How Christianity Changed the World – Acts – Page 2

November 6, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on November 6, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt8

In Acts 15 we see how the Christian church embraced the gentile believers, not requiring them to convert to Judaism first of all. It is now clear that the gospel is for everyone: Jew, Samaritan and Gentile. This is a significant development which launches the second half of the book of Acts. We now observe the life-changing proclamation of the gospel in the Roman world. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

November 6, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on November 6, 2016

Categories

How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt8

In Acts 15 we see how the Christian church embraced the gentile believers, not requiring them to convert to Judaism first of all. It is now clear that the gospel is for everyone: Jew, Samaritan and Gentile. This is a significant development which launches the second half of the book of Acts. We now observe the life-changing proclamation of the gospel in the Roman world. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

October 30, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on October 30, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt7 (Foundation Day 2016)

The book of Acts has so far followed the program established by Jesus' words in Acts 1:8. The apostles had become his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and since Acts 10, had begun a mission to the gentiles which would indeed stretch to the ends of the earth. But this rapid expansion and generous welcome of gentiles into the Christian faith was not without its problems. Soon a faction was demanding that gentiles must become circumcised Jews before they could become Christians. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) was called to resolve this issue. Both the decision made, and the process followed, profoundly shaped the way in which Christianity changed the world over the following centuries. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

October 23, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on October 23, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt6

Previously in the book of Acts we have seen the message of Jesus spread from Jerusalem, to Judea and then to Samaria (cf Acts 1:8). In Acts 10-11 we see Peter carry the gospel across the final frontier to the gentile world, to those nations with no claim on the story of God's salvation first revealed to the Jewish Patriarchs. This brings into view our own engagement in this ongoing mission to Romans, Greeks, Australians and all the nations of the world. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

October 16, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on October 16, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt5

Acts 9 describes Saul's dramatic conversion to The Way' (see v.2). While some elements of his conversion are unique, others are essential for all Christians: (i) an encounter with the risen Christ, (ii) surrender to Jesus as Lord, and, (iii) service in the community of Christ. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

October 9, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on October 9, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt4

Following the outbreak of persecution, including the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), many Christians were scattered from Jerusalem, near and far. It seemed disastrous. Despite this, the gospel of Jesus spread rapidly. Philip, one of Stephen's fellow 'deacons', went to Samaria and proclaimed the gospel with great effect. The Jerusalem church responded by 'enlarging their circle' as they sent Peter and John to confirm the new believers in the Holy Spirit. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

October 2, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on October 2, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt3

Throughout Acts 3-5 we read of the remarkable growth of the Christian church, so clearly empowered by the Spirit of God that many responded with awe. See Acts 4:32-35. But at the beginning of Acts 6 we hear the first discordant threat to the unity of the church: the hellenistic widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The way that the church responds to this problem provides us with some important principles of church leadership and organisation, along with a great example of gospel driven social justice. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).

September 25, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on September 25, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt2

The giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost launches the mission Jesus gave to his disciples in Acts 1:8. His work in and through every believer, empowering them for their role in the mission, marked the beginning of the last days.' After Peter's sermon, three thousand were saved. But this success is not credited to Peter's skill as a preacher. Rather, salvation is always the work of the Holy Spirit in response to the hearing of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

September 25, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on September 25, 2016

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How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt2

The giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost launches the mission Jesus gave to his disciples in Acts 1:8. His work in and through every believer, empowering them for their role in the mission, marked the beginning of the last days. After Peters sermon, three thousand were saved. But this success is not credited to Peters skill as a preacher. Rather, salvation is always the work of the Holy Spirit in response to the hearing of the gospel of Jesus Christ.(Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).