Grayson Baptist Church - Sept. 22, 2013 The characters, real people who made real decisions, Ananias, Saphira, and Barnabas deal with these principles in different ways. 19. Certainly, this type of speculation can go astray, so help your leaders to come back to ideas the Bible teaches. *Think about the answer to this question: "On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to seeing our church grow?" We see the dynamism of the Lord when He works with His people in the Book of Acts. 4. 15 16- 18 Paul's second missionary journey. Evangelism, Church Growth, Christian Growth, Divine Appointments, One Way To Heaven, Peter And Cornelius Jesus sends an insular people group to go change the world. *"The first Pastors Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. 1. Thyatira: Corrupted by Compromise - Rev. . If you are the chief worship planner in your church, make notes for yourself about the hymns, visual environment, or special music to request for that Sunday. Sermon by Rick Crandall But as we look into the Word of God tonight, remember that we are Bible students may take their knowledge for granted and assume most people in the church know the difference between Ephesus and Corinth. How can we carry on for the Lord Jesus Christ? 5. On Friday I plugged the word "heavenly" into Google and got over 51 million A year in Acts can remind us that God can move in large or small ways but He always moves to accomplish His purpose. There are two major ways you could approach six months of preaching. Sermon by Rick Crandall Note: For more outlines based on the Book of Acts, check out these series: Acts gives us an opportunity to interact with people, places, and ideas in the Gentile and Jewish worlds. Seek to be full of faith (vs. 7-8). God wants our church to grow! Care Care, Recovery, and Counseling support Connections Welcoming and connecting you into the life of the church Family Young Adults, Senior Adults, Marriage, and Parenting 3. Let themes and characters influence one another and lead you into life-transforming messages. The Book of Acts does not shy away from the fact that discipleship costs followers their entire lives. This led Peter to then share the gospel with many Gentiles. All Rights Reserved, Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy. Expect Christ's enemies to be energized (vs. 1-3). In Luke 1:4 the author says that he is writing to "most excellent Theophilus" . Notice in 1 Corinthians 8 10, a letter directly opposing this Judaizer point of view, Paul declares that all can eat meat sacrificed to idols as long as our conscience allows. Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A, A Living Hope God was present with His brand new baby church in Acts teaching, guiding, and growing disciples and leaders. Maybe just as importantly, the benefits compound in the pastor. 1. 4. *No true Christian can be happy living in disobedience. . The Day of Pentecost matters to us: (view more) In Acts 4, Peter and John are arrested and speak boldly to the Sanhedrin. 1. Acts, Expository Sermons - From The Executable Outlines Series by Mark A. Copeland - Hundreds of free sermon outlines and Bible study materials available for online browsing and downloading. read more, Scripture: As was stated, Acts is the second part of what was originally a two-part, single volume (i.e. 1. Protecting His people (vs. 17). A year in Acts allows us to appreciate real people making real decisions in real situations. He is a minor church history character in major events. Acts 10:23-36 (view more) God wants us to be unleashed (vs. 33). *Indianapolis pastor Russ Blowers was a member of the Rotary Club. Discipleship Ministries is an agency of The United Methodist Church 2023 Discipleship Ministries. Apologetics. Stories of how God moved into bad situations gives us hope, inspiration, and ideas for new actions. Purpose. Keep giving glory to God (vs. 21-22). Why? More time needs to be spent on the ethnic clashes and how they are overcome by the Holy Spirit in Acts 10 than the focus on dietary laws, and deep discussion on the importance of Acts 15 and how leaders are to embrace leadership of other ethnicities. Recall the radical generosity of the church in Acts 4 and we begin to understand this is the administration of life to those who have no other options. (view less). A well-focused sermon series can do much to lead your core group into deeper discipleship and spiritual depth. INTRODUCTION: 10, 11 4. Grayson Baptist Church - July 28, 2013 2. 5. (view more) We also understand that in the context of Pauls journeys, he spent much more time in Corinth than other cities which is why he is so direct. (view more) Acts is the only biblical book that chronicles the history of the church immediately after Jesuss ascension. Prepare a sermon or get inspired with the click of a button. 2. Our times are not unprecedented nor a surprise to the Lord of Eternity. 5. *Matt Redman is one of the best-known writers of Christian music today. Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of Acts in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. Grayson Baptist Church - Oct. 6, 2013 When bad things are happening around us, like bad decisions that leaders are making in government and the church, we can feel lost. The early church got bold, prayed for more boldness, and became radically generous with one another. God wants us to be uplifting (vs. 36-37). For a moment, lets cut through the shop talk and focus on just the element of fellowship. You are very aware that Jesus calls the church to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to every part of the earth. The Importance of the Book of Acts The transition is best illustrated by Peters vision in which he heard a voice telling him, What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy (10:15). *Here in Acts 7, Stephen has been on trial for his strong faith in Jesus Christ. The Pax Romana, a time of relative peace in the Mediterranean world, began. Priorities, Deacons, Fullness, Problem Solving. . You can lead the congregation through Acts in a verse by verse or theme by theme way. (view less). God will give us success (vs. 31). Acts 5:1-11 (view more) Studying and allowing Acts to flavor and set a context for Pauls letters helps all of us to understand his relationship with the church and the challenges. (view more) (view more) A well-focused sermon series can do much to lead your core group into deeper discipleship and spiritual depth. Luke-Acts; cf. And, interestingly, the book itself is more or less an elaboration of that outline: Jerusalem, 1:1 to 6:7; Judea and Samaria, 6:8 to 9:31; the uttermost part of the earth, 9:31to 28:31. The community portrayed in Acts shows an ideal world where individuals bear one anothers burdens, provide physical and emotional support during struggle, and live in a state of generosity. 3. The Book of Acts has enough information, stories, characters, and themes to easily carry a full calendar year of preaching. Our sin is serious (vs. 5-10). Acts 7:1-8 The apostles portrayed in Acts shine with evangelistic zeal, showing a striking transition from the often misguided disciples of the Gospels. Do we put the primacy of prayer and the primacy of the Word at the top of our leadership? 2. Various (Gospel Project, June-July 2013) The Trinity: God the Son. [UKo_S8 s9Ie"~,YG Why God's Church Matters 1. At that point the philosophers and thinkers ask for time to consider this amazing claim. Only Jesus had the power to come back alive (vs. 24). Honesty, Sinfulness, Godly Fear, Church Problems, Integrity Honesty Major leadership failures, growth, persecution, changing directions, racism, and many more challenges are addressed in the Book of Acts. Thankfully, the book of Acts is canonized, reminding us that suffering brings about the purpose of God. The sermons in the book of Acts give us a window into the preaching ministries of Peter, Stephen, Philip, James, and Paul, along with the immediate impact those sermons had. An ancient prologue to Lukes gospel indicates that Luke was first a follower of the apostles and then became close with Paul.1 This is exactly how the book of Acts unfolds, beginning with Peter and ending with Paul. 4. Joy will be justified (vs. 8). Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. 1. *We still live in somewhat of a bubble here in the Bible Belt. Here Now (Pentecost) - Acts 2:1-13, Week 3: Switched on (Empowered by the Spirit) - Acts 2:14-36, Week 4: Now What? 2. Acts 8:9-25 *Tonight we finish our study of the great miracle that took place in Acts 3. Why Pentecost Matters to Us Acts 8:4-12, Tags: (view less). Acts is the only biblical book that chronicles the history of the church immediately after Jesus's ascension. Jesus Himself (presence) once again tells the surrounding believers they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and in every part of the earth (purpose) and then is raised into heaven (power). The Scripture makes this truth clear in many places. 1. Powerful and Relevant Illustrations Connect Christmas with Life, Inspiration to BreatheNew Life to the Traditions of Christmas. Again, allowing Acts to serve as a hub for your preaching will enrich other series and sermons. from Jerusalem to Rome. Grayson Baptist Church - July 7, 2013 Acts 10:1-23, Tags: God is always at work in our world: Our First And Foremost Message Is Jesus Christ! Pray with passion (vs. 13-14). Simplify your preaching calendar and let Acts become a seasonal journey for you and your church. Acts place as a history book gives a direct contact to all the books of the NT from the Gospels through Revelation. One world government persecution authority of the state over religion a promise of peace but with strings attached Does any of this sound familiar? *Back in Exodus 15, the Lord had just brought Moses and the Children of Israel safely through the Red Sea. 1. The Lord Jesus Christ at work by the Holy Spirit through the apostles in Jerusalem, Chapters 1 7 A. No matter if you are interacting with Peter on the rooftop or following Paul through his missionary journeys, you are working with people, places, and ideas. It also provides helpful information of the facts surrounding many of the letters of the apostles, which in turn helps us to better understand when they said what they said and why they said it. Small groups are the place God has given the American church to break away from self-reliance. (view less). Acts 8:9-25, Tags: Acts 6:7-15, Tags: Acts 13 is a prayer meeting at the church in Antioch where God selects Paul and Barnabas to lead a missionary expedition the very first of its kind. Resurrection, Jesus Christ, Worship Christ, Reign Of Christ, Exalting Christ 2. read more, Scripture: 1) The Moment was Typified. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus put it this way: The following themes are not an exhaustive list, but a summary on the book of Acts and lessons the Lord teaches again and again through the Book of Acts. (view more) 3. The Book of Acts: Spirit-Led Leadership The FREE biblical leadership principles series is a 9-week study that will cover a variety of leadership principles. Sermon by Rick Crandall Bible Verse; Newest; Oldest; Most Viewed; Sermon. The content is published based on our broadcasting schedule. Gods Case against the Christ-Rejecting Court Listen to this testimony from Pastor Larry Overstreet: Young children around the world have many things to learn so did the baby church in Acts. BACKGROUND: The Chairman of the National Prayer Committee, David Butts, often says that the early meetings of the church were prayer meetings where decisions were made, not business meetings where prayer was a small planned part of the meeting. He develops us with detours (vs. 20-30; 35-36). His name was Stephen, and he was on trial for his life before the The church turned to prayer asking for more boldness and the earth shook, the Holy Spirit moved and they practiced boldness. We should grow in godly fear (vs. 5 & 11). Be persuaded of God's ultimate victory. How can we shine for Jesus? Stephen was Because they can have hope for His interaction in their lives and learn how to be more responsive to His leadership. Sep 16, 1990. Series: Action [#69] MAKE IT COUNT Acts 21:1-26 Introduction: 20 years ago yesterday, the unthinkable attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon happened. The Cross And Christian Distinctiveness (1 Peter 2:1-10). God had a bigger plan for the church. The importance of this second of Luke's two-volume work can hardly be over-estimated, for without it we would have no record of the beginnings and development of the early church. 4. Jesus command to the disciples in Matthew 28 is to make disciples not simply believers, but disciples who give their life completely to Gods purpose. Sermon Series Ideas & Outlines. The radical shift from the one persecuting believers to being the one persecuted by those outside of the church is huge. The following outline is intended to be used while studying the book. BACKGROUND: Rather than escaping the troubles and hardship of the world, their fight with the Lord makes them important ambassadors for Christ. Persecution, Government, Power Of God, Healing Miracles, Apostolic Power More than likely, Luke completed the book before either of these events occurred, sometime between AD 60 and AD 62, while Paul sat in prison, awaiting the resolution of his appeal. 3. When problems come, our first reaction is to look for a solution we want to fix it. We need to be confident of Gods presence at all times especially the difficult times. In Athens, Paul presents Jesus and all is well until he mentions the resurrection of Jesus. Ephesus: Labor without Love - Rev. Rome is still in the new imperial and authoritarian rule. For example, 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says that: "God our Savior" desires all Sunday, September 13, 2020 Brad Barrett. Combining a theme or character study is a great way to do an overview of the book of Acts in one month. Solomon rightly said, There is nothing new under the sun. Pastors, your people need to know the same sovereign God who partnered with people at the beginning of The Church, wants to meet and partner with them today. Preaching through Acts naturally leads us to interact with the Pauline Epistles. Ministry Pass is a sermon series & church graphics library created by pastors, for pastors. So are you on Gods mission? Relationships between any two persons are not singular nor static; relationships are dynamic. It shows a clear progression from the gospel according to Luke, picking up just where that book left off. Because He went the distance to deliver us (vs. 26-27) Seeing the church make prayer their identity is one of the gifts of the Book of Acts. Seek a radiant relationship with Jesus Christ (vs. 15). 1, 2 2. The Book of Acts is the story of Gods sovereign hand meeting our freewill over and over and over again. Grayson Baptist Church - Sept. 8, 2013 Teaching history can be a drag or a world changing experience for the teacher and the student. (view less). And in tonight's Scripture John Mark leaves Read the Book of Acts with this lens and you find groups of people following the Lord together. Acts 4:23-31 (view less). New Testament (Gospel Project, July 2013) The Trinity: God the Holy Spirit. We exalt Jesus Christ! In other words, we want people to know some things about usthe things we like to show to the world, but we keep our deepest ideas hidden. And the early church was in turmoil, experiencing persecution, and found itself under intense pressure as they proclaimed Jesus as King rather than Caesar. The Book of Acts shows a real story of how a group of people struggled to change and accept others into their faith their world as equals. Blueprint For The Church. James, an early leader in the Jerusalem church, says we should count suffering and hard times as joyful (James 1:2). Remember that God is with us. The Book of Acts is full of Gods movement on the earth through this new group of people known as Christians or The Church. }G*p6648| k~?|s,1\.tt@@"vbFAsRIE#(Qf`4"It::7De| UW$*.hYWUL*Eu.JXf1D6s~>QY T=$ V9)I /B'foq+B^k)7?Rsg8p1;a6=4AoX]+#>LkB}Kj+ejsUP\R@;$+w4YJ7')pRpV9eurhe-jE/u(lZ^ qP&W)]Zg)0_X=8"@u{xG+&`7#fIcB\aMx9\F#:b? 3. Some only have the outline available. Later we will develop these themes and others, but for this moment, consider the fact that Luke deals with serious challenges. "in order that he might know the certainty of the things he had been taught." Satan has a strategy (vs. 1-3). In fact, thats how the Book of Acts starts in a prayer room after Jesus ascends to heaven. When Your Government Is Ungodly - Part 1, 26. Acts 7:37-54, Tags: In only three decades, a small group of frightened believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to Chapter 4 teaches the churchs first reaction during persecution should be prayer, boldness, and generosity. (view less). The math is pretty simple 28 chapters in 26 weeks. 1. Just as the Gospels relate how the person of Jesus cannot be separated from His purpose, so we see the church take up the same identity even as it is marred by individuals from time to time. (view more) 1. Sermon by Rick Crandall The Trinity: God the Father. The leaders in Acts 2 have a huge problem. 1. The Fall and sin now make problem-solving our first job and primary way to partner with God and build the world He envisions. Seeds of the faith that grew into the worldwide church were planted by God in a turbulent time. For example, in Acts 17, you could pick up on the theme of responding to the resurrection in three different ways as presented by three different cities. Because He rose again to rule forever (vs. 29-32). Moses, Salvation, Stephen, Meeting God, Detours, God Sees All, Our Mission A Church Growing. Given the contents of the book of Acts, Theophilus appears to have had questions about the coming and activity of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of the apostles, Paul and his dealings with the Jerusalem apostles and the advance of Christianity to the Imperial capital. Grayson Baptist Church - Aug. 11, 2013 Acts 7:17-37, Tags: This is the purpose of His body, the church, here on earth. Conversions In The Book Of Acts (Executable Outlines) Conversions In The Book Of Acts Examples of conversions as recorded in the history of the early church The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41) The 2000 At Solomon's Porch (3:1-4:4) The Samaritans (8:4-25) The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40) Saul Of Tarsus (9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-18) Fifteen . Luke even began to speak in the first person plural in the latter portion of Acts, as he traveled the Roman Empire alongside Paul (Acts 16:10).