daddy4ms

Introduction: I wanted to title the message today “Stoned” but decided that might have a different meaning.   But the more I studied and prayed the more I realized I was to preach this passage while highlighting the “stones” that we throw at one another in the church.   So, as I mention those I will move a stone from the pile to the steps as a symbol of laying it down instead of continuing to use against brothers and sisters. Review- vs. 54 Who is Stephen?-Ch. 6-Seven chosen including Stephen were to be good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, he was full of faith, Stephen was full of grace and power and was doing great signs and wonders, as Brad said he was the head of the hospitality committee- Religion (law and temple) Now when they heard these things—ground their teeth gnashing the teeth is a sign of hostility and rage [1] Vs. 51-Stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy ...

Introduction: Today’s message is titled, “Pick Me”.   There are several examples of how we have experienced being picked in life.   My first memory of this would be on the playground picking teams for kickball.   A later example of this is when you applied for your first job.   You presented your qualifications and you hoped they would pick you over the other candidates.   A more recent phenomenon is in the area of reality shows or music competitions like American Idol or The Voice.   Contestants compete for the one spot and again are chosen based on abilities.   Our Scripture today looks at a different type of being picked today. Picked from Complaint- vs. 1-6 ·          The Problem-Vs. 1-As more and more people became disciples (followers of Jesus), it created a problem.   It was a great problem to have but it still needed to be addressed.   The Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews) complained that the...

Introduction: Today we are starting a new series on the book of Acts.   So, as we begin, I have one question for you to think and discuss with the person beside you.   This question and how you answer it will inform how you read the book of Acts.   Do you see Acts as a book about the past or present? Is it possible that what God did in the book of Acts He wants to be happening in the church today?   It might look different, but what does a church look like that loves God and loves others empowered by the Holy Spirit today? I also want to draw your attention to the title of the book.   In my Bible (ESV), it says “The Acts of the Apostles”.   I want to share a quote from the book that I lead an adult class on several years ago, Jesus, Continued by J.D. Greear.   Greear writes, “New Testament scholars have pointed out that when later Christians gave a name to the book of Acts, they probably chose the wrong title. Rather than “The Acts of the Apostles,”...

My word for 2018 is abide.  I have this great picture over my fireplace made by a good friend that reminds me to abide each day.  My understanding of abide is to "be with Jesus." What does it mean to abide?  Here are some definitions to help us better understand the word.  The Greek word "meno" which is a verb means "to stay". It can also be translated as abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for.  Each week I will share a verse (or two) to help us better understand abiding. 15  And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay .” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:15) 23  except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. (Acts 20:23) 31  Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these m...