ACTS—Building Toward the Future | If From God… Unstoppable! | Acts 5:12—42 | February 16, 2020

God’s Presence Seen in Power
Miracles, signs, and wonders…
     Jesus explains… | John 10:38; 14:11
Some were timid, others boldly came…
     and believed!
As a result…
     Faith was strengthened!

Q—When you have stepped out in faith, have you seen or felt God’s power?

The Opposition is Ramped Up!
They were sad, you see? (Sadducees)
     and jealous!
They were losing power to those who didn’t…
     think like they did.
They tried to shame them publicly
But Jesus was building His Church

Q—Do you obey when public humiliation could result?

We Told You This Before
We must obey God rather than men
If this is of man, it will fail
If it is from God… Unstoppable!
Obedience will include suffering
But Jesus will prove faithful 

Q—Who will we choose to obey?

God… Or our “inner–man”?

He wants to build His Church… through you!

ACTS—Building Toward the Future | Genuine Unity… & the Threat of Dishonesty Acts 4:32—5:11 | February 9, 2020

Unity—All In!
One heart… One mind…
What’s yours is mine!
With unity of mission there is power!
There is also encouragement 

Q—Have you been inspired by a unified team effort?

A Cautionary Tale
Guard your heart while doing good
Generosity with deception is despicable
A sin against man is a sin against God
The Holy Spirit is God
God is serious about His mission 

Q—Do you desire the praise of people or of God?

You Will Be Found Out
A darkened heart is self-deceived
God still offers second chances
God is serious about protecting His Church 

Q—Does this scare you?  At least a little?

What Should We Do?
Is this our second chance?
God is serious about the Great Commission
Are we?
It’s going to take unity. Are we all in?
God’s power is waiting to work through us

ACTS—Building Toward the Future | Do We Even Have a Prayer? | Acts 4:23-31 | February 2, 2020

Prayer—The Reminder
There are almost 1,100 prayers recorded in the Bible
The first… soon after the Fall
Humility and repentance are required

Prayer—A Pattern in Acts
The Greatness of God
The Will of God
The request for help from God
The desire to be used by God

Prayer—Have We Seen This Pattern Before?
How… not What!
It’s relational
It’s missional
It’s practical

Prayer—For Boldness!
The early church needed it
Paul needed it
We still need it

Is it the same for us today?
Do we have the same Jesus?
Do we face the same opposition?
Do we have the same mission?
Do we take this mission seriously?
Will we follow directions?