In the face of persecution, the apostles walk away rejoicing. How can we both endure persecution and receive it with joy? Luke shows us in this narrative that even when we are harassed for our faith, God gives us assurances of the truth and His presence in the midst of them.

On Sunday morning, we looked at Proverbs 9. At the conclusion of the first major section of Proverbs, Lady Wisdom invites the reader to a dinner party. All those who turn away from folly and into her house, they will receive life. All those who scoff her and accept Lady Folly's delicacies will inherit death. Essentially, wisdom's call is a call to worship and fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. Have you RSVP'd to wisdom's dinner?

Wisdom gives her life story in this passage. Why do we need to hear it? Why do we need wisdom's autobiography? We need it because it makes sense of the world, reveals life's purpose and blesses those who find it. All of this is because wisdom is ultimately displayed in Jesus Christ who is wisdom from God.

It is rare for a pastoral visit to result in death. Yet, this is exactly what happens in this passage. The striking down of Ananias and Sapphira sent shock waves through the church. This event teaches us of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin and calls us to find refuge in Jesus Christ.

God's wisdom isn't just for the intelligent and not only for certain times. Instead, wisdom is for everyone and for every occasion! There is a Mondayness to God's wisdom. In embracing God's wisdom we're given provision for every circumstance.

In this passage we're given a snapshot of what it was like to be part of the earliest church community. They showed their love for one another through their attitude toward their belongings, their commitment to the gospel and their response to the needy. This example of how the Holy Spirit changes people through the preaching of the gospel shows us how to care for each other as a local church in Mandurah.

Sexual temptation bombards us from a number of different angles. How do we guard ourselves? Proverbs gives us a defensive strategy through explaining how to guard our hearts and our way. We're further armed by knowing the consequences of sexual immorality and remembering those who have fallen. Yet, for all those who have failed, we have a Redeemer who brings both forgiveness and cleansing through His perfect sacrifice.

Jesus describes His return like bridesmaids waiting for the groom to arrive at the reception. This parable - a simple story that illustrates a spiritual truth - teaches us to expect a period of waiting, expect Jesus' return to be sudden and to expect some to be shocked.

When times get tough for the church, the knee-jerk reaction of God's people is to pray. Praying in opposition looks like praising God for His sovereignty, petitioning for boldness to continue to be faithful and resting in His presence to cheer and to guide.

If you desire to shoot yourself in the foot and limp wounded through life, be a guarantor, be lazy, be a conman and be what God hates. Instead we are to pursue generosity, diligence, discretion and the delight of God in the Lord Jesus.

There is no other name, no other way to be saved, no other Saviour than Jesus Christ. The inescapable conclusion is we must bow to Jesus as Saviour and Lord, but many will suppress the truth and receive God’s judgement. We have no other option but to testify to the truth, trusting that Jesus will build His church as He is proclaimed to the world.

Sexual immorality is pictured as a forbidden woman; an adulteress. She seduces with her words and those who yield to her stand to lose their reputation, wealth, health and eventually their lives. Thus, we're encouraged to find delight in our spouse and to find ultimate fulfilment in our Husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

After the healing of the lame man, Peter preaches the gospel to the excited crowd. He charges them with killing Jesus, calls them to repent and challenges them to close with Jesus. Similarly, we present Jesus to others by declaring that we're sinners before God and we're called to turn to Jesus for salvation. 

God's wisdom calls us to listen and pay attention. Paying attention is how we get wisdom, watch where we're walking and keep a close watch on our heart.

Peter heals a man in the name of Jesus. This shows us that the risen Jesus has the power to save. The fact that Jesus saves should both encourage us and spur us on to share Him with others.

Our culture tells us that life is better when there is nothing stopping us. Proverbs, however, explains that there are definite things to avoid in the pursuit of true happiness. For the one who doesn't lose sight of wisdom, doesn't withhold good and doesn't envy the wicked, there is the assurance of being in God's confidence. 

The blueprint of the local church is the Word, fellowship and worship. The first local church devoted themselves to this blueprint. It is through these means that the Lord Jesus continues to build His church. 

The truly happy one is the one who finds wisdom. Wisdom satisfies, shepherds us on the right path and secures us. Wisdom is so important to being truly happy because in finding it we find God, who created everything by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Thus, wisdom reveals that true happiness is found in being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. 

At Pentecost, Peter preaches the first church's first sermon. The Holy Spirit blesses the preaching of the gospel and adds 3,000 souls to the church. We can draw confidence from the fact that we proclaim the same risen Jesus. Also, we are encouraged that the Holy Spirit works powerfully to build up God's people and rescue the lost through the preaching of God's Word.

The lifetime benefits of wisdom are seen in this passage through the rhythm of command and promise. Yet, we must approach this passage cautiously, looking at God's blessings flowing to us through the Person and work of Jesus Christ.