A Call for Love and Compassion

I’ve spent time thinking, praying, observing, and listening to others about the state of our world—and particularly the soul of our nation. After all of this, one truth continues to rise to the surface:

America is an idea.

We weren’t founded on perfect people or flawless systems. We were founded on a vision—a vision where freedom, opportunity, and human dignity were worth building a country around. At our best, America has been a land of hope, growth, and possibility for those seeking a better life.

But it is very different now. I scroll through headlines, watch reports, and hear stories:

  • Wars rage and rumors spread.
  • Student visas are revoked.
  • Tariffs deepen global divisions.
  • Refugees and immigrants are left in limbo.
  • Hatred is normalized and compassion is mocked.

And my heart breaks.

Not just because of the headlines—but because behind every story is a real person. A real family. A real soul.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Today, far too many are hurting. And far too many of us forget that we all come from somewhere else—immigrants, settlers, pilgrims, seekers. We forget our roots. We forget our shared humanity. We forget that before we were citizens of a country, we were created in the image of God.

Why is this happening?

In one word: Fear.

Fear of those who look different.

Fear of cultures we don’t understand.

Fear of being wrong.

Fear that someone else’s truth might call ours into question.

Fear of change.

Fear that loving someone might cost us something.

Fear, when left unchecked, leads us away from God’s heart.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” — 1 John 4:18

Fear is what turns neighbors into enemies.

Fear is what keeps us silent when we should speak.

Fear is what fuels hate, prejudice, and pride.

And here’s the hard truth: Fear can turn a nation of hope into a land of hostility.

So what do we do?

We repent.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

We don’t need louder arguments.

We need broken hearts before a holy God.

We need courage—not to fight back, but to love boldly.

We need the humility to ask Jesus to make us more like Him.

It’s time to stop standing on the sidelines.

It’s time to stop letting fear write our stories.

It’s time to show the world what real love looks like.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

Let us be brave enough to value every life.

Let us be honest enough to admit where we’ve failed.

Let us be bold enough to repent and start again.

A Prayer of Confession and Repentance

Gracious and Holy God,

We come before You with heavy hearts, burdened by what we see in the world around us. Forgive us, Lord, for the fear we have let rule our hearts. Forgive us for the hatred we’ve allowed to fester, for the silence we’ve kept when we should have spoken, and for the pride that has blinded us to Your truth.

We confess that we’ve made idols out of politics, power, and personal comfort. We have turned away from Your ways and trusted in our own. We have failed to love our neighbors as ourselves. We have forgotten that every person we meet is made in Your image.

God, we repent. We turn away from fear and toward faith.

We turn away from hate and toward hope.

We turn away from sin and toward Your mercy.

Come, Holy Spirit. Heal our land. Heal our hearts.

Help us to live with love, walk with humility, and serve with courage.

Make us more like Jesus.

Make our nation more like the kingdom of God.

In the name of Christ our Savior, we pray.

Amen.

Let this be more than just a blog post. Let it be a call to action, to humility, and to love. Because the world doesn’t need more fear—it needs the church to rise up in grace and truth.

The Gospel Keeps Moving Forward (Acts 28:17-31)

Wow. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think about the Book of Acts.

We’ve talked about it a lot. But what have been your thoughts on this incredible book?

Throughout our study, we’ve explored many characters, but we must remember that the main character—the driving force—of Acts is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit keeps the journey alive and propels the mission of God forward.

Looking Back at the Journey

As we close out this Bible study, let’s reflect on where we began.

In Acts 1, a small band of believers gathered to pray, wait, fast, and seek God’s guidance after Jesus ascended.

During that time of waiting, God was at work in them and through them, preparing them to proclaim the gospel boldly throughout the world.

It’s like the headwaters of the Mississippi River—small, seemingly insignificant, yet destined to become a powerful force that impacts the world.

Through Acts, we’ve seen:

  • People healed.
  • Lives transformed.
  • The Spirit changing hearts, minds, and entire directions.
  • Paul boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Savior of the world.
  • And through it all, the Spirit enabled people like Peter and Paul to keep moving forward, even when things became difficult.

They endured:

  • Hardships
  • Imprisonment
  • Beatings
  • Slander
  • Shipwrecks
  • Snake bites

Yet, they kept their eyes on Jesus. They trusted in Him completely and without reservation.

A Truth We All Need to Hear

Sometimes, life is harder than we expect or think we can handle. But here’s the good news: God’s presence is with you. He walks with you, guides you, and gives you the strength to keep moving forward.

If you look back on your life, you can probably recall moments where you wondered how you made it through. That’s the Spirit at work.

The Spirit Will Lead You Where You Never Expected

Following Jesus means going places we never imagined. We will meet people we wouldn’t normally choose to interact with. But if we are obedient, our lives will be transformed—and so will theirs.

Yes, the Holy Spirit is the central figure of Acts, but Paul is the primary human character in the latter half of the book.

Paul was sent to proclaim Jesus to the Gentiles and their rulers. He was given divine authority and power to navigate the challenges, circumstances, and people he encountered.

Paul’s Mission is Complete—Or Is It?

Paul’s journey brought him to Rome. How did he get there?

At one of his trials, he appealed to Caesar, meaning the Roman guards had to ensure he safely reached Rome to stand before the emperor. Paul was still moving forward, with the same relentless determination that had defined his ministry since his conversion.

Now in Rome, waiting for trial, Paul continued to proclaim the gospel to everyone he could. He welcomed visitors into his rented home—even as a captive—and shared the message of Jesus without hesitation.

The Unfinished Story

Acts ends rather abruptly. It’s as if the book is incomplete. It reminds me of the ending of Back to the Future Part III.

At the end of the movie, Marty McFly shows Doc Brown a paper from the future, only to see the words vanish before his eyes. Confused, he asks why the words disappeared.

Doc listens, then replies:

“Of course it’s vanished! Your future hasn’t been written yet—no one’s has! The best thing you can do is make your future the best it can be.”

That line sticks with me.

But as followers of Christ, our future isn’t about making things the best for ourselves—it’s about joining God in His work to make the future what He intends it to be.

What Kind of Future Are You Looking For?

We all have moments of setbacks, struggles, and hardships. We all have different experiences that strengthen our faith and prepare us for what’s ahead.

This is likely why Paul wrote these powerful words in Romans 5:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5, NIV)

The Work of God is Not Finished

Acts may have ended, but God’s work continues. Luke, the author of Acts, may have simply run out of room to write more.

But perhaps he left the story open-ended on purpose.

Because God is not done yet.

The unfinished nature of Acts reminds us that God’s mission of transformation continues today.And that means we are part of the story.

How Will You Move Forward?

Ask yourself:

What kind of future are you looking for?

How is God preparing you for what’s next?

Everything Paul endured—every hardship, every struggle—only strengthened the gospel message.

Through it all, he gained resilience and perseverance. Through it all, God supplied the power, ability, and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

And the Holy Spirit does the same for us today.

You Can Move Forward in Hope

Right now, you may be wondering:

How will this situation work out?

When will this difficult season end?

How will I stay above water with everything going on?

But here’s the truth:

We are people of hope.

And because of that, we move forward.

Your Life is Part of the Gospel Story

As we live out our faith with joy, our lives become a testimony of transformation, hope, and forgiveness.

You might be the example someone else needs to encounter God’s goodness.

So, after studying these twelve passages in Acts…

After praying and discovering more about God’s faithfulness…

Are you ready to move forward with Christ?

The Movement of the Spirit Continues

Acts is about the movement of the Holy Spirit, keeping the gospel moving forward. But it’s also about how the Spirit invites people to be the vessels through which the mission continues.

Following Jesus won’t always be easy or comfortable. But it will always be worth it.

And through it all, God will be with you—guiding you, strengthening you, and using you to bring others to faith in Jesus Christ.

And one day, when you look back on your life, I pray you’ll hear the words:

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23, NIV)

Are You Ready to Keep Moving Forward?

Let’s pray the Wesley Covenant Prayer together:

I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, Praised for you or criticized for you.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God,

Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,

you are mine, and I am yours.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it also be made in heaven. Amen

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

  • What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?
  • What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?
  • How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?
  • What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?
  • Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?
  • What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE TO CONTINUE TO GROW IN YOUR DISCIPLESHIP

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Bringing Them In (Acts 15:6-21)

October 31 is Reformation Day. While much of the world focuses on candy and things that go bump in the night, Protestants have something far more significant to celebrate—the greatest movement of God’s Spirit since the days of the Apostles.

But what is the significance of Reformation Day, and how should we reflect on the events it commemorates?

Few in 1517 would have imagined that the sound of a hammer striking a church door in Wittenberg, Germany, would soon be heard around the world. Yet Martin Luther’s nailing of his Ninety-Five Theses on October 31 sparked a debate that would lead to the greatest transformation of Western society since the Apostles first preached the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

At its core, the Reformation was about breaking barriers. Because of it, more people gained:

Access to the Scriptures in their own language.

The ability to worship freely in their native tongue.

The joy of congregational singing in worship.

But beyond these practical changes, the Church underwent a theological and missional shift that would impact generations to come.

There are moments in history when God uses events to realign His Church with His Word, His Son, and His Spirit.

Our passage this week marks one of the first times such a “reformation of thinking” had to take place—specifically regarding how “outsiders” were welcomed into the family of God.

The Council at Jerusalem: A Debate Over Inclusion

What was the issue that brought this council together?

Acts 15:1-2 tells us:

“Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”

To us, this debate may seem unnecessary—we know that God welcomes all who place their faith in Jesus. But at the time, circumcision was the defining mark of belonging to the Jewish people. To suggest that it wasn’t necessary for salvation was a radical shift.

Paul later writes in Romans 2:11:

“For God does not show favoritism.”

Yet, the early Church wrestled with this concept. Could people truly belong to God without adhering to the Jewish Law?

Conflict is Inevitable—But Division is a Choice

From the very beginning, there has been conflict among Christ’s followers.

Why? Because we’re human.

As long as we live in the tension of sin vs. Spirit, conflict is unavoidable.

But here’s the good news: while conflict is inevitable, division is a choice.

The apostles had a decision to make. They had to think logically, theologically, and culturally about what it truly meant to belong to the family of God.

Would they stick to tradition, or would they embrace the Spirit’s leading and open the doors for the Gentiles?

The Debate and the Decision

Paul and Barnabas passionately defended the work of the Spirit among the Gentiles.

They shared stories of:

How the gospel was being proclaimed.

How the Holy Spirit was moving among non-Jewish believers.

How lives were being transformed.

But some of the apostles hesitated. They had gone through so much to follow Jesus—shouldn’t the new converts have to go through the same things?

This debate was not just about rituals—it was about identity.

Would Gentile believers need to “look” Jewish to truly belong to Jesus?

Again, conflict is inevitable, but division is a choice.

Peter’s Key Realization: It’s About Grace, Not Burdens

Peter finally stood up and addressed the council:

“Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?” (Acts 15:10, NIV)

In other words: Even we couldn’t keep the Law—why place that burden on new believers?

Peter reminded them of the core truth of the gospel:

“We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11, NIV)

This was a turning point.

James, Jesus’ brother, agreed. He said:

“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” (Acts 15:19, NIV)

Instead of requiring circumcision, they sent a simple letter encouraging Gentile believers to:

Avoid sexual immorality.

Refrain from eating food sacrificed to idols.

With that decision, the Church took a major step forward—welcoming all people into the family of God by grace alone.

What This Means for Us Today

The Spirit was at work then, and the Spirit is at work now.

But we must ask ourselves:

Are we creating unnecessary barriers for those coming to Christ?

Are we focused on welcoming people in—or keeping them out?

Do we make people feel like they must “earn” their place among us?

Too often, we want people to know what we went through to get where we are. We want to make sure they understand the sacrifices we made. But if we’re not careful, those expectations become barriers.

As the Spirit moves, more people will come to faith.

More people will hear the gospel and respond.

More people will want to be part of the Body of Christ.

How we respond will show whether or not we are in step with the Spirit.

Breaking Barriers for the Gospel

Throughout history, people have built barriers to keep others out.

Society has:

Created divisions between classes.

Built walls to keep people separated.

Made rules to ensure some remain excluded.

But Jesus changes everything.

Jesus seeks out the least, the last, and the lost—bringing them into His kingdom.

Christianity was never about exclusion—it’s about invitation.

When people encounter the Spirit of Jesus, they are changed, transformed, and aligned with His mission.

How is the Spirit Speaking to You?

Who is the Spirit seeking through you?

How will you welcome those whom the Spirit sends?

What barriers do you need to break down?

Let’s look again at these hopeful words, quoting the prophet Amos:

“After this, I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things—things known from long ago.” (Acts 15:16-18, NIV)

God, through His Spirit, is doing amazing things.

Are you ready to be part of it?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

  • What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?
  • What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?
  • How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?
  • What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?
  • Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?
  • What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK: CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE

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Sent out With Power (Acts 13:1-12)

One Thursday, I was picking up my littles from school. Everything was going well! We were all set to watch Sage perform her cheers, our expedition was packed, and everyone was in. I put the key in the ignition…

Click. Click. Click.

Nothing but rapid clicks. It turns out my youngest had left the hazard lights on.

No problem—I pulled out our battery charger and waited. Still nothing.

Friday morning, I tried again. Nothing. I left the battery charger on for a few hours. Still nothing. So, I walked to the auto store, bought a new battery, and carried it back a few blocks (those things get heavy after a while).

It took some time to change the battery, but when I turned the key, the engine roared to life! I was excited—until I realized something was still wrong. The power steering wasn’t working, and electrical errors started popping up.

So… it turns out the alternator is a pretty crucial part of the charging system. Without it, the battery eventually dies, and the engine has no power. In other words, the vehicle can’t function the way it was designed to without a connection to its power source.

The Early Church: Powered by the Spirit

This is a picture of how Christ orders His Church. In the early Church, different people were called to different roles, each playing a vital part in carrying out God’s mission in the world.

Ephesians 4 outlines these roles:

  • Apostles
  • Prophets
  • Evangelists
  • Shepherds (pastors)
  • Teachers

This fivefold ministry (often called APEST) is like a fist—five fingers working together to deliver a powerful impact.

Without these roles functioning as God intended, the Church loses power. The Holy Spirit works through all of these roles collectively to keep the Church running as it should.

The Church in Antioch was no different.

Antioch was a diverse community and the central hub for Christianity. In fact, it was here that believers were first called “Christians”—a nickname given by outsiders, mocking them for being “little Christs.”

But instead of keeping everything in-house, the believers knew they had to send people out to spread the Gospel.

Paul & Barnabas: Sent Out in Power

Paul and Barnabas were prayed over and commissioned to reach the Gentiles—non-Jewish people considered outsiders to the faith.

This was the only way God’s mission would advance—by the Spirit leading, guiding, and empowering His people.

Paul followed a pattern in his ministry:

Go to the synagogues first to preach to the Jews.

Then go to the Gentiles—taking the message to those outside the Jewish community.

As Paul (formerly Saul) began using his Greek name, he became more relatable to the people he was trying to reach. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, his words carried authority, leading to transformed hearts and changed lives.

But Paul also knew this truth: If he tried to minister in his own power, he would fail.

He had to be recharged daily by the Spirit. He also understood the importance of partnership—bringing others along in the mission, equipping them to use their God-given gifts.

Opposition from the Enemy

Of course, as with Jesus (Mark 1), Paul’s ministry faced spiritual opposition right from the start.

One of his first major encounters was with Bar-Jesus, a false prohphet and sorcerer, as well as Elymas, a orcerer who led people away from God’s truth.

A false prophet is anyone who redirects people’s focus away from Jesus—whether to another god, another ideology, or even themselves.

Paul had enough of Elymas.

“You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10, NIV)

Harsh words? Maybe. But Paul was simply calling out the truth—Elymas had been listening to the wrong source.

Then Paul took it a step further:

“Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” (Acts 13:11, NIV)

This was one of three times in Acts where God Himself caused an illness or affliction.

Why blindness?

Because Elymas was already spiritually blind. Now, his physical blindness would serve as a sign to everyone around him.

And it worked.

The governor, who had been listening to Elymas, witnessed this and immediately became a believer in Jesus.

What’s the Point?

So, what does this all mean for us today?

What is your power source?

The “right” answer is Jesus, but what actually guides your decisions?

What gets most of your time, energy, and focus?

Who are you walking with?

Paul didn’t do ministry alone. He trained and empowered others.

Who are the people around you? How are you serving together?

Are you listening to the Holy Spirit?

The Spirit speaks—but are you paying attention?

Are you open to being led, even when it challenges your plans?

Stay Connected to the Power of the Spirit

Like a car needs power to function, the Church only moves forward when believers are filled with the Spirit and sent out in His power.

And that’s still happening today.

The Church moves forward because men and women are being equipped, empowered, and sent out—proclaiming God’s message and demonstrating His power in both word and deed.

So, let’s ask ourselves:

Are we staying connected to the Spirit?

Or are we trying to run on an empty battery?

Because when we stay plugged into God’s power, the results are unstoppable.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

  • What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?
  • What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?
  • How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?
  • What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?
  • Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?
  • What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK:CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE

TRANSFORMATION 1 8Download

Conversion (Acts 9)

This week, we turn to a well-known passage: the conversion of Saul (whom we know as Paul).

What should we do when we come across familiar scriptures? We should step back and attempt to read or listen to them from a fresh perspective—as if encountering them for the first time.

Why? Because every time we engage with Scripture, it should transform us.

That brings us to our word of the day: Conversion.

One scholar writes,

“Conversion is the beginning of the Christian journey, not its final destination… Conversion is not for the smug individual possession of the convert, but rather for the ongoing thrust of the gospel… God is the chief actor in all Lukan accounts of conversion.”

Conversion is God’s work in our lives—constantly transforming us into His likeness through Jesus Christ. But let’s be clear: conversion does not mean everything will suddenly become easy.

Take Saul (Paul), for example. He spent years proving that Jesus was at work in his life. His transformation had a profound impact on those around him.

Today, let’s look at this story through a different lens—the perspective of one of Saul’s traveling companions as they journeyed toward Damascus.

____________________________________________________

Through the Eyes of One of Saul’s Companions

“We had just received the letters from the high priest. Saul was still burning with rage against these people who followed Jesus. But something about him had changed since Stephen’s stoning.

We knew exactly what we were looking for—those who belonged to the Way. We knew exactly where to find them. How dare these people claim Judaism was wrong? How dare they say that a dead man was alive? They had to be stopped before they convinced everyone.

I will admit, though—something about these Jesus-followers was different. Their lives were transformed. But how could someone who wasn’t even here anymore have that kind of influence? Couldn’t they see the chaos they were causing by speaking about Jesus? Our cities were being turned upside down!

Order had to be restored. That was our mission.

We had heard about synagogues and houses in Damascus where people were worshipping Jesus. We knew exactly where to go. And with the high priest’s letters in hand, we had the authority to carry out our mission. That gave me confidence—we weren’t acting alone. We had the law on our side.

The road to Damascus stretched before us. We had been walking for some time, discussing what we would do once we found these people. We were ready.

Then, out of nowhere—a blinding light!

There was something different about this light. Saul dropped to the ground. We froze. None of us knew what was happening.

We tried to move closer, but something held us back. We tried to speak to Saul, but he wasn’t listening to us. Instead, we heard him cry out, “Who are you, Lord?”

This was strange. We saw nothing in the light, but there were sounds—words spoken—but we couldn’t make out what was being said.

And then, just as quickly as it came, the light was gone.

Saul was still on the ground. He was panicked—he kept saying he was blind.

We helped him up, and he was grateful we were still there. But something about him had changed. He was different. We couldn’t explain it, but we felt it.

He insisted that we continue to Damascus. We were still on a mission, after all. But something else had shifted—Saul kept talking about someone named Ananias. We knew him—he was one of the followers of the Way. We were ready to arrest him.

But then Saul said something we never expected.

“I must go to Ananias,” he told us. “He will pray for me, and I will receive my sight again.”

What?

We were confused. But Saul was still our leader, so we followed his orders.

When we arrived in Damascus, we waited outside as Saul entered Ananias’ house. We watched as Ananias cautiously checked his surroundings, making sure no one saw Saul enter. And then, we waited.

After some time, Saul emerged.

His sight had returned.

But it wasn’t just his eyes that had changed—he had changed.

“Jesus is the true Messiah,” Saul told us. “He is the one I encountered in that great light. He is alive.”

Our leader—Saul, the devoted Pharisee—was now proclaiming Jesus.

_________________________________________________________

How Do We Know When Someone Has Been Converted?

Have you ever considered what Saul’s companions experienced? They witnessed something life-altering, even if they didn’t fully understand it.

So how do we recognize when someone has had a true conversion experience?

Some say conversion happens the moment we believe in Jesus. While belief is part of it, conversion is a process, not a single moment.

Look at the text:

Saul encountered Jesus on the road.

From that moment, he believed Jesus was the Messiah.

But his transformation continued in Damascus—through Ananias, through prayer, through baptism.

What experience led you to believe that Jesus is the rightful King?

But Saul wasn’t the only one who needed conversion.

Ananias had to be converted—from fear and prejudice to obedience and trust.

Saul’s companions were confronted with something beyond their understanding.

Saul himself had to move from being a Pharisee and persecutor to becoming a follower and missionary of Jesus.

Conversion isn’t just about a moment—it’s about what happens next.

Encountering the Presence of Christ

Friends, this is what happens when we truly experience Jesus.

His Holy Spirit breathes new life into us.

We become part of His family.

We become part of His mission.

The Spirit convicts. The Spirit transforms. The Spirit calls us to something greater.

So here’s the question:

How will you respond when the Holy Spirit convicts you?

Will you say, “Yes, Lord, my King, I will follow You completely!”

Or will you respond with indifference, thinking you already know enough?

This is one of the reasons I love going to the mountains. There is a majesty in that setting that I cannot escape—a presence that pulls me into an experience with God. Every time, I walk away different. There have been moments when I have been stopped in my tracks, confronted by the Spirit, and challenged to grow in faith.

So what about you?

What if, as you walk out these doors today, the Holy Spirit stops you in your tracks?

What if He is speaking to you, calling you to something deeper?

Are you ready to experience the presence and power of the Spirit?

Are you ready to be changed?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

  • What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?
  • What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?
  • How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?
  • What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?
  • Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?
  • What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK: CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE

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United with Christ (Acts 2)

As we continue our journey through the Book of Acts, remember this: a small beginning—a small group of believers—eventually transformed the entire world. Think of the Mississippi River. It starts as a modest stream but grows into a mighty, unstoppable force.

When we look back at the early Church in biblical times, it’s easy to feel envious. Miracles were happening everywhere. Thousands of people joined the movement of Christ at once. Evangelism might have seemed effortless.

But was it really?

What We Often Miss

There’s something crucial about the early Church that we can easily overlook—something we often miss today as well.

What is it? Complete devotion to Jesus and His teachings. A faith that was not compromised to fit the culture. They didn’t just speak about truth—they lived it out.

And what was the result?

Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, brought unity and growth.

The Obsession with Growth

Today, we often become so obsessed with growth that we try to force things to happen on our own. When things don’t go the way we expect, we get discouraged. So, we turn to programs, events, and entertainment to draw people in.

These methods may attract a crowd, but true transformation doesn’t come from entertainment—it comes from unwavering faithfulness to the truth.

Faithfulness Brings Power

Here’s something we all need to hear:

When we remain faithful to the truth—without compromise—we will witness incredible signs and wonders. When the Church (both individually and collectively) refuses to water down the gospel to “fit” the world’s expectations, Jesus Christ will reveal His power and bring the results.

What is the result?

“The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

The growth of the Church is Christ’s work, not ours. We are not responsible for producing results—we are called to be faithful and obedient. As we walk in obedience, we will see the Holy Spirit move.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Look at this passage—what does the Holy Spirit bring to the believers?

Unity.

But let’s clarify something: unity is not the same as uniformity.

We don’t have to do everything the same way. One of the most beautiful aspects of the Spirit’s work is that He does not create “cookie-cutter” believers.

Scripture repeatedly tells us that the Holy Spirit gives unique gifts to different people (Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12). This means that while not everyone will act or serve in the same way, we are united in mission and in Gospel truth.

Our unity in mission—not uniformity in method—is essential.

A Picture of True Unity

When we stay focused on Jesus, unexpected things happen.

We see a diverse group of people working together to make the hope of God’s kingdom a reality.

The Church is called to be a living example of what it means to dwell in God’s presence.

How?

Through our lives, we demonstrate complete devotion to Jesus Christ.

The Church is both physical and spiritual:

It is physical because we proclaim the Gospel, celebrate communion, and worship together.

It is spiritual because we remain in constant communication with God through prayer and unity with Christ and His people.

What This Means for Us Today

So what does this have to do with us?

We are invited to examine our faith and ask God to show us where we are out of alignment with Him.

We must ask:

How has the Holy Spirit gifted us?

How has the Spirit called us to be faithful in our specific community?

Instead of trying to replicate what other churches are doing, we must remain faithful to our unique calling in our community.

And here’s a crucial truth:

We don’t need to try to attract people.

Jesus is beautiful and attractive enough.

Our job is to pay attention to the work of the Holy Spirit. When we do, we will see true transformation and genuine growth—not manufactured results.

The Power of Faithful Witness

The early Church was not focused on performance. Their worship was not about putting on a show. They were patient, allowing the Gospel to shape their lives. They applied its truth in their relationships, workplaces, and everyday encounters.

And what happened?

Outsiders noticed the transformation.

People began to wonder, What do they have that I don’t?

Rumors spread about their gatherings, and misunderstandings arose. Yet, despite gossip and opposition, believers remained united in the Gospel, trusting the Spirit to bring transformation.

A Church Set Apart

When we remain focused on the Gospel and unified in Christ, something powerful happens:

The world sees that the Church is different.

We show the world what it looks like when God brings people together—how He breaks barriers, heals divisions, and reveals His presence through the Holy Spirit.

A Question to Consider

If we are not witnessing the Spirit’s movement like we hope, we must ask ourselves:

Are we truly seeking the Holy Spirit?

Or are we looking for something else to entertain us?

Have we made church about human desires instead of God’s presence?

The Point of It All

The Spirit of God is at work—bringing people to the truth of the Gospel, convicting hearts, leading people to repentance, and drawing them into His kingdom.

If we remain faithful to the truth, we will witness Jesus Christ revealing Himself through unity and growth.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

  • What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?
  • What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?
  • How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?
  • What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?
  • Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?
  • What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK: CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE

TRANSFORMATION 1 8Download

Timing (Acts 1)

Everything starts small. It takes something seemingly insignificant to spark a movement that can change the world.

Have you ever seen the headwaters of the Mississippi River? At first glance, it’s unimpressive—a small, quiet stream. But over time, through movement and force, it grows into one of the most powerful rivers in the world.

The Book of Acts paints a similar picture of the early Church. It begins with a small group gathering together, but through the unstoppable power of the Holy Spirit, a movement is unleashed that changes the world.

The Action-Packed Story of Acts

Acts has just about everything—except dinosaurs! Think about it: earthquakes, shipwrecks, avenging angels, daring escapes, riots, murder plots, political intrigue, and courtroom drama. Who needs soap operas or court shows when Acts has it all?

Today, we begin a series on the movement of the Holy Spirit in the early Church by exploring the narrative of Acts.

Written between 70 and 80 AD, Acts tells the story of the Church’s explosive growth. The book’s outline is found in Acts 1:8:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV)

The story unfolds just as Jesus said:

The message starts in Jerusalem,

Spreads to Judea and Samaria,

And ultimately reaches the ends of the known world (Rome).

This happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, Acts could be more accurately titled The Acts of the Holy Spirit or even The Acts of the Risen and Ascended Lord.

When reading Acts, remember it is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, showing how believers began faithfully living out their discipleship in everyday life.

Throughout this series, we will explore:

  • How Christians can live in a world with differing theological views.
  • The purpose of the Church.
  • The meaning of salvation.
  • How we are called to care for others.
  • And more.

Acts 1: The Theme of Timing

Acts 1 sets the stage by introducing key themes:

  • The promise of the Holy Spirit.
  • Waiting for God’s timing.
  • The mission of Jesus.
  • His ascension.
  • The selection of a new apostle to replace Judas.

There is so much to unpack in this one chapter, but today, we will focus on a single, overarching theme: timing.

Have you ever heard this joke?

What’s the hardest part of telling a joke? Timing.

One of our greatest struggles is wanting to know what’s coming next—what to do, when to act, and how things will turn out. Let’s be honest: how many of us enjoy waiting? We want things immediately—yesterday, even. We live in a constant state of impatience.

I know this is something I struggle with. My son, Solomon, loves to remind me of a joke I tell—how I get impatient at McDonald’s while waiting for my own drink…and I’m the one pouring it!

The Faith to Wait

Here’s the truth:

The life of faith is forged in the fires of patience.

Faith grows when we wrestle with ideas and new ways of living. It becomes deeply rooted in us when we take the time to let it sink into our daily lives.

This past summer, I participated in a Bible reading challenge, which I loved. After finishing a 40-day devotional (available on Facebook and soon to be published), I felt called to approach my devotional time differently.

I have always been someone who likes to start and finish projects quickly. But now, I am doing something that will take years to complete—and I need to be okay with that.

What have I started?

I’ve begun handwriting the Bible. Each day, I spend 15-30 minutes copying Scripture (from the NIV), moving at a much slower pace than I’m used to. Yet, I’ve noticed words, phrases, and repetitions I had never seen before. It has been an incredible experience, and I pray I will see this project through.

Why do I share this?

To brag? No.

I share this because Jesus always calls His disciples to wait.

He calls us to seek His will in everything. Our plans only succeed when we take time to discern what Jesus is saying—what we should do and how we should do it.

Learning to Wait on God

Notice how Jesus rebuked the disciples in Acts 1:6-7. They were focused on when things would happen, but Jesus essentially told them, You’re not ready yet. When the time comes, you will be.

Can you imagine that? After hearing all these exciting things about what Jesus was leading them to do, He says…wait.

Put this in today’s context—how many of us would be willing to do what Jesus asks if the first step is waiting?

Instead of rushing ahead, we are called to:

Spend time in prayer.

Discern the right timing and action together.

Trust that Jesus will reveal what we need when we need it.

Even though we might want to take action immediately, faith requires us to stay—to meditate on what has been revealed so far, trusting that God will provide direction in His perfect time.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The disciples didn’t move forward alone. The Holy Spirit—often the most neglected person of the Trinity—was sent to empower them.

The Holy Spirit is the one who:

Sanctifies us—making us whole and holy.

Convicts us of truth.

Comforts us in trials.

Guides us in God’s ways through Scripture.

But for us to experience this, we must take time to seek the Spirit’s presence and power.

Our Mission

What is our mission as followers of Christ?

Paul lays it out in 1 Timothy 2:1-4:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Jesus commands it in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

And we follow Jesus’ own mission in Luke 19:10:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

At times, this mission may seem impossible. And for us, it is. But through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, what God plans for, God provides for.

An Invitation to Trust God’s Timing

This week, I invite you to be present to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Identify areas where you struggle with impatience.

Ask God to help you trust His timing.

Wrestle with what it means to wait on Him.

Prayer and waiting may seem small, but when we seek God’s will, we will see Him move in mighty ways.

How are you at waiting?

Are you truly trusting God’s timing?

Or are you trying to force things to happen on your own terms?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

  • What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?
  • What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?
  • How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?
  • What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?
  • Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?
  • What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK: BEGIN TO WORK IN THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE

TRANSFORMATION 1 8Download

Our Mission: Making the Unknown Known (Acts 17:16-28)

We all find ourselves in these places—the places of endless debate. You know, the ones where nothing truly significant gets accomplished, yet people act as if they have everything figured out.

That is precisely where we find ourselves in this passage: the Areopagus, a gathering place akin to a city council. By the time Paul arrived, it had become a meeting ground for philosophers—thinkers who spent their days discussing and debating ideas.

Among them were two main groups:

The Epicureans—They believed everything happened by chance, death was the end of all things, and the gods were distant, uninvolved, and indifferent. Their highest aim was pleasure.

The Stoics—They believed that everything was divine, that all events were governed by fate, and that history endlessly repeated itself in cycles of destruction and renewal.

These were the intellectual elite, the place to hear the most exciting ideas about the world and how to live in it. They prided themselves on their wisdom—yet they had no way of making “the other side” agree with them.

The Problem with False Religion

This situation reveals something crucial: intellect alone has never eliminated false religion. These people were worshipping what they liked, building altars to their desires and fears alike.

The truth is, we do the same today. We worship—meaning we give excessive time, attention, and resources—to the things and people that bring us pleasure. At the same time, we also worship what we fear, doing anything to keep uncertainty and hardship at bay.

Then, Paul enters the scene, and the Holy Spirit begins to move.

Paul’s Calling and Mission

Remember Paul’s calling in Acts 9:

“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’”

Paul was handpicked by God to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles and their rulers. Despite beatings, imprisonments, and slander, Paul remained steadfast in his mission.

As he walked through Athens, he was deeply distressed by what he saw—altars everywhere, each one dedicated to a different god. The people were desperate to cover all their bases, ensuring their lives remained easy and their gods appeased.

The Altar to the Unknown God

As Paul searched the city, even entering the Temple of Athena, one altar caught his eye—an altar to an unknown god. This intrigued him. The Athenians thought they had accounted for every deity, but just in case they had missed one, they erected this altar as a safeguard.

It may seem strange, but is it really so different from what we do today?

Modern Idolatry

Walking through a Walmart, I see idols and gods everywhere—things tempting and enticing people to pour their money, time, and devotion into them.

  • The god of Tylenol—offering relief at any cost.
  • The god of Coca-Cola—promising comfort in a bottle.
  • The god of Blue Bell—demanding indulgence.
  • The god of entertainment and fashion—shaping identities.
  • The god of food—consuming rather than nourishing.

And in the midst of all this, I see images of the God—yet no one is paying attention.

The same is true at football stadiums:

  • The god of the end zone.
  • The god of children’s success.
  • The god of “Football is life.”

People pour their money, energy, and passion into these things, while the Spirit grieves that so few acknowledge the true God.

But most troubling of all, I see this in the church:

  • The god of music.
  • The god of carpet color.
  • The god of furniture placement.
  • The god of status symbols.
  • The god of the preacher’s sermon.

Worship becomes centered on personal preferences rather than surrendering to the living God.

Why Do We Worship These Things?

Because they are controllable. We like gods that we can manipulate, place where we want them, and make them serve our desires. We crave control, even in our faith.

Even as Christians, we fall into this trap. We say we trust God, yet we cling to control, forcing things to happen in our own way and timing. If things don’t go as planned, we blame others, circumstances, or even God Himself.

What Causes You Distress?

The Holy Spirit is constantly at work, opening our eyes to what should distress us. But often, our frustrations are misplaced:

  • The plane didn’t arrive on time.
  • The restaurant got our order wrong.
  • Someone took our parking spot.
  • Our team lost the game.

We pour our emotions into these trivial matters, yet when it comes to worship and serving Christ, we are emotionally drained. We have conditioned ourselves to watch worship rather than participate in it.

Think about the way we speak:

  • “My football team.”
  • “My baseball team.”
  • But when it comes to church? “The preacher’s sermon,” “The music that day.”

We subtly shift our focus away from worshiping God to making worship about us.

The Athenians and the Unknown God

The Athenians weren’t opposed to adding new gods, but they had rules:

  • The sponsor must claim to represent a deity.
  • The sponsor must provide evidence that the deity is willing to reside in Athens.
  • The deity’s presence must benefit Athenian life.

Paul met these conditions:

Verses 22-23 – He established himself as a proper herald of Jesus.

Verses 24-29 – He declared that the living God is not confined to temples or religious rituals.

Verses 30-31 – He proclaimed that Jesus seeks the lost, calls for repentance, and has been resurrected—offering hope rather than fear.

As Paul spoke, many Athenians were intrigued and began to follow him, eager to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Our Call Today

We find ourselves in the same position as Paul. We walk through:

  • Walmart.
  • Grocery stores.
  • Movie theaters.
  • Sports fields.
  • Churches.

And everywhere, we see people worshipping lesser gods. They may not realize it, but they carry symbols of the God—the cross, a representation of Christ—without truly knowing Him.

Even as believers, we sometimes miss the opportunity to know God personally. But the Holy Spirit offers us a fresh wind and fire. We are called to proclaim with boldness, joy, and courage that Jesus Christ is Risen!

This is not just a remembrance of what He did. It is a call to live in the reality that He lives.

Will We Be Bold?

Are we strong enough in Christ to do what He asks? Not everyone will receive the message of Jesus, but we remain steadfast, partnering with the Holy Spirit as we go into the world.

People came to faith because Paul was obedient to the Spirit’s call.

May we be just as bold in our faith—proclaiming Christ, encountering Him, and inviting the world to truly know the unknown God.

BEGINNING QUESTIONS: 

What are your thoughts about this scripture/sermon? 

What are you looking forward to as we begin this journey through Acts?

What might the Spirit be speaking to you as you begin this journey through the book of Acts?

How to work through this study of Acts

Each week begins with a sermon or reflection on the week’s scripture, written by Ryan, to help guide your thoughts and deepen your understanding. These sermons serve as starting points for discussion and reflection on the passage.

You are also encouraged to explore the discussion questions that follow each sermon. While the questions remain the same each week, your answers and conversations will evolve as you engage with the scripture in new ways.Additionally, there is a companion resource titled Transformation 1:8, located in the appendix. This discipleship challenge book is designed to help you explore what it means to live as a disciple of Christ in today’s world. I encourage you to take the time to engage with this resource and discover how it can transform both your personal faith and your communal walk with Christ.

TRANSFORMATION 1 8Download

Easter Sermon: Video Message of Hope

Check out this video sermon to hear the Easter message: