First Christian Church Shelbyville - Disciples of Christ -

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Unstoppable Good News
Acts 5:17-26

The apostles found themselves in a difficult situation. Their preaching had attracted attention, stirred controversy, and led to their arrest. Locked in prison, it may have seemed that their ministry had come to an abrupt end.

But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and set them free. Even more remarkably, the angel instructed them to return to the temple and continue sharing the message of life. Rather than hiding or retreating in fear, the apostles returned to the very place where they had been threatened and faithfully continued their work.

This story reminds us that God's purposes cannot be confined by locked doors, opposition, or fear. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly creates pathways where none seem possible. When circumstances appear discouraging, God is often already at work opening new opportunities for hope, healing, and transformation.

The apostles' courage did not come from confidence in themselves. It came from their trust in God's presence and calling. They understood that the message they carried was larger than their own comfort or security.

We may not face prison cells, but we all encounter barriers—fear, doubt, disappointment, resistance, or uncertainty. Sometimes these obstacles tempt us to remain silent, to give up, or to settle for less than what God is calling us to be.

Acts 5 encourages us to trust that God's Spirit is still opening doors. The good news of God's love, justice, mercy, and grace remains alive and active in the world. When we walk faithfully with Christ, we discover that no obstacle is greater than God's power to create new possibilities.

The invitation is simple: keep showing up, keep trusting, and keep sharing the life-giving love of God.

What obstacles or fears are currently standing in my way?
When have I experienced God opening a door I thought was closed?
How is God inviting me to act with courage and faithfulness?
What message of hope or encouragement might I be called to share with others?

Faithful God, thank You for being present even when we face challenges and uncertainty. When obstacles seem overwhelming, remind us that Your Spirit is always at work, opening doors and creating new possibilities. Give us courage to follow where You lead, wisdom to trust Your guidance, and strength to continue sharing Christ's love with the world. Help us live with hope, confidence, and faith. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

06/18/2026

Crowned with Glory
Hebrews 2:5-9

The writer of Hebrews reflects on a beautiful question from the Psalms: "What are human beings that You are mindful of them?" When we consider the vastness of creation, it is easy to feel small and insignificant. Yet this passage reminds us of a remarkable truth: God knows us, values us, and calls us beloved.

Hebrews speaks of humanity as being "crowned with glory and honor." These words reveal God's vision for creation. Every person bears inherent worth and dignity because each one is created and cherished by God. We are not accidents of existence; we are recipients of divine love.

At the same time, we recognize that the world does not always reflect God's intentions. Brokenness, injustice, suffering, and division often obscure the glory God desires for humanity. The writer acknowledges this reality, saying that we do not yet see everything in subjection as God intended.

Yet the passage points us to Jesus. In Christ, we see God's love embodied. Jesus entered fully into the human experience, sharing in both our joys and our suffering. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He revealed that God's purposes are stronger than pain and that hope is stronger than despair.

When we look to Christ, we are reminded not only of who God is, but of who we are called to become. We are people created for dignity, compassion, justice, and love. We are people crowned with glory—not because of our accomplishments, but because of God's gracious care.

When have I struggled to recognize my own worth as a beloved child of God?
How does knowing that every person is "crowned with glory and honor" shape the way I treat others?
Where do I see signs of God's hope breaking into a broken world?
How is Christ inviting me to live more fully into God's vision for humanity?

Loving God, thank You for creating us with dignity, purpose, and worth. When we feel insignificant or discouraged, remind us that We are known and loved by You. Help us see Your image in ourselves and in every person we meet. Through Christ, strengthen our hope and guide us to live with compassion, justice, and grace. May our lives reflect the glory of Your love. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

06/17/2026

Strength for the Journey
Luke 6:12-19

Before choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus did something remarkable: He spent the entire night in prayer. Before making an important decision, before beginning a new chapter of ministry, He withdrew to be alone with God.

The next day, Jesus called His disciples, named the apostles, and then stepped into a crowd filled with people seeking healing, hope, and restoration. The passage moves from solitude to service, from prayer to action.

There is wisdom in that pattern. Jesus reminds us that faithful living begins by grounding ourselves in God's presence. The demands of life can pull us in countless directions. Responsibilities, decisions, and the needs of others can leave us feeling exhausted. Yet Jesus demonstrates that strength for the journey is found not in constant activity but in communion with God.

Notice also that Jesus' ministry was expansive. The crowd included people from many different places and backgrounds. They came with different needs, struggles, and hopes. Yet all were welcomed into Christ's presence. All were invited to experience God's healing love.

The same invitation remains today. God calls us to spend time in prayer, to seek wisdom for our decisions, and then to move into the world as agents of compassion and grace. We are strengthened by God's presence so that we may become a source of hope for others.

When we begin with prayer and remain rooted in God's love, we discover that we have what we need for the work ahead.

How do I create space to listen for God's guidance in my life?
What important decisions or challenges am I currently holding in prayer?
Where do I need God's strength and wisdom right now?
How might I extend Christ's welcome and compassion to others this week?

Loving God, thank You for the example of Jesus, who sought Your presence before stepping into ministry. Help us create space for prayer and reflection amid the busyness of life. Guide our decisions, strengthen our hearts, and fill us with Your wisdom. As Christ welcomed and healed all who came to Him, help us share that same compassion with those around us. Through Your Spirit, make us instruments of Your peace and grace. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

06/16/2026

Steadfast in Grace
2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5

The believers in Thessalonica lived in uncertain times. They faced confusion, opposition, and questions about the future. In the midst of these challenges, Paul reminded them of a powerful truth: they belonged to God.

Paul encouraged them to stand firm—not because they possessed all the answers, but because God's love and faithfulness would sustain them. Their hope rested not in their own strength but in the grace of God, who had called them, loved them, and promised to remain with them.

These words speak to us today. We live in a world filled with uncertainty, rapid change, and competing voices. It can be tempting to become discouraged or fearful. Yet Paul points us back to the foundation of our faith: God's steadfast love.

Paul also asks for prayer, recognizing that faith is not a solitary journey. We need one another's encouragement, support, and prayers. As we walk together, we discover that God strengthens us through community as well as through personal faith.

The passage concludes with a beautiful blessing: "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." What a gift—to have our hearts continually guided toward love rather than fear, and toward perseverance rather than despair.

No matter what challenges we face, God's love remains constant. Christ remains faithful. And the Spirit continues to strengthen us for the journey ahead.

What helps me remain grounded in God's love during uncertain times?
Where have I experienced Christ's steadfastness in my life?
Who has encouraged and strengthened my faith recently?
How can I be a source of encouragement and hope for someone else this week?

Faithful God, thank You for Your unwavering love and constant presence. When we face uncertainty, strengthen our hearts and help us stand firm in faith. Direct us toward Your love and the steadfastness of Christ. Teach us to encourage one another, pray for one another, and trust in Your guidance each day. Through Your Spirit, fill us with hope, courage, and peace. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

06/15/2026

Strengthened in Faith
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

In this passage, Paul expresses deep concern for the believers in Thessalonica. Separated from them and unable to be present, he worries about how they are faring amid trials and hardships. His solution is not criticism or control, but care. He sends Timothy to encourage them and strengthen their faith.

Paul understood something that remains true today: faith is not meant to be lived alone. We all face seasons of struggle, doubt, disappointment, and uncertainty. In those moments, encouragement from others can become a powerful reminder of God's presence and faithfulness.

What stands out in this passage is Paul's genuine love for the community. He does not measure success by numbers or accomplishments. He cares about whether people are holding on to hope. He wants them to know they are not forgotten and that God remains with them through every challenge.

The same is true for us. God often strengthens us through the people around us—a friend who listens, a congregation that prays, a loved one who offers support, or a kind word that arrives just when it is needed most. Through these acts of care, God's Spirit reminds us that we are never alone.

Faith grows not only in moments of certainty but also in moments of perseverance. When we continue trusting God's presence through difficult seasons, our roots grow deeper and our hope becomes stronger.

Today, let us remember that encouragement is a sacred gift. We all need it, and we all have the ability to offer it.

Who has encouraged me during a difficult season of life?
How have I experienced God's care through the support of others?
Is there someone in my life who needs encouragement right now?
What practices help strengthen my faith when challenges arise?

Loving God, thank You for the people You place in our lives to encourage and support us. When we face difficulties, remind us that We are never alone. Strengthen our faith, deepen our trust, and help us remain rooted in Your love. Make us instruments of encouragement for others, sharing hope, kindness, and compassion wherever we go. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

06/14/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFqmT8kXsbI

First Christian Church Livestream

06/14/2026

Love at the Center
Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 22:34-40

The Ten Commandments are among the most familiar passages in Scripture. Given to the Israelites after their liberation from slavery, these commandments were not intended as burdens but as guides for living in freedom and covenant with God and one another.

Centuries later, when Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, He distilled the heart of the law into two simple yet profound instructions: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Then He added, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Jesus reminds us that the purpose of God's commandments is not merely obedience for its own sake. At their core, they are about relationships. The first commandments teach us how to honor our relationship with God. The others teach us how to honor our relationships with one another. Together, they form a vision for a community shaped by love, justice, trust, and compassion.

When faith becomes complicated, Jesus brings us back to the center. The question is not simply, "Am I following the rules?" but "Am I growing in love?" Are my actions helping me love God more deeply? Are they helping me love my neighbors more faithfully?

Love is not sentimental or passive. It requires honesty, sacrifice, forgiveness, and courage. Yet it is through love that God's character is most clearly revealed. Every act of kindness, every effort toward justice, every gesture of compassion becomes a living expression of our devotion to God.

The commandments and Christ's teaching point us toward the same truth: when love is at the center, we begin to reflect the heart of God.

How do I express my love for God in daily life?
Who is God calling me to love more intentionally right now?
Are there relationships that need healing, grace, or reconciliation?
How might placing love at the center shape my decisions this week?

Loving God, thank You for guiding us with wisdom and grace. Help us to love You with our whole hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we become distracted by fear, pride, or division, draw us back to the center of Your love. Shape our lives so that our words and actions reflect the compassion, justice, and mercy of Christ. In His name we pray. AMEN

06/13/2026

The Heart of Faith
Mark 7:1-13

In this passage, some religious leaders questioned Jesus because His disciples did not follow certain traditional handwashing practices. Their concern was not hygiene but religious ritual. Jesus responded by pointing to something deeper: faith is not primarily about outward appearances—it is about the condition of the heart.

Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus said, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." His words challenged those who had become so focused on preserving traditions that they had lost sight of God's greater purposes.

Jesus was not rejecting all traditions. Traditions can help shape and sustain our faith. Instead, He challenged any practice that becomes more important than love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. When religious habits cease to draw us closer to God and our neighbors, they can become obstacles rather than pathways.

This passage invites us to examine our own lives. Are our actions flowing from hearts transformed by God's love? Do our words and practices reflect compassion, humility, and grace? Or have we become more concerned with appearances than with living out the values of God's reign?

Jesus continually reminds us that God desires authentic faith. The goal is not simply to look faithful but to become people whose hearts are shaped by God's Spirit. When our hearts are open to God, our actions naturally reflect God's love in the world.

Faith begins not with what others can see, but with a heart turned toward God.

What spiritual practices help draw my heart closer to God?
Are there traditions or habits I follow without considering their deeper purpose?
How do my actions reflect God's love and compassion toward others?
In what area of my life is God inviting me to focus more on the heart than on appearances?

Loving God, thank You for caring about our hearts as much as our actions. Help us to practice our faith with sincerity, humility, and love. When we become distracted by appearances or routine, draw us back to what matters most: loving You and loving our neighbors. Shape our hearts through Your Spirit so that our lives may reflect Your grace, compassion, and truth. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN

06/12/2026

Remembering the God Who Leads
Acts 7:35-43

In this portion of Stephen's speech, he recalls the story of Moses and the people of Israel. Though God had delivered them from slavery and guided them through the wilderness, the people often struggled to trust God's leadership. Instead of remembering God's faithfulness, they looked backward, longing for what was familiar, and turned their attention toward things they could control.

Stephen's retelling of Israel's history is not merely a lesson about the past. It is an invitation to examine our own hearts. How often do we forget the ways God has carried us through difficult seasons? How often do we place our trust in things that seem more immediate, more predictable, or easier to manage than faith?

Yet throughout the story, God's faithfulness remains constant. Even when the people wandered, God did not abandon them. Even when they lost sight of God's purposes, God continued to call them forward.

The same is true for us. There are times when uncertainty tempts us to cling to what feels comfortable rather than trust where God's Spirit is leading. There are moments when fear causes us to focus more on our worries than on God's promises.

Acts 7 reminds us that faith is not about perfect obedience or flawless trust. It is about continually turning our hearts back toward God. It is about remembering the One who has guided us in the past and trusting that God is still at work in our present and future.

The God who led Israel through the wilderness still leads God's people today. Our calling is to remain attentive, open, and willing to follow wherever God's Spirit may lead.

When have I experienced God's guidance during a season of uncertainty?
What "familiar things" am I tempted to trust more than God?
How can I better remember God's faithfulness in my own story?
Where might God's Spirit be inviting me to move forward in faith?

Faithful God, thank You for Your steady presence throughout every season of life. Forgive us when we lose sight of Your guidance or place our trust in things that cannot sustain us. Help us remember Your faithfulness, trust Your leading, and follow where Your Spirit calls us. Strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and keep our hearts turned toward You. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN