In Acts 4, Peter and John are confronted by the Sadducees for teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.
To picture the scene correctly, we need to understand how threatening it was for Peter and John. They had healed a lame man (in Acts 3), and the Sanhedrin had asked them by what authority they had done this. The Sanhedrin was like their Supreme Court and Congress all rolled into one. They had religious and, to a large degree, civil authority in Jerusalem. The high priest was the most powerful Jew in the city, and the captain of the temple guard was second behind him. Furthermore, these leaders had just been the primary players behind the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Even if they didn’t go so far as to crucify Peter and John, they certainly could make life miserable for them. The fact that they arrested Peter and John, kept them overnight in jail, and then threatened them with severe consequences if they continued speaking in Jesus’ name shows their use of power to intimidate.
Now, remember Peter had shortly before this incident denied Jesus three times! So, what changed? If Peter had been fearful, he would have said only what he thought was necessary to secure his release. But instead, he boldly witnesses to these murderers of Jesus. What made the difference? Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, as we see in Acts 4:8.
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Assuming that you are a believer, the main requirement for being filled with the Holy Spirit is to be cleansed from sin and to be yielded to the Spirit. A Spirit-filled person is submissive to God’s will. Since the Holy Spirit’s main ministry is to glorify Jesus Christ, as we see in John 16:14, a person who is filled with the Spirit will seek to glorify Jesus.
Spirit-filled witnesses obey God rather than people, even under the threat of persecution or death. We don’t know what the council said by way of threats, but Acts 4:21 indicates that they were not vague about the fact that if Peter and John continued to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they would pay a severe price. But rather than saying, “Yes sir, we’ll be more restrained in the future,” they said in v. 19, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Then they went back to their friends and prayed for greater boldness than they already had, as we see later in Acts 4:29! Friends, may we all have more boldness to proclaim Jesus Christ in our community and beyond, as we are filled with the Holy Spirit!
Worship
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class
Our Adult Bible Study class will meet this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on Galatians 4:8-31: “Son or Slave.” Please bring your Bible.
Called Congregational Meeting
The Session has called a congregational meeting THIS SUNDAY (June 8th) after worship to elect ruling elders and deacons. Please plan to stay after worship for this important meeting.
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available as you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Health Survey
If you have not done so already, please return your completed health surveys to the church this Sunday. This is a wonderful way for our new Faith Community Nursing ministry to be well informed of your perceived health needs. If you have not received the survey, please see Susan Coffman, and she will give you one to complete. Thanks so much!
Session Highlights
Our Session met on Thursday, May 7th at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- We gathered around God’s Word and corporate prayer. Ruling Elder Bob Simmons led a study of Ephesians 3:14-21.
- Session met with Susan and John Guthrie (leaders for our Care and Compassion ministry). A meaningful discussion included inviting John and Susan to assist in planning actions to take, given a huge increase in pleas for assistance from those in the community.
- The Pastor’s Report, the Clerk’s Report, and the Financial Review were presented and discussed, with no action being necessary.
- Elder Bob Simmons, representing the Pastor Search Committee, brought Session up to date in general terms regarding the potential candidate the committee wishes to secure, but the candidate is not immediately available. Session further discussed the status of arranging for a “Transitional Pastor” through the EPC’s Rev. Bill Rasch and reaffirmed our desire to accelerate that approach.
- The new website vendor is awaiting Hope’s action by the church committee to make the wish a working product, coming soon after the Alpha Course concludes.
- Session is pressing forward for replacing the two retiring Elders and adding a third (to total six Ruling Elders) along with expanding the Diaconate from four Deacons to six for multiple reasons, through the nominations process.
- Session was updated on the reciprocity of parking with Willis Family Dentistry (after Session’s meeting, Dr. Willis agreed to “gift the costs of the bridge and pathway to Hope Community Church per contractor estimates”; work started and completed the week of May 20th.)
- The results of the air quality testing/inspection were received with pleasure, as no issues of health concerns have been detected.
- Agreed to table discussion of a small footbridge “across a ditch” from Valley Pediatrics parking lot to Hope’s lot until we see if that lot has use on Sundays.
- Approved the disposal of a couple of surplus items to Love INC
- Agreed to enter a period of quiet time and worship preparation as the prelude is started. Cliff Scott will help facilitate getting that started when the Pastor is away.
- Candi Brown requested that the Outreach Team support a “Dinner at the Prayer Room.” The request was approved with advertising encouraged.
- Our next Exploring Hope class will be on Sunday, May 25, immediately following worship, with a light lunch provided.
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for April: $28,803.06 YTD: $129,848.52
Total Expenses for April: $16,700.98 YTD: $82,201.58
Golden Oldies
Mission Corner
The Prayer Room is an outreach ministry in downtown Waynesboro that cares for people practically and shares the good news of Jesus Christ! We are collecting personal hygiene products and wrapped food items to support this ministry. Donations can be brought to the church and given to the Prayer Room.
Providing a Meal
We will be preparing and serving a meal at the Prayer Room THIS SUNDAY (June 8th) from Noon to 4:00 p.m. for approximately eighty-five people. If you are interested in helping prepare, serve, or have a meal with the folks who come to the Prayer Room, please contact Candi Brown (540.241.2021). If you have something to contribute or are willing to take items to the Prayer Room, that would be helpful. The Prayer Room already has serving utensils, plates, cups, and silverware. This is a wonderful way for us to be a blessing to people in our community, including opportunities to share the love of Jesus!
Love INC
We are collecting household cleaning products (laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaners) from April through June for Love INC.
The Missions Team actively keeps in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Mission Page
June Birthdays
Kim Holman (6/17); Paige Holder (6/24); Phyllis Plyler (6/25); Brenda Daniels (6/30)
