Eliminating Distractions
Pastor Hamilton
A church moves forward as each member sees their opportunity to serve Christ and does so with a humble faithfulness. Taking care of the widows was not unimportant, but it could be used by the enemy to pull the apostles away from what they were told to do— “be my witnesses in all Judea and […]
Answered Prayer
Pastor Hamilton
After the first sign of persecution, the believers met to pray as one to the one true Ruler (4:24). The thing they prayed for was not God’s vengeance, but for the opportunity to “continue to speak.” God delivers and protects not so that we can go silent, but so that we can proclaim widely (5:30–32).
The Real Deal
Pastor Hamilton
Satan not only tried to attack with threats from outside the church, but from corruption from within. Persecution could scatter a community of believers, but wrong teaching or values could fracture an assembly. The purity of the church is important to God.
Right Response to Wrong Treatment
Pastor Hamilton
When persecuted, the church gathers with the company of saints (v. 23) and gives thanks to the God who is working through it all (vv. 24–31).
The Ugly Side of Religious Unbelief
Pastor Hamilton
The greatest opposition you will face in giving the gospel may not be from secular sources, but from those who are devoted to a dead religion. This chapter tells Christ’s body what they can expect and how they are to respond.
The Exuberant Witness
Pastor Hamilton
The same Jesus the Jews delivered to die was raised by the Almighty and must be believed by every sinner.
Public Speaking (about Christ)
Pastor Hamilton
Like Peter, we must know who we are witnessing to, Who we are witnessing of, and what the goal of this witnessing is.
Promise Fulfilled
Pastor Hamilton
Jesus was launching the next step in his eternal plan, the Church for which he died. He did this in the heart of Jewish territory, Jerusalem, that they might marvel at his plan. God made a glorious statement at Pentecost. The Lord was alive and working through his Spirit in his Church!
This Jesus. . .
Pastor Hamilton
Jesus appeared to his disciples and taught them about their upcoming mission. Jesus also promised to return, answering their question about the timing of his kingdom.
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