This sermon from Acts 6 addresses the challenges churches face during periods of growth and transition. The early church experienced growing pains when the Hellenistic Jewish widows were being overlooked in daily food distribution, creating complaints and potential division. The apostles responded by appointing seven deacons to handle administrative matters while they focused on prayer and preaching. The pastor emphasizes that growth brings both blessings and challenges, requiring churches to adapt and change while maintaining their focus on God's Word and reaching people for Christ. He challenges the congregation to embrace growth rather than resist it, noting that many churches fail to grow because they prioritize comfort and tradition over ministry effectiveness.

Daily Devotion Link

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to learn from Your Word. As we gather to study this passage about the early church in transition, we ask that You would prepare our hearts to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to be open to change and growth in our own lives and in our church. Give us wisdom to understand how we can better serve You and reach others for Christ. May Your Holy Spirit guide our discussion and help us apply these truths to our daily walk with You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

What's one change in your life (big or small) that initially seemed difficult but turned out to be a blessing? 

This week, identify one area where you might be resisting change in your personal life or church life. Pray about it and ask God to help you embrace His will, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Also, look for one practical way you can support your church's growth and ministry, whether through volunteering, welcoming newcomers, or encouraging church leadership. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and learning from Your Word. Help us to be people who embrace the changes You bring into our lives and our church. Give us hearts that are more concerned with reaching the lost than with our own comfort. Help us to support our church leadership through prayer and service as we continue to grow and transition. May we always remember that the church belongs to You, and our buildings and traditions are tools to be used for Your glory. Prepare us for the growth and opportunities You have ahead, and help us to be faithful stewards of all You've given us. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

This sermon explores the concept of 'kerygma' - the core gospel message consistently preached throughout the Book of Acts. Pastor Jerry examines Peter's brief sermon to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:29-32, highlighting how it contains the essential elements found in all New Testament gospel presentations: the crucifixion, resurrection, ascension of Christ, and the call to witness. The message emphasizes that all 18 sermons recorded in Acts share these same fundamental components, demonstrating the unchanging nature of the gospel message. The pastor stresses the importance of preaching this biblical content rather than modern church philosophies, noting that true transformation comes only through the kerygma - the proclamation of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection - followed by proper discipleship through biblical teaching.

Daily Devotion Link

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside our preconceived notions and be receptive to the truths You want to reveal through this discussion. Give us wisdom to understand the kerygma - the essential gospel message - and how it applies to our lives today. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and draw us closer to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

What's one skill or piece of knowledge that someone taught you when you were young that you still use today? Who taught it to you and why do you think it stuck with you?  

This week, identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel message. Pray for them daily and look for an opportunity to share the essential elements of the kerygma with them - Christ's death for sin, His resurrection, and the need for personal faith in Him. Practice bridging the gospel message with their specific context and circumstances. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for the unchanging power of the gospel message. Help us to be faithful heralds of the kerygma in our daily lives, sharing the good news of Your death, burial, and resurrection with boldness and love. Give us courage to stand firm in our faith even when we face opposition, remembering that we must obey You rather than men. May we be consistent in both proclaiming the gospel and growing in our understanding of Your teachings. Use us to reach those who are close to the kingdom but have not yet received You as their personal Savior. In Your precious name we pray, Amen. 

This sermon from Acts 5:17-29 focuses on the opposition and persecution faced by the apostles for preaching the gospel. The religious leaders, filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles for continuing to teach in Jesus' name despite being warned to stop. However, an angel freed them from jail and commanded them to continue preaching. When confronted again, Peter and the apostles declared they must obey God rather than men. The pastor emphasizes that Christians today face similar opposition and must stand firm in their faith, maintaining a biblical worldview despite cultural pressure. He introduces the concept of the 'kerygma' - the essential gospel message that comprises 25% of the Book of Acts - highlighting the importance of proclaiming the core truths of Christianity: the crucifixion, resurrection, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion Link

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word. As we gather together to study and discuss, help us to be receptive to Your Holy Spirit's leading. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions that might hinder us from hearing Your truth clearly. Give us wisdom and understanding as we examine the courage and faithfulness of the apostles, and show us how to apply these lessons to our own lives. We ask that You would speak to each heart here today and draw us closer to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

What is one thing you are passionate about that you would be willing to defend or stand up for, even if it made you unpopular? 

This week, identify one area where you may have been compromising your Christian beliefs due to cultural pressure or fear of opposition. Commit to standing firm in that area while showing love and grace to those who may disagree with you. Also, look for one opportunity to share 'this life' - the gospel message - with someone in your sphere of influence. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the apostles who courageously stood for truth despite opposition and persecution. Give us that same boldness and conviction to live out our faith authentically in a world that often opposes Your truth. Help us to obey You rather than men, even when it's difficult or costly. Strengthen our resolve to maintain a biblical worldview and to share the kerygma - the good news of salvation - with those around us. May we be faithful witnesses of 'this life' You have given us, showing both truth and love to a world that desperately needs You. Guard our hearts against jealousy and help us to support one another in the faith. We commit ourselves afresh to You and ask for Your protection and guidance as we seek to live for Your glory. In Your precious name we pray, Amen. 

This sermon from Acts 4:35-5:5 examines the story of Ananias and Sapphira, focusing on the dangers of jealousy, lying, and false worship. The pastor explains how this couple's jealousy of others' generous giving led them to lie to the Holy Spirit about their own gift, resulting in their immediate death. The message emphasizes that their sin wasn't just lying, but disrupting church unity and committing false worship by bringing a deceptive offering to God. The pastor warns against jealousy and envy in the church, explaining how these sins can destroy fellowship and hinder people from coming to salvation. He stresses the importance of honest worship and truthfulness in all aspects of life, noting that lying is often an attempt to preserve one's character while actually destroying it.


Daily Devotional Link

This sermon from Acts 4:35-5:5 examines the story of Ananias and Sapphira, focusing on the dangers of jealousy, lying, and false worship. The pastor explains how this couple's jealousy of others' generous giving led them to lie to the Holy Spirit about their own gift, resulting in their immediate death. The message emphasizes that their sin wasn't just lying, but disrupting church unity and committing false worship by bringing a deceptive offering to God. The pastor warns against jealousy and envy in the church, explaining how these sins can destroy fellowship and hinder people from coming to salvation. He stresses the importance of honest worship and truthfulness in all aspects of life, noting that lying is often an attempt to preserve one's character while actually destroying it. 

What's something you were really excited to give or share with someone recently, and how did it make you feel? 

This week, examine your heart for any areas where jealousy or envy might be taking root. If you discover these feelings toward others' blessings or recognition, confess them to God and pray for those people instead. Also, practice radical honesty in your daily interactions - choose to tell the truth even when it's uncomfortable or might get you in trouble. Remember that truthfulness honors God and builds genuine relationships. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for this powerful reminder about the importance of honesty and pure worship. Help us to examine our hearts and remove any jealousy, envy, or desire for recognition that might hinder our relationship with You. Give us courage to always speak the truth, even when it's difficult. Help us to worship You with pure hearts, seeking only Your glory and not our own recognition. Thank You for Your grace that covers our failures, and help us never to take that grace for granted. May our lives and our worship bring honor to Your name alone. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

This sermon focuses on the importance of unity in the church, drawing from Acts 4:32-37 which describes the early church's remarkable unity where believers were of one heart and mind, sharing everything in common. The pastor emphasizes that unity is the most crucial element for a healthy church, more important than doctrine or other factors. He warns against jealousy and presumptuous sin, using the upcoming story of Ananias and Sapphira as an example of how jealousy can destroy church unity. The message highlights the beauty of the early church's selfless giving and mutual care, while cautioning against the dangers of pride, entitlement, and division that can tear apart congregations.

Daily Devotional Link

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the privilege of gathering together as Your people. As we study Your Word today about unity in the church, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside our own agendas and pride, and make us receptive to Your Spirit's leading. Show us how we can better love one another and maintain the unity that You desire for Your church. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

What's one thing you appreciate most about being part of a church community, and how has someone in the church shown kindness or encouragement to you recently?

This week, identify one person with whom you may have tension or disagreement. Take the initiative to reach out to them with humility and love, seeking to understand their perspective and work toward unity. If there are no current conflicts, look for someone you can encourage or serve in a practical way, demonstrating the 'one heart and mind' spirit of the early church.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the early church and their beautiful unity. Help us to examine our own hearts for any jealousy, pride, or selfishness that could harm the unity of our church family. Give us humble hearts that are quick to forgive, slow to take offense, and eager to serve one another. May our love for each other be so evident that the world will know we are Your disciples. Protect our church from division and help us to be peacemakers who build up rather than tear down. Use us to encourage and restore those who have fallen, just as Barnabas did with John Mark. We pray for Your grace upon grace to be evident in our lives and relationships. In Jesus' name, Amen.

This sermon focuses on the early church's response to persecution in Acts 4, emphasizing the importance of a Christian community and boldness in faith. The pastor draws parallels between the persecution faced by the apostles and contemporary challenges facing Christians today, including restrictions on religious expression and global persecution of believers. He stresses that true discipleship requires commitment that may cost relationships, possessions, and even life itself. The message highlights how the early church responded to threats not with fear, but with prayer, unity, and increased boldness in proclaiming the gospel. The pastor calls for Christians to understand the seriousness of their commitment and to find strength in their church community when facing opposition.

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning asking for open hearts and minds. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us through Your Word today. Give us the courage to hear difficult truths and the wisdom to apply them to our lives. May Your Holy Spirit guide our discussion and draw us closer to You and to one another. We pray that You would speak to each person here according to their needs, and help us to support one another as we grow in faith. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

What is one place or group of people that makes you feel most at home and supported when you're going through a difficult time?

This week, identify one area where you have been hesitant to stand boldly for your faith - whether at work, school, or in your community. Pray specifically for courage and wisdom, and look for an opportunity to speak truth with love. Also, reach out to at least one person from your church community to encourage them or ask for prayer support.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the early church and their courage in the face of persecution. Help us to be committed disciples who are willing to pay the cost of following You. Strengthen our church community and help us to support one another through whatever challenges may come. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us boldness to speak Your truth with love. May we be faithful witnesses in our generation, just as the apostles were in theirs. Prepare our hearts for whatever You have ahead, and help us to trust in Your sovereignty over all things. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

This sermon examines Acts 4:18-21, focusing on the apostles' response when religious leaders commanded them to stop preaching in Jesus' name. The message explores the concept of personal commitment to Christ and civil disobedience when human authority conflicts with God's commands. The pastor emphasizes that while Christians should generally obey governing authorities, when those authorities forbid the preaching of the gospel, believers must choose obedience to God over man. The sermon also highlights the importance of Christian community during times of persecution, showing how the apostles returned to their own people for support and prayer after their confrontation with the religious leaders.

Daily Devional - https://devotion.woodlakebaptistchurch.org/seeds-of-persecution-acts-4-pt4-nov-16-2025-restream

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We ask that You would speak to each of us individually and as a group. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with You about our level of commitment to Your kingdom. Open our minds to understand Your Word and our hearts to apply it to our lives. Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it's difficult. We pray that our time together would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

This week, identify one area where you may be compromising your Christian witness due to fear of what others might think or say. Commit to taking one specific step to be more bold in sharing your faith or living out your Christian values in that situation. Also, reach out to at least one person in your church community to encourage them or offer support, strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Peter and John who chose to obey You rather than man. Give us that same courage and commitment in our daily lives. Help us to be people who have truly 'been with Jesus' and are filled with Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen the bonds of fellowship in our church family so that we can support one another through whatever challenges may come. When we face pressure to compromise our faith, remind us that You are watching and that our first allegiance is to You. Help us to be bold witnesses for Your name this week. We commit ourselves afresh to You and ask for Your strength to live out this commitment. In Jesus' name, Amen.

This sermon from Acts 4:12-17 focuses on the persecution faced by early Christians and warns of coming persecution for modern believers. The pastor emphasizes that salvation comes only through the name of Jesus Christ, as stated in Acts 4:12. He discusses how Peter and John were arrested and interrogated for healing a man in Jesus' name, yet they boldly stood their ground despite being considered 'uneducated and untrained.' The religious leaders couldn't deny the miracle but threatened the disciples to stop speaking in Jesus' name.

The pastor connects this historical persecution to current and future challenges facing Christians, citing examples of persecution worldwide and warning that similar persecution is coming to America. He emphasizes the power of the name of Jesus throughout Scripture and challenges believers to be bold in their faith, even if it means facing opposition. The sermon concludes with historical examples of Roman emperors who persecuted Christians, reminding the congregation that the church has always faced opposition but will ultimately overcome through Christ.

5 Day Devotional

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us through Your Word. We ask that You would speak to each person here today and help us to be receptive to the truths You want to reveal to us. Give us boldness like Peter and John to stand firm in our faith, and help us to understand the power and importance of the name of Jesus in our lives. Prepare our hearts for this time of discussion and fellowship. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

What's one thing you're really passionate about that you would be willing to defend or stand up for, even if others disagreed with you?

This week, look for one opportunity to boldly share the name of Jesus with someone who doesn't know Him. Whether it's a coworker, neighbor, or stranger you encounter, ask God to give you the same boldness that Peter and John demonstrated. Don't be discouraged if you feel 'uneducated' or inadequate - remember that God uses ordinary people who have been with Jesus to do extraordinary things.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Peter and John who stood boldly for Your name despite opposition and threats. Help us to have that same courage and conviction in our daily lives. Strengthen us to be witnesses for You, knowing that You have changed our lives in ways that cannot be denied. Prepare us for whatever challenges may come, and help us to always remember that there is power in Your name alone. Give us opportunities this week to share Your love with others, and may we never be ashamed of the gospel. We commit ourselves to standing firm in our faith, no matter what the cost. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

This sermon focuses on Acts 4:5-12, examining the interrogation of Peter and John after they healed a crippled man. The pastor emphasizes that when Christians face questioning about their faith, it's a God-given opportunity to share the gospel rather than argue. The religious leaders, government officials, and temple police all gathered to intimidate the apostles, but Peter and John stood firm, boldly declaring that the healing was done through Jesus Christ - the same Jesus these leaders had crucified but whom God raised from the dead. The sermon highlights Jesus as both the cornerstone and capstone, the foundation and completion of our faith. The pastor warns that people must either fall broken upon this cornerstone (Jesus) in humility and repentance, or they will be crushed to powder by it in judgment.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We ask that You would speak to each person here according to their need. Help us to be honest about where we are in our walk with You, and give us courage to stand firm in our faith when we face questions or opposition. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we grow in our understanding of Your Word. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Share about a time when you felt intimidated in a group setting - maybe at work, school, or in a social situation. How did you handle it?

This week, practice sharing your testimony in 60 seconds or less, focusing on three simple elements: your life before Christ, how you came to faith in Jesus, and how He has changed your life. Look for opportunities to share this with someone - whether a family member, coworker, or friend who asks about your faith.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our cornerstone - our sure foundation and our hope. Help us to stand boldly for You as Peter and John did, even when we face opposition or intimidation. Give us wisdom to share our faith with gentleness and respect, always pointing people to You rather than trying to win arguments. For those in our group who may still be wrestling with surrendering their lives to You, we pray they would fall broken upon You in humility rather than resist Your call. Strengthen our faith and help us to live as testimonies of Your grace and power. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

This sermon from Acts 4:1-4 focuses on the persecution that arose after Peter and John healed a crippled man and preached about Jesus' resurrection. The pastor emphasizes that the Jewish religious leaders - priests, Sadducees, temple guards, and rulers - were provoked and arrested the apostles because their power and authority were threatened. The Sadducees particularly opposed the resurrection message since they didn't believe in resurrection. Despite the persecution and arrest, 5,000 men believed and were saved as a result of the preaching. The pastor draws parallels to modern-day persecution of Christians and emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, not backing down from sharing the gospel, and being willing to face opposition for Christ's sake.

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds. We ask that You would prepare us to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word today. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and give us courage to apply what we learn to our daily lives. May our discussion bring glory to Your name and strengthen our faith. We pray that You would use this time to draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

What's one thing you've stood up for or defended strongly, even when it wasn't popular or easy to do?

This week, identify one area where you may have been hesitant to share your faith or stand up for Christian values due to fear of opposition or persecution. Pray for courage and look for an opportunity to boldly but lovingly represent Christ in that situation, trusting that God will give you the words to say.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Peter and John who stood firm in their faith despite persecution. Give us that same courage and boldness to represent You well in our daily lives. Help us to remember that You are sovereign over all circumstances, even when we face opposition for following You. Strengthen our resolve to share the gospel and use Your name as our example, knowing that You will be with us and give us the words to speak. May we never be ashamed of the cross or back down from proclaiming Your truth. Use any persecution or difficulty we face to grow Your kingdom and bring others to salvation. We commit ourselves afresh to You and ask for Your protection and guidance. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Pastor Jerry delivered a powerful sermon from Acts 3:11-26, focusing on Peter's second sermon after healing a crippled man. The message centers on why people reject Jesus Christ, using the Jewish nation's denial of their Messiah as the primary example. Peter confronted the crowd at Solomon's Colonnade, explaining that they had denied the Holy and Righteous One - Jesus Christ - and chose a murderer (Barabbas) instead. The pastor emphasized that this wasn't just about ancient Israel, but applies to anyone today who rejects Christ.

The sermon highlighted three key aspects of their rejection: they denied Jesus, they killed Him in front of Pilate when they could have released Him, and they chose a criminal over the Son of God. Pastor Jerry stressed that Jesus is described as the "source of life" (archegon ha zeos in Greek), meaning He is the eternal headwaters of all life. Since Jesus is the source of life itself, it was impossible for death to hold Him, which is why God raised Him from the dead. The message concluded with a call for surrender to Christ, warning against the danger of denying the one who loves us most.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with grateful hearts, thanking You for gathering us together in Your house. Lord, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today through Your Word. Help us not just to hear with our ears, but to truly listen with our hearts. Remove any distractions, any pride, or any resistance that might prevent us from receiving Your truth. Holy Spirit, work in each of our lives and show us areas where we need to surrender more fully to You. We pray that our time together would bring glory to Your name and draw us closer to Jesus. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you want to ask them?

Key Verses

• Acts 3:13-15
• Acts 3:19
• Acts 3:22-23
• John 1:1
• Psalm 16:10
  
  

Questions

• Peter told the crowd that they denied Jesus even when Pilate wanted to release Him. What are some ways people 'deny' Jesus today, even when they have opportunities to accept Him?
• The sermon mentioned that Jesus is called the 'Holy and Righteous One' - titles the Jews would have recognized from Old Testament prophecies. Why do you think people reject Jesus even when they have knowledge about who He is?
• Peter emphasized that he and John didn't heal the crippled man by their own power. How can we make sure we give God the glory when He works through us?
• The pastor explained that Jesus is the 'source of life' (archegon ha zeos). How does understanding Jesus as the eternal source of all life change your perspective on His death and resurrection?
• The Jewish people chose Barabbas (a murderer) over Jesus. What are some things in our culture that people choose over Jesus, and why do you think they make these choices?
• Peter said the people acted 'in ignorance' when they rejected Jesus. How can we help people today who are rejecting Christ due to ignorance or misunderstanding?
• The sermon mentioned that persecution scattered the early Christians, which actually helped spread the Gospel. How can God use difficult circumstances in our lives for His purposes?
• Peter called for repentance so that 'seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.' What does genuine repentance look like, and how does it lead to spiritual refreshing?
  
  

Life Application
This week, examine your own heart for any areas where you might be 'denying' Jesus through your actions, words, or priorities. Choose one specific area where you need to surrender more fully to Christ, and take a concrete step to honor Him in that area. Also, pray for someone in your life who is rejecting Jesus, and look for an opportunity to share His love with them.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One whom the Old Testament prophets foretold, and rejecting Him has serious eternal consequences
• All healing and miracles come from God's power, not human ability or godliness - we must give Him all the glory
• Jesus is the eternal source of life (archegon ha zeos), which is why death could not hold Him and why God raised Him from the dead
• People reject Jesus despite having knowledge about Him, often choosing worldly things over the Savior who loves them
• God can use persecution and difficult circumstances to spread the Gospel and accomplish His purposes
  
  

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of studying Your Word together. We are convicted by Peter's bold message about how people denied You, and we confess that we too have denied You in various ways throughout our lives. Help us to surrender completely to You and stop rejecting Your love and lordship over our lives. We pray for those in our families and communities who are still denying You - open their hearts to see You as the Holy and Righteous One, the source of all life. Give us boldness like Peter to share the Gospel and give You all the glory when You work through us. Thank You that because You are the source of life, death could not hold You, and we have hope of eternal life through faith in You. Help us to live this week as people who have truly surrendered to the King of kings. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Pastor Jerry delivers a powerful message from Acts 3:11-25 about why people reject Jesus Christ, using Peter's sermon after healing the crippled man as the foundation. He addresses the common excuses people make for rejecting Christ - ignorance, insufficient sacrifice, timing, lack of opportunity, apathy, and pride - systematically dismantling each one with Scripture. The pastor emphasizes that people are "without excuse" because God has revealed Himself clearly through creation, prophecy, and the church. He explains that Jesus was the appointed Messiah who fulfilled all Old Testament prophecies, and that salvation requires personal acceptance of Christ, not religious heritage or good works. The message concludes with an urgent call to repentance, warning that those who continue to reject Christ will be "cut off" and that God's patience has limits.

Daily Devotion (Link)

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We ask that You would speak to each person here according to their need. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions that might prevent us from hearing Your voice clearly. Holy Spirit, work in our hearts and help us to be honest about where we stand with You. Give us the courage to face truth and the wisdom to respond appropriately to Your calling. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you've had to wait a really long time for, and how did that waiting period affect your patience?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who has been rejecting Christ or making excuses about faith. Pray specifically for them daily, and look for an opportunity to lovingly share the truth that they are 'without excuse' and that Jesus is sufficient for their salvation. Be prepared to address their specific objections with Scripture and personal testimony.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of studying Your Word together. We are grateful that You have made salvation so clear and accessible to us. Help us to never take for granted the great sacrifice You made on our behalf. For those in our group who may still be wrestling with accepting You as Lord and Savior, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would continue to draw them and remove any remaining barriers. For those who have already received You, give us boldness to share this message with others who need to hear it. Help us to live this week as people who truly understand that we are without excuse and that You are our only hope. We commit our lives afresh to You and ask for Your strength to follow You faithfully. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.