Finding God’s Hand in Life’s Chaos

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the book of Acts, focusing on the drama and challenges faced by the early church, particularly Peter and John. We explored how God is at work in our lives, even amidst chaos and drama, and how we can reframe our situations to see His hand in everything. The early church experienced miraculous events, such as healings and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which led to rapid growth and also persecution. Peter and John’s imprisonment for healing a crippled man and preaching about Jesus underscores the tension between the transformative power of the gospel and the resistance from established authorities.

We discussed the importance of recognizing that the power to heal and perform miracles comes from Jesus, not from any special status or holiness of individuals. This power is available to all believers through the Holy Spirit. The message of repentance and faith in Jesus is central to our mission, even if it feels uncomfortable or burdensome at times. We used the analogy of a parachute on a failing airplane to illustrate that Jesus didn’t come to make our lives more comfortable but to save us from eternal separation from God.

We also examined Psalm 118:22, which speaks of the stone the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. This cornerstone, Jesus, is essential for the stability and integrity of our spiritual lives. Rejecting Him leads to destruction, but accepting Him brings life and fruitfulness. The parable of the tenants in Matthew 21 further illustrates this point, showing how rejecting Jesus leads to severe consequences.

Finally, we reflected on the importance of making Jesus the cornerstone of our lives, ensuring that all our actions, decisions, and relationships are aligned with Him. We prayed for forgiveness for the times we have placed other things as our cornerstone and asked for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to live a life centered on Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. God’s Work Amidst Drama: Life can often feel like a soap opera filled with drama and chaos. However, just as in the book of Acts, God is at work in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Recognizing His hand in our lives helps us reframe our situations and find peace and purpose even in difficult times. [23:34]

2. Healing Through Jesus: The power to heal and perform miracles comes from Jesus, not from any special status or holiness of individuals. This power is available to all believers through the Holy Spirit. We are called to pray for others and believe in God’s ability to work through us, just as Peter and John did. [25:06]

3. The Parachute Analogy: Jesus didn’t come to make our lives more comfortable but to save us from eternal separation from God. Like a parachute on a failing airplane, following Jesus may feel burdensome at times, but it is essential for our salvation. This perspective helps us understand the true purpose of the gospel. [28:49]

4. The Cornerstone: Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, essential for the stability and integrity of our spiritual lives. Rejecting Him leads to destruction, but accepting Him brings life and fruitfulness. Our lives must be built around Him, ensuring that all our actions, decisions, and relationships are aligned with His teachings. [36:00]

5. Boldness in Evangelism: Sharing the gospel can be uncomfortable, but it is our responsibility to proclaim the message of Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak boldly and share the good news, knowing that the decision to accept or reject Christ lies with the individual. Our role is to faithfully present the truth. [44:35]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[20:38] - Gospel in Life: Next Steps
[21:08] - Multi-Generational Worship
[21:39] - Connecting and Supporting One Another
[23:06] - Drama in Our Lives
[23:34] - God at Work Amidst Drama
[24:04] - Peter and John’s Imprisonment
[25:06] - Healing Through Jesus
[26:19] - The Message of Repentance
[27:04] - The Parachute Analogy
[28:49] - Christ’s Sacrifice
[30:30] - The Miracle of Salvation
[32:00] - Arrest and Persecution
[34:00] - Psalm 118:22: The Cornerstone
[36:00] - Importance of the Cornerstone
[39:00] - The Parable of the Tenants
[44:35] - Boldness in Evangelism
[45:49] - Prayer and Reflection
[47:06] - Benediction and Closing

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:1-22 - Peter and John before the Sanhedrin
2. Psalm 118:22 - The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
3. Matthew 21:33-44 - The Parable of the Tenants

### Observation Questions
1. What events led to Peter and John being imprisoned in Acts 4? [24:04]
2. According to Peter in Acts 4, what is the source of the power to heal and perform miracles? [25:06]
3. In Psalm 118:22, what is the significance of the "stone the builders rejected"?
4. How does Jesus use the Parable of the Tenants in Matthew 21 to illustrate the consequences of rejecting Him? [39:00]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing God's work amidst the drama in our lives help us reframe our situations? [23:34]
2. Why is it important to understand that the power to heal comes from Jesus and not from any individual's special status or holiness? [25:06]
3. How does the analogy of the parachute on a failing airplane help us understand the purpose of the gospel? [28:49]
4. What does it mean for Jesus to be the cornerstone of our faith, and how does this impact our spiritual stability and integrity? [36:00]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent chaotic or dramatic situation in your life. How can you reframe it to see God's hand at work? [23:34]
2. Have you ever prayed for someone's healing? How did it feel, and what was the outcome? How can you grow in your faith to believe in God's power to heal through you? [25:06]
3. Think about the parachute analogy. Are there areas in your life where following Jesus feels burdensome? How can you shift your perspective to see these burdens as essential for your spiritual survival? [28:49]
4. In what ways have you made Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Are there areas where you have placed other things as your cornerstone? How can you realign these areas to be centered on Christ? [36:00]
5. Sharing the gospel can be uncomfortable. What are some specific fears or challenges you face in evangelism? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you boldness in these situations? [44:35]
6. Reflect on the parable of the tenants. Are there ways in which you have rejected Jesus in your daily decisions or actions? How can you ensure that you are producing fruit in your life? [39:00]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to make Jesus the cornerstone of their lives? What practical steps can you take together to grow in this area? [36:00]

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence in Our Chaos
Life often feels like a whirlwind of drama and chaos, much like the early church's experiences in the book of Acts. Peter and John faced imprisonment and persecution for their faith, yet they witnessed miraculous healings and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These events remind us that God is at work even in the midst of our trials. Recognizing His hand in our lives helps us reframe our situations, finding peace and purpose despite the challenges we face. By seeing our circumstances through the lens of God's sovereignty, we can trust that He is orchestrating everything for our good and His glory. [23:34]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life that feels chaotic or overwhelming. How can you reframe this situation to see God's hand at work? What steps can you take to trust Him more in this area?

Day 2: Healing Through Jesus
The power to heal and perform miracles comes from Jesus, not from any special status or holiness of individuals. This power is available to all believers through the Holy Spirit. Peter and John’s healing of the crippled man in Acts demonstrates that it is Jesus who works through us to bring about miraculous change. We are called to pray for others and believe in God’s ability to work through us, just as Peter and John did. This understanding shifts our focus from our own abilities to the limitless power of Christ working in and through us. [25:06]

James 5:14-15 (ESV): "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? Take a moment to pray for them, asking Jesus to work through you and bring about His healing power.

Day 3: The Parachute Analogy
Jesus didn’t come to make our lives more comfortable but to save us from eternal separation from God. Like a parachute on a failing airplane, following Jesus may feel burdensome at times, but it is essential for our salvation. This perspective helps us understand the true purpose of the gospel. It’s not about making our earthly lives easier but about securing our eternal destiny. Embracing this truth can transform how we view our struggles and sacrifices, seeing them as part of our journey towards eternal life with Christ. [28:49]

Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or sacrifice you’ve faced. How does viewing it through the lens of the parachute analogy change your perspective? What steps can you take to embrace this truth more fully in your daily life?

Day 4: The Cornerstone
Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, essential for the stability and integrity of our spiritual lives. Rejecting Him leads to destruction, but accepting Him brings life and fruitfulness. Our lives must be built around Him, ensuring that all our actions, decisions, and relationships are aligned with His teachings. This foundational truth is crucial for a life that honors God and experiences His blessings. By making Jesus the cornerstone, we ensure that our spiritual structure is strong and resilient, capable of withstanding life's storms. [36:00]

Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."

Reflection: Examine your life and identify any areas where Jesus is not the cornerstone. What changes can you make to ensure that your actions, decisions, and relationships are aligned with His teachings?

Day 5: Boldness in Evangelism
Sharing the gospel can be uncomfortable, but it is our responsibility to proclaim the message of Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak boldly and share the good news, knowing that the decision to accept or reject Christ lies with the individual. Our role is to faithfully present the truth. This boldness in evangelism is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission and bringing others into the knowledge of Christ. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome our fears and confidently share the transformative message of the gospel. [44:35]

Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you share the gospel with them this week? Pray for boldness and opportunities to speak the truth in love.

Quotes

1. "To see that God is at work in our lives. Come on somebody. That God is at work. In the midst of the drama that's happening. And here we see in the book of Acts. There's a lot of drama. There's a lot of craziness. A lot of persecution. We've already seen tongues of fire on people's heads. We've already seen the Holy Spirit. And Pentecost baptizing them. And the Holy Spirit. We've seen people healed. And now we're going to see Peter and John going to jail. It's just crazy drama." [23:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Healing doesn't happen. Because someone is special. Or someone is super holy. Or someone has a position. Healing doesn't happen because of that. And he's saying. The healing was all Jesus. And nothing of him. I do want to say to you very clearly. That God can use you to pray for someone else's healing. It is not reserved for someone special. It's not reserved for traveling evangelists. It's not reserved for pastors only. The same Holy Spirit that rose Christ from the dead. Lives in you. Do you believe that?" [24:33] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Not to make your life more comfortable. But to save you from eternity from hell and separation. And I think many of us of this room can testify of Christ's saving power. Of changing our lives and giving us eternal life. And in fact following him may feel a little bit more uncomfortable. That I know some of us can testify to that. That following Christ has become more. Because now you need to turn the other cheek. You can't lash back at someone who's insulted you. Or slandered you. But Jesus died on the cross so that you could survive this jump." [28:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "My testimony is that I was once lost. And now I'm found. That I was dead in my sin. But Jesus gave me life. That when I come. And I have a testimony. Of the transforming power. That I've been saved by God's grace. Not because of anything I've done. But because of who he is. The miracle of my life. Is that my life was broken. And now he's fixing me. Through his grace." [31:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When we place our lives on the foundation of Jesus. When we build around the cornerstone. We declare. It is the name of Jesus. That brings healing to this beggar. Come on somebody. That it is the name of Jesus. That allows Peter to preach the gospel. It is the name of Jesus. Where the religious leaders demand. Peter, John. You can no longer say his name. It is the name which calls Peter and John. Several years back. To leave their fishing nets. And to follow him." [41:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "It is the name which Peter denied three times. It is that name which said. That I will be buried. And I will rise again from the dead. It is the name where the church will be built. On this rock. And I will not prevail against it. It is the name of Jesus. Can a brother get an amen." [42:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "May Christ be our cornerstone. The one where everything else in our lives. Are placed around. That he would be the cornerstone. That would be the foundation. Of all that we do say. That he would be the foundation. Of our choices." [44:35] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We need to repent. And be baptized. And to follow Jesus. May Christ be our cornerstone. The one where everything else in our lives. Are placed around. That he would be the cornerstone. That would be the foundation. Of all that we do say. That he would be the foundation. Of our choices." [44:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "For all that we do. God we ask for forgiveness. For the sins that we have committed against you. For the things that we are. Defensive about. The things that we are not willing to admit. Lord you know them. And so God in all vulnerability. We place them before you. At the cross. And we thank you for the blood that was shed. So that we could experience an acquittal of our crime. So God we thank you for that. And may we go in the power. Of your Holy Spirit." [46:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "May you go in the peace of our lord jesus christ may you experience the fullness of his spirit may you be filled with his presence this week may you experience the love the incredible unconditional overwhelming love of christ may the spirit give you wisdom in your decisions and your choices and may the lord bless you and make his face shine upon you and give you peace in jesus name amen have a wonderful week bless you come join us for lunch." [47:06] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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