“I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).”
As he denied Jesus three times with cursing, it sure didn’t seem like these words would ever come to pass. How could someone who cowered and caved and denied his Lord in fear of a servant girl kick down the gates of hell? Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit changed everything. Last Sunday we saw Jesus beautifully forgive and restore Peter after his denial and reiterate this same charge more tenderly, “Feed my sheep.”
This week we will turn to the Book of Acts and begin a new sermon series, With All Boldness and Without Hindrance. Those are the closing words of the book, describing Paul under house arrest in Rome waiting to find out whether he would live or die.
“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:30–31).”
What started in Jerusalem, spread like ripples in a pool through Judea and Samaria and out toward the ends of the earth – despite Satan’s strongest efforts to hinder it. More amazingly, not just despite Satan’s efforts, but by way of them. The God who predestined all that took place sending Jesus to the cross, continues to accomplish all his redemptive purposes; intending for good all that Satan intends for evil.
And we are a ripple of the Cornerstone. God is still making his appeal to a lost world to be reconciled to Himself, through us. As we study the Book of Acts in the year ahead, may the Lord answer the prayer of that first church among us.
“Grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal… (Acts 4:29–30)”
In the morning services, Doug Huffman, professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, will preach Acts 1:1-5 and give us an introduction to the entire Book of Acts. Kenny Clark will lead our sung worship. Would you make time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? And let’s make that Acts 4 prayer our prayer this year. That the Lord would grant us Spirit-empowered boldness as He goes before us, bearing fruit through our efforts.
In the evening, we will gather again at 4pm for a reading service where we will hear the Book of Acts read aloud. We will break halfway through for dinner. Please bring a sack dinner and a dessert to share. When you arrive, you can drop your dessert in the east sanctuary.
Evening childcare will be provided for children up through 2nd grade. Families, if your children plan to check into our classes during either or both of the reading service sessions, would you please register them in advance to ensure we are staffed appropriately? Email children@graceevfree.org for the registration form.
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
SONG OF THE WEEK
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God arr. by Matt Boswell
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth