Some believers from the party of Pharisees began teaching circumcision as a requirement for salvation, which led to a great debate among the apostles and elders in Jerusalem and the subsequent decision to deliver a letter stating that no such teaching has ever been affirmed by the church.
Paul and Barnabas return to previously visited towns to strengthen the church by encouraging them, appointing a plurality of elders in each church, and declaring all that God had done for His glory.
After healing a lame man in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas preach the good news of the one true God to the crowds who were attempting to worship them, which is followed by more persecution and a trip back to the previous cities to strengthen the souls of the disciples.
Paul and the missionaries continue speaking boldly for the Lord, even though they are driven out of Antioch due to increasing persecution and are secretly plotted against in Iconium.
Pau's sermon on the promised resurrection of Jesus as the Messiah leaves the Antioch wanting more the next Sabbath; but overcome by jealousy, they show themselves unworthy of eternal life, leaving salvation for the Gentiles.
Paul and his companions return to Antioch and are given the opportunity to share the good news about God's begotten Son, promised to their fathers, and now fulfilled through the resurrection of Christ.
In this passage, we see the Holy Spirit's presence in the Church, His persistence in mission, and His power on display.
The Lord's providence shines through the persecution of the Church, divine protection, prayer, and the punishment of wicked kings.
The hand of the Lord continued to bless the church as it multiplied, and the church in Jerusalem responded to the Lord's faithfulness by sending their best resources to Antioch and beyond.
Peter experiences criticism when returning to Jerusalem, but explains to the believers how it is that the Holy Spirit has no been given to the Gentiles, which means they are to no longer make any distinction.
The Church must continue the Great Commission and branch out to unreached people groups of every tongue, tribe, and nation.
We should do good works that show forth the glory of God in a way that causes others to see the glory of Jesus and be forever changed.
The fruit of conversion is gospel centeredness, boldness in persecution, and a devotion to the church.
Jesus chooses His instruments for the Great Commission, regardless of their past, and has the power to radically redeem and recommission them.
This is the third sermon in a series on Main Street's mission statement: "Transforming hearts, treasuring Christ, and teaching truth for the glory of God alone.
This is the second sermon in a series on Main Street's mission statement: "Transforming hearts, treasuring Christ, and teaching truth for the glory of God alone.
This is the first sermon in a series on Main Street's mission statement: "Transforming hearts, treasuring Christ, and teaching truth for the glory of God alone."
Guest preacher Drew Taylor delivers a sermon from Hebrews 3 on how a church can keep from collapsing.
We preach the gospel, we preach the cross: we preach the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and new life!
Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:30-31, ESV).
Our aim is not to gain our own earthy power, but to delight in the glory of the all powerful God who saves sinners.
Even through adversity, God ends up saving people.
We learn from Stephen's martyrdom that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Jesus' Church thrives when it is served by faithful people.
True joy in the Christian life comes from obeying God through the Holy Spirit and trusting His power to save no matter what persecution may come.
In this passage, we read about how the early church received power and unity through prayer.
Pastor Dale preaches on the sin of hypocrisy from the record of Ananias and Sapphira.
Our response to the silencers is to be a humble and committed testimony to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Rise up and walk, and be amazed that God saved us.
In this passage, we read about three more characteristics of the early church: hospitality, sincerity of heart, and sovereign grace.
