Blog Archives

Divergence (Acts 4:1-13)

10/29/2017

Divergence
Acts 4:1-13

Big Idea
- We proclaim Christ based on what we know of Him.
The Bad News
- We’re constantly being evangelized.
- We naturally want to remain the gods of our own fallen worlds. Genesis 3:15
Greatly Disturbed
- The religious leaders had their minds made up before they considered the evidence. 1 Peter 3:14-15
- It’s hard for people to consider ideas that conflict with their ingrained identities.
Filled
- If you’re a believer in Christ, you have as much of the Hold Spirit as Peter. 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
- We all have an emptiness that can only be filled by one Person. Psalm 118:22-23
The Good News
- We don’t have to worry about what to say. Luke 21:12-15
- God can use all His children to tell the world about Jesus.

10/22/2017

Miracle
Acts 3:1-26

Big Idea
- We often think we know what we need, but Jesus gives us more than we can ever imagine. Matthew 6:22-23
Looking Down
- We all have a problem we can’t fix on our own. Acts 3:1-2
- Jesus asks more than we expect. Acts 3:4-5
Looking Up
- Peter’s faith drew the man into faith in Christ. Acts 3:7-8
- The whole point of miracles is point to the true miracle worker. Acts 3:9-10
Looking In
- Asking God for something “according to His will,” both humbles us and prepares us for His best. Acts 3:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:29-30; 13:13
- Repentance isn’t something we do, it’s something that happens to us. Luke 23:34; Acts 3:13-23
Looking Out
- We can trust Jesus with our pain. Acts 3:24-25
- We can offer others what we all need most – the gospel. Luke 10:16-20; Acts 3:26

10/15/2017

Gather
Acts 2:42-47

Big Idea
- Whenever we make much of Christ, He will draw people to Him. John 12:32
Meeting Together
- The temple was the one place people could meet with God.
- The people became God’s temple. Matthew 27:45-51; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Devoted
- They leaned into the ordinary. Romans 1:16-17
- Community requires mutual commitment.
Every in Common
- Let’s not be too quick to qualify the Acts church’s example of extreme generosity. Acts 2:44-45
- Give in the context of ongoing relationships.
Saved
- We’re shaped by the people we spend time with. Genesis 2:18; Psalm 24:3-5;1 Corinthians 15:33
- Focus on praising God instead of proving yourself to Him, and others. Acts 2:47

10/8/2017

Truth
Acts 2:14-41

Big Idea
- God has called us to account for our sin, so that we can be made right.
Explanation
- What was unclear, Peter clarified. Joel 2:28-32;1 Corinthians 15:12-20
- Prophecy is proclaiming truth about God. John 15:26-27; Romans 10:8-13; Hebrews 12:2
Proclamation
- God is going to judge us. 1 Corinthians 4:4-5
- Our life with God is not about our performance, but what He has performed for us in Christ. Psalm 16:8-11; Psalm 110:1
Promise
- Turn to God. Acts 2:37-39
- Be saved. Acts 2:40-41

10/1/2017

Fire
Acts 2:1-13

Big Idea
- The Holy Spirit transforms our lives through His fearless love.
Division
- God knows that apart from Him unity is ultimately destructive. Genesis 11:1-9
- We tend to try to make others see things from our perspective.
Together
- Perfect love drives out fear. Exodus 3:1-21; Acts 2:1-3; 1 John 4:18
- In Christ we’re no longer alone, and we’re no longer our own. Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:6
Tongues
- The Holy Spirit makes us smarter. Acts 1:8; 2:4-7; Ephesians 5:18
- The Spirit makes the gospel go out and differences disintegrate. Acts 2:8-11
Restoration
- Be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:6-8; Ephesians 5:18
- We will be mocked. Acts 2:13