(The video for this did not record so all we have is audio for this episode)

Unyielding Flame – Intro and Overview

1. Reflection on Last Series / Introductory Thoughts

* Brief reflection on previous theme, "Follow Me," highlighting insights gained around discipleship, spiritual practices, and living intentionally as followers of Jesus.

* Transition to the new theme: "Unyielding Flame." Discuss why exploring Acts and The Screwtape Letters is particularly timely, emphasizing the urgency of understanding spiritual resilience amidst cultural pressures and personal struggles.

2. Why Acts and The Screwtape Letters?

* Acts powerfully demonstrates how the Gospel spread relentlessly despite external persecution and opposition, embodying an "unyielding flame" that couldn't be extinguished.

* The Screwtape Letters uniquely reveal the internal spiritual battles, exploring subtle, often overlooked temptations and distractions that hinder personal spiritual growth.

* Emphasize the value of examining both external and internal spiritual struggles, providing holistic insight into Christian endurance and victory.

3. Overview of Acts – The Gospel as an Unyielding Flame

* Context: Acts, written by Luke, provides a historical and theological narrative connecting the life of Jesus (Gospel of Luke) with the early church’s explosive growth through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

* Narrative Structure:

* Acts 1–2: Jesus' ascension, awaiting the Holy Spirit, and Pentecost – Believers receive the Spirit, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel boldly, resulting in thousands of conversions and the birth of the early church community.

* Acts 3–7: Growth of the Jerusalem church amid rising persecution – Miracles performed by Peter and John, apostles facing threats and imprisonment, and the powerful witness of Stephen, whose martyrdom illustrates profound courage in the face of opposition.

* Acts 8–12: Expansion beyond Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria – Philip evangelizes Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, Peter's vision and outreach to Gentiles, and further persecution under King Herod.

* Acts 13–28: Paul's missionary journeys, trials, and eventual journey to Rome – Paul's strategic and resilient missionary work through various Roman provinces (Asia Minor, Greece), multiple imprisonments, shipwreck, and his determined arrival in Rome where he boldly continues preaching.

* Highlight key stories demonstrating resilience:

* Pentecost (Acts 2) – The Spirit igniting the church's bold witness.

* Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7) – The church grows even stronger amidst persecution.

* Paul’s dramatic conversion (Acts 9) and relentless missionary journeys (Acts 13–28) illustrating extraordinary perseverance through adversity.

* Anchor the series with the powerful concluding verse: "Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:31).

4. Overview of Screwtape Letters – War for the Soul

* Introduce C.S. Lewis briefly, noting his profound insights on spiritual warfare through imaginative storytelling.

* Explain how The Screwtape Letters creatively exposes the subtle methods of spiritual warfare through the correspondence between Screwtape, a senior demon, and his nephew, Wormwood.

* Highlight the book's relevance for believers today, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment, self-awareness, and vigilance in recognizing and resisting internal spiritual attacks.

5. Practical Challenge and Reflection Questions

* Identify personal expectations: What do you hope to gain spiritually or practically from this series?

* Reflect on current spiritual battles: Consider both internal struggles (doubts, temptations, distractions) and external challenges (cultural pressures, relational tensions).

* Personal reflection: In what specific ways have you felt your faith tested or strengthened recently?

Practical Application: This week, keep a spiritual journal. Note daily moments when you encounter spiritual resistance or encouragement, observing patterns and identifying how God might be working to strengthen you through these experiences.