The Sovereign Hand of the Lord

The Sovereign Hand of The Lord | Acts 11: 19-30 (ESV)

Whose hand do we trust to lead us as a church? Remember that this story takes us back to chapter 8. After Stephen was killed for his faith, the Gospel spread into Samaria. Even persecutors like Saul were miraculously converted (chapter 9). But here, those who were scattered because of Stephen’s death were taking the Gospel further into new places. This is because Luke says (in v. 21), “the hand of the Lord was with them.” So throughout this passage, we will see:- a) The hand of the Lord in difficult times. b) The hand of the Lord in saving people. c) The hand of the Lord in bringing relief.

Jesus At The Center of The Story

Jesus At The Center of The Story | Acts 10: 36–48 |

What would bring healing to all that divides peoples and nations? As we continue in Cornelius’ conversion story, remember that his house was full of Gentiles waiting to hear about Jesus. As Peter begins to speak, he begins with how God shows no partiality in salvation (v. 35). The wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles had been broken. The Holy Spirit had fallen even on the Gentiles. God’s grace now extended not only to the Jews; but to everyone in every nation. So this is what we are going to see in our passage:- a) Jesus came to bring good news of peace. b) Jesus came to die and was raised for us. c) Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a gift to us.

Welcome in The Presence of God

Welcome in The Presence of God | Acts 10: 17–33 (ESV)

How can we welcome those who are different and far from us? As we continue in Cornelius’ conversion story, remember that the Jews had a difficult time accepting Gentile Christian converts. Since Gentiles were seen as ceremonially unclean, the Jews tried to avoid mixing with them. Yet, it was while in the house of Simon that Peter began to see that God showed no partiality. Even the dietary laws were not about food, but about people. God’s grace now extended not only to Jews but to everyone in every nation. So in our passage, we’ll look at:- a) Welcoming outsiders as our guests. b) Meeting outsiders where they are. c) Welcoming outsiders in God’s presence.

When God Cleanses The Unclean

When God Cleanses The Unclean | Acts 10:1-16 (ESV)

How many of you cannot eat certain foods due to health issues? Here, we now come to the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile. The Jews, like Peter, had a difficult time accepting Gentile converts to Christianity. Because Jews had dietary laws and considered Gentiles ceremonially unclean. But (ch.9: 43) Peter was staying in the house of Simon, a leather maker; a trade considered unclean by the Jews. And it was in that house that God showed Peter that what God called clean Peter cannot call it unclean. So in this passage, we’ll look at: a) Those who are truly seeking God. b) Those who are prepared by God. c) Those who are made clean by God.    

The Coming Alive of Our Bodies

The Coming Alive of Our Bodies | Acts 9:32-43 (ESV)

Does God still heal miraculously today?  Here, we now come to the story of Aeneas and Tabitha—who were miraculously healed.  Since the coming of the Holy Spirit, the church was growing rapidly despite persecutions.  Even in v. 31, as the church was “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” And so the healing of Aeneus and Tabitha shows that the Spirit was moving powerfully through the apostles.  But what was God’s purpose in healing Aeneas and Tabitha?  In our passage, we’ll see:  a) The deeper healing we all need.  b) The death that comes to us all.  c) The resurrection that awaits us all.     

When The Church Welcomes Enemies

When The Church Welcomes Enemies | Acts 9: 23–31 (ESV)

How many of you are skeptical of people’s conversion stories? When famous people become Christians, I am often skeptical—until I see real change in their lives. Here, in Saul’s conversion story, the church in Jerusalem was also afraid and skeptical at first. Because Saul had a violent past! As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And ever since Ananias had come to pray for him, Saul had been preaching to his own people (vv. 21–22). But very soon, Saul is going to face opposition. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) With new life comes new opposition. b) With new life comes a new family. c) With new life comes peace and awe.

A Chosen Instrument of Grace

A Chosen Instrument of Grace | Acts 9: 10–22 (ESV)

Who among your friends, families, or co-workers are resistant to Christianity? Here, as we continue in Saul’s conversion story, we see that Jesus can turn even the most hardened enemy into His chosen instrument. As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And very soon Saul is going to be sent on a mission as Jesus sends Ananias to restore him. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) Jesus chooses reluctant servants. b) Jesus chooses broken instruments. c) Jesus sends out restored sinners.

The Unlikely Convert: An Enemy of The Way

The Unlikely Convert: An Enemy of The Way | Acts 9: 1–9 (ESv)

Who do you think is unlikely to convert to Christ? Here in ch. 9, we now come to the story of Saul—a violent persecutor and enemy of the early Church. Remember (in ch. 7: 58), when Stephen was stoned to death, Saul was there. He was approving the killing of Stephen in ch. 8: 1. But little did Saul know that as he was out to persecute Christians he would be dramatically converted on the way to Damascus. This is a story of how the grace of God saves sinners and transforms us for His glory. So, from this passage, we’ll see: a) Those who oppose the Way. b) Those who encounter the Way. c) Those who have seen the Way.

Do You Understand What You Are Reading?

Do You Understand What You Are Reading? | Acts 8: 26–31 (ESV)

Do you understand what you read in Scripture? After the apostles saw the Holy Spirit fall on the Samaritans, they continued preaching as they returned to Jerusalem (in v. 25). But Phillip, led by the Holy Spirit, went towards the south to a desert place. It was in that unlikely place that he met an Ethiopian longing to understand the Scripture. As Phillip explained the Scripture, he was used mightily by the Spirit to point someone to Jesus. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) The Spirit leads us to the Scripture. b) The Spirit shows us Jesus in Scripture. c) The Spirit unites us to new life with Jesus.

Money and The Free Gift of The Spirit

Money and The Free Gift of The Spirit | Acts 8: 14-25 (ESV)

What happens when the Holy Spirit falls on a city? As a result of the great persecution in Jerusalem, the Gospel began to spread in Samaria (ch. 1: 8). As Phillip went to preach in Samaria, many came to believe in Jesus and were baptized. God in His sovereignty was working powerfully in that city. And He was going to send the apostles to Samaria to see the Holy Spirit fall on the Samaritans. But when Simon the magician saw the apostles, he wanted to buy their spiritual power. So, in this passage, we'll see that: a) The Spirit unites us as one people. b) The Spirit exposes hidden motives. c) The Spirit brings true repentance.

Spreading The Good News In The City

Spreading The Good News in The City | Acts 8:1-13 (ESV)

What obstacles are we facing in a nation where there is no persecution? What are the visible and spiritual challenges that come against us? After Stephen was stoned to death (in ch. 7: 58-60), it led to a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem. But that great persecution was going to work for a greater good. God, in His sovereignty, was using difficult circumstances to spread the Gospel in the regions. No matter how difficult or dark, nothing can ultimately stop the Gospel from spreading. So, in this passage, we'll see that: a) The Gospel spreads despite opposition. b) The Gospel brings freedom in the city. c) The Gospel dispels darkness in the city.

The Coming Ruler and Redeemer

The Coming Ruler and Redeemer | Acts 7:30-42

Are you daily living in awareness of God's presence? Is there an increasing awareness of God's presence in your life? Here, as Stephen was speaking to the Jewish leaders, he continued with the story of Moses (vv. 17-29). When Moses was 40 years old he tried to save his people from oppression. But he was rejected and became an exile for another 40 years. And just when Moses thought it was over, the God of glory appeared to Moses and sent him on a mission to rescue His people. So, following in our passage, we'll see: a) God has come down to us. b) God has sent us the redeemer. c) God has called us to worship.

God's Chosen Deliverer

God's Chosen Deliverer | Acts 7: 17-29

Do you daily live in awareness of God's work in your life? How are you living in response to God's work? As Stephen was accused of speaking against Moses (in ch. 6), he began to retell the story of Moses. From the very beginning, the Jews had rejected Moses and broken his laws. They were guilty of the same things they had accused Stephen of doing. So, Stephen retells the story of Moses to show how they had rejected the Messiah. With that in mind, we'll see in our passage: a) God's chosen deliverer is adopted. b) God's chosen deliverer is rejected. c) God's chosen deliverer is exiled.

The God of Glory Has Appeared

The God of Glory Has Appeared | Acts 7:1-16

What gives us confidence to speak the Gospel in the face of opposition? As Stephen was accused of speaking against the temple (ch. 6), he began to tell the back story. And this was the message that got Stephen killed. In a country where we enjoy religious freedom, what is more dangerous for our faith is not persecution; but personal comfort and complacency. What did Stephen say that led to his death? He began to tell how God appeared to their forefathers long before the temple began! That the blessings of God are not limited to Israel and the temple. So in our passage, we'll see that: a) The God of glory calls us to a life of faith. b) The God of glory keeps His promise to us. c) The God of glory rescues us by His grace.

Grace And Power For Witnessing

Grace and Power For Witnessing | Acts 6:8-15

When was the last time you shared your faith with someone? When new leaders were appointed to meet the growing needs, v. 7 says, "the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem." And Stephen who was serving tables is now put on trial. Stephen would later become the first to die for his faith. But in a country where we enjoy religious freedom, what is more dangerous for our faith is not persecution but personal comfort. So in this passage, we'll see: a) The power of a witness. b) The lies of false witnesses. c) The face of a true witness.

Serving A Gospel Mission Together

Serving A Gospel Mission Together | Acts 6: 1-7

Where do you see a growing need in our church? How is God calling you to serve with your time, talents and treasures? By this time, the early church had seen massive growth despite opposition from outside. Even in ch. 5:14 we're told that "more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women." But as the disciples were increasing a complaint began to arise in the church. That is when the apostles began to appoint new leaders to meet the growing needs. So in this passage, we'll see that servant leaders were appointed: a) To care for the needs of the church. b) To free up the ministers of the Word. c) To prioritize the spread of the Gospel.

Worthy to Suffer For His Name

Worthy to Suffer For His Name | Acts 5: 27-42

What made the early church so bold in the face of persecution? When the religious leaders saw the apostles were gaining followers, they arrested and put them in prison. But the prison could not silence the apostles. During the night an angel had opened the door and led them out to teach in the temple (in v. 25). So they were arrested again and beaten and charged not to speak in Jesus' name! Yet, how did the apostles respond to the beating and threats? And how will we respond when our faith comes under pressure? Following in this passage, we'll see:- a) Obeying God when the pressure comes. b) Trusting God rather than fearing men. c) Rejoicing when dishonoured for His name.

A Radical Gospel Community

A Radical Community | Acts 4: 32–37 | Pastor Joey Zorina

What does a community changed by the Gospel look like? Last week we saw in ch. 4, that in the face of opposition, the apostles trusted in God’s sovereignty and the power of prayer. V. 31 says that when they had prayed, the entire place was shaken and they continued to speak the word with boldness. The preaching of the Word was so effective that it radically changed their community. So in our passage, we’ll see:- a) The unity beneath the surface. b) The power to testify of Jesus. c) The grace to share our treasures.

The Rejected Cornerstone

The Rejected Cornerstone | Acts 4: 1—12 | Pastor Joey Zorina

In this episode, we saw before (in ch. 3: 1–10) the healing of the crippled man. As that healing attracted a large crowd, Peter began to preach his second sermon (in vv. 12–26). There, Peter was boldly calling Jews to repent so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. But how did the crowd respond to that sermon? And how should we respond to God’s Word today? Here, in our passage, we see 3 types of responses to God’s Word:- a) Those who oppose the word. b) Those who believe the word. c) Those who reject the precious stone.

Times of Refreshing and Restoration

Times of Refreshing and Restoration | Acts 3: 17—26 | Pastor Joey Zorina

How can we experience “times of refreshing” when we’re weary? In our passage, we see that “times of refreshing” comes by: a) Turning from our ignorant rebellion. b) Listening to the prophetic scriptures. c) Receiving God’s promised blessing.