Service
Acts 6:1-7

I. Intro.
Big Idea: Our problems become blessings when we seek solutions together in Christ. John 13:35; 17:20-21
II. Messy
A. A church can be any size, and honor God, provided we’re disciples, who make disciples. Proverbs 14:4
B. The way the apostles handled the conflict brought out the best in the people rather than the worst. Philippians 2:14
III. Roles
A. The apostles were honest with themselves and the people.
B. In the early church all roles were equally important.
IV. Servants
A. “An elder is a servant who leads; a deacon is a leader who serves.”
B. The ways we can serve are as varied as we are! 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 2:9
V. Growth
​A. When we live out the gospel together we increase its proclamation.
B. When we speak and live out the gospel in unity church growth occurs.

Heroic
Acts 5:27-42

I. Intro.
Big Idea: The cross reminds us of the cost Jesus paid for us, and what it costs to respond to Him. Acts 5:20
II. Determined
A. In this passage we see a clash between kingdoms. John 3:16
B. The religious leaders resolutely resisted blame.
III. Gospel
A. When put under stress, the disciples blessed.
B. The resurrection provides ultimate hope.
IV. Compromise
A. Trouble comes specifically because of allegiance to Jesus. John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-6
B. Numbers are not the measuring stick of God’s approval.
V. Rejoicing
​A. Jesus came to remove our shame. John 19:17-18
B. We can obsess over our failure, or focus on Christ’s faithfulness!

Power
Acts 4:32-5:11

I. Intro Big Idea
God helps us overcome our fears in this world by causing us to fear Him. Matthew 10:28; 1 Corinthians 3:17
II. The Power of Grace
A. The people experienced extreme unity. John 13:35
B. Possessions were seen for what they are – not life.
III. God Knows
A. Deception is a big deal to God.
B. The Holy Spirit is a Person to which we’re all accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13
IV. God Judges
A. Ananias and Sapphira had broken trust with God. Joshua 7:1-26
B. Sapphira refused to be genuine.
V. Fear
A. Upholding God’s holiness provides opportunities to enter the tenderness of Christ.
B. We can be consumed by self-centeredness or delivered by the gospel.

Bold
Acts 4:23-31

• Big Idea
  • True strength isn’t living without fear, it’s overcoming what shakes us. 
• Raised Voices                
  • Peter and John were threatened.   
  • They decided to pray through their fear. Hebrew 12:28                                                                               
• Perspective                    
  • Do we pray first remembering God and who He is? Psalm 2 
  • In seeking God the Acts church recognized their problem was not the world.   
• Shaken 
  • We’re here because we need God’s presence.                                                                                                    
  • Earthquakes are common in the Bible. Matthew 27:50-51; 28:2; 1 John 4:4                                                                                                               
• Unshakable                                                                                                             
  • A mark of Christ’s presence in our lives is that we boldly proclaim Him.  
  • We can take part in what cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12:27