We Love Our Kids: Reaching The Next Generation

Passing Faith to the Next Generation: Why It Matters and How to Do It

In Psalm 145, we see David's heart for young people and his concern that the next generation might forget God's goodness. As David watched Israel transition from a nomadic people to an established kingdom, he worried that comfort would lead to complacency and ultimately to forgetting the God who had blessed them.

Why Do We Forget God When Life Gets Comfortable?

David was concerned that as Israel became more established and comfortable, they would forget who God was and what He had done for them. This same pattern plays out in Isaiah 5, where the prophet describes people who have everything they need—mansions, wine, comforts—but have forgotten the One who gave it all to them.

Looking at America today, we must ask ourselves: Have we forgotten? Despite not having the same specific promises as Israel, we live in prosperity that much of the world would envy. Even those considered "poor" among us are still in the top 10% globally.

What Makes David a Man After God's Own Heart?

David is often described as "a man after God's own heart," and one key aspect of his character was how much he loved his children. We see this reflected in Solomon's writings in Proverbs, which often echo the wisdom David shared in the Psalms. David's love for his children drove him to ensure they wouldn't forget God.

As parents, we understand this love. We sacrifice for our children constantly—choosing movies they want to watch, planning vacations around their interests, and giving up personal desires for their benefit. This sacrificial love reflects God's heart.

Why Should the Whole Church Care About the Next Generation?

At Hope Summit, we're a family. Just as it "takes a village to raise children," raising children in faith isn't meant to be done in isolation. We need to recognize that all the children in our church are "our kids"—united by the blood of Christ rather than biological connection.

If we want to be known as a church where families and children are welcome, everyone needs to contribute. This doesn't mean everyone must commit to children's ministry for life, but we all need to help carry the load in some way.

Aren't I Too Old to Connect with Today's Youth?

Some might think they're too old to relate to young people, but Psalm 71:18 says: "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come."

This scripture makes it clear that children's ministry actually requires "gray hairs." The qualification isn't being young, cool, or understanding the latest trends—it's having experienced God's goodness and being willing to share those stories.

What Challenges Does Today's Youth Face?

Today's young people face unprecedented challenges:

1. The age of skepticism has moved from 18 to 12 years old

2. Smartphones expose children to opposing worldviews much earlier

3. About 70% of students drop their faith when they go to college

However, there's hope: 73% of Gen Z is interested in growing spiritually. They're getting everything the world can provide and recognizing it's not enough. They want truth—they're receptive—we just need to share it.

How Can I Make a Difference in a Young Person's Life?

In Psalm 78, we're reminded not to hide God's works from the next generation but to tell them "the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and his wonders."

Young people may not seem interested in you or God, but what they're truly interested in is knowing they're valued, loved, and worth sacrificing for. We need to push aside our fears and misconceptions.

Some think, "I need to figure out my life with Jesus before I help someone else." But as Paul said, "Imitate me as I imitate Jesus." If you're pursuing Jesus, you have something to share. And sharing your faith journey with young people provides built-in accountability that helps you stay on track.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions and challenges:

1. Who are the young people in your circle of influence? They might be in your neighborhood, family, or church.

2. What story of God's goodness in your life could you share with a young person?

3. How might you sacrifice some time or comfort to invest in the next generation?

4. If not you, then who will tell the next generation about God's mighty works?

Take a practical step this week: Volunteer to help with children's or youth ministry, even if just for a season. Or identify one young person you can intentionally invest in through regular conversation, mentoring, or simply showing up consistently in their life.

Remember, it's not about being the "cool" adult—it's about being the adult who keeps showing up. Your consistent presence and willingness to share your faith journey could be what helps a young person maintain their faith through life's challenges.

Acts 19: Nothing to Hide

When Control and Repentance Don't Mix: Lessons from Ephesus

We all have areas of our lives we try to keep hidden. Like shoving clutter into a closet before guests arrive, we often manage appearances while keeping our spiritual messes tucked away. But what happens when we realize that holding onto control is preventing us from experiencing true freedom in Christ?

The Hidden Closet of Our Lives

Most of us work hard to maintain control over how others see us. We clean our homes before company arrives, post only our most flattering photos on social media, and present the most polished version of ourselves at church. But beneath this carefully managed exterior, many of us have a "secret closet" where we hide the sins we're not ready to address, the habits we're not willing to break, and the parts of ourselves we don't want others to see.

In Acts 19, we encounter a group of believers in Ephesus who decided to stop hiding their mess. They brought everything into the light and eliminated it completely.

What Happened in Ephesus?

Ephesus was a city filled with magical practices, sorcery, and witchcraft. After witnessing God's power through Paul's ministry, many believers realized they needed to make a decisive break with their past:

"Many of those who were now believers came confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and to prevail mightily." (Acts 19:18-20)

These believers didn't just discreetly get rid of their magical scrolls—they publicly burned items worth millions in today's currency. Why such a dramatic response? They recognized that control and repentance don't mix.

The Tale of Two Kings: Saul vs. David

To understand this principle better, let's look at two kings from Israel's history who responded very differently when confronted with their sins.

King Saul: Grasping for Control

Saul's pattern was to maintain control at all costs. When instructed by Samuel to wait seven days at Gilgal, Saul grew impatient and offered sacrifices himself rather than waiting for Samuel. When confronted, Saul blamed others: "You were late, the people were scattering, I had to do something."

Later, when commanded to completely destroy the Amalekites, Saul spared the king and the best animals. His excuse? "I kept the best animals to sacrifice to God." Even in his partial confession, Saul was still trying to manage appearances: "I have sinned, but please honor me before the elders."

King David: Releasing Control

David's sins with Bathsheba were arguably worse than Saul's disobedience. Yet when confronted by the prophet Nathan, David's response was simple: "I have sinned against the Lord."

In Psalm 51, David wrote: "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Unlike Saul, David didn't try to justify his actions or shift blame. He released control, owned his sin, and threw himself on God's mercy. That's true repentance.

What Are Your "Sorcery Scrolls"?

The magical practices in Ephesus represented attempts to control the spiritual world and natural outcomes. Today, we may not practice sorcery, but we still try to maintain control in various ways:

1. Managing how others perceive us

2. Hiding our struggles and sins

3. Trying to fix our problems without God's help

4. Making excuses for our disobedience

Like the Ephesians, we face a choice: Will we respond like Saul, taking half-measures and maintaining control? Or will we respond like David, fully surrendering to God?

The Cost of Following Christ

Following Jesus always comes with a cost—both tangible and intangible. The Ephesians sacrificed valuable possessions worth millions. But the intangible cost is often harder: giving up control.

As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

The Greek word Paul uses for "rubbish" is actually much stronger—more like a crude term for animal waste. That's how Paul viewed everything compared to knowing Christ. Nothing the world offers compares to the value of knowing Jesus.

The Power of Confession

James 5:16 tells us, "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Confession isn't easy. It means admitting there's a problem, acknowledging we need help, and letting go of control. But it's worth it because God responds to our honesty with healing.

When we confess our sins to God and to trusted believers, several things happen:

1. We experience God's forgiveness

2. We receive support from others

3. We break the power of secrecy

4. We find healing and freedom

Acts 3:19 promises, "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Life Application

What are you still trying to control in your life? What "sorcery scrolls" are you holding onto that need to be brought into the light and burned?

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Identify your closet: What sins, habits, or struggles are you hiding from others and trying to manage on your own?

2. Release control: Admit to God that you can't fix yourself and surrender these areas to Him.

3. Confess to someone: Find a trusted friend, pastor, or small group member and share what you've been hiding. Remember James 5:16—confession leads to healing.

4. Burn your scrolls: Take decisive action to eliminate whatever is standing between you and full devotion to Christ.

Ask yourself:

1. What am I most afraid would happen if people knew the real me?

2. What would it look like to value Christ above everything else in my life?

3. Who could I trust with my confession, and when will I talk to them?

Remember, your mess is truly welcome here—not just as a saying, but as a lived reality in the community of believers. Nothing is more important than knowing Christ, and no sin is too big for His grace when we honestly confess and repent.

Acts 19: Magic Handkerchiefs

The Power Behind the Miracle: Understanding God's Work in Our Lives

When we think about Jesus and His miracles, we often focus on the spectacular events - healing the sick, casting out demons, or even raising the dead. But sometimes these miracles can become a distraction from the most important miracle of all: Jesus died for me.

In Acts 19, we encounter a fascinating story about Paul's ministry in Ephesus that helps us understand how God's power works in our lives today.

What Were the Magic Handkerchiefs in Acts 19?

In Acts 19:11-12, we read something extraordinary: "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and evil spirits left them."

Imagine that - handkerchiefs that Paul had touched were healing people! Wouldn't it be amazing if we had access to such powerful objects today? We could revolutionize healthcare!

But there's more to this story. In the following verses, we learn about seven sons of Sceva who tried to use Jesus' name to cast out demons without having a relationship with Him. When they attempted to command a demon "in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches," the demon responded, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" Then the demon-possessed man attacked them, leaving them beaten and humiliated.

Why Don't We See These Kinds of Miracles Today?

This raises an important question many believers struggle with: If we believe in the same Jesus and the same Holy Spirit, why don't we see these dramatic miracles happening regularly today?

The passage gives us some important clues about how God's power works:

1. Relationship Matters More Than Words

The seven sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus' name like a magic formula, but it didn't work. The demon recognized they had no relationship with Jesus. They knew the name but didn't know the Person.

This teaches us that God's power flows through relationship, not through religious formulas. It's not about saying the right words; it's about knowing the One who has the power.

2. Faith Is Essential for God's Power

Throughout the Gospels, we see faith as a prerequisite for miracles:

1. To the bleeding woman, Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you" (Mark 5:34)

2. To the centurion, Jesus said, "Let it be done just as you believed it would" (Matthew 8:13)

3. In his hometown, "He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith" (Matthew 13:58)

Faith isn't just intellectual agreement; it's a mind fully convinced, a heart fully in love, and hands fully surrendered. It's not about the size of faith (even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains) but about where that faith is directed.

3. Miracles Serve a Greater Purpose

In Matthew 11:20-21, Jesus denounced towns where He had performed miracles "because they did not repent." This reveals something crucial: miracles aren't just about solving problems; they're meant to lead people to repentance and faith.

Every miracle in the New Testament points to Jesus as Messiah. The signs and wonders serve "the miracle" - Jesus' death and resurrection. This is the ultimate miracle from which all power flows.

What If I've Prayed for a Miracle and Nothing Happened?

If you've prayed for healing or another miracle and haven't received it, you might wonder if there's something wrong with your faith. But consider this: even Paul, whose handkerchiefs could heal others, had a "thorn in his flesh" that God chose not to remove despite his prayers.

Sometimes God's power is displayed more powerfully through our faithful endurance in suffering than through miraculous deliverance. Sometimes lives are transformed more profoundly by watching believers trust God through tragedy than by witnessing a spectacular healing.

Is It Wrong to Ask for Signs?

Jesus said, "A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah" (Matthew 12:39). The sign of Jonah refers to Jesus' death and resurrection - the ultimate miracle.

For those struggling with doubt, the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection is compelling. Many skeptics who have honestly investigated the evidence - lawyers, journalists, scientists - have become believers because the evidence led them there.

The greatest miracle isn't a magical handkerchief; it's the transformation of a human heart from darkness to light, from death to life.

Life Application

God's power works in ways we don't always understand. Sometimes He performs dramatic miracles; other times He works through our faithful endurance. Either way, His purpose is to draw people to Himself through the ultimate miracle of Jesus' death and resurrection.

This week, consider:

1. Am I seeking miracles more than I'm seeking relationship with Jesus?

2. Is my faith based on what God can do for me, or on who He is?

3. How might God be using my current circumstances - whether through miraculous intervention or faithful endurance - to point others to Christ?

4. In what ways has God already worked miraculously in my life through salvation and transformation?

Remember, the greatest miracle has already happened: Jesus died for you and rose again. Everything else flows from this central truth. Trust Him, even when you don't see the miracles you're hoping for. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness.

Acts 19: Immersed

Finding True Life Change Through Immersion in Christ

When we think about baptism, we often focus on the physical act of immersion in water. But baptism represents something much deeper - a permanent change that happens when we are immersed in Christ.

What Does Baptism Really Mean?

The Greek word "baptizo" gives us important insight into what baptism truly means. A Greek historian's pickle recipe helps us understand this concept. In the recipe, vegetables are first dipped (bapto) in boiling water temporarily, but then baptized (baptizo) in vinegar solution, which produces a permanent change.

This illustrates an important truth: baptism isn't just about getting wet - it's about being transformed. When we baptize someone, we believe a permanent spiritual change occurs. As Romans 6:3-4 tells us:

"Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life."

Is Baptism Just About Salvation?

When we focus solely on the question "At what point was someone saved?" we can miss the deeper message of what God wants to do in our lives. The gospel offers so much more than just guilt remission or a ticket to heaven.

God wants to create such a drastic change in us that:

1. We get a new name

2. We receive a new purpose

3. People can "smell Jesus" on us

When we truly meet Jesus, we can't go back to our old ways. It would be like being cured of cancer and then asking for the cancer back. True immersion in Christ creates in us a desire for freedom and new life that makes our old life unappealing.

What Does Jesus Really Offer Us?

In John 3, Jesus talks about being "born again" and entering the "kingdom of God." He's not just talking about going to heaven someday - He's talking about a new life that begins now.

Jesus offers us the chance to:

1. Shed our old life

2. Be made new

3. Be freed from destructive patterns

4. Experience eternal life beginning now

When Paul baptized the twelve disciples in Acts 19, he wasn't just baptizing them to save them from hell. He was baptizing them because he knew that through the power of the Spirit, they would be made new. Their lives would be so changed that they would go on to share this gift with others, who would then share it with more people.

What Are You Immersing Yourself In?

Here's a simple truth: what we immerse ourselves in will change us. We become like the things we immerse ourselves in.

Ask yourself:

1. What am I immersing my life, time, and energy in?

2. Where do I go when I'm sad or tired?

3. What do I turn to when I have a bad day?

These questions reveal what we're truly immersed in. Jesus offers to be the one who makes the best change in us.

One man shared how he had immersed himself in video game culture as a young husband and father. He had money and few responsibilities, so he poured himself into games. When he felt like he couldn't win in life, he would escape to video games to feel successful.

One day, he realized he didn't like what he saw in his life, despite being a believer who had been baptized and was even in full-time ministry. Jesus spoke to him: "Abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branch. I will give you everything you're looking for."

He sold all his video games and immersed himself in Christ instead. The result? He became a better father, husband, and pastor because he stopped yoking himself to worldly things and immersed himself in Christ.

How Do We Immerse Ourselves in Christ?

Immersing ourselves in Christ requires:

1. Faith - believing in Jesus

2. Repentance - turning away from sin

3. Baptism - dying to self and rising to new life

4. Receiving the Holy Spirit - gaining power for change

5. Daily immersion - continuing to abide in Christ

This isn't about trying harder to be better. It's about relying on Jesus through faith, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As Titus 3:4-5 reminds us:

"When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

How Can We Help Each Other Stay Immersed?

We weren't meant to walk this journey alone. We need each other to stay immersed in Christ:

1. Join a small group where you can be honest about your struggles

2. Find accountability partners who will help you repent

3. Immerse yourself in God's Word daily

4. Use reading plans to stay consistent

One person shared how they were struggling with their faith and wondering if God was really there. Before they could meet with a pastor, they talked with their small group, who helped them through their doubts. That's the power of community!

Life Application

The invitation is clear: immerse yourself in Christ daily, not just in a one-time baptism experience. Jesus offers real change, freedom from sin, and a new life - but it requires ongoing immersion.

This week, ask yourself:

1. What am I currently immersing myself in that might be keeping me from experiencing the change God wants for me?

2. How can I intentionally immerse myself in Christ through His Word, prayer, and community?

3. Is there an area of my life where I need to repent and turn back to God?

4. Who can I invite to walk alongside me in this journey of immersion?

Remember, what we immerse ourselves in will change us. Choose to be immersed in Christ, and watch how He transforms you from the inside out.

Acts 18: Understanding God's Will

Finding God's Will: How to Know and Follow His Direction

Have you ever had to make a decision where you weren't 100% sure it was the right one? Perhaps a job change, a relationship commitment, or relocating your family? These pivotal moments leave us wondering: How can we know God's will for our lives? How can we be confident we're following His direction and not just our own desires?

When Even Biblical Heroes Struggled with God's Will

Moses, before becoming God's chosen deliverer, tried to take matters into his own hands. He killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite, thinking this was how God would use him to deliver His people. But when his actions were discovered, Moses fled into the wilderness for 40 years.

Even after God clearly spoke to him through the burning bush, Moses made excuses: "Who am I that I should go? What if the Israelites won't listen? I don't speak well." Despite hearing God's direct call, Moses struggled to accept God's will for his life.

Paul's Journey and Discerning God's Direction

In Acts 18, we find Paul completing his second missionary journey. In Corinth, amazing things were happening—Paul had met Aquila and Priscilla, worked as a tentmaker, and preached in the synagogue. When opposition arose, he moved his ministry elsewhere, and many Corinthians came to Christ.

The text mentions something curious: "Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken." Why would Luke include this detail? Paul had taken a Nazarite vow, which involved refraining from wine, not cutting his hair, and avoiding uncleanness. This vow, rooted in Old Testament tradition, would have opened doors for Paul to reach his Jewish brothers and sisters.

Paul explained his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible... I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

How Did Paul Know What Was God's Will?

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, the people asked him to stay longer, but he declined, saying, "I will come back if it is God's will." How did he know it wasn't God's will to remain in Ephesus when the people were receptive to his message?

The Chess Game Analogy

Think of God's will like a chess game. A beginner might focus on taking as many pieces as possible, but the true point of the game is the king. Similarly, what God orchestrates in our lives is bigger than our individual situations

By the time each player in chess has moved just five pieces, there are 69.3 trillion (TRILLION!) unique move sequences possible. Now imagine what God is orchestrating with billions of people, each with countless possible actions!

When We Miss God's Will

There are times when we wonder if we've missed God's calling, when we question if we recognized His will correctly. There are also times when we leap ahead of God, taking matters into our own hands like Moses did.

But we can find comfort in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Even when we miss God's will, He can work our missteps into something beautiful that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom.

How Does God Reveal His Will to Us?

Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son."

Many of us pray things like, "Lord, stop me if I'm wrong and bless me if I'm right" or "Close the door if it isn't your will." But that's not the biblical example.

If we want to know God's will, we must cultivate a loving relationship with Him. God wants to be known. He wants us to know:

1. Him

2. His purposes

3. His ways

God Reveals Himself

When God speaks to us, He often reveals something about Himself that's exactly what we need in that moment:

1. To Abraham at 99 years old, still childless despite God's promise: "I am God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1)

2. To Jesus' followers facing persecution: "I am the living bread... whoever eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:51)

God Reveals His Purposes

God wants us to know what He plans to do. When God came to Noah, He didn't ask, "What do you want me to do?" He revealed what He was about to do—destroy the world in a flood—and invited Noah to join Him.

As Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

God Reveals His Ways

God's ways are different from our ways (Isaiah 55:8). His ways will always draw people into a loving relationship with Him. They are redemptive.

When Jesus told His disciples to feed 5,000 people, their solution was to send everyone home. Jesus' way was to have the people sit down, bless what little food they had, and perform a miracle.

How God Invites Us to Join Him

God invites us to join Him in four primary ways:

1. Through the Holy Spirit

Many struggle with aligning with God's will because they haven't received the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. As Peter said in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

We can't live according to God's will on our own strength. We must first die to ourselves by joining Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection.

2. Through God's Word

The Bible is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we want to know God's will, we should start by studying His Word.

You cannot live consistently according to God's will if you are not consistently in His Word.

3. Through Prayer

When we seek God for wisdom, He opens the floodgates. As Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9, "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives."

4. Through Circumstances

Rather than choosing a direction and asking God to close doors if it's wrong, God opens doors and invites us through them. Sometimes He gives us just one step at a time, opening one door after another as we follow Him.

5. Through Fellow Believers

Though God's Word prepares our hearts, it's often the call from a brother or sister in Christ that gets us off the bench and into the game.

This is why it's important not just to attend church but to participate actively with fellow believers who know us well enough to speak God's will into our lives.

Jesus: The Embodiment of God's Will

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's will for us. As John 14:6-7 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

If you want to know the will of God, come to Jesus. If you want to align yourself with that will, make Him your focus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith," who endured the cross and now sits at God's right hand.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions to help align yourself with God's will:

1. Am I actively cultivating a relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers?

2. Where might I be trying to figure out God's will on my own terms rather than seeking Him first?

3. Is there an area where I've been asking God to "close the door if it's not Your will" instead of waiting for Him to open a door?

4. How can I better fix my eyes on Jesus this week, making Him my focus rather than my circumstances?

5. Is there a door God has opened that I've been hesitant to walk through?

Remember, God's will isn't complicated—He wants you to know Him, His purposes, and His ways. Like a chess game, it's not about your individual moves but about the King and His ultimate plan. Trust that even when you feel uncertain, God is orchestrating something beautiful through your life as you seek to follow Him.

Acts 18: Handling our Fear

Finding Peace in Fear: God's Promise to Be With Us

Have you ever found yourself gripped by fear? Whether it's the common fears like spiders and heights, or deeper anxieties about failure, sickness, or the unknown - fear is a universal human experience. But how does God address our fears? What is His solution when we find ourselves afraid?

What Causes Fear in Our Lives?

Fear comes in many forms. For some, it's the basic phobias - spiders, snakes, clowns, or heights. For others, it's deeper concerns:

• Loss of control

• Being judged or looked down on

• Sickness and death

• Financial troubles

• Global concerns

• Not being good enough

• Being alone

• Fear of change

• Fear of the unknown

• Rejection

• Failure

When we're afraid, our natural response is to seek comfort and safety. Children instinctively run to their parents when scared. Similarly, as believers, our response should be to seek God's presence when fear grips us.

How Paul Faced His Fears

In Acts 18, we find the Apostle Paul in a frightening situation. He had been preaching in Corinth for a year and a half when the Jews brought him before the Roman proconsul Gallio. When Gallio dismissed their case, the crowd turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him severely while Gallio showed no concern.

Paul had already experienced beatings, imprisonment, and even stoning in his ministry. Seeing Sosthenes beaten, Paul likely wondered if he would be next. It would be completely normal for him to feel afraid in this situation.

But before this incident, God had already addressed Paul's fear:

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.'" (Acts 18:9-10)

God's solution to Paul's fear was simple yet profound: "I am with you."

How Do We Typically Handle Fear?

When fear strikes, we often try various approaches:

• Talking to someone

• Finding practical solutions

• Developing better habits

• Seeking distractions

• Exercise or physical activity

• Creative outlets

• Prayer and Scripture

While these can be helpful, God's ultimate fear fix is the promise of His presence: "I am with you."

God's Consistent Promise Throughout Scripture

This wasn't a new promise. When God called Moses to confront Pharaoh - a terrifying assignment - Moses asked, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God's response was the same: "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:11-12).

When Joshua faced the daunting task of leading Israel into battle against nations with giants, God told him: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

Isaiah 43:1-2 reinforces this promise: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Why Doesn't God Just Remove Our Troubles?

Some might ask: If God is with us, why doesn't He just remove our difficulties? The daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs' owner, who lost a cousin in a tragic accident, put it this way: "Following Jesus doesn't spare us from pain, but it means we never face it alone."

God doesn't always remove our struggles because:

1. Our faith shines brightest in difficult times

2. Our perseverance through trials encourages others

3. We develop strength and character through challenges

4. Our response to fear demonstrates who we trust

The promise isn't that we'll avoid all hardship, but that God will be with us through it all.

The Ultimate Promise in Christ

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission, calling believers to make disciples of all nations. This can be a frightening task - sharing our faith, entering messy situations, and stepping out of our comfort zones. But the promise remains: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Paul himself later wrote in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Life Application

What fear is gripping you today? Whatever it is, God's solution remains the same: He is with you.

This week, practice bringing Jesus to the center of your fears:

1. Identify your fears honestly. What's really causing your anxiety, worry, or anger?

2. Invite God into those fearful places. Rather than trying to escape or numb your fears, bring them to God.

3. Meditate on God's promise of presence. Remind yourself daily: "God is with me in this situation."

4. Step out in faith despite your fears. Remember that God's presence gives you courage to face what scares you.

5. Look for evidence of God's presence. Where do you see Him working in your situation?

Ask yourself: Am I trying to handle my fears alone, or am I truly believing that God is with me? What would change if I fully embraced the truth that the Creator of the universe is by my side through this challenge?

Remember, following Jesus doesn't mean we won't face scary situations, but it does mean we'll never face them alone. His presence with us can carry us through our deepest fears.

Acts 18: When Others Reject The Gospel

Finding Peace When Others Reject the Gospel

Have you ever tried to share your faith with someone who just wasn't interested? Perhaps you've experienced the heartbreak of watching a loved one reject the message of Jesus despite your best efforts. This painful situation raises an important question: When should we continue sharing, and when should we walk away?

When Sharing the Gospel Becomes Difficult

In Acts 18, we find the Apostle Paul facing this exact dilemma. After arriving in Corinth and working as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, Paul began devoting himself fully to preaching when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia.

"When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul, they became abusive. He shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, 'Your blood be on your own heads. I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.'" (Acts 18:5-6)

This moment represents a turning point. Paul had been faithfully sharing the gospel with his fellow Jews, using Scripture to show how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. He pointed to approximately 300 different Old Testament passages that pointed to Jesus, including:

1. Jesus being a descendant of King David (2 Samuel)

2. Coming from the tribe of Judah (Genesis)

3. Arriving before the second destruction of the temple (Daniel)

4. His suffering, death, and resurrection (Isaiah)

Despite this evidence, many rejected his message and became hostile toward him.

Why Do We Keep Trying When People Reject the Gospel?

What drives us to continue sharing our faith even when faced with rejection? For Paul, there were several motivations:

1. A Sense of Responsibility

In Ezekiel 33:8-9, God says:

"When I say to the wicked, 'You wicked person, you will surely die,' and you do not speak to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, but I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved."

Paul felt this responsibility deeply. He knew the truth about salvation through Jesus and couldn't bear the thought of people perishing without hearing it.

2. Love for His People

Romans 10:1 reveals Paul's heart: "Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved."

Like Jesus who wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37), Paul had a deep love for his fellow Jews. This love drove him to continue sharing despite the risk of rejection and even physical harm.

When Is It Time to Walk Away?

Looking at Paul's pattern throughout Acts, we find that his decision to move on wasn't based on a specific timeframe but on the condition of people's hearts.

In Acts 19:8-9, we see this pattern clearly: "Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them."

The turning point came when people:

1. Became obstinate in their hearts

2. Refused to believe

3. Publicly maligned the gospel

When hearts hardened to this degree, Paul would redirect his efforts toward those who were more receptive.

The Wisdom of Protecting What Is Sacred

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:6, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

This isn't about labeling people as animals but about protecting what is precious. Just as you wouldn't give something valuable to someone who doesn't recognize its worth, there comes a point when continuing to share the gospel with someone who consistently rejects and disrespects it becomes unwise.

The gospel is precious—it's the most beautiful message we have to share. When someone repeatedly treats it with contempt, it may be time to direct our efforts elsewhere.

What Happens When We Redirect Our Efforts?

Interestingly, whenever Paul redirected his efforts, revival followed:

"Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized." (Acts 18:7-8)

By focusing on those whose hearts were open, Paul saw tremendous fruit. In Ephesus, his redirection led to a two-year ministry where "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord" (Acts 19:10).

How Should We Approach Those Who Reject the Gospel?

1. Never give up hope - We continue to believe God can do anything, including softening the hardest heart.

2. Don't push them away - Maintain loving relationships even when they reject your message.

3. Don't judge them - Remember Jesus' warning about judging others.

4. Don't become "the ugly Christian" - Treat people with respect and love, even when they disagree.

5. Recognize you're not their savior - Only Jesus can save them; you're just the messenger.

6. Trust God's timing - Everyone's journey to faith is different.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Evaluate your approach: Are you continuing to push the gospel on someone who has clearly shown they're not receptive? Consider whether it might be time to step back while maintaining a loving relationship.

2. Look for open doors: Who in your life might be more receptive to hearing about Jesus? Instead of focusing all your energy on those who reject your message, redirect some effort toward those who might be waiting for someone to share with them.

3. Pray for wisdom: Ask God to show you when to speak and when to be silent, when to persist and when to redirect.

4. Trust God with your loved ones: If you have family members who reject the gospel, release the burden of being their savior. Continue to love them, pray for them, and trust that Jesus is still knocking on their door.

Ask yourself:

1. Am I treating the gospel as something precious when I share it?

2. Have I been trying to be someone's savior instead of trusting God with their salvation?

3. Who in my life might be more receptive to hearing about Jesus that I've been overlooking

4. How can I maintain loving relationships with those who reject my message?

Remember, we never give up on people because we never stop believing that God can do anything. But sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to respect their choice while continuing to pray that God will work in their hearts in His perfect timing.

2 Thessalonians 3: A Difficult But Healthy Boundry

When Church Discipline Becomes Necessary: Protecting the Fellowship of Believers

The church is meant to be a place of joy, peace, and love—a community where people can experience the transformative power of Christ. But what happens when someone within that community becomes disruptive or refuses to turn from harmful behaviors? While it's uncomfortable to discuss, the Bible provides clear guidance on how to handle these situations.

What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?

In 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul gives specific instructions: "Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer."

This passage isn't about shaming people and walking away. It's about creating temporary distance with a purpose—helping the person recognize their behavior and return to healthy fellowship.

Who Is Paul Talking About?

Earlier in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Paul clarifies: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you receive from us."

He further explains in verse 11: "We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies."

Paul is addressing believers who are:

1. Deliberately disruptive

2. Rebellious against authority

3. Making mountains out of molehills

4. Constantly getting into others' business

What's the Purpose of Church Discipline?

The goal isn't punishment—it's restoration. When someone experiences separation from the fellowship of believers, they often begin to miss what makes church special: the community, encouragement, and support.

Think of it like a young man returning from a wonderful week at Christian camp. At camp, he experienced joy, peace, and encouragement. Going back to environments where people tear each other down made him realize how special the Christian community was.

Church discipline works on this principle. When someone is temporarily separated from fellowship, they may realize what they're missing and choose to return.

How Should We Approach Someone in Sin?

Jesus gave us a clear process in Matthew 18:15-17:

1. Go to them privately first: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you."

2. If they won't listen, bring one or two others: "Take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'"

3. If they still refuse, involve church leadership: "Tell it to the church."

4. As a last resort, treat them differently: "If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

What's the Right Attitude When Confronting Sin?

Galatians 6:1-5 provides important guidance:

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

This passage teaches us to:

1. Restore gently, not harshly

2. Be careful not to fall into sin ourselves

3. Help carry burdens, but recognize each person must ultimately take responsibility

Why Is This So Important for Church Health?

Think of it like gravity. It's always easier to pull someone down than to lift someone up. When we allow disruptive or sinful behavior to continue unchecked in our church community, it can gradually pull others down too.

Consider the story of "Glenn"—a once-encouraging, positive church member who began associating with someone negative and critical. Over time, Glenn's own attitude soured. He stopped being the welcoming, encouraging presence he once was. By the time he passed away, many felt they had "lost Glenn" years before his actual death.

Had the church practiced proper discipline earlier, perhaps Glenn could have been restored to his former self, and the church could have avoided losing several families due to the negativity that spread.

Life Application

This week, consider these challenging questions:

1. Is there someone in your life who needs to be gently confronted about behavior that's harmful to themselves or the church community?

2. Conversely, is there an area in your own life where you need correction? Would you receive it humbly if someone approached you?

3. How can you help create a church atmosphere that feels like "heaven on earth"—a place of such joy, peace, and love that visitors say, "If this is what heaven will be like, I can't wait"?

Remember, church discipline isn't about judgment or superiority—it's about protecting the beautiful fellowship of believers that makes church a place where people can experience Christ's love. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is to draw boundaries that protect both the individual and the community.

The goal is always restoration. As Paul reminds us, even when we must distance ourselves from someone, we should "not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer."

2nd Thessalonians 3: Work as Worship

Finding Purpose in Our Daily Work:

Have you ever had that Sunday night feeling where you're dreading Monday morning? That sinking sensation when you realize the weekend is over and you have to face another week of work that feels more like punishment than purpose? We might think that’s just part of being an adult - that work is something we endure rather than embrace.

But in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, we discovered something that reframes how we think about work, responsibility, and what it means to live faithfully in the everyday moments of life.

Learning from an example

On Father’s day, we reflect on the fact that some of the most powerful teaching doesn't happen through perfect presentations or flawless theology. It happens through modeling - through actually living out what we claim to believe so others can see it in action.

That's exactly what Paul was doing with the Thessalonian church. He didn't just lecture them about work ethic; he pointed to his own life and said, "Look at how I lived when I was with you. Learn from my example."

Last week, we were reminded to pray for our leaders (you’ve been praying, right?). This week, Paul flips the script: while ministry leaders need prayer, you have work to do too. Not just jobs — but God-honoring, community-building, sometimes exhausting work, just as he modeled for us.

When Good Intentions Go Wrong

The situation in Thessalonica wasn't about lazy people avoiding responsibility. It was far more complex. Some believers had become convinced that Jesus was returning so soon that there was no point in working anymore. They quit their jobs, stopped paying bills, and went door-to-door telling everyone else to do the same - all while expecting the church to support them financially.

Paul uses a military term - ataktoi - to describe these people. Picture soldiers marching in formation, and then imagine one soldier who refuses to keep step, breaks rank, and won't follow orders. These weren't just idle; they were actively disrupting the entire community.

This hits close to home for anyone who's been part of a team where one person's lack of contribution forces everyone else to pick up the slack. Eventually, motivation tanks, resentment builds, and the whole system breaks down.

Rediscovering Work as Worship

Here's where Paul takes us back to the beginning - literally. Work isn't a result of the fall or a necessary evil we endure. Genesis 2:15 tells us that even in paradise, before sin entered the world, God put Adam in the garden "to work it and take care of it."

Work was part of perfection. We were created in God's image, and since God himself is described as a worker ("My Father is always at his work to this very day" - John 5:17), our labor becomes a way of reflecting his character to the world.

The wisdom literature reinforces this beautifully. Proverbs points us to the ant who "has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." The ant works because that's what ants do - it's part of their design, their purpose.

The Grace Behind the Grind

After all this talk about faithful work, Paul reminds us of something crucial from Ephesians: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

We don't work to earn God's favor. We work because we've already received it. We are God's "workmanship" - his masterpiece, his artwork, his intentional creation. And part of the design he's written into our lives is meaningful work that reflects his image.

Living the Example

Our work matters not just for this life, but for eternity. We're not just putting in time until we die or Jesus comes back - we're participating in God's ongoing work in the world. Are we modeling that hard work is blessing, or a burden? Are we examples for others that work is an opportunity for us to worship? It’s often hard to maintain this mindset, which is exactly why Paul encourages us “Never tire of doing what is good”

Life Application

This week challenge yourself to examine your relationship with work:

1) Reframe your Monday morning. Instead of dreading the start of the work week, see it as an opportunity to reflect God's character through faithful labor.

2) Consider your example. Whether you're in an office, at home with children, serving in ministry, or anywhere else - others are watching how you approach your responsibilities. What are they learning?

3) Find the eternal in the ordinary. Every honest day's labor, every act of service, every faithful choice to do the right thing when no one is watching - it all matters. It's all part of God's bigger story of redemption and restoration.

4) Remember whose you are. You're not working to earn God's love; you're working because you've already received it. You are his masterpiece, created for good works that he prepared in advance for you to do.

Your work - whatever it is - matters to God. And that makes all the difference in how we approach our Monday mornings.

2nd Thessalonians 3: Pray For Your Leaders

Praying for Church Leadership: Why It's Essential for Gospel Advancement

When was the last time you prayed specifically for your church leaders? Not just a quick "bless the pastor" prayer, but intentional, strategic prayer for those on the front lines of gospel work? The truth is, many of us don't realize how crucial our prayers are for those in spiritual leadership positions.

Why Church Leaders Need Your Prayers

Church leaders stand on the front lines of spiritual warfare every day. They're not just planning services and delivering sermons - they're actively engaged in a spiritual battle for the advancement of the gospel.

The Apostle Paul understood this reality clearly. Throughout his letters, he doesn't merely ask for prayer - he commands it. In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3, Paul writes:

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people. For not everyone has faith, but the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."

This wasn't a casual request. Paul understood something vital about ministry that we often miss.

What Drives the Urgency for Prayer?

A Life Transformed by Jesus

Paul lived with tremendous urgency about the gospel because his own life had been completely transformed by Jesus. Once a Pharisee who would have considered Gentiles unclean, Paul's entire worldview shifted when he encountered Christ. His life goals, definition of success, and understanding of his purpose were all radically changed.

The Imminent Return of Christ

Paul also lived with the tension of believing Jesus could return at any moment. This created a laser-focused urgency to ensure everyone had the opportunity to hear about Jesus before His return.

The Spiritual Battle Behind Gospel Work

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reveals what church leaders are truly up against:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

When we pray for our church leaders, we're joining them in this spiritual battle. Paul makes this clear in Romans 15:30:

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."

Notice how Paul invokes the name of Jesus - the same way the apostles would when casting out demons or calling for healing. This isn't casual "Christianese" - it's a recognition of the spiritual power needed for gospel advancement.

What Happens When We Pray for Church Leaders?

When we pray for those leading our churches, several things happen:

1. Doors open for the gospel - "Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message" (Colossians 4:3)

2. Words are given - "Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19)

3. Spiritual forces are overcome - Our prayers join the struggle against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12)

4. The gospel advances with power - "Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored" (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

As commentator David Guzik notes: "It makes us wonder how often the work of God's word is hindered by our prayerlessness."

How to Pray for Your Church Leaders

Church leaders - pastors, elders, ministry directors, and staff - often walk into enemy territory. They deal with sin, relational issues, and spiritual strongholds that need to be broken by Jesus. They need your prayer support. If you didn’t get the insert from this week’s bulletin, please reach out so we can get it to you. It includes a list of church staff and elders and how you can be praying for them

Here are specific ways to pray for them:

1. Pray for open doors - Ask God to create opportunities for the gospel to be shared (Colossians 4:3)

2. Pray for boldness - Ask that they would speak fearlessly and clearly (Ephesians 6:19-20)

3. Pray for protection - Ask that they would be delivered from wicked and evil people (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

4. Pray for effective ministry - Ask that their message would spread rapidly and be honored (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

5. Pray for joy in their work - "Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden" (Hebrews 13:17)

Life Application

The spiritual battle for gospel advancement requires all of us to participate through prayer. This week, I challenge you to:

1. Set a specific time to pray for your church leaders. Perhaps set an alarm on your phone as a weekly reminder.

2. Pray with purpose using Scripture as your guide. Use passages like Ephesians 6:19-20, Colossians 4:3, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

3. Let your leaders know you're praying for them. A simple note of encouragement can provide tremendous strength.

4. Examine your prayer life - Have you been treating prayer as "Christianese" - something you say but don't follow through on? Ask God to renew your commitment to meaningful prayer.

Ask yourself: How might the gospel advance more powerfully in my church and community if I committed to regular, intentional prayer for those on the front lines? What spiritual battles might be won if I joined the struggle through prayer? How can I move beyond casual "I'll pray for you" statements to genuine, consistent intercession?

Remember, when you pray for your church leaders, you're not just supporting them - you're actively participating in the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.