daddy4ms

Introduction: What is the definition of challenge? Challenge can be defined in multiple ways: engage in a contest or fight, a demand for explanation; a calling into question or the quality of requiring full use of one’s abilities, energy or resources. We will see in our Scripture this morning from Acts that Peter faced a challenge from his friends and religious leaders.   It actually fits the definitions above: it could become a fight, it required an explanation and it uses all Peter’s abilities, energy and resources. React- vs. 1-3 ·          Why is this story repeated?   It is important for the rest of the story which includes Paul’s missionary journeys in the rest of the book of Acts. ·          Vs. 1-Others throughout Judea hear that the Gentiles have received the Word of God. o    The Good News spread quickly about what had happened with Cornelius ·     ...

Introduction: Who am I? is one of the most important and deepest questions we each must answer.   Write down 3-5 words that describe who you are. We are going to look at identity from the world’s perspective, prophecies about Jesus’ birth, and then what it means for us. Where- Our identity is influenced by our birth ·          World -I was born in the United States in Iola, KS. I grew up in Yates Center, a small town in Southeast Kansas. It was a rural community. My family was in the grocery business. I was mostly well behaved because my parents said if I ever did anything wrong that they would find out about it.   And that was true.   These things influenced who I was.   Your birthplace is different than mine so you were shaped in different ways (big city, urban, suburban) But we are also similar in that many of us were born in the United States.   If we were born in a different country, our identity would be differen...

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,”...

Introduction : Joy.  It is a word that we hear often during this time of year.  We even sang about it this morning. We read it often throughout Scripture and especially with the announcement of Jesus birth. It is a fruit of the Spirit. “An attitude God’s people adopt not because of happy circumstances but because of their hope in God’s love and promise.” (The Bible Project) What brings you joy? Discourage vs. 5-7,18,24-25 ·          Christmas time is typically a time of joy, but for many it is a time of discouragement. ·          What causes discouragement in you? It might be a friendship, a strained relationship in family, a loss of job, a loss of a loved one, frustrations at work or school, health issues, COVID. ·          Zechariah and Elizabeth are experiencing discouragement as well. o    Vs. 7-They had no children & They were adv...