Guest speaker: Dr. Madison Grace

“Accepting the Ethnically Different” Acts 10:9-26

“Forward Progress” Acts 9:31-43 Bible Study 05/22/16

This morning we turn our attention to a powerful account of the early church’s progress which is rooted in the power of Jesus. After observing the status of the church following Paul’s return to Tarsus, we will examine two key miracles which point to its continuing progress for the glory of God.

I. Observe the Atmosphere (31)

-previously: persecution, violence, scattering…
-now: peace, edification
-moving forward with fear and comfort

II. Note the Progress Connected to a Paralytic’s Healing (32-35)

-from Paul to Peter
-Lydda: Samaritan territory
-Aeneas and paralysis
-correspondence to Luke 5:24
-credit to Jesus
-…and they turned to the Lord.

III. Note the Progress Connected to the Drama of a Dead Woman’s Restoration (36-43)

-Joppa: 10 miles from Lydda
-Tabitha/Dorcas: excels in serving
-death and grief
-…washed…upper room.
-request for Peter
-restoration: correspondence to Luke 8:40-56 and 1 Kings 17:17-24
-…and many believed in the Lord.
-hint of more progress to come: verse 43

IV. So What?

-Because Jesus is the supernatural power source behind the church, trust Him to transform circumstances and transform people.
-Abandon hand-wringing for heart-singing!
-“The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, To guide, sustain and cherish, Is with her to the end: Though there be those who hate her, And false sons in her pale, Against both foe and traitor, She ever will prevail. Though with a scornful wonder, Men see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed: Yet saints their watch are keeping, Their cry goes up, ‘How long?’, And soon the night of weeping, Shall be the morn of song! (Samuel Stone, 1866)
-“This is my Father’s world, Should my heart be ever sad? The Lord is King-let the heavens ring, God reigns-let the earth be glad.” (Maltbie Babcock, 1901)
-Savor the sense of being a part of something that is supernatural and unstoppable!

“From Persecution to Proclamation” Acts 9:1-20 Bible Study 05/15/16

Our text this morning focuses on the dramatic conversion experience of Saul of Tarsus. The significance of his conversion is indicated by the fact that there are three accounts of it recorded in Acts. The sovereignty of the Lord Jesus in initiating and orchestrating this conversion, when it is considered carefully, is absolutely stunning!

I. Introduction

-observations regarding “shocker” conversions
-major emphases: Holy Spirit, Church growth/health, external/internal opposition
-context: following Stephen’s stoning and Philip’s encounter
-conversion accounts: Acts 9, 22, 26

II. Intercepted by Jesus (1-6)

-extensive opposition
-sovereign initiative
-light and voice
-sovereign interrogation
-first orders

III. Orchestration according to Sovereignty (7-20)

-speechless companions
-significant blindness
-agency of Ananias
-election of Saul: chosen instrument
-synagogue “shock”

IV. So What?

-Because the Lord Jesus is sovereign and sufficient in saving sinners, you can have hope for yourself and for the people you long to see converted.
-Connect persecution and proclamation (Phil. 3:12)
– “Healthy things grow…Growing things change…Change challenges us…Challenge forces us to trust God…Trust leads to obedience…Obedience makes us healthy…Healthy things grow” (J. Ryle)
-“Understand that God had you in mind when he saved Saul (1 Tim. 1:15-16).” (Piper)
-Joyfully recognize that Christianity is a converting religion.
-“O, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me…” (F. Whitfield, 1855)

Guest speaker: David Norman

“And It Was No Big Deal” Acts 8:26-39 Bible Study 05/08/16

Philip obeyed. . . and it was no big deal (v. 26–30a).

Philip shared the gospel. . . and it was no big deal (v. 30b–35).

The Eunuch was baptized. . . and it was no big deal (v. 35–36).

The Problem is that we see that which should be as ordinary as extraordinary.

Perhaps the reason is that we’ve come to see that which should be as extraordinary as ordinary.

“Addressing an In-House Issue” Acts 6:1-7 Bible Study 05/01/16

Our text this morning addresses another internal crisis that threatened the health of the early church. The manner in which the apostles and fellowship of believers handled the matter of neglected widows is instructive and enlightening for the church today.

I. Introduction

-another internal issue
-previously: deception
-presently: dissension
-threat to church health and growth
-specific challenges: making provision/maintaining priority

II. Potential for Conflict (1-2)

-complaint
-Hellenists and Hebrews
-neglected in the daily distribution
-business meeting
-the Word of God and serving tables

III. Solving the Problem (3-7)

-congregational involvement
-selection of seven: delegation
-qualifications
-affirmation of apostolic intent
-Stephen and Philip…
-prayer and commissioning
-result: health/growth

IV. So What?

-When the church functions in the power of the Holy Spirit, pressing needs are met and the priority of the Word is affirmed.
-“The life of the church hangs on the Word of God.” (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4) (Piper)
-Prioritize prayer and the ministry of the Word.
-Cultivate an every member is a minister mentality.
-Commit and contribute to church unity.
-“Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds. Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us. Truths unchanged from the dawn of time that will echo down through eternity. And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises. And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us. Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built and the earth is filled with Your glory.” (Getty/Townend)