Preparing for the Lord's Day
Acts
“Is he—quite safe?” This is the question Susan Pevensie asks in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when she realizes that their hope for deliverance comes in the form of a lion named Aslan. As those of you who have read the book remember, the Pevensies are trapped in the land of Narnia and must escape from the White Witch. Their only hope is the coming of the mysterious lion Aslan, who will bring an end to the endless winter and defeat the forces of evil. But Susan is nervous about placing her trust in a lion. Aren’t lions ferocious? Aren’t they wild? In response to her question, Mr. Beaver replies, “Safe? Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” He isn’t safe—but he is good.
This Sunday, as we continue our sermon series in Acts, we turn to Acts 4:32–5:11—a passage that vividly displays that our Savior, like Aslan, is good, but he is not safe. He’s the King. Over the last several weeks, we’ve seen how the Holy Spirit empowers the ministry of the early church and gives the apostles boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This week, we begin with the astonishing generosity of the early believers—a community so transformed by grace that they freely sell their possessions to care for one another. The gospel bears beautiful fruit. But the passage ends with a sobering act of judgment—a warning against those who would treat the holiness of God lightly. The gospel is gloriously good. But it is not safe. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Acts 4:32-5:11, Joshua 7:10-26, Proverbs 9:10, Matthew 23:25-28, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Revelation 1:12-18, and this article on God being Always Good but Never Safe.
As we gather to worship our Humble King this Palm Sunday, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Processional Hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” the Acclamation of Praise “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus!” and the Hymn of Response “Lift High the Cross.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information:
Text: Acts 4:32-5:11
Title: Good, But Not Safe
Outline:
- Gospel Generosity is Good, but not Safe (vv.4:32-37)
- Gospel Justice is Good, but not Safe (vv.5:1-10)
- Gospel Fear is Good, but not Safe (v. 5:11)