Audio and Multimedia (31) By Chapter - Acts (0) Introductions, Outlines & Studies (27) Luke's primary purpose is to edify Christians by recounting how God's plan, coming to fulfillment in Jesus, had continued to unfold in the history of the early church. 9:5; Col. 1:1520; Heb. GODS DWELLING AMONG HIS PEOPLE. In his gospel presentation in Acts 10:3443, Peter does not quote the Old Testament, but his message remains consistent: Jesus lived, died, and was raised; he has been appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead; and everyone is called to repent and believe, to receive forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus. The Jewish traditions of purity made it virtually impossible for Jews to associate with Gentiles without becoming ritually unclean. He argues strongly against being circumcised if those arguing for circumcision believe that it is necessary in order to please God (Gal. In Saul, we see a rebel against God, who committed cosmic treason and was an enemy of God. GODS HEART FOR THE AFFLICTED. If we have put our faith in Christ, God sees us as pure, and how God sees things is how they truly are. At minimum, spend six to eight weeks on one overall topic. 11:2830). Gods grace is overflowing and abundant (Rom. Baptism Of The Holy Spirit. PDF Acts Of The Apostles - Executable Outlines Jesus is the opposite. THE GOSPEL IN ISAIAH 53. Consider your congregation's mission statement, the context of the community where you worship, or the special spiritual needs of those who worship weekly as you make plans for worship. Speaking at Solomons Portico (Acts 3:1226), Peter reminds his Jewish listeners of Gods promise to Abraham that, In your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Acts 3:25). When Festus attempts to transfer Paul out of his jurisdiction, Paul seizes the opportunity: taking advantage of his right as a Roman citizen, Paul appeals directly to the emperor, guaranteeing a journey to Rome. One term for these leaders is elder, here in Acts 20:17, and overseer in Acts 20:28 (see also 1 Tim. Pentecost is, in a sense, a magnificent reversal of Babel. They instigated and influenced his death, and Jesus also uttered his strongest words against religious leaders. 16:9; 19:21; James 4:1315), including kings and kingdoms (Prov. Can you think of any other Old Testament or New Testament passages that also illustrate this? This is the message of the gospel. 6:14; Titus 2:1112). Gods purposes continue to work through and overcome every obstacle, as what is intended to crush the movement becomes fuel for the gospels advance. The book of Acts does not primarily provide human patterns to emulate or avoid. Considering these passages, how is Paul unyielding about his obligation to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, and about their not having to keep the law? Just one tap away from sermons, blogs, and other resources. Jesus himself affirmed that he was the Messiah sent from God (Matt. Additionally, the Spirit is given credit for Stephens peace during his martyrdom in Acts 7. 25:31; 1 Cor. ACTS THE BOOK OF ACTS SERIES: CHURCH ABLAZE - LYLE1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24 SERIES: CHURCH - TRIVETTE..1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 SERIES: CHURCH - HUGHES..1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25, 26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36 SERIES: SERMONS ON PAUL - POWELL Now God is communicating that the gospel does not require Gentiles to become a part of Israels national identity. Don't Shoot The Messenger! Acts consistently grounds salvation in the ancient purpose of God, which comes to fruition at Gods own initiative. 3:17 and Titus 1:59). 5:16). 23:16; Lev. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The Book Of Acts Sermon Series | Capstone Church . Read Genesis 12:13. Acts 17:1-15, 30. As Christ laid down his freedom for their sake, so they find joy in laying down their freedoms out of love for others. WITNESSES. Pentecost is, in a sense, a magnificent reversal of Babel. He shows that even in the Old Testament, by Gods own words, he is not limited to a structure made with human hands (Acts 7:4850). Before the cross of Christ, all distinctions fall away. For the sake of spreading Gods grace, Paul insists that he can become all things to all people. Considering 1 Corinthians 9:1923, how is Pauls undergoing the rites of purification a picture of allowing for adaptation of nonessentials for the sake of mission, without compromising the gospel or his identity in Christ? To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. PDF "The Anointed Church' Acts 13:1-3 Come, Holy Spirit: The Book of Acts Context and motivation are critical to Paul. 42:6; 49:6). JESUS IS LORD. The law of God is perfect . Acts 21:37-22:21, 39. Acts | Monergism God offers comfort through his presence in the Prophets (see, e.g., Isa. Take a moment also to look back through this unit of study, reflecting on some key things that the Lord may be teaching you, and noting things to review again in the future. He promises them that they would testify to his power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. His humiliation reached its greatest depth when he gave his life on the cross for sinful human beings. His humiliation reached its greatest depth when he gave his life on the cross for sinful human beings. Help TGC bring biblical wisdom to the confusing issues across the world by making a gift to our international work. The grace of God is fruitful and effective, and we see God taking the initiative to spread his grace to ever-expanding numbers of people. The reference in Acts 13:4647 to Isaiah 49:6 shows that the inclusion of the Gentiles was Gods plan all along. Consider especially the grace of God. 1:82:10). The first three chapters of Acts form a triad focused on the Spirit and the empowerment for witnessing to the name of Jesus that the Spirit will bring. Gods suffering servants have always been sinners as well. For Jewish Christians, the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God would have felt like an unbelievable paradigm shift. 45:20; Jer. In the opening chapter, Jesus promises his disciples the Holy Spirit in power (Acts 1:5), commissions them to take the gospel to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8), ascends into heaven (Acts 1:9), and is promised to return again (Acts 1:11). The last lines in Acts say that Paul is proclaiming Jesus without hindrance (Acts 28:31). He has given up. As the church begins to experience persecution, they are fulfilling what Jesus predicted (John 15:1821). In Acts 17:115, the episodes in Thessalonica and nearby Berea offer vivid illustrations of nearly opposite reactions to the gospel. Someone superior in authority or status to another, similar to master. It is a common translation for several different Hebrew titles for God in the OT, and in the NT it refers to Jesus. Not Looking Good! Consider what you have learned that might lead you to praise God, repent of sin, and trust in his gracious promises. In Acts 10:916, Peter is given a strange and disturbing vision. . What connection is God making for Peter between the unclean animals in the vision and Cornelius and his household? . Paul is embroiled in a legal squabble that has kept him imprisoned in Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27), while he yearns to bring the gospel to Rome (Acts 19:21). How might Acts 1:8 provide a structural and thematic template for the rest of the book? Paul therefore asks that Timothy be circumcised, not as a requirement for salvation or even an act of obedience to God, but to remove a significant barrier as both men minister to churches of Jewish and Gentile congregations. They probably thought that Gentiles should become Jewish proselytes first, but they knew the Holy Spirit had come to the Gentiles when they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:46). Acts 9:19-43, 19. Like Moses, Jesus brings a law for the people of God from a mountaintop (Matthew 57; compare Ex. They are bold because they know that the effects of evil are fleeting, and those who oppose the gospel are no threat to God, who is always in control. 53:12). Acts 21:1-36, 36. 6:23). 2. 1:23). 22:1618; compare Matt. No one is able to overthrow the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation, both here in Jerusalem and to the end of the earth (Rom. Pergamos: A Compromising Commitment - Rev. When leading seminars, I often ask : "In the churches you've attended, how many of you were intentionally taught how to pray?" PDF Sermons in the Book of Acts - Bible Charts This is only half true. The gospels expansion is the culmination of what God has been doing since the beginning. 2:2). 5:2223). ), The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:113). . The ascension is Christs return to heaven from earth (Luke 24:5051; John 14:2, 12; 16:5, 10, 28; Acts 1:611; Eph. Sermons By Series By Scripture By Speaker By Date Sermon Series The Book Of Acts SERMON The End Is Only The Beginning Jeremy Burrage November 14, 2021 Acts 28:17-31 SERMON Storms, Shipwrecks, Snake Bites & God's Faithfulness Jeremy Burrage November 7, 2021 Acts 27:1-28:16 SERMON Paul On Trial. Pauls understanding of the local culture, however, does not prevent him from confronting their misconceptions and denouncing their idols (Acts 17:2930). Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. Do I not fill heaven and earth? One cannot run or hide from the presence of God. Consider preaching about how the Holy Spirit works in individual lives (personal piety and holiness) and in the corporate church (bold mission and ministry). 1:23). If so, how? The Psalms and the Resurrection of Jesus Acts 2: 25-36. Take time to reflect on the implications of Acts 1:126 for your own life today. We can also see that the Holy Spirit is very active in Gods people as He enables them to spread the word of God, quickly throughout the nations. There were many different outlooks on Gentiles among Jews during this time, but one cannot argue from the Old Testament that Gentiles (such as Cornelius, the Ethiopian eunuch, or the Roman centurion in Luke 7:110) are ignored or excluded by God. Christs incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection are the true fulfillment of the Old Testament promises of God. Obedience to God is seen in respect for his leaders, while resistance to God often manifests itself in resentment of them. Read Romans 11:1124. Then take time to consider the Personal Implications these sections may have for you. In the NT, the word refers specifically to those whom Jesus chose to represent him. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 21092114, available online at www.esvbible.org.). Just one tap away from sermons, blogs, and . (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 20862091, available online at. What reason does he give for his response? Mission. He works all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph. This simple statement poses a fundamental challenge both to the Jews and to the Romans. The Bible makes this point again and againthat there is nothing that we can do to earn Gods favor. As he promised, God is pouring out his Spirit on all fleshmen and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile. 1:18). The first to levy such charges are, as here, those who are zealous to keep and compel religious commands. He will then judge the living and the dead. Jesus contrasts his yoke with the yoke of the Pharisees, who heap burdens but do not lift a finger to help. Acts - Textual Sermons (Executable Outlines) Christians from the start have thought and spoken of God as omnipresent. God is present everywhere with his whole being. ENEWS. Later, Peter puts all the pieces together (Acts 10:28). Before looking at the range of this series . God favors the weak and burdened, not the spiritually proud. Read Pauls narrative in Galatians 2:121. A crucified God is a stumbling block and folly (1 Cor. The church continues to grow and experience tremendous blessing, but a new theme is introduced: significant opposition. Stephen concludes his speech with a direct attack on the Jewish authorities (Acts 7:5153), arguing that they, like the Jewish leaders of old, have persecuted and rejected Gods prophets. Jesus invites all who are worn out and carrying heavy burdens. 5:16). Acts 2:1-16, 4. But they learn that this is not yet the time to look for Jesus to return. He points to the spread of the gospel and their witness: from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. The Samaritans were not thought by Jews to have any part in the promises of God to his people. They cannot help but worship, but their worship finds the wrong object. The grace of the gospel frequently leads to the charge of antinomianism, or lawlessness: that if grace is free, people will feel free to sin all they want. How does Stephens speech up to this point condemn the leaders? What others intend for evil, God will work for good (Gen. 50:20). It is difficult to imagine a more dramatic example of loving ones enemies (Luke 6:2728). Timothy was not circumcised. 19:6). Satan will attack us with feelings of guilt and shame. 11:2830). . Grace motivates changed lives, as Paul writes: The love of Christ controls us! (2 Cor. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 20962101, available online at www.esvbible.org.). Upon Pauls return to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey, he is confronted and attacked by some of the Jews. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 21172131, available online at www.esvbible.org. This theme should be written in ways that will provide sufficient information for those who assist you in worship to write bulletins, to select music, or to schedule special visiting worship artists such as liturgical dancers or drama groups. For example, what does your congregation already know about the doctrine of the Holy Spirit? In Peters first sermon, an important theological teaching comes into view: Jesus is Lord (Acts 2:36; compare Rom. 3:2126; 8:14; 9:3033). Through Christ we can avail ourselves of a power that the law never had. This qualifies Jesus to be the unique mediator between God and humanity. Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. Jeremiah 23:2324, for example, states, Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? PDF Core 52 Sermon Series He is the one who enables the apostles to accomplish all their kingdom-advancing work, and he is the one who again and again enables and empowers Jesus disciples down through the ages. God had chosen Israel to be a people set apart, but they were meant to be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:3; 22:1618; Isa. Lastly, take a moment again to look back through this book of Acts, which you have explored during these recent weeks. Pauls example of selflessness leads to a stunned appeal for salvation and another example of Gods grace poured out to suffering sinners. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 20802082, available online at www.esvbible.org. 8:78), nor is our (fancied) goodness. Faith in Christ comes as a result of Gods gracious initiative, and even belief in the gospel is a gift of Gods grace, as Paul and Barnabas acknowledge when they revel in the fact that God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). . Why does he say they must do this (Acts 17:31)? 21:1; Dan. The Crowd That Gathered Acts 3: 11-18. Read Psalms 16:11; 17:7; 98:1; 139:10; and Romans 8:34 regarding the right hand of God. . The ascension guarantees that Jesus will always represent humanity before the throne of God as the mediator, intercessor, and advocate for needy humans. 19:20). 53:3), would be the one stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God (Isa. PDF Come Follow Me Sermon Series - South Carolina UMC Pauls Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:2321:16). What does Peters quote from Joel 2 say will happen? REDEMPTION. . Peter finishes his speech in Acts 2:36 with a short summary of his message: Jesus is Lord and Christ. Throughout his speech Peter provides a number of different points of evidence for the lordship of Jesus. But Paul was confident that God would fulfill his promise (Acts 23:11), and knew that Gods sovereignty works even through convoluted legal structures. 1. 16:912). . Acts 27:1-38, 44. Acts is the story of Gods grace flooding out to the world. . The group discussed possibilities for a sermon series on discipleship with a companion study for children, youth and adults. In Acts 2:513, the disciples speak in other tongues, and the resident foreigners hear them telling in [their] own tongues the mighty works of God (Acts 2:11). ), The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Return (Acts 1:111). The law serves only to heighten our understanding of our own sin, not to lessen it (Rom. . Jesus took on a full, complete human nature, including a physical body, so that he could truly represent humanity (Phil. Saul was at his worst, overseeing the murder of men and women in the church, with no sign of repentance, when Jesus met him on the Damascus road. 15:3). Commissioned by the Antioch church, Paul and Barnabas set off on their first missionary journey to bring the gospel to the Gentiles in Acts 1314. CHRISTS ASCENSION. In the midst of intense persecution, here in Acts 8:425 we see how God cares for the suffering. Looking at Acts 11:417, what things changed their understanding? This phrase is most significant, not as a declaration of incarnate humanness, but in relation to the figure in Daniel 7:1314 who receives supreme authority and an everlasting kingdom from God (compare Matt. We believe that faithful proclamation of the gospel is what our hostile and disoriented world needs. PURPOSE OF THE BOOK As indicated previously, the original purpose of both the gospel and Acts may have been to assist 23:1521; Deut. If the book was just before or after Paul's release, then it was likely written around 63 A.D. from Rome. 1:23). What aspects of Acts have confused you? from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:20). SALVATION. Following the tower-building at Babel, the nations of the earth were divided by language, unable to come together as a result of their rebellion against God (Gen. 11:19). . In the letter sent to the Gentile churches (Acts 15:2229), James writes, It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements. What are these requirements? The indictment that the Jewish authorities brought against Stephen in Acts 6 and Acts 7 is not a matter of mere abstract theological debate or nuance, because the law of Moses shaped nearly everything the Jews in Jesus day thought about themselves and God. We no longer regard ourselves or others according to what we can see, as we used to, and as we once wrongly regarded Christ himself. 2:4; Rom. These laws presented a problem for Gentiles: To live by them would make it virtually impossible to continue in their Gentile communities. After Paul and Barnabas complete their first missionary journey, the gospel has begun to take greater root among the Gentiles, but a religious faction arises to teach that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and must follow the law of Moses to be saved. Thankfully, we do not receive immediate judgment for our sins as Ananias and Sapphira did. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 21022108, available online at www.esvbible.org.). Acts Archives | Keep Believing Ministries For Jews, Moses was seen as the prophet on whom their religious traditions hinged. 2:5; Titus 3:5). Next, decide upon a general theme for your sermon, such as the love of God, faithfulness, or hope. He argues strongly against being circumcised if those arguing for circumcision believe that it is necessary in order to please God (Gal. Jesus gospel goes out to all places and all types of people, because Jesus is Lord of all. After the lame beggar is miraculously healed, how does the crowd respond to this miracle (Acts 3:911)? Acts 12:1-24, 21. David intentionally avoided harming the Lords anointed, even as Saul repeatedly attempted to kill him (1 Sam. In Acts 4:11, Peter points to Jesus fulfilling one of the Psalms: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (Ps. The gospel-centered focus of Acts can be pictured by expanding concentric circlesthe Holy Spirit brings Jesus good news to a small group of disciples, to 120 Jews, to Samaritans, to Gentiles, and to the entire world. Pauls outreach to the Gentiles, though it tends to stir up the Jews to jealousy, is simply a reflection of Jesus gracious approach to outsiders. But Paul enacts Gods rescue of this man, reversing his world of failure by offering life in spite of failure. Acts: A 12-Week Study 2014 by Justin S. Holcomb. 4:11; Philem. It was a one-day festival celebrating the wheat harvest (Ex. Acts 2:37-47, 7. According to the Bible, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. This miraculous communication did not depend on their education (which was minimal, among these . Then review the following questions concerning this section of Acts and write your own notes on them. David foreshadowed the suffering of the Messiah in a Psalm that Jesus quoted on the cross: They have pierced my hands and feet . JEWISH LAW. 10:8; Rom. ALL. In Peters gospel presentation to Cornelius and his household in Acts 10:3443, one of the repeated words is all. Over and over again, Peter uses the inclusive language of all to emphasize that Jesus Christ is Lord of all (Acts 10:36), and truly, God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 1:126. Take a moment now to ask for the Lords blessing and help as you continue in this study of Acts. Our burden is light because Jesus takes the yoke that burdens us and does the work for us in our place. Instead we regard ourselves and others according to the Spirit, through whom God has made us clean, pure, and whole (2 Cor. . After this passage, Scripture only mentions his ongoing ministry in a few passages, and only in passing. How does he respond (Acts 16:3334)? . The Samaritans were considered racial half-breeds. Here in Acts 8:1417, it appears that God withholds the full ministry of Spirit until the apostles arrive in order to draw a connection between the Jerusalem church and the Samaritans. The great difference between the prophets of old and Jesus is that they spoke of the Righteous One to come, whereas Jesus is that Righteous One. The Greek verb preach the gospel (. ) The New Testament teaches that Jesus is included in the divine identity (1 Cor. 19:20). 2: 18-29.pdf Download File 5. He and his household are saved through this grace, and Paul even offers to stay in prison in order to protect this mans life. This is study of Acts Chapter 11 it is the 14th studay in the series on Acts Scripture: Acts 11:1-30. Take a few moments now to ask the Lord to bless you, change you, and help you understand and apply the unique light Acts throws on the gospel to your life. Such behavior by the man who would become the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. Christians can be tempted to doubt Gods salvation, as Satan reminds us of the unclean blemish of sin in our lives. Those zealous for the law can see only the potential danger: If Christians do not fear punishment, they will do whatever they want. Because of their background, Jewish Christians would have struggled to share a meal with Gentiles who flaunted their traditional dietary customs. But Paul recognizes that the resurrection is the hope for which all of the Old Testament prophets waited and watched (Heb. God is clearly central to the gospels expansion. In Acts 11:118, the power of the gospel is seen in both the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God and in the churchs acceptance of them. Before the cross of Christ, all distinctions fall away. . In Acts 5:3539, the Pharisee Gamaliel gives a speech, and his words in Acts 5:3839 could be seen as a thematic description of the entire book of Acts. . Christ died for Stephen while Stephen was yet a sinner, showering him with undeserved grace. Acts Of The Apostles 4 imprisonment in Rome are 60-62 A.D. 7:12), but it does not enable people to do what it demands. For permission to reproduce/distribute these resources from Steve Cole (including the Word document and audio files found on the individual lesson pages below) please see Bible.org's ministry friendly copyright and permissions page. The Restoration of Israel As A Nation Acts 3: 19-26. There were many different outlooks on Gentiles among Jews during this time, but one cannot argue from the Old Testament that Gentiles (such as Cornelius, the Ethiopian eunuch, or the Roman centurion in Luke 7:110) are ignored or excluded by God. Let's Read the Bible! This is Gods plan of salvation. Stephens death makes an impression on Saul, who alludes to it later after his conversion (Acts 22:20). 2:48). Paul bases his hope on Gods raising of Jesus, which he sees as the final fulfillment of Gods promises through the Law and the Prophets. In Acts 15:79, to what does Peter refer? The grace of God motivates mercy in his followers. His harshest words were for the Pharisees, who he says tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on peoples shoulders (Matt. TGC Course | Knowing the Bible: Acts - The Gospel Coalition After Paul and Silas are savagely beaten and imprisoned for rescuing a girl from a dishonorable and probably oppressive occupation, we learn about the terror-ridden job of the Philippian jailer, one in which he faced death for any failure (see Acts 12:19). The book of Acts refutes such accusations (compare Romans 6), showing that those who have experienced grace are motivated by remembering Gods grace; because of Gods great love for them, they do whatever he wants. Read through the complete passage for this study, Acts 3:15:42. 22:44; 26:64; Mark 12:36; 14:62; Luke 20:42; 22:69). . FREEDOM IN CHRIST. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 20732079, available online at www.esvbible.org.). When individuals who believe the gospel and live Christ-centered lives come together, how do they worship corporately? As long as we attempt to salve our conscience through acting right, we will find ourselves bound to the taskmasters of guilt and fear: Have I done enough? JESUS IS THE BETTER MOSES. 12:3). 2:5). In Acts 1011, Peter preaches to Gentiles, who believe and are filled with the Spirit. 28:20). Smyrna: Riches within Poverty - Rev. Topical Sermon Series (Executable Outlines) . ", 3.

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