Sermons from February 2016
A Basket Case (Acts 9:19b-31)
I’ve stolen the excellent sermon title from Derek Thomas’ Reformed Expository Commentary on Acts. The conversion of Saul was as significant as it was shocking. After trying to destroy Christianity, he took the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The man who sparked a great persecution (Acts 8:1) against the Church became her greatest promoter. Before we read this passage let us look to the Lord in prayer for his help in understanding it. Read Acts 9:19b-31 Our conversion…
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).