Sermon #17 in the Book of Acts

Theme: Faithful believers are ready for ministry.

Being ready for ministry.

1. Worship and work together. (13:1-2)
2. Rely on God to work. (13:2)
3. Obey God’s directions. (13:3)

An example of ministry flowing from being ready.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

1. The work in Cyprus. (13:4-12)
2. The work in Galatia. (14:26-28)
3. The return to Antioch. (14:26-28)

Some practical lessons for our ministry.

1. Recognize and confront falsehood. (13:4-12)
2. Accept disappointments and keep going. (13:13)
3. Be ready for reception and rejection of the gospel. (13:13-52)
4. Be prepared for danger. (13:45, 50-51; 14:2, 5, 19-20)
5. Do a thorough job. (14:21-25)
6. Be accountable. (14:26-28)

Building the Church

Theme: Christ’s unlimited power builds His church.

Faithful believers face dangers.

1. The dangers are real. (1-3)

2. The results are varied. (1-19)

Faithful believers experience God’s powerful care.

1. God restrains evil. (3-23)

2. God gives growth. (24-25)

#15 in a series in the book of Acts

Theme: Solving conflicts requires keeping focused on God’s truth.

“I object!”

1. Watch out for sacred cows. (2)
2. Watch out for majoring on minors. (3)

“In my defense…”

1. Keep calm and collected. (4)
2. Stick to the facts. (4-16)

The proof of a God-honoring resolution.

1. The arguing stops. (18)
2. Praise to God begins. (18)

People Who Reach Others For Christ

#14 in a series on the book of Acts

People who reach others for Christ are . . .

Available and obedient to God.

1. Even though they do not know and understand everything. (23, 28)
2. Even though the person they are talking with does not know and understand much or anything about Christ. (30-33)
3. 
   

Christlike in relating to Others

1. Be humble. (25-26)
2. Truly accept and be ready to share the gospel with everyone. (27, 34-35)
3. Directly and clearly proclaim the gospel. (36-41)
4. 
   

Committed to establishing new believers.

1. Accept them as equal fellow-believers. (44-48)
2. Invest in their spiritual grown. (48)

#13 in a series on book of Acts

Acts 10:1-23

Theme: God uses faithful believers in His saving work.

God gives light to those who seek Him.

1. Cornelius, the man. (1, 2, 22)
2. Cornelius, the seeker of God. (2-6, 22; see also Deuteronomy 4:29; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 7:7-8; John 14:6; Romans 1:18-23, 2 Corinthians 6:1b-2)

God sends believers to bring the gospel.

1. An angel did not bring the gospel to Cornelius. (3-6)
2. A faithful believer did bring the gospel to Cornelius. (19-22, see also 33; John 14:6; Romans 10:13-15)

#12 in a series in the book of Acts

Acts 9:33 - 10:23

Theme: God fashions willing believers to break new ground.

The challenge of breaking new ground.

1. The task: extend the gospel to the gentiles. (10:1-16)

2. The targeted messenger: Peter.

The fashioning of a suitable worker.

1.. Through clarifying and confirming His call. (9:32-43; 10:10-16)

2. Through prayer. (10:9)

3. Through God's word. (10:10-20)

4. Through obedience. (10:21-23; 10:28)

#11 in Series in Acts, 9:19-30

First Critical Steps.

1. Seek fellowship. (19b. 26-28)

2. Seek instruction. (19b, 26-28)

3. Be ready to witness and serve. (19b-22, 26-30)

4. Keep moving forward. (22)

5. Listen to the counsel of others. (30)

The results of getting off to a good start.

1. Opposition. (223-25), 29-30)

2. Effective ministry. (21-22, 23-25)

#10 in Sermon Series in Acts

9:1-19

Theme: Christ constantly works to accomplish His purposes.

Christ transforms a troublemaker.

Christ uses ordinary people.

Witnessing 101

Acts 8:26-40

#9 in Series on the Book of Acts

1. Actively obey God. (26, 27, 29, 40)

2. Look for opportunities. (27-30)

3. Respect people you approach. (30-31)

4. Begin where the person is. (35)

5. Finish the job. (38)

If Only . . .

Acts 8:1-25

Theme: God's blessing depends on faithfulness, not circumstances.

Success attracts problems.

Hard times can lead to fruitful ministry.

Faithful ministry is the road to progress.