Stephen, the first Christian martyr of the Jerusalem church, was one of the original seven deacons of the congregation. His story, continued in our passage this morning, highlights the difference between committed service and mere contribution.  This passage shows us three things in Stephen’s life that give us insight into the bold commitment of service: (1) his understanding of Jesus; (2) his understanding of the Holy Spirit; and, (3) his understanding of the gospel.

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In this passage we have a clash of cultures that brings about a food fight threatening destruction of fellowship in the Jerusalem congregation and resulting in the need to define ministry.  This passage teaches us how the apostles dealt with a potential church split by showing us: (1) the problem; (2) the solution; and, (3) the result.

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This passage shows us that: (1) the gospel continues to bless; (2) the gospel continues to offend; and, (3) the gospel continues to advance.

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This passage shows us three things about the people of the church and their relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ: (1) we are a new creation; (2) we have an old enemy; and, (3) we fight the same battle.

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Faith missionary and beloved pastor emeritus Tim Hoke, of African Bible University, Kampala, Uganda,  preaches on the depths of this oft-quoted verse and and the heights of its implications for for our relationship to God our Creator and Father.

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We see, in these first few chapters of Acts, that the church continues to grow and that Christ lives in and among his people in great power.       

This passage answers three questions for us this morning: (1) how did this power and growth happen; (2) what did the church do; and, (3) why is this important?

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This passage gives us one specific miracle, both as an example of the Spirit’s power and to set up next week’s story of the beginning of persecution from the Jewish authorities.  This miracle and the sermon following give us three things to consider this morning: (1) the power of God (3:1-11); (2) the provision of God (3:12-16); and, (3) the promise of God (17-26).

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The passage of Scripture we are studying this morning gives us a snapshot of the three perspectives of the Jerusalem congregation following Pentecost that demonstrate the Spirit’s work in the church: (1) their perspective was upward (vv. 42-43); (2) it was inward (vv. 44-45); and, (3) it was outward (vv. 46-47).

Download | Duration: 00:39:57

        

Peter’s sermon gives us three things to consider about how a Christ-centered, Spirit-led congregation ought to view the glorious story with which it has been entrusted: (1) the gospel must be central; (2) the gospel must be convincing; and, (3) the gospel is the agent of change in our community.

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Acts 2:1-21 teaches us three things about the crucial work of the God the Spirit as the Spirit manifests itself at Pentecost: (1) the Spirit brings life; (2) the Spirit brings unity; and, (3) the Spirit brings understanding.

Download | Duration: 00:33:31