August 9, 2020

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:33-42

Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name. Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Messiah is Jesus.

Acts 5:41-42

Come to our Sunday Outdoor Worship Service OR Listen to Rev. Solomona’s sermon from today’s 10AM Sunday Worship Livestream on our Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/ccmla. Reflect on the Text Notes and Life Notes below.

NOTE: We will not have Monday Life Group meetings for the month of August. We will relaunch in September. Stay tuned for details!

Sermon Main Idea: The Church trusts God with the outcome of all things.

Text Notes:

  • Two Rejections to the Gospel
    • Violent Rejection (v.33)
      • The Gospel message enraged the Council
        • διεπρίοντο (dieprionto) – ‘cut to the heart’
      • The Council wanted to kill the apostles
        • ἀνελεῖν (anelein) – ‘to execute; destroy’
    • Passive Rejection (v.34-40)
      • Issues with Gamaliel’s counsel:
        1. Groups Jesus with rebels
        2. Ignores the available evidence
          • “If it is of men, it will fail. If it is of God, it will succeed.”
        3. Seeks middle ground
  • The Outcome of Obedience
    • Joyful association to Christ (41)
      • Shared suffering = shared joy
    • Courageous continuation in preaching Christ (42)
      • The Gospel was preached publicly and personally

Life Notes:

  • Do your best for God and leave the rest to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how wonderful You are to grant me Your joy and boldness in proclaiming Your Truth. Thank You for the blessing of obedience, which keeps me assured of Your Sovereignty. Help me to continue in faith in You, that Your joy in my life would be a witness to the words of Truth You cause me to proclaim wherever I go. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 7:1-22; Deuteronomy 29-30; Job 18