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April 22, 2025

Unbelievable Truth

Mary Charlotte Johnson   |   Read Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32

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Lectionary Week
April 21–27, 2025
Scripture Overview

Humans struggle to believe the truths that God reveals. In Acts the apostles face a domineering council that has ordered them to be quiet about Jesus, but they find they cannot. In Psalm 118 we wonder at the truth that God is our salvation, and in Psalm 150 we celebrate the greatness of God. In the book of Revelation we catch a glimpse of the surprise of finding Christ’s grace and peace. In John we find the apostles after the Resurrection struggling to believe this unbelievable truth without proof.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

:
• Read Acts 5:27-32. When have you seen the world differently from those in authority? How did it feel to share a truth that others did not believe?
• Read Psalm 150. Remember a time when you praised God fully, when you sang or played an instrument or danced before the Lord or served the Lord with gladness. How do you experience the presence of God in these praises?
• Read Revelation 1:4-8. Sit and soak up God’s unmerited favor and wholeness, Christ’s grace and peace. Imagine it enveloping your family, your friends, your enemies and those who have brought harm to your life.
• Read John 20:19-31. What questions are you struggling with? What would you like Jesus to show you? explain to you? reveal to you?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32

27 The apostles were brought before the council where the high priest confronted them: 28 “In no uncertain terms, we demanded that you not teach in this name. And look at you! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. And you are determined to hold us responsible for this man’s death.” 29 Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than humans! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God has exalted Jesus to his right side as leader and savior so that he could enable Israel to change its heart and life and to find forgiveness for sins. 32 We are witnesses of such things, as is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

As followers of Christ, we at times struggle to believe in unbelievable truths like Jesus’ resurrection. We often need time to believe. So imagine how difficult it may be for those outside the Christian tradition to comprehend, much less believe. When we speak of resurrection, our words seem crazy or...

Holy Lord, we must live our truth. We know our words sound foolish to others: “You are forgiven.” Give us perseverance as we share our witness of you with others. Amen.


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