This sermon explores the divine plan of salvation, emphasizing our choice to accept God's love and the transformative power of repentance and baptism.
Hey there, family! I'm so excited to be here with you today. We've got an incredible message lined up that I believe is going to touch your hearts and uplift your spirits. We'll be taking a look at the foundation laid by Jesus and the apostles, the plan of salvation, and the Biblical way to salvation.
Opening Scripture Reading – Let's read together from the book of Acts. "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.'" - Acts 2:36-39
Opening Prayer – What a powerful passage, isn't it? Now, let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Lord, we thank You for this day, for Your love and Your mercy. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to Your Word today. Help us to understand the message You have for us and guide us as we seek to apply it in our lives. We thank You for the gift of salvation and for the hope we have in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In the early days, following the resurrection of Jesus, a group of men and women were entrusted with a mission. This mission was not just to spread the good news of Jesus' resurrection, but to lay the foundation for the future of Christianity. These were the apostles, handpicked by Jesus Himself. They were ordinary people, fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots, yet they were chosen for an extraordinary task.
The apostles were the first to receive the teachings of Jesus. They walked with Him, talked with Him, and witnessed His miracles. They were the first to hear the parables, the first to see the fulfillment of the prophecies, and the first to understand the true nature of the Messiah. They were the ones who received the Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all nations.
The teachings of Jesus were revolutionary. He spoke of love and forgiveness, of mercy and grace. He challenged the religious leaders of His time, broke down societal norms, and welcomed the outcasts. His teachings turned the world upside down. And it was these teachings that the apostles were entrusted to carry forward.
The apostles questioned and doubted Jesus' teaching. They did not just passively receive these teachings. But through their struggles, they gained a deeper understanding of Jesus' message. They learned to see beyond the surface, to grasp the deeper spiritual truths. And it was this understanding that they passed on to the early Christians.
The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to carry out their mission. It gave them the courage to preach the gospel in the face of persecution, the wisdom to guide the early Church, and the ability to perform miracles. The Holy Spirit was their constant companion, guiding them, strengthening them, and equipping them for their task.
The apostles were the leaders of the New Testament church. They, along with the prophets of old, are the foundation of the body of Christ. They set the direction for the Church, established its doctrines, and guided its growth. They faced challenges, made difficult decisions, and navigated conflicts. But through it all, they remained faithful to their mission and to the teachings of Jesus.
The apostles' leadership was servant-like. They led by example, showing humility, love, and self-sacrifice. They did not seek power or prestige, but served the Church with dedication and devotion. Their leadership was a reflection of Jesus' teachings and a model for future leaders.
Transition – As we reflect on this foundation, let us remember the apostles' dedication and devotion. Let us remember their struggles and their victories. Let us remember their teachings and their example. And let us strive to live out these teachings in our own lives, to carry forward the mission entrusted to them, and to build on the foundation they laid.
As we immerse ourselves in the depths of God's Word, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of a grand revelation ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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