Pauls approach to the Greek elites of Athens is a contrast in preaching style to how he approaches the Jews in the synagogues, but it is the same gospel of the grace of God through Jesus Christ that he preaches to Jews and Greeks. Those who come to Jesus will find that his yoke is lighter, not because he demands less, but because Jesus bears the load for us. The law hung over us as a ministry of death, threatening to kill us for our sins; the Spirit of Christ delivers us from the bondage of sin, guilt, and death into new life (2 Cor. How does it give you confidence and hope in the power and work of the gospel? But they learn that this is not yet the time to look for Jesus to return. (1) Can we alter the sermon series titles or even shift some texts that we feel would fit better? How do the Gentile Christians respond to the letter from the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:31)? When the celebration of Pentecost comes, Acts 2:1,5 places 120 of the disciples (Acts 1:15) together in Jerusalem. 5:21). Many of these barriers appear so inviolable that, when the gospel is preached to a new segment of society, riots ensue. PDF Come Follow Me Sermon Series - South Carolina UMC Now that promised descendant has come, as Peter says, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness (Acts 3:26). It was this very group that up to this point had been the most vehemently opposed to the gospel. 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. We will conclude our study of Acts by reviewing and summarizing the big picture of Acts as a whole. Upon Pauls return to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey, he is confronted and attacked by some of the Jews. 5:14). Peter hands leadership of the Jerusalem church to James and leaves. Already in Gods redemptive acts of the Old Testament, however, he singled out the Jewish nation in order to mediate blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:13; Ex. We have seen in Acts (Acts 2:23,3739; 3:1320) that the God who punished Ananias and Sapphira is the same radically merciful God who offers grace to even those who arranged the crucifixion of his Son. walks through the book of Acts, showing how God began the movement known as his church. 11:15). 1:21; Eph. . Paul therefore asks that Timothy be circumcised, not as a requirement for salvation or even an act of obedience to God, but to remove a significant barrier as both men minister to churches of Jewish and Gentile congregations. Acts 16:2534 is one of the most moving episodes in Acts. As a response to this grace, Stephen extends a reflection of that grace to his persecutors. The Worship Team discusses the new project that came from a Lilly Grant to explore and enhance preaching in the local church.. . Were there any biblical connections that you made through Acts that you hadnt noticed before? The incarnation does not cease with Christs ascension. Do I not fill heaven and earth? One cannot run or hide from the presence of God. Any belief system that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible as the one true God. 16:9; 19:21; James 4:1315), including kings and kingdoms (Prov. Acts 1 shows us that the ministry of Jesus did not stop with the Gospels; it is an ongoing work, initiated by Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension, and thereafter mediated by the Holy Spirit. . Finally, Stephen concludes with a direct, sharp attack on the religious leaders (Acts 7:5153). Consider the number of different names and titles Peter attributes to Jesus in his speech in Acts 3:1226. God can make all things clean, and from here on in Acts we begin to see that the gospel overcomes all obstacles, whether ethnic, cultural, religious, or political. 2:1213). Before looking at the range of this series . Acts 2:23 describes the filling and presence of the Spirit as a mighty wind and fire. 1:23). 5:15, 17; 6:1; 2 Cor. 3:23), and the wages of sin is death (Rom. If we have put our faith in Christ, God sees us as pure, and how God sees things is how they truly are. Because Jesus is Lord of all (Acts 10:36), his gospel is available to all. The gospel is not confined by geographical boundaries, but is universal in scope. The gospel has so permeated Stephens life that, when faced with an unjust death at the hands of an angry mob, his dying breath is spent pleading with God to forgive them (Acts 7:60). Throughout Acts we will see that God oftentimes directly uses these oppositions to advance the gospel. In Acts 15:10, Peter refers to the law as a yoke . He studies the culture to find the most relevant and engaging inroads for the gospel. This is only half true. In Saul, we see a rebel against God, who committed cosmic treason and was an enemy of God. Jesus himself affirmed that he was the Messiah sent from God (Matt. When the celebration of Pentecost comes, Acts 2:1,5 places 120 of the disciples (Acts 1:15) together in Jerusalem. BABEL. According to Jesus, the Father has fixed the time for restoring the kingdom by his own authority (Acts 1:7); the apostles will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them (Acts 1:8); and they will be Jesus witnesses (Acts 1:8). The gospel is Gods good news that will go out, regardless of the obstacles and oppositions. Jesus has done enough for God to be pleased with us. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. walks through the book of Acts, showing how God began the movement known as his church. Some of the most overt attempts to squelch the movementlike the persecution of the church in Jerusalemlead to a further expansion of the gospel (see Acts 8:14). What are they, and how does that help you understand Peters message? . Baptism Of The Holy Spirit. Acts is the second part of a two-volume work, with the Gospel of Luke being the first volume. 8:31). A great sheet descends on earth from heaven. When the Gentiles hear the gospel, as many as were appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). . In his gospel presentation in Acts 10:3443, Peter does not quote the Old Testament, but his message remains consistent: Jesus lived, died, and was raised; he has been appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead; and everyone is called to repent and believe, to receive forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus. The church is Gods people, his witnesses to his powerful work of redemption through Jesus Christ. Luke and Acts are narratives about Gods plan of salvation. Peter points out (Acts 3:18) that the suffering of the Messiah should not have been a surprise but was foretold by the prophets. . FOR ALL WHO ARE FAR OFF. Being Grieved By Preaching . Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 2:147. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. 8:20; 11:19; 16:13). 23:4). 10:9; Mark 16:16; 1 Cor. Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. Select the texts that will be read or used for responsive readings in worship and identify the text(s) that you plan to use for your sermon. Jesus disciples were hoping that, after all of the wonderful things they had seen in the life, death, and resurrection of the Messiah, God would now bring about the end, the new heavens and new earth promised in Isaiah (Isa. It is Gods presence (I am with you; Acts 18:10) that not only energizes believers but protects them from fear, anxiety, and doubt. . Those zealous for the law can see only the potential danger: If Christians do not fear punishment, they will do whatever they want. 15:3558). Someday Jesus will return in great glory and there will be a definitive, comprehensive acknowledgment that he is Lord over all. Jesus mentioned this prophecy during his earthly ministry (Luke 20:17), and Peter elaborates on it in the first of his letters (1 Pet. The law binds, but the grace of Jesus frees (Gal. They cannot help but worship, but their worship finds the wrong object. A bibliography of the periodical literature on the Acts of the Apostles, 1962-1984 by Mills, Watson E. Cyril Barber - This volume is intended to supplement the indispensible work of A. J. and M. B. Mattill, A Classified Bibliography of Literature on the Acts of the Apostles (which concluded with entries up to 1962). Anointing was regularly given to anyone designated as king or priest. Sermon Series On The Book of Acts Part 2 | PDF - Scribd 19:6). declares the Lord. The incarnation does not cease with Christs ascension. While there are distinctions of persons within the one Godhead, Jesus Christ is as truly God as are God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Both the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected, the former to eternal life and the latter to judgment and the living death to which condemnation leads (John 5:29). Chapter Twenty-Eight. When individuals who believe the gospel and live Christ-centered lives come together, how do they worship corporately? Pauls speech here (Acts 13:4647) is similar to his longer, written version in Romans 15:1421, where he demonstrates that the Gentiles were always part of Gods plan of salvation. In Acts 9:3235, when Peter encounters Aeneas, who was paralyzed, Peter says Jesus Christ heals you (Acts 9:34). This is what we see here at Lystra: In light of the power of God that Paul displayed, the people of Lystra begin to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. Judas, one of their very own, betrayed Jesus. For Paul, the resurrection of Jesus both confirms Gods faithfulness and power to fulfill his promises, and provides the impetus for the spread of Gods gospel and Spirit to Jews and Gentiles over all the earth (Acts 26:2223). His providential dominion is over all things (Prov. Already in Gods redemptive acts of the Old Testament, however, he singled out the Jewish nation in order to mediate blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:13; Ex. 1. There were many different outlooks on Gentiles among Jews during this time, but one cannot argue from the Old Testament that Gentiles (such as Cornelius, the Ethiopian eunuch, or the Roman centurion in Luke 7:110) are ignored or excluded by God. In the midst of intense persecution, here in Acts 8:425 we see how God cares for the suffering. Looking at Acts 11:417, what things changed their understanding? The good news of the salvation accomplished in Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit extends to the ends of the earth through preaching. He willingly took this injustice for our sake, because we all like sheep have gone astray; we have turnedevery oneto his own way (Isa. And Jesus promises his presence at the close of his last words of commission to the church: Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. The Greek verb preach the gospel (. ) How has this study of Acts helped shape your understanding of the redemptive work of God throughout the biblical story line? The Spirit is clearly at work in the key events throughout the history of salvation, including creation, Christs incarnation, Christs resurrection, human regeneration, the inspiration and illumination of Scripture, and the believers sanctification. Beginning with Greek-speaking Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 6:17), the Christian gospel is proclaimed to an ever-widening circleto Samaria (Acts 8:425), to an Ethiopian (Acts 8:2640), to a Gentile God-fearer (Acts 10:148), and to the Gentiles of Antioch (Acts 11:1930). By downplaying the purity laws, Peters vision in Acts 10:916 represents a significant paradigm shift in the early churchs understanding of the gospel. David foreshadowed the suffering of the Messiah in a Psalm that Jesus quoted on the cross: They have pierced my hands and feet . Jesus corrects them by patiently pointing them to the kingdom of God, the sovereign rule of God over all of creation, not just Israel. . 2:13). (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 20862091, available online at. Has your theology been shaped or changed as you have studied Acts? Topical Sermon Series 460 topical sermon outlines on various Biblical subjects Baptism - A Special Study (13) * Can We Trust The Bible? There are no mechanisms, techniques, or formulas that one can muster up to manipulate Gods activity. Like Moses, Jesus delivers his people from slavery; but whereas Moses deliverance only saved the Israelites from physical peril, Jesus delivers us from the slavery of sin and death (Gal. Read the entire text for this weeks study, Acts 8:19:31. Priests and Pharisees were a major group of antagonists during the life and ministry of Jesus. Early Christians were not usually persecuted for worshiping Jesus, but for worshiping Jesus only. Sermons By Series By Scripture By Speaker By Date Sermon Series The Book Of Acts SERMON The End Is Only The Beginning Jeremy Burrage November 14, 2021 Acts 28:17-31 SERMON Storms, Shipwrecks, Snake Bites & God's Faithfulness Jeremy Burrage November 7, 2021 Acts 27:1-28:16 SERMON Paul On Trial. The Unexpected Acts of God Seven Parts: Second Sunday of Easter through Pentecost The unlikely, ironic, and surprising stories in the book of Acts. The Spirits ministry is expansive, just as Jesus wasincluding those who previously were excluded. How does this help you understand more fully the issues in Acts 15? Jesus lives, now and forever, as true man and true God to mediate between God and man (1 Tim. Acts 16:2534 is one of the most moving episodes in Acts. . Scripture: Acts 1:1-14 Waiting on the Lord may be one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life. This 71 part expository study of Acts was preached at Flagstaff Christian Fellowship in 2000-2002. One answer is that God has given human authority and structure to the church to lead it in worship. What is your understanding of how Acts relates to the storyline of the New Testament and of the whole Bible? In the conversion of Saul (Acts 9:119), we receive a glimpse of the radical grace that God will show to and through Saul of Tarsus: God does not leave behind even one who supervises the murder of innocent Christians. GODS INITIATIVE. What do we do while we wait? Read Ephesians 2:110. 3:21). God's Will, Will Be Done. Acts - Textual Sermons (Executable Outlines) Sermon Series On The Book of Acts | PDF | Acts Of The Apostles - Scribd He expresses confidence not in human ability but in the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). . What happens when the Gentiles are offered the good news (Acts 13:4849)? Though rejected by his own people and crucified, Jesus was vindicated when God raised him from the dead. Can you think of any other Old Testament or New Testament passages that also illustrate this? God offers defeat of the powers of darkness to those of us still under their control, not merely instructing us with self-help but washing away our sins and calling us to trust in Jesus (Col. 1:1214; 2:15; 1 John 3:8). Not Looking Good! This is the message of the gospel. Amen. Christs incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection are the true fulfillment of the Old Testament promises of God. Pauls visit with James in Acts 21:1726 is another episode in the continuing struggle for many Jews to comprehend the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. Into this situation comes news of the gospel, in which Jesus has removed the fear of punishment and freely reconciled us to God. Consider what you have learned that might lead you to praise God, repent of sin, and trust in his gracious promises. 1. Jesus has done enough for God to be pleased with us. Saul was at his worst, overseeing the murder of men and women in the church, with no sign of repentance, when Jesus met him on the Damascus road. No longer is the gospel confined to the Hebrew language; it is available directly to all nations and all languages. 22:1618; compare Matt. Paul knows that the grace of God is more powerful than any laws, commands, or threats to motivate and build up his people, and he desires that they continue to live under the grace of God that has been poured out for them. Audio and Multimedia (31) By Chapter - Acts (0) Introductions, Outlines & Studies (27) Luke's primary purpose is to edify Christians by recounting how God's plan, coming to fulfillment in Jesus, had continued to unfold in the history of the early church. 5:17). The law of God is perfect . How does Jesus response challenge and expand the disciples thinking and understanding of the gospel? The tongues of Acts 19:7 serve as the witness to the Ephesian believers themselves of the gift of the Spirit that transfers them as a group from the old era to the new one in which they should be living. So this is a more extended use of the term than just the twelve. Even if Paul views himself as an apostle based on Jesus speaking directly to him and commissioning him, this would not be true for Barnabas. 18:15, 18). No one is so far removed that God cannot redeem them. Paul goes to great lengths to satisfy the Jerusalem accusers, even accommodating James by submitting to a ritual Mosaic cleansing (Acts 21:26). Then I ask, "How many of you were intentionally taught about the ministry and person of the Holy Spirit?" When the Gentiles hear the gospel, as many as were appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). He will return, but in the meantime they will be clothed with power and assurance from his Holy Spirit to go forth and bear fruit in the confidence that God will be with them to the end of the age. 53:5). 25:31; 1 Cor. Paul bases his hope on Gods raising of Jesus, which he sees as the final fulfillment of Gods promises through the Law and the Prophets. Not only Scripture, but all of creation speaks of God (Psalm 19). In Acts 15:3621:16, Paul and Silas follow the Lords leading on their missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor and the Roman world. . Each new group of believers is marked by the Holy Spirit, who creates such a distinctive community that others are drawn in, experiencing Gods grace. GRACE AT OUR WORST. Our burden is light because Jesus takes the yoke that burdens us and does the work for us in our place. 2:48). Stephens death makes an impression on Saul, who alludes to it later after his conversion (Acts 22:20). In the "SENT" series, Pastor J.D. Luke and Paul both knew that the mission that Christ had laid out had not been fully accomplished. Because these Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit, there was nothing to prevent them from being baptized as Christians. As Christ laid down his freedom for their sake, so they find joy in laying down their freedoms out of love for others. 16:1617). He promises them that they would testify to his power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. An Acts-based sermon series can help your core group embrace empowerment by the Holy Spirit. The term is used throughout the NT as a title for Jesus, indicating his role as Messiah and Savior. Jesus is the covenant presence of God fully realized. How does the conclusion embraced by Peter (Acts 10:4748; 11:1517) and the Jerusalem church (Acts 11:18) reveal that these Gentiles were fellow believers? Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. In Acts 19:17, we read that some Ephesians had become followers of John the Baptist and had received his baptism (see also Acts 18:2428, concerning the similar experience of Apollos). Like Moses, Jesus delivers his people from slavery; but whereas Moses deliverance only saved the Israelites from physical peril, Jesus delivers us from the slavery of sin and death (Gal. This is only half true. 4:14; 7:26; 9:24). Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 15:3621:16. What development has there been in your view of who Jesus is and how he fulfills the Old Testament? Acts 4:812 records Peters third speech in three chapters, this time before the Jewish rulers and elders. Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 21:1728:31. One answer is that God has given human authority and structure to the church to lead it in worship. Like Moses, Jesus brings a law for the people of God from a mountaintop (Matthew 57; compare Ex. 11:1724; Eph. The season of Pentecost is an ideal time to focus attention on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the mission of the church. Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. Jesus is Lord, not Caesar. A well-presented sermon series on the Book of Acts reminds all of us that these are not unprecedented times it's just our time. He encourages others to be flexible in nonessentials for the sake of harmony and humility in the church (see Romans 14). This account underscores a key theme: God can be trusted to fulfill his promises. Speaking at Solomons Portico (Acts 3:1226), Peter reminds his Jewish listeners of Gods promise to Abraham that, In your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Acts 3:25). Jesus does not command his disciples to perform certain rituals, to act according to certain rules, or to refrain from certain activities. The Spirits ministry is expansive, just as Jesus wasincluding those who previously were excluded. For permission to reproduce/distribute these resources from Steve Cole (including the Word document and audio files found on the individual lesson pages below) please see Bible.org's ministry friendly copyright and permissions page. John the Baptist had contrasted his repentance baptism with Jesus Holy Spirit baptism (Luke 3:16; Mark 1:8). After this passage, Scripture only mentions his ongoing ministry in a few passages, and only in passing. WITNESSES. Review questions are intended to reinforce key thoughts in each chapter. We see numerous churches planted as the gospel message extends even further. CORE 52 SERMON SERIES OPTION 1:For churches who desire to align their preaching and small group material, Core52 provides suggested series that move through the book in canonical order. Unmerited favor, especially the free gift of salvation that God gives to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. 10:14; 26:14). Take a moment now to ask for the Lords blessing and help as you continue in this study of Acts. In what way is it a partial fulfillment of Jesus words in Acts 1:8? Through Christ we can avail ourselves of a power that the law never had. 11:13, 39). Acts | The Village Church The Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who is at work in applying the finished work of Christ in the lives of Gods people. The lie is saying that Christians disobeyed Caesar. They are bold because they know that the effects of evil are fleeting, and those who oppose the gospel are no threat to God, who is always in control. As a response to this grace, Stephen extends a reflection of that grace to his persecutors. What is his point about Gods presence? Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Home God offers comfort through his presence in the Prophets (see, e.g., Isa. In Acts 9:20, Jesus is called the Son of God. One layer of meaning here may highlight the deity of Christ. Take a moment also to look back through this unit of study, reflecting on some key things that the Lord may be teaching you, and noting things to review again in the future. . The law of God is perfect . The Psalms equate rebellion against Gods anointed with rebellion against him (Ps. The church is Jesus vehicle to continue his work in the world. Why do you think that is? Throughout Acts, baptism and the gift of the Spirit are closely related. Then a voice tells Peter to kill and eat. What is Peters initial response (Acts 10:14)? The Jewish law contained not only basic moral provisions, but many aspects of a more ceremonial nature, such as circumcision, the kosher food laws, and many requirements involving external purity and various kinds of sacrifices and festivals. 118:22; compare Acts 2:2528, 3435). Just one tap away from sermons, blogs, and . 11:13), through Christ, offers hope to sinners who feel unforgivable; we should never write off either ourselves or others as beyond redemption. Romans ends with three verses that are about the gospel being made known to all nations (Romans 16:2527). In Jesus, the personal presence of God has been made available to all. In Acts 15:9, Peters reference to God having cleansed the Gentiles hearts by faith may allude to the content of his vision prior to visiting Cornelius: What God has made clean, do not call common (Acts 10:15; 11:9). 23:1521; Deut. HUMAN SIN. ). I have redeemed you, God says in Isaiah. GOD IS THE DELIVERER. The Witness in Jerusalem (Acts 2:145:42), The Witness beyond Jerusalem (Acts 6:112:25), The Witness in Cyprus and Southern Galatia (Acts 13:114:28), The Witness in Ephesus (Acts 18:2321:16), The Arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:1723:35), The Witness in Caesarea (Acts 24:126:32), Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 1:126. It is clear that the Holy Spirit has led him there, and that the Lord has led Philip to this man who is in need of explanation. Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 6:17:60. . The response of the Gentile believersjoyshows that they hardly view these requirements as burdensome. Pauls Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:2321:16). Acts 24:22-25:12, 43. Opposition Cannot Stop the Gospel (Acts 5:1242). Paul knows that the grace of God is more powerful than any laws, commands, or threats to motivate and build up his people, and he desires that they continue to live under the grace of God that has been poured out for them.

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