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...