How Christianity Changed the World – Acts – Page 2

October 23, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on October 23, 2016

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

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

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

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

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).

September 25, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on September 25, 2016

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 18, 2016

Published by Alys Martin on September 18, 2016

How Christianity Changed the World – Acts Pt 1

As Luke transitions from his gospel and continues his account of all that Jesus did, chapter 1 recounts Jesus' ascension to his Father and commissioning of his apostles. As Jesus' church, we now share in this mission and must play our part in it.