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.

Made Strong By The Power of Christ

Made Strong By The Power of Christ | Acts 3: 1—16 | Pastor Joey Zorina

Here, we see a man crippled from birth who had to be carried to the temple gate daily. This man had many needs. But in v. 3, Peter and John were also on their way to the temple. Very often we don’t quite know what to expect; but Jesus is always ready to meet us—far beyond our expectations. So in our passage, we see: a) The weakness that cripples us. b) The power that strengthens us. c) The only name that saves us.

Portrait of A Spirit-Filled Community

Portrait of A Spirit-Filled Community | Acts 2: 41- 47 | Pastor Joey Zorina

What does a Spirit-filled community look like? Last week, we saw that the outpouring of the Spirit was followed by declaring the mighty works of God (ch. 2: 1-24). And the outpouring of the Spirit with Peter’s sermon had given birth to the early church (vv. 25-40). So in this passage, we see that a Spirit-filled community is: a) Devoted to teaching and fellowship. b) In awe of Jesus and generous. c) Worshipful and winsome.

Pentecost | The Spirits Presence and Power

Acts 2: 1--16 | The Spirit's Presence and Power | Pastor Joey Zorina.

What does Pentecost mean? For most Christians, Pentecost reminds us of speaking in unknown tongues. But how are we to understand this strange phenomenon? Follow along as we look at 3 insights on the work of the Holy Spirit from our passage: - a̎) The Spirit gives us power to witness. b̎) The Spirit opens our ears to hear˪ c̎) The Spirit shows us the risen Saviour.