(Matt. 27:62-28:20) Pastor Nathan Francis explores the resurrection of Jesus in his sermon, highlighting that it is supported by eyewitness accounts, particularly from women, and the dramatic transformation of the disciples who went from fear to boldness. He addresses common arguments against the resurrection, emphasizing that evidence suggests Jesus truly rose from the dead and that this event is central to Christian faith. Pastor Nathan explains the implications of the resurrection for believers, including the assurance of salvation and the promise of Jesus' presence throughout history and in their personal lives. He encourages listeners to confront their doubts, investigate the evidence, and embrace the life-giving power of the resurrection. 1. Evidence for & Arguments Against the Resurrection 2. Implications of the Resurrection for Our Lives Or said another way: 1. Did it really happen? 2. What does it mean?

(Acts 8:9-25) In this sermon, Nathan focuses on Acts chapter 8, highlighting the story of Simon the Magician, who initially believes and gets baptized but later reveals a heart still yearning for power. He emphasizes that genuine faith leads to transformation and warns against the dangers of self-deception and idolatry, pointing out how individuals often seek validation through fame, money, or sexual pursuits. Nathan urges listeners to reflect on their own lives, uncovering hidden idols and surrendering them to Christ for true spiritual renewal. He concludes with a call to bow before Jesus, the true source of life, and to embrace the transformative power of genuine faith. 1. Not Everyone Who "Believes" is Really Saved 2. God Exposes the Heart 3. How Will You Respond?

Acts 8:1-8 In today's sermon, Pastor Nathan Francis discusses the unexpected turn of events following Stephen's execution, which led to widespread persecution of the early church and the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Despite the chaos, those who fled used the opportunity to evangelize, sharing the message of Christ even among their enemies, which illustrates the dual nature of God's redemptive history—predictable in that the gospel would spread, yet unpredictable in how it was achieved through suffering. Pastor Nathan emphasizes the importance of having a personal faith that endures challenges and encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus for strength during hardships. Ultimately, he reassures the congregation that despite life's unpredictability, God's purpose remains steadfast, and in the end, Jesus triumphs. How is Redemptive History both so predictable and yet so unpredictable? 1) Saul's Success Persecuting the Church is Unpredictable 2) The Spread of the Gospel is Predictable

Acts 7:54-8:1 In this sermon, Pastor reflects on the final day of Stephen's life, detailing his bold defense before the Sanhedrin and their enraged response, which led to his execution. Despite facing imminent death, Stephen gazes into heaven, sees Jesus standing beside God, and demonstrates incredible grace by praying for his executioners. The sermon emphasizes the irrationality of unbelief and the challenges faced by Christians, alongside the importance of having an eternal perspective on suffering. Ultimately, the message reassures believers of the Holy Spirit's presence and the encouragement found in looking to Jesus, highlighting that suffering can be an opportunity for growth and deeper faith. 1. The Irrationalness of Unbelief 2. Making Sense of Persecution 3. The Opportunity of Suffering

Acts 7:1-53 In this sermon, Nathan discusses Stephen's lengthy, impactful speech from Acts chapter 7, which tackles the continuity of God's redemptive history from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Rather than providing a traditional outline, Nathan divides the sermon into eight sections, each focusing on key figures such as Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, and illustrates how their stories connect to the overall narrative leading to Christ. Nathan emphasizes that God's presence is not confined to the temple but is encountered in various locations and circumstances throughout history, including in the wilderness and the burning bush with Moses.Nathan's aim is to help the congregation piece together these biblical stories, showing that they are not isolated events but part of a grand mosaic of redemption. He confronts the audience with the reality that, just as Israel rejected the prophets and the Messiah, contemporary believers must not overlook the significance of embracing God's ongoing work today. As Nathan concludes, he calls for a softening of hearts toward God's word, assuring the congregation that they, too, are part of God's unfolding story, encouraging them to remain engaged in the mission of advancing God's kingdom on earth. This powerful connection between past Scripture and present faith serves as both a challenge and an invitation to live out the truths of the Gospel actively. 1. (1-8) Abraham 2. (9-16) Joseph 3. (17-22) Moses: Childhood-Age 40 4. (23-29) Moses: Kills Egyptian & Flees; Age 40-80 5. (30-34) Moses & Burning Bush 6. (35-43) Moses: The Exodus 7. (44-50) Tabernacle; David; Solomon Builds Temple 8. (51-53) Stephen Confronts Jews

Acts 6:8-15 Pastor Todd emphasizes the power and importance of God's Word in transforming hearts and lives. He highlights the character of Stephen, an ordinary servant who performed extraordinary miracles by being filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. Despite facing opposition and false accusations, Stephen's demeanor radiated peace and righteousness, showcasing the impact of being seized by the truth of the gospel. Ultimately, Pastor Todd encourages everyone to share this life-changing truth with others, like a beggar leading another beggar to bread. 1. Stephen's Character 2. Stephen's Opposition 3. Stephen's Demeanor

Acts 6:1-7 Pastor Nathan Francis continues the series in Acts, discussing the challenges faced by the early church, notably the complaints arising over the neglect of Hellenist widows. He emphasizes the apostles' decision to prioritize prayer and the ministry of the Word by appointing deacons to handle the practical needs, highlighting the importance of both deed ministry and spiritual nourishment. The mission of the church, he asserts, is to make disciples grounded in the Word and prayer, not just to meet physical needs. Ultimately, the growth of the church is linked to remaining focused on its primary mission: to spread the message of the Gospel and make disciples. What Should be the Mission of Every Church? 1. The Importance of Deed Ministry 2. The Priority of The Word of God & Prayer 3. Making Disciples Not Just Christians

Acts 5:17-42 In his sermon, Pastor Nathan navigates through Acts 5:17-42, drawing out significant lessons about faith, divine empowerment, and the unexpected nature of God's plans. The central theme revolves around how the apostles, despite facing severe opposition and persecution, remained steadfast in their mission to preach the Gospel. Pastor emphasizes the surprising aspect of God's choice to use humans, who were often flawed and fallible, rather than heavenly beings like angels, to spread His word. He highlights that the apostles were filled with courage and faith that surpassed their circumstances due to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. These qualities enabled them to remain resolute in their conviction to obey God rather than men, even when threatened with imprisonment and physical beatings.Furthermore, Pastor Nathan encourages the congregation to reflect on the priorities in their own lives, comparing childhood experiences with their current family dynamics. He urges believers to evaluate how they spend their time and to consider the cost of following Christ. The powerful transformation of the apostles serves as an inspiration for contemporary Christians to step out in faith, share their testimonies in everyday settings, and embrace the call to live as ambassadors for Christ. The sermon concludes with a call for self-reflection and prayerful consideration of how each person might sacrifice for the Gospel, ensuring that their lives bear witness to their faith in a world that desperately needs it. 1. God's Plan is Surprising 2. Christ's Ambassadors Must Have Great Faith 3. The Holy Spirit Empowers That Faith

Acts 5:12-16 Pastor Nathan Francis emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's power and the reality of a world influenced by the divine, contrasting two ways of living: as functional naturalists or as believers in a mighty God. He uses the story of George Mueller, who showed unwavering faith in God's ability to control circumstances, as an example of how belief in God's greatness can transform our lives. The passage from Acts illustrates the apostles performing signs and wonders, serving as proof of their authority from God, leading to many conversions and healings. Ultimately, Pastor Nathan urges the congregation to move from a limited perception of God's capabilities to a deeper faith in His omnipotence, encouraging them to live with the expectancy that God can and does work in extraordinary ways. How do you know if you are living as a functional naturalist? 1. Imagine the scene 2. What are we to do with all this?

(Acts 5:1-11) In Pastor Nathan's sermon on Acts chapter five, he explores the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira, who deceitfully withheld a portion of the proceeds from a land sale while pretending to donate the full amount to the apostles. This action leads to dire consequences, with both individuals being struck dead for their lies. The pastor emphasizes the seriousness of their sin, noting that they were not merely lying to people but to God, highlighting His holiness and the weight of offending a holy God. The theme of God's holiness is central, as Pastor Nathan explains that a low understanding of God's purity and a casual view of sin result in a diminished appreciation for the grace given through Jesus.The sermon also introduces the concept of **coram Deo**—living before the face of God. Pastor Nathan urges the congregation to understand that everything they do is done in God's presence, which should lead to greater authenticity in their lives. By bringing hidden sins into the light, believers can experience healing and growth. Pastor Nathan closes with a call for the church to be anchored in an honest relationship with God and one another, encouraging individuals to confront their sins and understand the profound mercy offered through the cross. Thus, the passage serves as both a warning and an invitation to embrace the fullness of life that comes from living transparently before God. 1. The Holiness of God 2. Coram Deo – "Before the Face of God"