Key Takeaways

• The Gospel invites opposition because it confronts idolatry.

• When the Gospel is believed, the Holy Spirit provides boldness from being with Jesus.

Study Questions

5-Day Devotional

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

People: I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

Confession of Faith

From The Heidelberg Catechism

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Confession of Sin

Almighty Father, we confess that when trials arise, we shrink back instead of standing firm. We fear rejection more than we trust your power. Like Peter and John, we know the truth, yet we remain silent when we should speak. Forgive our cowardice, our love of comfort, and our reluctance to proclaim Christ. Fill us with boldness, that we may speak and live for you without fear, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

Luke 1:68

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 4:23-31