TRUTH! a) The Spirit of truth b) The resistance to truth c) The power of truth TRIAL! a) Its root – idolatry & covetousness b) Its outcome – mob rule TEARS! a) Of ministry b) Of fellowship c) Of Christ
1. RELIGIOUS! An Old Testament Law-keeper 2. RENEWED! A New Testament believer 3. RESOLVED! A radical change of heart & life
1. THE SETTING! Athens – the intellectual & cultural metropolis of the world 2. THE SERMON! The Unknown God 3. THE SEQUEL! a) Resentment b) Postponement c) Commitment
A NEW TEAM! (v1-5) Paul, Silas & Timothy 2. A NEW VISION! (v6-10) Europe Frustration gives way to revelation 3. A NEW CHURCH! (v11-40) Philippi: an open heart, an open fight, an open jail, an open home
SOMETHING: 1. SERIOUS! (v1-2) Hardliners threaten the church & the Gospel 2. SIGNIFICANT! (v2-35) The Council at Jerusalem: The Pharisees (v5), Peter (v7), Barnabas (v12), James (v14) 3. SAD! (v36-41) Paul & Barnabas part company
A. THE ACTION 1. In Iconium (v1-7) Proclamation leads to persecution 2. In Lystra and Derbe (v8-20) Miracles lead to misunderstanding 3. On the return journey (v21-28) a) Encouraging the disciples b) Equipping the churches c) Extolling the Lord B. THE APPLICATION 1. “… go, make disciples of all nations …” Same…
1. THE TEAM! (v1-3) Spiritual leaders worshipping, fasting, praying, sending Saul & Barnabas 2. THE TASK! (v4-5) They proclaim the word of God 3. THE TEST! a) Of Falsehood – Elymas b) Of Division – John Mark c) Of Conversion – Sergius Paulus
1. PERIL! (v1-5) Herod angry, James martyred, Peter imprisoned 2. PRAYER! (v5) Earnest prayer for Peter made to God by the church 3. POWER! (v6-25) Peter released, Herod deceased, God’s word increased
1. SPEAK OUT! (v19-20) a) ALL need to hear so ALL need to speak b) Use natural connections c) Use appropriate concepts 2. STAND OUT! (v21-26) a) God’s blessing makes the disciples bold b) God’s kingdom is being built c) God’s grace is on display d) God’s church is characterised by goodness, faithfulness, steadfastness…
1. RELIGION – ISN’T ENOUGH! Cornelius was God-fearing & sincere but he wasn’t right with God and needed more 2. PREJUDICE – ISN’T RIGHT! The iceberg of legalism had to be melted by God’s truth & grace 3. CONVERSION – ISN’T EMOTION! It requires truth, understanding & faith 4. SPIRITUALITY – ISN’T…