Sermon
Outlines for
the Book of Acts
Rev. David P. Horrocks, Th.M.,
The Acts of the Apostles (9/12/04) Acts 13:1-12 (4/9/06)
Acts 1:1-8 (9/19/04) Book of Acts - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (4/16/06)
Acts 1:1-11
(9/26/04) Acts 13:13-52 (4/23/06)
Acts 1:12-26 (10/3/04) Acts 14:1-28 (4/30/06)
Acts 2:1-13 (10/10/04) Acts 15:1-35 (5/7/06)
Acts 2:14-41 (10/17/04) Acts 15:36-16:10 (5/14/06)
Acts 2:42-47 (10/24/04) Acts 16:11-40 (5/21/06)
Acts 3:1-26 (10/31/04) Acts 17:1-15 (5/28/06)
Acts 4:1-12 (11/14/04) Acts 17:16-34 (6/4/06)
Acts 4:13-22 (11/21/04) Acts 18:1-22 (6/11/06)
Acts 4:23-37 (11/28/04) Acts 18:23-28 (6/18/06)
Acts 5:1-11 (12/5/04) Acts 19:1-20 (7/2/06)
Acts 5:12-42 (12/12/04) Acts 19:21-41 (7/9/06)
Acts 6:1-7 (2/13/05) Acts 20:1-16 (7/16/06)
Acts 6:8-7:60 (2/20/05) Acts 20:17-38 (7/23/06)
Acts 8:1-25 (2/27/05) Acts 21:1-16 (7/30/06)
Acts 8:26-40 (3/6/05) Acts 21:17-26 (8/13/06)
Acts 9:1-19 (3/20/05) Acts 21:27-22:29 (9/10/06)
Acts 9:19b-31 (4/3/05) Acts 22:30-23:11 (9/17/06)
Acts 9:32-43 (4/10/05) Acts 23:12-35 (9/24/06)
Acts 10:1-35 (4/17/05) Acts 24:1-27 (10/1/06)
Acts 10:34-48 (4/24/05) Acts 25:1-12 (10/8/06)
Acts 11:1-18 (5/1/05) Acts 25:13-26:32 (10/15/06)
Acts 11:19-30 (5/8/05) Acts 27:1-44 (10/29/06)
Acts 12:1-19 (5/15/05) Acts 28:1-16 (11/5/06)
Acts 12:20-25 (5/22/05) Acts 28:17-31 (11/19/06)
Acts 1:1 – 12:25[The Doctrine of Salvation]
(5/29/05) Book of
Acts [Christology] (11/26/06)
The Acts of the Apostles
Introduction: "An Acts chapter 29 church"
The nature of the book of Acts
The second volume of a
two-volume series
The acts of the …
The structure of the book of Acts
Geographical structure
Local 1-7
National 8-12
International
13-28
Biographical structure
The ministry of
Peter and others 1-12
The ministry of
Paul and others 13-28
The purpose of the book of Acts:
"To explain along with the Gospel of Luke the orderly and sovereignly
directed progress of the salvation message from the Jews to the Gentiles
and from the city of Jerusalem to the city of Rome."
MESSAGE:
"WHEN WHAT WE BELIEVE, WE LIVE AND WE TEACH,
THEN THE LORD WILL ADD TO HIS CHURCH EVERYDAY."
Introduction: "I choose you"
The context of Acts
Jesus was rejected by
Israel (Matthew 12:22)
Israel was rejected by Jesus
(Matthew 21:43)
Judgment would now come upon
Israel (Matthew 23:37-39)
The resurrection would be a
sign to Israel (Matthew 12:38-40)
Jesus will build His church
(Matthew 16:18)
The content of Acts 1:1-8
The Lord chooses ordinary
people
The Lord gives extra-ordinary
blessings
Chooses for
fellowship
Instructs for
service
Pre-cross
To
know His words is to know His mind
To
know His works is to know His heart
To
know His ways is to know His love
Post-resurrection
In
His appearing He was the same person
In
His explaining He had the same message
Empowers for a lifetime
To
witness for Christ in their talk
To
witness for Christ in their walk
MESSAGE:
"THE LORD CHOOSES ORDINARY PEOPLE
TO RECEIVE EXTRA-ORDINARY BLESSINGS,
TO BECOME HIS WITNESSES IN THE WORLD."
Introduction: "The jackpot is an empty pot"
The treasures of heaven
Chosen by the Lord for
fellowship
Instructed by the Lord for
service
Empowered by the Spirit for a
lifetime
The riches of being a Christian
Knowing God as your
spiritual Father
Knowing the Holy Spirit as
your personal Helper
Knowing you are a servant of
righteousness
Knowing Jesus for all that He
is
Jesus is our
Example for living
Jesus is our
Teacher for life
Jesus is our Master; we are His servants
Jesus is the Son
of God, our Savior
Humiliation
(Incarnation/Cross)
Exaltation
(Resurrection)
Glorification
(Ascension)
Jesus is the Lord coming in glory
MESSAGE:
"THE PEOPLE THAT JESUS SAVES,
BY THE SPIRIT THAT JESUS GAVE,
WILL COMPLETE THE WORK THAT JESUS STARTED."
Introduction: "The sacrifices of a soldier"
The leadership of Jesus (1:1-11)
Chosen by the Lord for
fellowship
Instructed by the Lord for
service
Empowered by the Spirit for
living
The life of faith in His followers (1:12-26)
They have faith in Jesus so
they obey
They have faith in one another
so they love
They have faith in prayer so
they pray
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
They have faith in the
Bible so they follow
They have faith in witnessing
so they get ready
They have faith in God's will
so they ask
MESSAGE:
"THE LEADERSHIP OF JESUS IS STILL SEEN
IN THE LIFE OF FAITH IN HIS FOLLOWERS."
Introduction: "The greatest day since creation"
The setting
Three promises are fulfilled
You will be
baptized by the Holy Spirit (Identification)
You will be filled
by the Holy Spirit (Empowerment)
You will be my
witnesses (Usefulness)
Two plans are realized
The feast of
Pentecost was fulfilled (In-gathering)
The birthday of
the church arrived (New economy)
The sequence
The sound of wind (1-2)
The sight of tongues of fire
(3)
The speech in foreign
languages (4)
The result: An international witness for God to devout Jews
Common people spoke
uncommon languages (5-11a)
Common topic for all people
(11b)
Call to seek the Lord (12)
Cause to reject the Lord (13)
MESSAGE:
"OUR GREATEST DAYS ARE NOT WHAT WE CAN DO,
BUT WHAT THE LORD CAN DO THROUGH US."
Introduction: "What did you learn in Church?"
The context: A special Sunday in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-13)
The Holy Spirit indwelling
believers (Baptism/Identification)
The Holy Spirit filling
believers (Control/Empower)
Believers becoming witnesses
(Passive/Active)
The feast of Pentecost being
fulfilled (Spiritual)
The birthday of the Church
(Sunday May 24, 33)
The content: What does it mean? Acts 2:14-36)
By the Holy Spirit God has approved the Apostles as witnesses
This is not of
man
This is from God
This is God's
(Holy) Spirit
This is the start
of the Last Days
Salvation is in
the name of the Lord
By His resurrection God has approved Jesus as the Christ
God
authenticated Jesus by miracles
You rejected Jesus
with a cross
God authenticated
Jesus by His resurrection
David predicted
the resurrection of the Christ
We have seen the
resurrected Jesus
The crucified
Jesus is David's Christ
By His exaltation God has approved Jesus as Lord
Jesus now lives
in heaven
Jesus received and
dispatched the Holy Spirit
David predicted
the exaltation of his Lord
The crucified
Jesus is David's Lord
The conclusion: What shall we do? (Acts 2:37-41)
Repent of your rejection of
Jesus
Through baptism be identified
with Jesus
Accept God's call to escape
judgment
MESSAGE:
"WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME
OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
WILL BE SAVED."
Introduction: "Blueprint for success"
The birthday of the church (1:1 - 2:41)
The growth of the church (2:42-47)
Unified deeper through its Bible study (42a)
Learning of God
as our Father
Learning of Jesus
as God the Son our Savior
Learning of God
the Holy Spirit as our Helper
Magnified higher through its body life (42b, 44-47a)
Common
participation in God
Personal
partnership with others
Public practice of
praise
Multiplied wider through its body witness for Christ (43, 47b)
A Spirit filled
church
An evangelistic
church
A focused church
MESSAGE:
"THE LORD IS STILL GROWING HIS CHURCH
THROUGH ITS BIBLE STUDY, ITS BODY LIFE,
AND ITS BOLD WITNESS FOR CHRIST."
Introduction: "How do you get people to be good?"
The physical healing of the one (3:1-11)
The Apostles and a lame man
(1,2)
The Apostles and the beggar
(3)
The lame man and the power of
Jesus (4-8a)
The beggar and the Temple
(8b-9)
The Apostles, the beggar, and
the people (10-11)
The spiritual healing of the many (3:12-26)
The explanation of the sign 12-18
This is not
about us
This is about
Jesus
He
is the servant of our God
He is the
source of healing power
He is
the Holy and Righteous One
He is
the expression of life
He is
the crucified, risen, and coming One
He is
worthy of our faith
He is
the promised suffering Savior
And, this is about you
Your
rejecting the servant of our God
Your
deserting and delivering an innocent man to death
Your
failing to protect a holy and righteous person
Your
preferring a murderer
Your
responding with death to the one who gives life
Your
acting in the sin of hate and in ignorance of the truth
God
meeting your sin with His grace
The exhortations from the sign 19-26
Repent of your
unbelief
Return to faith in
the Lord
Reclaim your place
in world history
MESSAGE:
"THE POWER OF JESUS TO HEAL THE BODY OF ONE
IS A SIGN THAT JESUS HAS THE POWER TO HEAL
THE SOULS OF MANY."
Introduction: "Underestimating the cost"
The message of the healing (3:1-26)
The persecution for the healing (4:1-12)
The 12 persecutors
identified
The persecuted identified
The persecution described
It came as a
sudden action
The Apostles were
controlled physically
The Apostles were
imprisoned
The Apostles were
interrogated
The Apostles were
intimidated
The perseverance of the persecuted
New believers
believed
The Apostles are
bold
Peter
is bold in His spirit
Peter
is bold in His witness
Peter
is bold in His convictions
Peter
is bold in evangelism
MESSAGE:
"THE MORE WE STAND FOR CHRIST,
THE MORE OTHERS WILL STAND AGAINST US."
Introduction: "I cannot do otherwise"
The context: A miraculous sign (3:1 - 4:12)
The healing (3:1-10)
The message (
The hearing (4:1-12)
The content: A ruling (
The council's deliberation: What will we do? (4:13-17)
The sign we
can't deny
The message we
must contain
The messengers we
must control
The disciples' decision: This we will do! (4:18-22)
The church and
state say be silent
The Lord says be
my witnesses
The Christian's conclusion: What will we do?
Monastic model
Secular model
Cowardly model
Biblical model
MESSAGE:
"WE MUST OBEY GOD AT ALL TIMES,
Introduction: “Missionary letters”
The Church is to work towards the Great Commission (4:23-31)
The GC is to be supported
by the total church family (4:23-24a)
The GC will succeed only by
the Lord’s blessings (4:29-31)
The GC is a continual conflict
of opposing kingdoms (4:24b-27)
The kingdom of
the Creator
The kingdom of the
creatures
The GC is a conflict that the Lord is most certain to win (4:28)
All Christians are to live by the New Commandment (32-33)
New Commandment love is a
love driven by purpose (4:32)
New Commandment love is a love
driven by hope (4:33a)
New Commandment love is a love
driven by grace (4:33b)
The Great Commission and the New Commandment on display in Barnabas (4:34-37)
He saw the need
He knew the solution
He paid the price
He sought nothing in return
MESSAGE:
“THE CHURCH IS TO WORK TOWARDS THE GREAT COMMISSION,
AS ALL CHRISTIANS LIVE BY THE NEW COMMANDMENT.”
Introduction: “There are barriers to sin”
The setting is love meeting needs
Their sin is extensive
Sin is against God the
Father
Sin is against God the Holy
Spirit
Sin is against God the Son
Sin is against the truth
Sin is against the church
Sin is against the lost
Sin is against themselves
Their sin is systemic
Why has Satan filled your
heart to lie…
Why is it that you have agreed
together…
Their sin is preventable
By the great power of God
sustaining their lives
By the great grace of God
motivating their lives
By the great fear of God
restricting their lives
MESSAGE:
“WHEN YOUR HEART IS SET ON SINNING,
GOD OFFERS YOU SALVATION,
REPENTANCE, OR JUDGMENT.”
Introduction: “Recovering from pollution:
The growth of the church beyond
Unified in faith
Magnified in character
Multiplied by power (Signs and
wonders)
Miracles to
meet real needs
Miracles to
announce spiritual healings
Miracles to
authenticate the apostles
The opposition to the church in
Attacking the truth (17-28)
Because of the
name of Jesus
Because of the
resurrection of Jesus
Because of
jealousy towards Jesus
Affirming the truth (17-28)
Jesus was
rejected by
Jesus was approved
by God and raised up
The blessing of
salvation is by faith in Jesus
The Holy Spirit is
given to those who have faith in Jesus
Avoiding the truth (33-40)
Evil will die
on its own
Goodness will live
by God’s power
Be neutral about
Jesus
Announcing the truth (41-42)
Blessed are
those who suffer because of Jesus
Blessed are those
who keep the message going
MESSAGE:
“THE CHURCH THAT IS UNIFIED IN ITS FAITH,
MAGNIFIED IN ITS CHARACTER,
AND MULTIPLIED BY GOD’S POWER
CAN RECOVER FROM SIN AND WILL ENDURE AGAINST SINNERS.”
Introduction: The spiritual and the physical
Context in Acts
Geographical outline
Biographical outlines
Content: A day in the life of the church (6:1-7)
The make up of the church
A problem identified (6:1)
A solution proposed (6:2-4)
Division of
labors
Congregational
vote
Majority rule
Spiritual
standards
The solution applied (6:5-6)
Unity in
thought
Unity in selection
Unity in the Holy
Spirit
The results revealed (6:7)
Equitable
feedings of all the widows
Spreading the
Lord’s Word
Growing the Lord’s
church
MESSAGE:
“WHEN THE CONGREGATION APPROACHES SPIRITUAL LABORS
FOR THE SOUL AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS FOR THE BODY
WITH THE MIND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
THE LORD WILL GROW HIS CHURCH.”
Introduction: “The first Christian martyr”
Stephen’s character is godly
Stephen’s conduct is Christlike
Stephen’s crime is evangelism
Stephen’s contribution is true religion
True religion begins and
ends with the greatness of God
There is progress and change
in God’s working among mankind
The blessings of God are not
limited to the land of Israel or the temple area in Jerusalem
Israel has always had the
pattern of opposing God’s plans and opposing God’s servants
There is One who represents us
in heaven who is more powerful than all the priests and more personal than all
the sacrifices.
MESSAGE:
TRUE RELIGION IS NOT:
RITUALS OR RULES, TRADITIONS OR
ONE PEOPLE OR ONE NATION.
TRUE
RELIGION IS:
THE PERSONAL LOVE RELATIONSHIPS OF FAITH AND LOYALTY
TO THE WILL AND TO THE WORK OF THE GOD OF ALL GLORY.”
Introduction: “The hunter and the hunted”
New divisions appear (Rejection from the world) 8:1-4
Jews against Jews
Hebrew (
Greek
(International)
Jews against Gentiles
Jews against Christian Jews
Hebrew Jewish
Christians (
Greek Jewish
Christians (International)*
Old divisions disappear (Acceptance in the Spirit) 8:5-8, 14-17, 25
Jews are against the
Samaritans (Disunity of the flesh)
Christians are for the
Samaritans (Unity of faith)
The Church is one Church (Jews
and Samaritan – one in Christ)
Overcoming Gentile darkness (Victory over Satan) 8:9-13, 18-24
Simon joins with those who believe the gospel (9-13)
Simon the great
does magical things
Philip the
evangelist does spiritual things
Simon submits to the authority of the apostles (18-24)
Simon wants to
buy God’s grace
Simon Peter wants
to save Simon’s life
MESSAGE:
“CHRISTIANS WILL KNOW REJECTION FROM THE WORLD,
ACCEPTANCE IN THE SPIRIT,
AND VICTORY OVER SATAN.”
Introduction: “The mystery of ministry”
Who is this Ethiopian?
Gentile proselyte to
Judaism
Restricted in
Sincere seeker of the Lord
In
In Isaiah he came
under God’s grace
Excited convert to Christ
What is the passage he was reading?
Isaiah 53:7-8
Heart of Isaiah
Heart of the Old Testament
Christ’s birth
(53:1-2)
Christ’s life and
ministry (53:3)
Christ’s
substitutionary death for our sin (53:4-9)
Christ’s
victorious resurrection (53:10-12)
Heart of Christ’s mission
Who is the Jesus Philip preached?
Jesus who willingly took
our sin upon Himself
Jesus who willingly was put to
death for our sins
All of us have sinned
All of us can be saved
MESSAGE:
“GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY
HIS WONDERS TO PERFORM.”
Introduction: Osama Bin Laden: Director of U.S. homeland security
As our sin against God increases (Saul is on the attack) [9:1-2]
Jesus was dead
Jesus hung on a cross
The power behind the disciples
must be Satan
God’s grace to us in Christ increases more (9:3-19)
Saul is on the ground (9:3-9)
Saul felt the
light of God’s presence
Saul heard the
words of God’s voice
Saul met the
person of the resurrected Jesus
Saul is on his knees (9:10-16)
Saul is blind
Saul is fasting
Saul is praying
Disciples
are students of the Lord
Followers
of the Way are believers in the Lord
Saint
are those set apart for the Lord’s purpose
To
call on the Name is to pray
To
bear the Name is to witness
To
suffer for the Name is to sacrifice
To be
a brother is to think like family
Saul is on the Way (9:17-19)
Saul understood
who Jesus is
Saul believed in
what Jesus did
Saul confessed
what Jesus would do
MESSAGE:
“AS OUR SIN AGAINST GOD INCREASES,
GOD’S GRACE TO US IN CHRIST INCREASES MORE.”
Introduction: “The linguists”
Saul in
Jesus is the Son of God
(Deity)
Jesus is the Christ (Promised
one)
New fellowship
New message
New reputation
New persuasive
power
Saul in
Spiritual growth
Spiritual work
Saul in
Preaching
Escaping
Saul in
Resistance by the church
A sponsor in Barnabas
Fellowship with Peter and
James (Galatians 1:18-20)
Instruction from Peter and
James (I Corinthians 15:3-5)
Opposition from the Jews
Escape to a new ministry (Acts
22:17-21)
Church progress report #3 (9:31)
Peace in society
Growth in holiness
Increase in numbers
MESSAGE:
“THE LORD IS STILL BUILDING HIS CHURCH
THROUGH THE LIVES OF HIS DEDICATED DISCIPLES.”
Introduction: “Saint Peter’s heritage”
What is the Lord doing through Peter? (9:32-43)
Serving the Church
Blessing the Saints
Building the Church
Reflecting the
What is the Lord doing to Peter? (9:32-43)
The Lord exalted him to a
new purpose
The Lord exalted him to a new
position
The Lord exalted him to a new
person
A person of the
Holy Spirit
A person of faith
in Christ
A person of
service to Christ
A person of
submission to Christ
A person of prayer
to Christ
A person of hope
in Christ
A person of love
of Christ
MESSAGE:
“CHRISTIAN LIVING IS ABOUT
WHAT THE LORD IS DOING THROUGH YOU
AND WHAT THE LORD IS DOING TO YOU.”
Introduction: “Denied salvation by race”
Cornelius’ vision (Being prepared to be saved) 10:1-8
This Gentile man fears the
Lord
His vision will lead many to
come to Christ and salvation
Peter’s vision (Being prepared to be used) 10:9-16
Peter’s mission (Using the
keys of the
His vision will lead him to
think like a Christian
The meeting of Jews and Gentiles 10:17-23
Heaven is in control of the
earth
The Holy Spirit is in control
of Peter’s heart
Two great lessons 10:24-35
The gospel is for all the
people of all the nations of the world
MESSAGE:
“SINCE CHRIST, THE LORD HAS NO FAVORITE NATION,
BUT PEOPLE FROM ALL NATIONS
WHO RECEIVE HIS GRACE WILL BE SAVED.”
Introduction: “Food Pyramid”
God welcomes all those who seek Him from all the nations (34-35)
This offer of peace came 1st to
Jesus came to
Jesus was indwelt by the Holy
Spirit and empowered by God (38)
Jesus provided health,
healing, and spiritual deliverance (38)
Jesus was crucified by wicked
people (39)
Jesus was raised from the dead
by the power of God (40-43)
He is alive in
body and soul (40-41)
He is God’s
appointed Judge of all (42)
He is the promised
Savior of all who believe (43)
Gentiles who believe in Christ are now welcome to God (44-48)
The Holy Spirit came upon
the believing Gentiles (44)
The Jewish believers were eye
witnesses (45-46)
In Christ there is now no
distinction between Jew or Gentile (47)
In Christ there is now no
separation between Jew and Gentile (48)
MESSAGE:
”IN CHRIST, ALL THE BELIEVERS OF ALL THE NATIONS
HAVE BECOME UNITED IN
Introduction: “You did what?”
The charge of the Jewish believers: The lawlessness of Peter (1-3)
God’s praise gave way to
man’s prejudice
The Law became greater than
God’s grace
The defense of the Apostle Peter: I did the will of God (4-16)
Divine pattern was followed
(4-5a)
Divine vision was given (5b-8)
Divine work was declared
(9-10)
Divine timing was seen (11)
Divine command was obeyed (12)
Divine preparations were
apparent (13-14)
Divine action was repeated
(15-16)
The conclusion of the Church: The greatness of God’s grace (17-18)
God makes no distinctions
(17)
God’s grace is a greater
unifier than race was a divider (18)
MESSAGE:
”IT IS THE WILL OF GOD
THAT WE WHO HAVE RECEIVED HIS GRACE IN OUR SALVATION
|WILL SHARE HIS GRACE WITH ALL OTHERS IN EVANGELISM.”
Introduction: “Base reduction – Base expansion”
Witnessing is the work of the Church (19-21)
Stephen’s influence lives on
Conversion of Saul
The Gospel can stand alone
They preached
the Lord Jesus
They trusted in
the power of the Lord
They called people
to faith
Instruction gives strength to the Church (22-26)
The encourager encouraged
the church to obedience (22-23)
The encourager was a living
model of faith (24)
The encourager recruited the
experienced teacher (25)
The core curriculum: We are Christians first (26)
Acts of compassion bring glory to the Lord of the Church (27-30)
The Holy Spirit spoke: Famine is coming (27-28)
The Holy Spirit
responded: Relief is on the way (29)
The Lord is glorified (30)
MESSAGE:
”WITNESSING IS THE WORK OF THE CHURCH,
INSTRUCTION GIVES IT STRENGTH,
AND ACTS OF COMPASSION BRING GLORY TO THE LORD.”
Introduction: “The day that Peter escaped death”
The story (1-19)
King Herod’s plans for Peter (1-5a)
The sinful
record of the Herods
A religiously and
politically popular decision
A severe and
hypocritical plan
An inevitable
persecution
A redirected
persecution
King Jesus’ plans for Peter (5b-11)
The prayers of
the believers
The faith of the
servant
The presence of
angels
The angels of the
Lord
Peter’s unexpected appearing (12-17)
Reporting to
the believers
Joy without
control
News is met with
disbelief
Doubt gives way to
sight
Escape into hiding
Panic at the prison (18-19)
The morning
surprise
The afternoon
execution
The lessons
Peter’s deliverance came at
the last moment possible
God’s Spirit works through the
weakness of our flesh
The experience of Peter must
be balanced with that of James
The deliverance of Peter is an
illustration of our salvation
MESSAGE:
|“THE LORD STILL HAS THE POWER AND THE RESOURCES AT WILL
TO TURN YOUR DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
AND YOUR CAPTIVITY INTO FREEDOM.”
Introduction: “Whom do you fear?”
Do not fear mortal man (12:20-23)
The fear of the King
The appearance by the King
The response to the King
The pride in the King
The destruction of the King
Fear the eternal Lord (12:24-25)
Obey His Word
It is a livingWord
His
word is effective
His
Word is penetrating
His
Word is life-giving
His
Word is eternal
It is a spreading Word
When
opposed by the sword the gospel grew
When
opposed by ridicule the gospel grew
When
opposed by neglect the gospel grew
When
opposed by modernism the gospel grew
Model His workers
They are saved
They are servants
They are
cross-cultural and international
They are
messengers of the gospel
MESSAGE:
“FEAR THE LORD, OBEY HIS WORD,
AND MODEL HIS WORKERS.”
Acts 1:1 –
12:25
Topic: The Doctrine of Salvation
Introduction: “Three owner’s manuals”
Salvation is in the name of Jesus (11:14/10:38)
Salvation was pre-planned by God to be provided through Jesus
Salvation is the
pre-planned work of God on the earth (4:27-28)
The resurrection declared
salvation is available in Jesus (2:36)
Salvation is the work of God in the lives of individuals
It is not all of man (2:39)
God works His will through
many resources (1-12)
There is one Savior, one salvation, and one way of salvation
Jesus is the only Savior
(4:12, 5:31)
There is no other salvation
(3:23)
There is only one path to that
salvation (10:43)
Salvation comes in a great package
Forgiveness of sins (2:38)
Knowing peace with God (10:36)
Having the power not to sin
(3:26)
Deliverance from eternal
judgment (2:40)
Assurance of eternal
acceptance in heaven (7:59)
Living in the new age of grace
(10:15, 28)
Receiving the gift of the Holy
Spirit (2:38) and the gifts from the Holy Spirit (11:17)
Salvation has its many witnesses
The witness of baptism
(2:41)
The witness of prayer (2:42)
The witness of fellowship
(2:42)
The witness of generosity
(2:45)
The witness of praise (2:47)
The witness of evangelism
(8:4)
MESSAGE:
“SALVATION WAS PLANNED BY THE FATHER,
PROVIDED BY HIS SON,
AND IS APPLIED TO MY LIFE BY FAITH
IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
Introduction: “Why so little good news?”
Context of Acts 13
Historical setting
Spiritual setting
Literary setting
Content of Acts 13:1-12
The Holy Spirit gifted and guided the Church in its ministry (13:1-5)
United Church
Healthy Church
Expanding Church
The Holy Spirit empowered His servants… (13:6-12)
To overcome evil (Elymas)
Full
of all deceit
Full
of fraud
Son of
the devil
Enemy
of all righteousness
Distorted
the way of the Lord
To rescue the perishing (Paulus)
Paulus
sought hope
Paulus
saw the power
Paulus
heard the message
Paulus
believed the Gospel
MESSAGE:
“IT IS GOOD NEWS THAT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
STILL EMPOWERS HIS SERVANTS TO DEFEAT THE ENEMY
AND TO RESCUE THE PERISHING.”
Book of Acts
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Introduction: “It is about a dead man, named Jesus…”
Why we believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
We believe in the Four
Gospels
We believe the Book of Acts
We believe the New Testament
letters
We believe in the divine birth
of the Church
We believe in the miracle of
personal faith
What is accomplished by the resurrected Savior!
Jesus is alive –
Instructing His Apostles
Jesus is alive – Serving His
Disciples
Jesus is alive – Building His
Church
Convicting
people of sin
Calling people to
faith
Uniting two people
as one
MESSAGE:
“JESUS IS ALIVE –
STILL INSTRUCTING, SERVING, AND BUILDING HIS CHURCH.”
Introduction: “Do I look like a great granddad?”
Context: 1st missionary journey,
phase two (13:13-16)
Content: Paul’s first recorded
missionary message (13:17-41)
The hand of God was preparing for the coming of the Savior (17-23)
Selection,
captivity, growth, Exodus, wilderness, conquest,
inheritance,
judges, monarchy, promised Savior
The heart of God controlled the appearing of the Savior (24-31)
God sent John
the Baptist as the forerunner for Jesus
God permitted the
Jews to fulfill prophetic opposition to Jesus
God raised Jesus
from the dead who was crucified and buried
The Word of God was fulfilled in the life of the Savior (32-37)
Declaration of
His Kingship and His Sonship at His birth
Declaration of
Davidic Covenant promises at His ascension
Declaration of His
character at His resurrection
The will of God was established by the work of the Savior (38-41)
Freedom from
the penalty of sin
Freedom from the
power of sin
Freedom from the
presence of sin
The conclusion to Paul’s evangelistic message (13:42-52)
Some were
seeking
Some were
believing
Some were denying
Some were opposing
MESSAGE:
“IT TAKES GOD’S HAND, GOD’S HEART, GOD’S WORD,
AND GOD’S WILL TO BRING TOGETHER
THE SAVIOR AND THE SINNERS.”
Introduction: “He thought you were another person”
The tale of three cities
Iconium – A city divided (1-7)
Evangelism,
mixed response, opposition, signs & wonders,
planned violence,
escape
Lystra – A city confused (8-20a)
Evangelism,
miracle, superstition, clarification, invitation,
resuscitation
Derbe – A city of faith (20b-21a)
Evangelism, conversion
Strengthening the churches (14:21b-23)
Mature in faith
Mature in fire
Mature in fellowship
Reporting to the home base (Principles of Church Growth) [14:24-28]
Unless the Lord builds the
church we labor in vain
There are more sacrifices to
be made beyond the cross
God’s grace is not denied to
any race
Tribulation met in faith will
strengthen Christians
There is no safer place on
earth than being in God’s will
Victory is not to those who
start, but to those who finish
Witness for the gospel and
leave the results to the Lord
MESSAGE:
“THE GOSPEL IS BEING PREACHED!
THE CHURCH IS BEING FORMED!
THE WORLD IS BEING CHANGED!”
Introduction: “Almost everything is changing…”
Context: Dissension in the church in
Content: Decision of the church in
Peter said… (6-11)
Gentiles heard
the gospel and believed
Gentiles who believed
received the Holy Spirit
Gentiles who
received the Holy Spirit had their hearts cleansed
Gentiles who had
their hearts cleansed were saved
Gentiles were
saved by grace without the burden of the law
Barnabas and Paul said… (12)
God sought the salvation
of the Gentiles by faith
Sign and wonders
from God confirmed this mission
James said… (13-21)
God is
accepting the Gentiles on the basis of faith
The prophets
foresaw Gentiles accepted by God
Let God’s will
proceed without our interference
Let common grace
be shown by all
Conclusion: Delegates to the churches (15:22-35)
Witnesses to the fellowship
of God’s grace
Messengers of the word of
God’s grace
Examples of the sacrifice of
God’s grace
Foundation stones of the
MESSAGE:
“SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE
AND NOT BE THE MERITS OF KEEPING LAWS.”
Introduction: “G…P…S…”
Context: Start of the second missionary journey
Content: God is accomplishing His will
The Lord works through common people (15:36-41)
The
controversy: Can both be right?
The
consequences: Two teams are formed
The result: God’s will is done!
The Lord raises up dedicated workers (16:1-05)
Timothy: Christ’s gift to Paul
Timothy: Christ’s gift to the Church
The result: God’s will is done!
The Lord guides the path of faithful witnesses (16:6-10)
Negative
guidance
Positive guidance
The result: God’s will is done!
MESSAGE:
“TO BRING ABOUT THE SALVATION OF MANY
THE LORD WORKS THROUGH COMMON PEOPLE,
RAISES UP DEDICATED WORKERS,
AND GUIDES THE PATH OF FAITHFUL WITNESSES.”
Introduction: “Charter members of 1933”
Planting the church through conversions (16:11-34)
Winning of a business woman and her family to Christ (11-15)
Won by the word
of God
Won by the work of
God
Forced hospitality
Winning of a possessed slave-girl to Christ (16-24)
Won by the
power of Christ
Won by the
sufferings for Christ
Prison hospitality
Winning of a Gentile jailer and his family to Christ (25-34)
Won by praise
to the Lord
Won by the power
of the Lord
Southern
hospitality
Strengthening the church in its conduct (16:35-40)
Faith shines for justice in
the world
Faith builds fellowship in the
body
Going Forth to Build the Church
Let the Lord who directs His servants direct you.
Give thanks to the Lord who directs you to faith.
Let your life follow the pattern of faith, baptism, and good works.
The great power of the Lord is available to His servants.
Your friendship with the Lord will lead to enmity with the world.
Let the Creator who controls both time and space control you.
When you suffer in faith, you become a witness for the Lord.
Your love of money makes you an enemy to the Lord.
Let faith turn you from real fears to great joys.
If you want to win others, there is a high price to be paid.
All types of people can be saved; all should hear the gospel.
Through the witness of our worship we can evangelize others.
MESSAGE:
”THE LORD IS STILL BUILDING HIS CHURCH THROUGH CONVERSIONS
AND STILL GIVING STRENGTH TO THE CHURCH IN ITS CONDUCT.”
Introduction: “Lindenwold to LBI to
Paul’s pattern of evangelism
He choose great urban
centers
He used synagogues as a base
of operations
He used the Old Testament
Messianic Scriptures as his text
He adapted his message to his
audience
He emphasized the unity and
fellowship of the church
He revisited the churches to
strengthen them
Paul’s practice of evangelism
In Thessalonica (On the highway) 17:1-10a
Mostly Gentile
converts
Focus on future
things
Hostility of the
Jews
Cooperation of the
Christians
In
Mostly Jewish
converts
Continual Bible
studies
Hostility of the
Jews
Cooperation of the
Christians
Paul’s principles of evangelism
The Scriptures are God’s
word
All people need salvation
In OT God
provided a temporary solution to sin in sacrifices
In NT God provided
a permanent solution to sin in
Jesus is the Christ
Faith is the essential
relationship for salvation
There are always enemies of
the Gospel
The Gospel is spread from
church to community
MESSAGE:
”WE WHO HAVE BELIEVED THE GOSPEL
ARE TO ASSIST IN OTHERS’ RECEIVING THE GOSPEL.”
Introduction: “
Context: Paul in
Angry in
Evangelizing the public (17)
Debating the teachers (18)
Educating the leaders (19-21)
Content: Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill (Areopagus) (17:22-31)
Paul’s premise: The God unknown to you is known by me (22-23)
Paul’s preaching(24-31)
The greatness
of God – He is the Creator of all (24)
The goodness of
God – He is the Sustainer of all (25)
The government of
God – He is the Sovereign over all (26-29)
The grace of God –
He is the Savior of all (30-31)
Conclusion: Three responses (17:32-34)
Some mocked
Some delayed
Some believed
MESSAGE:
”CHRISTIANS ARE STILL TO BE WITNESSES
TO GOD’S GREATNESS, GOD’S GOODNESS,
GOD’S GOVERNMENT, AND GOD’S GRACE
Introduction: “Never given in…”
The doubting disciple
The cause of Paul’s doubting
He is living
like a fugitive
He is all alone
He is broke
The result of Paul’s doubting
He has lost
power
He has lost
confidence
He has lost his
voice
The trusting disciple
The Lord gave Paul a vision
of promises
The Lord gave Paul a double
blessing
The Lord ruled for Paul
through a governor’s ruling
The Lord gave Paul great
results
MESSAGE:
”NEVER, NEVER GIVE IN TO DOUBTS,
AND NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP ON FAITH.”
Introduction: “Swept away”
Apollos had to be taught that Jesus is the
What we know about Apollos
–
Jew, Alexandrian,
orator, student of O.T., seminarian, powerful personality,
Messianic scholar,
disciple of John the Baptist
What
Completed the
gospel
What Apollos became for the
church –
Teacher, defender,
evangelist
Apollos taught others that Jesus is the Christ
By interpretation of the Old Testament
Moses (Genesis
– Deuteronomy) – that Prophet is Jesus
History (Joshua –
Esther) – that Son is Jesus
Poetry (Job – Song
of Solomon) – that Anointed One is Jesus
Prophets (Isaiah –
Malachi) – that Sacrificial Lamb is Jesus
By application to the Old Testatment
Moses (Genesis
– Deuteronomy) Genesis 3:15
History (Joshua –
Esther) II Samuel 7:13
Poetry (Job – Song
of Solomon) Job 19:25
Prophets (Isaiah –
Malachi) Isaiah 9:6
MESSAGE:
”DO NOT BE SWEPT AWAY FROM THIS -
JESUS IS THE LORD, THE CHRIST, AND THE WORLD’S ONLY SAVIOR.”
Introduction: “Will CCC ever reflect
the
Context: Third Missionary Journey –
To confirm New Testament
faith (19:1-10)
To authenticate what was true
(19:11-17)
To consecrate Christians
(19:18-20)
Content: Seven rules of the
We live under the Lordship
of Jesus Christ (5)
We live in the power of the
Holy Spirit (6)
We live in the world, for the
world, but apart from the world (8-9)
We work for God with other
servants of God (11)
We war with the Devil (13)
We practice holiness in
character and conduct (18)
We mature as Christians and we
spread the Church (20)
MESSAGE:
“WE WHO ARE CITIZENS OF THE
MUST ALWAYS REFLECT THE RULES OF HIS GOVERNMENT.”
Introduction: “Is the Dow Jones up or down?”
Context:
The Apostle Paul’s third
missionary journey (18:23-21:16)
Ministry in
Personal goals yet to be
accomplished (19:21-22)
A riot to be quelled
(19:23-41)
Content: Seven results of following the Way… (19:23-41)
…results in widespread
personal conversions (Faith)
…brings about personal and
public holiness (Purity)
…is death to idolatry (Truth)
…causes a redistribution of
wealth (Generosity)
…demonstrates brotherly love
(Love)
…is subject to opposition
(Sacrifice)
…leads to innocence of all
wrong doing (Innocence)
MESSAGE:
“THE GOSPEL IS CHANGING THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE
WHO ARE CHANGING THEIR WORLD.”
Introduction: “How was our trip?”
The Gospel is spread by the hands of man:
Paul’s three missionary
journeys
Paul’s farewell visits
1.
2. Troas
to
3. To
4. To
5. To
6. To
7. To
8. To Assos (Acts 20:13)
9. To Mitylene (Acts 20:14)
10. To
11. To
12. To
The Church is built by the handprint of the Lord
Christians met on the
Lord’s day (Acts 20:7)
Christians assembled as the
Lord’s family (Acts 20:4-5)
Christians remembered the
Lord’s table (Acts 20:7)
Christians heard the Lord’s
word (Acts 20:7)
Christians experienced the
Lord’s power (Acts 20:9-10)
Christians gave the Lord’s
money (Romans 15:25-27)
MESSAGE:
“THE GOSPEL IS SPREAD BY THE HANDS OF MAN,
AND THE CHURCH IS BUILT BY THE HANDPRINT OF THE LORD.”
Introduction: “A soldier of the cross”
Context: Paul is going home
Content: Paul’s autobiography
Chapter 1 – Reviewing the past (17-21)
His ministry –
Serving the Lord in the lives of others
His manner –
Serving others as an example of Christ
His message –
Serving for the salvation of all who believed
Chapter 2 – Describing the present (22-27)
Paul, the
captive of Christ
Paul, the
accountant of universal values
Paul, the athlete
competing for eternal rewards
Paul, the manager
of an earthly treasure
Paul, the witness
of the hope of the world
Paul, the preacher
of good things to come
Paul, the watchman
for judgments on the way
Chapter 3 – Warnings for the future (28-35)
Guard the Lord’s flock from:
Wolves
from without
Perversions
from within
Guard yourselves from:
The
sin of carelessness
The
sin of unholiness
The
sin of covetousness
The
sin of laziness
The
sin of selfishness
MESSAGE:
“PEOPLE CHANGE, PLACES CHANGE, AND TIMES CHANGE;
BUT THE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS MUST REMAIN THE SAME.”
Introduction: “Disagreement on the will of God”
Context: Paul is going home
Content: Doing God’s will
Why Paul should not go to
The elders of
the church in
The families of
the church in