ACTS: THE MOVEMENT BEGINS
Teaching Messages. Listen on Take Heart Radio
Turning the World Upside Down
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Apr 28, 2024Turning the World Upside Down
Turning the World Upside Down
- Apr 21, 2024Paul’s Travel Journal and the Power of God
Paul’s Travel Journal and the Power of God
- Apr 14, 2024Conflict Resolution and Christian Liberty
Conflict Resolution and Christian Liberty
- Apr 7, 2024Unstoppable Faith
Unstoppable Faith
- Mar 17, 2024Two Pauls and a Blind Sorcerer
Two Pauls and a Blind Sorcerer
- Mar 10, 2024Peter’s Prison Break
Peter’s Prison Break
- Feb 25, 202410 Marks from the Church of Antioch
10 Marks from the Church of Antioch
- Feb 18, 2024The Gospel Goes to the Gentiles
The Gospel Goes to the Gentiles
- Feb 11, 2024Grace For Them
Grace For Them
- Feb 4, 2024Wake Up Call for Saul
Wake Up Call for Saul
- Jan 28, 2024Gospel Goes to Africa Acts 8:26-40
Gospel Goes to Africa Acts 8:26-40
- Jan 21, 2024Unstoppable Expansion Acts 8:1-25
Unstoppable Expansion Acts 8:1-25Introduction: A new level of persecutionDiscussion Questions
- The Gospel Expands to Samaria
- Simon the Magician
- An Ancient Modern Method for the Church
1. Reflect on the challenges faced by the early Christians in Acts 8:1-25. How could they remain faithful and continue spreading the Gospel amid persecution?2. In Acts 8:4-8, the scattered believers preached the word wherever they went. How can we apply this example to our own lives? How can we boldly share our faith even in difficult circumstances?3. Simon the Magician was intrigued by the power of the Holy Spirit but had the wrong motivation for seeking it. How can we ensure that our desire for spiritual gifts and experiences aligns with God's purposes and not our selfish ambitions?4. The world may look chaotic and out of control, but it is not out of God’s hand. Do you see fear (in the cultural drift, political uncertainty, life experiences, etc.) creating practical distrust for God and discontentment in your life? How do you trust, in humility, the sovereignty of God and His good governance? - Dec 3, 2023The Presence of God and Stephen’s Martyrdom
The Presence of God and Stephen’s Martyrdom
- Nov 26, 2023Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry
- Nov 19, 2023Obey God Rather Than Men
Obey God Rather Than Men
- Nov 12, 2023Spotting the Strategies of Satan
Spotting the Strategies of Satan
- Nov 5, 2023Praying for Boldness
Praying for Boldness
- Oct 29, 2023Live No Lies, and Tell The Truth
Live No Lies, and Tell The Truth
- Oct 22, 2023Times of Refreshing
Times of Refreshing
- Oct 15, 2023The Early Church
The Early Church
September 17, 2023
Acts, the Sequel to Luke
Acts 1:1-11
Set the Scene
But Wait…There’s More
The Cross Spreads the Good Infection
History of Us All
Title of a Good Sequel
He’s Alive
There Really Is More
The Question, the Power, the Mission
Discussion Questions
1. Read the opening of the book of Luke and the opening of the book of Acts. What is similar, and what is different? How is Acts the sequel to Luke?
2. What is the gospel message, and what proofs are given in 1 Cor. 15:1-8 and Acts 1:3?
3. How did the disciples’ question in Acts 1:6 really miss the point of Jesus’ purpose in coming? How specifically does he answer them in Acts 1:7-8?
4. Explain the significance of Acts 1:8 as a mission and outline for Acts and the church. What power is he talking about?
5. Only Luke records the Ascension (Luke 24 and Acts 1). Why do you think that is? What is the significance of the Ascension?
September 24, 2023
The Waiting Room
Acts 1:12-26
Waiting Obediently
Waiting Together
Waiting Prayerfully
Waiting Faithfully
Waiting Expectantly
Discussion Questions
1. Review the opening scenes of Acts and the transition between the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts. What is Luke setting up for us and telling us?
2. What is your tendency when you find yourself in life’s waiting room? How did the early believers wait in Acts 1?
3. Why do you think it was important to fill Judas’ office? How did they go about doing this and what can we learn from their process of selecting Matthias?
4. In what ways can we wait expectantly for God to move in our lives today?
October 1, 2023
Without Hindrance Acts 2:1-13
INTRO
PAST PENTECOST
PROMISED PENTECOST
AMPLIFIED PENTECOST
CONCLUSION
Discussion Questions
- What did the Feast of Pentecost represent in the OT? Why would God choose to send the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? (Leviticus 23:16; Exodus 19:1-2, 18-20)
- Trace and connect these biblical themes and images from the OT to the scene in Acts 2. Where do you see these images or events coming up in the OT and what is being fulfilled and expressed in Acts 2? ( languages/Babel, nations, temple, fire, wind, Spirit, baptism)
- What does Pentecost in Acts 2 tell us about God’s intentions and his means to save the world?
- What do the last two verses of the book of Acts tell us about ourselves today?
- Extra Credit: What does the crescendo of Pentecost extended and amplified outwardly from Jersuaelm seem to tell us? Why does Luke make sure to record these events below to verify the Spiritual outpouring and power coming to Jerusalem and beyond, even to the Samaritans and then to Gentiles? (Acts 1:8) Why would this be vital to establish the early church and express his plan for the Spirit to be poured out on “all flesh” (Joel 2:28)?
- Jerusalem Pentecost → Acts 2
- Samaritan “pentecost” outpouring of the same Spirit → Acts 8
- Gentile “pentecost” outpouring of the same Spirit → Acts 10
- Disciples of John the Baptist “pentecost” experience the same outpouring of the Spirit → Acts 19
October 8, 2023
Is Jesus Your Lord? Acts 2:14-47
INTRO
Peter’s Sermon Title: “Jesus is Lord”
1. This is real and there is no denying it: Joel prophesied this event.
2. You’re a sinner but God: You’re guilty in killing the Son of God but even your sin can’t stop God’s plan of salvation.
3. Answer for your doubts: King David believed in the resurrection of the Messiah, why can’t you?
4. Declare the truth: Jesus is both Lord and Messiah
5. The ball is in your court: Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?
Conclusion: “Two Ways to Live”
Discussion Questions
1. The writer J. R. R. Tolkien coined the word eucatastrophe by affixing the Greek prefix eu, meaning good, to catastrophe which means a sudden, concluding tragedy. How does Peter describe the crucifixion, cross and death of Jesus Christ as a eucatastrophe. Something of a good catastrophe?! Why is this so important to our understanding of the meaning and central importance of the cross and resurrection for our salvation today?
2. How do the hearers of Peter’s sermon respond to hearing that they crucified Jesus, the one God made Lord and Messiah? How is this similar to our own salvation experience?
3. Share your testimony of salvation or coming to Christ with the group. How is it similar or different to the message of what we read and hear in Acts 2?
4. Talk through the “Two Ways to Live” gospel presentation and method of
October 16, 2023
The Early Church Acts 2:41-47
October 22, 2023
Times of Refreshing Acts 3:1-4:4
Reverse the Curse
Isaiah 35
Miraculous Sign in the Name of Jesus
Acts 3:1-10
Repentance Leads to Forgiveness and Brings Refreshing and Restoration Acts 3:11-4:4
Discussion Questions
1. What was the “curse of the bambino?” More seriously, how did Jesus “reverse the curse” of sin and how will he complete this when he returns? How are miracles a sign of this?
2. Describe the different elements in the account of the healing of the lame man in Acts 3:1-10. What stands out to you?
3. Read Isaiah 35. How does this vision for restoration/renovation/refreshing illustrate what is happening in Acts 3? (especially Isa. 35:6)
4. How is Isaiah 35 and Acts 3:20-21 and 2 Peter 3:13 connected and why should this give us hope?
5. How does repentance and forgiveness lead to times of refreshing? How have you experienced this? (Acts 3:19-21)
October 29, 2023
Live No Lies and Tell The Truth Acts 4:1-22
Introduction: Live No Lies by John Mark Comer and Live Not By Lies by Aleksandr Solzhenityzn
What truth? (4:1-5)
Whose Truth? (4:5-7)
The Guide of All Truth (4:8-10)
Standing on the Truth (4:11-12)
Live Not By Lies but Tell the Truth (4:13-22)
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think it means to “Live Not By Lies?”
2. Why do you think the belt of truth is listed first in the armor of God in Ephesians 6? What does that mean?
3. What is the significance of Jesus being referenced by Peter to the Jewish council as the “cornerstone?” (Psalm 118:12; Isa. 28:16; Luke 20:17-18; Eph. 2:20)
4. How can we speak with the boldness of Peter and John the truth of Jesus Christ despite persecution? What might that look like for us today to speak truth in love not lies?
5. Why should we not despair but take heart in these things and in the cultural climate we are in today? (John 16:33)
November 5, 2023
Praying for Boldness 4:23-31
Introduction:
Let’s Pray Together (4:23)
Let’s Preach the Truth to Each Other (4:24-28)
Let’s Petition God to Help Us (4:29-31)
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it significant that the believers gathered together to pray in this situation? What’s going on, and what can we learn from their example?
2. What truths and promises of God do they seem to be preaching in their prayer? Why is it important to not just make requests but also to pray truth and God’s promises in our prayers? Acts 4:24-28
3. What do they ask of God and expect him to do in their prayer? Acts 4:29-30
4. In what specific ways do we need to pray for boldness to speak the word of God in our culture and lives today? How can we be doing this right now?
5. What prayer habits have worked or not worked for you? Share with the group different ways we can learn to pray. Pray for “boldness” together.
November 12, 2023
Spotting the Strategies of Satan 4:32-5:16
Introduction:
1. Physical (persecution)
2. Moral (subversion)
3. Professional (distraction)
1. Everything in Common – Great Generosity (4:32-37)
2. Ananias and Sapphira – Great Fear (5:1-11)
3. Numerous Signs and Wonders – Great Power (5:12-16)
Discussion Questions
1. Discuss the strategies of Satan and his attacks against the church?
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- Stott gives three main strategies: (see front outline)
- How do you see this taking place in Acts and how do you see this coming against our own church today?
2. What did it mean for the early church to have “everything in common?” What does that mean for us today and how should that change the way we view what we have in relation to meeting the needs of others?
3. Examine the narrative of Achan’s sin in Joshua 7. How does this story seem to parallel the situation of Ananias and Sapphira? Can you think of another story in the Bible that sheds light on the holiness of God and the seriousness of his worship?
4. Why does God take this offense and deception so seriously in Acts 5?
November 19, 2023
Obey God Rather Than Men 5:17-42
Introduction:
- JEALOUSY! (Satanic opposition continues) (17-18)
- JAILBREAK! (miraculous and humorous release) (19-26)
- BOLDNESS! (question of authority) (27-29)
- PROCLAMATION! (content of the gospel) (30-32)
- DEFENSE! (the wrong side of history) (33-39)
- PERSECUTION! (just for good measure) (40)
- REJOICE! (nothing changed) (41-42)
Discussion Questions
1. Examine, discuss and note the Satanic strategies for last week, this week and next week: Moral 5:1-11; Persecution 5:17-42; ; Professional 6:1-7. What’s your take away from this?
2. How are we to know when we are to obey God rather than men/authorities and when we are actually supposed to obey men/authorities?
3. Discuss the narratives of Daniel 3 (Fiery Furnace) and 6 (Lion’s Den). What do we learn in regards to our responsibility to seek the good of a nation but also to stand for truth no matter what? How can you apply this to our own context? For our church?
4. The Kerygma (Kə·rĭgʹ mȧ) is another way of saying the “core central message being preached and proclaimed” or the “nutshell gospel.” Define the core message of the gospel preached in Acts 5:30-32.
5. Review the points of “Two Ways to Live” method of sharing the gospel. (twowaystolive.com) Why not skip right to point 4 of the two ways to live? Why would people need to hear points 1-3 today in our modern society?
November 26, 2023
Stephen Ministry 6:1-7
1. Spotting the Strategies of Satan
2. Problems in the Church Threatens to Divide
3. Proper Leadership Promotes Unity
4. Example of Stephen
5. Right Priorities Result in Multiplication
Discussion Questions
1. Run through the storyline of Acts 6:1-7 → What are the key problems? What were the key solutions? What was the result?
2. Professional distraction from the leadership of the church can cause a lot of division in a church because people are being forgotten. Often, it’s not the attention given to bad things, but often too many good things so that the best things are left neglected. How can this happen in a church community?
3. Now apply question 1 to the nuclear family, not just the church. How is distraction a strategy Satan uses to divide and neutralize a family unit?
4. Why was it important that the apostles provide strong leadership and set the priorities for the early church? What were those priorities for the leadership?
Prayer points:
Pray specifically for the church leadership at Hope. Pray for the congregation to work together and minister through service to one another and to God. Pray God would continue to increase our church through the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray God would raise up the next generation of servant leaders and ministers. Pray we would be shielded from the strategies of Satan, and we would never stop proclaiming the truth.
December 3, 2023
The Presence of God and Stephen’s Martyrdom
Acts 6:8-7:60
1. Presence of God Reflected from Stephen’s Face (6:8-15)
2. Presence of God Was With the Patriarchs (7:2-43)
3. Presence of God is Greater Than Any Temple or Tabernacle (7:44-50)
4. Presence of God Should be Received Not Resisted (7:51-53)
5. Presence of God Revealed (7:54-60)
Discussion Questions
1. Compare the shining face of Stephen (Acts 6:15) and Moses (Exodus 34:25), what do you make of this? What is the author Luke attempting to tell us about the presence of God?
2. Notice the occasion for Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 comes about to answer the key accusation they brought against him in Acts 6:13. How does this compare with Jesus’ statement to tear down the temple and rebuild it again in John 2:19-22? What is Jesus talking about?
3. Skim through Stephen’s Sermon in Acts 7. Try to simply outline the history of Israel by tracing it through the figures mentioned. Why do you think he goes through such a lengthy history? What point is he trying to make?
4. How does Stephen dismantle the religious trust in the temple and the land and the law held by these religious leaders? What is his point of the whole sermon given right in Acts 7:48-53?