This is the 20th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
King Herod flexes, the church prays (12:1-5).
King Jesus rescues, the church is amazed (12:6-18).
King Herod retaliates, King Jesus remains (12:19-25).
Discussion Questions:
Who/what are some earthly kings that seem to be able to do what they want against the Church? How does Acts 12 re-orient you to King Jesus’ power?
Can you think of a moment when King Jesus showed His power in your life? How does that story help you endure the moments when the kings of this world seem more powerful?
This is the 19th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
The Church flees north, and evangelizes as it goes (11:19-21).
The Church in Jerusalem investigates…and gets reinforcements (11:22-26).
The church in Antioch cares for the church in Jerusalem (11:27-30).
Discussion Questions:
If the world were to give our church (or the American church in general) a nickname based off of our behavior, what would it be?
If you look at the traits of the church in Antioch (Bold in evangelism, gracious with encouragement, humble in leadership, generous with resources), which would you most like to grow in?
This is the 18th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
Context: Jesus is always working behind the scenes (10:1-35).
Peter’s preaches the Gospel without favoritism (10:36-43).
The Holy Spirit and the Church work in unison (10:44-48).
The church in Jerusalem tries to catch up (11:1-18).
Discussion Questions:
Where did you observe a lack of unity in the American church in 2020? How might the truth of this passage helped that turn out differently?
In v. 47 Peter uses baptism as a tangible expression of the Gentiles acceptance into the People of God. What can our church/you do tangibly to demonstrate the acceptance of outsiders?
What suggestions would you have for someone who is struggling to love a person who is different from them? How does the Gospel fuel that love?
This is the 16th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
Saul encounters Jesus (9:1-9).
Saul experiences Jesus’ love through Ananias (9:10-19).
Saul engages the Church and its mission (9:20-31).
Discussion Questions:
Looking back on the story of your life, where can you see God was the initiator in your salvation? If you do not consider yourself a Christian, what “coincidences” brought you here this morning?
Share a story of someone’s conversion that you find astounding. In your own words, why is every conversion astounding? What does this truth change about your view of the local church?
How has Jesus changed you? How is He changing you?
This is the 15th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Summary:
The Holy Spirit leads
Any kind of church or Spiritual growth only happens through the work of the Holy Spirit
God’s Word is Explained and Preached
Romans 10:14; Luke 24
Philip Explains Isaiah 53:7-8
The Gospel Advances to all Kinds of People
The Key is not status, it is openness and humility before the Lord
Discussion Questions:
Where is a place or a person the Holy Spirit might be leading me to reach out to? Have there been any circumstances that have pointed me in that direction?
What was a time you can remember where the Preaching of God’s Word had a big impact on your life at that moment? What are the biggest obstacles to this being a regular event in your life? How can you prioritize and clear out the clutter in your life to prioritize sitting under the preached Word of God, with other believers?
How has Spiritual Growth happened in my life when I’ve intentionally served or leaned into a relationship with someone who is an “outsider” in my normal relational circles?
