An Open Door

Key Takeaways

• The road to God's kingdom is often marked by tribulation and suffering.

• God uses our suffering redemptively in our lives.

• True transcendence is found in Christ, not in worldly pursuits or crowd approval.

• The door to God's kingdom is held open by grace through Jesus Christ.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  John states, "God is not going to save you out of your suffering, but he is going to save you through your suffering." How does this perspective challenge or affirm your understanding of the Christian life?

• Question 2

  Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering or tribulation. How did it impact your faith? Did you see God working through that experience?

• Question 3

  John mentions that "every idol promises transcendence without tribulation." What are some modern-day idols that people (including ourselves) might turn to for false transcendence?

• Question 4

  How does the image of Jesus as "the door" (John 10:9) shape your understanding of salvation and relationship with God?

• Question 5

  Crowds can offer a false sense of transcendence. In what ways might we be tempted to find our identity or worth in crowds or public approval?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Door of Grace

READING :

John 10:7-10

DEVOTIONAL :

Jesus declares, "I am the door." This powerful statement invites us to see Christ as our access point to God's presence and abundant life. Just as Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the open door of faith, we too are called to enter through Jesus. Reflect on areas of your life where you may be trying to find fulfillment or transcendence apart from Christ. How can you more fully embrace Jesus as the door to true life and meaning? Today, consciously "enter through the door" by spending time in prayer, surrendering your desires and struggles to Jesus.

Day 2 : Suffering and the Kingdom

READING :

Acts 14:19-23

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul's words that "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" challenge our desire for an easy faith. Yet this passage reminds us that suffering is not a detour on the path to God's kingdom, but often the very road itself. Consider a current struggle in your life. How might God be using this difficulty to shape your character or deepen your dependence on him? Rather than asking God to remove your trial, pray for the strength to endure it faithfully, trusting that he is working through your suffering to his glory and for your good.

Day 3 : False Transcendence vs. True Worship

READING :

Romans 1:21-25

DEVOTIONAL :

The crowd's attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods illustrates humanity's misplaced search for transcendence. We too can fall into the trap of seeking ultimate meaning in created things rather than the Creator. Examine your own life for "idols" – good things elevated to ultimate things. It could be success, relationships, or even religious activities. How can you shift your focus to worshiping the living God today? Practice gratitude for God's gifts without making them your source of identity or worth.

Day 4 : God's Presence in Suffering

READING :

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul's resilience in the face of persecution demonstrates the sustaining power of God's presence. Even when left for dead, Paul rises and continues his mission. This passage in Corinthians reveals the secret of such endurance – focusing on the eternal weight of glory that far outweighs temporal afflictions. In your current challenges, how can you cultivate an eternal perspective? Take time to meditate on God's promises and the hope of his coming kingdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to make his presence tangibly felt in your difficulties.

Day 5 : The Open Door for All

READING :

Ephesians 2:11-22

DEVOTIONAL :

The sermon highlighted how Paul and Barnabas brought the good news that God's grace is now available to all people. This passage in Ephesians beautifully expresses how Christ has broken down dividing walls, creating one new humanity. Reflect on ways you might unconsciously create barriers between yourself and others unlike you. How can you be an agent of reconciliation, holding the door of grace open wide? Consider reaching out to someone from a different background, inviting them to experience God's love through your friendship and hospitality.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

Psalm 33:6-9

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

Father, we confess that we look for doors of escape instead of the Door of Life. We chase false transcendence, hoping to bypass the cross. We numb our pain rather than trust you in it. Forgive us for loving vain things and fearing tribulation more than we fear you. Open our eyes to Jesus—the Door held open by grace—that we may enter through him alone. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 15:1-21