How can we apply the lessons from Acts 28:25 in our church community? Setting the Scene Acts 28:25: “They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: ‘The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your fathers when He said through Isaiah the prophet…’” Recognizing the Spirit’s Voice • Paul treats Isaiah 6:9–10 as the living word of the Holy Spirit, not distant history. • Application: – Expect the Spirit to speak today through the same written Scripture (John 16:13). – Encourage congregational reading plans that highlight the prophetic voice still active in the text. – Model sermons and small-group studies that open with, “The Spirit says…” rather than “Scholars think…,” reinforcing that God is presently speaking. Embracing Scripture as Final Authority • Paul’s wording shows absolute confidence in the Bible’s accuracy: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth.” • Application: – Affirm 2 Timothy 3:16–17 every time a ministry decision is made. – Set policy that major church initiatives must cite clear biblical grounding. – Train leaders to answer controversies first with Scripture, not opinion. Guarding Against Spiritual Deadness • Isaiah’s warning, quoted in Acts 28:26-27, exposes hearts that refuse to hear. • Application: – Schedule regular self-examination services using Hebrews 3:7–8: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Promote testimonies of obedience to encourage soft hearts. – Disciple newcomers on the danger of selective hearing—highlight Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) as a sobering example. Pursuing Unity Grounded in Truth • “They disagreed among themselves” underscores how division arises when hearts close to truth. • Application: – Cultivate unity by rallying around core doctrines, not personal preferences (1 Corinthians 1:10). – Use Ephesians 4:3–6 in membership classes to stress “one body, one Spirit, one hope.” – Establish reconciliation pathways that begin with joint Scripture reading before discussion. Living the Lesson as a Congregation 1. Weekly Services • Read aloud a portion of Isaiah 6 or Acts 28 in rotation, reminding the church that the Spirit still speaks. 2. Leadership Meetings • Start each agenda with a five-minute Scripture reading, inviting the Spirit’s direction. 3. Discipleship Tracks • Include sessions on biblical inspiration and heart-response, linking Acts 28:25 with Psalm 95:7–8. 4. Outreach • Share the gospel confidently, knowing the Spirit uses Scripture to pierce hearts (Hebrews 4:12). 5. Church Culture • Celebrate obedience stories publicly to model hearts that listen and respond. When Scripture is heard as the present voice of the Holy Spirit, hearts remain tender, unity thrives, and every ministry becomes a living testimony that “the Holy Spirit spoke the truth.” |
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