Christmas 2024 – The Shepherds
Caesar Augustus, in order to help unify the Roman Empire, took religious titles upon himself to try and elevate himself to deity. He decreed that the everyone in the Roman world should return to their ancestral homes to be registered in a census. This compelled Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, at exactly the right time for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, as was required by prophecy. Caesar was trying to elevate himself to divinity, Jesus lowered himself…
Phillip and the Eunich
Acts 8:26-40 In the middle of great revival in Samaria, Phillip was told by an angel to go to the desert. There he meets an official from Ethiopia reading the book of Isaiah. The angel told Phillip to catch up to the chariot.The official invited Phillip into the chariot to explain what he was reading. Phillip taught the official about Jesus, starting at that verse. The official believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and was baptised Phillip…
Simony
Acts 8:1-25 Saul approved of Stephen’s murder Persecution had been increasing, and now became intense The disciples scattered throughout Judah and Samaria, spreading the gospel Phillip was preaching about Jesus and performing signs and wonders And the city was full of joy. Simon was famous in the city due to his sorcery. Simon became a believer. Peter and John came and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon wanted to buy the ability to fill pray for people…
The First Martyr
Acts 7:38-60 This week we continue the history lesson as the story turns sour, when God’s special people reject Him. Stephen is standing before the high council accused of blaspheming God, Moses, and the Temple The Israelites were complaining about God’s provision. While God was writing the 10 commandment on the stone tablets with His own finger, His special people were at the bottom of the mountain breaking them. Stephen turns the spotlight from the wickedness of the Israelites and…
Stephen’s Defence
Acts 7:20-38 Context At Pentecost a Peter preached his first sermon, and 3000 people joined the disciples- the birth of the church. Then God healed a lame man through Peter and John, and more people joined the church. Then a great multitude came for healing and the church continued growing. The apostles were put into prison and beaten. One of those imprisoned was Stephen. Nobody could argue with his wisdom, so the high council pressed false charges against him. Stephen…
Stephen’s Trial – Abraham to Joseph
Acts 7:1-20 Stephen is standing in front of the Sanhedrin, accused of blasphemy against the law of Moses, and against the Temple. The high council was not happy with Stephens preaching, so they hired scoundrels to present false testimony against Stephen. Stephen’s response is based on Israel’s history, highlighting an interesting pattern – the first time God sends a saviour to Israel, Israel rejects them. But the second time they accept: Joseph, Moses, and ultimately Jesus. God called Abraham to…
Wisdom and the Spirit of God
Acts 6:1-15 The church continued to grow, and disputes arose between the Jewish and Greek believers The apostles needed to focus on teaching rather than dealing with matters of this sort. They were dedicated to prayer and ministry of the Word. The apostles got the church involved in resolving this issue. 7 men from the Greek believers were chosen to manage the food distribution. The first non- apostolic ministry of the church was feeding the widows One of these men…
Disobedient Disciples and a Wise Pharisee
Acts 5:17-42 This is the second time Peter and John are arrested within a few weeks. They were put in prison to get them out of the way, but at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out. If God has a job for you to do, and you are walking in it, He can do anything to overcome obstacles that would prevent you from accomplishing your job. The witness of the apostles was…
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…
Prayer
Acts 4:23-37 When the disciples were released they sought fellowship, rather than isolation The disciples prayed from Psalm 2, acknowledging who God is, and that He is control of every situation. They prayed: 1. Look at the threats This was a very mature way to pray, having faith in God to resolve the matter I. The best way. 2. Boldness for witnessing. 1. Signs and wonders Opportunities to witness The place in which they were meeting was shaken,and everyone there…
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