Loving God, Loving People.
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Church Life “Missionary Courage” (Acts 14:19-28)In Endurance (vv. 19-22)2 Tim. 3:12 all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.. (2 Cor. 11:24-28, 30)2 Cor. 12:9-10 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.Mt. 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you In Commitment (vv. 23-28)3 Ways to continue in the Faith:1. The Ordinary Means of Grace (Jo. 16:33; Ro. 5:2-5; Ja. 1:2–4; Heb. 10:24-25)2. The Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:3-11)3. Repentance and Diligence (Heb. 12:1; Eph. 6:13)
Church Life “True Worship” (Acts 14:8-18)Reason for Worship (vv. 8-10)Worldly Worship (vv. 11-13)Godly Worship (vv. 14-18)Ro. 1:22-23 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.Psa. 96:5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.Isa. 45:18 For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): I am the Lord, and there is no other).Col. 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him). Psa. 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.Ro. 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[a] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Ready For Worship? 1. Do I know God? You can only love whom you know well - faith.2. Do I have affections for God? (1 Jo.). Am I satisfied in him and wish to delight in him - feel?3. Do I obey God? Beginning with the means of grace (word, prayer and fellowship).
Church Life “Persevering Gospel Grace” (Acts 14:1-7)In Truth (v. 1)In Testing (vv. 2-4) Jo. 15:18-19,20c 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 ..... If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.Ro. 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Jer. 29:5-7 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.2 Cor. 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.1 Cor. 2:4-5 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[a] but in the power of God.Lu. 12:51-53 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”Phil. 1:12,14-15,18 12 I want you to know, brothers,[e] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,... 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will..... 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.In Trials (vv. 5-7)Jo. 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”2 Tim. 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,Mt. 5:11-12 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.1 Pet. 4:12-13 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Church Life “Sovereign Grace” (Acts 13:42-52)Hard Hearts (vv. 44-47)Revived Hearts (vv. 48-49) Ro. 9:14-16, 19, 20-21a 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,[a] but on God, who has mercy... 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, Ro. 8:29-30 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Jo. 10:26-27 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.1 Cor. 1:23-24 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.2 Thess. 2:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. (Eph. 2:1-5, 8-9) 2 Cor. 4:4,6. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God... 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.1 Pet. 1:1a-b,3 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles ... 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,Jo. 6:37, 65; 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.....65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” 17:6a-c, 12 I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.... While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction,Eph. 1:4 - he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love; (Ro. 9:14-23). This doctrine matters: Sovereign Grace is true 5 Effects of sovereign grace on the church: 1. Humility (1 Cor. 1:28-29; Col. 3:12)2. Gratitude (Acts 13:48)3. Comfort (Jo. 6:44; Ro. 8:31-33)4. Courage (1 Pet. 2:9)5. Confidence (1 Thess. 1:4-5a-b) Faithful Hearts (vv. 50-52)1 attachment
Church Life “Resurrection Grace” (Acts 13:26-41)The Why of Gospel Grace (vv.26-27)Jo. 1:1-3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ... 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[d] from the Father, full of grace and truth.The Heart of Gospel Grace (vv. 28-33)1 Cor. 15:3-4 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 1 Cor. 15:5-8 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Psa. 2:1-2c, 10-12 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, .... 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. The Future of Gospel Grace (vv. 34-37)1 Cor. 15:20-22,35 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. .. 35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” - The hope of glory 1 Cor. 15:53-55,57 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gift of Gospel Grace (vv. 38-41)1 Cor. 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.1 attachment
Church Life “Historic Grace” (Acts 13:13-25)The Mission (vv. 13-15)The Old Covenant (vv. 16-22)Ro. 9:4-5, 11, 14, 15-16 Deut. 7:6-8 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.Ro. 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined Eph. 1:4-5, ‘he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.1 Ki. 15:5 ..because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. Psa. 27:4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple (my goodness how he loved church). Psa. 63:1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.2 Sam. 7:9b-c,16 And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth…. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'” So Paul in his msg is going to bring it home in making his next point as he takes the OC into the N. .The New Covenant (vv. 23-25)Isa. 11:1-2 1There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Mt. 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham… Lu. 1:32-33 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Church Life “Spiritual Warfare Begins” (Acts 13:4-12)Mission (vv. 4-5)Opposition (vv. 6-10)2 Cor. 11:13-15 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. Decision (vv. 11-12) 2 Cor. 4:3-4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.Acts 28:26-27 26 “‘Go to this people, and say, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'Eph. 2:1-3 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Eph. 2:4-5, 8-9 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— .. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.1 attachment
Church Life “The Call to Missions” (Acts 13:1-3)Eph. 4:11-12 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,1 Pet. 4:10-11d 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Jo. 15:5,7 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing....7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.We are a people called from and called to: - Called from death to life (1 Jo. 3:14)- Called from bondage to liberty (Gal. 5:13)- Called out of darkness into light (1 Pet. 2:9)- Called to the fellowship of His Son (1 Cor. 1:9)- Called from comfort to mission 2 Cor. 5:17-18, 20-21 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[b] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; .... 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.Mt. 28:19-20 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Church Life “Fatal Pride” (Acts 12:18-25)Prideful Anger (vv. 18-20) Ja. 4:1-2a-c 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions[a] are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.... Phil. 2:14-15 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the worldPrideful Speech (vv. 21-22)Pro. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Jer. 9:23-24 23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Dan. 4:34c-35 34 I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”.Prideful Results (vv. 23-25)
Church Life “Love in Action, pt. 2 – In Prayer” (Acts 12:1-17)The Supplication (v. 5)2 Cor. 1:11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. Ro. 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf; Eph. 6:18-19 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,2 Thess. 3:1; … brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, Ja. 5:16 confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.6 Observations on Prayer: - The Pain of not Praying- The Immaturity of Desperation Prayer- The Growth of Prayer- The Lack of Persistent Prayer (Lu. 18:2-7)- Faithful Prayer - Praying ChurchThe Answer (vv. 6-11)The Testimony (vv. 12-17) 3 Practical and Purposeful Prayer Hints:1. Schedule your Prayers2. “Pray without ceasing”3. Pray with God's people
Church Life “Love in Action, pt. 1” (Acts 11:27-30) - In Word (vv. 27-28)1 Jo. 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 Thess. 5:20-21 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. - In Deed (vv.29-30) 1 Jo. 3:17-18 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.Ja.2:15-16 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[ is that?Heb. 13:1-2, 16-17 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.... 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.2 Cor. 8:13-14 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 2 Cor. 9:6-7 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Church Life “Gospel Grace and the New Covenant, Pt. 2” (Acts 10:24-43)A Divine Appointment (vv. 24-33) Eph. 2:14-16,19 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility... 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, A Unifying Message (vv. 34-35)Ro.10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.Gal. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.A Gospel Testimony (vv. 36-43) - Historical apologetic (vv. 36-38)- Historical Eye-Witness Accounts (39-41)1 Jo. 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.Lu. 24:45-48 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for[c] the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
Church Life Church Life: “Grace and the New Covenant” (Acts 10:1-16)Gentile Vision (vv. 1-8) Jo. 6:44, 65 Hebrew Vision (vv. 9-16)Ma. 7:15,21-23 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”..21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”Gen. 12:2-3 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”Ro. 7:6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
Sanctity of Life Sunday “Justice Ministry” (Pro. 31:8-9) Mic. 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? That's a command and its others oriented. Isa. 1:17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. Where do we start on this? Speak Justice for the Unborn (v.8) What does it mean to be human? 2 prevailing views: Person – we are valuable (sanctity of life) by virtue of the kind of being or creature we are, which is an image-bearer of almighty God. Performance – being human is nothing special, we're probably random accidents of evolution and what matters most, is what you do, or how self-aware you are. The Prolife Argument is very basic and logical: 1. Intentionally killing an innocent human being is a moral wrong. 2. Abortion on demand is the intentional killing of an innocent human being. 3. Therefore, abortion is a moral wrong. Seek Justice for the Unborn (v.9) Psa. 82:3-4 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” We want to convince people to do 4 things: 1. Treasure human life (womb to tomb). 2. Reject abortion as the moral wrong (sin) that it is. 3. Experience God's forgiveness (hope of the gospel). 4. Rescue the innocent, one mother and one baby at a time (obey the command- “the weak and needy”). 1 attachment
Church Life "Mission Possible” Acts 9:26-31 Former Persecutor (vv. 26-27) 1 Pet. 1:14-16 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Ro. 6:1-2,6-7 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?... 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. Future Preacher (vv. 28-31)
Church Life “Radical Ministry” Acts 9:20-25 A Transformed Life (vv. 20-21) 1 Ti. 1:13a-c, 15b-16 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 15......, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. An Apologetic Ministry (vv. 20, 22) Psa. 110:1,5-6a The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool…. 5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will execute judgment among the nations, ” (53:3-12). Jo. 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. Paul in Col. 1:15a-16, 19.15 He is the image of the invisible God, ....... 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.... 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, A Risky Ministry (vv. 23-25)
New Year's, 2025: “Soul Care is Discipleship” Hebrews 10:24-25 Life Together (vv.24-25 a-b) - Call to Hospitality 1 Pet. 4:7,9 “The end of all things is at hand… Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Because that's what church life together should look like. Ro. 12:13 “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Care for One Another (v.25 c-d) Gal. 6:1-2 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 1 Thess. 5:14 “we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted (depressed), help the weak, be patient with them all.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work. 5 Things They never say…. - They never mention God - especially Jesus and the HS, the comforter. - They never mention our spiritual condition (sin). - They never mention that suffering is meaningful within God's plan of mercy and judgment. - They never mention that God really does forgive sinners who repent and believe in his Son. Never mention the good news. - They never mention that all human beings are meant to become worshippers of God in Christ and be reconciled to God. What do we say then? Ro. 15:14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. Col. 3:13, .. bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.16 a-b Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Final scripture on this… Ja. 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
“Blessing From the Christmas Tree” (Gal. 3:13-14) The Curse (v.13) Ro. 5:12-13a 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[a] because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given Gen. 3:16-17 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,'cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; Deut. 28:1-2 “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Ro. 2:15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them. Our conscience confirms the moral law that God has written on the heart of every single person. The Blessing (v.14) 1 Pet. 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
Church Life “The Road to Conversion” Acts 9:1-9 Death and Darkness (vv. 1-2) Life and Light (vv. 3-9) Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Jo. 10:2-3 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. . Jo. 9:39-41 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,' your guilt remains. Eph. 2:1-5 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Eph. 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 1 Tim. 1:13-16 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. Your Conversion: Faith (Ma. 1:14; Jo. 3:16; Ro. 10:9; Eph. 2:8-9) Fruit (Mt. 7:17-21; Jo. 13:34-35; 15:4-6; Gal. 5:22-24; 1 Jo. 1:6-7; 2:28-29; 3:6-10) Fortitude (Ma. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; Col. 1:21-23; 2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Church Life “Principalities and Powers” Acts 8:9-25 A Profession of Faith (vv. 9-13) Deut. 18:10-12a 10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering.[a] And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. Mt. 24:24, For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 2 Thess. 2:9-10 9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. Jo. 2:23-25 23 Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 24 But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew all about people. 25 No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person's heart. A Possession of the Spirit (vv. 14-17) Ti. 3:5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Col. 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Eph. 4:5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism). A Punishment of a Sinner (vv. 18-25) 1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith. 2 Cor. 5:17, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come). We don't see that here? 2 Cor. 11:14b-15 Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. Pro. 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Thanksgiving Sunday of Praise and Worship “Give Thanks in Everything” (1 Thess. 5:18) Ja. 1:2-3 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Eph. 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give thanks in prayer to glorify the Lord- Col. 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Phil.4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Future Grace Present Blessings - You have complete and assured salvation and the forgiveness of sins (Ro.6:23) - You will have all your greatest, real and physical needs met (Phil. 4:19) - You will be raised the dead and will never, ever suffer and die again (1 Cor. 15:52-53) - You will someday soon see, be with and be like Jesus (2 Cor. 5:8; 1 Jo. 3:2) - You will for the 1st time ever experience perfect and exceeding joy in the presence of God forever (Psa. 16:11; 43:4)
Church Life “The Seeds of of Persecution” Acts 8:1-8 Seed and the Sowers are Scattered (vv. 1-3) Seed is Sown and Begins to Grow (vv. 4-8) Lu. 6:22–23 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”
Church Life “Message of the Martyr, Pt. 6; Truth in Love” Acts 7:51-60 Preaching Conviction (vv. 51-53) Mt. 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Ro. 8:7-8 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Jo. 6:44,65 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.... 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” Offering Compassion (vv. 54-60) Ro. 9:2-3 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,[a] my kinsmen according to the flesh.
Church Life Message of the Martyr, Pt. 5; New Temple” Acts 7:44-50 The Old Covenant Temple (vv. 44-47) Psa. 132:4-5 4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, 5 until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” The New Covenant Temple (vv. 48-50). Psa. 11:4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man. (Jo. 2:19-21) Heb. 9:11-12 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come,[e] then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Mt. 27:51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. Rev. 21:3,22-23 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place[a] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,[b] and God himself will be with them as their God. ...22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. Jo. 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. - Our Temple (1 Cor. 6:12,13c,15-16,18a, 19-20) Ro. 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Church Life " Message of the Martyr, Pt. 4; Exodus” Acts 7:35-43 The Redeemers (vv.35-38) Nu. 14:2-4 2 And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Lu. 10:16“The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” The Rejection (vv. 39-40) The Rebellion (vv. 41-43) Ro. 1:22-23 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Ro. 1:24-27 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Church Life “Message of the Martyr, Pt. 3; A Deliverer” Acts 7:17-34 Consecration (vv.17-22) Captivity (vv. 23-29) Commission (vv. 30-34) - The “I AM” (32a; Exo. 3:13-14)
Church Life “Message of the Martyr, Pt. 2; God with Us” Acts 7:9-16 Providence (vv. 9-13) Isa. 45:5a; 46:9-10. Pro. 16:4,9 33 Ro. 8:28 Promises (vv. 14-16) "Why?"- evil, pain and suffering? 1. Salvation (Gen. 50:20) as we just heard today from Joseph. I can tell you the gospel is going out & the Lord is going to save people in the aftermath of that storm and recovery as hundreds of Christian volunteer workers (FBC Disaster Relief) are going to love on those victims and serve them, showing and sharing Christ and his gospel. E.g .of 2 former church friends of mine and brothers -David Rodriguez (and Fred S). So many stories like that.. This is a massive truth that echoes somewhat what the Lord said after the Tower in Siloam fell and killed those 18 people. Rather than directly answer the ‘why' of that disaster he told them, “Repent or you will likewise perish!” God sovereignly chooses some to suffer an affliction or tragedy so that will uniquely comfort others, even leading some to salvation (2 Cor. 1). 2. Sanctification (Ja. 1:2-4) It is the will of God in both what he desires and what he decrees, that his children suffer because it strengthens and confirms our faith. Life is hard but that matures in the faith. I've never heard of anyone maturing in faith and character while sipping on daquiris at the beach. I love being at the beach but that's not the best way to grow in Christ likeness. Pain is. C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” (The Problem of Pain). God uses suffering to bring us to the end of ourselves and back to Christ to draw close to him and be dependent on him and that's worth any cost. 1 Pet. 1:6-7 rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You don't want to be found without a tested faith when Christ returns. Listen, one of the greatest proofs in the NT of knowing you're a Christian, is not a prayer you prayed so many years ago with a decision, or even giving and church attendance as good as those things are. It's endurance- perseverance of faith (fortitude). Will you hang on to Jesus with everything you've got when you have nothing else? As someone wrote, “You don't really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.” 3. Glorification (Jo. 9:3)
Church Life “Message of the Martyr; Call and Covenant” Acts 7:1-8 The Call (vv. 1-4) The Covenant (vv. 5-8) - Gen. 17:1-6 - Jo. 8:42-44b, 47 Jo. 8:56-58 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”[d] 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Heb. 11:8-9 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. Gen. 22:2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Gen. 22:7-14) Ro. 4:1-3 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Isa. 53:5-6 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Jer. 31:33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people Eze. 36:26-27 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ro. 4:11a He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. Heb. 11:10,13-14, 16 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.... 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.... 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
For sermon PP: Sunday, September 22, 2024, Rev. Bernie Diaz, Pastor Church Life “Mission of the Martyr” Acts 6:8-15 His Conduct (vv.8-10) - 1 Pet. 3:9-16; 4:12,14,16. Their Conspiracy (vv. 11-14) Jo. 2:19-21 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple,[c] and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Lu. 21:12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. That's a future prophecy from the Lord. His Character (v. 15)
Church Life “Building the Ministry” Acts 6:1- Ministry Needs (vv.1-2) Ministry Plans (vv. 3-6) F.A.S.T. Disciples: - Faithful - Available - Servant-minded - Teachable
Church Life “Portraits of Christian Courage” Acts 5:27-32 Outline: Taking Stands (vv.27-29) Jo. 15:18-19,20b, 21 Portraits of Courage in Acts of Disobedience: 1) Preaching (Acts 4-5) 2) Prayer & worship (Dan. 6:4-5,10) 3) Idolatry (Dan. 1:3-19, 3:15c-18) 4) Life (Est. 3; Exo. 1:18-20). Mt. 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Talking Truth (vv. 30-32) Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 1 Pet. 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. Gospel Essentials: - Crucified - Rose from the dead - Reigns now and will on the earth and forever - Gifts his church
Church Life “Persecution Persists” Acts 5:17-26 Arrested (vv.17-18) Mt. 24:9-14 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away[a] and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 2 Thess. 2:3b-4 …. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessnessis revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Freed (vv. 19-24) Preached (vv. 25-26) Mt. 10:17-20 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Church Life “Growth in Signs and Wonders” Acts 5:12-16 The Kingdom Divides (vv.12-13) 1 Cor. 12:9-10,28 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues… 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. . The Kingdom Redeems (vv. 14-17) Ro. 10:13-15,17 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”.. 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
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