Appointed

Romans 1:1-7

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can live for God’s glory together by experiencing His grace.

II. Called
A. Paul saw himself as a slave. Romans 1:1
B. Paul represented Christ’s interests, not his own. Romans 1:1

III. The Gospel
A. Jesus is the greatest King offering the greatest gift. Romans 1:2-3
B. The gospel is something God accomplished. Psalm 49:7-9; Romans 1:4

IV. Belong
A. Christianity is a way of life that’s all about death. Romans 1:5; 1 John 4:19
B. We’ve been called to belong. Romans 1:6

V. Holy People
A. Pray for the faith to make God’s glory the goal of your life. Romans 1:7
B. Our life of faith invites others to obedient trust in Christ. Romans 1:7

​The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s one of the most memorable gifts you’ve ever received?
• What was something from Sunday’s message that was meaningful to you, or that you struggled with?
• Why is it hard for people to view themselves as slaves to Christ? Or to view Christ as Master?
• Many churches communicate that they’re “gospel-centered,” or “Christ-centered” (as we do at First Baptist Elma). What in the world does that even mean?
• Read Matthew 10:37-39. How can such teaching by Jesus be considered Good News?
• How can belonging to Christ, as members of a church, shape our lives?
• What’s a way you’d like to be more faithful in Christ?
• What’s something going on in your life that you’d like to see Christ glorified in? Pray for one another.

Legacy
Ruth 4:13-22​

I. Intro
Big Idea: God has given us a hope and a future; so, we can seek Him with all our hearts. Ruth 1:16-17; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Romans 8:28; Galatians 5:6
 
II. Possible
A. Experience the impossible. Ruth 4:13; Matthew 19:16-30
B. Redeemers provided a legacy. Ruth 4:14; Romans 2:4
 
III. Look Around
A. God makes a difference. Ruth 4:14-15; Psalm 51:17
B. Naomi was no longer bitter. Ruth 4:16-17
 
IV. Family
A. We’re all products of our families. Ruth 4:17
B. God remembers people. Ruth 4:17-21; Matthew 1:1-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17
 
V. Invitation
A. In Christ things don’t turn out the way we expect.
B. We can invite people into a new family. ​

Prodigal
Luke 15:11-32

Questions to consider:

• Vv. 11-12 What’s the younger son’s problem?
• Vv. 13-16 What were the consequences of the younger son’s decision to collect his stuff and head for a distant country?
• Vv. 17-19 What brought the younger son to his senses? When he came to his senses, what did he remember about his father?
• Vv. 20 What do we learn about God from verse twenty?
• Vv. 21-24 How do these verses help us understand repentance/what it means to turn to God?
• Vv. 25-27 Why didn’t the older brother go into the house and find out for himself what was going on?
• Vv. 28-30 In what ways was the older son just as lost as the younger son?
• Vv. 31-32 What did the father want the older son to focus on?
  

Application:

• Which son do you identify most with in this story? Why?
• How has God spoken to you through this story today?
• What changes in belief, attitude, or actions do you need to make based on what we’ve found in this story?
• Who’s someone you can share this story with?

Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35

Consider:

• Vv. 21-22 With whom is Jesus sharing this story?
• Vv. 23-25 How is our sin like the first servant’s debt?
• Vv. 26-27 Why did the servant ask for patience instead of mercy?
• Vv. 28-29 What did the first servant’s words and actions toward the second servant demonstrate?
• Vv. 30-31 Why were the other servants “greatly distressed”?
• Vv. 32-34 Why is torture an appropriate penalty for not showing mercy?
• V. 35 How do we forgive from the heart?

Respond:

• In what ways are you like the unmerciful servant?
• How has God spoken to you through this story today?
• What changes in belief, attitude, or actions do you need to make (with the help of God and others) based on what we’ve found in this story?
• Who’s someone you can share this story with?

Gleaning
Ruth 2:14-23

I. Intro
Big Idea: God gives us what we need, so that we can be restored.
 
II. Leftovers
A. God wants all people to be rescued. Ruth 2:14; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 2:9
B. Ruth was willing to receive what Boaz offered. Ruth 2:14
 
III. How Much
A. Going beyond the law puts us in the much more of God’s grace. Ruth 2:15-16
B. We grow when we obey. Ruth 2:17-18
 
IV. Redeemer
A. Boaz was blessed in blessing Ruth and Naomi. Ruth 2:19-20
B. The good news is that God has sent His Son to redeem us. Ruth 2:20; John 3:16
 
V. Stay Close
A. God calls us to know Christ as our Savior — our all in all. Ruth 2:21-22; Ephesians 4:6
B. Waiting on God leads to restoration. Ruth 2:23

Faith
Ruth 3:1-6

I. Intro
Big Idea: Since God is in control we can look to Him in our decision making. John 6:44
 
II. Desperate
A. Naomi cared about her daughter-in-law’s future. Jeremiah 17:9; Ruth 3:1; James 1:5
B. Naomi formulated a sketchy plan for Ruth in the present. Ruth 3:2
 
III. The Plan
A. Our clothing communicates something. Ruth 3:3
B. This passage is descriptive, not prescriptive. Ruth 3:3-4
 
IV. Facetime
A. There’s never a perfect scenario for following God. Ruth 3:5
B. Ruth willing put herself in a place to be noticed. Ruth 3:6; John 1:1, 14
 
V. Legacy
A. Respond to the gospel, instead of relying on intuition.
B. Our trust in Christ leads to a legacy of grace. Romans 10:11

Kindness
Ruth 3:7-18

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can be consumed by God’s kindness or settle for sin. Ruth 3:1-6
 
II. Who Are You?
A. Boaz treated Ruth as a person. Ruth 3:7-9
B. Ruth proposed that Boaz propose. Ruth 3:9
 
III. Do Not be Afraid
A. The true Hero of this story is God. Ruth 3:10; Psalm 11:5; Isaiah 25:10, 56:6-7; Matthew 5:45; 1 Timothy 2:4
B. Ruth’s trust in God was reflected in her integrity. Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 31:30-31
 
IV. Honor
A. The Christian gives everything, and every relationship to Christ. Ruth 3:12-13; Song of Solomon 2:7
B. Waiting on God is not a passive endeavor. Ruth 3:13-14
 
V. Not Empty
A. Remember you have a Redeemer. Ruth 3:15-1 7; Romans 2:4
B. Settle matters today. Ruth 3:18; 2 Corinthians 6:2

Trials
Acts 25:1-27

I. Intro
A. Big Idea: Christ is our Judge. Acts 9:15-16; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4
 
II. New on the Job
A. Festus was decisive (at least at first). Acts 25:1-5
B. Jesus wins. Acts 25:6-7
 
III. Defense
A. The pressures of Festus’ job got to him. Acts 25:8-9
B. Paul wasn’t avoiding trouble. Acts 23:11; 25:10-12
 
IV. Resurrection
A. Paul’s fate was sealed. Exodus 20:13; John 8:44; Acts 25:13-15
B. The crucifixion and resurrection show God cares and has a plan to deliver us. Acts 25:16-22
 
V. Deserving Death
A. Experience Christ’s glory. Acts 25:23-24; Romans 5:8
B. We can persevere. Acts 25:25-27

Story
Acts 26:1-32

I. Intro
Big Idea: God desires to change lives completely.
 
II. Death
A. Paul considered himself fortunate. Acts 26:1-8
B. We’re all stillborn. Acts 26:9-13; Ephesians 2:1-5
 
III. Rescue
A. We resist the One who loves us. Acts 26:12-15
B. God first loved us. Acts 26:16-18; 1John 4:19
 
IV. Awake
A. Christ causes us to wake up. Acts 26:19-20
B. Salvation in Christ is for everyone! Acts 26:21-24; 1 Corinthians 1:18
 
V. Believe
A. Be a witness. Acts 26:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:6
B. Know the joy of being an ambassador of the gospel. Acts 26:28-32

Storms
Acts 27:1-44

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus is greater than our storms.
 
II. Wisdom
A. The Christian life is hard. John 13:34-35; Acts 27:1-8
B. Paul used commonsense. Acts 27:9-12; 2 Corinthians 11:25
 
III. The Storm
A. The storm brought them in touch with reality. Acts 27:13-20
B. God erodes our self-confidence to remind us of His faithfulness. Acts 27:21-25
 
IV. Wrecked
A. They had to stay on board to be saved. Acts 27:27-32; 1John 2:19
B. It wasnt just the religious who gained courage as they broke bread. Acts 27:33-38
 
V. Daylight
A. Faith means trusting God in every moment. Acts 27:39-41; 28:1; Philippians 1:6
B. Seeking Christ amid storms leads to others seeing Him. Mark 4:38-41; Acts 27:42-44

End of the Beginning
Acts 28:1-31

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can live out the unhindered gospel because God is in control.
 
II. Hospitality
A. Jesus took Paul’s punishment upon Him at the cross. Acts 28:1-6
B. Paul was willing to receive hospitality and help. Acts 28:7-10
 
III. Intentional
A. Paul knew he had nothing to fear. Acts 28:11; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10
B. Paul wasn’t a flight risk. Acts 28:12-16
 
IV. Passion
A. People attempt to thwart the gospel as it stands in contrast to their values. Acts 28:17-22
B. God uses people who believe. Acts 28:23-28
 
V. Unhindered
A. Abide in grace. Acts 28:30
B. Nothing stops the gospel. Acts 1:8; 28:31

Resurrection
Acts 17:16-34

I. Intro
A. Big Idea: Because of Jesus Christ we can partake in everlasting worship.
 
II. Babbler
A. The Athenians believed life would go well if they made proper sacrifices. Exodus 20:4; Psalm 115:8; Acts 17:16
B. Everyone has a worldview. Acts 17:17-21; 2 Corinthians 10:4
 
III. Offspring
A. Paul politely addressed their obliviousness. Acts 17:22-23
B. What makes God different?
1. God is the Maker of everything. Acts 17:24
2. God doesn’t need anything from us. Acts 17:25
3. God made us to know Him. Acts 17:26-27
4. God made the way for us to know Him. Acts 17:29-30
 
IV. Turn
A. We all have a sense of ultimate accountability. Acts 17:31
B. The resurrection proves God has the power to rescue us. Acts 17:31
 
V. Engage
A. Instead of withdrawing, we can engage people. Acts 17:32
B. Love matters. Acts 17:32-3

Unstoppable
Acts 19:1-4

I. Intro
Big Idea: The gospel is unstoppable. Acts 18:1-11
 
II. More Adequate
A. Apollos believed in Jesus but was missing critical information about how He saves. Acts 18:19-25
 
B. Priscilla and Aquila spoke up because the gospel was at stake. Acts 18:26-28
 
III. Hadn’t Heard
A. Somehow the Ephesians’ faith seemed incomplete. Acts 19:1-3
B. Luke underlines the difference between “try harder” Christianity and trusting Christ. Acts 1:8; 19:4-7; Colossians 3:5, 10
 
IV. Good News Travels
A. There’s only one way to enter God’s kingdom. John 14:6; Acts 19:8-9
B. The people who received the gospel couldn’t keep it to themselves. Acts 19:9b-10
 
V. Positive Troubles
A. The gospel makes a continual difference in our lives. Acts 19:17-20
B. Dead ends can lead to new life in Christ. Acts 19:24-28, 32

Commitment
Acts 20:13-37

I. Intro
Big Idea: True community comes through commitment and sacrifice.
 
II. Greatly Comforted
A. Christian unity is community on purpose. John 3:16; Acts 20:1-6
B. The gospel calls us to wake up! Acts 20:7-12
 
III. Compelled
A. Commitment within community starts with leadership. Acts 20:16-21; 1
Thessalonians 2:8
B. Paul’s commitment reflected the reality of the gospel. Ecclesiastes 1:2; Acts 20:22-24
 
IV. Sanctified
A Unless unity is grounded in truth no one will be set free. Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; Acts 20:25; Galatians 5:23
B. In Christ we can learn to trust. Acts 20:28-31
 
V. Accompanied
A Spending ourselves leads to relational riches. Acts 20:35
B. Take hold of that which first took hold of you in Christ. Acts 20:36-37; Philippians 3:12-14

Overcome
Acts 22:1-30

I. Intro
Big Idea: In Christ we can exchange fear for hope.
 
II. Background
A. Paul already considered himself dead. Acts 20; 21:23-24; Romans 8:36
B. Paul was a peacemaker but ended up starting another riot. Acts 21:26-36
 
III. Fear and Hope
A. In fear we generally have three choices: fight, flight, or freeze. Acts 21:40; 22:1-2
B. We never talk ourselves out of fear, but Jesus’ calls us into hope. Acts 22:3- 21
 
IV. Citizenship
A. Why fear when your citizenship is secure? Acts 22:22-28; Ephesians 3:20
B. Paul’s citizenship in heaven drove him beyond his fears. Acts 22:29; Colossians 3:2; 1John 4:18
 
V. Stand
A. Have fellowship with our Savior. Acts 22:33; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 3:18
B. Be prepared. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Clear
Acts 23:11; 24:1-26

Big Idea: A clear conscience leads to seeing God. Acts 23:11
 
II. Charges
A. Anyone can rationalize anything. Acts 24:1-3
B. Tertullus wasn’t interested in the truth. Acts 24:4-9
 
 
III. Resurrection
A. Paul’s opponents were also hoping for the resurrection? Acts 24:10-16
B. If the resurrection is true, that means we’re all accountable to God. Acts 24:17-21
 
IV. Acquainted
A. Felix knew all about Christianity, but he didn’t know Christ. Acts 24:22-23
B. They could’ve missed the cost of salvation, and what it means to be saved! Acts
24:24-25
 
V. Priorities
A. Don’t wait. Acts 24:25; 2 Corinthians 6:2
B. Be found in God’s favor. Acts 24:26-2

Strong
Acts 14:1-28

I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s strength delivers people.
 
II. Bold
A. We’re always communicating something. Acts 14:1-3
B. We need to be intentional. Matthew 10:34; Acts 14:4-10; 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
 
III. Humble
A. Jesus came to resolve our biggest problem. Acts 4:11-13
B. Paul and Barnabas were bold, and humble. Acts 4:14-18
 
IV. Narrow
A. Popular opinion is a dangerous thing. Matthew 7:13-14: Acts 4:19
B. Expect pushback. Acts 4:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Galatians 6:17
 
V. Discipleship
A. Paul trusted the discipleship process to God through the local church. Acts 4:21-25
B. God is able to do more than all we ask or imagine. Acts 4:26-28; Ephesians 3:20

Clarity
​Acts 15:1-29

I. Intro
Big Idea: The gospel unburden s us from the past to move forward into a new future.
 
II. Certain People
A. The Jews thought their religion equaled a relationship with God. Acts 15:1-3;
Galatians 3:10
B. Defining love helps us to live in it and live it out! Acts 15:4-5
 
III. Consider
A. The Law reminds of the cost of entering God’s presence. Acts 15:6-7
B. Religion adds burdens, the gospel subtracts them. Acts 15:8-11
 
IV. Agreement
A. James used his influence to point people to the Bible. Acts 15:12-18
B. Guidelines were given for the sake of unity. Acts 15:19-21
 
V. Distinct
A. Jesus became vulnerable for us. Acts 15:22-26
B. We have opportunity for unity in Christ. Acts 15:27-28

Plans
Acts 16:1-40

I. Intro.
Big Idea: We have our plans, but God’s plans are better. John 3:16
 
II. Closed Doors
A. When we focus on the gospel, the gospel goes forward. Acts 16:1-5; 2 Timothy 1:5
B. God was the one who was working, but Paul and his friends were faithful to proclaim all they saw Him doing! Acts 16:6-10
 
III. Opened Heart
A. “Get going, and trust God.” J.I. Packer. Acts 16:11-14
B. Lydia believed through a simple conversation. Acts 16:14-15
 
IV. Slavery
A. There’s power in the name of Jesus. Acts 16:16-18
B. This slave girl was liberated spiritually with drastic results. Acts 16:19-21
 
V. Trembling
A. Amid our worst days — God is at work. Acts 16:22-28
B. We can wallow in our disappointment or get up and find ourselves surrounded by God’s grace. Acts 16:29-40

Reason
Acts 17:1-15

I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus was wounded so we can receive peace.
 
II. Persuaded
A. Jesus’ scars bring healing. Isaiah 53:4-11; Acts 17:1-3; 1 Peter 2:24
B. Christianity is reasonable. Acts 17:3-4
 
III. Bad Characters
A. Out of control behavior often comes from a need to control. Acts 17:5: Romans 2:24
B. If we live out who we are in Christ, we’re going to stand out. Acts 17:5-9
 
IV. More Noble
A. Paul was driven by Christ’s loyal love. Acts 17:10
B. Our faith does not rest on man’s wisdom, but on God’s power. Acts 17:11-12; 1
Corinthians 2:5
 
V. Moving On
A. Jesus willingly endured shame to bring you to God. Luke 19:41-44; Acts 17:13;
Hebrews 12:1-2
B. We can help people to become self-feeders. Acts 17:14-15

Distinction
Acts 10:1-48

I. Intro
Big Idea: Our trust in the gospel is part of God’s plan to reach the world.
 
II. Devout
A. Cornelius sought Yahweh.
B. God prepares us to receive Christ’s forgiveness. Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8
 
III. Invited
A. Peter was still trusting in his own righteousness. Matthew 15:16-19
B. We’re meant to be one in Christ. Galatians 3:26-29
 
IV. Expectant
A. Everyone realized they were in God’s presence and were eager to hear God’s Word.
B. God is not a face receiver. Acts 10:34
 
V. Unstoppable
A. Do something simple.
B. Be distinguished by grace.

Christian
Acts 11:19-30

I. Intro
Big Idea: God changes us, to change the world.
 
II. Good News
A. Christians scatter.
B. Often the best ideas are right in front of us.
 
III. Uncertain News
A. The church in Antioch was different.
 
B. Barnabas gave courage.
 
IV. Teaching
A. Sometimes to further God’s work we need to step aside.
B. Radical unity exemplifies the gospel.
 
V. Gifts
A. God’s grace makes us gracious.
B. God picks unlikely people, in unlikely places, to bring about His kingdom.

Weak
Acts 12:1-24

I. Intro
Big Idea: We either live to exalt ourselves, or Christ.
 
II. Praying
A. The way James lived and died made a difference for Gods kingdom. Acts 12:1-2
B. Everything Herod did was for the approval of people. Acts 12:3-5
 
III. Deliverance
A. God cannot be mocked. Acts 12:6-11; Galatians 6:7
B. The disciples prayed for what God was in the middle of accomplishing. Acts 12:12-17
 
IV. Destruction
A. Those around Herod suffered. Acts 12:18-19
B. Herod’s final moments were a tribute to his self-centered life. Acts 12:20-23; Romans 6:23
 
V. Flourishing
A. We won’t always see the results of trusting God. Acts 12:24
B. In Christ, the way down is really the way up. James 4:10

Appointed
Acts 13:13-52

I. Intro
Big Idea: If we exalt Christ, we can trust Him with the results of our faithfulness.
 
II. Back Story
A. John Mark failed to count the cost. Acts 13:13-14
 
B. Sometimes the best way to share our hope is to begin with the hopes we share. Acts 13:14-22
 
III. The Savior
A. Paul challenged them to apply what they knew into actual faith. Acts 13:23-25
B Before Paul pointed out to their sin — he proclaimed the Savior. Deuteronomy 21:23; Acts 13:26-29
 
IV. Resurrection
A. Resurrection is a specific hope. Acts 13:30-35
B. There is a time to share the truth. Acts 13:36-37
 
V. Response
A. There must be a “you-moment.” Acts 13:38-41
B God’s looking for the willing. Ezekiel 22:30; Acts 13:42-52