Acts 9:32-43 NIV

32) As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33) There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34) “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35) All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  36) In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37) About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38) Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”  39) Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.  40) Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41) He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42) This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43) Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

TAKEAWAYS

How can we apply resurrection to our lives?

1. To be a Christian is to experience a resurrection we’ve been raised with Christ.

2. To be a Christian also means that we  shall be raised either from when we die  or when Jesus returns!

3. The bride of Christ will be united with  the bridegroom at the Great wedding  feast.

4. Resurrection means that the Lord revives his people.

 Act 9:26-31 NIV

26) When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28) So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29) He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30) When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31) Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

TAKEAWAYS

1. We must be saved.

2. We can have the wrong idea about each other.

 Act 9:19-25 NIV

19) and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20) At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21) All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22) Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. 23) After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24) but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25) But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Saul began his new life in Jesus with fellowship.

2. Saul lived a gospel-sharing life from day one (v 20)

3. Saul grew in the faith, in such a way that his opponents were baffled (v 22)

Act 9:10-16 NIV

10) In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11) The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.12) In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13) “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14) And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15) But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.16) I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

TAKEAWAYS

1. Ananias says “Yes, Lord”.

2. The obedient disciple is given a difficult assignment.

3. Ananias was exceedingly blessed as a result of his obedience.

Act 9:1-9 NIV 

1) Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3) As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5) “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, ”he replied. 6) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7) The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8) Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9) For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Saul the persecutor 

2. Saul was humbled 

3. Saul the convicted 

-Conviction of sin is the pathway of faith in Jesus

 Act 8:26-39 NIV

26) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27) So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28) and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29) The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30) Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31) “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32) This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33) In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” 34) The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35) Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36) As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] 38) And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39)When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 

TAKEAWAYS

1. The best way to seek God is to open your Bible

2. We need to understand that Jesus is at the heart of the Bible

3. Take the plunge of faith and obedience

 Acts 8:9-25 NIV

9) Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10) and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11) They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12) But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13) Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. 14) When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15) When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16) because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17) Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18) When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19) and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20) Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21) You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22) Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23) For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”24) Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” 25) After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Spiritual Fakes

– Sorcery, v 9a

– Boasting, v 9b

– Enticing, v 11

– Amazed, v 11

2. The Genuine Gospel

3. Back to Fake ministry

4. So, we finish with the Genuine

Acts 8:5-8 NIV

5) Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6) When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7) For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8) So there was great joy in that city.

 Acts 7:59 - 8:8 NIV

59) While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60) Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

1) And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2) Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3) But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. 4) Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5) Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6) When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7) For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8) So there was great joy in that city.

TAKEAWAYS

1. The Church Persecuted, v1a

2. The Church Scattered, v 1b

3. The Church Caring, v2

4. The Church even more on Mission, v4

Acts 7:54-60 NIV

54) When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55) But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56) “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57) At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58) dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59) While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60) Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Evil Enemies

2. The Exalted Jesus

– Jesus is the Living comfort

– Jesus is our Dying comfort

3. Example to us and Saul

Act 6:8-15 NIV

8) Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9) Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10) But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. 11) Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12) So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13) They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14) For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” 15) All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Stephen’s preaching ministry.

2. Stephen’s powerful opponents.

3. Stephen’s saintly character.

Judges 16:4-6; 20-31 NIV

4) Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. 5) The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” 6) So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” 20) Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. 21) Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. 22) But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. 23) Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” 24) When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” 25) While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. When they stood him among the pillars, 26) Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27) Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28) Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29) Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 30) Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. 31) Then his brothers and his father’s whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel twenty years.

TAKEAWAYS

– Sampson’s hair is growing again: The loss of strength was debilitating. It was disastrous. Through disobedience, ourselves much sorrow. But the source of his strength is returning.

Colossians 4:2-6 NIV

2) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3) And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4) Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5) Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6) Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Pray With Devotion
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Vs. 2

2. Pray For Open Doors That The Gospel Is Shared Clearly
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains” Vs.3

3. Pray For Wisdom
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Vs. 5-6

Mark 10: 17-31

17) As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18) “Why do you call me good? ”Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.19) You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20) “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21) Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack, ”he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22) At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23) Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24) The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25) It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26) The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” 27) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” 28) Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29) “Truly I tell you, "Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30) will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31) But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”


TAKEAWAYS

1. It's right to approach Jesus, but he's more than a moral teacher.
2. It's right to approach Jesus, but not claim our own righteousness.
3. It's right to approach Jesus, but we do not dictate the terms.

Deuteronomy 6:1-2  NIV

1) These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2) so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3) Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6) These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 10) When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11) houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12) be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Context (v 1-3)
2. Key Verses
3. Application
4. Outcome

Act 6:1-7 NIV

1) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3) Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4) and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5) This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6) They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7) So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

TAKEAWAYS

1. The problem- division

2. The solution was practical and spiritual

3. The aim is the spread of the gospel and the health of the church (v 2)

4. The outcome

Act 5:33-42 NIV

33) When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34) But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35) Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36) Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37) After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38) Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39) But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 40) His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41) The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42) Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

TAKEAWAYS

1. The good of Gamaliel

– Gamaliel calmed hot heads down

– Gamaliel talked of the progress of God

– Gamaliel was 50% correct- maybe the church would be OK

2. The Sin of Gamaliel

– He did not believe and commit to the message preached

– He allowed the apostles to be punished

– He participated in the decision to ban the apostles’ preaching

3. The Good of the apostles

– They never stopped.

Act 5:12-32 NIV

12) The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13) No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14) Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15) As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16) Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. 17) Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18) They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19) But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20) “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” 21) At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22) But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23) “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24) On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to. 25) Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26) At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. 27) The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28) “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29) Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30) The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31) God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32) We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

TAKEAWAYS

Dad Habits:

1. Bring your family to church

2. Daily time with God, centered around the Bible and prayer

3. Avoid bad screen habits

4. Have a generosity plan

5. Get involved in service

6. Don’t let toxic people get you down

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1. The apostles gave a wide invitation to a narrow path. On repeat.

2. The apostles kept a tender and compassionate heart to the people. On repeat.

3. The apostles take every opportunity for the gospel and are not intimidated by pressure. On repeat.

4. The apostles experience, what no habit can manufacture – the grace of God at work. On repeat.

5. The core habit of the apostles is obedience. On repeat.

Act 4:32-5:12 NIV

32) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33) With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34) that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35) and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36) Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37) sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

1) Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2) With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3) Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 5) When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6) Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7) About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8) Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9) Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10) At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11) Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.12) The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 

TAKEAWAYS

1. Genuine Community

– All believers were united (v 32)

– All believers were unselfish (v 32)

– All believers were gospel focused and supporting the word (v 33)

– The power and grace of God was at work (v 33)

– They were incredibly generous with testimonies to follow (v 34)

– A magnificent example

2. Fake “Community”

Acts 4:23-31,33 NIV

23) On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25) You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:“ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

26) The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.’ 27) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28) They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30) Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31) After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

 33) With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 

TAKEAWAYS

1. God is sovereign

– King of Kings

– Creator

– He is the Speaker, v25

– He is the Allower

– He is the Arranger

2. God invites us to understand prayer strategy?

3. Do you know what to pray for?

Acts 4:1-22 NIV

1) The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2) They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3) They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4) But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5) The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6) Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7) They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9) If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10) then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11) Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13) When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14) But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15) So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16) “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17) But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18) Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19) But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20) As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21) After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22) For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Problems can make us stronger

2. Satan overplays his hand

3. Ordinary believers are a  prime argument for Jesus

4. Ordinary people need Jesus

Acts 3:1-26 NIV

1) One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2) Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3) When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4) Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5) So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6) Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7) Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8) He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9) When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10) they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

11) While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12) When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13) The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14) You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 ) You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16) By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

17) “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18) But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19) Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20) and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21) Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22) For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23) Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’

24) “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25) And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26) When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

TAKEAWAYS

1. One day you will need to ask for help (v 1-3)

2. One day you will be asked to help (v 3-7)

3. One day you’ll realize that only Jesus can help

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

42) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43) Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44) All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45) They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46) Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47) praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

TAKEAWAYS

1. We are a learning church (v 42)

2. We are loving a  Church

3. A worshipping church

4. An outreach church

 Acts 2:1-13; 32-41 NIV

1) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2) Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3) They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5) Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6) When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7) Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8) Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9) Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11) (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12) Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13) Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

32) God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33) Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34) For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35) until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ 36) “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37) When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39) The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

TAKEAWAYS

1. The Event

2. The Explanation

3. The Evidence

 Acts 1:1-17 NIV

1) In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2) until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3) After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.5) For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6) Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7) He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10) They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11) “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

12) Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13) When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14) They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.15) In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17) He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

TAKEAWAYS

The sequel to Luke is: “About Jesus”(v1)

I. Incarnation (“until taken back”), v1

II. The Cross (v3)

III. Resurrection proofs (v3)

IV. Appearances (v3)

V. Ascension (v2)

VI. Wait for Power (v4-5)

VII. The Expansive Mission (v8)

VIII. Second coming (v11)

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1. Message: Believe the unstoppable message of Jesus.

2. Mission: Receive His power for His unstoppable Mission.

3. Meeting: Be united in His unstoppable church.