanhedrin for long. But, if the movement grows and grows, it must be from God and to fight against God would be futile. 2,000 years later, I think it’s safe to say that the church was ordained by God. So what does that say about those who want to bring Christians down and persecuting them? It means that they are fighting not against Christians and the church but against God and so this means that they will never prevail! No human power can stop the work of the Gospel because it is from God. So we don’t despair, but we keep on proclaiming the Gospel. MCQuestionsWhat causes the Sanhedrin to react so violently to the Apostles’ words?When you speak to people about the Gospel, where is your confidence? Where should our confidence be?Why can’t anything stop the spread of the Gospel? How does that impact the way we do evangelism?PrayerAwesome God, you are in control, you have all the power, and you have all the authority. Thank you that when people persecute your church, they won’t prevail. Give us the confidence that when we go out, we go out in your power that no human can stand against. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


The Apostles have been found. They have been found doing something unbelievable, something unspeakable, something that was very dangerous - that is, according to the leaders of Israel. What were they doing? Teaching! Can you imagine the surprise of the council when they were found teaching? So the Apostles were brought in before the Sanhedrin for a trial and questioning by the High Priest. But, it’s not really a questioning here. The Priest is just stating the facts as if he is threatened by these people. The teaching is filling Jerusalem, people’s eyes are being opened to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is at work with power.When they were accused of disobeying the council, the Apostles don’t double down and they don’t make any apologies, but say that they are obeying God. This also implies that the council, the experts of the Law and teachers of it, are not. There would have been a great gasp or shock in the room. The Sanhedrin is being told off by a bunch of formally fishermen and again being accused of killing Jesus. But, the Apostles keep teaching. Nothing can stop them, no court will silence them, they didn’t care about their social status, they didn’t care about popularity, they didn’t care about money. All they cared about was spreading the Gospel and bringing more and more people to Jesus.Although not everyone is called to be evangelists like the Apostles, the Gospel is still the most important news that anyone could share. It’s more important than the weather or even how the family is going. Nothing should stop us from sharing the Gospel on our frontlines, because persecution is temporary, bullying is temporary, but Jesus brings life in eternity. MCQuestionsWhy were the Sanhedrin so threatened by the teachings of the Apostles? How did the Apostles respond? Why did they respond like this? What is your ‘frontline’? How can you further proclaim the Gospel in it?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you for the model and boldness of the Apostles to keep on teaching in the face of persecution. Help us as we live in the world to treasure the Gospel so much that we can’t help but proclaim it where we are. Through Jesus’ name, Amen


One big idea throughout the story of Acts is that you can’t stop the Gospel. The more the disciples proclaim the Gospel, the more resistance they face, the more that resistance is thwarted. You can’t stop the Gospel.Mojtaba Hosseini, 30, was the leader of a growing underground church in Iran when he was sentenced to 3 years in jail. In an interview with Open Doors he said of his time in prison: “I prayed; that was all I could do... At first, they were prayers of repentance. I thought God was punishing me for my mistakes by putting me in prison... Then the Lord spoke to me.” He said: ‘Stop being selfish Mojtaba, it’s not about you; it’s about Me. Look around you.’” For the first time since being jailed, he began to truly look at people, attempting to see them as God does. “I saw poor people, people who had committed the worst crimes. People that felt so alone.”Mojtaba began to share the Gospel with inmates but didn’t have a Bible. Fortunately the local Imam was so impressed by the Christian’s commitment to God that he began to smuggle in print outs from the Bible disguised as English lessons. Mojtaba translated them and gave out copies to inmates who wanted them. “I never prayed for God to release me from prison,” Mojtaba says. “I can serve God anywhere ... It doesn’t matter what situation I’m in. I can work in God’s Kingdom wherever He places me.”While persecution and jail time may have tempted the Apostles and Mojtaba to stop sharing the Gospel, God intervened to ensure more people could hear it. The Gospel can’t be stopped! Where is he calling you to take it next? DBQuestions Why are efforts to stop the spread of the Gospel so often thwarted?What sort of things in your life discourage you from sharing the Gospel? Who might God be calling you to take the Gospel to?PrayerUnstoppable God, thank you that your Gospel can’t be thwarted. Thank you that the good news of Jesus has come into my life. Help me to be part of your unstoppable movement of mercy, grace, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Healing can be a tricky topic in the church but it doesn’t have to be. For some Christians signs and wonders are a thing of the past. On the other hand there are Christians who believe signs, wonders, and healings are the only mark of true Christian communities. Often healing can be theologised and spiritualised and become quite a contentious topic for Christians.Luke, writing in Acts, wants us to know that the same healings and miracles that accompanied Jesus, were a part of the Apostle’s ministry as well. While Jesus healed people and the disciples saw people healed in Jesus’ name these healings are called ‘signs’ because they point to the bigger reality of the wholeness of the Kingdom of God. As the Kingdom of God breaks into our world we see people being made whole as they will be in heaven.As the Kingdom of God breaks into our world and signs of God’s wholeness will become apparent. Like candles bringing light to a dark room these healings radiate the light of Christ. Sometimes this happens in seemingly ordinary ways with people repenting and growing as disciples, sometimes this happens in surprising ways with people being healed of illnesses. Followers of Jesus need to keep him at the centre of things; praying ‘your Kingdom come’. As we do this we will see bodies, lives, and communities healed and the Kingdom of God growing in our midst. Sometimes we’ll pray and people won’t get healed but that’s not because our prayers or faith is deficient. Healing is God’s work and he will do as he wills, our job is to keep drawing closer to him and encouraging others to do the same, God will do the rest. DBQuestionsWhat have you been taught about healing in the past?What should the stories of healings in the Bible point us to?How can we be part of God’s Kingdom work in our world today?PrayerLiving Lord God, thank you that your Kingdom is a place of healing and wholeness and fullness of life. Help me to draw closer to you and keep praying that your Kingdom would come and your will would be done in our world as it is in heaven. Amen.


As we wrestled with the account of Ananias and Sapphira yesterday, we were challenged as to why being a people of integrity matters as witnesses of God’s truth. Picking up from verse 11, in light of the swift judgement that fell on Ananias and Sapphira, we read that: “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events”. Well it isn’t any wonder! If part of the point of the swift judgement was to serve as a warning, then it certainly would have been an effective one! But what exactly is it a warning against? Of course it is a warning against lying, but it is also a warning to not come under the influence of the evil one. Note that as Peter confronted Ananias, he not only perceives the sin, but also the subtle influence of Satan behind it. As sin is exposed, and judgement falls, the church is being warned to be on guard against the work of the enemy who seeks to deceive and to destroy. The same warning goes for us today.In the letter of First Peter, we’re warned to be alert and of sober mind, for “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). As a community of believers seeking to make and mature disciples of Jesus, it would be foolhardy for us to think we are immune from such advances. What then are we to do? We must, also in the words of 1 Peter, “resist him, standing firm in the faith”. The community described in this passage were living in the most Christ-like ways, yet the influence of the enemy was also at work behind the scenes. What could be perceived as ‘minor infringements’ did not only have the potential to undermine their witness and damage the fabric of their community, but it also gave ground to the plans of the enemy instead of the purposes of God. So friends, let’s be on guard, taking our integrity seriously, and be willing to run fast to our forgiving God in confession. ALQuestionsWhat are the ways which most help you to ensure that you are on guard against the schemes of the enemy?PrayerAlmighty Lord, we thank you that on the cross Jesus defeated sin and evil. We thank you that when Jesus returns all evil will be destroyed. Please strengthen us that we will not be swayed by the schemes of the enemy, but instead live in accordance to your will and your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


In light of deceiving the community and lying to God about the nature of their gift, Ananias and Sapphira now face the consequence for their sin. Swift judgement falls on them both. This episode can leave us bamboozled and full of questions! We’d feel much more comfortable had the story resulted in their repentance, giving of what they had promised, and restoration to the community as changed people. But of course, that’s not what happened. Why weren’t the couple given an opportunity to repent? Was this sin deserving of death? Why does their deception seem to attract such an extreme consequence compared to sin committed by others? Did Ananias and Sapphira have a sincere faith or was it all just for show? Well, the short answer is that we just don’t know because we’re not given that information in the story. Given that we can be confident that God’s grace is sufficient to cover our sin and that all who trust in Jesus can receive forgiveness, what are we to make of this?First, it’s abundantly clear that part of the point of the story is not only that all sin is against God, not only that sin always affects the church as a whole, but also we must face the seriousness of lying. So often in our culture and our world, lying isn’t considered that bad. Sure, there are some instances in which we think it’s terrible, but in many other instances we grade lies somewhere between ‘white ones’ and 'something else’(?). But as the people of God, the truthfulness of our words is of paramount importance. If the first followers of Jesus were perceived to be truthful only when it suited them, how could their witness of Jesus’ resurrection be received as reliable? If we are truthful only when it suits us, what would that do for the reliability of our witness? The reliability of the witness matters. More tomorrow! ALQuestionsWhat have been the ways in which deception by Christians has caused damage to Gospel witness?Why is the quality of our integrity so critical for Gospel proclamation?PrayerHeavenly Father, we are sorry for the times in which we have deceived others and you. Please forgive us. Please help us to be a people characterised by integrity in order we may be reliable witnesses of your truth. Amen.


Having heard about the generosity of this early Christianity community, we now get a glimpse of when things go haywire. In the brief snapshot of this Christian community, we’ve heard of the phenomenal way in which the believers were so of one heart and mind that they not only clearly proclaimed Jesus, but no one was in need because of their extraordinary generosity. There was a deep commitment to God that was practically demonstrated.When it comes to the sharing of possessions, or proceeds from selling property, two examples are contrasted: Barnabas who gives all his proceeds, and Ananias with his wife Sapphira who hold something back. It’s not entirely evident what the members of the community had committed to, but it doesn’t seem like it was compulsory for all members to give everything. The issue wasn’t in the amount of the gift, nor necessarily a breach of commitment, but that they lied to the community by making out they gift to be something that it wasn’t. Ananias and Sapphira said that they had given all, when in fact they had only given some. The issue, which will have a dire consequence, is that they lied. The love of praise and the love of money, had caused them to deceive their brothers and sisters in Christ. Why was this such a big deal? (Other than the sin of lying of course!) Because, as Peter claims, to lie to their brothers and sisters in Christ, also meant that they were lying to God. Lying to their fellow believers, not only had the potential to undermine the fabric of their community, but was of great offence to God, for all sin is ultimately against him.How seriously do we take our integrity with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we genuine and truthful? Or are we willing to lie to them, and God, in order to simply look good or hold onto what we value more than God? ALQuestionsHave you ever lied to a brother or sister in Christ? How might you repent of this and say sorry to them and God?PrayerHeavenly Father, we are so sorry for not only the way in which our sin offends you, but also for the way in which it damages Christian community. Please forgive us and help us to be truthful, valuing your praise and our unity more and more. Amen.


Today we jump back to the end of Luke in order to be reminded of three key predictions that Jesus made. Namely, that (a) the Messiah would suffer, (b) that the Messiah would be raised on the third day, and (c) that this Good News would be proclaimed to all the nations. The followers of Jesus already knew that the first two predictions had been fulfilled, but now even only in chapter 4 of Acts, we also witness the fulfilment of the proclamation to the nations coming about. As discussed yesterday, one the key characteristics of the early church was the clear proclamation that not only did Jesus die and suffer for us, but also that he was victoriously raised from the dead! They were the living proof of the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise.I’m not sure if you’ve ever considered it, but every time that we proclaim the Good News of Jesus, we are also participating in the fulfilment of his promise! If it was not already the greatest privilege to be certain of salvation and called children of God, how amazing that we also participate in God’s mission to the world. We all have different frontlines, places where we spend our time each day and week. How phenomenal to think that if we are willing, that God can use us in the power of his Holy Spirit to reach even the furthest corners of the globe. In our workplaces, homes, schools, universities, residential aged care facilities, sporting clubs, parks, cafes, hospitals, and every other place! May God embolden our hearts to not only recognise those opportunities, but also to act in the sharing of the best news that the world has ever known. ALQuestionsWhere is your “frontline”? Does God desire to reach your frontline with the Good News? How are you, in the power of the Holy Spirit, part of that story?PrayerGracious God, we thank you so much that Jesus died for us and rose again. We thank you for the great privilege it is to know you and be part of your mission to the world! Please help us to recognise our frontlines and use them to share your Good News. Please embolden our hearts and give us courage, as we participate in the fulfilment to reach all nations with your Good News. Amen.


The Apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and there were NO needy persons among them! If there were a set of characteristics which any church could long to emulate, this would be a worthy pair! Yesterday we heard of the way in which the believers shared their possessions because they were one in heart and mind. Today, in verses 33-35 we witness some of the outward effects of their oneness. Namely, that it helped them focus on continuing to proclaim the greatest news the world has ever known (i.e., that the Lord Jesus has risen from the dead) whilst also caring for people’s needs. Note that the picture of the community described is not necessarily that they had a systematic approach to meeting people’s needs (which is not always a bad thing), but that because the Gospel had so saturated their lives it caused them share everything together. Such was the fruit of their generosity.I’m often astounded by the way in which when there is unity in the Gospel, that so many other things flow with it - generosity, sincere hospitality, clarity in proclamation, caring for others, and seeking out the welfare of those in need. And of course, we shouldn’t be surprised by this, because when we truly recognise Jesus as the Risen Lord, every other dimension of our lives should come into line with God’s good will and ways. The fruit described here are the natural outworking of a sincere trust in the Good News. The more confidence we have in the Gospel, the more that it will be evident in our lives in the power of the Spirit. The more we recognise the Lordship of Jesus, the more that the various facets of our community will come into line with him. ALQuestionsWhat do you think are the core characteristics of our church?How have you witnessed people’s needs being met when there is unity about the Good News of Jesus?PrayerHeavenly Father, thank you for the example of the early church and their great unity in the Gospel. Please grow a oneness of mind and heart in your church today by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


It’s amazing how one verse can be so profoundly challenging! Whilst I’m not particularly attached to ‘things’ or possessions, the idea of sharing everythingstill makes me nonetheless feel very uncomfortable. In fact, the entire way of living described here is almost the antithesis of our Australian culture which is shaped by a determined individualism. Sure, we might share our things with our immediate families or our closest friends, but this seems like an absolutely radical way to live! This community didn’t just share a few things, or some things, or where there was need - but they shared every thing! How far did they go? To the point to which they saw nothing as their own (i.e., “no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own”).Does this mean that we should rush out and setup a ‘commune’ for St Bart’s? No, not necessarilly. It’s important to note that whilst this group of believers lived in a very intimate community, that doesn’t mean that it’s prescriptive of how all Christians should live today. Indeed, whilst some of the very first Christians lived in this way, not all did (and that wasn’t necessarilly a bad thing!). Whilst we should absolutely be challenged by the sacrificial generosity displayed, what we should be even more profoundly shaped by is the reason they did it. They lived this way because all the believers were, “one in heart and mind”. Their unity in the Gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit was so complete, that it didn’t just influence how they lived, but it completely shaped their lives together. ALQuestionsDoes the idea of sharing everything that you have challenge you? Why or why not do you think that this is the case?As brothers and sisters in Christ, how can we grow in oneness in the Gospel, so that it might continue to profoundly shape the way we live for God’s glory?PrayerHeavenly Father, we thank you for your profound generosity to us and that you have held nothing back from us, not even your Son. Please help us to live generously that we might bring great glory to your name. Please also help us, in the power of your Spirit, to be of one accord that the Gospel might completely shape our lives apart and together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Sometimes it’s helpful to be reminded of the awesomeness of God. Yes God is loving and yes God wants to be our friend, but God certainly isn’t cute or tame. In Psalm 2 nations are conspiring against God and trying to overthrow him. But God simply laughs and simple rebukes them. There is no force in the world mightier than God who created all things. Sure we humans often shake our fists at God, pretend he doesn’t exist, or isn’t powerful, but the Psalmist knows this is a pointless exercise.In the second half of the Psalm we are treated to a conversation from within the Trinity. God the Father speaks to God the Son and we see the intimacy and unity of their purpose. The Son is an agent of the Father’s wrath and judgement and the LORD (God the Father) has made all the nations his inheritance.The Psalmist’s advice in the face of this awesome God is simply ‘Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule’. When we truly understand the God of the Bible we realise his power and his glory and our need to honour and acknowledge him. So often we are sold a small god who we are told is our cuddly friend and needs our attention in order to work magic tricks to give us what we want. The God of the Bible is not like this and the Psalmist advises us to kiss the son (Jesus) or he will be angry and our way will lead to destruction. When we are reminded of how awesome God is we realise that we need to run to him and take refuge in him because there we will find the blessing of knowing his goodness and grace. DBQuestionsWho is plotting against God in the first half of the Psalm? Why is this such a pointless exercise?What sort of things remind you of the awesomeness of God?How can we convey the awesomeness of God to our neighbours and challenge the myth of a cute and cuddly small god?PrayerLORD of all, thank you that you are more awesome than we can ever imagine. Help us to put our trust in you rather than conspire against you. Help us to take refuge in you, for the Kingdom the power and the glory are all yours. Amen!


The story of Acts is often told as a story of awesome growth, evangelism, and miracles but there is much more to it than that. After being scolded by the court Peter and John return to their friends. Rather than give up they do one of the most powerful things a person can do: PRAY! The prayer they pray is a gift to us because it shows us how we can pray when we face adversity.First of all the disciples remind themselves of God’s power. They remember that the Lord is all powerful and is the creator all things. They recite Psalm 2 and remember that this isn’t the first time man has tried to defy God; a vain and pointless exercise. In our prayers we need to remember who we are praying to and all God has done.Next the disciples explain their problem to God. God was with them the whole time and knows what happened but, the disciples are reminded of God’s sovereign power in their lives and his faithfulness to his word. As they do this they remember in v.28 that their circumstances aren’t outside God’s plan. As we lay our problems before God he helps us realise that he is in control.The final thing the disciples do is they ask for help and call on God to act. These are actually the same thing because in order for us to serve God, he must be working through us. With their backs to the wall the disciples cry our to their sovereign God, they lay their troubles before him, they ask for his help and he answers. In adversity let’s never forget the power of prayer. DBQuestions What other prayers in the Bible can help shape how you pray? When have you seen God act and witnessed a clear answer to your prayers?What principles can you take from this devotion to help you when you teach others how to pray?PrayerSovereign Lord, thank you that you are the creator of all things and nothing is outside your control. You are more powerful than all my problems. Help me to trust you at all times and see your burst into my world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


I recently saw a photo of the front of an ‘official’ state approved church in China. On the wall alongside a cross is a picture of Chairman Mao. Mao Tse Tung brutally persecuted Christians and would probably have been appalled at the thought of his picture appearing at the front of a church. This is the reality for Christians who live in countries where their governments actively oppose the Gospel. They are faced with a choice between remaining faithful to Jesus or spiritual compromise. Peter and John are faced with this same choice but they phrase the dilemma in an awesome question, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!” They cannot deny what they have seen or heard and they can’t ignore the voice of God. Threats cannot dissuade them from obeying God and proclaiming the Gospel with no fear. This creates confusion for their persecutors and they can’t decide how to handle the apostles so they let them go, and all the people praise God for miraculously healing a man who had been healed from over 40 years of disability.Following God can feel like a constant dilemma. How should we behave? Who should we listen to? How can we honour and love those whom God has put in power when they ask us to deny our deepest held beliefs. Disciples of Jesus walk by faith and not by sight and sometimes the correct course of action requires a lot of prayer and a step of faith. Regardless of how we navigate this complex web of forces our ultimate goal should be to commit to doing what is right in God’s eyes and pray “Thy will be done!”. DBQuestionsWhy could Peter and John not just keep their faith to themselves and worship God in secret?How can we be praying for our brothers and sisters who are faced with the choice between spiritual compromise or persecution?PrayerLiving Lord, thank you that you are holy and righteous. Please forgive us when we compromise our faith and fail to do what is right in your eyes. Help us to commit to following you each day, and wisely navigate the pressures we face in life. Amen.