Illuminate Community Church

6/13/2021 - Changed! - Acts 9

Acts chapter nine records the most significant event in the history of the church since the coming of the Holy Spirit. The apostles' teaching that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah has blistered and enraged Jewish leadership. A short while ago, a man named Stephen preached Jesus to this stiff necked crowd. The mob is unable to refute his logic and they murder him under the authority of the Sanhedrin. There is one notable man present. A Pharisee-trained young man from Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia. He kept watch over the event and became inspired. He won the chief priests' permission to hunt Jesus-followers in Jerusalem. He imprisoned them, voted that they be executed, and tried to force them to blaspheme. In response, the Jesus-followers fled Jerusalem, scattering over Judea, Samaria, and as far as Syrian Antioch, not too far from Tarsus. Along the way, they discovered that God's salvation is for more than the Jews. The Holy Spirit came on Samaritans and an Ethiopian government official who worshiped the Jewish God…and he was a eunuch. Formerly, these men were excluded from the worship of God. Not anymore. Truly, Jesus is for everyone.

The young Pharisee would become famous by writers referring to him as Paul. He personally encountered the resurrected Jesus and was forever changed. He would go on to become the most successful church planter of all time. The hunter has become the hunted. His peers want him dead. He is after all, a traitor. But Paul would use his zeal for Jesus. In other words, he became a sanctified version of himself. He didn’t change his “foot on the gas" ways. He simply turned the car in a new direction. How about you? Are you thinking you have to be someone you’re not. No one can be you better than you. So be yourself for God’s glory and you’ll discover what you were truly designed to do.

6/6/2021 - Jesus Is For Everyone - Acts 8

God has many beautiful attributes. The one I’ve been thinking about most is His sovereignty. This means not one thing escapes His notice. Not one thing in your life or in the life of this world catches God by surprise. He controls it all in the palm of his hand. Practically speaking, what does this mean for us? Oftentimes we experience the unexpected and unwelcome. God is in control and when our minds begin to drift toward fear, his sovereignty brings us back.

God’s sovereignty extends to salvation also. If you’ve ever wondered how God could reach the farthest person then look no further than Acts chapter eight. It’s here we see the unexpected conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch. God is opening the gospel door wider than anyone expected. Now included: those who were previously excluded from the worship of God. Maybe, just maybe God would choose to save the Samaritans because they had some Jewish blood in them, but a eunuch was categorized as “unfit." Yes, it’s happening. Jesus is for everybody. Also with this conversion we will see the gospel taken to the ends of the earth. It’s just remarkable to see this progression. Through human history God sovereignly works to get his message to those sincerely seeking to know the Savior. But here’s the thing…when God works, he works through men and women. People like you and me. This is an incredible honor and privilege we’ve been given. There’s no joy like seeing someone receive salvation. Have you experienced this? You and I don’t know exactly how God is working behind the scenes. But he’s always preparing people for the words he will give us. Let’s pray for the moment, take the opportunity and rejoice in God’s sovereign plan of salvation!

5/30/2021 - Die Better - Acts 7

The early Christian author Tertullion said, “The seeds of the gospel have been sewn with the blood of the saints." The life and death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr proves this to be true. Stephen’s death teaches us to expect suffering if we follow our Savior. But we also can expect His faithful presence with us and His welcome into heaven when we leave this life. So let’s entrust our souls to Jesus and do what is right. It’s not always easy. We have an enemy trying to beat us down. Are you feeling a bit weary trying to maintain your witness for Him? Remember this: Jesus always uses the suffering of His saints for His greater purpose and glory.

No one suffers for Christ in vain. The persecution that arose against the church scattered the seeds of the gospel. Watching Stephen die had a profound and unforgettable effect on Saul. (Also known as Paul.) He continued fighting against Jesus by fighting His followers, but finally, the Lord powerfully saved him. Stephen’s sermon and his courageous, calm death softened the soil of Saul’s heart, preparing him for that later conversion. Paul later wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

The Lord is mindful of your service for Him, and He will duly reward even a cup of cold water given in His name. You were created for this my friends. There are no useless parts in the body of Christ. Whatever you or I do for His name’s sake counts in eternity. Keeping this in mind helps us defeat discouragement and we do not lose heart in the battle. Keep fighting the good fight until He calls you home. Jesus will be welcoming you!

5/23/2021 - Resolving Conflict In The Church - Acts 6

Would it surprise you to know that one of the top three reasons people leave their church is because of interpersonal conflict? (Number 1 answer - not being fed spiritually.) Acts chapter 6 describes these growing pains and the leadership’s response. You see, the early church had two different groups under one roof. Although both groups were Jewish, one spoke Greek and the other Aramaic. Funny how the smallest things can divide people. Greek speakers were feeling neglected by Aramaic speakers. Their basic food needs were not being met. When the apostles learn this they appoint seven men to take charge of dispersing the food to meet everyone’s need. In other words, it’s important that we bear one another’s burdens. I believe this environment made the church irresistible then and perhaps even more so in our world today - a world that is eating its own.

One of the seven men chosen to help was Stephen. He will be the first martyr. Listen to this description of him…

"And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:8.

He was full of grace and power. That’s an interesting combination. As it turns out, these are essential characteristics for furthering the Gospel. Power by itself can overwhelm and intimidate. Grace will soften even the hardest heart. I get the feeling that Stephen understood the power was not in himself, but rather it was God’s power through him. Therefore he could not take credit because it was all by God’s grace. That same power and grace enables us to build the Christian community in love!

5/16/2021 - Powerful Witnessing - Acts 5

Acts chapter 5 contains one of the more sobering accounts in the New Testament. A man and woman receive judgement from God and both die in the midst of the church assembly. What’s going on? They wanted to appear generous without being generous. The church is the bride of Christ and He will protect her from corruption. Since then, God has given the church authority to watch over herself. Jesus gave us specific guidelines in Matthew 18. 

Purity is important.

This amazing story reveals that when two things are combined there will be real change in the world: personal purity + the gospel of Jesus.  Purity gave the church her power. Nothing robs the church of her influence more than when our words and actions are incongruent. Show me a church that’s pure and I’ll show you a church of influence.

Where there’s influence there’s opposition.

The lives of the apostles inspire me. Their dedication is remarkable. The attitude of the apostles is part of the reason why they were able to do what they did for the Lord. They are rearrested and told, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your words about Jesus.”

Have we filled the Valley with our words of Jesus? Do people in our area – our friends, neighbors and relatives know about Jesus? Do they know about his love and forgiveness and grace? If we are going to make a difference in the world we have to preach Jesus. We must have the attitude that, no matter what, we will tell others about him. Our purity and integrity is an open invitation giving us the ability to speak into the lives of others. Opposition will tempt us to be silent. So let’s remember the words of the Apostles, “We must obey God, rather than men!"

5/9/2021 - Can't Stop Talking - Acts 4:1-20

I’m mindful of the tender heart of Jesus in Luke chapter 13:34, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" Jesus compares his heart to the heart of a compassionate mom. This heart would give its own life for the early church.

At first, things seemed to be going so well. The church was birthed out of a passion and devotion for God and his people. Whenever the Kingdom of God advances we should expect a push back. Up until this point the church has been in favor with all the people. That’s about to change. Peter has been preaching Jesus on the temple grounds. The religious leaders (Sadducees) begin to take notice and they do not like what they see and hear. This is the first instance of opposition. You would think that it would come from Godless men but instead it will come in the form of the most religious people in the city.

What could cause such backlash? Peter has been proclaiming that the dead will rise in the name of Jesus. The Sadducees did not want this name being said. Remember, this is the same group of religious elites that delivered up Jesus to be crucified. They thought they had pulled out that little thorn. But now they are hearing his name again and again...

"...for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

How about you? Can you say the same? Let me put it this way - How often are you outside of your spiritual comfort zone? Are you known by those around you as a follower of Jesus Christ? It might be time to get out of the boat and start walking on the water. You were saved for a purpose and part of that purpose does not involve selfishly holding on to what you have. Instead, we share it with others trusting the Holy Spirit for the results. If resistance comes, know you’re in good company!

5/2/2021 - More Than A Miracle - Acts 3

“Ten thousand pounds of suffering is more preferable than one ounce of sin.”
-Charles Spurgeon

The lame man found in Acts chapter 3 was a familiar figure in his day. He has been in the same spot begging for years. God worshiping Jews know his twisted frame as a fixture of the Temple landscape. Most walk by without pause. But this day is different. Peter and John speak to him. The expectation causes his heart to race. They might actually be willing to help meet his need. Like us, he doesn’t really know what his true need is. He’s expecting silver or gold coins. These are the things that will make him happy, right? We all know better than that. How many times have you said, “If I only get this…then I will be satisfied!” or, “If this would change in my life…then I will be happy!” If only he had silver or gold, then his life would be better...

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Acts 3:6

Do you need to look deeper? What is your misplaced desire (silver or gold). We are all lame because sin cripples the entire human race. Jesus is the only one who brings the help we need. No doctor, no self-help book or life coach, no religious advisor could give the man what he truly needed. There was nothing he personally could do. Perhaps the biggest barrier there is for many of us is the idea that we can get to God on our own merits." Look at me run, look how good I am. I don’t need much of Jesus, I’ve got two strong legs!"

Peter explicitly says it was, "Jesus Christ of Nazareth" that healed. Nazareth was a backwater town of no significance. You don’t claim this with any pride. Instead, it is meant to show that this Jesus is God’s man to bring salvation and the restoration of all things (vs. 19-21). Times of restoration and times of refreshment; don’t we all want that? 

Perhaps best of all is the man’s response to the news that Jesus is the Christ - the messiah sent to forgive sins. He can’t stop leaping. Consider anew that your spiritual need has been met and in the end this far outweighs the physical.

4/25/2021 - The Rise of the Church - Acts 2:42-47

Let’s go back to where it all started. The city of Jerusalem is packed with Jews celebrating the festival Pentecost. Peter takes his place and delivers a stunning sermon about Jesus being God’s Messiah who was rejected by the people. There is massive conviction upon the listeners and Christianity spreads from a couple hundred to three thousand responding in faith. The church is born.

What happens next gives us insight into what made the church special. It was unified unlike anything anyone had ever experienced. What made it so? There were four specific elements that created a special cohesiveness in the group. They are being unified in their beliefs, as they all receive teaching from the apostles Jesus trained. They spend their spare time and meals together, sharing everything they own with gladness and sincerity of heart. And their prayer unites them before God as they present their needs. 

Some of the details of the early church in Jerusalem are unique to its' time and place. God's call for churches to be unified is not. We receive different spiritual gifts, but we are called to serve each other in the church (Ephesians 4:1–16) "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2–3). Whatever specific forms the church of today looks like, it is still called to have the same heart as the first church in Jerusalem.

4/18/2021 - That Will Preach! - Acts 2:14-38

I’m a self-confessed sermon junkie. For me, a great sermon is like a work of art. Of course the greatest sermon of all time was given by Jesus. We know it as the Sermon on the Mount. Next to this, Peter delivers a masterpiece of his own, inspired by the Holy Spirit and found in Acts chapter 2. The response is overwhelming. Christianity expands from about 200 to over 3000 followers in one day. 

Preaching is important.

We are constantly receiving “sermons” from social media, television, movies, politicians, celebrities and even bumper stickers. They all have a message they want us to literally ‘buy’ into. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Who has our best interest?”

God does. 

Peter steps up, speaks out and tells the truth about Jesus, the human heart, and the destiny of man. The crowd is captivated. More than this they are convicted. They’ve heard that God’s judgement comes upon those who reject Jesus. And yet there is an escape. 

Believe, repent and be baptized. 

Have you been wanting something better? This is where real and lasting change begins. So can I encourage you to first preach to your own heart from God’s Word? Don’t allow the message of others to guide you. In the end, you’ll be looking for something that only Jesus can provide.

4/11/2021 - The Final Words of the Resurrected Jesus - Acts 1:1-11

Have you ever wondered how Christianity spread from just a handful to many millions? Or what about this movement called the church? What’s the purpose of that? We have answers. There’s a “Part 2” in the Jesus story and it picks up immediately following the empty tomb. The events are investigated by a physician named Luke and written in the book of Acts. 

It may surprise some to know Jesus’ final words were not spoken while hanging on the cross. They were said during a span of 40 days when he made “convincing proof” of his resurrection. He then left the earth so he could leave another - the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes to empower them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. "Witnessing” is something more than a spiritual discipline. It is the very essence of who we are as Christians. But what does that mean? And how exactly are we to speak about Jesus? 

A few verses later Luke gives us one of the keys in telling others about Jesus. Not only do we talk about all that He said and did, but we must focus on the resurrection. In other words, we don’t speak merely of a God who is loving, a Christ who forgives sins, or a salvation that provides second chances. These gospel messages truncate the full gospel and miss the power of Christ’s Lordship. Jesus is not a forgiver who happens to be Lord; he is the Lord who died to secure forgiveness through his death and resurrection. The book of Acts puts emphasis on his resurrection and we should too. The Holy Spirit provides the power, the resurrection is the proof, and your personal testimony makes it real.