Portraits of Grace

Key Takeaways

• The gospel satisfies the seeking mind.

• The gospel liberates the captive heart.

• The gospel transforms the guilty conscience.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  How can we cultivate a posture of 'How can I help?' in our own lives and within our church community, following Lydia's example?

• Question 2

  How does the liberation of the slave girl demonstrate the connection between idolatry and injustice in our culture today?

• Question 3

  What 'coping mechanisms' might we be relying on that, like the fortune-telling in Philippi, actually exploit others or ourselves?

• Question 4

  How does Paul and Silas's response to imprisonment challenge our own reactions to suffering or opposition in our faith journey?

• Question 5

  In what ways does the jailer's transformation illustrate the power of grace to change even the most unlikely individuals?

• Question 6

  How might the diversity of Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer challenge our preconceptions about who belongs in the church community?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Seeking Heart

READING :

Acts 16:11-15

DEVOTIONAL :

Lydia's story reminds us that God is actively working to satisfy our seeking hearts. Just as the Lord opened Lydia's heart to receive the gospel, he desires to open our hearts to deeper truths about him. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Where are you still seeking? What questions linger in your mind? Remember that God welcomes our inquiries and doubts. He is not intimidated by our questions but invites us to bring them to him. Today, take time to journal your deepest spiritual questions and concerns. Then, in prayer, present them to God, asking him to open your heart to his truth and presence.

Day 2 : Freedom in Christ

READING :

Acts 16:16-18

DEVOTIONAL :

The slave girl's liberation demonstrates the power of Christ to free our captive hearts. We all have areas in our lives where we feel trapped or controlled by forces beyond our strength. These may be addictions, fears, or patterns of negative thinking. Jesus has the power to break these chains. Today, identify an area in your life where you feel bound. Speak the name of Jesus over that situation, just as Paul did. Ask for Christ's liberating power to work in your life. Remember, true freedom is found not in the absence of struggles, but in the presence of Christ amidst them.

Next steps: If you need support for any hurts, habits, or hang-ups, we invite you to join our Celebrate Recovery community on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. You may also reach out confidentially to our Care Team: care@westendcc.org

Day 3 : Grace for the Guilty

READING :

Acts 16:25-34

DEVOTIONAL :

The jailer's transformation demonstrates the incredible power of God's grace to change even the hardest heart. No matter what we've done or how far we feel from God, his grace is sufficient. The jailer's urgent question, "What must I do to be saved?" is answered simply: "Believe in the Lord Jesus." This reminds us that salvation is not earned through our efforts but received as a gift through faith. Today, meditate on areas where you might be trying to earn God's favor and instead, rest in the assurance of his freely given grace. How might fully embracing this grace change how you live and relate to others?

Day 4 : Joy in Suffering

READING :

Acts 16:22-25

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul and Silas singing hymns while in prison is a powerful testament to finding joy in the midst of suffering. Their example challenges us to look beyond our circumstances and find reasons to praise God, even in our darkest moments. This doesn't mean denying our pain, but rather choosing to trust God's goodness despite it. Today, if you're facing a difficult situation, try following Paul and Silas's example. Make a list of reasons to praise God, focusing on his character and promises rather than your circumstances. Then, spend time in worship, whether through singing, prayer, or simply speaking your gratitude aloud.

Day 5 : Unity in Diversity

READING :

Galatians 3:26-28

DEVOTIONAL :

The early church in Philippi, comprising a wealthy merchant, a former slave, and a jailer, beautifully illustrates the unifying power of the gospel. Barriers of social status, ethnicity, and background are broken down. We are all one family in Christ. This unity is a powerful witness to the world of God's reconciling love. Today, consider how you might be harboring prejudices or maintaining unhealthy divisions. Ask God to help you see others as he sees them. Is there someone different from you that you could reach out to in fellowship? Pray for opportunities to build bridges and demonstrate the unifying love of Christ in your community.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

All: The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 98:1-4

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: like Lydia, without you we are lost in our search for meaning. Like the slave girl, without you we are enslaved by our fears and false comforts. Like the jailer, without you our hearts harden until pierced by crisis. Have mercy on us, O God. Open our hearts, break our chains, cleanse our guilt, and restore us to your family by the power of the cross. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:13-14

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 17:16-34