Sermon Central
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Simple Truths From The Book Of Acts
Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 26, 2011 (message contributor)
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1. Misplaced Anger Towards The Servants Of God
Contributed on Oct 15, 2012
THE PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY DEALS WITH A SENSITIVE SUBJECT IN THE LIFE OF A CHURCH AND THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVER. THE ISSUE IS ANGER, AGAINST GOD DIRECTED TOWARDS HIS SERVANT(S). SO, IN OUR TIME TOGETHER TODAY, I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT WHAT CAUSES THIS A
MISPLACED ANGER TOWARDS THE SERVANTS OF GOD ACTS 7:54-8:1 WHEN THEY HEARD THIS, THEY WERE FURIOUS AND GNASHED THEIR TEETH AT HIM. 55 BUT STEPHEN, FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, LOOKED UP TO HEAVEN AND SAW THE GLORY OF GOD, AND JESUS STANDING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. 56 "LOOK," HE SAID, "I SEE HEAVEN ...read more
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2. Finding Meaning For Us In The Conversion Of Saul
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
THIS PORTION OF THE BOOK OF ACTS DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION OF ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PLAYERS IN THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST – SAUL OF TARSUS. WHAT I FIND OF INTEREST HERE IS THE APPLICATION THIS WONDERFUL EVENT IN THE LIF
FINDING MEANING FOR US IN THE CONVERSION OF SAUL ACTS 9:1-19 INTRODUCTION: THIS PORTION OF THE BOOK OF ACTS DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION OF ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PLAYERS IN THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST – SAUL OF TARSUS. WHAT I FIND OF INTEREST HERE IS THE ...read more
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3. When Is The Work Done?
Contributed on Apr 30, 2013
SOMEONE HAS SAID THAT THERE IS NO RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE FOR CHRIST, AND THAT IS TRUE. THERE ALWAYS SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST CAN DO, REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES, SITUATIONS, OR SURROUNDINGS. YET, THERE ARE SOME “MISCONCEPTIONS” OUT THER
WHEN IS THE WORK DONE? ACTS 14:8-28 IN LYSTRA THERE SAT A MAN CRIPPLED IN HIS FEET, WHO WAS LAME FROM BIRTH AND HAD NEVER WALKED. 9 HE LISTENED TO PAUL AS HE WAS SPEAKING. PAUL LOOKED DIRECTLY AT HIM, SAW THAT HE HAD FAITH TO BE HEALED 10 AND CALLED OUT, "STAND UP ON YOUR FEET!" AT THAT, THE MAN ...read more
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4. Our Spiritual Checkup
Contributed on Oct 15, 2012
AS WE CONTINUE IN OUR SERIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS, WE ARE FIRMLY ENTRENCHED IN THE LIFE OF PHILIP. AS WE HAVE NOTED PREVIOUSLY THE ONSET OF THE MINISTRY OF PHILIP WAS THE PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH. PERSECUTION TO THE EXTENT THAT GENTILE BELIEVERS WERE FO
OUR SPIRITUAL CHECKUP PROPOSITION: INWARD EXAMINATION PROMOTES OUTWARD GODLY INTENTION Acts 8:9-25 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him ...read more
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5. Seeing God’s Encouragement When We Are Discouraged!
Contributed on Mar 30, 2014
A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF PAUL AS HE ENTERS INTO THE TOWN OF CORINTH. HE COMES INTO THIS TOWN DISCOURAGED – AND SEEING HIS CIRCUMSTANCES, WHO COULD BLAME HIM. YET, WHAT PAUL DOES NOT INITIALLY SEE, AND WHAT GOD BRINGS TO HIS ATTENTION IS THAT THERE IS MUCH
SEEING GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT WHEN WE ARE DISCOURAGED! Acts 18:1-17 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul ...read more
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6. The Demeanor And Disposition Of A Follower Of Christ
Contributed on May 23, 2012
THIS SHORT PASSAGE IS REALLY ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY THAT WILL END WITH THE DEATH OF STEPHEN. STEPHEN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST DEACONS CHOSEN FOR THE EARLY CHURCH. FROM THAT MOMENT, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HIS LIFE IS SHORT. THERE IS NOT MUCH TIME BETWE
THE DEMEANOR AND DISPOSITION OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST Acts 6:8-15 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria ...read more
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7. The Character Of A True Disciple
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
WHAT WE HAVE HERE ARE TWO QUICK INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF PETER, WHICH WHEN LOOKED AT SHOW US THE CHARACTER OF A TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST. TRANSITION: FOR WITH ALL OF THE STUMBLES PETER MAKES IN HIS LIFE, IT IS PETER THAT SHOWS HERE TRUE DISCIPLE SHI FOR C
THE CHARACTER OF A TRUE DISCIPLE Acts 9:32-43 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. 34 "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your ...read more
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8. Issues Arising In The Church
Contributed on Apr 30, 2013
THE PASSAGE WE HAVE BEFORE US TODAY IS ONE THAT DEALS WITH CONFLICTS THAT RISE UP IN THE CHURCH. IN FACT CONFLICTS OCCUR ON A REGULAR BASIS. SOME OF THE CONFLICTS ARE SMALL, AND EASILY RESOLVED, OFTEN INVOLVING ONLY A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, OVER A MINOR IS
ISSUES ARISING IN THE CHURCH The Do’s and Don’ts of conflict Acts 15:1-19 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp ...read more
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9. Visible Servanthood
Contributed on Apr 21, 2014
HERE AS PAUL PREPARES TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM, UNSURE OF HIS FUTURE, HE SPEAKS VERY CANDIDLY OF HIS LIFE OF MINISTRY, AND IN THE PROCESS OUTLINES FOR US THE ACTIVITIES THAT MADE HIM SUCH AN EFFECTIVE SERVANT FOR CHRIST.
VISIBLE SERVANTHOOD ACTS 20:13-38 Acts 20:36-37 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. INTRODUCTION: JAMES BOICE WRITES, “It is helpful too because we see Paul toward the end of his ministry among these ...read more
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10. Expectations When Following Christ
Contributed on Oct 16, 2012
THE LIFE OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST IS FULL OF CONSTANTS. THERE IS THE CONSTANT OF AN ABUNDANT LIFE. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVES YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT WE ARE A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST JESUS.THERE IS THE CONST
EXPECTATIONS WHEN FOLLOWING CHRIST ACTS 10:24-48 INTRODUCTION: THE LIFE OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST IS FULL OF CONSTANTS. THERE IS THE CONSTANT OF AN ABUNDANT LIFE. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVES YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. THERE IS THE CONSTANT THAT WE ARE A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST ...read more
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11. Clearly Seeing The Will Of God
Contributed on Oct 16, 2012
HE TEXT BEFORE US TODAY DEALS WITH THE RECOUNTING OF THE ACTIVITIES OF PETER WHILE HE WAS IN THE HOUSE OF CORNELIUS. WORD OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED HAD MADE IT ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM, AND HAD CAUSED A STIR AMONG THE MEMBERS. PETER NOW TAK
CLEARLY SEEING THE WILL OF GOD ACTS 11:1-18 THE APOSTLES AND THE BROTHERS THROUGHOUT JUDEA HEARD THAT THE GENTILES ALSO HAD RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD. 2 SO WHEN PETER WENT UP TO JERUSALEM, THE CIRCUMCISED BELIEVERS CRITICIZED HIM 3 AND SAID, "YOU WENT INTO THE HOUSE OF UNCIRCUMCISED MEN AND ATE ...read more
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12. The Important Things To Remember In Times Of Turmoil
Contributed on Jan 23, 2013
TIMES OF TURMOIL AND STRESS HAVE A WAY OF GETTING US TO FOCUS ON THE WRONG THINGS – IE: THE SITUATION. AS PRESSING AS THE SITUATION IS, IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT OR MORE IMPORTANT TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING “BEHIND THE SCENES” SO TO SPEA
THE IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER IN TIMES OF TURMOIL ACTS 12:1-19 INTRODUCTION: TIMES OF TURMOIL AND STRESS HAVE A WAY OF GETTING US TO FOCUS ON THE WRONG THINGS – IE: THE SITUATION. AS PRESSING AS THE SITUATION IS, IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT OR MORE IMPORTANT TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND SEE WHAT ...read more
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13. The Environment Of Choice
Contributed on Mar 30, 2014
THIS PASSAGE PRESENTS US WITH SEVERAL SCENARIOS, EACH OF WHICH PRESENTS PAUL AND BY INFERENCE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF CHOICE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE NOTE OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES. IN OTHER WORDS, CHOICES
THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHOICE Acts 16:11-40 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we ...read more
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14. Responding To Opposition
Contributed on Mar 5, 2012
THE PASSAGE BEFORE US THIS MORNING IS THE RESULT OF ACTIVITIES IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. IF YOU WERE TO FLIP THE PAGE BACK INTO CHAPTER 3, YOU WOULD SEE THAT PETER AND JOHN, WHILE WALKING UP TO THE TEMPLE, ENCOUNTER A MAN WHO CANNOT WALK, AND THROUGH THE
RESPONDING TO OPPOSITION ACTS 4:16-22 Proposition: OUTWARD OPPOSITION NEEDS TO BE RESISTED AS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST. Introduction: THE PASSAGE BEFORE US THIS MORNING IS THE RESULT OF ACTIVITIES IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. IF YOU WERE TO FLIP THE PAGE BACK INTO CHAPTER 3, YOU WOULD SEE THAT PETER ...read more
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15. Waiting On God
Contributed on Oct 2, 2011
The term, "waiting on God" is one of those terms that we often have difficulty defining. This message looks at what the disciples did while waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WAIT ON GOD Acts 1:12-26 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and ...read more
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16. Positive Leadership Circumvents Church Problems
Contributed on May 21, 2012
RIGHT NOW, THIS SECTION OF ACTS WE ARE IN IS FOCUSED ON CHURCH PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES. IN CHAPTER 5 WE SAW TWO PROBLEMS BESET THE CHURCH, ONE INTERNAL, AND THE OTHER EXTERNAL. NOW, IN CHAPTER 6, WE HAVE A NEW DIFFICULTY. A DIFFICULTY THAT WILL RESUL
POSITIVE LEADERSHIP CIRCUMVENTS CHURCH PROBLEMS Acts 6:1-7 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the ...read more
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17. Working Prayer
Contributed on Mar 5, 2012
THIS PORTION OF SCRIPTURE BRINGS US TO THE RELEASE OF PETER AND JOHN. THEY HAD HEALED A CRIPPLE THE PREVIOUS DAY (CHAPTER 3). THEY HAD BEEN ARRESTED FOR CREATING A COMMOTION IN THE TEMPLE AREA, DETAINED THAT NIGHT, AND THEN FACE THE SAME GROUP OF PEOPLE
WORKING PRAYER Acts 4:23-31 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the ...read more
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18. What It Takes To Be A Real Witness For Christ.
Contributed on Apr 21, 2014
A sober look at the ministry of Paul
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A REAL WITNESS FOR CHRIST. INTRODUCTION: THIS WEEK I POSTED AN ARTICLE BY JAROD MOORE ON MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT THAT WAS ON THE TOPIC OF WHY MINISTRY IS NOT FOR WIMPS. THIS ARTICLE GAVE TEN REASONS. HERE THEY ARE: IF YOU ENTER PASTORAL MINISTRY… 10. NOT EVERYONE WILL ...read more
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19. Part 01 -- Just Do It God
Contributed on Sep 26, 2011
ACTS IS A MICROCOSM LOOK AT THE EARLY CHURCH. UNDENIABLY THIS BOOK OF THE BIBLE DOES NOT CONTAIN EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THE LIFE OF THE EARLY CHURCH, YET IT DOES CONTAIN EVERYTHING GOD WANTS US TO KNOW ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE EARLY CHURCH. AS WE BEGI
SIMPLE TRUTHS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS Acts 1:3-11 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them ...read more
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20. Knowing Your Message And Knowing The Need
Contributed on Oct 19, 2011
This message is a challenge to knowing the message of the gospel in order to respond to the need of the people. Biblical truth is never just for information, but transformation. The simple truth conveyed in this message is -- IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO EXALT T
KNOWING YOUR MESSAGE AND KNOWING THE NEED INTRODUCTION: THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE REVEAL THE MOVING OF THE EARLY CHURCH – SOME 120 PEOPLE INTO OVERDRIVE! THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME – JUST AS CHRIST PROMISED, THE PEOPLE HAVE ASSEMBLED AS A RESULT OF THE NOISE. ACCUSATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, AND NOW ...read more
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21. The Direction Of Worth
Contributed on Apr 8, 2013
This message looks at the value and worth of the gospel and our responsibility to multiply this value and worth through telling others about Christ!
THE DIRECTION OF WORTH Acts 13:42-52 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked ...read more
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22. Are You Along For The Ride Or Engaged For The Reason.
Contributed on Mar 30, 2014
THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST, HAS A “CATEGORY” SYSTEM. IN FACT IT IS A TWO CATEGORY SYSTEM. THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST WHO ARE “ALONG FOR THE RIDE”. AND THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED FOR A REASON
ARE YOU ALONG FOR THE RIDE OR ENGAGED FOR THE REASON. Acts 18:18-28 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at ...read more
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23. Two Visions; One Purpose
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
THE PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY IS ONE OF GROWTH FOR THE EARLY CHURCH. IN FACT, ONE MIGHT SAY THAT THIS IS A PICTURE OF THE CHURCH LEAVING THE NEST. WITH THIS PASSAGE WE SEE THE CULMINATION OF GOD’S PLAN FOR THE GROWTH AND DIRECTION OF THE CHURCH. PETER IS
TWO VISIONS; ONE PURPOSE INTRODUCTION: THE PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY IS ONE OF GROWTH FOR THE EARLY CHURCH. IN FACT, ONE MIGHT SAY THAT THIS IS A PICTURE OF THE CHURCH LEAVING THE NEST. WITH THIS PASSAGE WE SEE THE CULMINATION OF GOD’S PLAN FOR THE GROWTH AND DIRECTION OF THE CHURCH. PETER ...read more
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24. The Fallacy Of The Perfect Church
Contributed on Sep 14, 2012
THIS PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY IS THE FIRST INTERNAL ATTACK ON THE EARLY CHURCH. THIS ATTACK SHOULD MAKE THE CURRENT CHURCH REALIZE THE WE, AS THE BODY OF CHRIST ARE NOT IMMUNE TO SUCH ATTACKS, AND THAT WE MUST BE ON GUARD SO AS TO PREPARE FOR AND DO OUR B
THE FALLACY OF THE PERFECT CHURCH The Peril of Deception Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 ...read more
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25. Making Lemonade From Lemons
Contributed on Oct 16, 2012
AS WE APPROACH THIS PASSAGE, WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS WHAT I MIGHT CALL THE FINAL LEG OF THE GREAT COMMISSION (CULTURALLY SPEAKING). BY THE TIME WE REACH THIS PASSAGE THE GOSPEL HAS PROGRESSED FROM THE JEWS TO THE SAMARITANS, TO THE GOD FEARING GREEKS, AND N
MAKING LEMONADE FROM LEMONS ACTS 11:19-30 INTRODUCTION: AS WE APPROACH THIS PASSAGE, WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS WHAT I MIGHT CALL THE FINAL LEG OF THE GREAT COMMISSION (CULTURALLY SPEAKING). BY THE TIME WE REACH THIS PASSAGE THE GOSPEL HAS PROGRESSED FROM THE JEWS TO THE SAMARITANS, TO THE GOD ...read more
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26. The Characteristics Of Faithful Ministry
Contributed on Apr 30, 2013
WE ALL HAVE HEARD AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER THAT WE SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN SOME TYPE OF MINISTRY FOR CHRIST. AFTER ALL WE HAVE BEEN SAVED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, CALLED TO SERVE THE RISEN CHRIST, AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE CROWNS OF HAVING FAITHFULLY SERVED THE
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FAITHFUL MINISTRY Acts 14:1-7 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds ...read more
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27. Are You A Little Drummer Boy?
Contributed on Dec 6, 2011
THIS PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY LOOKS AT THE RESULT OF AN UNEXPECTED GIFT GIVEN TO SOMEONE WHO WAS, QUITE FRANKLY, LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE! We often miss opportunities God has for us, because we are looking for something else other than what God wants
ARE YOU A “LITTLE DRUMMER BOY”? ACTS 3:1-10 ONE DAY PETER AND JOHN WERE GOING UP TO THE TEMPLE AT THE TIME OF PRAYER--AT THREE IN THE AFTERNOON. 2 NOW A MAN CRIPPLED FROM BIRTH WAS BEING CARRIED TO THE TEMPLE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL, WHERE HE WAS PUT EVERY DAY TO BEG FROM THOSE GOING INTO THE TEMPLE ...read more
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28. Keeping The Faith When Times Are Tough
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
RECENTLY, SOMEONE SHARED WITH ME A “RULE OF THUMB” FOR THEM PERSONALLY. IT GOES LIKE THIS, “WE ARE ALL PROBABLY ABLE TO HANDLE THREE CRISES IN OUR LIVES AT ANY GIVEN TIME.” WELL, I THINK THAT PAUL IS PROBABLY AT HIS LIMIT HERE! HE HAS TO ADJUST TO A WH
KEEPING THE FAITH WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH Acts 9:19-31 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ...read more
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29. The Reaction To A Changed Life
Contributed on Oct 12, 2011
THE PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY IS THE UNDISPUTED BIRTH OF THE CHURCH. AND THIS BIRTH IS ACCOMPLISHED IN A VIBRANT, EXCITING MANNER. SO MUCH SO THAT IT IS EVIDENT TO THOSE NOT PART OF THE PROCESS. SO GREAT IS THIS BIRTH, THAT THOSE IN PROXIMITY COME TO FIN
THE REACTION TO A CHANGED LIFE Acts 2:1-13 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and ...read more
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30. What Paul Knew -- Father's Day 2014
Contributed on Jun 30, 2014
Father's Day Message that looks at What Paul knew about His relationship with God and what Father's today should know about theirs
What Paul Knew ILLUSTRATION: BRUCE LOCKERBIE WRITES IN HIS BOOK FATHERLOVE THE FOLLOWING STORY, “WHEN I WAS ELEVEN YEARS OLD, OUR FAMILY DROVE FROM TORONTO TO EASTERN ONTARIO, TO THE REGION NORTH OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER, WHERE MY FATHER HAD BEEN BORN. WE REACHED THE LITTLE VILLAGES OF ...read more