Acts
Who are God’s children? Today, many would answer, “We are all God’s children.” And in one sense, that is true. Every human is made by God, in His image. But in the Bible, the phrase carries a deeper meaning. To be a child of God is to be born anew, taken into His family by grace, and made an heir of His eternal kingdom. Not everyone can claim this. Only those brought into His household through faith are truly His children. This leads to a pressing question: Who really are God’s children? How can we know to whom His promises belong, for not all will share in His kingdom?
Think for a moment of those modern talk shows where someone claims to be the father or mother, and a DNA test reveals the truth. Everyone waits to see who truly belongs. Many may have hoped, claimed, or even thought they were the parent, but in the end, only one is shown to be the true father or mother. In the same way, in God’s kingdom, many may claim to be His children, but the Scriptures tell us who truly are.
In our passage from Acts 13:44-52, we see Paul and Barnabas carrying on their work in Antioch of Pisidia. The Jews turn away from their message, but the Gentiles receive it with joy. Those we might expect to be God’s children prove they are not, while those once far from Him are shown to be His sons and daughters. This passage reminds us that God’s children are not born of the flesh, but of His own will. It calls us to examine where we stand before Him. Are we living as His children, shaped by His Word and His Spirit? Do we cling to Him, trusting in the promises He has made to those He has taken into His household? The truth of God’s Word shows us where our hope and our home truly lie. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Acts 13:44-52, Isaiah 49:5-6, Matthew 10:5-15, John 1:11-13, Acts 2:39, and this article on the Children of God.
As we gather this second Sunday of Advent, we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine, we look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” “Good Christian Men, Rejoice!,” and “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People.”
Sermon Information:
Text: Acts 13:44-52
Title: The Children of God
Outline
- The Children of God Inherit the Promise
- The Children of God Believe the Message
- The Children of God Receive the Spirit
Sunday's Bulletin
Bulletin Insert
A Liturgical Note:
Last week began the season of Advent in which we celebrate the coming of Christ. We look back to the first coming of Christ with gratefulness and joy, and we look forward to the second coming of Christ with hope and anticipation. Note in the worship service the several elements reflecting this celebration. Along with the purple paraments are evergreen arrangements that reflect the everlasting life which Christ brings to his people. On Christmas Eve night, the paraments will change to white and the sanctuary will be fully decorated to welcome the Christ Child, Immanuel, God with Us.
Each week, we will also include the lighting of the Advent wreath candles. This moment includes a Scripture reading and a prayer that reflects the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. On Christmas Eve night, the final candle will be lit, the center white candle. This signals the birth of Christ, the light of the world.
We hope that each of you will take time to reflect upon the beauty of the season displayed in the floral arrangements, the paraments, the liturgy, and the special music. May our hearts long for Christ and the beauty of His coming.