Acts

In this message we are introduced to the Judaizers, people who sought to convince the new Gentile converts that they needed to follow the law of Moses to be saved. They are described as causing dissension and dispute at the church in Antioch where Paul and Barnabas were. Today we ask the question, how should we handle dissension and dispute in our church?

We take a look at the persistence and perspective of Paul and Barnabas as they wrap up this first missions journey. Their shared love for the gospel and their obsession with souls inspired adaptation in seasons of hardship, for the sake of the kingdom. Does the persistence of your witness prove your love for souls?

While in social isolation, we all came together online to reflect on how Paul dealt with his own hardships. In our story, Paul is stoned and drug outside of the city. As the meager crowd of newly converted disciples gather around him, he suddenly rises up and walks right back into the city where he was abused. Where does this type of fearlessness come from? How do we live fearlessly as ministers in the midst of our odd social reality?

On the heels of being kicked out of Iconium, Paul engages the people of Lystra. In the series of strange events that follow, we learn about where to put our faith and where to direct our praise. It is easy to misdefine faith, placing it in abstract and superstitious religious notions. It is easy to receive honor and accolades from people to the neglect of God. We discover in this message how the mature minister elevates faith and honor toward God.

Identifying ourself as a Christian is one thing, but identifying ourself with Christ’s mission is a whole other thing. If we are going to identify or reflect God’s heart for the lost world, it will require establishing patterns in our ministry. Paul sets an amazing example for us in Acts 14 as he provides us with a clear template for his ministry, a pattern of ministry that continues throughout the remainder of the book. Do you have a pattern for ministry? Does your personal life conform to the urgency of that work?

For all those who follow Christ and live his mission to share the gospel, we will face heartache. There will be rejection and often it will come from among those you considered your friends, your co-laborers. Why does this happen and how do we stand strong when we feel betrayed? Todays message tells a story of John Mark and how he left his friends high and dry on the shores of Perga.

In this sermon we continue looking at the beginning of the greatest missions movement the world has ever seen. We walk through how two men were separated for a unique work and how they dealt with resistance from the enemy. We also hear from Andrew Ong about how God worked in his life to separate him for the work of the pastorate and how God is in the process of sending him and his family abroad.

In this sermon we summarize our study in Acts up to this point. The goal of this message is to rediscover all the things we must know about our Christian purpose: PRAY, PREPARE, GIVE, GO - - reminding ourselves of exactly what it means for the college and young adult ministry to live in that example.

Many of us have a false narrative in our minds about what it means to be the child of God. Being a Christian does not guarantee us an easy life, in facts it’s a warrant for suffering. In Acts 12 we find the apostle James murdered and we see Peter delivered from a prison cell. How does God deliver? Who does God deliver? Why does God deliver? How can we learn to trust him regardless?

As we conclude our study of Peter and Cornelius, we discover several more principles dealing with the character of a gospel messenger. We also gain some key doctrinal insight on how God presents salvation moving forward in scripture.

How do we know when we are hearing from God and not some other source such as our emotions or personal will? How do we convert our doubts and perplexities into vision and purposed obedience? Acts 10 teaches us how God’s word is affirmed in our lives and how we are guided in his will.

In this sermon we are introduced to the mighty and meek Roman Centurion Cornelius. From all external and internal appearances he was a man who had everything, that is besides the one thing that would make him complete - - - to know Jesus Christ. God sends Peter in response to Cornelius's prayers; who or what has God put in your life to draw you to him? Will you resist or receive his answer to your prayers?

Last week we learned about Saul, the persecutor of the church who met Christ and became the Apostle Paul. This week we take a look at the earliest days of his ministry and how God used his testimony to subside the concerns of the early church who knew him as a dangerous individual. His example shows us how a testimony of faithfulness proves to everyone around us that God's love is alive in us.

In Acts 8:9 we meet Simon the Sorcerer, a man used to subvert the salvation of the Samaritan people. Often times we will encounter those who interfere with or even counterfeit true spirituality causing distractions in ministry. How do we guard against this kind of work and more importantly, how do we guard our hearts from becoming subverters ourselves?

After Stephen's death the church in Jerusalem enters an increasingly hostile ministry environment. People begin to scatter into the surrounding regions taking the gospel with them. In this message we consider a series of significant principles about hope, persecution and spiritual warfare.

For the past couple of months Pastor Brandon has been walking us through the book of Acts. Today Pastor Sam shared his heart with us surveying the first four chapters of Acts, giving us keys to ministering in the power of God.

Review of Acts

Last week we looked at what it meant to live an unsafe gospel life, one unafraid of risk. This week we look to the apostles as a testimony of faith that is unwavering. We ought to obey God rather than men!

Here we see the church growing in numbers but also growing in strength. So often in churches today physical growth results in accommodations and compromises that eventually dilute the mission. What can we learn from these early believers to help us through times of transition? We also find a testimony of giving:The Patron & The Impostors...what might we be holding back from God? Are we in danger of hypocrisy?

There is so much fear and anxiety in our world today. So many Christians in our world are hindered in their witness because they are afraid of cultural rejection and retribution. For the Christian, fear is the fabrication of lies that call us to question the authority of God. The apostles Peter and John teach us in Acts 4 how to be bold and face rejection with joy and confidence in Christ.

In our last study 3,000 people came to saving faith after powerful message was preached by the Apostle Peter. Now we find those believers in fellowship, living in the simplicity of what they are learning. Today's study calls us to consider, what are we personally doing to promote or hinder the fellowship that God is calling us to?

In this message we analyze Peter's response to a doubting crowd of religious people. What can we learn from the doctrinal and historical nuances of Peter's message? What can we learn about an effective gospel message?

A synopsis of the characteristics of the Apostles and what made them surrendered leaders in Acts chapter 1.

As we study Acts 1:4-5 we cling to Jesus’ last words to His disciples. These words instruct them in preparation through patience; by actively waiting on the promises of God.