ACTS 26: WHEN THE LIGHT OF GOD SHINES ON US

 

Scripture: Acts 26:12-18 (ESV)

12“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ^a ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Observation 

In this account of Saul’s conversion, he mentions that the light from heaven did not only shine around him, but also around those who journeyed with him (v13). Further down in the passage in v17 & 18 Jesus told him the He is sending Paul to the gentiles (the very people he intended to persecute) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light.

Firstly, if we look at the sequence of events, God’s light fell on Paul first, but also on those around him, before sending him to the gentiles to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light. There is no coincidence in how the event of Saul’s conversion and calling unfolds.

Jesus shines His light on Saul. Then after Saul responded and ask Jesus, who are you Lord, did Jesus then reveal His identity to Saul. After Jesus revealed Himself, did He appoint Saul and sent him as Paul.

Secondly the light intended for Saul, also fell on the travellers who were with him on the road. The divine appointment was for Saul, but others were also witnessed it. In Acts 9:8 the Bible tells us that those who were with him, guided (the now blinded) Paul to Damascus completing the intended journey with him.

Thirdly a journey was planned for specific destination, with one purpose to persecute and destroy. But when the light of God was shined on the journey and that travellers, the purpose changed, same destination, but different purpose to bring light and life in stead of darkness and death.

Application

When God convicts you of something, will you respond ("Who are you, Lord?") and then obey, stand up and go when He commands you to move? When the light of God shines on us, our transformation spills over to those closest to us.

God often uses the people around us to guide us through seasons of spiritual blindness. Allow others to help you walk when you are figuring out your new path. Also be of help when you are witness to someone coming into the light from the darkness.

What is the current goal of the path you are on? Are you walking towards a destination with a spirit of pride and selfishness? Surrender you path to God and allow Him to work in you. He is all powerful to turn our misguided intentions toward His light, His purposes, His glory when we surrender our plans to Him

Prayer

Lord, help us to respond in obedience to Your commands. Search our hearts, our plans, our motives and bring correction where it is needed. Help us by the power of your Holy Spirit to surrender and yield to corrections so that we continue to walk in Your light and purpose so that You alone may be glorified. Amen.

 

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PAS HESMA - JCRC SA

 

PAUL OR FELIX: WHOSE PATH WILL YOU CHOOSE?

When we choose to follow Christ, we should not expect the world to applaud us. The world rejected Jesus, and it will often reject those who faithfully walk in His footsteps. Acts 24 presents two contrasting responses to God: one through the life of Paul and the other through Felix.

The Nature of the World

The world is not merely the people around us but the sinful system that opposes God.

* It is driven by sin and selfishness.
* It rejected and crucified Jesus Christ.
* It values self-interest over God's will.

The world's message today is simple: “Live for yourself. Do what makes you happy. Put yourself first. "But God's kingdom calls us to deny ourselves and follow Christ.

Paul: One Who Refused the Ways of the World

- Paul stood before Governor Felix, falsely accused by the religious leaders. His only "crime" was faithfully preaching Jesus Christ.

Acts 24:5
We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among all the Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect."

- The world misunderstood Paul because he refused to compromise. Instead of following culture, he followed Christ.

Paul boldly declared:

Acts 24:14
However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.

- Paul was not ashamed to be identified with the Way. He did not seek the approval of people but the approval of God. His life was marked by integrity.

Acts 24:16
“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."

- A believer who chooses God's way may be criticized, misunderstood, or falsely accused, but a clear conscience before God is worth more than the approval of the world.

Felix: A Friend of the World

- Felix listened to Paul preach, but his heart remained unchanged. Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment—the very truths Felix needed to hear.

Acts 24:25

"As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.

- Instead of responding in repentance, Felix delayed obedience because he was more concerned with his own comfort, power, and personal gain than with surrendering to God.

Acts also reveals another motive.
Acts 24:26
“At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe."

And finally,

Acts 24:27

"...Wanting to grant a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison."

- Felix sought the approval of people rather than the will of God. He heard the truth but refused to let it transform his life.

Our Choice Today

Acts 24 places before us the same decision.

Will we be like Paul, who stood firm in obedience despite opposition?
Or will we be like Felix, who chose convenience, popularity, and self-interest over obedience to God?

The enemy can accuse us, criticize us, and even persecute us, but he cannot take away the life that Christ has given us. As followers of Jesus, our calling is not to gain the world's approval but to remain faithful to God.

Paul chose God's approval despite opposition, while Felix chose the world's approval over obedience. 
Like Paul, let us keep a clear conscience, boldly proclaim the truth, and remain steadfast even when the world stands against us.

For our lives are not in the hands of the world—they are in the hands of the Lord.

Acts 24:15

"...I have the same hope in God... that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

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PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI

GOD'S SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU, OBEDIENT ONE

 

“Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

                                                                — Acts 18:10

 

While Paul was in Corinth, God spoke to him in a vision. After facing persecution in many places

Paul may have felt afraid or discouraged. God encouraged him to keep preaching by giving him three promises.

 

1.     "For I am with you." (Acts 18:11)

- Paul remained in Corinth for 18 months, boldly teaching God's Word because he was strengthened by God's presence.

2.      "No one will attack you to harm you." (Acts 18:14–16)

-          When Paul was brought before Gallio, God protected him. The charges were dismissed, and Paul was neither arrested nor harmed.

3.      "For I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:8, 11)

-          God was already working in Corinth. Crispus, his household, and many Corinthians believed in the Lord, and many more came to faith during Paul's ministry.

 

God's presence, protection, and sovereign plan gave Paul the courage to continue serving faithfully despite opposition. The same God is with us today as we faithfully obey His calling.

 

Reflections:

1.      What fear is keeping me from obeying God's calling?

2.      Will I continue sharing the gospel even if I face rejection?

3.      Am I trusting God to work in people's hearts, even when I don't see immediate results?

 

Like Paul, may we faithfully obey God's calling, trusting that God is already at work and that His purposes will always be accomplished.

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ELDER BAYIS - JCRC HANOI

 

Acts 16: God Opens Hearts and Breaks Chains

 

 God Opens Hearts and Breaks Chains

 

Scripture

Acts 16:25-26

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, ²⁶ and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.

 

It shows that God directs our steps, opens hearts, and uses even suffering to bring salvation.

God works in surprising ways:

• Paul takes Timothy as a helper, showing the importance of training others in faith.
• The Holy Spirit closes some doors but opens a new one through the vision of the man from Macedonia.
• Lydia, a businesswoman, listens to Paul’s message and “the Lord opened her heart.” Her home becomes the first church in Philippi.
• Paul and Silas are beaten and locked in prison, yet they sing hymns at midnight. Their worship brings freedom—chains fall, doors open, and lives are changed.
• The jailer, hopeless and afraid, finds salvation when Paul tells him: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

 

It teaches us how to live with faith that transforms:

Let us Trust God’s leading When life doesn’t go the way you planned, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sometimes God closes one door so He can open a better one.

Let us Keep our hearts open Be like Lydia, ready to listen, ready to let God’s word shape your life and even your home.

Let us Sing through the struggle Paul and Silas worshiped in chains. When we choose praise in hard times, it lifts our spirit and can even inspire freedom for others.

Let us share love to other People around us are searching for answers. We don’t need complicated words just the simple truth that Jesus saves.

 Let our faith spread One person’s open heart can spark change in a family, a workplace, or even a whole community.

 

Acts 16 also reminds us not to live with half-hearted faith. Timothy was young but gave himself fully to serving Christ. Lydia believed and immediately opened her home for ministry. Paul and Silas, even when beaten and chained, chose to sing hymns instead of complaining. The jailer, in his moment of fear, responded right away to the gospel.

Lukewarm faith looks very different. It avoids responsibility, resists change, complains in trials, and stays silent when others are desperate for hope. This chapter rebukes that kind of complacency. Real discipleship is passionate, obedient, and willing to suffer for Christ. Lukewarm Christianity cannot stand against the demands of the gospel—it calls us to give our whole heart, not just part of it.

 

Reflection

Acts 16 is more than a story from the past, it is a mirror for us today. God still opens hearts, still breaks chains, and still uses ordinary people to bring extraordinary change. If we trust His leading, keep our hearts open, worship in trials, and share hope, our faith will not be lukewarm but alive, bold, and contagious.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us that You guide our steps, open hearts, and break chains. Help us to trust You when life feels hard, to worship You even in our darkest nights, and to share the life of Jesus with those who are desperate for life. Make our homes, like Lydia’s, a place where Your presence dwells and Your gospel spreads. Transform us so we can help transform others.

In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

 ---- PASTORA MAY

ACTS 15: WHEN CHURCH FACES CONFLICT: GODLY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

 

WHEN CHURCH FACES CONFLICT: GODLY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

 

Every church, no matter how healthy, will face challenges. Differences in beliefs, traditions, cultures, and opinions can create tension. The question is not whether problems will arise, but how God's people respond to them.

 

I. Church issue (Acts 15:1)

Some believers from Judea came to Antioch teaching:

"Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1)

-          Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this teaching because salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works.

 

We may also face difficult issue in the church such as:

• False teaching
• Doctrinal confusion
• Cultural differences
• Leadership disagreements
• Personal conflicts
•  Ignoring problems does not solve them. Healthy churches address issues with wisdom and truth.

 

B. The Leaders Action

The apostles and elders met together in Jerusalem.

1.They listened carefully.

⁶ The apostles and elders met to consider this question. Acts 15:6

 

There was much discussion before anyone made a decision.

Good leaders do not rush to conclusions.

 2. Peter testified.

Peter reminded everyone how God accepted the Gentiles through faith when He gave them the Holy Spirit.

. ⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Acts 15:8-9

 3. Paul and Barnabas shared evidence.

They reported the miracles and conversions God had performed among the Gentiles.

Their ministry confirmed God's approval.

 

¹² The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Acts 15:12

 

4. James turned to Scripture.

James quoted the prophet Amos to show that God's plan had always included the Gentiles.

The final decision rested on God's Word.

 ¹⁵ The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

¹⁶ “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,¹⁷ that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’—¹⁸     things known from long ago. Acts 15:16-18

 Godly leaders solve problems by:

• Listening carefully
• Respecting one another
• Considering God's work
• Submitting to Scripture

Opinions alone are not enough. God's Word must guide every decision.

 III. The Decision Protected the Gospel

 They refused to compromise the gospel.

• They encouraged loving consideration for others.

 ¹⁹ “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. ²¹ For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” Acts 15:19-21

 

o   Unity is built on truth and grace.

 IV. The Decision Was Clearly Communicated

 The church sent a letter along with trusted leaders, Judas and Silas.

The believers in Antioch rejoiced because the message brought encouragement and clarity.

Conflict ended because communication was clear.

 

³⁰ So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. ³¹ The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message .Acts 15:30-31

 

-          Church leaders should communicate decisions honestly, clearly, and lovingly.

-          Poor communication creates confusion.

 

 

 

Acts 15 reminds us that church problems do not have to become church divisions.

When leaders seek God together, submit to Scripture, listen with humility, and depend on the Holy Spirit, even difficult conflicts can strengthen the church.

The early church emerged from this crisis stronger, more united, and better prepared to spread the gospel throughout the world.

May our churches follow the same example—standing firmly on God's truth while showing grace, humility, and love to one another.

 Reflection:

• Am I contributing to unity or division in the church?
• Do I trust godly leadership when they faithfully follow Scripture?
• When disagreements arise, do I seek God's truth or simply defend my own preferences?
• Am I helping protect both the truth of the gospel and the unity of Christ's church?

May we be a church that seeks God's will together, honors biblical leadership, and proclaims the gospel of grace with one heart and one voice.

  

Prayer,

Lord, give us humble hearts that seek unity, wisdom to follow Your Word, and grace to trust the leaders You have placed in Your church. May every challenge become an opportunity to glorify You and strengthen Your people. I Jesus Name, Amen.

 

 --- PASTORA PAULA

 

 

 

 

ACTS 14: AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE : THE GOSPEL

 

The GOSPEL is not just a particular message, not just a word from people, not a recommendation that maybe or not be true, nor a suggestion nor a thought. It is not made-up nor a lie, not with shady intentions but an important truth that we Christians relay to people for we ourselves are witnesses to the credibility of the gospel, the good news about God’s grace to mankind.

 

It is a message of truth from God.

Acts 14:3  But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

 

It is a message proved by God through signs and wonders.

Acts 14:3b And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Acts 14:10 So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.

 

It is a message of the reality of God.

Acts 14:15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.

 

It is a message of salvation through faith opened for all.

Acts 14:27b and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.

 

It is a message witnessed by all followers of Jesus to be true. Their lives having testimonies of it’s truth.

Acts 14:27a Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them

 

It is a message of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.

Acts 13:38 “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. ³⁹ Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.

 

It is a message concerning people’s eternity. A promise of eternal life to those who believes and the truth of hell/eternal death to those who still chose their own ways.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

This important message (the gospel) is true and it is God’s will for it to be preached (Acts 14:3) for the people to be saved. That they may receive the true living God (Acts 14:15). And that their lives from the moment they accepted and believed be changed, transformed with God’s abiding life & presence helping them in this life and in the life to come for they will receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven. We thank You for the gospel message preached to us that have saved and changed our lives. We thank You for the people who became instruments to deliver the gospel to us. We ask that You bless them and keep them safe. We ask that we also be good messengers of the gospel. Grant us to speak Your word of message with boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and let there be signs and wonders manifested through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep us in alignment with Your heart and mind as Your people who are blessed with eternal life in You. May many more people receive Your gospel and believe that they may be saved. Let Your will be done in us. Rule over our lives and rule over Your church. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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PAS MELODY - JCRC CAMBODIA

 

ACTS 13: THE SPIRIT WHO CALLS ALSO GOES

 

The Holy Spirit is the One who calls us, sets us apart, sends us, empowers us, and stays with us to accomplish His work.

"So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia..." — Acts 13:4

I. The Holy Spirit Calls and Sets Us Apart

Acts 13:2–3

"Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Before Paul and Barnabas ever began their mission, God had already chosen them. It was not their own ambition, nor the church's idea. The Holy Spirit called them and set them apart for God's purpose.

Likewise, our calling begins with God. Before we serve Him, He first calls us to Himself and prepares us for His work.

• John 15:16 – "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..."
• Ephesians 2:10 – We are created for the good works God prepared for us.

God has a purpose for your life. The question is not "Has God called me?" but "Am I responding to His call?"

II. The Holy Spirit Sends and Walks with Us

Acts 13:4

"So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit..."

The Holy Spirit did not simply send Paul and Barnabas and leave them alone. Throughout their journey, He guided, strengthened, and empowered them.

Their mission was not easy. They encountered:

• Opposition (Acts 13:8)
• Rejection (Acts 13:45)
• Persecution (Acts 13:50)

Yet they continued because the Spirit who sent them was the same Spirit who remained with them.

• John 14:16–17 – The Holy Spirit will be with you forever.
• Isaiah 41:10 – "Do not fear, for I am with you."

God never sends us somewhere His presence cannot sustain us.

III. The Holy Spirit Empowers us and Gives us Victory

Acts 13:9–12

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly confronted Elymas.

His victory did not come from intelligence or human ability but from the power of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout Acts 13, Paul continually chose obedience over comfort:

• He preached despite rejection.
• He remained faithful despite persecution.
• He continued God's mission despite opposition.

The journey was difficult, but God's presence made them victorious.

• Zechariah 4:6 – "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit."
• Galatians 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

The Holy Spirit empowers us not only to begin God's work but also to remain faithful until the end.

 

Stay in Step with the Holy Spirit

Acts 13:52

"And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

Paul and Barnabas did not finish their mission by their own strength. The same Holy Spirit who: called, set them apart, sent them, and empowered them also remained with them throughout their journey. Even after facing rejection and persecution, they continued to be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The same is true for us. The Holy Spirit who has called us, set us apart, and sent us also walks with us. No matter how difficult the journey becomes, He never abandons those He sends.

Let the light of the Holy Spirit Shines brightly

47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’

 

The light we shine is not our own goodness—it is the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit living in us.

God desires that our light shine brightly so that others may come to know Him and receive salvation.

However, we can dim that light through:

• Disobedience
• Delayed obedience
• Compromise
• Following the desires of the flesh instead of the Spirit

But Jesus reminds us;

• Ephesians 5:8 – "Live as children of light."
• Philippians 2:15 – "Shine among them like stars in the sky."

 

LET US REFLECT:

1. Am I partnering with the Holy Spirit daily, or am I relying on my own strength?
2. Is there an area where I have delayed obeying God's voice?
3. Is my light shining brightly, or has disobedience dimmed it?
4. Who can experience the light of Christ through my life this week?

 

PRAYER:

Holy Spirit, thank You for calling me, setting me apart, sending me, and never leaving me. Teach me to stay close to You each day. Give me a heart that obeys immediately and willingly. Remove every area of compromise and help me shine the light of Christ so that many will come to know Jesus. May my life always reflect Your presence and bring glory to the Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI