Messages 2011
12.04.2011
Trimming the Family Tree - Week#1 Every Ornament Has a Story
Genesis 38 -
11.27.2011
Thanks be to God For His Indescribable Gift
I Thess. 5:16-18 - We have so much to be thankful for with God. Look at the kind of God that He is and how that should shape our attitude toward Him?
11.20.2011
Courage - Do the Right Thing [Be Prepared for the Results]
Acts 17:17-34 - Do the right thing and expect God to come through - when He does you must be prepared to act!
Courageously speaking the gospel results in curiosity and creativity. How many different ways are there to share your faith?
Courageously speaking the gospel results in curiosity and creativity. How many different ways are there to share your faith?
11.06.2011
God Controls; I Respond
Acts 16:19-40 - God controls the circumstances and we control our response. We can choose to turn inward to self or outward and see opportunity. What will it be?
10.30.2011
Two Very Different Women
Acts 16:11-18 - We either live in freedom through Christ or in slavery to Satan. There is no in between.
10.23.2011
Did We Just Miss The End?
Philippians 1:20-24; Galatians 5 - If we are all still here and were not destroyed on October 21, then let’s see what does God’s Word teach about our reaction to waiting for the end? What should we be doing? Is it right to sit and wait?
These passages address a problem within the Thessalonian churches – specifically that some were so convinced that the end was near that they have quit their work and are waiting in anticipation of the rapture. They have done so for so long that the church now has to support them and their families. Paul clearly tells them that these guys are busybodies and should be rebuked.
What this tells us is that we should know what Scripture says about the end times and live like God is going to come back tomorrow but plan as though He may be a while.
For us – it may mean that we have some persecution to face, we may have to face some hard times. And if we are wrong about the order of events then we must be spiritually prepared for the hard times that are described in the end time events. Our very lives and families will be at risk of death. Either way – we have to live like we mean it!
Big Idea: Even if we did just miss the end – are we living like it is really coming?
These passages address a problem within the Thessalonian churches – specifically that some were so convinced that the end was near that they have quit their work and are waiting in anticipation of the rapture. They have done so for so long that the church now has to support them and their families. Paul clearly tells them that these guys are busybodies and should be rebuked.
What this tells us is that we should know what Scripture says about the end times and live like God is going to come back tomorrow but plan as though He may be a while.
For us – it may mean that we have some persecution to face, we may have to face some hard times. And if we are wrong about the order of events then we must be spiritually prepared for the hard times that are described in the end time events. Our very lives and families will be at risk of death. Either way – we have to live like we mean it!
Big Idea: Even if we did just miss the end – are we living like it is really coming?
10.16.2011
Is This The End of the World?
Mark 13:32-37 - What does the Word of God say about the end times? When will it be? What will it look like? How do I know when or what to look for?
In light of Henry Camping (and many others over the last 40 years), we feel it is necessary to take a little detour from the book of Acts to address the “end of the world” as Mr. Camping predicts it will happen on Oct 21. Pastor Dave will take this time to explain a brief overview of our understanding of the end times and then address the rapture specifically so that we can have a better idea of what God’s word says regarding it.
The Big Idea: People need to be aware of what God’s Word says but be about the business of doing what God’ Word says first..
In light of Henry Camping (and many others over the last 40 years), we feel it is necessary to take a little detour from the book of Acts to address the “end of the world” as Mr. Camping predicts it will happen on Oct 21. Pastor Dave will take this time to explain a brief overview of our understanding of the end times and then address the rapture specifically so that we can have a better idea of what God’s word says regarding it.
The Big Idea: People need to be aware of what God’s Word says but be about the business of doing what God’ Word says first..
10.10.2011
I Have My Rights...When the Spirit Says NO!
Acts 16:6-10 - Paul, Silas and Timothy move on and try to head east into Asia but the Spirit prevented them from going that way so they tried another direction. As they went that way (more west and north) they tried to enter another northern territory and the Spirit again said no – (Peter later wrote 1 Peter to those believers in that territory - see 1 Peter 1:1). They ended up way west of where they planned to be but then Paul had a vision and it indicated that they should continue west to Macedonia – they did.
There are some lessons to learn here about listening to the Spirit and knowing the right direction. How do we know it is the Holy Spirit?
Stay in His known will by staying in the Word of God
Keep living in obedience to what you see in the Word
Keep moving and watch for the obvious opportunities that God brings to you
Most of our biggest decisions in life can be found through living in obedience to what we already know and in living in a right way with God. Then – we tend to be able to do what we want as long as it is not contradictory to the Word and as long as God does not clearly close the doors along the way – do not force YOUR will upon God by misinterpreting the closed doors.
The Big Idea: Keep moving ahead in my daily walk with God and allow Him to open or close the doors of opportunity:
Be willing to see the signs
Be willing to act as He directs.
10.10.2011
There are some lessons to learn here about listening to the Spirit and knowing the right direction. How do we know it is the Holy Spirit?
Stay in His known will by staying in the Word of God
Keep living in obedience to what you see in the Word
Keep moving and watch for the obvious opportunities that God brings to you
Most of our biggest decisions in life can be found through living in obedience to what we already know and in living in a right way with God. Then – we tend to be able to do what we want as long as it is not contradictory to the Word and as long as God does not clearly close the doors along the way – do not force YOUR will upon God by misinterpreting the closed doors.
The Big Idea: Keep moving ahead in my daily walk with God and allow Him to open or close the doors of opportunity:
Be willing to see the signs
Be willing to act as He directs.
10.02.2011
I Have My Rights...Picking the Perfect Team
Acts 16:1-5 - IN this passage, Paul and Silas are traveling in reverse order of the trip they would probably have been on since the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas – Barnabas went to Cyprus so Paul went the other way via the land route. IN so doing they pick up a young man named Timothy that Paul had previously led to Christ. Paul wants him to travel with them and so has him circumcised. It seems like a bit of hypocrisy on the surface since Paul and Barnabas are delivering a message to these churches that says you do not have to do that. However, not so, Paul has Timothy get circumcised not for salvation but to reduce the barriers for his ministry to the Jews and Gentiles.
As a result - this improved their credibility in the towns that they visited and they were able to encourage and strengthen the faith of those in the churches.
Note for us – Doing something that is not biblically mandated or prohibited is sometimes necessary to gain credibility and respect. There is a lesson to be learned in what Paul asked Timothy to do because it lowered the barriers that were going to be there to reach people for Christ. A true believer is willing to give up his “right” to do something for the sake of strengthen someone else.
The Big Idea: The cost of being a real follower of Jesus means that I may need to sacrifice some of my personal rights in life for my reputation or character.
10.02.2011
As a result - this improved their credibility in the towns that they visited and they were able to encourage and strengthen the faith of those in the churches.
Note for us – Doing something that is not biblically mandated or prohibited is sometimes necessary to gain credibility and respect. There is a lesson to be learned in what Paul asked Timothy to do because it lowered the barriers that were going to be there to reach people for Christ. A true believer is willing to give up his “right” to do something for the sake of strengthen someone else.
The Big Idea: The cost of being a real follower of Jesus means that I may need to sacrifice some of my personal rights in life for my reputation or character.
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***Reversing the order in which sermons are posted here (most recent at top).
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01.02.2011
Week 1 - Quiet on the Set and...ACTION!
Acts 1:1-3 - Today we will overview it and point out that
it is full of success stories of the early church. It is full of people that
are passionate about living for Jesus and learning about His words and figuring
out together how to live them out. These people had made a commitment and the
commitment showed through their actions. What will we learn as we go through
the book of Acts throughout this year? We will see how God worked through
ordinary people to accomplish a worldwide impact for the kingdom!
What does Time to Act mean for us? I'll share a few of the vision items that the leaders see God unveiling as we pray and seek His face. It is past time to COMMIT - it is now TIME TO ACT!?
What does Time to Act mean for us? I'll share a few of the vision items that the leaders see God unveiling as we pray and seek His face. It is past time to COMMIT - it is now TIME TO ACT!?
01.09.2011
Week 2 - A Dramatic pause
Acts 1:4-11 - Jesus told His disciples to wait until the
"gift" arrived. They were still anxious - remember, they are on the heels of a
HUGE victory here - for the last forty days they were hanging out with a man
that was dead and now was alive! They are looking for that next BIG thing -
"what are we gonna do next?" Instead of taking over the kingdom of Israel he
gives them a crazy and strange command and then disappears from sight. Gone for
good? They are not sure yet because over the last forty days He popped in and
out a lot (literally). Then they head back to Jerusalem to wait.
Have you ever had to just wait to see how the Lord was going to work something out? Have you been able to just wait to see Him act or are you the kind that needs action and you take things into your own hands even before you KNOW what God wants? Let's see what the Word of God says about waiting on the Lord and what we do while we wait!
Have you ever had to just wait to see how the Lord was going to work something out? Have you been able to just wait to see Him act or are you the kind that needs action and you take things into your own hands even before you KNOW what God wants? Let's see what the Word of God says about waiting on the Lord and what we do while we wait!
01.16.2011
Week 3 - An All-Star Cast
Acts 1:12-20 - This passage shows us the list of the
disciples that were left and it might be good to take a look at these people
that are going to be the future leaders of "The Way". They are not yet
empowered by the Spirit but they are men that Jesus has spent 3 years pouring
Himself into and showing how to live with and love others.
Who are these men? They are from varying walks of life and even some very different ideological approaches to life. Look at Simon the Zealot and Matthew the Tax Collector - these guys should be enemies. But Jesus chose them both.
What about Osceola Grace? Who are our leaders? Are we from different walks of life? Do we all agree on everything? Do we follow the church leaders and honor their leadership? Let's look this over together today and see what God says about how we lead and how we follow!
Who are these men? They are from varying walks of life and even some very different ideological approaches to life. Look at Simon the Zealot and Matthew the Tax Collector - these guys should be enemies. But Jesus chose them both.
What about Osceola Grace? Who are our leaders? Are we from different walks of life? Do we all agree on everything? Do we follow the church leaders and honor their leadership? Let's look this over together today and see what God says about how we lead and how we follow!
01.23.2011
Week 4 - Casting Call
Acts 1:21-26 - Here we have a look at the criteria for
selection as an apostle to round out the original group of twelve. What did
they do? They set forth the criteria and then found men that matched it. They
chose through rolling of dice to pick one over the other. How does God work
through the rolling of the dice?
How do we choose leaders today for the church? Let's glance ahead at 2 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to see what to look for in a man to lead the flock. 1 Peter 5 is another place to look to see what Osceola looks for in leadership. How can you get involved? Let's see some practical ideas to begin the process of joining the leaders of Osceola Grace to do the work of God! It's Time to Act!
How do we choose leaders today for the church? Let's glance ahead at 2 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to see what to look for in a man to lead the flock. 1 Peter 5 is another place to look to see what Osceola looks for in leadership. How can you get involved? Let's see some practical ideas to begin the process of joining the leaders of Osceola Grace to do the work of God! It's Time to Act!
01.30.2011
A Crazy Day
Acts 2:1-13 - After all that has happened in the disciples
lives we hit the Day of Pentecost and unusual events begin to unfold and we see
a miraculous transformation in Peter and the rest of the church - is it a
pattern for today's church or a sign from God for that time of transition only?
Let's discover why God used something like the sign gift of tongues to spread
His good news rapidly.
02.06.2011
Only God
Acts 2:4-13 - We are going to finish looking at the
practice of spiritual gifts that seem more supernatural in nature. Where is the
balance between what the Word of God teaches and our nature to put God into a
"theological box"? If God wants to why wouldn't it happen and if He still does
use some of these signs sometimes why would He, where would He and
why?
02.13.2011
Peter's First Message - God's Act of Love
Acts 2:14-21 -
02.20.2011
Peter's First Message - God's Plan to Love
Acts 2:22-36 -
02.27.2011
Peter's First Message - God's Power in the
Response
Acts 2:37-41 -
03.06.2011
Addicted to the church
Ed Lewis leads a ministry called CE National that serves the local church and assists in making it as effective as possible in accomplishing its mission. He also spends six months out of the year serving in a CE National mission point called Urban Hope in Philadelphia, PA. This is an inner city ministry that is thriving as they live out the mission of loving people where they are and seeing them come to know Jesus. Listen in as Ed tells his story.
How can we have that passion and dedication to our local body of believers? What do we need to do to see people get “vested” in this mission?
How can we have that passion and dedication to our local body of believers? What do we need to do to see people get “vested” in this mission?
Ed Lewis (CE Nat'l \ Urban Hope):
03.13.2011
Addicted to the church (reprise)
Acts 2:42-47 - The main ideas of this passage are to show the way that the church interacted and as a result displayed the power of God. The word “devoted” in verse 42 – is the idea of “being addicted to”. In other words, these new believers could not get enough of the teaching, prayer and fellowshipping together with their new brothers and sisters in Jesus. As a result, they saw needs met, they experienced joy in their lives and they saw people coming to Christ each day.
Pastor Greg:
03.20.2011
Divine Appointments=Chances to Share His Glory
Acts 3 - We see the first miracle that Peter and John do
and the ensuing message that is produced as a result. There are several things
that we can learn from this story:
-we need to be prepared and willing to respond when the Lord brings chances across our paths
-when God shows His power – it is spectacular and awe-inspiring
-when God brings a chance to speak to someone – just talk about Him and give Him the glory
-when you share...God works
-we need to be prepared and willing to respond when the Lord brings chances across our paths
-when God shows His power – it is spectacular and awe-inspiring
-when God brings a chance to speak to someone – just talk about Him and give Him the glory
-when you share...God works
03.27.2011
It is NOT SAFE to Really Live for
Christ
Acts 4:1-31 - Peter and John are arrested for their
actions. They are questioned regarding how they did this miracle and they have
the chance to respond.
What can we learn from this event?
-God uses willing Spirit-filled people
-People who do not live Spirit filled or do not believe at all will not get it and will tend to oppose the message you have or deny it.
-When we are oppressed – we should be driven to prayer
-When God’s people pray for the right things – God moves!
What can we learn from this event?
-God uses willing Spirit-filled people
-People who do not live Spirit filled or do not believe at all will not get it and will tend to oppose the message you have or deny it.
-When we are oppressed – we should be driven to prayer
-When God’s people pray for the right things – God moves!
04.03.2011
Prayer Drives the Church to BE the Church
Acts 4:32-37 - Look at the results of a body that is
unified to seek the face of God and responds to His prompting. How do these
people reflect the heart of Jesus and what can we learn from them?
-They had a unified heart and mind (what causes this?
-They willingly met each others needs. -They continued to experience God’s power while sharing their faith.
What can we do to intentionally bring these things about in our church?
What choices need to be made to see this happen in our lives at Osceola Grace?
-They had a unified heart and mind (what causes this?
-They willingly met each others needs. -They continued to experience God’s power while sharing their faith.
What can we do to intentionally bring these things about in our church?
What choices need to be made to see this happen in our lives at Osceola Grace?
04.10.2011
Who's Behind the Mask
Acts 5:1-11 - Here is another story of people selling what
was theirs to give to the apostles in order to help meet needs – BUT – their
motives were anything but pure. God deals severely with a lack of purity and
integrity in the church. -In what ways do we lie to God? How does God feel about
it? The heart of the matter is the heart. It was not about the actions but about
what drove their actions. What drives us to do that and what do we do to get
past it?
04.17.2011
PALM SUNDAY
Extravagant Love - #1 Extravagant Love for Jesus
John 12:1-11 - This passage is the story of Mary anointing
Jesus at great cost to her own self. There are four key points to learn from
this story of extravagant love.
1.Extravagant love is precious to us (v. 1-3)
2.Extravagant love is pleasant to others (v. 3)
3.Extravagant love is perplexing to some (v. 4-6)
4.Extravagant love is pleasing to Christ (v. 7-8) (also Matt. 26:10; Mark 14:8)?
1.Extravagant love is precious to us (v. 1-3)
2.Extravagant love is pleasant to others (v. 3)
3.Extravagant love is perplexing to some (v. 4-6)
4.Extravagant love is pleasing to Christ (v. 7-8) (also Matt. 26:10; Mark 14:8)?
04.24.2011
EASTER
Extravagant Love - #2 Extravagant Love of God
Romans 5:6-8 & 1 John 3:1 - Why should we show
extravagant love to others like Mary did to Jesus? Because when we consider
this great and extravagant love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ we realize that
we are simply returning His love in a tangible way when we live to please Him
who gave His all for us.
What is next for you – If God showed His extravagant love for us and we give our lives to Him then we will willingly see ways to live out extravagant love for others.
What is next for you – If God showed His extravagant love for us and we give our lives to Him then we will willingly see ways to live out extravagant love for others.
05.01.2011
When the Gloves Come Off
Acts 5:12-42 - The heat gets turned up a little and the true picture of what following Jesus costs begins to become apparent. The Pharisees and the established religious community are not going down easy.
The followers of Christ are highly respected because of their devotion to Jesus Christ and the way that it was being lived out.
IF someone knows that you come to Osceola Grace- when they see your life style they will automatically expect that to be the expectation or norm of the body values?
The Religious leaders get jealous of the popularity and are tired of being accused of crucifying Jesus (true or not). Peter and John end up in Jail again and back at it again.
They are threatened again to stop and confess again that they cannot.
Were they dissuaded?
When the gloves come off and the opposition rises what do we do? Do we hide? Do we shrink back? Do we change what we are teaching? Do we talk less about the great things that God is doing? NO! We never stop!
The followers of Christ are highly respected because of their devotion to Jesus Christ and the way that it was being lived out.
IF someone knows that you come to Osceola Grace- when they see your life style they will automatically expect that to be the expectation or norm of the body values?
The Religious leaders get jealous of the popularity and are tired of being accused of crucifying Jesus (true or not). Peter and John end up in Jail again and back at it again.
They are threatened again to stop and confess again that they cannot.
Were they dissuaded?
When the gloves come off and the opposition rises what do we do? Do we hide? Do we shrink back? Do we change what we are teaching? Do we talk less about the great things that God is doing? NO! We never stop!
05.08.2011
The Morals of Motherhood
I Kings 3:16-28 - Here is the story of the two prostitutes that came before King Solomon to solve a dispute over whose son was whose. What does one learn on Mother’s Day from a story like this?
Three encouraging morals for Mom’s to remember:
1. There is no such thing as a perfect mom
2. God has answers to a mom’s problems
3. There is nothing like the power of a mom’s love
Let’s honor our moms for all they do and let this be a reminder of the love that God has for us in sacrificing and giving to us!
Three encouraging morals for Mom’s to remember:
1. There is no such thing as a perfect mom
2. God has answers to a mom’s problems
3. There is nothing like the power of a mom’s love
Let’s honor our moms for all they do and let this be a reminder of the love that God has for us in sacrificing and giving to us!
05.15.2011
Growth in Adversity
Acts 6:1-7 - Some of the believers were unhappy, unity had broken down, feelings of being overlooked or ignored were happening among some of the groups. This was a great problem to have! Why? This caused the apostles to recognize that the growth had pushed them to the point that they could not do it all! Now they needed to delegate and focus on their task at hand – prayer and teaching.
What to look for in establishing others as leaders:
• Committed to the local body (v. 3 “from among you”)
• A solid testimony of living a Spirit filled life (v. 3 “known to be full of the Spirit”)
• Experienced at making good decisions (v. 3 “know to be full of … wisdom”)
What to look for in establishing others as leaders:
• Committed to the local body (v. 3 “from among you”)
• A solid testimony of living a Spirit filled life (v. 3 “known to be full of the Spirit”)
• Experienced at making good decisions (v. 3 “know to be full of … wisdom”)
05.22.2011
The Scope of God's Plan is Large
Acts 6:8-8:1 - Stephen’s message and stoning occur in this section. It is significant to see how he was being used in a mighty way by God and then people decided to hate him for it! They argued with him and could not win (v. 9-10) and made up stories to get him condemned to death. In his own defense he preaches this massive sermon!
We see the whole picture of the redemptive plan of God laid out in amazing detail!
The larger plan of God always prevails!
We see the whole picture of the redemptive plan of God laid out in amazing detail!
The larger plan of God always prevails!
05.29.2011 - Due to technical difficulties this sermon will not be available. Sorry for the inconvenience.
06.05.2011
God Loves Mean People!
Acts 9:1-31 - We see here the conversion and calling of Saul. Saul was a mean man and was hunting down and killing believers. When God reached down and seized his heart and called him - He also called Ananias, a Damascus disciple, to go and pray over Saul and see Him filled with the Holy Spirit.
As the story unfolds, we see an immediate transformation in his life. (v. 19-22)
God causes growth when His people seek Him – it is not about persecution or peacefulness – it is about seeking God with passionate hearts. The church grew again in times of peace – v.31
What can we learn?
God did not intend for us to be transformed so we could live a comfortable life. He intended us to be transformed so that we could live on the edge for Him and share with as many as we possibly can about the hope in Christ that we have.
As the story unfolds, we see an immediate transformation in his life. (v. 19-22)
God causes growth when His people seek Him – it is not about persecution or peacefulness – it is about seeking God with passionate hearts. The church grew again in times of peace – v.31
What can we learn?
God did not intend for us to be transformed so we could live a comfortable life. He intended us to be transformed so that we could live on the edge for Him and share with as many as we possibly can about the hope in Christ that we have.
06.12.2011
Rescue 2011 - Our Mission: Saving Lives!
Zephaniah 3:17 -VBS kick-off Rally...Our God is mighty to save [Zephaniah 3:17]! His plan is all about rescuing us from sin and the bondage of Satan and bringing us into a right relationship with Him so that we can bring glory to Him through our lives.
06.19.2011
The Fun of Fatherhood
Proverbs 23:24 -We want to use Proverbs 23:24 as the encouragement to the fathers today. When our children do choose well, obey commands, chase the right things and pay the cost – look at the joy that it brings a dad!
06.26.2011
Way Out of the Zone
Acts 9:32-11:18 - Peter gets so yanked out of his comfort zone that he ends up having to defend his actions to the other apostles and leaders in Jerusalem. Wow – Peter, the leader and spokesperson, is now called on the carpet for what he has done. What could be so bad? Well, he healed a man lame for 8 years – not so bad. He raised a lady that was dead and brought her back to life (she shared her faith through acts of service to others) – not so bad. But then (in Acts 10) he really messes up and he knew it… He went into the house of a Gentile and led them to Christ AND THEN he ATE with them!
Lesson to learn – Being willing to follow the prompting of the Spirit may mean being uncomfortable with where God places you. I would like to shorten this to a smaller phrase when I use it in the message.
What sort of things make you uncomfortable?
Why do we avoid them?
What would you do if God asked you to do the uncomfortable thing?
Lesson to learn – Being willing to follow the prompting of the Spirit may mean being uncomfortable with where God places you. I would like to shorten this to a smaller phrase when I use it in the message.
What sort of things make you uncomfortable?
Why do we avoid them?
What would you do if God asked you to do the uncomfortable thing?
07.03.2011
God Bless America!
07.10.2011 God of Wonders, DVD pt.1
07.17.2011 God of Wonders, DVD pt.2
07.24.2011
See a Need - Meet a Need (Back To School Bash Rally)
I John 3:16-19 - People got saved at Antioch but there was no one to disciple them so the believers at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to teach them – he did for some time but felt the need for reinforcements – he needed help and so he went to Tarsus and brought Paul back – Paul had probably been in Tarsus for about nine years after visiting Jerusalem.
Main Point: It is important that new believers be discipled and it takes time and someone who is mature in Christ.
Main Point: It is important that new believers be discipled and it takes time and someone who is mature in Christ.
07.31.2011
Back To School Bash!
James 2:14-22 - Do you want to see how touching people’s lives by meeting real needs will open the doors for salvation conversation?
In 1 John 3:16-20 – see a need meet a need and show the love of God along with James 2:14-22 about faith and deeds...
08.07.2011
Time To Act Takes Time & Discipleship
Acts 11:19-30
08.14.2011
You Never Know What God Might Do
Acts 12:1-23 - King Herod arrests and executes James – it pleases the Jews so he arrests Peter and intends to do the same after the Passover. And angel rescues Peter – no one believes it! You never know what God might do and even when He acts – we sometimes do not believe it was Him!
After this Herod gives a speech – everyone loves it and they shout that he sounds like a god – by not saying anything Herod takes credit for sounding god-like and immediately he is struck down and died shortly thereafter. You never know what God might do – Do you give Him credit when credit is due?
God acts through mankind everyday – do we take the time to notice? Do we take the time to give Him glory? Or do we selfishly take credit ourselves?
You never know what God might do today… are you watching?
Main Point: God will always protect His glory and will do what it takes.
After this Herod gives a speech – everyone loves it and they shout that he sounds like a god – by not saying anything Herod takes credit for sounding god-like and immediately he is struck down and died shortly thereafter. You never know what God might do – Do you give Him credit when credit is due?
God acts through mankind everyday – do we take the time to notice? Do we take the time to give Him glory? Or do we selfishly take credit ourselves?
You never know what God might do today… are you watching?
Main Point: God will always protect His glory and will do what it takes.
08.21.2011
Overcoming Prejudice
Acts 10:1-34 - We will see the prejudice of Peter and then of the other Jewish leaders as we look at the way that they struggled seeing the Gentiles coming to Christ under the clear command of God.
08.28.2011
Distractions, Distractions
Acts 13:1-12 - Paul and Barnabas seemed to make a good pair (according to the Holy Spirit) because they are then set apart as a result of prayer and fasting and sent on a mission trip. The traveled and visited all of the Jewish synagogues along the way preaching the good news of Jesus. Sergius Paulus is the proconsul of the island of Cyprus and wanted to hear the Word of God from these guys. They share but there is a sorcerer/false prophet who distracts from the message – They plant the seeds and Elymas is confusing the message. Paul calls him out and then strikes him blind. As a result of this the proconsul became a believer. ( it is interesting that the man that is distracting the proconsul from the truth and pushing back the light with darkness is suddenly struck and cannot seek the light) (irony?)
Main Point: There are always distractions from the gospel message – we have to remain true to it and fight the forces of darkness (they really exist) .
Main Point: There are always distractions from the gospel message – we have to remain true to it and fight the forces of darkness (they really exist) .
09.04.2011
What if No One Listens?
Acts 13:13-52 -
As they continue on they get to a place called Pisidian Antioch - in the synagogue they get a chance to share – Paul shares in a unique way that reaches to sensitive heart of the Jewish people. We will see later that he changes how he presents the good news of Christ in different ways but never changing the truth of the message. They are invited back to speak again the next week. Many believed and many were attracted to the hope attached to the message however, the next week there was a huge crowd – more than ever and the Jews became jealous of Paul and Barnabas’s popularity. As a result they cause trouble and Paul turns from sharing with them to spreading the message to the Gentiles. Many, many believed but there was enough of an uprising creating by the Jews that they were thrown out of the region.
Main Point: we share the gospel with those who will listen and it may cost us greatly to do so but that does not stop us from doing so. If someone does not listen then we move on and share with others.
Main Point: we share the gospel with those who will listen and it may cost us greatly to do so but that does not stop us from doing so. If someone does not listen then we move on and share with others.
09.18.2011
What Does the Bible Say About Law and Grace?
Acts 15:1-35 - Here is a tough passage about the believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia that were being told that to “really” be a believer they had to now be circumcised. The Jews were bring the way of Judaism into the life of believers in Christ. Instead of being saved by grace they were being told “now you have to do this” or now you cannot do that” and it confused them about salvation by grace and faith alone. So what?
Well, in some ways we do the same thing… we either insist that a believer HAS to act this way or that way. If they do some things then they certainly cannot be a believer, right?
We will look at some principles that help us to see that as a believer you are responsible to behave how Christ would want you to and even though there are some gray areas of behavior – we should all use sound principles found in God’s word to determine the difference between selfish behavior or sanctified behavior.
Main Point: Even though we are free in Christ to do some things – we have to act as a mature person in Christ and ask ourselves is it best for the whole body if I do this?
Well, in some ways we do the same thing… we either insist that a believer HAS to act this way or that way. If they do some things then they certainly cannot be a believer, right?
We will look at some principles that help us to see that as a believer you are responsible to behave how Christ would want you to and even though there are some gray areas of behavior – we should all use sound principles found in God’s word to determine the difference between selfish behavior or sanctified behavior.
Main Point: Even though we are free in Christ to do some things – we have to act as a mature person in Christ and ask ourselves is it best for the whole body if I do this?
09.25.2011
When Christians "Disagree" (Fight)!
Acts 15:36-41 -In Acts 13:13 – It says that John Mark left them to return to Jerusalem – There is not an indication that this is a problem until here in Acts 15:37 where Paul and Barnabas disagree because Paul felt deserted by John. What is interesting is that God has used these two men mightily and now they are separating – God can even use disagreements to move people further in their walk and accomplish His purposes in a greater way.
We see in the accompanying verses how Paul taught churches to deal with conflict and the admonition that he gave them to forgive and be unified.
Interesting side note to the original story: In 2 Timothy 4:11 – Paul is in Rome in prison and writes to Timothy to bring Mark (John Mark) with him when he comes because “he is helpful to me in my ministry.” They have reconciled and they have served together and Paul wants to see him again.
Main Point: God wants us to live unified and productive lives as a family or a community. It does not mean that we do not have strife – it means that we deal with it in a Godly fashion.
We see in the accompanying verses how Paul taught churches to deal with conflict and the admonition that he gave them to forgive and be unified.
Interesting side note to the original story: In 2 Timothy 4:11 – Paul is in Rome in prison and writes to Timothy to bring Mark (John Mark) with him when he comes because “he is helpful to me in my ministry.” They have reconciled and they have served together and Paul wants to see him again.
Main Point: God wants us to live unified and productive lives as a family or a community. It does not mean that we do not have strife – it means that we deal with it in a Godly fashion.