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: False Teachers

How to Handle False Teaching in the Church: Lessons from Acts 18

When someone teaches something incorrectly in the church, how should we respond? This question has challenged believers for centuries, and the Bible provides us with clear guidance on approaching these delicate situations with both truth and grace.

What Does False Teaching Look Like in the Church?

False teaching isn't always obvious. Sometimes it's not completely wrong but simply incomplete. In Acts 18, we meet Apollos, a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures who "spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only of the baptism of John" (Acts 18:24-25).

Apollos had most of the picture right - he understood Jesus was the Messiah and could prove it from Scripture. However, he was missing key components about baptism in Jesus' name and the gift of the Holy Spirit. His teaching wasn't heretical, just incomplete.

How Should We Respond to Incorrect Teaching?

When Priscilla and Aquila - tentmakers, not theological scholars - heard Apollos teaching, they didn't:

1. Send an angry email

2. Publicly shame him

3. Wait years to confront him

4. Post criticisms on social media

5. Talk about him behind his back

Instead, "they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). Their approach teaches us several important principles:

1. They created a safe space - inviting him into their home, not confronting him publicly

2. They approached with humility - not as superior critics but as fellow believers

3. They focused on building up, not tearing down - their goal was to equip him better

4. They recognized his value - they saw his potential and wanted to enhance his ministry

What Makes Teaching Spirit-Filled and Accurate?

From Apollos, we learn several characteristics of good teaching:

1. Accuracy

Good teaching is grounded in Scripture and presents truth accurately. Apollos was "a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures" who taught "accurately" what he knew.

2. Passion

Apollos "spoke with great fervor" - the original language suggests boiling water, indicating energy and excitement. Good teaching isn't dry or monotonous but conveys the excitement of the gospel.

3. Humility

Despite his education and eloquence, Apollos was humble enough to receive correction from tentmakers. Good teachers remain teachable, recognizing that God can speak through anyone.

4. Spirit-Filled Focus

Spirit-filled teaching always points to Jesus. If Jesus isn't central to the message, it's not Spirit-filled teaching. The Holy Spirit's role is to move people toward Jesus and build up the church.

5. Life Change

Good teaching produces fruit - changed lives and strengthened believers. After receiving correction, Apollos "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (Acts 18:27).

When Should We Confront False Teaching?

The passage shows two different approaches:

1. With opponents of Jesus: Public debate is sometimes necessary (Acts 18:28)

2. With fellow believers: Private, gracious correction is the way (Acts 18:26)

When dealing with fellow believers who love Jesus but have incomplete understanding, we should prioritize unity while gently correcting. As Ephesians 4:2-6 reminds us: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Why Unity Matters in Doctrinal Disagreements

Jesus prayed for unity among believers "so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). Our unity is a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel.

When we quarrel about words, Scripture warns that it "is of no value and only ruins those who listen" (2 Timothy 2:14). Many people have walked away from faith not because of Jesus but because of how His followers treat each other.

Life Application

How can we apply these principles in our own lives?

1. Examine your response to disagreement: When you encounter teaching you disagree with from fellow believers, do you respond more like Priscilla and Aquila or with public criticism?

2. Prioritize unity in essentials: Ask yourself - does this person believe Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation? If so, approach disagreements with grace, recognizing you're talking to family.

3. Create safe spaces for dialogue: Instead of distant criticism, invite people closer for meaningful conversation about Scripture.

4. Check your motives: Are you more concerned with being right or with building up the body of Christ?

5. Focus outward: Instead of spending energy arguing with fellow believers about minor points, redirect that passion toward reaching those who don't know Jesus at all.

Questions to Consider:

1. Is there a fellow believer or church I've been critical of that I need to approach with more grace?

2. Am I more focused on winning theological arguments or on building unity in the body of Christ?

3. How can I create safe spaces for honest dialogue about Scripture without damaging relationships?

4. In what ways might I need to be more humble and open to correction in my own understanding?

Remember, our unity as believers is not just a nice ideal—it's a powerful testimony to the world about the reality of Jesus Christ.

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.

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 2: The Enemies Lie

Standing Firm Against Deception: Recognizing the Enemy's Lies

In a world filled with deception, how can we stand firm in our faith? The enemy is constantly working to pull us away from Christ with the same old lie he's been using since the Garden of Eden. Understanding this deception is crucial for every believer who wants to remain steadfast in their faith.

What is the greatest deception we face as Christians?

Paul warns in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 about "the coming of the lawless one" who "will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie." This isn't just any lie—it's "the lie" that Satan has been telling since the beginning.

The enemy's deception is powerful. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 24:24 that "false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." This should give us pause. The deception will be so convincing that even devoted followers of Christ could potentially be led astray.

What is "the lie" that Satan tells?

When we examine Scripture, we see a consistent pattern in Satan's deception. From the Garden of Eden to Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, the enemy's core lie remains the same:

You can get what you want without God.

In Genesis, Satan told Eve she could gain wisdom without following God's instructions. To Jesus, he offered kingship without the cross. The lie always suggests there's a shortcut to what we desire—a way to achieve it without submitting to God's way.

This lie manifests in our lives when we think:

1. "I can find happiness my own way"

2. "I don't need to follow God's design for relationships"

3. "I can create my own purpose and meaning"

4. "I can achieve financial security through my own means"

How does God respond to those who believe the lie?

In 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Paul writes something troubling: "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."

This doesn't mean God actively deceives people. Rather, as Romans 1:28 explains, God "gives them over" to their chosen path. Like the father of the prodigal son who allowed his son to leave with his inheritance, God sometimes lets people experience the full consequences of rejecting Him.

God doesn't force Himself on anyone. He respects our free will, even when we use it to walk away from Him. But the door to return is always open through Jesus Christ, who is "pleased to give life to all who seek him" (John 5:21).

How can we stand firm against deception?

Paul gives clear instructions in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 on how to stand firm:

1. Remember you are loved by God - You are "loved by the Lord" and "chosen" by Him

2. Believe in the truth - The gospel is the truth that saves us

3. Hold fast to sound teaching - Cling to what you've been taught from God's Word

Those who are truly founded on Christ don't need new revelations or miraculous signs to validate their faith. They've already found everything they need in Jesus. When someone claims to have discovered a new truth or a different path, believers who are firmly rooted in Christ recognize that nothing needs to be added to what they already have in Him.

Why is Jesus the answer to every deception?

Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). When we make Him the center of our lives, everything else comes into focus:

1. Want better relationships? Jesus teaches us how to love unconditionally.

2. Worried about your future? Jesus shows us how to prioritize and trust God.

3. Seeking purpose? Jesus gives our lives eternal significance.

Whatever you're looking for in life, start with Christ, and everything will come into proper perspective. The enemy will always try to convince you that you can find what you want apart from God, but it's the same old lie from the same old liar.

Life Application

The storms of life will come to everyone. We're either currently in a storm or preparing for the next one. How we live between storms determines how we'll stand when they arrive.

This week, examine your life for areas where you might be believing "the lie" that you can get what you want without following God's way:

1. What do you want most in life right now? Is it happiness, good relationships, financial stability, or purpose?

2. How are you trying to achieve it? Are you following God's instructions or looking for shortcuts?

3. Where do you turn for answers? When facing difficult questions, do you look to God's Word first, or do you seek worldly wisdom?

4. Are you delighting in things that don't honor God? Even "small" compromises can open the door to deception.

Make Jesus your firm foundation by spending time in His Word daily, surrounding yourself with believers who will speak truth into your life, and bringing your sin into the light through confession and accountability.

Remember: Everything you could possibly want, dream for, or imagine has already been given to you if you're in Christ Jesus. Stand firm on this truth, and no deception will be able to shake you.

2nd Thessalonians: 1: 5-12

Understanding God's Justice and the Coming Fire

When we think about Jesus, we often picture the gentle shepherd, the sacrificial lamb, or the one who welcomes the weary and heavy-laden. But there's another aspect of Jesus that can be challenging to reconcile - the Jesus who will return "in blazing fire with his powerful angels" as described in 2 Thessalonians.

This image of Jesus returning with fire can be uncomfortable, even a stumbling block for some. But understanding this aspect of God's character is essential to grasping the fullness of who He is and what He has called us to do.

What does it mean that God is just?

Paul begins his encouragement to the suffering Thessalonian church with three powerful words: "God is just." This statement forms the foundation for everything that follows.

Justice is an essential attribute of God's character. Without justice, His grace wouldn't make sense. We long for justice in our world - for wrongs to be made right and for evil to be held accountable. As Colossians 3:25 reminds us, "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, for there is no favoritism."

But God's justice isn't only about punishment. It also includes reward: "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only me, but also to those who have longed for his appearance" (2 Timothy 4:8).

Why is God the only one worthy to judge?

We must humbly acknowledge our limitations when it comes to judgment:

1. We have limited perspective and experience

2. Our judgment is broken by sin

3. Our memories are imperfect and self-serving

4. We cannot see the motives of others' hearts

Only God can see the complete picture. As 1 Corinthians 4:5 says, "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart."

God exists outside of time - He sees our lives completely, knowing not just our actions but our thoughts and motives. There is no one more qualified to judge fairly than our Father in heaven.

What does the "blazing fire" of Jesus' return represent?

When Paul describes Jesus returning "in blazing fire," he's drawing on imagery from the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 4:24, God is described as "a consuming fire, a jealous God."

This fire represents several things:

1. God's jealousy for His people - He desires relationship with us and wants to protect us from false idols that cannot satisfy

2. The consuming of wickedness - Isaiah 9:18 describes how "wickedness burns like a fire" that consumes and destroys

3. The final end of sin and death - Just as firefighters sometimes use controlled burns to stop a wildfire, Jesus will use His fire to finally end all sin and destruction

The fire isn't primarily about God's anger toward people but about His determination to end the destruction that sin has brought into the world.

What happens to those who reject God?

Those who reject God's offer of salvation through Jesus will ultimately get what they've chosen - separation from God. As Paul writes, they "will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord."

This isn't God being vindictive. Rather, it's the natural consequence of rejecting relationship with Him. If someone doesn't want God as their king in this life, being forced to follow Him in eternity wouldn't be heaven for them - it would be hell.

The most terrifying aspect of hell isn't that God throws "matches" in, but that He removes His protective presence, allowing sin to fully consume those who have embraced it. As Isaiah describes, "people will be fuel for the fire... they will not spare one another."

Why did Paul share this difficult message?

Paul didn't write about Jesus' fiery return to scare people into following God. He wrote to:

1. Encourage the suffering church - assuring them that God sees their pain and will bring justice

2. Remind believers of the urgency of their mission - knowing Jesus will return should motivate us to share His love

3. Challenge Christians to live worthy of their calling - doing good deeds that glorify Christ

In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, Paul prays that God would "make you worthy of his calling" and "bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith... so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you."

Life Application

The reality of Jesus' return should transform how we live today. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Who is on your heart? If Jesus returned today, who would you be concerned about? Who in your life needs to experience God's grace through you?

2. How are you showing God's character to others? Are you demonstrating both His justice and His grace in how you treat people?

3. What "fires" are you starting? Even small sins like gossip, lying, or selfishness can cause destruction. Are you allowing Jesus to take these matches out of your hands?

4. Are you living worthy of God's calling? Are you doing good deeds that point others to Christ?

This week, be intentional about showing God's love to someone who needs to see it. You don't need to preach "fire and brimstone" - simply demonstrate kindness, peace, gentleness, and love. Let them see Christ in you.

Remember, we have been given time - don't waste it. Seek and save the lost, knowing that one day Jesus will return to make all things right.

2nd Thessalonians 1:1-5

Finding Worth in God's Kingdom Through Suffering and Faith

The question of whether we are worthy of God's kingdom is one that many Christians struggle with. While salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, there is evidence God looks for in our lives that demonstrates we are worthy of His kingdom.

What Makes Us Worthy of God's Kingdom?

According to Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, there are three key pieces of evidence God looks for:

1. Perseverance through trials and persecution

2. Growing faith

3. Increasing love for others

This doesn't mean we earn our salvation through these things. Rather, they are evidence of genuine faith in action.

How Does Suffering Test Our Faith?

When we face suffering, we come to a crossroads where we must choose to either:

1. Lean into God, allowing suffering to draw us closer to Him

2. Turn away from God in anger and isolation

The story of Abraham demonstrates how God credits righteousness to those who maintain faith during trials. Despite years of waiting for God's promise of a son, Abraham chose to believe God rather than abandon his faith.

What Does Love Look Like in Suffering?

True love grows deeper through suffering when we:

1. Resist the temptation to become selfish and withdraw

2. Allow our broken hearts to be rebuilt by God

3. Develop greater empathy and compassion for others

4. Continue serving and caring for those around us

Life Application

Consider these questions:

1. What suffering are you currently facing?

2. Are you leaning into God or away from Him in your trials?

3. How can you demonstrate growing faith and love even in difficult circumstances?

This week's challenge: Choose one way to actively demonstrate faith and love in the midst of your current struggles. This could mean:

1. Reaching out to encourage someone else who is suffering

2. Continuing to serve others despite your pain

3. Spending focused time in prayer and God's Word

4. Sharing your story to help others persevere

Remember - God doesn't expect perfection, but He does look for evidence that we trust Him and are growing in faith and love, even through life's hardest moments.