What to do at a roadblock Acts 4:23-31

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "What to do at a roadblock Acts 4:23-31"

Transcription

1 1 What to do at a roadblock Acts 4:23-31 Intro How do you respond to setbacks in life? What do you do when you ve made plans, you re working towards something and then you hit a road block. It becomes clear that whatever you re doing won t work? Are you one of those people who loves to quote Thomas Edison I have not failed. I ve just found 10,000 ways that won t work. You remain positive, you keep going. Or are you a bit more cynical? Do you prefer this quote: optimism: not always the best option. You hit a setback and you think, maybe I m on the wrong path, it s too hard, I should just give up. How do you respond to setbacks? It s an important question because as much as the Christian life is full of joy and blessing it s a beautiful thing being a Christian, knowing God, being part of his family as much as that s true, in our journey of faith will have all sorts of setbacks and difficulties. Paul says in Acts 14 we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. We ll find that people don t like the fact we re Christians. Some people will try and convince us to give up our faith. Or at least stop taking it so seriously. Or just stop talking about it. We might go through seasons of doubt, where God seems distant. Where we want to believe but it s a struggle. We might face long term, chronic illness as the apostle Paul did. We might lose our jobs or our homes as Christians in the middle east have recently. Our families might stop talking to each other. We can face all sorts of setbacks and opposition, but the question is, what will happen to your faith? How will you respond. We ve come to a bit of a turning point in the book of Acts. For the first 3 chapters things have been going from strength to strength. The church is growing it seems like every time one of the Apostles gets up and speaks, a couple of thousand people are added. They re confident, they re sharing all they had, people are being healed it seems like everything you could ever want for a church was there. Imagine if our church was like that imagine if after I spoke this morning, 5000 people joined St Stephens, and lines form in front of Guy and Francois because people are desperate to empty their bank accounts into the church s fund. We d be on a high, buzzing and that s what s happened to the church in Jerusalem. But in chapter 4 things go south and for the next few chapters we see significant setbacks. Christians are thrown into prison, there s lying, people are assaulted and one Christian the one who leant his name to our church is killed. And so this passage is really useful to us because it shows us what a church full of the HS does when things get tough. It shows us how authentic faith responds when life gets hard. So I ve called this talk what to do at a roadblock. And I want to draw out two things from what we see here in Acts Authentic faith means setbacks drive you towards God, rather than away from him 2. Authentic faith means your prayers become a conversation with a friend 1. Authentic Christianity means setbacks drive you towards God rather than away from him State: When you have an authentic faith in Jesus, setbacks and difficulties will move you towards God. It s like the first time you go swimming at the beach. Do you remember that? I remember I was a bit nervous, I d never experienced the ocean before but my Mum took me out and she said, don t worry about

2 the waves, just hold on tight. When a wave comes, just hold onto me you ll be fine. And I remember as we went further out and the waves got bigger I held on tighter and tighter. I moved closer to my Mum. Look at what the church does in verse 23 when they face their first wave. Look at verse On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. They ve just been threatened by a very powerful group of people with the law on their side. What do they do? I. Stay connected to one another Firstly, they stay connected to each other. Peter and John come back from prison and they share their experience with the church. They bring it to the community of believers. It s important for us to notice this because there s so much pressure in our society, especially on men, but it s on everyone to keep your problems to yourself. Put up and shut up. No one wants to hear about your issues. Stop crying, it s embarrassing. You ve gotta be a rugged individualist, model yourself on Clint Eastwood squinting out at the desert, burying the hurt deep under layers of rage. And I think Satan loves this message. There s nothing he d like more than to separate us from one another. To make us think that we re alone. I ve got a friend who grew up as a Christian, he and his family were part of a church in country NSW and when I met him he seemed really passionate about God. And when he was at home with his church he seemed to have this really strong faith. But when he got to university and he was surrounded by friends and professors who were indifferent or even hostile to his faith he started struggling. He started to have doubts, really serious doubts. And eventually he stopped calling himself a Christian and he s now a very outspoken atheist. I don t want to minimise his doubts I don t know the details but that was part of the problem. He didn t tell anyone he was struggling. I had no idea he wasn t coping until it was too late. He kept it all to himself. But what we see in the Church, authentic Christianity is not rugged individualism. We don t follow Clint Eastwood. It s not every man and woman for themselves. We follow Jesus and Jesus said weep with those who weep. That s our calling. Paul says when we bear one another s burdens we fulfil the law of Christ. It s part of being a genuine Christian, that s why Peter and John tell the church what s happened. God has brought us into a community, into a family because he knows we need connection. We need friendship. And by the way, my prayer for us as a church, and for our connect groups is that we would be a place of refuge for one another. That we would be a place where people feel they can be honest about their struggles, and their doubts. Let me encourage you, if you are having doubts to share them. Let s not be a place where people present this image of a perfect life with no rough edges or lose ends. That s not what church should be.

3 3 God has given us this community because he knows we need it. But more than that, he s promised that he ll be here. This is where he is, among his people. II. stay connected to God. Second thing to notice about this passage is that after Peter and John tell the church what has happened, the whole church responds by going to God in prayer. As the wave hits them, as they face opposition. They grab onto him. Sometimes we hear from people who ve gone through suffering saying where was God when I was in hospital? Where was God when I lost my job? Where was God when my daughter was being bullied at school? I thought he cared but he let me go through this horrible experience. It s a natural response to suffering. Where was God? And some well-meaning Christians seem to think, well, Christians aren t allowed to complain. We have to see suffering as good. we re to count it joy when we re opposed. Rejoice always, again I say rejoice. They ve got lots of verses. You can t complain. But look at the response of the Church to Peter and John s imprisonment. They say, God you are in control, you are sovereign, you allowed Jesus to be killed and we re being threatened by the same people who killed him, make us bold and perform signs again. Can you see the subtext? Can you hear the emotion? God, we re afraid, do something! Reassure us. Show us you re still with us cause right now it seems like things are out of control. They don t hold back their emotion. Like many other places in the Bible, their prayer is actually much closer to complaining than we sometimes feel uncomfortable with. Can you say that to God? Can you be that honest? Yes. You can. The Christian response to suffering is never asking questions. It s where are you God? What were you doing when you let this happen? Who are you God that this is part of your plan? It s Jesus words: my God my God, why have you forsaken me? It s a subtle difference but it makes all the difference. Instead of complaining about him, we bring our concern to him. Instead of bottling it up, we tell him. Because as we do it drives us to look for the answer. We start searching through what God has said, and what we know about God and what God has done in the past, and where he s taking the future. As the wave washes over us, we grab hold of him all the more tightly. We go and speak to him. And that brings us to my second point. 2. Authentic Christianity means your prayers become a conversation with a friend What do I mean by that. I don t mean it s about being overly casual. It s not like you can tell Bob s faith is the real deal because when he prays he says g day mate. I mean prayer is relational. Look at what the disciples don t pray. They don t pray a shopping list. Don t pray, dear God stop the Sanhedrin in their tracks Don t pray, dear God don t let any of us go to prison ever again

4 4 Don t pray, dear God just give us super human courage It d be fine if they did. Nothing wrong with that. Jesus encourages us to ask for what we need. But the way the disciples pray here shows that they have a deep relationship with God. They pray according to his will. When I was a kid I spent a month praying every day for a remote controlled car. I wanted it so badly and I was sure that if I just prayed hard enough, God had to give it to me. And then when I didn t get one I was upset, but a while later somewhere I heard someone explain, you have to ask according to God s will. And I thought, oh, I ve never done that! And so I prayed God please give me a remote-controlled car, according to your will. And still nothing. And a little while later someone at church said, we have to pray in Jesus name. And I thought there s the problem! So I prayed, God, please give me a remote-controlled car, according to your will, in Jesus name. I never got one. Silly example but look look at how the disciples pray: First, they start with what they know about God and not just any facts, it s facts that are relevant to their feelings. Things seem out of control, they feel weak, they re afraid but they know God is supposed to be sovereign he made everything and rules everything. And so they address him as the one who can help them when they feel powerless. Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens and the earth. Second, they reflect to God what God has already said and promised. It s almost like a lawyer God on this date at this time did you or did you not say this? They know his will. They know what he has said he will do. A lot of times people ask, how do you pray according to God s will? What s that all about? Are we supposed to guess what s in his head? Is he going to tell us somehow? I think it s this: the disciples pray according to the plan that God has laid out for us in scripture. The Bible is one coherent message, one big story about God s plan to bless the world through Jesus. And so they bring God s plan to him. Now I ve got a diagram of God s plan. The disciples knew that God has always had a plan to bless all nations through Abraham s children. And the disciples knew that God promised a king like David would be at the centre of that plan. They quote Psalm 2 which was about David - there in verse What s that all about? Psalm 2 speaks about nations and powerful people opposing God, conspiring to kill his king. And the disciples reflect on this they say, isn t that what just happened? Didn t we see Herod and Pilate and our people nail Jesus to the cross. In other words, the disciples are saying we see that Psalm 2 has started to come true. We saw what happened to Jesus. We get it. He s the king you promised would bring blessing to the world. And we know what will happen next because Psalm 2 also says that your King is going to inherit all the nations. We know that you are going to give them all to him. That hasn t happened yet so we know what part of the story we re up to. And we know that Jesus has told us that we have a part to play in that story. And so they prayed God give us what we need to do that job. Help us play our part. 29 Consider their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And he does! The building shakes! They re filled with the HS and speak boldly. And at this point it s really tempting to say ok great, prayer answered that s how it s done!. But what s with the room shaking?

5 Why is that the sign that God gives? Of all the things he could do? Why not more tongues? Why don t they all levitate? Why this sign at this time? It s because it s a sign that the disciples would recognise because God promised this would happen too! You know that bit in Handel s Messiah, the great bass solo with all the shaking? Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, yet once a little while and I will shake..? It s quoting the prophet Haggai 2:6-9. Haggai comes between David and Jesus. Just look at what God promises in Haggai 2:6-9 6 Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former And in this place I will give Shalom, declares the Lord of hosts. What happens after the disciples pray? The house is shaken, God fills it with his glory his Spirit. And then in verse 32 we read that all the believers were one in heart and mind and they share everything they have. People come and dump their silver and gold at the apostles feet. Do you see what s happening? The apostles pray God keep the promise you made in Psalm 2, give all the nations to Jesus and help us play our part and God answers I ll do one better, I ll keep the promise I made in Haggai 2. Peter and John just came from the temple, I ve made you a temple and the glory of this temple, this house is greater than the old one. You re worried about the chaos out, I ll make you a place of unity and peace and wholeness of Shalom! You ll be of one heart and mind. You re shaking because you re afraid of what the nations are going to do to you, I ll shake the nations! John Chrysostom the great preacher of the early church said the more the house shook, the more unshakable the Christians became. Why did they become unshakeable? Was it just an experience of the raw power of God? No it s more than that. It was the clearest confirmation that everything they faced, people responding to their message, the healings, the sharing the money, and the opposition is all part of God s plan. The setbacks are part of the plan and if they re part of the plan, the disciples know nothing can stop them. We know nothing can stop us! Nothing can stop what God is doing in us and through us. When you go to God and pray like this praying in conversation with a friend, the God who has made these promises, and keeps his promises. When you know God like this and pray like this you become unshakable. Conclusion So what to do when we face setbacks? Does being a Christian mean you have to be an optimist? Well no because optimism is just assuming things will turn out ok without any evidence to back that up. It s just a positive attitude. Christians have something more solid. Christians have hope. We hope for what God has promised. We long for his kingdom to come. We anticipate Jesus returning to make all things new. Hope is so much more than just a positive attitude, because God guarantees our hope. He guarantees our future. And so if you re facing setbacks right now, if you re struggling let me encourage you take them to God! Take all the hurts and fears, your disappointments and bring them to God. Take what you know about him, what you know he s promised and lay out your case before him. God I m doubting but I know you re true, you tell me your word is truth, you promise to lead us into the truth, you say seek and you will find, so lead me to the truth. Help me! 5

6 And bring your setbacks here to church! Stay connected, we want to hear them, we want to share the load. Remember Haggai 2 says church is God s new temple: this is where God is among his people (yes he s everywhere but he s put his glory here). This is where his power is at work. This is where he is carrying out his plan. 6

Evangelii Gaudium Catholic Diocese of Richmond Office for Evangelization Permission required for duplication

Evangelii Gaudium Catholic Diocese of Richmond Office for Evangelization Permission required for duplication Evangelii Gaudium 276 Sunday of the First Week of Easter Belief Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the Scripture,

More information

PRAYER THAT SHAKES THINGS UP ACTS SERIES, PART 7

PRAYER THAT SHAKES THINGS UP ACTS SERIES, PART 7 PRAYER THAT SHAKES THINGS UP ACTS SERIES, PART 7 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they

More information

Christmas - but I d never gotten beyond a superficial religious conversation with him. Being a Courageous Christian Acts 4: 1-22

Christmas - but I d never gotten beyond a superficial religious conversation with him. Being a Courageous Christian Acts 4: 1-22 Being a Courageous Christian Acts 4: 1-22 It was dark, in the early hours of the morning and I was afraid. I was sitting in the passenger seat of a truck, next to a driver whom didn t really know all that

More information

Wade Street Church am DANGEROUS TALK Acts 4:23-31

Wade Street Church am DANGEROUS TALK Acts 4:23-31 Wade Street Church 02.09.12 am DANGEROUS TALK Acts 4:23-31 It s a kind of new beginning this morning as with so many other organisations, we tend to arrange things around the school year and a new one

More information

Receive. Reflect. Remember. Sunday, April 9

Receive. Reflect. Remember. Sunday, April 9 Sunday, April 9 Matthew 28:18 20 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name

More information

International Bible Lesson Commentary. Acts 4:23-31 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 6, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary. Acts 4:23-31 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 6, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary Acts 4:23-31 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 6, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

DAILY DEVOTIONAL. Tis The Season / Week 1 PRELUDE SOCIAL WORSHIP STORY GROUPS HOME WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL. Tis The Season / Week 1 PRELUDE SOCIAL WORSHIP STORY GROUPS HOME WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE. Tis The Season / Week 1 WEEK 1 HOPE MEANS TRUSTING IN A BIGGER PICTURE. DAY 1 Have you ever hoped for something to go one way, but then it didn t? Perhaps it was that time you didn t make the team or didn

More information

The Prayer Praying as They Prayed Acts 4:23-31

The Prayer Praying as They Prayed Acts 4:23-31 The Prayer Praying as They Prayed Acts 4:23-31 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, September 23, 2018 THE PRAYER PRAYING AS THEY PRAYED Acts 4:23-31 [Video] I love comedian Jon Crist

More information

3/11/2018 Why Do We Suffer? 1

3/11/2018 Why Do We Suffer? 1 "Why Do We Suffer?" Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow us to suffer. Hello, I m Phil Sanders and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. A close look at Jesus Christ helps us to see

More information

began with the burden and prayer of one man

began with the burden and prayer of one man When God Moves 3 As we survey some of the specifically identified powerful movements of God among His people as recorded in scripture, we have discovered some things common to most if not all great movements

More information

Daily Bible Reading. What?

Daily Bible Reading. What? What? Daily Bible Reading Sometimes we find it hard to read the Bible, don t we? At church we hear it all the time: read the Bible more. But how? Some of the devotionals on offer seem to have less Bible

More information

Why are they persecuting us? Julius said, turning to

Why are they persecuting us? Julius said, turning to Lesson 1 September 6 Page 5 Praying for One Another A Present-Day Illustration Why are they persecuting us? Julius said, turning to his two friends. They aren t coming down on any of the other student

More information

Jesus Promises. The scripture reading this morning is a story of suffering deep, heart-wrenching suffering. It s about a

Jesus Promises. The scripture reading this morning is a story of suffering deep, heart-wrenching suffering. It s about a Jesus Promises The scripture reading this morning is a story of suffering deep, heart-wrenching suffering. It s about a tightly-knit family with deep love for each other two sisters & a brother Martha

More information

The Fellowship of Ailbe

The Fellowship of Ailbe ACTS THE HOLY SPIRIT DRIVES EVENTS F. Michael Slay A DEEP Study The Fellowship of Ailbe The disciples pray for boldness and get another infusion of the Holy Spirit. The ensuing stream of supernatural events

More information

Kindergarten-2nd. Genesis 2; Philippians 4:6. We need God s Rescue.

Kindergarten-2nd. Genesis 2; Philippians 4:6. We need God s Rescue. Kindergarten-2nd June 20-21, 2015 Genesis 2; Philippians 4:6 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30 minutes):

More information

Once upon a time there was a woman who was very active in her. church. Her husband, however, would rather go dress shopping with his

Once upon a time there was a woman who was very active in her. church. Her husband, however, would rather go dress shopping with his 1 He s Still At It! John 20:1-10; 21:15-19 Easter 2017 Once upon a time there was a woman who was very active in her church. Her husband, however, would rather go dress shopping with his wife than come

More information

The Holy Spirit Gives God s People

The Holy Spirit Gives God s People Appendix C: Crafts and Take Home Sheets, Unit 10, Bible Truth 2 CAN YOU GUESS BIBLE TRUTH 2: What Does the Holy Spirit Do in God s People? He Changes Their Hearts to Be Like Jesus... The Holy Spirit Gives

More information

LARGE GROUP. The Way of Wisdom Lesson 6 July 15/16 1

LARGE GROUP. The Way of Wisdom Lesson 6 July 15/16 1 LARGE GROUP 1 Series at a Glance for Elevate About this Series: What is something you would give anything to have? Some people would say they want to live like a king, with money, fame, and power. In this

More information

FORERUNNER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MIKE BICKLE Transcript: 7/09/06. Understanding Our Spiritual Identity in Christ

FORERUNNER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MIKE BICKLE Transcript: 7/09/06. Understanding Our Spiritual Identity in Christ Transcript: 7/09/06 INTRODUCTION We re going to talk about understanding spiritual identity in Christ. This is a very fundamental and simple message. For those of you for whom this is new information,

More information

WHERE IS GOD WHEN WE HURT?

WHERE IS GOD WHEN WE HURT? Mark 1:21-28 February 1, 2015 WHERE IS GOD WHEN WE HURT? The reading from Mark s Gospel is a very simple story, really. Jesus and his disciples went to a place called Capernaum, and one of the things they

More information

Understanding Worry. (1)

Understanding Worry. (1) Understanding Worry. (1) 1 It was a cold, rainy Sunday evening in the North of Scotland. The preacher was standing at the front of the building and as he looked around the building there was only him and

More information

Devotion Guide for Coaches

Devotion Guide for Coaches Devotion Guide for Coaches OVERVIEW The Book of Matthew records a life changing message from Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter five, Jesus shares his heart with his disciples and gives blessings

More information

Long Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8

Long Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8 Long Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8 Long Unexpected Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 Today is January 6, the church holiday called Epiphany, and it s the official end of the Christmas season. You know the song, The

More information

INSPIRED WORD April 18, 2018

INSPIRED WORD April 18, 2018 INSPIRED WORD April 18, 2018 PRAYER Lord, we know You are present with us because when two or three are gathered in Your name, You promised to be in our midst. Well, Lord, we ve gathered, and we know You

More information

Text: Haggai 2:1-9 Title: God First Overcoming Discouragement

Text: Haggai 2:1-9 Title: God First Overcoming Discouragement Text: Haggai 2:1-9 Title: God First Overcoming Discouragement ILLUSTRATION There s an old fable where the devil advertised that he was putting his tools up for sale. They were displayed for prospective

More information

Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy John 1:19-28 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? 20 He confessed, and did not deny,

More information

When Terrible Things Happen, How Do We Survive? What the Bible Says About Suffering, Part 2 Preached by Mike Pulsifer on Sunday, June 8, 2008

When Terrible Things Happen, How Do We Survive? What the Bible Says About Suffering, Part 2 Preached by Mike Pulsifer on Sunday, June 8, 2008 When Terrible Things Happen, How Do We Survive? What the Bible Says About Suffering, Part 2 Preached by Mike Pulsifer on Sunday, June 8, 2008 Among all of the Books of the Bible, the Book of Psalms is

More information

(RECAP) US = Core Values series as we come together these are our non-negotiables.

(RECAP) US = Core Values series as we come together these are our non-negotiables. US wk 3 We All Do Something NewHopeFlora.com 6.28.15 Morgan Young (RECAP) US = Core Values series as we come together these are our non-negotiables. Our faith is rooted in Jesus Christ, and there s nothing

More information

Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017

Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017 1 Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017 Is Jesus enough! Good Morning Church! God is Good! and All The Time! So I didn t want to Miss the opportunity to bring you the Last sermon/message of the Not a Fan preaching

More information

MORRISON ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH zluth.org

MORRISON ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH   zluth.org MORRISON ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH www.m zluth.org June 22, 2014 nd 2 Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson: 1 Kings 22:10-28 Psalm of the Day: Psalm 78 Second Lesson: 2 Peter 1:20-2:3 Gospel Lesson:

More information

Pastor Jim West June 19, 2016 Acts: A Prayer for Boldness Acts 4:23-31

Pastor Jim West June 19, 2016 Acts: A Prayer for Boldness Acts 4:23-31 Pastor Jim West June 19, 2016 Acts: A Prayer for Boldness Acts 4:23-31 As we continue our journey through Acts, I want to thank Mark Potter for delivering a powerful and pointed message last Sunday as

More information

Paul s joy in prison (34.4)

Paul s joy in prison (34.4) Preschool WEEK 3 (July 15th) Paul s joy in prison (34.4) Bible Passage: Philippians 1:12-30 Main Point: G od is always with us. Key Passage : To me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)

More information

The Keys to Committed Faith (Luke 19:36, Matthew 27:15-23) by Rev. Dan McDowell April 14, 2019

The Keys to Committed Faith (Luke 19:36, Matthew 27:15-23) by Rev. Dan McDowell April 14, 2019 1 The Keys to Committed Faith (Luke 19:36, Matthew 27:15-23) by Rev. Dan McDowell April 14, 2019 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. (Luke 19:36) 15 Now it was the governor s custom

More information

How To Read A Man s Mind & Figure Out What He Is Thinking The Sure Fire Method... By Alex Carter

How To Read A Man s Mind & Figure Out What He Is Thinking The Sure Fire Method... By Alex Carter How To Read A Man s Mind & Figure Out What He Is Thinking The Sure Fire Method... By Alex Carter Do you believe men are complicated? Do you find them to be confusing and frustrating at the same time? Do

More information

How can I get through. my grief? Looking Deeper

How can I get through. my grief? Looking Deeper How can I get through my grief? Looking Deeper Looking Deeper My summer of loss One afternoon, while I was in a shopping centre, my phone vibrated. It was my older brother Steve. He said just two words,

More information

Basics of the Gospel Session 1: The Problem

Basics of the Gospel Session 1: The Problem 2 Part 1: Bible Time Supplies: Playdough, Jesus Storybook Bible Basics of the Gospel Session 1: The Problem Introduction I want to tell you a story. A true story. It s actually our story, but to understand

More information

Sermon Series 2 Timothy. Part 1 Live By Faith Not By Fear

Sermon Series 2 Timothy. Part 1 Live By Faith Not By Fear 1 Rev. William J. Shields St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst, Illinois The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany February 12, 2017 Second Lesson 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Sermon Series 2 Timothy Part 1 Live By Faith Not

More information

Loaded Questions: Have You Never Read the Scriptures? Matthew 21:33-46

Loaded Questions: Have You Never Read the Scriptures? Matthew 21:33-46 March 18, 2012 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Loaded Questions: Have You Never Read the Scriptures? Matthew 21:33-46 On Friday night, Cyndi and I went to watch the wonderful production

More information

Prayers for the overwhelmed

Prayers for the overwhelmed P R A Y E R G U I D E Prayers for the overwhelmed Prayer Guide: Prayers for the Overwhelmed Copyright 2011, PrayerPower, Dallas, Texas prayer guide Prayers for the overwhelmed PrayerPower P.O. Box 801368,

More information

NATHAN: The thing is I didn t want to watch them. SID: I m sure.

NATHAN: The thing is I didn t want to watch them. SID: I m sure. 1 Nathan Morris, a young man with serious addictions and immoral lifestyle, watched a supernatural video when the glory of God filled the room and overpowered him. And today he s appearing to millions

More information

Mar. 30,14 Luke 4:14-30 WORDS THEY DIDN T WANT TO HEAR I love the hymns we sing. What great testimonies we have captured in our hymnals.

Mar. 30,14 Luke 4:14-30 WORDS THEY DIDN T WANT TO HEAR I love the hymns we sing. What great testimonies we have captured in our hymnals. Mar. 30,14 Luke 4:14-30 WORDS THEY DIDN T WANT TO HEAR I love the hymns we sing. What great testimonies we have captured in our hymnals. They re like seeing real people apply Bible faith, learning to trust

More information

Forgiven and Invited. Psalm 119: 57-64; Galatians 2: 15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3

Forgiven and Invited. Psalm 119: 57-64; Galatians 2: 15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3 Forgiven and Invited Psalm 119: 57-64; Galatians 2: 15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3 A few weeks ago we talked about inviting people to come to church. You know we Presbyterians have a reputation that s particular;

More information

PROVERBS 22:1 NOBLE CHARACTER: THE KEY TO TRUE SUCCESS COURAGE

PROVERBS 22:1 NOBLE CHARACTER: THE KEY TO TRUE SUCCESS COURAGE PROVERBS 22:1 NOBLE CHARACTER: THE KEY TO TRUE SUCCESS COURAGE PROVERBS 22:1 A GOOD NAME IS MORE DESIRABLE THAN GREAT RICHES; TO BE ESTEEMED IS BETTER THAN SILVER OR GOLD. JOSHUA 1:6 BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,

More information

Series: Building the Bridge May 27, 2018

Series: Building the Bridge May 27, 2018 1 Series: Building the Bridge May 27, 2018 Title: The Power Equation [Slide 1] Text: Acts 4:23-31 Opposition Leilani Estates: [Slide 2] Leilani Estates has become the most well-known neighborhood in the

More information

Kingdom Living: Mindfulness. Luke 10: 1-12

Kingdom Living: Mindfulness. Luke 10: 1-12 Kingdom Living: Mindfulness Luke 10: 1-12 As we continue our Lenten series by talking about awareness and being mindful, I kept coming back to a part of our Scripture today that has bothered me and many

More information

Calvary United Methodist Church July 3, DO YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING? THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher

Calvary United Methodist Church July 3, DO YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING? THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher Calvary United Methodist Church July 3, 2016 DO YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING? THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher Children s Sermon: Ezekiel 36:25-26 I m so glad. I thought earlier there might

More information

Acts 3 : Luke 24 : Sermon

Acts 3 : Luke 24 : Sermon Acts 3 : 12-19 Luke 24 : 36-48 Sermon If you have spent any proportion of your life in churches, and perhaps even if you haven t, you will be used to hearing that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It is

More information

Sermon for Confirmation. "Come, walk with me"

Sermon for Confirmation. Come, walk with me Sermon for Confirmation Text: Matthew 14: 25-29 Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water. When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.

More information

Prayer Basics. Children

Prayer Basics. Children Prayer Basics for Children Lesson 5 (A children s curriculum resource based on the book Prayer Basics: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Prayer and brought to you by the National Prayer Center,

More information

Acts 4:23-37 A Bold Prayer, A Changed People Small group questions

Acts 4:23-37 A Bold Prayer, A Changed People Small group questions Acts 4:23-37 A Bold Prayer, A Changed People Small group questions 1. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. What are some things that people turn to to get them ready for a daunting task? 2.

More information

PRAYERS THAT GET RESPONSE Acts 4: /17/91 Dr. Jerry Nelson

PRAYERS THAT GET RESPONSE Acts 4: /17/91 Dr. Jerry Nelson 1 PRAYERS THAT GET RESPONSE Acts 4:23-31 2/17/91 Dr. Jerry Nelson www.soundliving.org I suspect that all of us at one time or another, if not most of the time, wonder about prayer: Is prayer really just

More information

Navigating Life Endure With Courage (Part 7)

Navigating Life Endure With Courage (Part 7) Mailing Address: PO Box 797 Molalla, OR 97038 Phone: 503-829-5101 Fax: 503-829-9502 Pastor Dale Satrum Navigating Life Endure With Courage (Part 7) Intro: Josh. 1:9 I command you - Be strong and courageous!

More information

August 3-4, Moses and Red Sea. Exodus 5-15; Philippians 4:13. God rescues his family

August 3-4, Moses and Red Sea. Exodus 5-15; Philippians 4:13. God rescues his family rd th 3-5 August 3-4, 2013 Moses and Red Sea Exodus 5-15; Philippians 4:13 God rescues his family Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups and play games together.

More information

Half Truths: GOD DOESN T GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE Rev. Gary Haller First United Methodist Church Birmingham, Michigan March 19, 2017

Half Truths: GOD DOESN T GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE Rev. Gary Haller First United Methodist Church Birmingham, Michigan March 19, 2017 Half Truths: GOD DOESN T GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE Rev. Gary Haller First United Methodist Church Birmingham, Michigan March 19, 2017 No temptation has seized you that isn t common for people.

More information

The Creed for Kids. Lenten lessons based on The Apostles Creed. First Alliance Church Kids Ministries Where God changes kids who change the world

The Creed for Kids. Lenten lessons based on The Apostles Creed. First Alliance Church Kids Ministries Where God changes kids who change the world The Creed for Kids Lenten lessons based on The Apostles Creed First Alliance Church Kids Ministries Where God changes kids who change the world The Apostles Creed? What s that? What s a creed?! So glad

More information

CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH

CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH GROANING A SPIRITUAL TOOLBOX FOR TIMES OF GRIEF Page 3... Self-assessment Grid CONTENTS Highlight the statements that are true for you. Ask yourself, What s my usual way of

More information

Journey of Stones Hearts of Stone Ezekiel 36:26, Luke 11:37-53

Journey of Stones Hearts of Stone Ezekiel 36:26, Luke 11:37-53 Journey of Stones --- Hearts of Stone Page 1 of 8 Journey of Stones Hearts of Stone Ezekiel 36:26, Luke 11:37-53 INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES I hope you ve been with us for this whole journey through Lent,

More information

HELP! My Fear, His Protection Psalm 56

HELP! My Fear, His Protection Psalm 56 HELP! My Fear, His Protection Psalm 56 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson, April 29, 2018 HELP! My Fear, His Protection Psalm 56 All of us have fears, and suffer from various phobias.

More information

Disciples make disciples Discussion Questions

Disciples make disciples Discussion Questions Disciples make disciples Discussion Questions Read Matthew 27:62-28:20 The last deception will be worse than the first 1. Even after his death, Jesus was still a threat to the chief priests and elders.

More information

STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS Lesson 8 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin - Acts 4:1-22 Read the following verses in the Last Days Bible or a translation of your choice. Then

More information

It surprises me that crowds of people came to John to be baptized. It. surprises me for a couple of reasons. First because John wasn t set up on

It surprises me that crowds of people came to John to be baptized. It. surprises me for a couple of reasons. First because John wasn t set up on 12/16/18 Advent 3C Luke 3:7-18 Melissa Maltman It surprises me that crowds of people came to John to be baptized. It surprises me for a couple of reasons. First because John wasn t set up on some street

More information

As we move from Easter Sunday, we began the next fifty days taking a. deeper look into how we, as followers of Christ, came to be. We will look at the

As we move from Easter Sunday, we began the next fifty days taking a. deeper look into how we, as followers of Christ, came to be. We will look at the Emerging from Places of Fear: Becoming Bold Christians April 23, 2017 John 20:19-31 As we move from Easter Sunday, we began the next fifty days taking a deeper look into how we, as followers of Christ,

More information

Matthew 10C. We re in Chapter 10 and we re learning how Jesus wants His disciples to serve Him in the Kingdom Program

Matthew 10C. We re in Chapter 10 and we re learning how Jesus wants His disciples to serve Him in the Kingdom Program We re in Chapter 10 and we re learning how Jesus wants His disciples to serve Him in the Kingdom Program Jesus has begun preparing His twelve apostles to assume responsibility for leading the church following

More information

Project ZION Podcast: Extra Shot Episode 24 Tom Morain

Project ZION Podcast: Extra Shot Episode 24 Tom Morain Project ZION Podcast: Extra Shot Episode 24 Tom Morain Hello, my name is Tom Morain, and for the purposes of this little recording, I think I would like to describe myself as a recovering seeker. I was

More information

is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!

is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him! P RO O F # 1 D o you remember a time when someone kept encouraging you to try some unusual kind of food, but you resisted because you didn t think you would like it (like sushi)? Then, you tried it, and

More information

Lost in the Middle. Chapter 7: Painful Faith: God s Story and Suffering

Lost in the Middle. Chapter 7: Painful Faith: God s Story and Suffering Lost in the Middle Chapter 7: Painful Faith: God s Story and Suffering Stories (from chapter 6, pp. 171-177) As God s child, your story is a chapter in His story. The Bible is God s telling of His story

More information

1. Are You the King of the Jews? John 18:28-34

1. Are You the King of the Jews? John 18:28-34 Pilate s Questions 1. Are You the King of the Jews? John 18:28-34 Today is the first Sunday in Lent the season of sacrifice. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Our own sacrifices as we serve Him. But it

More information

Called By Name John 20:1-18 Easter (2011)

Called By Name John 20:1-18 Easter (2011) Called By Name John 20:1-18 Easter (2011) Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran

More information

WHY ARE YOU CRYING OUT TO ME? Pastor Robert Simmons June 3, 2018

WHY ARE YOU CRYING OUT TO ME? Pastor Robert Simmons June 3, 2018 WHY ARE YOU CRYING OUT TO ME? Pastor Robert Simmons June 3, 2018 Exodus 14:10-22 10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified

More information

Safe in a Shipwreck. Bible Story Acts 27. God s Word. God s Word and Me

Safe in a Shipwreck. Bible Story Acts 27. God s Word. God s Word and Me Safe in a Shipwreck Bible Story Acts 27 Teacher Challenge Over days and days of rolling and pitching in endless wind and water, the passengers and crew gave up all hope of being saved from the storm-tossed

More information

THIS BOOK BELONG TO :... satellite :...

THIS BOOK BELONG TO :... satellite :... THIS BOOK BELONG TO :... satellite :... monday, 01/01 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16b This verse tells us that the prayer of a righteous

More information

THE WI SE AND FOOLI SH BUI LDERS

THE WI SE AND FOOLI SH BUI LDERS ELEMENTARY 1 YEAR 2 / BOOK 4 LESSON 9 / THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS LESSON 9 THE WI SE AND FOOLI SH BUI LDERS BEFORE YOU TEACH Parables Jesus taught using many parables. A parable is a short story that

More information

A. He had heard the other disciples B. He had not the risen Christ C. He concluded that the testimony of the others was

A. He had heard the other disciples B. He had not the risen Christ C. He concluded that the testimony of the others was A Living Hope John 20:19-31 Easter is a great day to be a preacher. If you can t preach on Easter, you may want to reconsider your calling. But what about the week after Easter? Typically, the crowd is

More information

If you get it you get it, if you don t, you don t. Like literally, that s how it ended. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

If you get it you get it, if you don t, you don t. Like literally, that s how it ended. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 1 Easter 2018 I don t like Easter much. I know you do. I get it. Its the bunnies and chocolate and hiding and cute gifts and new dresses and seeing family. Alright, I like all that stuff too. But man,

More information

Those of you who have had to listen to me more than once know that I am fascinated by what draws people to church.

Those of you who have had to listen to me more than once know that I am fascinated by what draws people to church. LUKE 14:25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even

More information

The Syrophoenician Woman

The Syrophoenician Woman Consensus Volume 28 Issue 2 Spirituality and Health Article 9 11-25-2002 The Syrophoenician Woman Beverly C. S. Brazier Follow this and additional works at: http://scholars.wlu.ca/consensus Recommended

More information

The Secret of a Satisfied Life

The Secret of a Satisfied Life The Secret of a Satisfied Life How many of you ate until you were satisfied and then ate some more on Thanksgiving Day? How many of you shopped on Black Friday this past week, either online or in a retail

More information

Peter and John in Trouble Acts 3:1-4:31

Peter and John in Trouble Acts 3:1-4:31 Peter and John in Trouble Acts 3:1-4:31 2 One day Peter and John were walking to the temple at about 3:00 in the afternoon to pray and tell others about Jesus. As they walked up to the gate a man lay there

More information

All Saints Church, High Wycombe Psalm 126

All Saints Church, High Wycombe Psalm 126 07.10.2018 (Trinity 19 Choral Evensong) All Saints Church, High Wycombe Psalm 126 MESSAGE: those who sow in tears will reap in joy INTENTION: to encourage people to keep fighting for justice Those who

More information

The Problem Of Discouragement

The Problem Of Discouragement "Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation 1. Discouragement is a universal problem. Used by permission."

More information

THEME: We should have courage and never lose heart because God is faithful.

THEME: We should have courage and never lose heart because God is faithful. Devotion NT309 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Shipwreck at Malta THEME: We should have courage and never lose heart because God is faithful. SCRIPTURE: Acts 27:13 28:16 Dear Parents

More information

Primary National Strategy

Primary National Strategy Primary National Strategy Guidance Curriculum and Standards Excellence and Enjoyment: social and emotional aspects of learning Good to be me Additional assembly Headteachers, teachers and practitioners

More information

VANTAGE POINT: COLOSSIANS

VANTAGE POINT: COLOSSIANS INTRO: Shortly after the Council of Jerusalem meeting in Acts 15, Paul sets out on his second missionary journey towards Ephesus However, they were prevented from going to Ephesus and found themselves

More information

Father Abraham Genesis 12: 1-9

Father Abraham Genesis 12: 1-9 Father Abraham Genesis 12: 1-9 This week, we meet for the first time-abram, soon to be known to the world as Father Abraham. This title of Father Abraham is bestowed on Abram for many reasons. One reasons

More information

IT S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS. If your family is like my family you are receiving your fair share of Christmas letters

IT S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS. If your family is like my family you are receiving your fair share of Christmas letters 1 December 12, 2010 IT S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS If your family is like my family you are receiving your fair share of Christmas letters from friends across the nation and the world. I frankly

More information

A D V E N T Born ISTHE King

A D V E N T Born ISTHE King A D V E N T 2 0 1 7 Born IS THE King Contents T A B L E O F Introduction - How to Use This Devotional Week One - Hope Read Understand Respond Family Time Week Two - Peace Read Understand Respond Family

More information

Mar 25,12 Fifth Sun. 1 Cor. 15:3-8 NO WONDER THEY CALL HIM THE SAVIOR

Mar 25,12 Fifth Sun. 1 Cor. 15:3-8 NO WONDER THEY CALL HIM THE SAVIOR Mar 25,12 Fifth Sun. 1 Cor. 15:3-8 NO WONDER THEY CALL HIM THE SAVIOR I have been rereading one of my old books by Max Lucado called No Wonder They Call Him The Savior so that I can get a fresh look at

More information

Joseph, Part 2 of 2: From Egypt to the Promised Land

Joseph, Part 2 of 2: From Egypt to the Promised Land 1 Joseph, Part 2 of 2: From Egypt to the Promised Land by Joelee Chamberlain Another time I was telling you about Joseph, the son of Jacob, wasn' t I? But the Bible tells us so much about Joseph that I

More information

Contents T A B L E O F. Introduction - How to Use This Devotional. Week One - Hope. Week Two - Peace. Week Three - Joy.

Contents T A B L E O F. Introduction - How to Use This Devotional. Week One - Hope. Week Two - Peace. Week Three - Joy. Born IS THE King Contents T A B L E O F Introduction - How to Use This Devotional Week One - Hope Read Understand Respond Family Time Week Two - Peace Read Understand Respond Family Time Week Three - Joy

More information

The Word in the Wilderness - Matthew 4:5-11 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church February 11, 2018

The Word in the Wilderness - Matthew 4:5-11 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church February 11, 2018 The Word in the Wilderness - Matthew 4:5-11 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church February 11, 2018 I. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT I was on a spring break mission trip to the Coushatta Indians of Louisiana

More information

It s Not Christmas Yet..Merry Christmas! A Sermon by Rich Holmes on Luke 3: 7-18 Delivered on December 16, 2018 at Northminster Presbyterian Church

It s Not Christmas Yet..Merry Christmas! A Sermon by Rich Holmes on Luke 3: 7-18 Delivered on December 16, 2018 at Northminster Presbyterian Church It s Not Christmas Yet..Merry Christmas! A Sermon by Rich Holmes on Luke 3: 7-18 Delivered on December 16, 2018 at Northminster Presbyterian Church When I was at pastor at a different church, I remember

More information

**NOTE: (SCREEN) indicates picture/graphic or words that appeared on the screen in the church at that time during the sermon.

**NOTE: (SCREEN) indicates picture/graphic or words that appeared on the screen in the church at that time during the sermon. 1 **NOTE: (SCREEN) indicates picture/graphic or words that appeared on the screen in the church at that time during the sermon. READ LUKE 5:1-11 Prayer: Lord, you have called us and we have come; eager

More information

One Like Us Hebrews 4: 14 5:10. First Presbyterian Church September 6, 2015

One Like Us Hebrews 4: 14 5:10. First Presbyterian Church September 6, 2015 One Like Us Hebrews 4: 14 5:10 First Presbyterian Church September 6, 2015 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Derek McCollum The other night Joy and I were watching an episode of Modern Family. In this episode, the

More information

The Comeback John 11:17-27 Rev. Brian Bill March 26-27, 2016

The Comeback John 11:17-27 Rev. Brian Bill March 26-27, 2016 à Transition from Unchained The Comeback John 11:17-27 Rev. Brian Bill March 26-27, 2016 Are you in need of a comeback? I love those words I was a captive till you set me free I was an outcast and you

More information

But let s go back a few years when elephants were still held in captivity. And how they trained

But let s go back a few years when elephants were still held in captivity. And how they trained Chained Elephants Psalm 142:1-7 You don t see elephants in the circus anymore. And if you go to the Philadelphia Zoo, you won t see them there either. I m not sure if they are still on view in other zoos.

More information

Seven. lying tongue. Small Group Bible Study

Seven. lying tongue. Small Group Bible Study Seven Small Group Bible Study L E S S O N T W O lying tongue The phrase lying tongue can be equated with being a deceiver. To deceive it so to mislead by a false appearance or statement. So, it is safe

More information

Glorious Mystery Ephesians 3

Glorious Mystery Ephesians 3 Glorious Mystery Ephesians 3 One of the things that we worry about as Christians in America is that the tide has turned in people s attitudes toward Christianity. No longer is it seen as a good thing and

More information

September 3, Corinthians 1:17-25 Pastor Larry Adams Remember the Message of the Cross

September 3, Corinthians 1:17-25 Pastor Larry Adams Remember the Message of the Cross September 3, 2017 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 Pastor Larry Adams Remember the Message of the Cross Hi Everyone. My name is Larry Adams and I want to take a moment to thank you for reading this message. At Golden

More information

Chandler Road Church of Christ. Presents: Three-Fold Allegiance

Chandler Road Church of Christ. Presents: Three-Fold Allegiance Presents: Three-Fold Allegiance Our Scripture Reading Ephesians 3:14-21 Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

More information

SEVEN WOMEN ON HOLY SATURDAY JAMES HANVEY, SJ

SEVEN WOMEN ON HOLY SATURDAY JAMES HANVEY, SJ SEVEN WOMEN ON HOLY SATURDAY JAMES HANVEY, SJ Woman taken in adultery You won t know my name, you ll only know what they said I did. Don t you think it s odd that it's only the women who get caught? It

More information