Living Hope Family Church Marana Sermons

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand in each local congregation there are opportunities to be of service. Our goal as a body of believers is to train fellow members to fulfill their God-given destiny in the kingdom of God. We believe that ministries will be launched from our church. In the meantime, as we serve where we are, we will be faithful in the least and faithful in much.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand Jesus Christ has given to believers people in leadership to build up the worldwide Church as well as the local Church in order to equip every believer with a part in working in the kingdom of God. We are ambassadors for Christ.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, our mission statement is to evangelize the lost, equip the saints, and empower them to step out into what God has called them to do. The first step is to evangelize. There is a world full of people who are living their life with no hope. It is our responsibility to share the gospel with them.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we are a generous people. God has generously paid the full price for mankind's redemption by giving us His only Son. By receiving that gift God has changed everything for us. We are now living a life that demonstrates His generosity in our giving of time, love, and finances. Generosity displays the nature of God deposited in us through the "new birth". Let's continue in well doing.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we are a family. We respect and honor one another. Family perseveres through difficulties and family loves unconditionally.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we are a people who pray. You cannot have a relationship without communication. If we want to be successful, we are going to have to make prayer a focus in our own life, but we are also going to have to make prayer a priority as a church as well.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana we believe in the gifts of the Spirit and that they are for today. The Holy Spirit of God desires to dwell in us and express Himself through us in order to build the kingdom of God as we prepare for Jesus's return. The Holy Spirit equips us to bear "fruit" as His visible manifestation. God hasn't forgotten His promise to pour out His Spirit "on all flesh".

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana we are worshipers. Worship is an integral part of a believer's life. It is not just a block of time on Sunday.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead validates the absolute success of His mission, which guarantees our privilege to obtain mercy and forgiveness. It's the most important event in the history of the world because it provides genuine hope which will not disappoint. It truly is a Great Salvation!

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand that life is lived by faith. We may not see all the details, but we have an assurance of hope that is our faith.

It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. Today we begin our "Who We Are" series with a look at being "Saved by Grace" and how it's foundational to knowing our status with God.

As the body of Christ transitions into Kingdom thought and lifestyle, there will be a manifestation. The Father desires for all the world to see Him in us as we have seen Him working through Christ.

So, what does having compassion for the lost look like and how do we put in that into action? One of the ways is sharing the gospel. Not only corporately, but as individuals. But, to share the gospel, we have to know what it is. That is what we will look at today.

How do you see the lost? How does God see them? If you don't see them as God does, it is time to change your perspective. It is time to recognize how valuable the harvest really is.

God has made a way for our salvation to be a restoration to Himself in the face of the worst failures. We will survey Peter's failure and restoration. How could someone who walked and talked with Jesus fail? Why didn't Jesus give up on Peter? This shows us that He won't give up on us.

Last week, Paul and the rest of the crew washed up on the shores of Malta. The local inhabitants showed them great kindness and made sure they were warm. While putting wood on the fire, Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake. However, when he did not die, they decided he was a god. Afterwards, God healed many people through Paul, and when they prepared to leave, the local people made sure they had what they needed. After 3 months in Malta, they set sail for Rome, and that is where we find ourselves today. Paul calls the local Jewish leaders that were there and declares his innocence and shares the gospel with them.

Everyone survived the shipwreck and find out they're on Malta. The natives kindly light a fire and when Paul throws some sticks in a snake tries to kill him. When he doesn't die, they think he's a god. Paul prays for the "Governor" of the island's father and the rest of the people come for healing. After 3 months they sail away and meet other Christians along the way. Finally arriving in Rome, Paul is allowed to continue under house arrest instead of prison.

Last week an angel came and told Paul that not only would he live, but all the people on board would live as well. There would only be loss of the ship, but they had to run aground on some island. Today, we see them wreck on that island. The ship runs aground and begins breaking apart of the coast of Malta. However, all 276 people survive and are able to swim successfully to the shore. It happened just as Paul had said it was, and his faith was rewarded with his own life and the life of the people on this ship. Once again, we see the theme that the plan of God will not be thwarted, even if it doesn't look like how we might have done it.

Once again, the conclusion is reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death and that had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then. Today we see the journey to Rome begin in probably October of 59. This was too late in the fall to be on the open seas, and wouldn't you know that things get a little rough. Paul understood there was real danger ahead and encouraged the crew to find safe harbor for the winter. However, the leaders of the voyage decided to press on. But despite the problems and opposition, God's plan moves forward.

Paul had begun to make his defense before King Agrippa last week as we left off on a cliff hanger once again. Today, we will see Paul continue to make his defense, describing his experience with Jesus on the Damascus Road. Finally, Paul demonstrates that he was just being obedient to Jesus in sharing Him as a light to both Jews and Gentiles alike. And just as before, the conclusion reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death Had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then.

Still in "protective custody," Paul has appealed to Ceasar's judgment seat, probably remembering the assassination plot from a couple of years ago. He's done nothing worthy of the death penalty. But God's plan is for him to go to Rome, and this appeal appears to that end. Governor Festus needs some help understanding the charges against Paul. King Agrippa ll arrives to pay his respects to Festus' new position. Since the king is more familiar with Jewish law, he wants to hear from Paul. So, Paul once again testifies.

Not too long ago, we found ourselves with Paul in “protective custody.” While there, some Jews had taken a foolish vow to not eat or drink until he was killed. However, Paul's nephew warned Paul of this plan. After informing the tribune, he sends Paul to the governor Felix in Caesarea soon as he arrived, Governor Felix agrees to hear Paul's case as soon as his accusers arrive. It is not long before the Jewish leader show up and present their case to Felix against Paul, falsely accusing him of being a plague, stirring up riots, and profaning the temple. However, Paul deftly gives his defense to Felix, explaining that every accusation is false. Today, we see Felix tell them that when Lysias the tribune arrives, he would decide their case. While waiting, Felix and his wife both listen to Paul speaking about faith in Christ, righteousness, and the coming judgment. Understandably, this made Felix a little concerned and unfortunately for Paul, Felix was trying to placate the Jews as he left and left him in prison. Finally, after another trial where the Jews bring false accusation against Paul, Paul appeals to Caesar.

Last week, Paul arrived in Caesarea and Felix read the letter from Claudius Lysias. Afterwards, Felix agrees to hear Paul's case as soon as his accusers arrive. Today, we will see Ananias the high priest arrives with some elders and a spokesman, Tertullus. He delivers his case to Felix against Paul, falsely accusing him of being a plague, stirring up riots, and profaning the temple. Paul then begins to cheerfully give his defense to Felix, explaining that every accusation is false.

Paul's Roman citizenship affords him further protection. A plot to deceive the tribune and murder Paul is uncovered, so the tribune sends Paul by night to Governor Felix under heavily armed guard. Accompanied by a letter from the tribune, Paul arrives in Caesarea and is placed in protective custody until his accusers can come and present their case.

In our last message in the Book of Acts, Paul began his defense to the Jewish mob that had gathered in the temple courts and had followed him after he was arrested and taken to the Roman garrison. As he makes his defense, his last statement to them was to repeat what that the Lord had said to him. “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles." Today we start moments after that statement. Unfortunately, at that mention of the gentiles, mob gets angry and at this point, the tribune orders Paul to be flogged to get the truth from him. However, the revelation that Paul is a Roman citizen saves his hide, literally. The tribune then calls a session with the Chief priests to find out what is going on, but it ends in an angry mob once again. We'll end the message today with Paul once again being taken into custody for his own safety but being encouraged by the Lord that he still has more to do.

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior!

Having been rescued from the murderous mob by the Roman soldiers, Paul has begged the tribune to permit him to speak to the people. With permission, standing on the steps, he motions with his hand and a great silence falls on the crowd. When he addresses them in their language, they pay all the more attention. He explains how he is a devout Jew, a Pharisee, educated in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, etc. He then testifies how he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. All goes well until he proclaims the mission to the Gentiles. This ignites such vehement protest that Paul is taken into the Roman barracks for further proceedings. Stay tuned!

Last week, Paul had finally made it to Jerusalem. He took the advice of the elders and participated in a purification ritual so as not to offend the local Jews. However, his attempt to appease them was to no avail. Instead, he is sighted. Jews from Asia started telling lies about him and stirs up a crowd. If the Roman authorities hadn't showed up, Paul would likely have been beaten or stoned to death.

After leaving the elders in Ephesus, Paul makes his way towards Jerusalem. Along the way, he stops in Tyre and Caesarea where the brothers, after being told what would happen to Paul by the Holy Spirit, beg him not to go. However, it is God's purpose and will for Paul to go. Then, once he arrives, he shares his success with the local church leadership in Jerusalem.

Today, we find Paul making the decision to leave Ephesus as he has had great success here. Everyone in the area had heard the message. He decides to move through Macedonia and Achaia, preaching along the way, on his way back to Jerusalem. However, before he goes, the Way causes a riot in the streets.

Chapter 20 of the book of Acts records the conclusion of Paul's 3rd missionary journey. As we mentioned last week, Paul is making his way back to Jerusalem, hoping to arrive before Pentecost. On his way, he stops in Macedonia and Greece to encourage the brethren there.

Today, we find Paul making the decision to leave Ephesus as he has had great success here. Everyone in the area had heard the message. He decides to move through Macedonia and Achaia, preaching along the way, on his way back to Jerusalem. However, before he goes, the Way causes a riot in the streets.

When Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, he promised to "return. . . if God wills." After he had gone up to Jerusalem, he spent some time in Antioch before embarking on his third missionary journey. He revisits the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day central Turkey), strengthening the believers. We now find him back in Ephesus, where he meets some disciples who knew only John's baptism. Paul tells them about Jesus, and they are "re-baptized." Paul prays for them and lays hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. This is considered to be the Pentecost of Ephesus. Unusual miracles and events take place, culminating with the forsaking of "magic arts," and the destruction of their books. The result is "the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed."

Paul leaves Corinth to head back to Syria so he can report to the church in Jerusalem and head back to his home base at the church in Antioch. Along the way, he temporarily stops in Ephesus, leaving it in good hands with Priscilla and Aquila.

After having limited success in Athens, Paul makes his way to Corinth. Where Athens was a center of culture and learning, Corinth was a city of commerce and debauchery. However, Paul has great success and finds himself nurturing the young church there for a year and a half.

After Paul's enemies follow his team to Berea, he escapes to Athens and waits for Silas and Timothy to come. While there, "his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols." As usual, he reasons with his fellow Jews and devout persons in the synagogue, but he also ventures out into the marketplace every day and speaks to people there. He encounters the philosophers, and they invite him to present his argument. His speech goes well, even quoting some of their writings until he proclaims Jesus's resurrection, producing some mocking. But their interest is piqued, and some of them actually join him.

Paul and Silas make their way into Thessalonica and then Berea having some success but also stirring up trouble. They are known as those who are turning the world upside down!

Paul and Silas had just been thrown in prison, but they react much different than you might expect. Instead of complaining, they pray and sing. And once again, God shows up in a big way.

Paul and Silas embark on the second missionary journey, bringing the letter from Jerusalem to the churches at Lystra, Derbe, and Iconium, among others. When they attempt to evangelize Asia, the Holy Spirit prevents their plans. Instead, Paul receives a vision of a Macedonian man requesting help. So the Lord opens the way into the Roman empire in the city of Philippi, where the first convert mentioned is Lydia, the seller of purple. Soon , slave girl with a spirit of divination is set free, resulting in Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into prison. What will come of it?

After a decision was made at the counsel in Jerusalem regarding the requirement of Gentiles becoming Jews before being saved, the apostles and elders send Judas and Silas, alongside Paul and Barnabas, to the gentiles to give them the good news. Then, Paul and Barnabas embark on their second missionary journeys.

While Paul and Barnabas are spending time in Antioch, a group of men come from Judea and begin telling the gentiles they must be circumcised in order to be saved. This causes a large debate, and the Antioch Church sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to consult the Apostles and the Elders there.

Having been chased out of Antioch and Iconium, Paul and Barnabas were found by their enemies in Lystra, where a notable miracle had taken place. Now public opinion changed and Paul was stoned. However, God had other plans, so Paul survived the attack, and the next day they went to Derbe. After they made many disciples there, they retraced their steps, encouraging the believers and appointing elders in the new churches. They returned to Perga, preached there, then went to Attalia. From there they returned to Antioch and reported all that God had done, especially opening the door of faith to the Gentiles. Thus, the first missionary journey ended after about 3 years.

Paul and Barnabas find themselves in Iconium where they preach with boldness in spite of opposition. Many Jews and Greeks are saved, but Paul and Barnabas are forced to flee to Lystra due to an attempt to stone them. While in Lystra, we see a man who was crippled from birth get healed and the miracle was so great that they people think Paul and Barnabas are gods. But fortunately, they are able to keep them from sacrificing to them by pointing the gentiles back towards the living God.

After Paul preaches the gospel message, they want him to come back on the next Sabbath. However, the Jews are jealous that Paul and Barnabas draw such a large crowd. So, they decide from now on to take their message to the gentiles and the gentiles rejoice at this news.

After evangelizing Cyprus, Paul and his team sail to Perga on the southern coast of modern-day Turkey. There, John Mark leaves them and goes back to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas make their way to the other Antioch in Pisidia in central Turkey. While visiting the synagogue, they're invited to speak "words of exhortation to the people." So, Paul explains the Scriptures concerning Jesus and ends with a warning against unbelief.

The gentile church in Antioch has been growing quickly and has a solid team of prophets and teachers. The Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul to begin their missionary journeys to the gentiles.

Herod Agrippa I wants to gain favor with the Jews. He sees that killing James pleased them, so he arrests Peter to gain even more favor. However, God has other plans and supernaturally rescues Peter from the hands of his captors.

This last half of chapter 11 records "the young church in action." From the revival, which began in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and the eventual spread of the Gospel resulting from Saul's persecution, we now witness a series of "firsts." Gentiles were added to the Church. Barnabas was sent out as the first "missionary" from the Church in Jerusalem. He and Paul become the first "team." The first time anyone is mentioned as a prophet is recorded. The believers are first called "Christians." And the first mention of a collection being received for the relief of the saints is included to set the pattern for the New Testament Church to follow until Jesus returns.

As a result of going to meet with Cornelius, a gentile, Peter experiences a large negative reaction from the Jewish believers. So today Peter gives an account of why he went, and the result is the Jewish believers rejoicing that salvation had been granted to the gentiles.

Peter understands that God shows no partiality as to those who can receive the gospel and begins to preach. As he does, the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius, his household, and his friends and they begin speaking in other tongues and extolling God. As this demonstrated that God has accepted them, Peter commands them to be baptized.

The disciples had proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, reaching all the way to Damascus, where Saul of Tarsus was converted. Now it was time to begin expanding "to the uttermost parts of the earth." So, a series of supernatural events began to unfold as the "Way" was going to be received by the Gentiles. Both Cornelius the Centurion and Peter the Apostle needed direct intervention by God to propel this expansion. The resulting divine appointment has had far reaching effects still active today.