Proclaiming Truth: Addressing Mental Health with Faith
Summary
### Summary
Mental health is a pressing crisis, affecting one in five people and even impacting children with suicidal thoughts and self-harming tendencies. The average time it takes for someone to receive treatment is 11 years, which is far too long. At Christ's Hope, we are not mental health professionals, but we are a community that loves people. Over the next 12 weeks, we will address mental health issues through the lens of Jesus and His kingdom, offering hope and help. This series is born out of a deep concern and a sense of urgency to address this crisis.
Today, we also conclude our series "Dig Deeper," focusing on Acts chapter 7. This chapter recounts Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, where he reviews Israel's history from Abraham to Moses, highlighting their repeated rebellion against God. Stephen's speech serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth and the consequences of rejecting it. He accuses the Sanhedrin of being stiff-necked and resisting the Holy Spirit, just like their ancestors. Despite knowing the law, they failed to obey it, creating their own versions that burdened the people.
Stephen's bold proclamation of truth led to his martyrdom, but his unwavering faith and integrity serve as a model for us. We are called to receive and repeat the truth, even when it is difficult. The truth can be hard to accept and even harder to share, but it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. As Christians, we must live by the principle of receiving and repeating the truth, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of Addressing Mental Health: Mental health is not just a concern but a crisis that demands immediate attention. The church may not be equipped with medical expertise, but it can offer a community of love and support. Over the next 12 weeks, we will explore mental health through the lens of Jesus, offering hope and practical help. [30:48]
2. The Importance of Truth in Spiritual Life: Stephen's speech in Acts 7 highlights the importance of truth and the consequences of rejecting it. He accuses the Sanhedrin of being stiff-necked and resisting the Holy Spirit, just like their ancestors. This serves as a powerful reminder that knowing the law is not enough; we must also obey it. [51:26]
3. Receiving and Repeating the Truth: As Christians, we are called to receive and repeat the truth, even when it is difficult. This involves discerning the truth in criticism and being willing to share it, even if it leads to uncomfortable conversations. The truth is meant to realign us with God's will and draw us closer to Him. [01:04:25]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Proclaiming Truth: Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, and his words were not his own but those given by the Spirit. This emphasizes the importance of being guided by the Holy Spirit in our proclamation of truth. The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and we must be open to His guidance. [53:45]
5. The Cost and Reward of Proclaiming Truth: Stephen's martyrdom shows that proclaiming the truth can come at a high cost, but the spiritual rewards are immense. He could have saved his life by recanting, but he chose to stand firm in his faith. This serves as a model for us to live with integrity and boldness, trusting in the rich rewards that await us in heaven. [01:03:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:48] - Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
[32:11] - Preparing for the Series
[33:39] - The Urgency of the Crisis
[34:57] - Church Announcements
[36:18] - Introduction to Acts Chapter 7
[37:48] - Stephen's Historical Review
[39:18] - Abraham to Joseph
[40:28] - Joseph to Moses
[41:57] - Moses and the Exodus
[43:13] - Israel's Rebellion
[44:29] - The Tabernacle and the Temple
[45:43] - Stephen's Accusations
[47:16] - Stephen's Proclamation of Jesus
[48:48] - Israel's Precious History
[50:21] - The Accusations Against Stephen
[51:26] - Stiff-Necked People
[52:33] - Like Their Ancestors
[53:45] - Receiving the Law but Not Obeying
[54:44] - The Modified Law
[55:30] - The Burden of Legalism
[56:18] - Jesus' Critique of the Pharisees
[57:27] - Stephen's Bold Proclamation
[58:12] - Saul's Role in Stephen's Death
[01:00:07] - Saul's Future Transformation
[01:01:07] - The War Between Truth and Lies
[01:02:34] - The Cost of Proclaiming Truth
[01:03:25] - Stephen's Unwavering Faith
[01:04:25] - Receiving and Repeating the Truth
[01:05:25] - The Challenge of Receiving Truth
[01:06:59] - The Challenge of Repeating Truth
[01:08:23] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:09:51] - Living by the Principle of Truth
[01:10:51] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 7:1-60 - Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin and his martyrdom.
2. Jeremiah 4:4 - "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done—burn with no one to quench it."
3. John 16:8 - "When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."
### Observation Questions
1. What historical events does Stephen recount in his speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7? ([36:18])
2. How does Stephen describe the behavior of the Sanhedrin and their ancestors in Acts 7? ([51:26])
3. What was the reaction of the Sanhedrin to Stephen's speech, and what was the outcome for Stephen? ([45:43])
4. According to the sermon, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in proclaiming the truth? ([53:45])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Stephen choose to recount Israel's history in such detail during his speech? What point is he trying to make to the Sanhedrin? ([36:18])
2. How does the concept of being "stiff-necked" and having "uncircumcised hearts" relate to the Sanhedrin's rejection of Jesus and the Holy Spirit? ([51:26])
3. What does it mean to receive and repeat the truth, and why is this principle important for Christians? ([01:04:25])
4. How does Stephen's unwavering faith and martyrdom serve as a model for Christians today? ([01:03:25])
### Application Questions
1. Mental health is a pressing crisis that demands immediate attention. How can our church community offer support and love to those struggling with mental health issues? ([30:48])
2. Stephen's speech emphasizes the importance of truth and the consequences of rejecting it. How can we ensure that we are not just knowing the law but also obeying it in our daily lives? ([51:26])
3. Receiving the truth can be difficult, especially when it comes in the form of criticism. How can we develop a mindset that seeks to find the truth in criticism and use it for personal growth? ([01:04:25])
4. Sharing the truth can lead to uncomfortable conversations. Think of a time when you had to share a difficult truth with someone. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? ([01:06:59])
5. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us to proclaim the truth. How can we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives? ([53:45])
6. Stephen's martyrdom shows that proclaiming the truth can come at a high cost. Are there areas in your life where you need to stand firm in your faith, even if it comes with personal sacrifice? ([01:03:25])
7. How can we as a church create an environment where truth is received and repeated with grace and love, fostering spiritual growth and alignment with God's will? ([01:09:51])
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of Addressing Mental Health
Mental health is a pressing crisis that affects one in five people, including children who experience suicidal thoughts and self-harming tendencies. The average time it takes for someone to receive treatment is 11 years, which is far too long. While the church may not be equipped with medical expertise, it can offer a community of love and support. Over the next 12 weeks, we will explore mental health through the lens of Jesus, offering hope and practical help. This series is born out of a deep concern and a sense of urgency to address this crisis. [30:48]
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may be struggling with mental health issues. How can you offer them support and love this week, even if it's just through a kind word or a listening ear?
Day 2: The Importance of Truth in Spiritual Life
Stephen's speech in Acts 7 highlights the importance of truth and the consequences of rejecting it. He accuses the Sanhedrin of being stiff-necked and resisting the Holy Spirit, just like their ancestors. This serves as a powerful reminder that knowing the law is not enough; we must also obey it. Stephen's bold proclamation of truth led to his martyrdom, but his unwavering faith and integrity serve as a model for us. We are called to receive and repeat the truth, even when it is difficult. The truth can be hard to accept and even harder to share, but it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. [51:26]
John 8:31-32 (ESV): "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to accept or share the truth. How did it impact your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to be more open to receiving and sharing the truth?
Day 3: Receiving and Repeating the Truth
As Christians, we are called to receive and repeat the truth, even when it is difficult. This involves discerning the truth in criticism and being willing to share it, even if it leads to uncomfortable conversations. The truth is meant to realign us with God's will and draw us closer to Him. Stephen's unwavering faith and integrity serve as a model for us. We must live by the principle of receiving and repeating the truth, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture. [01:04:25]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Think about a recent criticism you received. How can you discern the truth in it and use it to realign yourself with God's will? What steps can you take to share the truth in love with others?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Proclaiming Truth
Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, and his words were not his own but those given by the Spirit. This emphasizes the importance of being guided by the Holy Spirit in our proclamation of truth. The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and we must be open to His guidance. Stephen's bold proclamation of truth led to his martyrdom, but his unwavering faith and integrity serve as a model for us. We must live by the principle of receiving and repeating the truth, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture. [53:45]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: How can you be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that your words and actions are aligned with the truth given by the Spirit?
Day 5: The Cost and Reward of Proclaiming Truth
Stephen's martyrdom shows that proclaiming the truth can come at a high cost, but the spiritual rewards are immense. He could have saved his life by recanting, but he chose to stand firm in his faith. This serves as a model for us to live with integrity and boldness, trusting in the rich rewards that await us in heaven. Stephen's unwavering faith and integrity serve as a model for us. We must live by the principle of receiving and repeating the truth, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture. [01:03:25]
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when standing firm in your faith came at a personal cost. How did it impact your spiritual journey? What can you do to remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth, even when it is difficult?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Mental health is no longer a concern. It's a crisis. There's a statistic rolling around that says one in five people are struggling with some kind of mental illness. Meaning if you and four other people circled up, someone in that circle is battling depression, anxiety, self-image issues, or burnout. Not only that, but 3.8 million children are wrestling with suicidal thoughts and self-harming tendencies." [30:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We aren't mental health professionals, but we are a community of people who love people. And for the next 12 weeks, we're going to be honest about the state of mental health. We're going to be pushing away the facade that everyone lives some perfect, cushy, well-manicured life. And we're going to be honest about the weeds in our garden and the good news is that we have a good gardener." [30:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Years ago, we just used to look at it as a concern. And when you're concerned about something, you do a little bit of things. But when it becomes evident that there's a crisis, you do things a little bit more urgently. You do things differently. And so as we look at this crisis, and we look at it through the lens of Jesus and through the lens of his coming kingdom, I hope that all of us not only benefit from talking about this, but that the people around us as well benefit from it too." [33:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is good. We can still have church. And there is a lot of reasons to praise his name. I don't want to delay any further. I want to get into the word because today we have a lot of scripture to cover. There's a lot of stuff that I feel is very relevant in the text that we're going to read." [34:57] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The truth, as Jesus says. He says, it will set you free. But the result is we see Stephen die for telling the truth. And so you go, where's the freedom in that? Could you imagine the rich reward that Stephen has in store for him when he gets to heaven? For speaking the truth boldly." [01:03:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Receiving the truth can be really hard. I heard a podcast host talking about handling criticism. And he said any time that criticism is thrown at him, his goal is to try to find the truth that's in the criticism. Even if the criticism is 99% opinionated or even if it's just outright wrong, he will search to try to find the 1% of truth. And see how it may change, or develop, or grow." [01:04:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Repeating the truth can be just as difficult because when you know you have to share it to someone it brings you to some uncomfortable conversations it brings you to some difficult places because if you really love someone and you know this truth that I have to tell them is going to hurt you don't want to put someone through that kind of pain you don't want to put them through that displeasure but at the same time you know if someone needs to be called out if you have to dish out some truth to someone it may be painful in the moment but it's going to be more beneficial in the future." [01:06:59] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "By the grace of God he has given us the truth through his word and through wisdom of the holy spirit he's spoken truth to us that we can receive and it's up to us regardless of the difficulty of what that truth is to receive the truth and repeat the truth and there's going to be times where the truth of God does not align with the lives of people there are bound to be times where we experience that." [01:08:23] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A rebuke in itself it's not intended to make you and I so angry that we want to kill someone it's meant to realign us with the will of God it's meant to draw us back to the Father and sometimes the truth hits me hard church sometimes when when someone brings the truth to my front door or puts it on my plate it can knock the wind out of me for a day it can knock the wind out of me for two maybe even a week but but there's a moment where I have to come to Jesus and I have to say Lord if there's truth in this help change me." [01:05:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And in this manner we honor the word that's been put inside of us in this manner we prepare ourselves to always give a defense for the hope that we have in this the word says we snatch people away from the fire of hell and so it would be my hope my prayer that you and I as a church that we would receive the truth with grace and then repeat the truth in love." [01:09:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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