Saul
The times in which he lived: It was the time of Roman Emporors. The powerful influence of the Greek culture. The Jews held tremendous power on commerce. Some of the Culture, Art, and Laws of that age are still effective. Saul of Tarsus: We must listen to his words if we would know him. His enemies said “His bodily presence was weak.” But even they had to acknowledge that his words were “weighty and powerful.” His writings have touched the hearts and lives of more people than any human being that has lived. Paul was 1 of the most powerful intellects ever known. Studied at the feet of Gamaliel. He was fearless and independent. He was sometimes impetuous. He possessed a refined courtesy which would not allow him to bring blame until he had...
“Saul, Saul, Why?”
Acts 9:1-9, 22:1-10, and 26:9-15 The 9th Chapter of Acts should open with “But” a contrast to what the 8th Chapter has been saying. I: “Breathing out Threatenings.” 1. Once he stood watching now he leads the pact. 2. To destroy the Church was his very breath. 3. He voted for their death and helped persecute them from place to place. 4. Paul himself said later he was “exceedingly mad.” 5. Never was he able to wipe these wicked things form his mind. WAS GOD ASLEEP? II: “At Midday … I Saw.” Acts 26:13 1. Saul thought he was serving God. 2. Jesus was an Impostor. 3. With anger and murder he journeyed. 4. “I saw a light.” “I am the Light of the World.” 5. “He heard a voice.” 6....
“Saul, Phillip, and Simon”
Acts 8:1-25 The martyrdom of Stephen created a crisis in the Church and city. Jerusalem ceased to be the center of interest and activity of the Church’s Mission. I: “And Saul:” 1. Saul consenting to Stephens death. 2. The clothes of those who killed Stephen laid at his feet. 3. Who is this man Saul? a. Years later he said he was the Chief of Sinners. b. “Circumcised on the 8th day of the Tribe of Benjamin, of the stock of Israel, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, as touching the Law of a Pharisee, as touching zeal, persecuting the Church.” 3. He was the 1 chosen to stamp out the blaze of Evangelism. II: “They that were Scattered.” 1. “Went everywhere preaching the Word.” 2. Those that were scattered were plain Church...
Power for the Task
Acts 1:8, John 14:15-23, and 16:6-14 I: God’s Plan to Evangelize: 1. Ye shall receive power. This isn’t a human task to be done by Man’s Power. 2. “Ye shall be witnesses.” No option. If we have the power to be witnesses. 3. The task to begin at home. If 1 can’t be a good witness at home, he will not be 1 away from home. 4. To the uttermost part of the Earth: If our compassion and witnessing stops at home, we don’t have God’s plan in our hearts. 5. The equipment for the task would be the Holy Spirit. II: The Day of Pentecost. 1. A red letter day in the Church. 2. God demonstrated His power to use the Christians and convict the Sinners. 3. Pentecost is the beginning of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church. 4....
Paul’s Darkest Night
Acts 21:15 – 23:12 I: Paul’s Return to Jerusalem. 1. A Bearer of good news. 2. A Bearer of Financial Help from the Gentile Churches. 3. “The brothers gave us a warm welcome.” 4. The Jude an Christians Hostility. 5. They gave Paul his greatest hostility. 6. Prejudice was the weakness of the Jerusalem Church. II: “Israelite s to the Rescue!” 1. They jumped to a conclusion. (Their favorite exercise). 2. A wild tumult followed an attempt to kill Paul. 3. The Roman Commander, Claudius came to the rescue. 4. Paul felt again the breath of Death and Jail. III: Paul and His Circumstances, (Night in Jail). 1. The failures of the day. 2. His claim of sincerity insulted. 3. His testimony rejected. 4. A band of 40 men bound by oath to kill...
Paul in Athens
Acts 17:16- I: The City and People of Athens: 1. Her greatest Creative Age was in the past. 2. She continued to hold her place as the “Intellectual and Artistic capital of the World.” 3. It was a free and Federal City. 4. In the home of men of Philosophy were found idles made by hand. Philosophy couldn’t deliver from Corruption. 5. The city was crowded with Temples, Shrines, Altars, Images, Mercy, Shame, Rumor, and Energy. 6. The People were always in search of News and some new thing to discuss. 7. In Athens it was easier to find a God than a Man. II: What Paul Saw in Athens: 1. Paul saw a city given over to “Novelty Seeking.” 2. They greeted one another. “What is the latest news?” 3. “Any man could get a hearing...
Joy in Qualifying
Acts 2:41-47 I: Every Organization has Some Qualifications: 1. U.S.A 5 yrs. residence, proof of character, study of Government, Elements of our Language. 2. Trade Guilds have rigid standards. 3. Men willingly strive to qualify for membership in that they prize high. 4. No Organization will cherish the Member that joins with no respect of Faith in its Membership. II: Qualifications of A New Testament Church: 1. Does any Membership compare with that of a New Testament Church? 2. There is no cheap and easy way. 3. It offers privileges unparalleled in this World, Opportunity, and Satisfaction. 4. The Apostles recognized no qualifications for membership which didn’t begin with repentance and faith. Romans 5:1-2 To fail here robs of true joy in belonging. 5....
Infalliable Proofs
Acts 1:1-3, Cor. 15:1-8, and Luke 24:36-48 “In many proofs.” This spoken of the Resurrection and by a doctor. Of all the followers of Christ, Luke was the best qualified to say there was infallible proof that Jesus lived after dying on the Cross. I: The Proof of History: 1. We know when he lived between 5 & 6 B.C, and 30-32 AD 2. We know where he was born: Bethlehem, a real town. 3. We know where he spent most of his life, in Nazareth, far north in Galilee. 4. We know his early occupation to be a Carpenter. 5. We know many of the Characters of his day from Literature apart from the Bible; Herod the great, his son Herod Agrippa, Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar, Felix, Festus, etc. 6. Every history of the 1st Century is compelled to say...
“In Jesus Name.”
Acts 3:1-16, 19:14-17, and Phil. 2:9-11 I: There is Power in A Name. 1. “Mention my name.” “Tell him I sent you.” 2. The mention of a name Amy open the closed door. (Mrs. Williams of Delano Hospital). 3. The most influential name has its limitations! 4. No name has the power as the name Jesus. II: The Name of Jesus Means Blessings of Cur-sing’s. 1. The Jews put him in a grave, but God brought him back from the dead. 2. Nations that refuse the influence of his name crumble under the weight of their own sin. 3. When Paul used the name it was a blessing. 4. When the sons of Seeva used it, they almost lost their lives. 5. To some it is just a curse word, but brings death. 6. To some it is the sweetest name on Earth or in Heaven. III:...
“I Believe God.”
Acts 27:9-37, Psalms 46:1-3 Colors that fade must be worn only in fair weather. (The Tu can Bird of Africa). I: The Centurion Took the Advice of the Majority. 1. They were not satisfied to Winter in this place. 2. Paul warned of danger. 3. The ship was loosened from its mooring. 4. Was caught in the Storm. 5. Driven by the Wind. 6. Lightened of its cage. 7. Broken on the Rocks. II: “God is the Refuge and Strength.” 1. In the Storm Paul said, “I believe.” 2. He believed God’s Promise. 3. He believed God’s Mission must be completed. 4. Paul expressed a belief and not a creed. 5. All the Storms of Hell can’t keep us from filling a God-given commission. III: What Paul’s Belief did for Him. 1. It gave him peace in the...
Experiences of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-8 This event meant life and power to the new Church and insured its success. I: Some Things that Proceeded: 1. The Key Passage of Acts is: “But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you.” 2, The Church had 2 things it was commanded to do. 1st to bear witness, 2nd to preach Christ to the whole world. 3. For 10 days, the Church was occupied in prayer. 4. They waited for the sign of his entry and acceptance into the Holy of Holy, (The high Priest and Bells). II: Prayer, Power, and Preaching. 1. Prayer prevailed in the 10 days. 2. Power: “There are 2 ways in testing religion: 1 is to investigate its views, the other to examine its power.” 3. Their task called for Power from God/ 4. Preaching: A renewed Preacher, a...
Coming of the Holy Spirit
1. Acts 1: Deals with the preparation for the Coming of the Holy Spirit. 2. Acts 2: Tells of his Adventure. 3. Jesus had completed Salvation, the Holy Spirit proclaimed it. 4. Jesus made adornment, the Spirit applies it. 5. Jesus produced the Church. The Holy Spirit improved it for it’s a World Mission. 6. Christ is the Foundation, the Holy Spirit is the Builder.
