MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
Acts 8:26–40 Pastor Calvary deJong
May 4th, 2025
Introduction: The Spirit Is Not Fiction
May 4th each year is “Star Wars Day.” Years ago, on our honeymoon, Lacey and I watched Star Wars together in a quiet cabin in the woods. What stuck with me wasn’t the sci-fi—it was the idea of the Force: an invisible power that enables people to stand, speak, and act with courage. But what Star Wars imagines as fiction, Scripture presents as fact. Not an impersonal energy—but the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus doesn’t say, “May the Force be with you.” He says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… and you will be my witnesses.”
Many of us want to live meaningfully, speak courageously, and know God’s presence in real ways. But we often feel unsure how. That’s why Luke’s two-part story—his Gospel and the book of Acts—matters. Luke doesn’t just tell us what to believe. He shows us what it looks like when the Spirit of God fills everyday people to speak, serve, and sacrifice in the name of Jesus.
1. The Spirit Was Promised from the Beginning (Luke 3:16; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49)
Acts isn’t a disconnected sequel—it’s part two of the same story. From the very beginning of Luke’s Gospel, the Spirit’s coming was anticipated.
•John the Baptist says Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
•Jesus promises the Spirit as the Father’s best gift—not just for leaders, but for all who ask.
•Jesus prepares His disciples for opposition by assuring them the Spirit will give them words to speak.
•Finally, in Luke 24, the risen Jesus tells His followers: “I am sending the promise of my Father upon you… Wait until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Spirit’s arrival in Acts 2 isn’t random—it’s the fulfillment of Jesus’ ongoing work. Luke frames the story so we see: Jesus didn’t stop working when He ascended. He continues His mission through the Holy Spirit and through us.
2. The Spirit Empowers Ordinary People to Witness - (Acts 1–2)
Before ascending, Jesus gives His disciples a roadmap: “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” That isn’t just a mission—it’s a pattern. The whole book of Acts follows that outline. In Acts 2, that promise explodes into reality. Wind. Fire. Speech. The Spirit fills the room and fills the disciples—and they begin declaring the wonders of God in many languages. The miracle isn’t about sensation. It’s about proclamation.
Then Peter stands. The same man who denied Jesus now preaches with boldness. He explains what’s happening, points to Scripture, and calls people to repentance and baptism.
This is the Spirit’s power on display: not vague emotion, but Spirit-enabled witness. The Holy Spiri is not given for show, but for service.
3. Stephen: A Spirit-Filled Life, Speech, and Death - (Acts 6–7)
Stephen is the first person in Acts described as “full of the Holy Spirit.” His life paints a vivid picture of what it means to live as a Spirit-empowered witness.
•In service: He’s appointed to care for widows—not because of charisma, but because he’s full of the Spirit and wisdom.
•In speech: He begins teaching, debating, and speaking truth. His opponents “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him.”
•In sacrifice: When falsely accused, Stephen gives the longest sermon in Acts—a bold retelling of Israel’s history that reveals their pattern of resisting God.
His words are piercing: “You stiff-necked people… You always resist the Holy Spirit.” That’s the charge—loving the system more than the Spirit. As Stephen is stoned, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God—a powerful image of Christ’s advocacy. His last words echo Jesus on the cross: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Do not hold this sin against them.” Stephen dies with boldness and with peace. He doesn’t just imitate Christ’s courage—he reflects Christ’s compassion.
4. Spirit Power + Peace Witness
Maybe you’ve seen spiritual emotionalism that lacks depth—or a cautious faith that keeps the Spirit at arm’s length. But Stephen shows us a better way. His words were bold, his death was peaceful. He was both fiery and forgiving. What we need is both: the power of the Holy Spirit and the peace of Christ. Spirit-filled courage and Christ-shaped love. Not spectacle, not passivity—but a Spirit-empowered witness that points to Jesus through word, service, and sacrifice.
Gospel Invitation: The Good News Behind the Witness
Sin matters—not just because of what we do, but who we sin against. As a kid, if I hit my sister, it was bad. If I hit a police officer, it’s worse. Sin against an all-holy God is infinitely serious. That’s why we don’t just need improvement—we need grace. The good news is that Jesus, whom Stephen saw standing in glory, came down. He lived the life we couldn’t live. He died the death we deserved. On the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them.” And then, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” Because of Jesus, we can be forgiven. Because of Jesus, we can be filled with the Spirit. Because of Jesus, we can be witnesses—not just to what happened then, but what He’s doing in us now.
Prayer of Response
Gracious God, Thank You for the gift of Your Son and the power of Your Spirit. Make us bold like Stephen—faithful in word, in service, and in sacrifice. Fill us with courage and compassion, and let our lives point others to Jesus. In His name we pray—Amen.
Benediction
May the same Spirit who filled Stephen—who gave him words to speak, grace to forgive, and peace in death—fill you this week. May you see Jesus clearly. May you serve humbly. May you speak boldly. Now, go in peace, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
FROM BROKEN HOPES TO BURNING HEARTS
Luke 24:13-35
Pastor Calvary deJong
April 27th, 2025
Introduction
Have you ever realized too late that you missed something important happening right in front of you?
In the movie Big Daddy, Sonny Koufax was drifting through life. Once on track to become a successful lawyer, he gave up on ambition after a minor accident won him a big insurance settlement. Instead of building a future, Sonny settled for living aimlessly and working one day a week at a toll booth. One day, Sonny walks into his apartment — and surprise! Balloons, streamers, and a cake — except the party wasn’t meant for him. It was supposed to celebrate his hardworking roommate, Kevin. But by the time Kevin arrives, the moment has been wasted. Kevin’s fiancée glares at Sonny and says, “We wasted the good surprise on you!” They missed who the moment was really for! In a way, that’s what happens in Luke 24. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, convinced the story is over — while the risen Jesus Himself walks beside them, unnoticed. They missed the miracle right in front of them.
Today, many still place their hopes in politics, success, or circumstances — and find those hopes shattered. But Luke 24 reminds us: when our hopes are broken, Jesus meets us — in Scripture, in community, and at the Table — to turn broken dreams into burning hearts. In the Emmaus story, Jesus doesn’t scold them for walking away — He walks with them. Step by step, He patiently reshapes their understanding and reignites their faith. That’s still how He meets us today.
- Jesus Meets Them in Scripture (Luke 24:25–27)
As the disciples walk away in defeat, Jesus joins them — but instead of dazzling them with power, He opens the Scriptures: "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) Faith that lasts isn’t built on adrenaline or emotional highs. It’s anchored in God’s Word. Today, many think faith is believing in something that isn’t true without evidence. But in the biblical imagination, that is not what faith is. Rather, Biblical faith is trusting what has been tested and found true. Origen taught that one does not see Christ until one has been taught how to see Christ in the Scriptures. Even when Jesus Himself walked beside them, He pointed their faith back to the Scriptures — rooting their hope in the unfolding story of God’s plan. The Bible wasn’t given just to inform us, but to transform us — helping us see Jesus more clearly and trust Him more fully, especially when life feels confusing.
- Jesus Meets Them in Community (Luke 24:28–29)
As they reach Emmaus, the disciples urge Jesus to stay. They don’t fully recognize Him yet, but something is stirring in their hearts: "stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." (Luke 24:29) Faith grows stronger in fellowship. Faith and doubt were never meant to be walked alone. The journey from confusion to clarity often happens around shared tables, honest conversations, and friendships that give space for questions.
Application:
If your hopes are broken today, don't isolate yourself. Reach out. Sometimes you have to borrow someone else’s faith until your own catches fire again. Jesus often speaks clearest when we journey together.
You don't need a perfect small group, a polished Bible study, or a spiritual retreat to encounter Him. You need a willingness to stay at the table long enough for the conversation to lead you to Him. The road to burning hearts starts with shared life. Sometimes that means inviting someone over for coffee. Sometimes it’s simply showing up, even when you don’t have all the answers. The habit of gathering keeps the embers of faith alive until they burst into flame.
III. Jesus Meets Them at the Table (Luke 24:30–31)
It wasn’t through miracles or speeches, but through the simple act of breaking bread that their eyes were opened: “when he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him..." (Luke 24:30–31) The Table isn’t just a memorial service — it’s an encounter with the living Christ. Ambrose of Milan reflected on the transformation that occurs during communion. Jesus meets us in the ordinary — bread, prayers, shared life — and transforms it into sacred encounter.
Application:
Come to the Table hungry. Come expecting that God still speaks, still reveals, still restores.
When we gather around bread and cup — when we gather around God’s Word and His people — the risen Jesus steps into the room. He meets us in simple obedience and simple faith. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel close to Him. He is closer than you realize — breaking bread, breaking open your heart, and building a hope that will not disappoint. Even when we don’t recognize Him at first, He is faithful to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
Gospel Invitation: From Broken Hopes to Burning Hearts
Maybe today you’re thinking, “I’m a good person.” Imagine getting pulled over for speeding in a school zone and trying to argue, "But officer, I’m a good person!" No matter how many good things you’ve done, the law still holds. In the same way, none of us can erase our sin before a holy God by good deeds. We've all broken God's law — and the penalty stands. But the good news is that Jesus came not just to remind us of our guilt, but to rescue us. On the cross, He took our punishment. In the resurrection, He offers us new life.
Like the disciples on the road, it’s not enough just to hear about Him. We have to respond — to make a U-turn — repentance — and start walking with Him. Today, Jesus is stepping into your story too. Will you invite Him into your broken hopes, so He can give you a new heart and a new future?
Prayer
May the risen Christ meet you on the road,
mending what is broken and making you whole.
May the Scriptures ignite your heart with love and hope.
And may His peace rest upon you — today and always.
Amen.
CHRIST COLLIDES
WITH DEATH
Luke 24:1-12 Pastor Calvary deJong
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
Introduction: A Choc-apocalypse
What comes to mind when you think about Easter? When I was a kid, Easter meant church in the morning—but let’s be honest, I was mostly focused on the candy waiting afterward. My family would then head to a big family gathering, and I knew exactly what was coming: a full-blown candy apocalypse. Cadbury Mini Eggs, chocolate bunnies—you name it. One year, I ate so much chocolate that we had to stop the truck on the way home—let’s just say it was not my most glorious moment. Back then, Easter was mostly about what was in the basket. But over time—and especially as I’ve grown in my faith—it’s become much more about what’s in the heart.
This year for Lent, I gave up two things I love: Coke and Frappuccinos. Not because they’re inherently bad, but because even good things can crowd out space that belongs to God. My boys thought it was hilarious. “Dad,” they said, “how are you going to survive?” Honestly, the first few days were rough. But Lent isn’t about deprivation for its own sake. It’s about preparation. It’s about making space to remember—and to reawaken to what matters. Maybe you’re skeptical, or hurting, or just curious. Whatever brought you here, I believe Easter isn’t just a story to admire—it’s an invitation to experience something real.
Scene One: The Women at the Tomb (Luke 24:1–5)
Luke tells us that on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, a group of women came to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. They had witnessed his death. They had seen the stone rolled into place. They were coming to perform a final act of love and devotion—anointing his body with spices. But when they arrived, they found the stone rolled away. The tomb was open—and empty.
Then two angels appeared beside them and asked a question that still echoes today: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”This is not a metaphor. Luke doesn’t present this as poetry or a parable. He presents it as history. In fact, at the beginning of his Gospel, Luke says he “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” so that his readers could know the certainty of what they’ve been taught (Luke 1:3–4). Luke is telling us something happened. Something unexpected. Something that changed the trajectory of the world.
Scene Two: The Son of Man Remembered (Luke 24:6–8)
The angels remind the women, “Remember how he told you… that the Son of Man must be delivered to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.” That title—Son of Man—is the interpretive key. It comes from Daniel 7, where a divine figure rides the clouds and is given glory, authority, and a kingdom that will never end. Jesus used this title over 25 times in
Luke’s Gospel. Not just to describe who Jesus was, but to frame everything he came to do. And now, the women begin to see the thread. The teachings. The miracles. The suffering. It all points here. Jesus is not just a good teacher or a compassionate prophet. He is the Son of Man—the One who suffers, dies, and rises to rule. His kingdom doesn’t rise by domination, but by sacrificial love. His power is revealed in weakness. His victory comes through a cross.
Scene Three: Witnesses Who Weren’t Supposed to Count (Luke 24:9–12)
In the ancient world, women were not considered reliable witnesses. Their testimony wasn’t admissible in court. So if someone were fabricating a resurrection story, they would never write it this way. But God does. But in all four Gospels, it’s the women who discover the empty tomb. And when they tell the disciples, their words are dismissed as nonsense. Except for Peter. He doesn’t fully understand it, but he runs. He runs toward the tomb. Toward possibility. Toward hope. Maybe that’s where you are today. Not certain. Not settled. But drawn. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Peter didn’t. But he ran towards the resurrection. And maybe that’s the invitation for you, too.
The Invitation of Easter
So let me ask: what are you looking for this Easter? Peace? Clarity? Purpose? Healing? That same angelic question still speaks to us: Why do you look for the living among the dead? You won’t find resurrection life in old routines or broken systems. Not in nostalgia or just “going through the motions.” You’ll find it in the risen Jesus—who still calls people by name. Who still walks with the weary. Who still meets us at the tomb and turns grief into joy. N.T. Wright puts it this way: “The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ—and you are now invited to belong to it.” That invitation is for you. Not when you’re perfect, but right now.
We Are a Resurrection People
And this invitation isn’t just personal—it’s communal. It changes who we are together. We’re not just people who admire Jesus. We’re people who follow him. People who trust that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, too. We live in a world that often feels tired. Divided. Cynical. But resurrection means we don’t have to settle for decline or despair. We don’t have to live like our best days are behind us. Because Jesus lives, the story isn’t over. If God can raise the dead, he can renew a family. Restore a heart. Revive a church. Let’s be a resurrection people:
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Who believe again.
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Who pray again.
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Who serve and love boldly again.
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Who live like the tomb is empty—because it is.
Let’s not look for life in dead places. Let’s walk in step with the risen One.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
