“THE MIRACLE OF HEALING”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 6
A sermon outline based on Acts 3:1-26
Hillcrest CRC, August 4, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Some Christians are cessationists. (John 14:12)

2. Peter and John were Jews who believed in Jesus. (Acts 3:1)

3. This man didn’t expect enough. (Acts 3:2-5)

4. What did Peter have to give? (Acts 3:6, Matthew 28:18-20)

5. He was healed instantly. (Acts 3:7, John 9:6-7, Mark 8:22-26)

6. He gave God the glory. (Acts 3:8)

7. We must let God be God. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

8. Peter credits Jesus’ name and the man’s faith for healing him. (Acts 3:16, Mark 6:5-6)

9. God used physical healing to bring spiritual healing. (Acts 3:19-20)

Next steps...

• Read and reflect on Ephesians 3:20-21. Raise the level of what you think God can do until it matches His infinite power, and remember that nothing is impossible for God.
• Ask the Lord to give you His compassion for hurting people, His authority and power to accomplish His will and the faith to move mountains. (Matthew 17:14-21)
• Instead of putting God in a box and limiting what He can do, invite Him to do great things for His glory.

“WALKING IN JESUS’ WAY”
Learning to Be More Missional, part 4
A sermon outline based on 1 John 2:1-14
Hillcrest CRC, August 4, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Jesus demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 9:35-36, John 13:1,34-35, Ephesians 3:17-19, 5:1-2)

2. He embodied the kingdom of God. (Matthew 4:23, 13:44, John 10:10, 20:31, 1 John 2:8-11)

3. He conquered the kingdom of darkness.(Matthew 12:28, Luke 4:18, Colossians 1:13, 1 John 2:8-11, 3:8)

4. His teaching was revolutionary.(Matthew 5:5, 44, 6:19-21, 7:28-29, 19:23, Mark 9:35)

5. He put God’s will first. (Luke 22:42, John 6:38-40, Philippians 2:5-11)

6. We need to live like Jesus. (1 John 2:6, 1 Peter 2:21)

Next steps...

• Read and reflect on 1 John 2:1-6. What one thing do you need to change in order to live more like Jesus?
• Read through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in order to familiarize yourself with how Jesus lived. Marinate your mind in the thinking and ways of Jesus.
• Remind yourself that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37), so don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

“THE IDEAL CHURCH”
How Spirit-Filled People Changed the World, part 5
A sermon outline based on Acts 2:42-47
Hillcrest CRC, July 14, 2024, 5pm
Rev. Curt Walters

1. They were eager to learn and grow. (Acts 2:42)

2. They were devoted to one another. (Acts 2:42)

3. They were committed to breaking bread together. (Acts 2:42)

4. They were passionate about prayer. (Acts 2:42)

5. They were amazed by the miracles of God. (Acts 2:43)

6. They willingly shared what they had with others. (Acts 2:44-45)

7. They experienced unity and joy. (Acts 2:46)

8. People were attracted to them. (Acts 2:47)

Next steps...

• Deepen your koinonia/fellowship with another believer by being more open and honest with them and meeting together weekly.
• What would happen if you devoted yourself to biblical teaching, fellowship and sharing meals with other believers, and prayer? 
• Think about and discuss what would make our congregation more attractive to others – especially those who don’t know Jesus or go to church.

“JESUS: A FIRM FOUNDATION”
“Amazing Stories,” part 3
A sermon outline based on Luke 6:46-49
Hillcrest CRC, July 14, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters

1. Building a house with a firm foundation is important.
     (Luke 6:46-49, Leviticus 26:19, James 1:22-27)

2. It’s easy to trust in the wrong things. (Isaiah 28:14-19)

• The Qumran community claimed they would be the new foundation. 
• The Jewish leaders claimed the temple system was the new foundation.

3. God wants our hearts. (Ezekiel 33:29-33, Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 22:34-40)

4. Jesus is the only firm foundation. (Luke 6:46-49, Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6)

Next steps...

• What if you lost everything – like Job did?  Would your relationship with the Lord be strong enough to sustain you?  What do you really trust in?
• Ask yourself why you come to church on Sunday.  Is it because you know you should or is it because you really want to?  Recommit yourself to the Lord and ask Him to change your heart so that you desire more of Him and truly love and delight in Him. 
• Ponder and discuss why it’s easier to listen to God’s Word than it is to obey it. What is God calling you to obey?

“LISTENING TO THE SPIRIT”
Learning to Be More Missional, part 3
A sermon outline based on Acts 8:26-40
Hillcrest CRC, July 7, 2024, 9:30am
Rev. Curt Walters      

1. God was working in the background. (Acts 6:5, 8:5-13,26-29)
2. God knows who He wants to save. (Acts 8:26-29, John 6:44)
3. We need to learn how to listen. (Acts 8:26-30, John 10:1-5, 1 Samuel 3:10, James 1:19)
4. Philip obeyed the Lord. (Acts 8:26-29, 1:4-5,12)
5. Philip shared the good news. (Acts 8:35)
6. God’s plan was accomplished. (Acts 1:8, 8:39, Genesis 12:3)

Next steps...

• Eliminate distractions and spend 15-20 minutes just being still, enjoying God’s presence and listening to Him this week. Listen for words, pictures, songs, Scripture verses and/or direction/guidance.
• Pray and trust that God is at work in the hearts and lives of those around you, especially in those that you’re hoping and praying will come to faith in Jesus.
• Obey any guidance that you sense God may be giving you and step out in faith to do what He says, and see how it advances God’s kingdom and builds up your faith.