Four Corners Church Sermon Podcast

Abner’s story is tragic because he is almost a true here2 Samuel 3:1- What long war do you find yourself in the midst of today?2 Samuel 3:6-11- Abner is fully aware of the Lord’s desire for David to be kingGod is not at work DESPITE these messy circumstances, He is at work THROUGH these messy circumstances.Romans 6:1-2 - “The fact that God works through messy circumstances is not to induce us to tolerate the chaos that we create in our lives, it is so that we recognize the grace of God in the midst of the chaos that has ensued in our lives.”- Alistair Begg2 Samuel 3:12- David will not force his kingship, he waits to be invited.“Abner only quotes scripture when it supports a pro-Abner move” - Dale Ralph Davis2 Samuel 3:122 Samuel 3:17-215 character traits of Abner that The Lord used to position to make David King.1. Loyal - He was loyal to serve the house of Saul2. Strong - He was a strong warrior and a good fighter3. Charismatic - He could easily rally people together and gain influence4. Clever - He uses the right phrases at the right time with the right people5. Ambitious - He has goals and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve themThere is a difference between believing and living

3 John 1-8Gaius: FaithfulFaithfulness is not flashy, but in the Kingdom of God, faithfulness is fruitful.Seven Characteristics of Gaius1. He walks in the truth.2. He is beloved.3. He has a healthy soul.4. He is faithful in ordinary things.5. He practices costly hospitality.6. He partners with gospel mission.7. He serves without needing to be first.3 John 9-11Diotrephes: OverbearingDiotrephes “likes to put himself first.” That is the disease. Everything else is a symptom.Seven Characteristics of Diotrephes1. He loves preeminence.2. He rejects legitimate authority.3. He uses words as weapons.4. He refuses fellowship.5. He punishes those who do right.6. He confuses control with leadership.7. He is a negative example to be resisted, not imitated.3 John 11-12Demetrius: Good TestimonyDemetrius has what every Christian should want: not fame, not hype, not platform — testimony.Seven Characteristics of Demetrius1. He has a good reputation.2. He has been tested by community.3. He is aligned with the truth.4. He is affirmed by mature leaders.5. He does not need to self-promote.6. He is safe to commend.7. He embodies the good John says to imitate.The “We” Passages: Our Shared Responsibility3 John 8, 12  “We ought to support people like these.”- Mission is not optional. When faithful gospel workers go, faithful churches send.- You can be a fellow worker for the truth by supporting the work of truth.“That we may be fellow workers for the truth.”- The person preaching and the person supporting the preaching are both participating inthe work.- No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.“We also add our testimony.”- Healthy Christians do not only critique what is bad. They commend what is good.- A healthy church must have the courage to confront what is evil and the joy to celebratewhat is good.3 John 13-15“We will talk face to face.”- “Face to face” is the language of healthy relationship.- “By name” – they know and are known. Love and are loved, celebrate and are celebrated.

God often brings salvation through unexpected weakness so that his people will trust his grace, not their strength.Judges 3:1-4 Judges 3:12-141. Sometimes, God leaves battles in our lives on purpose.Some of us want a Christian life with no battle.God wants a Christian life with trust in the battle.Judges 3:15-23Judges 3:24-25Judges 3:26-30 2. God raises unlikely saviors because he loves to shame human pride.God loves to overthrow human arrogance through unlikely instruments.God chooses the kind of savior that makes everybody say, “That had to be God.”3. The Bible often moves from visible strength to surprising weakness, and it all points to Jesus.God sent a poor Jewish rabbi from a nowhere town, with no home, no army, no political office, and eventually a cross on his back - that is your Savior.Christianity is this: God saves through weakness - that is why the gospel offends proud people.4. Every human being is trying to save themselves, but salvation only comes as a gift.Religious people try to save themselves through morality. “If I am good enough, pure enough, faithful enough, disciplined enough, then God will accept me.”Irreligious people do the same thing with different tools. “If I am successful enough, attractive enough, loved enough, wealthy enough, important enough, then I will know that my life matters.”What keeps many people from salvation? Not their weakness, their strength.5. God laughs at arrogant evil, so his people do not have to live in fear.That the gospel remains should do two things in us:First, it should give us courage. Second, it should soften us into compassion.6. One day God will make our bitterest stories laughable.The oppression in Judges was real; yet, later, the people tell the story with laughter.God can redeem suffering so fully that one day his people will tell the story without tears.For those who belong to Christ, sorrow does not get the last word.7. In God’s kingdom, availability matters more than ability.That does not mean gifts do not matter. It means gifts are not ultimate.Ordinary Christians obeying God in ordinary moments with extraordinary dependence – that’s how things move forward.God takes weak acts of obedience and fills them with his power.

1. Grace goes looking :: David seeks someone to bless.2 Samuel 9:1–3 2. Grace chooses the unlikely :: Mephibosheth is broken, ashamed, and helpless.2 Samuel 9:3–6 3. Grace replaces fear with kindness :: He expects judgment, but receives covenantal mercy.2 Samuel 9:6–8 4. Grace brings us near :: He is restored and seated at the king’s table.2 Samuel 9:9–13 5. Grace tells our story :: We were Mephibosheth, and Christ brought us near.Ephesians 2:12-13, 19-21 Romans 5:6-11 6. Grace changes how we live :: Those who believe the gospel become like the gospel.You do not produce gospel fruit by raw willpower. You produce gospel fruit by deepening awareness of gospel grace.7. Grace must overflow somewhere :: Who is your Mephibosheth?Do for the one what you wish you could do for the many.

Matthew 28:1-101. That stone preaches that a door has been removed.The stone used to say, “Death wins.” Now the missing stone says, “Death has been invaded.”Romans 5:18-19Ephesians 2:13-142. That stone preaches that a trophy is displayed.The stone is a monument in broad daylight saying, “The King has won.” Satan lost. Sin lost. Death lost. Hell lost.The stone is no longer guarding Christ’s body. It is now advertising Christ’s triumph.1 Corinthians 15:55–573. That stone preaches that a foundation is laid.The stone that once sealed a grave becomes the stone beneath your feet. You can build here. This ground will hold. This gospel is true.Christianity does not stand on vibes, tradition, or positive thinking. It stands on an empty tomb.1 Corinthians 15:14–204. That stone preaches that rest is provided.The stone has become a seat. A place of rest. A symbol that the work is finished.Religion says, “Do more.” Jesus says, “Done… It is finished.”Hebrews 10:12–14 5. That stone preaches that a boundary is marked.The stone as a dividing line. Same stone. Same tomb. Same Jesus. Totally different reality.The empty tomb does not allow permanent neutrality.1 Peter 2:7–86. That stone preaches that evil is defeated.1 John 3:8 …The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.The stone rolling away is the beginning of the end for the kingdom of darkness.The resurrection is heaven’s declaration that Satan’s empire has been breached.The rolled-away stone is like the first fallen brick in a doomed fortress. The wall is coming down.The Bible says Jesus Himself is a stone in one of two ways for every person in this room.1. He is either the Cornerstone…A cornerstone is what the whole building lines up with. It sets the angle. It bears the weight. It determines what is true, straight, and lasting.You do not add Jesus to your life as a religious accessory. You rebuild your life on Him.1 Peter 2:4–8 2. Or, He is the stumbling stone.If you will not build on Jesus, you will trip over Jesus. Rejecting Jesus does not remove Him. It only guarantees collision with Him.The stone you refuse to build on becomes the stone you break against.Romans 9:32–33Jesus Christ is alive. Right now, He offers salvation, forgiveness, cleansing, adoption, eternal life, and a new beginning to anyone who will repent and believe.If you are waiting until you get your life together, you do not understand the gospel. You come to Jesus because your life is not together.

You do not get saved by getting your life under control. You come to Jesus in the storm, in the wreckage, in the sin, and in the shame — just as you are.1. Storms reveal what calm seasons conceal (Acts 27:9-20).Paul warned them, but they ignored God’s word. Then, the storm hit.2. God meets people in the storm with a word of grace (Acts 27:21–26).God’s purpose for Paul meant the storm was real, but not ultimate.3. God may save you while letting your ship break apart (Acts 27:27–44).God often saves the person while sinking the idol.You may come back humbled or through wreckage, but you can still come back.4. Surviving the storm does not end the battle (Acts 28:1–6).Coming to Jesus does not mean no more battles. It means you now have a Savior in the battle.5. Saved people are meant to bless other people (Acts 28:7–10).Christianity is personal but it is not merely private. Saved people become sent people.6. The Gospel must be preached clearly (Acts 28:23–27).Paul does not merely discuss spirituality. He preaches Christ.Not everyone believes. The problem is not always clarity. It is often hardness.7. The door is still open (Acts 28:28–31).Storms, chains, shipwreck, snakes didn’t stop the gospel.Your past, your shame, your wreckage cannot stop the gospel. Jesus still receives sinners.

Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (1866–1960)Lamentations 3:21-261) God’s faithfulness is based on His covenant.Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” O God my Father,There is no shadow of turning with Thee;Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.Hebrews 13:8James 1:17● Faithfulness means steadfast loyalty, reliability, and consistency in keeping commitments or promises. It describes someone who remains dependable and true over time, even when circumstances are difficult.● God’s faithfulness is not first rooted in what He does for me. It is rooted in who He is.2) God’s faithfulness arrives as daily mercy.“Great Is Thy Faithfulness! Great Is Thy Faithfulness!Morning by morning new mercies I see;All I have needed Thy hand hath providedGreat is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”● Mercy is not always God changing our circumstances overnight.● If God’s mercy is daily, then God’s faithfulness is personal.3) God’s faithfulness is evident.“Summer and winter, springtime and harvest,Sun, moon, and stars in their courses aboveJoin with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.”● The created world is not random chaos. It is manifold witness. It is a thousand reminders that God has not abandoned His world.Psalm 19:14) God’s faithfulness is forever answered in Jesus Christ.“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”2 Corinthians 1:20● Every promise of rescue, forgiveness, restoration, and covenant love finds its fulfillment in Jesus.Romans 8:32● If God gave you Jesus, He will not abandon you now.● The clearest proof of God’s faithfulness is that the cross happened and that the resurrection occurred.Steps for Application:Step 1: Stop measuring God’s faithfulness only by outcomes.Step 2: Receive mercy for today.Step 3: Pray for the Lord to open your eyes to Him every day. Use these songs for reflection.     Great is Thy Faithfulness    So Will IStep 4: Come to Christ.A.W. Tozer“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Acts 26: 1-3Acts 25–26 is one of the most dramatic scenes in the New Testament. The apostle Paul stands in chains in a Roman courtroom in Caesarea.Surrounding him are the powerful people of the region:Antonius Felix, the Roman authority over province in Acts 23-24Porcius Festus, the Roman authority over the province in Acts 25-26Herod Agrippa II, the last ruler from the dynasty of HerodBerenice, female royalty of the Herodian houseActs 26: 19-321. Christians Do Not Retreat From Culture — We Engage ItPaul engages the culture with the gospel.Christians are not called to retreat from the world. We are called to bring Christ into it.2. God Places Believers in Strategic LocationsPaul’s situation looked like failure but, this wasn’t a mistake. This was positioning.God places believers inside culture so the gospel can reach it.3. Evangelism Is Not Just for Churches — It Belongs EverywhereActs 26:22–23 That the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light.The gospel is meant for the whole world.4. Christians Speak With Both Courage and RespectRespect is not weakness. Faith is not irrational.Christianity is grounded in history, evidence, eyewitness testimony.Paul shows that Christian witness can be both bold and reasonable.5. Evangelism Is PersonalEvangelism ultimately comes down to a question: Do you believe?Evangelism is not about winning debates. It is about people knowing Jesus.6. Faithfulness Matters More Than OutcomesPaul measured success by faithfulness.Results belong to God. Obedience belongs to us.7. Where has God place you?You may not stand before kings, but God has placed you somewhere.Where you are is your first mission field.

Acts 23–24There is a big difference between doing things for God and doing life with God.The good life is not from the Lord, it is with the Lord.1. When You Walk WITH God, You Hear From HimActs 23:11The Lord stood by him. That’s relationship.Christian life is not just obedience to a mission.It is relationship with a Person.Jesus said in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice.”The Christian life is living close enough to God to hear Him speak.2. When You Walk WITH God, He Gives DirectionActs 23:11Paul has been trying to get to Rome for years. Now Jesus tells him: You are going to Rome.God’s direction often comes in ways we would never design.Paul knows: If Jesus says I’m going to Rome, nothing can stop it.When you walk with God, you do not have to control the outcome. You simply follow His direction.3. When You Walk WITH God, He Provides What You NeedActs 23 tells us 40 men take an oath: They will not eat or drink until Paul is dead.Acts 23:12-15Paul is a prisoner with no ability to defend himself but, God provides in a surprising way.The enemies of Paul thought they were eliminating him.Instead, they accidentally gave him the safest ride in the Roman Empire.God’s provision often comes from unexpected places.You don’t have to manufacture the protection. God provides it.4. When You Walk WITH God, You Become an Effective WitnessActs 24:1-16Paul is not preaching to crowds. He is speaking to one man in a room.When you walk with God, every room becomes a mission field.Paul’s goal is not survival. His goal is faithfulness.The goal of the Christian life is not merely working for God. It is walking with Him.Many people spend their lives asking: “What should I do for God?”The better question is: “Am I walking closely with Him?”You are not carrying the mission. God is walking with you.

RECAP 1: The Will of God Gives you a Testimony.RECAP 2: Spiritual authority flows from spiritual surrender.Acts 221. Grace changes identity.2. Grace expands the mission.3. Grace produces a story.1. A life transformed by grace.“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:12. A redeemed past.“The gospel didn’t make me better. It made me new.” - Rosaria ButterfieldYou don’t come to Jesus. Jesus comes to you.3. A supernatural interruption.You don’t drift into salvation. You are awakened into it.Salvation is not self-repair. It is resurrection.4. A ordinary obedience.God uses PEOPLE to reach PEOPLE.God’s Word + God’s People. Everything else will burn.5. A gospel that will cost you.“My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.” - John NewtonWhat’s your one sentence so what?Romans 3:23 - All have sinned.Romans 6:23 - Wages of sin is death, gift is life.Romans 5:8 - Christ died for us.Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and believe.Romans 10:13 - Everyone who calls will be saved.

REVIEW:1. The Will of God is Directional2. The Will of God is Relational3. The Will of God Often Includes Suffering4. The Will of God Requires Courage5. The Will of God Is Personal6. The Will of God Begins with Surrender to JesusHEAD / HEART / HANDSHead: Obedience to Jesus is the true measure of success.Heart: Following Jesus is worth every cost.Hands: Speak Christ boldly wherever you are.“Nothing can happen to a man outside the will of God.” — A.W. TozerFive More Observations On Acts 21:7. The Will of God Requires Humility.Obedience will cost you approval.8. The Will of God May Not Protect You from False Accusation.“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” -Dietrich BonhoefferExpect opposition when you live for Jesus.Obedience often looks offensive to those who are comfortable.9. The Will of God Redefines Success.Success in God’s economy is obedience.10. The Will of God Is Sovereign Over Chaos.“Paul shows greater courage in chains than others show in freedom.” - John Chrysostom11. The Will of God Gives You a Testimony.Spiritual authority flows from spiritual surrender.

Acts 21:1-20 (ESV)1. The Will of God is DirectionalLess drift and more go.2. The Will of God is Relational“The practice of walking with a traveler to the outskirts of the city was traditional; yet the practice of kneeling on the shore together for prayer was uniquely Christian.”Encouragement strengthens obedience.“A Christian man should be a comforter with a backbone.” - Charles Spurgeon3. The Will of God Often Includes SufferingThe gospel advances through sacrifice.4C Christian Parents - prepare your kids for a faith that costs something.Ephesians 2:10 – God designed people for assignments.“Before God can use a man greatly, He must wound him deeply.” - A.W. Tozer4. The Will of God Requires Courage“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” -Corrie ten Boom5. The Will of God Is PersonalDiscernment vs. avoidance6. The Will of God Begins with Surrender to JesusYou cannot obey God fully until you first surrender to Jesus.Spiritual maturity sounds like this: “The will of the Lord be done.”My One Sentence So What? ______________________________________________________.

Acts 20:13–381. A GODLY LEADER LIVES A LIFE WORTH WATCHING (vv. 18–21)Paul doesn’t say, “Remember my sermons.” He says, “Remember my life.”You can fake gifting for a season, but you cannot fake godliness for a lifetime.Your life is the sermon they remember.2. A FAITHFUL SERVANT OBEYS GOD NO MATTER THE COST (vv. 22–24)Prison is coming. Affliction is coming. Pain is comingPaul: “My life is not about my comfort—it’s about my calling.”Christianity in America says: “Follow Jesus and He’ll make your life easier.”Paul says: “Follow Jesus and He’ll make your life count.”3. A TRUE SHEPHERD FEEDS THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD (vv. 25–27)If a pastor only preaches what’s popular, he’s not a shepherd—he’s a hireling.Paul says, “I’m innocent of your blood.”Why? Because he told the truth—even when it hurt.You don’t need softer sermons. You need truer ones.4. THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE CHURCH COMES FROM WITHIN (vv. 28–31)Before you watch others—watch yourself.Savage wolves will come from outside. False teachers will rise from inside.The church belongs to God. It was bought with blood.Shepherding is not a job—it’s a sacred trust.Untested leadership is dangerous. Authority without holiness is lethal.5. GOD’S GRACE—NOT MONEY—SUSTAINS GOD’S SERVANTS (vv. 32–35)Paul doesn’t ask for money. He doesn’t build a brand.“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”Leadership in the kingdom is not about what you can take—it about what you leave.A greedy leader disqualifies himself. A generous leader reflects Jesus.6. GOSPEL GOODBYES ARE FILLED WITH HOPE AND TEARS (vv. 36–38)This isn’t a cold theological meeting—this is family.They don’t grieve like people with no hope and no future.The gospel creates bonds that death itself cannot break.Faithful ministry leaves scars—but they’re holy scars.Is your life worth watching?Are you feeding on the whole truth—or just the parts you like?Are you guarding your heart?Are you giving your life away?

Acts 20:1-6 Acts 20:7-121. Eutychus leaned out spiritually while others were leaning in.- Everyone else is leaning toward the Word.- Eutychus is leaning toward the edge.- Spiritual leaning determines spiritual stability.2. Eutychus separated himself from a positive influence in his life.- Distance always precedes disaster.- Isolation is never neutral. It’s always directional.3. Eutychus placed himself in an obviously perilous position.- Luke tells us it’s the third story. That matters.- The higher the window, the greater the fall.- If you live on the edge long enough, gravity will do the rest.4. In one sense his crisis was fueled by perfectly natural tendencies.- He is tired. Nothing sinful here.- Natural weakness becomes dangerous when paired with spiritual carelessness.- Tired souls need guardrails, not windows.- Sleep isn’t the enemy. Sleepiness toward God is.5. His crisis was solved by supernatural intervention expressed through a concerned church.- Paul goes down, embraces him—echoing Elijah and Elisha.- Notice: God works through the church.- Paul doesn’t scold. The church responds with faith, urgency, and love.- Grace runs faster than gravity.6. His first steps after his touch from God was returning to the very service that once lulled him to sleep.- This is stunning: After the miracle, the service continues.- Eutychus doesn’t run away embarrassed. He goes back to the table.- The same gathering that exposed his weakness becomes the place of his healing7. His testimony became a source of joy for those who knew him.- “They were not a little comforted” = Joy exploded.- One young man’s restoration strengthened the whole church.- This isn’t a sermon about a sleepy teenager.- This is a sermon about a church that stayed awake long enough to see resurrection.Get off the window.Get back to the center.Stay awake.There is much joy to be had.

Ephesians 2:1–101. Our Condition: Spiritually Dead (Eph. 2:1–3)“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1)- Not sick. Not struggling. Not confused.- Dead.- Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.- He came to make dead people alive.2. God’s Intervention: “But God” (Eph. 2:4–6)“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead… made us alive together with Christ.”- Salvation is not God responding to your effort.- Salvation is God responding to your helplessness.- Jesus lived the life we couldn’t live.- Jesus died the death we deserved to die.- Jesus rose again to give us new life.3. The Means of Salvation: Grace Through Faith (Eph. 2:8–9)“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”- Grace means: You don’t earn it. You don’t deserve it. You can’t repay it- Faith is not trying harder. Faith is trusting fully.- If salvation were by works, heaven would be full of bragging.- Because salvation is by grace, heaven will be full of worship.4. The Result: A New Life With Purpose (Eph. 2:10)“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”- Good works don’t save us—they follow salvation.- We don’t work for acceptance. We work from acceptance.Common Reasons People Reject Salvation — and Biblical Responses1. “I’m a good person.”- The standard isn’t “better than others.”- The standard is God’s holiness.2. “I’ll clean my life up first.”- Like saying you’ll lose weight before going to gym – backwards.- You don’t get clean to come to Christ.- You come to Christ to be made clean.3. “I’m too sinful—God wouldn’t want me.”- You are not disqualified by your sin.- You are the reason He came.4. “There are too many hypocrites in the church.”- Jesus warned there would be hypocrites (Matthew 23).- Hypocrisy in others does not excuse unbelief in you.- The church is not a museum for saints. It’s a hospital for sinners. Sinners are here.5. “I’ll deal with this later.”- “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (James 4:14)- Delayed obedience is disguised rejection.- You are not promised tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation.6. “There are many ways to God.”- “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)- If there were another way, the cross was unnecessary.- The resurrection declares Jesus is enough.7. “Disappointment or hurt has left me suspicious.”- God is not offended by your grief— He shares your hatred of death.- If anyone could say, “The wrong person died,” it is God the Father.- God is not asking you to trust Him from a distance.- He is asking you to trust Him as One who has buried His Son.- Grief and anger → welcomed- Refusal to trust → dangerous

Acts 19:21-22Acts 19:23-27Acts 19:28-34Acts 19:35-41How Idols Worked Then And Still Work Today1. Idols Promise Security and Joy Apart from GodIdols say: “If you have me, you’ll be okay.”Test: If you lose it and are sad, it may have been a “good thing.” If you lose it and are devastated, it may have become a “god thing” to you.2. Idols Engage Our Deepest EmotionsThreaten Artemis → people riot.Diagnostic questions: What makes you panic?What makes you despair?Who can you not forgive?3. Idols Must Be ProtectedIrony in Acts 19: The “protector” goddess needs protection.Modern examples: Marriage → obsession or fear of missing outKids → control or anxietyMoney → inability to giveReputation → hypersensitivity to criticism4. Idols Demand SacrificeIdols always say: “If you want me, you must sacrifice.”What gets sacrificed: Integrity, Obedience, Family, FaithfulnessGood things become cruel masters when they become ultimate.5. Idols Are Not Just Psychological—They Are SpiritualBehind idolatry are spiritual forces.Same old lie: “If you obtain this, you’ll be like God and you won’t die.”HOW THE GOSPEL DESTROYS IDOLSThe True God Alone Gives LifeNot made with handsCreator, sustainer, and satisfierThe True God Does Not Need Protection—He Protects YouGod is: Rock, Refuge, Fortress, StrengthYou can rest instead of obsess.The True God Offered Himself as the SacrificeOther gods say: “If you fail me, you’ll be destroyed.”Jesus says: “You failed me—and I was destroyed for you.”At the cross, Jesus took our shame and idolatry.

Acts 19 challenges people who talk about Jesus but don’t actually belong to Jesus.Acts 19:1-10 1. Right Doctrine MattersPaul meets disciples who had received John’s baptism—repentance without the fullness of Christ.- Paul explains Jesus fully: crucified, risen, reigning.- They are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.- Repentance without resurrection power produces good people, not bold witnesses.- Right theology fuels real experiences.- The Holy Spirit is not an add-on. He’s the engine of change and power.Acts 19:11-20 2. Authority Comes from Relationship, Not Vocabulary- Demons do not fear Christian phrases.- They fear Christ-filled people3. The Holy Spirit Produces Fear of God, Not Self-Promotion.- This was not private repentance—it was costly obedience.- True revival always costs something.4. Authentic Faith Trumps Religious Activity- The sons of Sceva were active—but not authentic.- Jesus does not outsource His authority: You either abide in Him, or you don’t.5. The Holy Spirit Is Not an Add-On- Acts 19 shatters the idea that the Spirit is optional. The Spirit:- Christianity without the Spirit becomes moralism or performance.6. True Encounters Produces Radical Repentance- They burned spell books, sources of income, tools of identity- They didn’t just stop doing evil—they destroyed access to it.- Question for today: What would repentance cost you?If you’ve been near Jesus but not surrendered—repent.If you’ve known religion but not power—ask for a fresh filling of the Spirit.If you’ve kept hidden idols—burn them.“So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” (Acts 19:20)That’s what happens when real Jesus meets real repentance through real power.

2026 can be better than 2025. Really.The Lord doesn’t promise that 2026 will be easier than 2025.There is no full experience of “my good” without “His mission.”Acts 18:18-23Paul: Celebrate Success, Strengthen What Is Good, Keep Pressing OnPaul doesn’t slow down after success.He keeps moving, keeps teaching, keeps strengthening disciples.He honors a vow, submits to Spirit-leading, and revisits churches to strengthen them.What disciples can learn from PaulMaturity means consistency, not novelty.Obedience matters even when unseen or misunderstoodGod’s work often advances through long obedience in the same directionFor 2026: Faithful trumps flashy.Paul reminds us that spiritual growth is not about dramatic resets but steady faithfulness.A better year likely is less about grand resolutions, and more about renewed obedience.Acts 18:24-26Aquila & Priscilla: Initiate a Connection and Have Meaningful ConversationsWant to walk in your divine purpose in 2026?Initiate hospitality and start meaningful conversations.It is THE most repeated model in Acts for world-changers.What disciples can learn from Aquila & PriscillaMature faith is teachable and relationalDiscipleship often happens in living rooms, not spotlightsCorrection is required; when given with humility, it can multiply leadersFor 2026: God uses quiet faithfulness to shape future leaders.A better year may come through investing deeply in just one or two people.Acts 18:27-28 Apollos: Being Teachable Precedes Being Truly PowerfulApollos is gifted, eloquent, knowledgeable—but incomplete.Instead of resisting correction, he receives it.Once refined, God uses him mightily to refute error and strengthen the church.What disciples can learn from ApollosSpiritual maturity requires humility before accuracyPassion must be shaped by truthGrowth accelerates when correction is welcomedFor 2026: ‘Sudden breakthroughs’ usually follow multiple tweaks made over time.God may not need to give you more zeal. He may want to refine what you already have.Thoughts on His mission:No single hero. No one does everything.Mission advances through a community of maturing disciples, each faithful in their role.Thoughts on My Good:A better year doesn’t flow from circumstances changing.It flows from my maturing.The longer you entertain in your life what is not from God, the longer you postpone what is.“So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” (Acts 19:20)

Rome claimed a savior, a son of god, and a gospel — but first Christmas revealed the real one.The world didn’t need another religion — it needed a true King.I. ROME’S GOSPEL VS. GOD’S GOSPELJulius Caesar died, a comet appeared, and Rome said: “He has become a god.”Augustus—his adopted son—took the title:Divi Filius (Son of God)SaviorBringer of PeaceLord of the WorldLuke 2:1-2 II. THE “BUT GOD” MOMENTGalatians 4:4-5Rome flexed. God humbled Himself.III. THE ANGELS DECLARE WAR — WITH WORDSLuke 2:10–11“I bring you good news… a Savior… who is Christ the Lord.”Luke is saying, “Caesar, you don’t own these titles anymore.”IV. REDEFINING POWER, PEACE, AND PEOPLESRome: Peace through domination, Unity through fear, Salvation for citizens onlyJesus: Peace through reconciliation, Unity through the Spirit, Salvation for all peopleLuke 2:13-14V. CHRISTMAS DEMANDS A DECISIONYou must decide what you will do with Jesus Christ.Christmas is not cute—it is confrontational.You don’t get to ignore Jesus.You either crown Him—or reject Him.Rome rejected Him.History crowned Him.What are you doing with Jesus?VI. GOD IS STILL STEPPING INEphesians 2:4–5Christmas is God interrupting your false saviors.Christmas is God offering you true peace.

Jesus does not save the world by staying put.He saved it by coming to earth as a baby.He saves it by sending people out to continue his work.He will save it, fully, by coming back to earth at the end of time.Act 18:1-171. PAUL TRAVELS TO CORINTH — LOVE MOVES TOWARD HARD PLACES.“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.” (v.1)Paul doesn’t go to Corinth because it’s easy.Love goes where the lost are.Disciples don’t just complain about culture — they move into it with the gospel.2. ORDINARY PEOPLE WITH A BACK STORY – GOD USES THEM TO MAKES HIS LOVE KNOWN.“And he found a Jew named Aquila… with his wife Priscilla… because Claudius had commandedall the Jews to leave Rome.” (v.2)Aquila and Priscilla are on the move because of political realities.God uses their displacement to build His church.God often uses interruption and inconvenience as the engine of mission.3. PAUL PREACHES, IS OPPOSED, AND DOES NOT BACK DOWN – COMPELLED BY LOVE.“Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.…” (v.4)Paul engages the culture. He proclaims Jesus as Messiah.The opposition intensifies: “Your blood be on your own heads!” (v.6)Love speaks truth clearly and lets people decide.4. JESUS MEETS PAUL ON THE JOURNEY – LOVE AS “PRESENCE.”“Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” (vv.9–10)Advent Love is God with us — on the road, in exile, in danger, in opposition.If God sends you, He stays with you.5. GOD USES LEGAL SYSTEMS WITHOUT FEARING THEM – LOVE IS BIGGER THAN POLITICS.“Gallio… refused to judge the case.” (vv.12–17)God is bigger and works within systems to accomplish His purposes.Christians do not need to panic about governments.Rome thought it ruled the world but God was planting churches under its nose.6. WEEK 4 OF ADVENT FOCUSES ON GOD’S LOVE - LOVE THAT TRAVELED TO US.Love traveled from heaven to earth. The gospel moves because love moves.Disciples today must ask:Where is God calling you to go?Who is God calling you to engage?What comfort might love require you to leave behind?God does not love from a distance. He loves by drawing near.The God who came to you now sends you to others.

Advent isn’t just a “Christmas countdown.” It’s a heart check.Acts 17:16-21 1. Paul’s Spirit Is Provoked: Advent Starts with a Feeling of Conflict (Acts 17:16–21)Everywhere he looks, people are worshiping created things instead of the Creator.So what does Paul do?- He reasons in the synagogue with religious people (v.17).- He goes into the marketplace with secular people (v.17).- He engages the prevailing cultural ideas of his day —Epicureans (pleasure seekers) and Stoics (self-disciplined moralists) (v.18).Acts 17:22-25 2. The Unknown God Is the Generous God (Acts 17:22–25)Paul says: “Let me introduce you. He’s not unknown. He’s made Himself known.”- God doesn’t need anything from you.- God is not a taker. He’s a giver.Acts 17:26-29 3. Advent in Athens confronts idols, our fears, and our heart … where our treasure is (Acts 17:26–29)- God is not far. God has drawn near.- God has placed you where you are in this time on purpose… so that you would seek Him.- Acts 17 and Advent together ask: “This December, are you worshiping the God who gives everything… or the gods of self, comfort, control, and consumerism?”Acts 17:30-31 4. The Command of Advent: Repent & Receive the Ultimate Gift (Acts 17:30–31)- First coming: He came in humility—incarnation, manger, cross.- Now: He commands everyone to repent—turn from idols to the living God.- Future coming: He has fixed a day of judgment—Jesus will return as Judge andKing.- Advent is not just sentimental; it’s urgent.Acts 17:32-34 5. How Do You Respond?- The mockers: God calls you to repent. Patient now but He IS coming soon.- The curious: Keep listening, keep asking… the Lord has already drawn near.- The believers: Respond in worship with your whole heart.- He IS coming again.The Goal of Advent: From Unknown God to “Abba Father.”

Psalm 34:1-4The best worship songs are the ones that preach the gospelWorship is not a spectator sport, it's a participatory activityWorship is War- There is a very real spiritual war taking place and the battle is for your soul, your family, your time, your emotions, your money, your attention, and your worship.WORSHIP DOES 5 THINGS FOR BELIEVERS:1. It honors and glorifies God. - Psalm 29:2 2. It reminds us of God’s goodness and Jesus’s sacrifice. - Psalm 103:2-4 3. It reorients our priorities - Psalm 115:1 4. It crushes fear and silences the enemy - Psalm 27:15. It Anticipates Eternity - Revelation 5:13- You have an eternal inheritance“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” | Robert RobinsonVERSE 1Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace- Isaiah 53:6- Proverbs 14:12- Proverbs 28:26- Your feelings make a terrible God- Your feelings are only as trustworthy as you are and you are sinful.Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praiseTeach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above;- Isaiah 6:3Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of Thy redeeming love.VERSE 2Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come;- What gets celebrated gets repeatedAnd I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;- Luke 15:4-7He, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.VERSE 3O to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;- Romans 7:15- Romans 7:18-19- Romans 7:7-8Here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.A.W. Tozer:- “We cannot afford to let our emotions run our worship. Our emotions must be brought under the control of truth.”- “Emotions in worship are fine — provided they are the fruit of truth and not a substitute for it.”

The Gospel isn’t theoretical. It’s gritty, messy, supernatural, confrontational, joyful, and explosive.Acts 16:11-40 1. THE GOSPEL OPENS HEARTS TO REPENT AND RECEIVE (16:11–15)First truth: Evangelism starts with God opening hearts.Second Truth: Paul preaches… but God opens.Spirit and Preaching: That’s how the Gospel moves.One heart opened → one household baptized → one city changed.Acts 16:16-242. THE GOSPEL CONFRONTS THE DEMONIC AND BREAKS BONDAGE (16:16–24)When the gospel advances, demons get evicted.When you cast out the devil, don’t expect thank-you cards.Acts 16:25-31 3. THE GOSPEL MAKES OUR WORSHIP LOUDER THAN OUR WOUNDS (16:25–28)Worship is witness. Your singing can make you an evangelist.The doors fly open. Chains break. But, Paul doesn’t run—he stays.That’s what authentic Christianity looks like: Free men who stay for the sake of the lost.Acts 16:32-34 4. THE GOSPEL SAVES ENTIRE FAMILIES (16:29–34)This is evangelism: Stepping into someone’s dilemma with the hope of Jesus.The most important question: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”The answers: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”The gospel does not ask permission to transform your family tree.It just starts plowing through the branches.Acts 16:35-40 5. THE GOSPEL IS PRECIOUS AND WORTH PROTECTING (16:35–40)The gospel doesn’t just save souls—it also has a transforming impact on all of life.Gospel people speak against corruption, leverage the legal system for righteousness.The Gospel isn’t cowardly nor disengaged in the politics of the city.Paul protects the church by helping limit the persecution of Christians again.

Acts 15:35-41Acts 16:1-10WHAT HAPPENED?1. Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch (15:35).- Faithfully preaching and teaching.2. They have a major disagreement concerning John Mark (15:36–41).- God doesn’t waste conflict. He can redeem it.3. Timothy joins the mission with Paul (16:1–5).- Sometimes you lay down your rights for missional unity and winning people toJesus.4. The Spirit closes doors to their original plan (16:6–8).- Closed doors are not punishment. Closed doors are preparation.5. Paul receives the Macedonian Vision (16:9–10).- God guides their steps — not with a five-year plan, but one obedient step at a time.WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? — THREE BOLD TRUTHS1. GOD USES ORDINARY FAITHFULNESS TO SHAPE EXTRAORDINARY FUTURES- So many believers want a “Macedonian vision,” but they skip the Antioch work.- Before Paul ever crossed a sea, he opened a Bible.2. GOD USES CONFLICT, CHANGE, AND TRANSITIONS TO ADVANCE HISMISSION- God can use painful partings to create fruitful new beginnings.- Don’t let conflict cripple your calling.3. GOD GUIDES BY OPEN DOORS, CLOSED DOORS, & SPIRIT-LED OBEDIENCE- Closed doors are God’s mercy, not God’s rejection.- Life requires flexibility; the mission requires movement.WHAT TO DO?1. STAY FAITHFUL WHERE FIND YOURSELF- Stay planted long enough to bear fruit – get rooted to bear fruit.- Antioch is not a waiting room. It’s your training ground.2. HOLD RELATIONSHIPS WITH GRACE & OPEN HANDS- Call out behavior but don’t villainize people God still wants to use.- The Kingdom is bigger than your personal team roster.3. LIVE WITH MISSIONAL FLEXIBILITY- Paul circumcised Timothy for mission, not salvation.- Changed strategy, do not change doctrine.4. DISCERN GOD’S WILL THROUGH MOTION, NOT IDLENESS- God steers moving ships, not parked cars.- If you want supernatural direction, practice natural obedience.5. FOLLOW THE MISSIONAL CRY: “COME HELP US”- The Macedonian call is still echoing today: Come help us.- God sends people not because the world deserves salvation, but it needs rescued.- You are called to HELP.

Acts 15:1-21Salvation is free.Discipleship is expensive.Jesus didn’t die just to give you a belief system—He died to give you a new life.Saved By Grace Alone; Saved to do Good Works- Some Jewish believers: “Unless you are circumcised, you can’t be saved.”- Paul and Barnabas: “No! Salvation is by grace through faith.”- James (brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church): “We should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood.” (vv. 19–20)- Saved by grace — but still called to obedience.- Grace doesn’t erase holiness; grace empowers it.- You can’t separate faith from faithfulness.The Four Prohibitions—Consideration that Builds FellowshipTogether, they protect the individual, the fellowship, and their shared mission.“Abstain from things polluted by idols.”- In the ancient world, almost every meal was connected to idol worship.- Eating food sacrificed to idols meant participating in pagan religion.- James is saying—Don’t mix Jesus with idols.“Abstain from sexual immorality.”- The Greek word is porneia. It covers every kind of sexual sin—premarital, extramarital, homosexual, pornographic, all of it.- The Gentile world said sex was just physical. God says it’s sacred.- Following Jesus means your body belongs to Him.- This is countercultural obedience—still today.“Abstain from what has been strangled.”- That’s about eating meat without the blood drained—because in Leviticus, blood symbolized life.- God was teaching His people to respect life and the Giver of life.- Even in your diet, remember—life is sacred.“Abstain from blood.”- Same idea—don’t treat life casually.- For Gentiles, this was a huge lifestyle shift. They were being told, “Live differently now, because you belong to a holy God.”- These weren’t hoops to jump through—they were boundaries for blessing.

The worldly-minded and the religiously misguided will fight against the work of the gospel, but faithful believers stand firm, filled with the Spirit, and keep preaching Jesus until the mission is done.Acts 13:44–52 We are living in Acts 13 and 14 times: The Clash of Kingdoms1. Faithfulness – even when the religious have lost their way.Religious jealousy is the ugliest kind.They opposed Paul not because he was wrong, but because they were losing influence.Some of the harshest opposition you’ll face won’t come from pagans — it’ll come from the “religious.”Paul didn’t back down. He didn’t water it down. He preached even louder.“If you don’t want it, we’ll preach to someone who does.”Faithful gospel people keep moving forward.- There is a time to debate.- There is a time to stop arguing.- There is never a time to stop sharing the faith.- Do not lose focus because others oppose.2. Faithfulness When the Culture Turns Hostile (Acts 14:1–7)The mission moves to Iconium — new town, same story.- They preach the Word. People believe. Miracles break out.- And again — the city divides.“The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord…” (14:2,3)- They didn’t run. They didn’t hide. They stayed bold.- Not arrogance, not anger — Spirit-filled courage.- We’re not here to blend in; we’re here to bear witness.3. Faithfulness in the Face of Violence (Acts 14:8–22)In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man — the city loses its mind.- They think he’s a god. They try to worship him.- Just when he convinces them not to… the same crowd turns around and stones him.- You can’t base your mission on popularity.- You can’t build your life on the applause of others.“But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city…” (14:20)- He got back up. Bruised but not broken. Bloodied but not beaten.- You can’t kill a man who’s already died to himself.- Do you have those who will gather about you?4. Faithfulness to Strengthen the Saints (Acts 14:21–23)After the beating, Paul and Barnabas go back — to the same cities — to strengthen the believers.- They tell them the truth: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (14:22).- “It’s gonna be hard — but it’s gonna be worth it.”- Faithful leaders don’t sugarcoat reality.5. Faithfulness to the Mission Until the End (Acts 14:24–28)Paul and Barnabas return home and report everything God did.- They finish their mission. They celebrate.- They give glory to God for opening doors to the Gentiles.- The gospel cannot be stopped.- You can oppose it, mock it, legislate against it — but the Word of God always prevails.

This week we get to hear from Wendell Deyo. He is the former Chaplain to the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. He is also the former President of Athletes in Action.

Acts 13:41 Acts 13:13-52 Acts 13:36-41 Acts 13:42-47 Acts 13:48-52 You have one life, one generation, to fulfill your God-given purpose. If you do it well, one life isenough.I. Discover and Walk In God’s Purpose — Not YoursRomans 12:2 ...that by testing you may discern what is the will of God...Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.Before you can serve God’s purpose, you must seek God’s presence.David didn’t chase fame or power — he chased God’s heart.“God, how can I serve Your purpose today? Give me a divine appointment.”II. Serve Faithfully Where You AreLuke 16:10 One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.”1 Samuel 16:11-13 David anointed while still tending sheep.Before God gives you authority, He gives you assignments.Serve faithfully in the small things — your job, your family, your church.Let obedience today prepare you for opportunity tomorrow.III. Hand Off a Godly Legacy for the Next GenerationPsalm 145:4 One generation shall commend your works to another.2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight... finished the race... kept the faith.You’re not responsible for every generation — just yours.Help your generation hand off “the faith” to the next.Serve your time faithfully so others can stand on your shoulders.Write down what you want people to say about you when you’re gone.Then, start living that legacy now.

“We somehow think the church is here for us; we forget that we are the church, and we’re here for the world.” -Erwin McManus“The Church right now has more fashion than passion, is more pathetic than prophetic, is more superficial than supernatural.” - Leonard RavenhillActs 13:1-13Seven Marks of a World-Changing Church:1. A church that is centered on God’s Word.2. A church that worships.3. A church that goes when God says go.4. A church that sends and supports.5. A church that declares the gospel boldly.6. A church that sees lives changed by Jesus.7. A church that perseveres through setbacks.What is your next step of obedience? Will you say yes?Your assignment starts where your FEET are.Extra Credit: I will write my testimony (1 page). “Before Jesus, I was __________________.” Since I committed my life to Jesus Christ and made Him my Savior and Lord, I ___________________.”

SERMON NOTES“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” -Karl Barth1. HEROD – Pride, Power, Praise (Acts 12:1–4)- You can fight against God, but you can’t win against God.- The hand of man chains - the hand of God breaks chains.2. THE CHURCH - Earnest Prayer (Acts 12:5)- Prayer is active. Prayer is urgent. Prayer is persistent.“The best bit of advice I ever received about how to pray was this: keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up.” -Pete Greig3. PETER – Peace in Prison (Acts 12:6–11)a. Obedience is time sensitive.b. Faith must be active.c. Miracles happen in chaos.- God often works through our obedience in motion.4. THE PRAYER MEETING – Proof of God’s Power (Acts 12:12–17)- The power behind answered prayer isn’t in us…It’s in Him.5. HEROD’S END – Perishing in Pride (Acts 12:18–25)- Herod dies and The Word multiplies.6. THE WORD MULTIPLIES - Despite Opposition (Acts 12:24–25)“Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.” - J. Oswald Sanders

“A church can offer living and palpable proof that the gospel makes a real difference for real people living in the real world.” – Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.“I’ve never sat on the bench and said, ‘well I learned a lot today’”. -Deion SandersWhen God Moves:1. Barriers Fall (Acts 11:1–18)“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.” -Galatians 3:28The enemy doesn’t care what jersey you WEAR. He cares whether you are ADVANCING the ball.2. Ordinary Men Rise (Acts 11:19–22)“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” -Acts 4:13The frontlines are not filled with celebrities. They are filled with soldiers nobody knows by name.3. Believers Grow (Acts 11:23–26)“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” -Colossians 2:6-7“Do something bold for God’s sake!”- Ulrich Zwinglie4. Generosity Flows (Acts 11:27–30)“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” -2 Corinthians 9:7The gospel makes us open-handed.Generosity is a MARK of a true disciple.“I'm not afraid of failure; I'm afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter.” ― William Carey

Acts 10:1-8 Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful—but still missing something.Acts 10:9-23a Acts 10:23b-34 Cornelius’s prayers and alms rose like sweet incense before the Lord.Romans 10:14Acts 10:34-43 Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household:- Jesus is Lord of all (v. 36).- He died on a cross (v. 39).- God raised Him from the dead (v. 40).- Forgiveness is possible: “through his name everyone who believes in him” (v. 43).- Cornelius had prayer, generosity, devotion—but he needed Christ crucified and risen.Acts 4:12 Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit Confirms the Missing Piece“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” (v. 44).- The Spirit didn’t fall when Cornelius prayed.- The Spirit didn’t fall when he gave alms.- The Spirit fell when the gospel of Jesus was preached and believed.- Salvation is not in works, but in grace through faith in Christ.What Cornelius and Peter Did Right1. They had a fear of the Lord – honoring, doing, open to instruction.Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.2. They took their next best next step: fear the Lord, prayers, alms, listening to preaching,responding, baptized.3. They obeyed quickly – “without hesitation, immediately, at once” – in response to the Spirit’spromptings.4. Cornelius brought his whole house to hear.5. They went public with their faith in baptism.

Acts 9:32-35 32  Acts 9:36-43 36  Be visible, be bold:Peter did not hide in safe places. He walked “here and there” into towns, into homes. So must we—not for fame, but for purpose.Love well, serve well:Peter raised the weak and dead, we are called to raise the lowly. Seek out those ignored, marginalized. Let our hands do Grace’s work.Be prepared for the fight:Truth has enemies. When you speak it, threats come. Pressure comes. Maybe persecution. It’s real. But remember: Christ was crucified. Peter willing to suffer.Leave a legacy that lives beyond your years:It’s not about how many likes, how many tweets, how many headlines—it’s about how many lives changed. Like Tabitha, like Peter — let your life echo after you’re gone.

In the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit writing testimonies, not biographies.- A biography tells the story of your life, “Look what I did.”- A testimony tells the story of Jesus in your life, “Look what Jesus did.”5 Testimony Questions1. What were you like BC (before Jesus)?Acts 9:19-25a2. How did you see Jesus then versus now?“…For some days”Galatians 1:15-183. What does time with Jesus look like?- Not, “I’m going to go to work and then ask God to bless it.” Wrong order.- God, “Meet with me. I’ll tell you what to do, and how to do it, and prepare you for it, and get your heart ready, and then it’ll be to my glory.”Acts 9:23-254. How have you sacrificed / suffered for Jesus? Are you willing, really?- Do you want to be perfected in your faith?- Have you sacrificed relationally, emotionally, financially, physically?Acts 9:31-355. What role does the Church (the bride and body of Christ) play in your life?- Barnabas took personal risks to ‘encourage’ Paul to engage with believers.- Who do you have faith for, that the Lord can changed them?

There are questions under the surface of every teen and even every human:• Do I matter?• Am I valuable?• Is there something bigger than the chaos, the pressure, the performance?Genesis 1:1–5Before we figure out who we are, we need to know who God is. Because only the Creator gets to define the creation.Genesis 1:26–31You Are Made in the Image of GodPoint 1: You Are ValuableYour value doesn’t come from what you do. It comes from who made you.• Ephesians 2:10Point 2: You Have a Purpose• Genesis 1:28• Ephesians 4:1You weren’t made to just exist. You were made to reflect God, represent God, and care for the things he’s entrusted to youPoint 3: You Are LovedBefore humans did anything, God blessed them. That’s grace.• John 3:16Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel“Genuine self-acceptance is not derived from the power of positive thinking... it is an act of faith in the God of grace.”Three Voices Shaping How You See Yourself:• What others say about you• What you say about yourself• What God says about youTake all the lies – replace them with I am God’s masterpiece.

Divine Appointments (from Acts 8 story of Philip)The Holy Spirit Can Lead Your Life – a Spirit-led life is an amazing life.- Be on the lookout for ‘divine appointments.’- Get a handle on the basic story of the Bible so you can share it.- Get comfortable with your own story, your testimony and be prepared to share it.- Encourage someone, then point them to the source to encouragement.Divine InterruptionsSometimes what you need is not more information, but a fresh revelation of Jesus.Acts 9:1-91. Jesus Still Interrupts Lives with His Presence (vv. 1–9)Saul was actively breathing threats and murder against the disciples (v. 1). He was an enemy of Christ, zealous to destroy the church.Jesus personally intervenes / Interrupts: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (v.4). Notice how closely Jesus identifies with His people—the persecution of believers is persecution of Christ Himself.Saul’s conversion wasn’t from an insight against his intellectual argument—it was a supernatural encounter with the risen Jesus.Acts 9:10-19a2. The Holy Spirit choses and uses ordinary disciples, the willing not the gifted.Ananias, a relatively unknown disciple, is called by the Lord to lay hands on Saul (vv.10–12). He hesitates because of Saul’s reputation (vv. 13–14), but God assures him thatSaul is His “chosen instrument” (v. 15).Ananias obeys, calling Saul “Brother Saul” (v. 17). This simple act of faith and acceptance shows the power of Christian love and obedience.Saul is filled with the Spirit, baptized, and strengthened (vv. 17–19)—the same Spirit given to all believers, not just the 12 Apostles.Acts 9:19b-253. The Holy Spirit wants to transform you: fear into boldness, persecutor into proclaimer, enemy into evangelist, fighting God into following God, disobedient into devoted disciple.People are astonished: the persecutor is now proclaiming the faith he tried to destroy.Paul’s ministry is marked by growing power and boldness, confounding opponents with his witness (v. 22).Acts 9:26-314. Where the Holy Spirit is flowing freely there is, most often, encouragement and unity.The disciples in Jerusalem are afraid of Saul and doubt his conversion (v. 26).Barnabas (son of encouragement) steps in as a bridge-builder, testifying on Saul’s behalf, and helping him be received (v. 27) - his advocacy allows Saul to be integrated into the church.Learn this phrase: “I see in you.”The Holy Spirit doesn’t just save individuals—He heals relationships, removes suspicion, and brings unity.

SERMON NOTESActs 8:1-8The Holy Spirit Moves the Church Outward.- After Stephen’s martyrdom, persecution scattered the believers.- What looked like defeat became mission fuel. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (v.4).- The Spirit used suffering to push the church beyond Jerusalem, just as Jesus said in Acts 1:8.- Sometimes, more than we like to consider, the Holy Spirit Disrupts Our Comfort to accomplish His Mission.Acts 8:9-25Only The Holy Spirit, Not the Spirits of This World, Lead to Real Life- Scripture is clear: there is one Holy Spirit who gives life, and there are counterfeit powers that lead to bondage.- Simon the Magician displays some behaviors that look right, but he sees the Church / the Spirit as a vehicle for his own advancement.- The Holy Spirit confronts our pride—will you humble yourself, or be drawn to personal power?- The Holy Spirit invites real faith—will we believe with a repentant heart, not just the lips?- The Holy Spirit cannot be bought—will you receive Him as gift, not use Him as tool?- The Holy Spirit demands repentance—will you surrender?Acts 8:26-35The Holy Spirit Welcomes The Outcast and Hungry- The Ethiopian from the land furthest south of Egypt – the southern end of the Earth.- “Candace” is a title of the Queens of the region.- Eunuch’s were created to be trusted over harems, money, and personal matters.- This Eunuch was either a ‘God-Fearer’ (unconverted worshipper) or a Gentile-to-Jewish convert.- Leviticus rules kept him out of the inner courts of the temple.- The Holy Spirit welcomed him into the family of God.Acts 8:36-40The Holy Spirit Can Lead Your Life – and it will be an amazing life.- Be on the lookout for ‘divine appointments.’- Get a handle on the basic story of the Bible so you can share it.- Get comfortable with your own story, your testimony and be prepared to share it.- Encourage someone, then point them to the source to encouragement..

Acts 6–8 (ESV)This is a story of how God takes people who start in the quiet corners of ministry and moves them into places of far-reaching spiritual influence.- They didn’t begin by preaching to crowds—they began by serving bread to the overlooked.- If you want to be used greatly by God, be faithful where you are now. Don’t despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). Stephen and Philip show that Spirit-filled service in the kitchen is just as important as service from the pulpit.4 THINGS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN ASPIRING TO LEADERSHIP- THEY HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION- THEY HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT- THEY HAVE WISDOM- THEY DELEGATE AUTHORITYStephen: The Witness Who Would Not CompromiseActs 6:8-15Acts 7:1- 8Acts 7:51-60Mark 16:9Hebrew 12:9Acts 8:1-5

Acts 5:33-42Expect Resistance :: Faithful ministry draws resistance. The apostles are imprisoned twice in this chapter (vv. 18, 26), threatened (v.28), and flogged (v.40). Ministry is not safe or convenient—it’s a spiritual battleground.Suffering is a Badge of Honor :: Instead of shrinking in fear, they rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer. The Kingdom does not measure success by ease but by faithfulness—especially under pressure.Acts 6:42Effective Ministry is Word-Centered :: Peter and John preach relentlessly—not privately but publicly. The Gospel is not to be treated as a private encouragement but lived out and spoken outas a publicly. They are arrested not for healing but for preaching Jesus as the Christ (v.28).Proclaiming in Every Space :: The apostles teach in the temple (public) and from house to house (personal). Healthy faith doesn’t pick between church and home—it does both. The mature bring Christ into every sphere of life.Acts 6:1-7Character Driven :: Stephen wasn't chosen for his résumé but for his reputation, wisdom, and spiritual depth. These are the true qualifications for church leadership, and makes for good home-leadership and good self-leadership.Identify and Respond to Real Needs :: The Apostles didn’t ignore the complaint of the widows. Good ministers listen, consider, then act appropriately within a reasonable amount of time.Formally Divide the Load :: The Apostles gave others an opportunity to serve, within their abilities, by formally identifying the responsibilities that each would do. No formal role clarification equals loads of disfunction.Spirit-led Not Charisma-led :: The early church leaders were not clever or great strategists. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit. How could this work in your life?What Is Most Important :: You must protect unity without losing focus on priorities – living for Christ. And preaching the Gospel is the priority.Acts 2:7

A special sermon from Pastor Abdalla Khoury from Israel. He speaks from John 4 about the story of the woman at the well.

Two forces repeatedly threatened the early church:Persecution: opposition from outside the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial.Pollution: opposition from within the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial.The way forward is the same in both instances: prayerful, bold, faithful leadership of self and others.Barnabas: The Leader with IntegrityActs 4:32-37Barnabas is introduced as an example of godly generosity.He is selfless and authentic.He becomes a key leader in the early church — trusted, humble, encouraging.Ananias and Sapphira: Craving the Platform of InfluenceAct 5:1-11Their action mimics Barnabas externally, but with a corrupt motive.They wanted the credit of generosity without the cost.This was not about money—it was about lying to God.Christian leadership and influence begins and ends with character.Good Self-Leadership: The Strength of IntegrityBarnabas didn’t need recognition. He gave because he wanted to obey God’s, further the mission of the church, help others.True spiritual leadership is marked by private integrity, not public applause.He becomes a partner to Paul, a disciple-maker, and a reconciler in conflict (Acts 9, 11, 15).Ananias and Sapphira led by pretense. They weren’t forced to give (Acts 5:4), but they chose to lie for influence.They may have been great “leaders,” but they were terrible Church leaders.God exposed the issue — to preserve protect the witness and holiness of His church.The Holiness of God and the Fear of the LordActs 5:3-5Notice: Peter confronts. Good church leaders do not avoid confrontation of sin in church leadership.God is not casual about holiness.This was the foundation of the church. God was establishing a holy people.Just like Achan in Joshua 7, God exposes hidden sin early to protect His people.Acts 5:11We’ve lost the fear of God in many churches today.We want His power, but not His purity.We want His blessing, but not His correction.This is not about perfection, it is about submission to Christ and a repentant heart.Hebrews 4:13Acts 5:12-16

Acts 4:1-4From Acts 4 forward, there will be growing tension and conflict in the life of the early church… tension and conflict is not foreign to a healthy church.Acts 4:5-12Notice: It was not their kindness or serving that was the problem. It was preaching in the name of Jesus.- Christianity is inclusive.- Christianity is exclusive.Acts 4:13-22The difference maker was … they had been with Jesus.- Nothing substitutes for an authentic experience with Jesus.- Have you been with Jesus?Listening to God or to men is a fundamental question every believer will face. “Cannot but speak” – they were witness of what they had seen and heard.Acts 4:23-31When faced with difficulty:- They gathered together.- They looked to the Scriptures for insight.- They prayed for boldness.Acts 4:32-37Gospel did not just transform their words, it touched their wallets.They willfully gave to others, and met one another’s needs.Barnabas begins his leadership influence by personally, sacrificially investing in the mission of the church and trusting the leaders.

1. What I do have I give to you.Acts 3:1–10 Peter and John have a habit of going to prayer.The lame man sits at the Beautiful Gate, but his life is anything but beautiful.When Peter heals him in the name of Jesus, it’s not just a miracle—it’s a sign pointing back to what was promised in Acts 2:17–21, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy... signs and wonders...”You can’t give what you do not have.You are not called to give what you don’t have but to give what you do have.2. We Are WitnessesActs 3:11-18Peter confronts the crowd with truth: “You delivered Him… you denied the Holy and Righteous One… you killed the Author of life.” (vv.13–15)Yet—grace shines through: “Brothers, I know you acted in ignorance…” (v.17)The gospel doesn’t cancel the Old Testament—it fulfills it. Every promise, every prophet, every sacrifice pointed to Jesus.3. Repentance = times of refreshing from the Lord.Acts 3:19-21 Just like in Acts 2:38, the response to the gospel is repentance—a turning from sin and a turning to Christ.Peter offers forgiveness, refreshing, and even the return of Christ as motivation to repent.The Gospel calls every heart to repent—not just feel bad, but to turn and trust in Christ.Time of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.4. A Warning and a PromiseActs 3:22–26 The gospel is urgent. This Jesus is not optional—He is God’s appointed King.Peter ends on a hopeful note: “You are the sons of the prophets... God, having raised up His servant, sent Him to you first, to bless you.” (vv.25–26)Even after their rejection of Jesus, God still offers blessing, mercy, and new life.

Sermon Title: Words That BuildJames 3:1–101. WHAT WORDS ARE YOU SPEAKING TO YOURSELF?Your internal dialogue shapes how you see God, others, and yourself. Proverbs 4:23 Sometimes the most dangerous voice isn’t someone else’s—it’s your own when it’s out of alignment with God. 2. WHOSE WORDS ARE YOU LETTING SPEAK INTO YOUR LIFE?Look at their life…compare their lives to what Christ says a life should be. Is there fruit? Do I want my life to look like theirs?3. WHAT WORDS ARE WE SPEAKING OVER OTHERS?The mark of true spiritual maturity is being able to bridle your tongue. Common ways we sin with our words:Lying, deceit, gossip, slanderComplaining, grumbling, flattery, boastingPrideful speech, harsh and angry wordsBlasphemy, taking the Lord’s name in vain, profanityFalse teachingThe Call for ConsistencyAs disciples, we need to be people of integrity and consistency.Your words should reflect your faith, no matter who you're around.Words in the Context of RelationshipsFamily can test and try us like no other, but it’s also where words matter most.SpousesProverbs 14:1 James 4:1-2 Proverbs 21:9Proverbs 27:15You have the power to breathe life or drain it from your marriage—your words are the key.ParentsEphesians 4:29Children become the words spoken over them.Your words help shape their identity, worldview, and faith.GrandparentsPsalm 145:4Tell the faith stories your family will hold onto when life doesn’t make sense.Words That Tear Down vs. Words That BuildJames 3:6I can use my mouth to bring about Satan’s purposes in people that I love and care most about. I can invite Satan directly into my home and family by the way I use my words. VI. The Heart Behind Our WordsLuke 6:45No man can tame the heart.If we want to change our words, we must let God change our hearts. So when we get squeezed, which we will, the right stuff comes out.We need the Holy Spirit reigning in our hearts and in our homes.John 14:26

Acts 1:6-11Jesus never breaks a promise.- “I will build my church.” Matthew 16:13- “I will rise again.” Luke 18:31-33- “I will come back to you.” John 14:1-3His promises are for anyone who will listen, anyone who will follow.- Not just theologians and scholars or super-Christians.- For everyone who longs for hope, a better world, justice, family, and home.Jesus Is Coming Again—Visibly, Personally, and Powerfully- “This Jesus... will come in the same way.” This isn’t a metaphor. It’s not a spiritual idea. It’s real.1 Thessalonians 4:16–18Revelation 1:7Why does this matter to you?o You will see Him either as Savior or as Judgeo He came the first time as a humble babe in a manger. He is returning as a triumphal King to once and for all judge the whole world – including you and your children.His Return Will Be Happen - Sure, Sudden, and Final- “When will this happen?” The Bible doesn’t give us a date - but it gives us a warning:2 Peter 3:10Matthew 24:36-44“Why so long?” Jesus is not waiting on a political party, an economic trend, or globalpeace. He’s waiting for one thing: for more people to repent.2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is patient… not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.o God’s is not delayed because he is absent or unconcerned - it’s His mercy.o When He comes the second time, there are no second chances.He Is Returning to Complete His Work – to Gather, to Judge, and to Save- When Christ returns, He will come in unimaginable power and unavoidable glory.o Every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10).o Every heart will be exposed (Romans 2:16).o Eternal destinies will be sealed (Revelation 20:11–15).Revelation 22:12Matthew 7:21-23Here is the good news:o You don’t have to face Him with fear.o You can face Him with faith—if you respond now, while you have breath.- Jesus came the first time as a Lamb to take away your sin.- He is coming again as a Lion to rule and reign.- You can trust your own efforts, you can hope He grades on a curve, you can distract yourself and put this off… or you can get really saved.Acts 17:30–31Acts 3:19Acts 2:21“Jesus, I believe You died for me and rose again. I confess my need of a Savior. I am a sinner. I turn away from my sin and receive your forgiveness. I want to be ready for Your return. Come into my life and save me. Make me new. I trust in You alone. Amen.”

Acts 2:41-47Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.- to God’s WordIt is truth that transforms your life. Knowledge did not ‘awe’ them, changed lives did.- to community / strong and active relationshipsReal fellowship is always inconvenient. It takes commitment and prioritizing.- to worshipping together remembering JesusEvery meal became a moment to remember that the death and resurrection of Jesus changed everything.- to prayer; calling down heaven to earth.Prayer was not a last resort but a first line of defense.Your children notice your priorities. They notice if you turn to prayer before panic, Scripture before social media, worship when you are worried, and how you do relationships. Devoting yourself to something that matters is the first step toward a legacy that matters. You already have a rhythm to the life you are living and the home you are making. Are these rhythms taking you where you want to go?2. A good family or a good church has a good vibe … and good things get donewith and for others.Acts 2:43 And awe came upon every soul…There’s a special awe that surrounds God-things … a godly man, a good church, a well-functioning family, an honoring wife.Walking in Godly fear, speaking encouragement to one another, protecting and correcting with compassion — these reflect the heart of the Father in Heaven.- Let your home be a place of awe, not fear.- Let your presence bring peace, not tension.- Let your consistent leadership bring God’s priorities to the rhythms of your home, not just to Sundays.3. Together = in common, unhurried meals, glad and generous hearts.Acts 2:43-44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.- Inviting home with generous people ~ open hearts.- Temple together and meals together ~ open hearts.- To each as they had need ~ open hearts.- Gratitude expressed ~ open hearts.Sharing, serving, grateful, everyone engaged, this is godliness in churches and families Dads (and moms): you are not just raising children — you are raising disciples.4. The Lord adds to it … and that makes all the difference.Act 2:47 And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.- Do you see the fruit of these devoted homes and generous lives?- What do you want for yourself and your family?Salvation. Growth. Kingdom living.

Acts 2:14-21The Holy Spirit is for a gift for everyone in the family.- Holy Spirit doesn’t skip over the little ones, God includes the little ones in His plans.- Do not wait for your kids to grow up before you prioritize their encounter with the living God.- Your job is to prepare the soil of their hearts to receive His Spirit now.Acts 2:22-36 The Holy Spirit has a purpose and that is to shine the light on Jesus.- The Holy Spirit comes to glorify Christ.- This is why we don’t simply teach our children to be moral, to be kind —we point them to a Person: Jesus.- Peter wasn’t soft with the truth, but he was clear and loving. So must we be—with our children and with the next generation.Acts 2:37-39 The Holy Spirit is to be passed down.- The Holy Spirit isn’t just for a moment of personal revival—this is the blueprint of legacy.o When a parent comes to Christ, the Spirit moves into the family dynamic.o When a child comes to Christ, it shifts the spiritual climate of the home.o When a dad comes to Christ, it can shift generations.- The younger hearts sitting among us can be lit up with the fire of God.Acts 2:40-47 The Holy Spirit is forming a new community, a new family.- Spirit-filled families are devoted to receiving the apostles' teaching, to fellowship with other believers, to breaking bread in communion, and prayer.- The early church was devoted … children learn devotion by watching your devotion.Pastor Ben’s Suggestions:- Bring the Gospel home… read it, speak it, pray it, sing it.- Don’t outsource the spiritual formation of your kids. Let them hear Jesus from your lips.- Invite children into spiritual spaces with you: share what you read, talk about God, share blessings, talk about “the Lord.”- Let them watch, then invite them to join: you pray, you serve, you sing, you give.- Place your hands on them and pray for them: when they are sick, troubled, excited about an opportunity.- Fall in love with this phrase and set it on repeat: The Lord has a wonderful plan for your life.- Tell them: “The Holy Spirit is for you, too.”

Acts 2:1-15 Acts 2 begins, “When the day of Pentecost had fully come…”- Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, a festival commanded in Leviticus 23, celebrated 50 days after Passover.- It marked the wheat harvest—a thanksgiving for God’s provision—and it commemorated the giving of the Law at Sinai.- Jews from every nation under heaven gathered in Jerusalem to remember God's covenant.- On this Pentecost, God wasn’t just giving wheat. He was giving the first fruits of His Spirit.- He wasn’t writing the Law on tablets of stone—but on hearts of flesh.The roots of Pentecost go back to Genesis 11, to a tower called Babel.- After the flood, the people settled in Shinar and said, “Let us build for ourselves a city and a tower… and make a name for ourselves.”- They all spoke one language, and they used their unity—not to glorify God—but to assert independence from Him.- In response, God confused their language and scattered them over the face of the earth.- Filled with ‘self,’ human pride led to division.- One language became many. Community became confusion. Unity brokeIn Acts 2, Babel gets redeemed then reversed.- The nations are still scattered. They still speak different tongues.- But suddenly—in a room in Jerusalem—the Holy Spirit comes like fire, and the disciples begin speaking in many languages.- Pentecost reverses Babel.- At Babel, languages scattered people, at Pentecost, languages gather them.- At Babel, humanity tried to climb up to heaven, at Pentecost, heaven came down to us.Acts 2:6, “Each one heard them speaking in his own language.”- This isn’t just a miracle of speech. It’s a miracle of understanding.- “My gospel is not for one tribe or tongue. It’s for every nation.”- Joel 2:28-29 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.- God gave us a new community, united not by race or language or preference or culture or individual priorities, but by the Spirit of Christ.All believers are harvest workers.All believers receive the Spirit not as a personal gift to be leveraged for self; receiving Him means you receive a mission and a calling beyond yourself.- We go to a divided and broken world offering community to those not like us.- We gather others, welcoming them to be a part of us (a Spirit-filled temple).o What Babel scattered, Pentecost gathers.o What Babel confused, Pentecost clarifies.o What Babel broke, Pentecost heals.The goal: every nation and every tongue cries out together, not in confusion, but in praise declaring, “Worthy is the Lamb!”

WHO: Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts- the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14)- a fellow laborer (Philemon 1:24)- with Paul in his last days (2 Timothy 4:11)‘We’ and ‘they’ passages in Acts show that Luke joined Paul in Troas (acts 16:10-11), remained at Philippi (Acts 17:1), joined Paul again as Paul went back to Troas (Acts 20:1-6), went withPaul to Rome as Paul was imprisoned (Acts 28:16).WHEN: 62 or 63 AD. Paul arrived in Rome in AD 60. Luke mentions that Paul was under house arrest in Rome for 2 years. That is where Luke's writings end. What followed was tumultuous:- Paul, James and Peter were all executed in the mid-60s.- Emperor Nero started a persecution in Rome and surrounding area in 64 AD- The Jewish wars with Rome commenced in 66 AD.- The Jewish temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Titus in 70 AD.Luke records the martyrdoms of Stephen and James the son of Zebedee but not Paul and Peter because He completed the book of Acts shortly after Paul's house arrest in Rome and he probably wrote it during that time.Acts 1:1-3 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,  2  until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.  3  He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.- He consulted prior writings- He spoke to eyewitnesses- He conducted a careful investigation- He wrote an orderly account- So that the reader may have certainty regarding what actually happened.TO WHOM:Theophilos (God-lover).May have been a lawyer (“most excellent”). Possibly Luke is preparing evidence for Paul’s trial in Rome. Acts reads like a testimony of eyewitnesses.Acts 1:4-8 4  And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;  5  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6  So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”  7  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.  8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” THEME: Obey Jesus by going and being witnesses who testify to the life and work of Jesus.Structure of Acts- The Witness to Jerusalem (1:9 - 8:3)- The Witness to Judea and Samaria (8:4 – 12:25)- The Witness to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31)Acts 1:9-11 9  And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.  10  And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,  11  and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath days journey away.FIRST STEPS:- They prayed (“Come, Holy Spirit”).- They secured leadership (Who is the Lord choosing to lead?)

Acts 1:1-5 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,  2  until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.  3  He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4  And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;  5  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”Acts 1:12-14 12  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath days journey away.  13  And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.  14  All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.1. Moms, Stay Faithful in Uncertain TimesActs 1:12–13 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem... When they arrived, they wentup to the upper room, where they were staying.After Jesus; ascension, the disciples obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem.It was a time of uncertainty, yet they trusted His promise.Mothers often live in that space—between the now and the not-yet—trusting God while waiting for His timing in their children’s lives, their families, and their own journeys.Remain faithful in seasons of waiting.Trust that your obedience in time of the unknown still moves the heart of God.2. Moms, Prioritize PrayerActs 1:14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together withThe women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.In the first prayer meeting of the early church, women were present—and Mary, the mother of Jesus, was among them.This reveals a powerful truth: the early movement of the church was birthed not just by Apostles, but by praying women.Mary, who once pondered things in her heart, is now praying them out loud in faith.A praying mom is a powerful mom.Those women with the gift of leadership: lead in prayer in your home.Your prayer life is part of how God brings spiritual revival in your home and the church.3. Mom, Leave a Lasting LegacyActs 1:14 ...Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.Mary had once stood at the cross watching her son suffer. Now, she stands in unity with her other children. The once-skeptical brothers of Jesus are now part of the church.Her faith and perseverance bore fruit. You may not see immediate results, but the influence of mom often leads entire households to faith.Moms with consistent faith, you will bear fruit over time.God honors your unseen work and multiplies it for generations.Mom, your faith really matters in the spiritual vitality of your family.Remember, godly women help build the foundation of the church itself.