PASTOR TIM JUPP

We are sons of Abraham but so are the Jew and Arabs. They are trying to earn their salvation; we know we can’t! We know we shouldn’t be striving with guilt to please the one who loves us. If we are in touch with who our mother is, the church which is His bride, we will understand our Groom, our Lord, our Saviour, and King is coming soon. We should have an eager expectation to see Him; quite simply, it’s time to prepare!Two Streams of Humanity-   (RAY PRITCHARD)Picture Abraham as the father of two vast streams of humanity. What starts as a purely personal family problem comes to signify the great division of humanity into two groups—those who trust in God alone for salvation and those who trust in their works to help them earn salvation.From one man the two lines of humanity come forth:The line of works and self-effort looks like this:Abraham- Hagar- Ishmael- Mt. Sinai- The Law- Earthly JerusalemBondage -DeathThe line of faith looks like this:Abraham- Sarah- Isaac- Mt. Zion- The Gospel- Grace- Faith in ChristFreedom, forgiveness, salvation- HeavenTEXT: GALATIANS 5:21-31SONGS: THE BLESSING, MOTHER DAUGHTER WORSHIP, KINGDOM CITYHOW GREAT THOU ART, ON THAT DAY, MATT MAHER, COMP.NO LONGER SLAVES, AMANDA COOK, BETHELHOMESICK FOR HEAVEN, PHIL WICKHAM

Here we are at the end of Paul’s ministry and it ends as it began; he is trying once more to persuade the Jews of Jesus divinity. Once more he fails; it’s his final attempt, it’s their last chance for his last-call. Finally, he regretfully but clearly declares, the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" Almost 2000 years have past and the wild branches are haughty!All He wanted was a few men who would think as He did, love as He did, see as He did, teach as He did and serve as He did. All He needed was to revolutionize the hearts of a few, and they would impact the world.”  ― David Platt, "The opportunity of a life-time must be seized during the life-time of the opportunity." — Leonard Ravenhill We're pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road, and those who've gone before us line the way. cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary, their lives a stirring testament to god's sustaining grace. o may all who come behind us find us faithful, may the fire of our devotion light their way. may the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey. o may all who come behind us find us faithful.Steve Green, Find Us FaithfulTEXT: ACTS 28:11-31SONGS:ONE MORE DAY, ELEVATIONYET NOT I, BUT CHRIST- CITY ALIGHTBREAK ME FOR THE NATIONS-  CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS

Storms in life will come; they are unavoidable! Some will last a short while, some will bring us to our knees, and some will leave us breathless on the cold shores of disaster. But rest assured, storms will come! In the end it’s not what happens as much as how you react. Panic destroys, feelings of defeat are defeating; depression steals our energy and leaves us useless. There is but one solution: put you sailor’s whits together, trust God and “let her drive“no matter what shore you may land on! TEXT: ACTS 27SONGS:DOXOLOGY, BRANDEN LAKEPRAISE SETH SCHLEUTERCORNERSTONE, HILLSONG COVERTURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS, TIS SO SWEET, GATEWAY CHURCHIT IS WELL, BETHEL

God is NOT responsible for the shipwreck. Through Paul, they were warned not to sail. But God knew they would anyway and knew how He would use their folly to accomplish His plans. Divine providence is guiding us through storms and trials with eternal purpose. (Rom 8:28) There will always be time to rejoice at the close of the storm where we see what a great thing God is doing! A valuable ship and all its cargo is lost but hundreds of souls come to see Jesus."Certainly in the incident of this shipwreck and the landing of Paul on the island of Malta we see the providence of God in the life of the apostle Paul. All of this is recorded for our learning. " Dr.    J. Vernon McGee"You could not have dropped into Paul’s lodging at any time during the two years that he was at Rome before the emperor liberated him, without hearing him preach of the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. Every arrow in his quiver was aimed at the one target, and he knew how to hit the white of it each time."  C.H. SpurgeonTEXT: ACTS 28:1-10SONGS:TESTIMONY, ELEVATION COVERTHE STORY I'LL TELL, MAVERICK CITY COVERTHE GOODNESS OF GOD, BETHANY BERNARDI SPEAK JESUS, KINGS PORCH

SERMON 1- ISAIAH 1:11-20, Mr. Jake Bozin"God abhors the multiplication of outward services, when the heart is full of wickedness, and the life of rebellion and iniquity.  All who would render to him acceptable offerings must begin by putting away their sins. " SERMON 2- JOB 1, 2, Mr. Matt BessemThe Book of Job teaches us vital lessons about faith, perseverance, honesty, and divine sovereignty. Life may bring storms, but we serve a God who is greater than our circumstances. Let us emulate Job’s resilience and trust in God's plan.SONGS:CATHEDRAL, JONATHAN HESSLERMAKE ROOM, COMMUNITY MUSICPRAISE, ELEVATION COVERFIRM FOUNDATION, COVER

The race of mankind is just too wicked to repent and therefore the only potential end to this worldly conflict would be the death of faith and therefore the damnation of humanity. Christ foresaw the conflict He would bring and willed it to be, so that some would be saved. Emphatically, He declared that He came to throw a sword into humanity.R.C. Lenski:  If Christ had not come, the earth would have gone on undisturbed in its sin and its guilt until the day of its doom. Now Christ has come and He came to take away that sin and that guilt that resulted from man’s perversion. Some repent, but most cling to their sin, and two distinct camps emerge.Jesus  came to cast a sword into the world , drawing a line directly down the middle of our household that all people hereafter will be defined primarily, not by wherever they stand on the topic of the day, BUT by where they stand in their relationship with Him. He is the dividing line of history. TEXT: MATTHEW 10:34-43SONGS: HE AROSE, PHIL WICKHAM, TOMMEE PROFITTO PRAISE THE NAME, AGNES DEI, GATEWAY COVERHOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US, MISSION HOUSE WORSHIP THANK YOU JESUS FOR THE BLOOD, UPPER ROOM COVERI HAVE DECIDED/ JESUS PAID IT ALL, ELEVATION WORSHIP

Paul’s shared the Gospel of Jesus with four men; they reflectfour reasons why people ignore the greatest truth for their lives. These are the reasons why non-Christians’ refuse Jesus as the Christ and Christiansrefuse to let Jesus Christ reign. Don’t allow fear, materialism, pride or thetemporary pleasure of sin keep you from acting on the truth! Truth demandsfaith; faith demands action! Conviction must end in commitment!The word of the Lord comes to give believing men rest . It rolls away the stone from the door of the grave and reveals resurrection, immortality, and eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Saviour. The man who will hear the gospel message, and receive it into his soul, shall know the peace of God.TEXT: ACTS 21-26SONGS:YES WE BELIEVE, PAUL BALOCHECOME YE SINNERS, WORSHIP INITIATIVETHERE IS A FOUNTAIN, JOURNEY WORSHIPO COME TO THE ALTER, ELEVATION WORSHIP

Paul had been in the same place as Agrippa. They were doing their own thing regardless of anyone else’s opinion. Paul had been fighting every impulse inside of him; the spirit had been screaming into Paul spirit that this Jesus was the Messiah; I can only imagine the tension tearing him apart at the Stephens stoning. Then the voice, both strange and strangely familiar, coming from the blinding light of Christ’s magnificence hits the apostle right between the eyes. “Who are you, LORD?” Paul says already knowing exactly who it was. “I am Jesus and I have appeared to you so that I might send you to be my witness and my official to the gentiles”. Paul turns to Agrippa, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision”. The question now was for Agrippa, would he obey the calling of the Holy Spirit? Agrippa turns to Paul and says “almost”, “almost you persuade me to be a Christian!”Oh how tragic to believe but not have room for Jesus. Oh the grace that call the sinner to repent: Paul knew he was unworthy as did Agrippa but our apostle and the king went different directions. How about you, which way will you go?Those who chose to reject God during their lifetime on earth will be separated from him for eternity. This is not God's desire, but man's own choice. God holds every man accountable for his rejection of Christ.  Billy Graham. TEXT: ACTS 26SONGS:YES, WE BELIEVE, PAUL BALOCHEHERE I AM TO WORSHIP, COVERMERCY, ELEVATION CHURCHALMOST PERSUADED, HYMN

It is the same today. Jews are hated and Christians being spiritual Jews follow close behind. We are the enemy of the enemy of God. We worship a living savior who lived righteously, took our penalty and defied death and hell. Our resurrected Savior calls all men everywhere to repent before the great and terrible day of the Lord when Jesus returns. The Lamb of God comes again as the Lion of Judah and will reign over earth as King of Kings from Jerusalem! Amen! Jesus is alive! " The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the ground of the believers standing before God and the hinge of the transformed life."The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single greatest event in the history of the world. It is so foundational to Christianity that no one who denies it can be a true Christian...    A person who believes in a Christ who was not raised believes in a powerless Christ, a dead Christ. TEXT: ACTS 25:13-27SONGS:IS HE WORTHY, CHRIS TOMLINJESUS SAVES, PRISCILLA OWENSLIVING HOPE, ONE CHURCH COVERI KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED, DANIEL WHITTLEWE BELIEVE,NEWSBOYS

Even in the face of injustice, you can maintain faith and patience. Paul’s trust in God was unwavering despite his wrongful imprisonment. He used his rights wisely to seek justice and fulfill God's purpose, in declaring his citizenship and by appealing to Caesar. We too can be known for a patient endurance, trust in God, the pursuit of justice, and power in being a witness through adversity in the face of injustice. Proverbs 29:25 ¶ The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. 26 ¶ Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD. –  Martin Luther King Jr. “As my sufferings mounted, I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation — either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into A CREATIVE FORCE!!. I decided to follow the latter course.” TEXT: ACTS 25:1-12SONGS:WAYMAKER,  LELAND COVERFIRM FOUNDATION, HE WON'T, CODY CARNES, COVERFOR HIS GLORY AND MY GOOD, CITY ALIGHTHOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIPI WON'T BACK DOWN, TOM PETTY

Today we see another trial of sorts to Paul’s faith, just a day after the mock Sanhedrin trial, two days after the mob’s beating him half to death. Where does Paul’s head go when hears this news? Are the words of His Lord, “you must also bear witness at Rome” enough? Watch what God does as the night unfolds: God, by His sovereign protection orders the details of His plan through human effort. Today, we have become witnesses to the complex providence of God. Paul was going to Rome; Christ had said so! He was NOT going to die on the temple mount!  God used Paul’s demeanor, his nephew’s ear and 470 men through the orders of the Roman Commander Claudius Lysias to send His chosen man to a new ministry in the Capital. ISAIAH 41: 9-11  I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you.      Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am you God.I will strengthen you, I will surely help you. I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish.…TEXT: ACTS 23:12-23SONGS:THE STORY I'LL TELL, LEE PARK WORSHIPHOW FIRM A FOUNDATION, GRACE COMMUNITYIT IS WELL, BETHELHE WILL HOLD ME FAST, PARK CHURCH

 It would appear from the silence of the text that none of the apostles or elders tried to see Paul in the barracks; nor any of his entourage.  His only visitor was a nephew who came with urgency.  We have no prior record of Paul ever having been imprisoned, alone. Can you imagine the tears of anguish for what must have seemed like failure and missed opportunity to share Jesus with his people? Imagine the man we see as a pillar of strength crumbling! How can we stay strong when everything seems to have gone wrong? When our hopes have been cruelly crushed? When disappointment threatens despair? This I know from the text and my own life; it is in our weakest moments that our Lord comes closest: His comforting words caress our trembling aching souls,  yarsew/tharseo, breathe brother, I am right here, be of good cheer, you’re not finished yet!Christianity is anything but safe. Jesus made it clear that trouble and persecution stood in the future for His followers.” AH BUT….When Jesus is with a man, troubles have lost their power to trouble him. ― Dillon BurroughsTEXT: ACTS 22:24- Acts 23:11SONGS:RAISE A HALLELUJAH, BETHEL COVERLEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS, BIG HOUSE WORSHIPTHE JESUS WAY, PHIL WICKHAMI HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, BRANDON LAKEAS FOR ME AND MY HOME, BRANDON LAKE

The Lord had told Paul in a vision close to 30 years earlier, “they won’t hear you in Jerusalem, Paul; 'Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.'”But here he is, drawn once more by his love for his countrymen and the city of David, coupled with his conviction that the gospel should be offered to the Jew first. This Is The Turning Point when all his will, intellect and energy was completely directed to the world’s masses and the best was yet to come!Alexander Maclaren wrote, “Though bruised and hustled, and having but a minute or two beforehand looked death in the face, he is ready to seize the opportunity to speak a word for his Master... There is nothing more striking in Paul’s character than his self-command and composure in all circumstances. This ship could rise to any wave, and ride in any storm... It is not easy to disturb a man who counts not his life dear if only he may complete his course... TEXT: ACTS 21:27-ACTS 22:24SONGS:MY TESTIMONY, ELEVATION CHURCHAMAZING GRACE, LIBERTY WORSHIP COLLECTIVEMERCY, ELEVATION CHURCHI SPEAK JESUS, KING'S PORCH

While we may wonder about Paul’s friends and there advice, how should we both give and receive advice.1. Paul’s friends demonstrated the common inclination of being quick to point out God’s will for someone else’s life.2. Paul’s friends no doubt meant well but, they were trying to make God’s will conform to theirs.“To choose to suffer means there is something wrong; to choose God’s will even if it means suffering is a very different thing. No healthy saint ever chooses suffering; he chooses God’s will, as Jesus did, whether it means suffering or not.” [Oswald Chambers: My Upmost For His Highest. p. 223]3. Paul’s friends in urging him not to go to Jerusalem were actually being used by the enemy to discourage him in following the Lord. We have no trouble following the guidance of the Lord, as long as it is leading through blessings and ease. But we cannot imagine God’s will leading us or anyone we love through difficulties or trials. The truth is that neither the present nor absence of trouble is an indicator of God’s will.Acts 21:13  "For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" This was the true spirit of a martyr. TEXT: ACTS 21:15-26SONGS:TOUCH OF THE MASTERS HAND (THE VIOLIN), WAYNE WATSONGOODNESS OF GOD, WORSHIP INITIATIVENOT MY WILL, LIZZIE MORGANMAKE ROOM, COMMUNITY MUSICMAJESTY, DELIRIOUS

There are times in life when we alone know what we are supposed to do. In these times you must simply obey. No one can help you. No one can tell you what the right thing is, for either it is too hard a thing or too strange.  Godly friends will sooth your conscience or comfort you with words like “no one will blame you” or “God can handle this”. But, in that time, you alone know what your Father would have you do, in that time; it’s just you and your Father. It was in such a time that Paul said ‘none of these things move me’:   my Father will see me finish: I must go!TEXT: ACTS 21:1-14VIDEO: MP3, CALVARY BAPTIST COLUMBUS GEORGIASONGS:THE JESUS WAY, PHIL WICKHAMTHE WONDERFUL CROSS, CHRIS TOMLIN, COVERNOT MY WILL, I SAY YES, LIZZIE MORGANI SURRENDER ALL, SALEM ST. LOUIS COVERTHE CAUSE OF CHRIST, RESOLVED WORSHIP TEAM

If Christ’s sacrifice for man’s redemption was greater than we dare imagine, how should we then live? Paul is just one example of total abandonment; one of many witnesses. We will not find God’s approval living our lives seeking pleasure, prosperity or popularity, nor will we find any joy there; our walk in this world must be about eternal glory and the joy of finishing well.   (Pastor Tim)  Hebrews 12:1,2  ‘In light of ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’ let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’  "Paul's life was bound to Christ" accurately reflects the Apostle Paul's radical transformation and total devotion, summarized in his declaration: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).    His life had Singular Purpose: Paul's purpose became the advancement of the Gospel of Christ .   Every action, every hardship, and every joy was filtered through his mission to glorify Jesus' name.His commitment led to immense suffering, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, yet he endured it all for the sake of Christ, counting his life as nothing compared to finishing his ministry." "There is a golden thread that runs through the Bible which can sometimes go unnoticed by some. It involves this road that we travel on. For all God’s children of all generations, the walk of faith that we are engaged in does notoccur in a vacuum, rather it occurs in an onward and upward motion."TEXT: ACTS 20:13-38SONGS:I LIFT MY EYES UP, HOUSE FIRESBE THOU MY VISION, BOYCE WORSHIP COLLECTIVEYET NOT I, BUT CHRIST, CITY ALIGHTTHE JESUS WAY/ I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, COVERLIVING FOR JESUS, THOMAS O. CHISHOLM

Paul was so clearly following God’s leading that he was immovable from his course.  He would use the day he had to do the work he was called to, changing his will for the Lord’s without hesitation. Paul had one more day to build into people he loved and he did not disappoint!TEXT: ACTS 20:1-12SONGS: ONE MORE DAY, SONS OF SUNDAYBETTER IS ONE DAY, MATT REDMANBREATHE, MELODIE MALONEJESUS AT THE CENTER, BETHEL COVERHOW GREAT THOU ART/ ON THAT DAY, MATT REDMAN, CHRIS TOMLINHe has given us one more Sabbath to meet together… to breath in His Word, to comfort one another….  One more day to break bread together… one more day surrender… one more day to reconcile… one more day to alter society…

When we are ready to quit, when we feel we have no more to offer and when success seems but a dead dream, it is then in our fear and trembling that we may see the transforming power of God released. The Lord said “I have many people in this city”:  but where the movement of God goes the spirit of opposition follows. So the Jews in Corinth are not seeking moral renewal in any way; they bring false charges against Paul and Paul thinks “Here We Go Again” but this time God’s hand intervenes through the voice of the Roman Proconsul.  “Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains. The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it.  It is the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. !!       ― Warren W. Wiersbe, To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.You see…."Jesus did not come into the world to make bad men good. He came into the world to make dead men live!    Leonard Ravenhill:TEXT: ACTS 18:1-17SONGS: I KNOW A NAME, ELEVATION CHURCHHIS NAME IS JESUS, JEREMY RIDDLEWHAT IF I TOLD YOU, PHIL WICKHAMSEND ME, BETHEL

Oh Yes the church boldly declares Another King but one who promotes the civil kings and their kingdoms because our King is the King of Kings "and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Luke 1:33“Be ready church,  to reason with them, to dialogue, not monologue. Divide asunder and reveal what lies beneath. Know your scriptures so that you can reveal Jesus, present to them nothing more or less than Jesus. Set Him before those in your life as the only way to life.   Set Jesus before them as the one true and rightful king who takes this broken, fallen, and upside down world and turns it right side up.”(Joe Parker, sermon, the WORD THAT TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN)ACTS 17:1-12SONGS:THAT'S MY KINGKING OF KINGS, BETHEL COVERHERE I AM TO WORSHIP, TIM HUGHES COVERIS HE WORTHY, CHRIS TOMLIN

Paul had been very pre-suppositional in his approach every where he went; what is notable here is his use of evidence.  But make NO mistake; his approach remains very pre-suppositional: “there is really only one God, you once knew Him, you have always known about Him” Some will hear, some will not; either way, anyway and everyway it will always be about Jesus. The good news is Jesus! Paul’s apologetic was simple; Christological: you say He cannot be known, ‘But… You Do Know Him!"God has placed every man where he is on the face of the earth and in the culture he lives in order to seek the true God. God did not make an arbitrary decision, but God pre-destinates out of a loving heart and expects men to seek Him wherever they are in this world. He certainly does not engage in a game of hide-and-seek, but rather has gone out of His way to be obvious." TEXT: ACTS 17:13-34SONGS: OUR GOD, CHRIS TOMLINONLY A HOLY GOD, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, CITY ALIGHTGREAT ARE YOU LORD, ALL SONS AND DAUGHTERSGIVE US CLEAN HANDS, CHRIS TOMLIN COVERWORTHY OF IT ALL, BETHEL

Paul obviously believed there was a time to Stand Tall and stand firm; a time to be strong and time to muster all authority. Here, at Philippi, Paul’s confidence in the leading of God was obvious. God had fashioned an unmistakable path to the equally unmistakable call. No matter how evil the adversary, how hopeless the circumstance or how dangerous the potential reprisal, it was time to be bold and courageous, a time to speak and be heard.  Given the opportunity and circumstance, Paul and his team exercised a kind of daring wisdom and strategy, and in the face of evil chose to ‘Stand Tall’. So, we too, when we know, we are where we are supposed to be, should declare who sent us to this present darkness and in the name of Jesus, speak and  ‘Stand Tall!’"What greater spectacle has the earth witnessed than that of scourged and incarcerated men, suffering from unjust and cruel inflictions, and anticipating greater sorrows; yet, with a calm mind, a pure conscience, a holy joy, pouring forth their desires and praises at midnight, into the ear of the God."   C.H. SpurgeonTEXT: ACTS 16:10-40SONGS:PRAISE, SEPH SCHLUETERPRAISE THE LORD, IMPERIALSDOXOLOGY, MAVERICK CITYGREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, AUSTIN STONEHOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIPI SPEAK JESUS, PORCH WORSHIP

Some doors He opens and some doors He closes. It can be difficult to know what to do next, so just do what you know is right, go above and beyond and get tough when the going gets tough. God will give you clear direction!                        We must be working our Fathers business if we want to know what business we have in His work. It’s about inertia: the Spirit won’t direct a body not in motion; get moving your idle feet!"God never causes evil.  He does, however, open and close opportunities to accomplish His purpose in individual lives and in the grand scheme of history. "CHARLES SWINDOLL TEXT: ACTS 16:1-12SONGS: COME REST ON US, BETHELHOLY, HOLY, HOLY, SHANE AND SHANECOME HOLY SPIRIT COME, JOSH BALDWINSPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, CALVARY WORSHIP COVEROCEANS, HILLSONG

This passage leaves us with questions we cannot definitively answer and good people have disagreed as strongly as Paul and Barnabas over it. While I am certain there is blame in this separation I’m not certain whose it is! Or ... what portion belongs to who! But this is what I know; God is merciful and long -suffering: He will take our foolishness, our faults and failures and turn them into building blocks for His kingdom! ‘We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’.John MacArthur“Few things are sapping the strength of the church of Jesus Christ more than the unreconciled state of so many believers. So many have matters deeply embedded in their craws, like iron wedges forced between themselves and other Christians. They can’t walk together because they do not agree. When they should be marching side by side through this world taking men captive for Jesus Christ, they are acting instead like an army that has been routed and scattered and whose troops in their confusion have begun fighting among themselves. Nothing is sapping the church of Christ of her strength so much as these unresolved problems, these loose ends among believing Christians that have never been tied up. There is no excuse for this sad condition, for the Bible does not allow for loose ends. God wants no loose ends.”TEXT: ACTS 15:32-41SONGS:HANDS TO THE HEAVENS, KARI JOBEWHERE THE FREEDOM OF THE LORD IS, LIFE CHURCHFALL AFRESH, BRYCE MOOREBY OUR LOVE, FOR KING AND COUNTRY

In this life you will meet some people who are just agitators, trouble makers that thrive on attention drawn from the drama they created. They are out there and they will be in the church. Wherever they are not apposed with spiritual integrity, they will be the cause of great destruction!! Paul and Barnabas held their ground and appealed to the only higher authority on the planet: the result, ‘the people were encouraged and rejoiced’. "They stole their way into the church-- by deceit and counterfeit holiness, they crept in among the faithful."The devil is always at work distracting the church, discouraging the church, and detouring the church from its main mission. The devil will raise up false teachers, legalists, and liberals to stifle the work of the church. John G. Butler wrote, “Evil wants to stop progress of the work of God, So evil causes all kinds of trouble in the church to keep the pastor and people occupied with the trouble instead of being able to concentrate on proclaiming the Word of God.” TEXT: ACTS 15:21-31SONGS: FREEDOM, JOSH BALDWINWHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, GATEWAY WORSHIPWHO YOU SAY I AM, HILLSONGBY OUR LOVE, FOR KING AND COUNTRY

There will always be some who wish to make salvation earnable and therefore deservable but it is not There will always be some who wish to add necessities to our faith; we must not allow them. We believe Ep 2:8,9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, it is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, it is not of works, lest anyone should boast. but....There are necessary things to live Godly: stay away from anything that looks like, smells like, sounds like Satan ie. Ozzie Osborne, horoscope, tarot cards etc; do not lift your hand in violence except in defense; keep your sex inside your marriage and strange as it seems don’t be drinking, eating blood, that is enemy territory.Warren Wiersbe writes that "The progress of the Gospel has often been hindered by people with closed minds who stand in front of open doors and block the way for others."Salvation from start to finish is altogether the work of God, and man can add nothing to it." —TEXT: ACTS 14:1-21SONGS:IS HE WORTHY, SHANE AND SHANE CHRIST ALONE, COVERTHE CAUSE OF CHRIST, RESOLVED

They say, everyone’s got a story! I seldom meet someone who doesn’t have a story. They’re out there and I suppose in their own way that is their story. But what we usually mean when referring to ‘their story’ is the stuff they’ve been through! It’s trials, tribulations, afflictions, illness and deaths that mark out journey here on this planet. It’s sin, divorce, assault, grief or poverty that unfortunately highlight our lives. The silly thing about some of today’s Christian thought is that Jesus keeps us from that. WRONG!  Jesus keeps us through it when we walk with him through it! The last words I remember my pastor saying to me was: ‘Tim, finish well!’ So today, we like Paul and Barnabas face a world that hates Jesus, yet it is by walking with Him through it, we finish our journey well."Behold the courage of these Christian men! They counted not their lives dear to them, and returned to do their Masters work in the very places in which they had been so grievously persecuted. The welfare of the infant churches they deemed of more consequence than their own safety; and they threw themselves again into the midst of danger."    "Every Christian who wishes to follow Jesus faithfully and desires to see people come to know the Savior will have to bear some measure of suffering . It’s what I like to call the missions law. We simply won’t reach people without sacrifice."  Tony MeridaTEXT: ACTS 14:19-28SONGSNOT MY WILL, LIZZIE MORGAN, SEPH SHLUETERTO GOD BE THE GLORY, COVER                                     

We find here some simple lessons on how to face opposition. Sometimes you dig in, sometimes you run but you never stop playing the role God has called you to play. What is certain is; Satan will attack, first with subtle suggestions of error, then mischievousness innuendo, followed by malice slander with intent to destroy. Therefore, be on guard, recognize the enemy and ‘show the devil to the door!‘ Remember; when Satan opposes you, he creates an opportunity for the gospel to be used by you!"During this time, despite the subtle propaganda poisoning people's minds against the gospel, there was nevertheless a sweeping proclamation of the gospel going forward and many were turning to Christ. Bold perseverance in the face of hostility is as much an evidence of the power of God as the great numbers who come to Christ TEXT: ACTS 14:1-18SONGS: GOD OF REVIVAL BETHELHOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIPI HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, JESUS PAID IT ALL, UPPER ROOMJESUS LIFTED ME, CAIN

We preach Jesus because there is life in no other. Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved." We cannot predict when the Spirit will call or when He will stop calling. No one can say where or when revival will come or when it will end. But… we can say with great certainty; 1) The enemy will rise to stop it, 2) Revival will come to close, 3) But the true disciples of Jesus Christ will be left full of joy and the Holy Spirit. "No nation has ever improved morally without a spiritual revival. History proves that point. Various nations of the past have tried to improve and pick themselves up by their bootstraps morally in order to save their country from disintegration, but they could not do it unless they experienced a religious revival. “There has never been a country in the history of the world that lasted and improved itself except by a religious and spiritual revival.”  Billy GrahamTEXT: ACTS 13:13-52SONGS: BILLY GRAHAM REVIVAL, JOSH BALDWINHOW GREAT THOU ART, JOSHUA AARONWHAT HE'S DONE, PASSIONCOME YE SINNERS, WORSHIP INITIATIVEMIGHTY TO SAVE HILLSONG

The Spirit of the living God will lead Christ’s church into victory every time the children of God obey. But a culturally driven tolerance for all manner of wickedness and sin is leaving the church powerless. We have been allowing our attempts to remain relevant to supersede simple obedience. God forgive us! We need whole- hear-ted teaching and unquestioning obedience to the Word of God! It’s complicated! We seek the work of the Spirit that only flows through clean vessels. Study to know what God is saying to you and do it: and keep doing it!JOHN PIPER:  The main business of the church is to obey the Holy Spirit in promoting God’s glory among the nations by sending out workers called by God to preach the gospel SPURGEON: WITHOUT THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WE CAN DO NOTHING, WE ARE AS SHIPS WITHOUT WIND, WE ARE USELESS.TEXT: ACTS 13:1-12SONGS:HANDS TO THE HEAVENS, KARI JOBECOME HOLY SPIRIT COME, JOSH BALDWINFALL AFRESH, BRYCE MOORESPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, JEREMY RIDDELSEND ME, RIVER WORSHIP

‘The Hand of the LORD’ was with them and great many people believed and were taught in Christian doctrine. Here in Antioch ‘Christianity’, at least in name, is born. The very idea that ‘The Supreme Being’, who cannot ignore sin, is willing to completely forgive it, was such good news to the heathen theist, they could not and did not resist. When the hand of the Lord accompanies the efforts of sincere believers, stuff happens, lives are changed and the Christian church thrives!  F. F. BruceImagine if you will.. a group of two or three of the unofficial missionaries in the streets of Antioch, with a small group gathered around them, listening to the gospel. Someone watching asks another bystander, “Who are these people?” The other answers, “O, these are the people who are always talking about Christos, the Christ-people, the Christians” .the Jesus. While it may have been meant as a term of derision, it really was a supreme compliment for the pagans to notice that these men were “Christ-men.”TEXT: ACTS 11:19-26SONGS: BUILD YOUR CHURCH, MAVERICK CITYNEW WINE, HILLSONG COVERTAKE ME AS I AM, CAINTHE JESUS WAY, PHIL WICKHAMI SPEAK JESUS, KINGS PORCH

This story is the turning point of ‘The Acts of The Apostles’.                                              No human being is common or unclean. Nobody is to be spurned, shunned, rejected, despised because of his ethnic origin or race or culture or physical traits or social restraints. All of us have a history and all come to the foot of the cross the same way! Repentance of prejudice is not easy or quick but is necessary for individual and ecclesiastical health.Billy Graham famously said, "Christianity is not a white man's religion and don't let anyone tell you it's white or black. Christ belongs to all people."TEXT: ACTS 11:1-18SONGS:LOVE OF GOD, BRANDEN LAKE, PHIL WICKHAMTHE LOVE OF GOD, WORSHIP INITIATIVEMAKE ROOM, COMMUNITY MUSICTO GOD BE THE GLORY, FANNY CROSBY COVER"At once this changed the views of the apostles and of the early Christians; gave them new, large, and liberal conceptions of the gospel; broke down all their long-cherished prejudices; taught them to look upon all men as their brethren; and impressed their hearts with the truth, never after to be eradicated."

The resurrection is the pivot on which all of Christianity turns and without which none of the other truths would much matter. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be so much wishful thinking, taking its place alongside all other human philosophy and religious speculation.– John MacArthurBefore you meet Jesus as Judge, you may meet him this very morning as the Forgiver of sins—the Peacemaker of God. That's how Peter's sermon begins and ends. And if you believe in Him, you will receive forgiveness of sins through His name and be pardoned when you stand before Him as judge. If you believe in Him, that means trust Him with your life as the Peacemaker of God; so trust Hm with your life as the Lord of all; trust Him with your life as God's anointed one, full of the Spirit and power; trust Him with your life as stronger than sin and Satan; trust Him with your life as One who died and rose again and lives today; trust Him with your life as the One who will judge the living and the dead; and trust Him with your life as the forgiver of sins. TEXT: ACTS 10:32-42SONGS:HIS NAME IS JESUS, JEREMY RIDDLEWHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME, HILLSONG COVERCORNERSTONE, HILLSONG COVERMY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE,  BECOFI CREATIVE

The name of Jesus is able to do what no amount of human persuasion or human power can ever do. He alone can impart strength and sensation to paralyzed legs. His power alone can raise a corpse from the dead. He alone can call a soul out of spiritual bondage and impart eternal life . He is still doing great wonders in changing depraved natures, breaking hard hearts, subduing obstinate wills, enlightening darkened judgments, and winning rebellious minds. God is still in the miracle making business but we fail to see that the greatest miracle of all is the saving of the lost soul. When the church, does what it’s supposed to do, the Lord blesses; this is when the church grows. So, Peter goes out of Jerusalem and visits the new churches and God decides to bless with miracles: lame walk, dead rise, loners join the assembly and all of them are souls forgiven of their burden of sin and reunited with their Heavenly Father. And the church grew.TEXT: ACTS 9:32-43SONGS:AWESOME GOD, PHIL WICKHAM, MW. SMITHWAYMAKER, LEELANDTOO GOOD TO NOT BELIEVE, EMMY ROSEMIGHTY TO SAVE, HILLSONG

What grace was it that could lead the Saviour's heart to speak to such a man as Saul,    who had breathed out threatenings against His church? Had he not haled men and women to prison?? Had he not compelled them in every synagogue to blaspheme the name of Jesus Christ?Oh but the transforming work of God! —and quite radical!!.   Through a personal encounter with Jesus, this man named Saul is transformed from Christianity’s fiercest opponent into its most devoted missionary. This is what God does in conversion. He changes people.Do we agree that Saul was most probably the greatest of the apostles? Can we agree he saw his life turned upside down! Here is a scary thought: this may be, in some ways, a pattern for your life. (Paul said that his conversion and calling was a pattern for all of us. 1Timothy 1:16) If so, I want to leave you with hope regarding what God is doing. Are you are trying hard to serve Jesus and often opposed, experience rejection and mocking or suffering strange or irregular events: have you been waiting for God to show up and make things right? Know this; God chose Saul to suffer many things to bear His name before kings!“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.” A. W. TozerTEXT: ACTS 9:23-31SONGS:LOVE LIFTED ME, ENCOUNTER MUSICTHE JESUS WAY, PHIL WICKHAMTHANK YOU JESUS FOR THE BLOOD, WORSHIP INITIATIVEHOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIP

Conclusion: I remember Terry and Liz when we transitioned to Essex county and the ministry, how we were accepted, encouraged and helped into the life God had planned for us.  We needed such friends that for the love of their Lord intervened into the darkness of our world so we could see our path forward. Ananias played that role for Saul, a new friend when desperately needed in the transition of his life. A devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all. Acts 23:12 without which Saul may not have had his ‘eyes finally opened’.God predetermines men to the stations they shall take up in this world; especially those who are to take up stations that are to be highly useful and serviceable to Him.TEXT: ACTS 9:10-22SONGS: MADE FOR MORE, JOSH BALDWINHIS MERCY IS MORE, MATT BOSWELLSEND ME, BETHELMAJESTY, DELIRIOUS

The church hadn’t begun its missionary work. They could have sent Phillip and Stephen a few weeks earlier and maybe everything had been different, but God had told them they would take the gospel to Samaria and so they would! This baby church, still learning, not a year old: indeed, was a fragile group of transformed Jesus followers who’s fellowship was suddenly destroyed but they could not keep silent. The seed of truth was buried in them and where they went the gospel went.            Jesus had said Samaria was ready for a great harvest and here we see it was the seed in them that would be harvested and great joy came to Samaria.Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. (MHCC) Persecution is good for the church.  It turns the church loose.  It disconnects the church from its comfort and sends it out in dependency. JOHN MACARTHURTEXT: ACTS 8:1-8SONGS:BUILD YOUR CHURCH, MAVERICK CITYCORNERSTONE, HILLSONGHOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIP

Stephen’s conclusion is this; “nothing has changed”. Men have always been a race of rebels: good men have been slow to obey: even the best of our fathers had to learn the hard way. Most rejected the truth in ancient times; it was so in Stephen’s day and so it is in ours. You are of the remnant, the faithful few born into this race of rebels, a populace with hard hearts and slow ears. but we, members of this race of rebels, are being mercifully molded by the Holy Spirit. Slowly but surely, we are beginning to reflect the life our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. “There is that disposition in our sinful hearts, which always resists the Holy Ghost, a flesh that lusts against the Spirit, and wars against His motions; “MCCHTEXT: ACTS 7SONGS: HOW GREAT THOU ART, JOSHUA ARRONGREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, AUSTIN STONE WORSHIPI SURRENDER ALL

Stephen, a man of Spirit, a man of faith, plays such a small role in the establishment of the church, we could easily pass by him but I would argue, he played the supremely crucial role. He is not just a link between the fisherman and the Pharisee, he is the bridge from the Hebrew to the Hellenist, and he is the catalyst of world evangelism. Stephen wasn’t just the obedient blessed deacon; he was the cotter pin that held the wheels in place when the church was at the starting line.  T. JUPP"He is great proof – mark this – he is great proof that the effect of a man’s life has nothing to do with the length of it. And the effect of a man’s ministry has nothing to do with the length of it. His ministry was so short, so very short, and yet it was the catalyst that caused the Church to move out in the next step in its commission and reach Judea and Samaria with the Gospel. Stephen was the trigger that shot the Church into the world. And I don’t think that anybody can fully estimate the results even of a brief work, even of a brief work of one man, when that one man has the courage to do and say what he knows is right, whatever the consequences. And Stephen did. He took no thought for himself. He did what he knew was right and let the chips fall. "J. MACARTHUR  "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully surrendered to Him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man. D.L.MOODYTEXT: ACTS 6:8-15SONGS:COME REST ON US, MAVERICK CITYMAKE ROOM, COMMUNITY MUSICHAVE THINE OWN WAY , ADELAIDE POLLARDTHE JESUS WAY, PHIL WICKHAM

Do not think for one moment that the gates of hell will not attack. Satan desires the church to be an embarrassment to her founder and Lord. Know this, without doubt, as soon as people begin to repent and seek after the righteousness of Christ, the enemy arises and sews seeds of complaint and murmurings in the ranks, sometimes even over real issues! So you say ‘so-and-so’s’ got issues; well, that’s the heart of the issue. Thanks Einstein! Guess what! We all got issues! Move on; God only uses folks with issues! He only uses imperfect people and He wants to use YOU!When we are knit together in brotherly affection, the Lord commands blessing. Where brotherly love continues, and saints walk in holy unity, the witness they bear is powerful, and the increase they gather is palpable. C.H.SPURGEONTEXT: ACTS 6:1-7SONGS:BUILD YOUR CHURCH, MAVERICK CITYCOME HOLY SPIRIT COME, JOSH BALDWINWEDDING DAY, (HOLY)BY OUR LOVE, FOR KING AND COUNTRY

The enemy is real and his attacks don’t have to any make sense but God calls for a Holy church to do His Holy work, not to fear! In a culture where holiness and piety have become bad words, we ought to expect opposition, insult and tribulations: we ought to respond to opposition by continuing somewhat stubbornly, somewhat cautiously but always faithfully. In fact, we ought to flourish when we joyfully recognize we are being maligned because of the name of Jesus for the battle is about the name!  MATTHEW 10: 21 "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.Hated of all men for my name’s sake.—these words sketch out the history of the persecution with a precision which marks and attests the divine foreknowledge. From the days of Stephen to that of the last martyr under Diocletian it was always as a Christian and for the name of Christ that men thus suffered. Would they but renounce that, all would have gone smoothly with them. As Tertullian said of the sufferers of his day, “We are tortured when we confess our guilt, we are set free if we deny it, for the battle is about a Name”TEXT: ACTS 5:17-42SONGS:O PRAISE THE NAME, HOLY, DBU WORSHIPMAN OF SORROWS, BRYCE SHEEHANSON OF SUFFERING, GC COLLABORATIVE WORSHIPHOLD THE LINE,  JOURNEY WORSHIP

The church had real fear of the local authorities and real fear ofinterrupting the work of God and so the miraculous was limited to apostles.But in the midst of the fear, a sweet spirit was maintained among thebrethren who held the apostles in high esteem and met door to door.The church of the 21 century must recognize the limited power of theauthorities and recognize a greater authority calls us to a radical faith.Pursuing a sure foundation of purity, submissiveness and fellowship willresult in ‘more and more people believing and were brought to theLord—crowds of both men and women.’ This is the church that alters society!TEXT: ACTS 5:12-16SONGS: OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD, MICHAEL W. SMITHHOW GREAT THOU ART, MISSION HOUSE WORSHIPLOVE OF GOD, PHIL WICKHAM, BRANDEN LAKETHE OLD RUGGED CROSS, REAWAKEN WORSHIP

When the pouring out of the Spirit comes Satan is always there to counterfeit and destroy. He even uses “well-intentioned dragons” with pretence in their heart and willingness to compromise. We must guard our hearts against self deceit and judge ourselves so that we will not be judged. “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” 1Co 11:30"The Church has never been harmed or hindered by opposition from without; it has been perpetually harmed and hindered by perils from within.” (Morgan)The terrible severity of the punishment can only be understood by remembering the importance of preserving the young community from corruption at the very beginning. Unless the vermin are cleared from the springing plant, it will not grow. TEXT: ACTS 4:23-5:12SONGS:SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, CALVARY WORSHIPCOME HOLY SPIRIT COME, JOSH BALDWINLORD I NEED YOU, MATT MAHER PHIL WICKHAMCLEAN HEART, BRYAN AND KATIE TORWALT

All the best attributes a man can know, stem from association with Jesus. If Jesus resurrection is the single most important truth in human existence then all men everywhere should hear of it. But will they believe it? People’s ability and/or willingness to listen will be altered by how we live our lives. They must see a human demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s transformative power in us.  Radical faith-  ‘conforming us into the image of the son’ paints a picture of the glorious victory found in the truth of Jesus.  Its more than words - the world must see Jesus in us!TEXT: ACTS 4:13-31SONGS: HOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIPTHE WONDERFUL CROSS, CHRIS TOMLIN COVERMORE LIKE JESUS, PASSION WORSHIPI SPEAK JESUS, KINGS PORCH 

It’s a crazy mixed up world. Darkness rules and often sides against you with no reasonable cause except that you are light. But John MacArthur says: ‘Persecution always results in growth. Mark that. If you're obeying the Lord and you wind up in a mess, you can assume that God ordained the mess. So stick around, there's something that's going to happen in that mess.’ When the real resistance hits, it’s because you are on the right track, it’s not time to quit, it’s time to hold the line!TEXT: ACTS 4:1-12SONGS: HOLD THE LINE, JOURNEY WORSHIPIN CHRIST ALONE, WORSHIP INITIATIVETHE SOLID ROCKTHE JESUS WAY, I HAVE DECIDED, CHABROS MUSICI WON'T BACK DOWN, TOM PETTY

First, Peter exalts Jesus. Only in Jesus could there have been forgiveness.  Although it is Israel that is indicted, the world (Pilate) is found guilty on the same charges. The appeal to repent and be converted puts the Jew and Gentile on the same grounds. Justification through forgiveness in Jesus name is available to all. Just as the lame man could not walk but was made well through faith In Jesus, your broken condemned life can be healed by faith in Jesus. Amazingly, the name that announces our guilt is also the name that announces our salvation:  Jesus!   What’s in a name? EverythingTEXT: ACTS 3:11-26SONGS:THIS IS AMAZING GRACE, CHRIS TOMLINSUCH AN AWESOME GOD, MAVERICK CITYWHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME, PHIL WICKHAMTHERE IS A FOUNTAIN, JOURNEY WORSHIP

Jesus had said, at this very spot, that the miracles He had done spoke for Him. Peter is very clear; he is a representative of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  It is Jesus’ miracle not Peter’s. It’s as if Jesus had said 'just wait a few more weeks and your rejoicing will cause a thousand to rejoice with you. Your party is not ready yet!'    Then suddenly after Pentecost Peter says 'arise and walk, TODAY IS YOUR DAY!'When God performs miracles, it demonstrates His compassion and willingness to intervene in the lives of people, often in situations where they are suffering or facing seemingly impossible circumstances, thus showcasing His merciful nature. It is crucial to emphasize the necessity of the righteous motivation of Jesus miracles — for they are rooted in genuine, gut-felt compassion.TEXT: ACTS 3:1-11SONGS:IN THE ROOM, MAVERICK CITY, MATT MAHERI STAND AMAZED, LIFE SPRING CHURCHWHEN I THINK ABOUT THE LORD, STEVE FURTICKMERCY, ELEVATION CHURCHMY TESTIMONY, ELEVATION CHURCH

Jesus had told them to ‘wait for the promise of the Father’. ‘When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place’. Then they continued under the apostle’s direction and ministry as The Lord continued to build His church! When we see the Lord begin to pour out His blessings, and we continue in devotion, awe, generosity and joy we will find in an AWESOME CHURCH!"When Christians manifest that they are sincere and earnest in the cause of Christ; are united in affections and efforts; are joyful in the Lord, and strive to do good as they have opportunity to all, it may be expected that religion will prosper."Behold the employment of the primitive and apostolic Church.1. They were built up on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone.2. They continued steadfastly in that doctrine which they had so evidently received from God.3. They were separated from the world, and lived in a holy Christian fellowship, strengthening and building up each other in their most holy faith.BIBLE HUBTEXT: ACTS 2:42-47SONGS:CHURCH/TAKE ME BACK, COCHRANE AND CO.BETTER IS ONE DAY, MATT REDMANGRATITUDE,  I AM THEYBY OUR LOVE, FOR KING AND COUNTRY

Radical faith alters society!                                                                                              On that day, without a sound system or amphitheater, 3000 people were cut to the heart, believed in the resurrected Jesus and chose to identify as Jesus followers!  God had chosen to use a fisherman, Peter, who  dared to warn of impending doom and gloom to a rebellious generation but also offered hope of salvation to those who would call on the Name of the Lord. Then he persuasively established His claim that Jesus is the resurrected Lord. Just about two weeks earlier Peter had the greatest catch of his life; 153 large fish! Remembering that Jesus had told him, “I am going to make you into a fisher of men”, Peter cast a net again and took in 3000 souls: it would be The Fisherman’s Greatest Catch!'The first demand of Jesus’ public ministry was, “Repent.” He spoke this command indiscriminately to all who would listen. It was a call for radical inward change toward God and man.' TEXT: ACTS 2:22-41SONGS: JESUS DOES, WE THE KINGDOM                                                                          JESUS SAVES, PRISCILLA OWENS                                                                                COME YE SINNERS, WORSHIP INITIATIVE                                                                    LIVING HOPE, MARYANNE GEORGE, BETHEL.                                                            I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, BRANDON LAKE

Conclusion: Radical faith will bring an altered society: early in Acts God chose to use a fisherman. Peter dares to warn of impending doom and gloom to a religiously twisted, rebellious, self serving generation. Then, just as Joel had done 800 years earlier, Peter declares mercy in the name of Jesus: He says, ‘before the coming of that great and terrible day of the Lord, it shall be, that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.' "This Peter…. Stands up amidst the scoffers and the mockers on the very day of Pentecost with a voice that needed no microphone, bold, forward, ardent;  rises now to defend the apostles of Jesus Christ, and Christ himself, from an injurious charge. Infused by the Holy Spirit, now boldly confessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ! "TEXT: ACTS 2:14-21SONGS:HOUSE OF THE LORD, PHIL WICKHAMBUILD YOUR CHURCH, MAVERICK CITYJESUS AT THE CENTER, BETHEL WORSHIPHIS NAME IS JESUS, JEREMY RIDDLETHE KING IS COMING, RED ROCKS

Conclusion: Radical faith will bring an altered society and God chose to use a fisherman and a Pharisee to kick His church off the ground. Between Pentecost, 33 AD and 66 AD, when Paul dies, the world was turned upside down. Why? Because the Spirit descended on a group of average people who wanted to serve Him: that’s what the Book of Acts is all about.When Christians manifest that they are sincere and earnest in the cause of Christ;-and are united in affections and efforts; are joyful in the Lord, and strive to do good as they have opportunity to all, the Gospel is bound to  prosper. “     FBN COMMENTARYTEXT: ACTS 2:1-14SONGS: DOXOLOGY, BRIAN JOHNSONHANDS TO THE HEAVENS, KARI JOBECOME HOLY SPIRIT, COME, JOSH BALDWINSPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, VERTICAL CHURCH