Portrait of a Martyr, part 1
Pastor Hamilton
Great men are not those who receive honor by dignitaries or who accomplish historical feats in life. Truly great people are humble servants who do not count their lives dear unto themselves.
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).
Christ’s Plan for Changing the World
Mark Vowels
When asked about his kingdom, Jesus responded by promising his disciples that power would come with his Spirit and that they would become witnesses.
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 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!
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