The Mission of God and the Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19a)
The trajectory of Saul’s life was dramatically corrected. To some degree, this is true of everyone who submits to the will of God. Our fallen worldview, selfish desires, and depraved thoughts must be transformed. Our conversion blinds us to the things of this world in order to redirect our vision. It is the beauty of Christ that begins to flood our hearts and minds. The truth of the Gospel transforms our purposes to set aside our own glory in order to live for God’s glory. Jesus Christ corrects our worldview by giving us eyes to see him and his mission. First, we will look at Sight Lost (1-9). Second, we’ll see Sight Regained (10-19).
Evangelizing an Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
God grows our faith by providing opportunities to witness to others.God guides Philip throughout this passage. The angel tells Philip where to go (v.26). The Spirit prompts Philip to join the Ethiopian (v.29). And, when the mission was fulfilled the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away (v.39). This is not the story of a man searching for God, but of God searching for a man.
Purchasing Power (Acts 8:9-25)
Simon wanted the influence of Philip and the apostles more than he wanted the salvation they offered. First, we will look at Simon’s Confession (9-17). Second, we’ll see Simon’s Obsession (18-25).
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)
The Defense Elaborates (Acts 7:17-34)
In our waiting God is not absent. Moses Brought Up In Egypt (17-22) Moses Fled to Midian (23-29) Moses Commissioned at Sinai (30-34)
The Defense Presents Acts 7:1-16
God routinely rescues His rebellious people. God Called Abraham (1-8) God Rescued Joseph (9-16)
Resolved By God’s Grace Psalm 119:1-8
Introduction If you’re anything like me, you do a better job making New Year’s resolutions than keeping them. Have you become completely cynical about New Year’s resolutions? This passage concludes with a joyful resolution, expressed from a dependent heart. Read Psalm 119:1-8 The psalmist is explaining how to get what all of us are after, happiness. The gospel doesn’t lead us to make excuses for our sin, but to delight in obedience. Joyful obedience requires dependence. Augustine, “Give what Thou commandest; command what…
Gloria In Excelsis Deo Luke 2:8-20
Introduction In the first 30 years of Pax Romana. Who needs God? We have a Messiah who is sovereign, faithful, and humble. When the wonder of our Savior’s birth begins to fade we can be assured that we have lost sight of the magnitude of his humanity. Read Luke 2:8-20 In this passage Luke displays a series of contrasts for his readers (Darkness/Light, Manger/Field, Wondering/Treasuring). You might be living in darkness; Your world might be filled with the most mundane…