Sermons on Purity
Trial before Felix
Acts 24:1-27 Paul is transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea due to a plot against his life in Jerusalem. Five days later, his accusers arrive. Accusation by Tertullus (the Jewish prosecutor): Flattering Felix falsely, claiming peace and prosperity under his rule. Accuses Paul of being: A “plague” (spreading the gospel). An instigator of unrest among Jews. A ringleader of the “sect of the Nazarenes” (early Christians). Claims Paul tried to profane the temple—an unproven and false charge. Paul’s Defense: Calmly…
Paul’s First Trial
Acts 23:1-35 Background Recap: Paul completes his 3rd missionary journey, heading to Jerusalem despite warnings of danger. At the Temple, he testifies until he mentions “Gentiles,” which incites the crowd. Roman commander Claudius intervenes, rescues Paul, and prevents his scourging after learning of his Roman citizenship. Sanhedrin Trial (Acts 23:1-5): Paul begins by declaring he has lived in good conscience, referring to life after his conversion. His bold statement prompts Ananias, the high priest, to order him struck. Paul rebukes…
Jerusalem counsel
The Gospel started with the Jews, then spread to the Gentiles The Gentiles were not required to follow the Jewish law. But some men arrived at the Antioch church from Judea, teaching that following the law was essential for salvation. So the Church sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to ask the apostles. The disciples debated the matter, and determined that God had granted Salvation and the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles through faith, without the law. The Gentiles should…
Paul’s First Missionary Journey
While they were spending time with God and fasting, God specifically called for Saul and Barnabas to do a special work for Him Acts 1:8 : “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” They set out on their journey to the Ends of the Earth by sailing to Cyprus.John Mark accompanied them.…
Peter’s Explanation
Acts 11:1-18 News that Peter visited the Gentiles and ate with them travelled quickly to Jerusalem.The apostles in Jerusalem accosted Peter, asking him for an explanation for his actions. Peter explains what happened, including that the Holy Spirit fell om the Gentiles.This is sometimes referred to as the Gentile Pentecost.~Peter finishes his argument strongly, saying “If God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could…
Peter’s Vision
Acts 10:1-23 Roman religion involves polytheism and emperor worship. But Cornelius rejected Roman religion and followed the one, true God. God sent angel to tell Cornelius that his prayers and charity had come up to God for a memorial. God sees everything you think and do. The angel told Cornelius to send for Peter. While Cornelius’ men were making their way to Peter, God gave Peter a vision. Down from heaven came a sheet full unclean animals, and a…
Lying to the Holy Spirit
Acts 5:1-17 In the context of great power being on the apostles and great grace on the church, people were selling property and bringing the proceeds to the apostles. It was a wonderful time But the devil hates the church, and was working against it both through external persecution and internal discord. Ananias and Sophira sold their land, but secretly kept part of the proceeds, and brought it to the apostles as if it was the whole amount. Ananias dropped…
The First Church
Acts 2:22-47 This four key pillars critical for all Churches. Each of them could be a whole study, buy we will just have a quick look at them today. Pillar 1: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” The Apostle’s Doctrine is the gospel of Jesus Christ, including that: Pillar 2: Fellowship, The word Fellowship here is a comprehensive word that means all of the following together at the same time: Pillar 3: The breaking of bread As well…
Grace
Mercy: You don’t get the consequences you deserve Grace: You get favour you don’t deserve Grace is freedom The gift of grace from Jesus is available for everyone God’s grace is much greater than sin The law demands purity before approaching God. Grace invites us to come to God and let Jesus purify you. Keep walking in grace, don’t drift back towards legalism. Grace teaches us to love and live for God. When you grow in grace you grow in…
Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church
Laodicea was a very wealthy fashion, banking and medical center The church belonging to the people, rather than Jesus Vulnerable to attack, and always allied to whichever power was stronger. Jesus has nothing good to say about the coach of Laodicea Representative of the Apostate Church age Exhortation: Jesus encourages them to go through trials to strengthen their faith and strive for righteousness Jesus warns them to be zealous and repent Jesus is not in the church of Laodicea –…
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