How God Changes the World

How God Changes the World | Acts 18:24-26; 19:1, 13-17, 20

John Bourgeois, Lead Pastor

Key Takeaways

The gospel:

• Converts the churched

• Reveals the real Jesus, which leads to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives

• Exposes counterfeits and those using Jesus for personal gain or agenda

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Apollos was religiously sincere but didn't fully know Jesus. Have you ever encountered someone like this? How can we ensure we're not just going through religious motions without truly knowing Christ?

• Question 2

  Reflect on the question: "Have you ever started doing anything or stopped doing anything simply for your love for Jesus?" Share your experiences with a friend, neighbor, or community group.

• Question 3

  How does the concept of the Holy Spirit glorifying Jesus (rather than himself) impact your understanding of the Spirit's work in your life?

• Question 4

  John suggests that "beautiful songs sung by changed lives change lives." How can we ensure our worship is genuine and impactful, both for ourselves and others?

• Question 5

  Like the sons of Sceva, how do you see people today trying to use Jesus' name for their own gain? How can we guard against this in our own lives?

• Question 6

  John concludes with the story of Bob Dylan's electric show. How can we stay true to the "real Jesus" when facing pressure from the world to conform?

NICU Exploratory Study

The father’s singing voice may impact premature infants’ brain more than their mother’s.

Read the full study

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Gospel Transforms the Churched

READING :

Acts 18:24-28, Romans 12:1-2

DEVOTIONAL :

Apollos was eloquent, passionate, and knowledgeable about Scripture, yet he lacked a full understanding of Jesus. This reminds us that even those deeply involved in church can miss the transformative power of the gospel. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are you relying on religious knowledge and activity, or on a living relationship with Jesus? Ask God to reveal areas where you may be operating on your own strength rather than his. Pray for a renewed passion for Christ that goes beyond religious observance.

Day 2 : Recognizing the Real Jesus

READING :

John 14:15-21, Galatians 2:20

DEVOTIONAL :

The disciples in Ephesus hadn't heard of the Holy Spirit, showing they didn't fully yet know Jesus. Paul's response was to preach Christ, not just offer more information. Today, ask yourself: Do I know the real Jesus, or just facts about him? How is my life different because of my relationship with Christ? Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus more fully to you and to empower you to live in a way that reflects his presence in your life.

Day 3 : The Power of Praise

READING :

Psalm 96, Ephesians 5:18-20

DEVOTIONAL :

The Ephesian believers' encounter with the Holy Spirit resulted in spontaneous praise. Our worship is a powerful witness to the reality of God. Today, focus on cultivating a heart of praise. Even if you don't feel like it, choose to vocalize your gratitude and adoration to God. How might your visible, audible worship impact those around you? Ask God to fill you afresh with his Spirit and to loosen your tongue in genuine praise.

Day 4 : Surrendering to Jesus' Authority

READING :

Matthew 7:21-23, Philippians 2:9-11

DEVOTIONAL :

The sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus' name without submitting to his authority, with disastrous results. It's a stark reminder that we can't simply use Jesus for our own ends. Examine your heart today. Are there areas where you're trying to fit Jesus into your plans rather than submitting to his? Confess any attempts to manipulate God for your own gain. Pray for a heart that truly bows to Jesus as Lord in every aspect of life.

Day 5 : Exposing Counterfeits

READING :

1 John 4:1-6, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

DEVOTIONAL :

The gospel exposes counterfeits, as seen dramatically in Ephesus. In our lives, false beliefs and hollow spirituality can masquerade as authentic faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to shine his light on any counterfeit elements in your spiritual life and areas where you might be settling for less than the full, transformative power of the gospel. Pray for discernment to recognize true, Christ-centered faith and the courage to let go of anything that doesn't align with God's truth.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

All: You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

Psalm 77:12-13

Confession of faith

Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A #1

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

Lord Jesus, we confess that we often choose the appearance of godliness over a life surrendered to you. We want the approval of others, the sense of control, and the feeling of impact, without the cost of repentance or dependence. We invoke your name while protecting our own agendas. Forgive us for using you rather than yielding to you. Give us true conversion, not performance, and the life that only your Spirit can give. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Looking Ahead

Join us next week for Acts 19:21-41.