THE BOOK OF ACTS JANUARY 26, 2025
CREATING A CULTURE OF LIFE

SCRIPTURE
During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.” With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akel-dama, that is, Field of Blood. So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, You know every heart. Show us which of these men You have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. Acts 1:15-19; 23-26

A LIFE-GIVING GOD

1/ God gives us physical life (Genesis 2:7).


2/ God gives us spiritual life (John 7:37-39).


3/ God gives us scriptural life (Hebrews 4:12).


4/ God gives us eternal life (John 11:25).


5/ God gives us heavenly life (Revelation 22:1-2).

Notice the contrast in Jesus’ statement: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10


A LIFE-TAKING ENEMY

1/ Abortion creates a Culture of Death (death inside the womb).


2/ Infanticide creates a Culture of Death (death outside the womb).


3/ Senicide creates a Culture of Death (death of the elderly).
4/ Suicide creates a Culture of Death (death of self).

There is a mental health crisis & it’s leading to death. The CDC & NAMI reports:
- In America, 1 in 5 people have mental health illness & 1 in 20 have serious mental health illness.
- Suicide increased by 36% from 2000-2021.
- Every 11 minutes someone takes their life.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those 10-24.

Suicide is a sinful act.

Murder is sin. The murder of self is a violent rebuke towards the Creator God.

“We must reject the lie that tell us our lives are solely our own, to keep or kill as we wish. It is a blessing, not a curse, that we are God’s from birth to death.” Casey Chalk

Suicide is a selfish act.

Culture has coddled the concept of suicide, even labeling it as heroic at times.

Even if the motive is not selfish, the act is the height of selfishness.

Suicide is a serious act.

Please don’t make a permanent decision based on temporary problems.

Christians must be discerning, while not denying the crisis.

You matter to Jesus.

“’I have loved you with an everlasting love.’” Jeremiah 31:3

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:10

You will either believe the Father of Life or the Father of Lies.

You matter to other people.

The pain of loss may diminish but would never disappear.

Your pain will clarify your purpose.

You are not alone in your pain (Job, Elijah, David, Solomon, Jeremiah).

But what if your brokenness was intended to help other people?
If struggling, contact the leadership at Christian Life or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK). Or text TALK to 741741.


CREATING A CULTURE OF LIFE

1/ We create a Culture of Life through prayer.


2/ We create a Culture of Life through protests.


3/ We create a Culture of Life through politics & policies.


4/ We create a Culture of Life through preaching.


5/ We create a Culture of Life through parenting.


6/ We create a Culture of Life through partnerships.


7/ We create a Culture of Life through practical action.