daddy4ms

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: Where do we see “power” in our culture? (money, politics, status (get to the top no matter what), Control) How does that compare to power in the kingdom of God? (humility, dependance, less of me, abiding) Do we believe that power is available to us? If we do, would it change how we live? Power-Greek work “dunamis” where we get dynamite ·          19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  20  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:19-20) ·          16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,… 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power...

Introduction: My sermon today is titled, “Power Struggle”. This title came from preparation that I did when I taught on Wednesday night at end of June on “Power”.  I asked those gathered this question and I’m asking you it today- Where do we see “power” in our culture? (money, status (get to the top), work hard, manipulation, etc.) How does that compare to power in the kingdom of God? (humility, dependance, less of me, abiding)  We will see these again in our verses this morning. Death (vs. 56) ·          The sting of death is sin . Notice the order.   I think it says, “The sting of sin is death.” Why did Paul say it this way? ·          This takes us back to the Garden of Eden.   Genesis 2:16-17 “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for ...

Introduction : When you gather with friends and family that you don’t see very often, the conversation can include: Remember when….great victories (we won this game, performance in music, drama) or great losses (difficult seasons because of sickness, trauma, etc., funerals, COVID-19).  In our passage today, Paul is remembering when the presence of God was evident through provision and purity. Review: Last week, Brad’s Message “Back to 1 st Corinthians” had three points: A Measuring of the Church, My Rock (which will tie into our passage today as well), and the how/who specifically Who is the Holy Spirit? And Who is the Holy Spirit in you? (Notice ALL in first paragraph and SOME is second paragraph) Provision (vs. 1-5) ·          Vs. 1-Brothers and Sisters, I do not want you to be unaware… o    Our God wants to reveal Himself to us.   He wants us to know what He is doing. o    The Holy Spirit through Paul ...