Sermons from January 2016

Persecution Fuels Mission (Acts 8:1-8)

In Acts 1:1, Luke reminded us that he shared “what Jesus began to do and teach” in his first account. He doesn’t give a new purpose in Acts. In his gospel, he explained his purpose, “It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (vv.3-4). Luke has recorded all of this so that…

The Defense Rests (Acts 7:54-8:1a)

Stephen has been presenting his defense against the accusations of false witnesses that he was speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God” (6:11) as well as “speaking words against this holy place and the law” (6:13). Read Acts 7:54-8:1a Let’s keep in mind where we are. This community has been increasing daily since Pentecost. The church has experienced rapid growth, but it has not been widespread. The growth has occurred within Jerusalem. As we see from 8:1-4, Stephen’s death serves…

The Defense Attacks (Acts 7:35-53)

The only proper way to worship God is by the means He prescribes. You cannot worship God according to your own devices. Our Fathers Rejected God’s Plan (35-43) Our Fathers Misunderstood the Temple (44-50) As Your Fathers Did, So Do You (51-53)