25
May
2008
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 9:20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “This man is the Son of God.” 9:21 All who heard him were amazed and were saying, “Is this not the man who in Jerusalem was ravaging those who call on this name, and who had come here to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 9:22 But Saul became more and more capable, and was causing consternation among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
Saul’s Escape from Damascus
9:23 Now after some days had passed, the Jews plotted together to kill him, 9:24 but Saul learned of their plot against him. They were also watching the city gates day and night so that they could kill him. 9:25 But his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall by lowering him in a basket.
Saul Returns to Jerusalem
9:26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe that he was a disciple. 9:27 But Barnabas took Saul, brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 9:28 So he was staying with them, associating openly with them in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 9:29 He was speaking and debating with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they were trying to kill him. 9:30 When the brothers found out about this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced peace and thus was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, the church increased in numbers.
Key Point: To grow we need people to come alongside to guide and encourage – and unleash us for ministry
Remember a teacher, coach or family member who helped you?
Barnabas was such a person (= ’son of encouragement’)
Keys to reconciliation: release, forgive, build bridges
Who has vouched for you?
Jesus was “guarantor” for the world – took our place before God
Story of Chinese judge
We can become a “guarantor” to others who need us
Small Group can be “guarantor” within and without
3 Keys to wholistic small groups:
- Relational (How’s your walk?);
- Bible based (Where’s it written?)
- Outward oriented (Who are your “mission friends”?)
rochcov 
Pastor Gary Downing, Combined Service, Sermons, Acts 
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18
May
2008
4:23 When they were released, Peter and John went to their fellow believers and reported everything the high priests and the elders had said to them. 4:24 When they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind and said, “Master of all, you who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them, 4:25 who said by the Holy Spirit through your servant David our forefather,
‘Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot foolish things?
4:26 The kings of the earth stood together,
and the rulers assembled together,
against the Lord and against his Christ.‘
4:27 “For indeed both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 4:28 to do as much as your power and your plan had decided beforehand would happen. 4:29 And now, Lord, pay attention to their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your message with great courage, 4:30 while you extend your hand to heal, and to bring about miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 4:31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously.
Acts 4:23-31
Key Point: As we become more passionate about God, the Holy Spirit may answer our heart desire with extraordinary opportunities for ministry.
Context: (cf. Acts 4:1-30) from prison to prosecution to praise
Natural Church Development
What are the key elements of “passionate spirituality”?
Romans 12:11-12
Heartless orthodoxy vs. Headless zeal
Boldness = expression of confident, persuasive evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit
Outcome? “Authentic Church Life”
In what ways is the Holy Spirit shaking up our lives?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons, Acts Comments (0) » |
11
May
2008
Peter’s Restoration
21:15 Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” 21:16 Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.” 21:17 Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. 21:18 I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.” 21:19 (Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.) After he said this, Jesus told Peter, “Follow me.”
Peter and the Disciple Jesus Loved
21:20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. (This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus’ chest at the meal and asked, “Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?”) 21:21 So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 21:22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? You follow me!”
John 21:15-22
rochcov 1st Service, Pastor John DuBall, Sermons Comments (0) » |
4
May
2008
12:1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
The story that interlaces with the sermon can be found in A 4th Course of Chicken Soup for the Soul
rochcov Pastor John DuBall, Combined Service, Sermons, Confirmation Sunday Comments (0) » |
27
April
2008
12:8 For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me!
John 12:8
Key Point: When we act on a theology of God’s heart for the poor, we inevitably become change agents in the church and the community; we become personally involved, and recruit others with us in a 360° resource network… what joy!
Who is truly poor? Experience of “mission trips” – Who is being ministered to?
God has a heart for the poor
What hinders true justice/compassion from occurring?
How do we experience becoming “poor”?
My experience of Kenya Compassion Trip
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons, John Comments (0) » |
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