Something about the arrival of Jesus results in steady, unfaltering joy that triumphs through the difficulties of life. As the angel explained, Jesus' birth is good news of great joy for all of us.
See in this passage how the character of God - specifically His saving love - is the bedrock that produces steady joy in a person's life.
Lesson Two Handout - Replacing Judas
Jesus' birth reminds us of the powerful presence of God - that with God, nothing will be impossible. This is joy for the world! Nothing can stop God from keeping his gracious and glorious promises.
Lesson One Handout - The Natures of Jesus
Lesson One Handout - Who Are “Them,” and Why Do “They” Matter?
What becomes clear in this passage is that God's saving power is unstoppable. It is without rival. At the same time, God's saving power cannot be wielded, controlled, or purchased. Only those who repent and believe the gospel experience the saving power of God.
Stephen’s Spirit-filled message convicts the Israelites, but they respond with stiff necks and hard hearts. By their stubbornness, they reveal they aren’t truly God’s children. As Stephen makes clear, God’s true children are those who are tender-hearted toward His Word and His Spirit.
Sometimes when we experience growing pains in the church, we think growth is the problem. If only we could go back to the way things were! But that's not God's solution. God designed the church to thrive as a result of growing pains. In Acts 6, we see a growing church with growing needs! As those needs are met, the church multiplies powerfully!
In utter respect for God's presence among them, the early church proclaims the gospel boldly, despite persecution! As we grow in our reverence for God, our fear of people shrinks and we find joy in serving Him. Proclaim salvation in Jesus' name by the powerful presence of God's Spirit.
Listen to consider how we respect the presence of God's Spirit in the church from Acts 4 and 5, and the grave consequences when we don't.
Lesson Nine Handout