Last Sunday afternoon, we welcomed new members, witnessed a baptism, and heard from Psalm 103 together. This psalm especially encourages us to stop and remember all of God’s countless gifts to us. We especially thought about how God has given so many gifts to us as individuals and as a church family, we remembered God’s immeasurable love and forgiveness to us in Jesus Christ, and we rejoiced in God’s covenant faithfulness to us and to our children. This week, take some time to re-read Psalm 103. Then, talk with your family or friends about some of the ways God has been gracious to you and thank God for His gifts together.

Last Sunday afternoon, we looked at the topic of miracles from Acts 5:12-16. We saw that miracles in the Bible always have the technical sense of being special signs that point to and confirm the truth of Jesus Christ. As special signs that point to Jesus, miracles in the Bible are always connected to specially appointed messengers like the OT prophets or the NT apostles. Now that the apostolic foundation of the church has been laid (Eph 2:20) and now that we have the completed Bible testifying to Jesus Christ, we do not need miracles in this technical, Biblical sense anymore. Yet, we also saw that we often speak of miracles in a much looser sense as anything that we cannot explain scientifically, or even more loosely, as something unexpected. In these looser, more general senses, miracles are no longer tied to specific individuals, they do not serve to directly confirm the truth of Jesus, and they are not necessary for our faith. Significantly, we saw that we should never allow the possibility of God working a miracle to make us neglect our God-given responsibilities to work faithfully and take care of our bodies. Even more, we should not let a desire for the miraculous blind us to God’s normal, ordinary providential care in our lives. Indeed, even now, God is still calling spiritually dead sinners to new life in Jesus, a far greater miracle than merely physical healing. This week, take some time to thank God for all the ways that He is at work in your life, whether they seem unexpected and “miraculous,” or whether they seem ordinary and quiet.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:32-37 together. This passage gives us a picture of a healthy church. In particular, it highlights the importance of ministering in both word and deed. First, Luke shows us that the church should be a place where we show practical love, care, and generosity to one another. How can we learn to be generous to others? Only when we recognize that we are all sinners saved by Jesus, and all that we have ultimately belongs to God. Second, Luke shows us that the church faithfully proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. We saw that while it is important to love and serve others, we also need to be hear and proclaim the message of Jesus, for He is the only hope for sinners. This week, take some time to pray about how you can use what God has given you to serve others in practical ways and to consider how you can speak to people around you about Jesus this week. Then, empowered by God’s Spirit, seek to serve in word and in deed.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:23-31 together. This passage shows us the disciples’ response to the threats and persecution they faced from the religious leaders. We especially saw that the disciples respond by remembering God’s sovereignty. Even though they were facing suffering, the disciples were confident that God is sovereign, in control of everything that happens. God’s sovereignty is especially clear at the cross, where God overruled even the sinful intentions of the religious leaders to bring our salvation through Jesus’ death. All of this reminds us that whatever is happening in our lives, as Christians we are safe in God’s sovereign care. Second, we saw that the disciples’ faith in God’s sovereignty leads them to pray. Because God is in control of everything, the disciples pray to God, asking God to continue spreading the good news of Jesus. This reminds us that while we can pray to God about absolutely anything, we should especially pray for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the honor of Christ’s name. This week, take some time to thank God for His sovereign care of your life, and pray to Him about whatever is on your heart—including the salvation of non-Christians you know.

Last Sunday afternoon, we heard from Acts 4:1-22 together. There, we saw Peter and John being questioned by the religious leaders about the healing of the lame man. The leaders’ anger towards Peter and John showed us that not everyone is happy about Jesus and His work. Indeed, we should recognize that even today some people will hear the news of Jesus and reject it in angry unbelief. At the same time, however, some Acts 4 encourages us that people will hear the news of Jesus and believe. Indeed, Jesus’ name is the only name that can save sinners like us. Recognizing the power of Jesus’ name gives us confidence to keep speaking for Jesus even when some people reject the message. This week, ask God for wisdom and love to speak about Jesus to others around you, and pray that God would lead many more not to anger but to repentance.

Last Sunday afternoon we resumed our series in Acts by hearing from Acts 3:11-26 together. In this passage, Peter preaches a sermon that is all about Jesus. In particular, we saw that Jesus is the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. Even though He was completely holy and righteous, Jesus suffered and died so that our sins may be blotted out. Yet, Jesus did not stay dead; as the Author of life, Jesus rose from the grave. Even more, as the Author of life, Jesus is leading all His people to times of refreshing and the fullness of eternal life when He returns. Finally, Jesus is the Final Prophet—the prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18 who is even better than Moses. Because Jesus is the Final Prophet, we should be careful to listen to all that He tells us on the pages of Scripture. This week, take some time to thank God for the many aspects of Jesus’ work for us—as the suffering servant, the Author of life, and the final prophet. Then, ask for God’s help to listen carefully to all that Jesus tells us in God’s Word.

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

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