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…
The Messiah in a Manger Luke 2:1-7
We can sacrifice everything because we have a Messiah who satisfies our deepest longings.
Mary’s Magnificat Luke 1:39-56
God is at work! And whenever we recognize that work we should be rejoicing—with loud shouts of exclamation! Worship springs up from a heart that recognizes and rejoices in the work of God.
The Lord Is With You Luke 1:26-38
The news of the text is this: A humble servant will conceive a holy Son who will reign over an eternal kingdom. The birth of the King of Kings demands your attention and calls for your allegiance.