Unauthorized Preaching
Acts 4:13-20 John Bunyan spent 13 yrs. in prison for unauthorized preaching and refusal to attend the State Church Services. Peter and John were faced with a charge of Unauthorized Preaching and must face the mighty Sanhedrin. I: Persecution. 1. Initiated by the Sadducee s. 2. They were powerful in Government. 3. They controlled the Temple. 4. Much of their wealth was in Land and Property. 5. They lived for the present material world. 6. They didn’t believe in a future. (Their Heaven or Hell was now). 7. It was their concern to cultivate the Good Will of the Romans. 8. They feared the disturbing elements of the growing church. 9. If Peter was right, they were wrong. 10. If the Church lived, they must die. II: Preaching. 1. No fear but sure of His ground. 2....
“We came With A Straight Course”
Acts 16:10-24 “Losing from Taros we came with a straight course.” I: The World of Macedonia, (A Roman Colony). 1. The Center of Greek Culture would be found in Macedonia. 2. Rome, the Mighty Power of the World. 3. Phillippi was a place where roads from East and West crossed. (Paul sought such places to preach). 4. Phillippi was a miniature colony of Rome. II: The People of Macedonia. 1. The town of Phillippi was named about Phillip of Macedonia, father of Alexander. 2. Romans, Greeks, and Barbarians. 3. Science, Medicine, Merchants and Roman Law. 4. Here Paul could feel the heart heat of new worlds. 5. Here there were not enough Jews for a synagogue. 6. Here Paul would confront 2 different types of women with the Power of the Gospel. III: The Power of...
Whosoever
Acts 2:14-21 This great message was addressed to Jews gathered from over the Roman Empire. Jew designated 1 as a member of the Nation or an Inhabitant of Judea. Israelite designated 1 as religiously the “chosen people.” I: No Longer just the “Chosen People.” 1. The 1st message of the empowered church was an appeal to all mankind. 2. This was the part of the Gospel Message that was the hardest for the early Church to accept. 3. The Jews Persecution of the Church was based on the Universal Appeal. 4. The Bonds of Tradition were strong and their National Pride was deep rooted. 5. Stephen saw Christianity as a world wide religion. a. The Jews were confronted with their National Pride and Racial Prejudice and preferring to cling to it they...
Finished Work
For Me to Live is Christ. Acts 20:17-27, Tim. 2 4:1-7 I fought, ran, wrestled, compelled, and pressed. I: “I Could Bound in the Spirit.” 1. The Compelling Spirit was upon him. 2. The Spirit moved him to finish the course. 3. He was sure of the job to be done but didn’t know the price to be paid. 4. If we will not grieve Him, the Spirit will lead us to finish our work. II: “None of These Things Move Me.” 1. The rattle of the Roman Chains didn’t cause him to falter. 2. Afflictions didn’t make him quit. 3. Shipwreck, hunger, cold, heat, wild beasts, forsaken friends, etc… III: “Neither Count in My Life Dear.” 1. Satan said: “All that a man has he will give for his life.” 2. There are more...
Hard Hearts, Deaf Ears, Blind Eyes
Acts 28:11-31, Issiah 6: I: Hospitality and its Reward on Malta. 1. Paul was at his best in storm or adversity. 2. He soon made himself useful on Malta. 3. God honored the Gospel preaching and worked Miricles. 4. The Hospitality of the Barbarians was rewarded. 5. They entertained angels unawares. II: The Last Miles to Rome. 1. After 3 months they sailed again for Rome. (182 miles). 2. The Boy of Naples and the Island of Capra. a. The Imperial Fleet anchored there. b. Here the Admiral of the Fleet would be buried by a Volcano a few years hence. c. The Jewish Princess wife of Felix, and her child would be intoned. 3. Putolia, the place of departure for Roman legions, and the landing place of Ambassador from Carthage. III: The Apian Way: 1. The most traveled and...