Impact Church Menifee

Key Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Do You Feel Like A Prisoner? It’s Easy To Live As A Captive To Sin And Addiction, Stuck In A Jail Of Bitterness, Anxiety And Fear. But Jesus Came To Set Us Free. He Can Break Every Chain And Open Every Iron Gate That Keeps Us From Moving Forward In Our Faith. He Wants To Wake Us Up To The Reality Of Life With Him – A Life Of Liberty And Joy. What Is Holding You Back Today? It’s Time To Walk In The Miraculous Freedom You Have In Christ.

Scripture References And Quotes:

• Ephesians 6:10-12
• Romans 8:20-21
• 2 Peter 2:19
• Luke 4:18
• Galatians 1:3-4

Key Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

The truth of the matter is that we are not as impartial as we would like to believe. We all have our preferences. We have comfort zones when it comes to interacting with others, and are less likely to connect with those outside our circle than with those who are like us. It is easier to talk to an old friend than to make a new one. Additionally, our culture celebrates beauty, wealth and athletic skills, fawning over the successful and ignoring the rest. Playing favorites is part of life. But it is not what God intends for us. Favoritism may be part of our culture, but it is must not be part of the church.

Scripture References and Quotes: Acts 10:1-48, Acts 1:8, Luke 2:10, Mark 11:17, Titus 2:11, James 2:8-9, Romans 3:22-24

When we show favoritism, when we assess people by externals, we are usurping God’s exclusive right to stand in judgment over others. You’re taking the place of God. - Jeff Purswell

Key Scripture: Acts 9:1-31

 The Apostle Paul’s story reminds us that Jesus can change anyone. His redemptive power is unstoppable. There isn’t a wall of pride He can’t break through nor a heart hardened by sin He can’t soften. We must not write off those He wants to write in to His story of redemption. This includes you. Who you are isn’t determined by what you’ve done; it’s determined by what God has said about you and what He’s done for you. He has a plan for you. He has a call on your life. Do you know who you are in Christ? Do you believe who He is in you?

Scripture References: Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1, 3, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Acts 26:13-15, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 3:4-6

Key Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Have you ever been so excited about something, that you’ve taken it a little too far? When we’re passionate about something, it’s easy to get carried away. Our faith in Christ should carry us away to places we’ve never been. It should carry us to do things we’ve never done: approaching the unapproachable, loving the unlovable, forgiving the intolerable, attempting the impossible. Unfortunately, it’s easy to just get carried away and caught up in the excitement of Christianity, but not in Christ Himself. Where is He wanting to take you today?

Scripture References: Luke 8:4-13, Matthew 8:18-22, John 6:53-54, Luke 14:34-35, Mark 13:13, Philippians 3:8

Key Scripture: Acts 6:8-7:60

Faith is more than words. We say we believe in Jesus, yet so often we fail to exercise our faith and do the things he has called us to. It’s like buying fitness equipment we believe will help us get healthy, then using it primarily as a coat rack. Any worthwhile training achieves results only by exploring the limits of capacity. We do not discover untapped potential until we’re pushed outside of our comfort zones. In the same way, building our faith is not always comfortable but is always beneficial. In fact, it’s necessary. The Holy Spirit is the perfect Trainer in our faith. He knows our personal limits and gives us His strength to get past them. What challenge are you facing today? Exercise your faith!

Scripture References: Matthew 8:26, Matthew 17:20, 1 John 5:4, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 2 Peter 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:7

Key Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Every church has problems. In fact, the more people a local church has, the more problems it will face. It’s easy to feel overlooked, neglected, like you don’t matter. How we respond to hurt and disappointment is very important. We must be eager to give grace and careful not to tear the church apart with gossip. How the church responds to problems is equally important. Church leaders must willingly entrust ministry to the people of God and equip them to love others well. Most importantly, the problems a church faces must never distract it from what matters most. The health of any church will always be measured by its devotion to prayer and God’s Word.

Scripture References: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 4:11-12, Luke 10:38-42, James 2:15-17

Key Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

A Life Without Limits Is A Life You Can’t Control. The Power Of The Holy Spirit Isn’t Safe And Cannot Be Contained Within The Confines Of Our Comfort And Convenience. He Leads Us Into Situations That Are Risky And Difficult, Calling Us To Go Where We Don’t Want To Go And To Give Up What We Want To Hold Onto. But It’s Only When We Surrender Control Of Our Lives To The All-Consuming Fire Of God That We Discover True Freedom. What Are You Still Trying To Control Today?

Scripture References: Acts 5:12-42, 1 Peter 3:15, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 Kings 18:36-39, Luke 14:25-33

Key Scripture: Acts 4:32-5:11

The early church set an incredible example for the church today. They were united, sacrificial, loving, and truly spirit filled, demonstrated as they met the needs of all who were in their midst. They gave with no expectation of reward or recognition. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case with us. We tend to have hearts consumed with our own interests as opposed to the interest of others. We may give of our time, talents, or resources, but are we trying to get something in return? Do we give…with strings attached?

Scripture References: Philippians 2:3, 1 Samuel 16:7, Romans 12:1

Key Scripture: Acts 4:1-31

Sharing the message of Jesus is something we’re all called to do. For many, however, doing so can be intimidating and we feel inadequate to share or unable to share effectively. At these times, we must be bold in our faith. The word boldness means "to pour forth all” - like pouring water out of a cup until it’s completely empty. It's having a conviction that runs so deep that it can’t be held back in one’s character or communication. True boldness captures the attention of others and compels them to listen. It combines personal conviction with divine revelation and inspiration. Christian boldness isn’t brash or arrogant, but it makes no apologies. It’s attractive, clear and confident because it’s rooted in the love, forgiveness and victory we have in Christ.

Scripture References: Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15, Ephesians 6:18-20, 2 Timothy 1:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Proverbs 28:1, Philippians 4:13

Key Scripture: Acts 3:1-26

Don’t you hate it when plans change? If you want to follow Jesus, you’d better get used to it. The plans He has for us aren’t the plans we’d make for ourselves; they are immeasurably better! When we’re crippled by sin and the suffering life can bring, it’s easy to lose hope. In those moments, we must remember that the greatest blessing we can receive is Jesus Himself. At times, a miracle is what God uses to bring us closer to Him. At other times, He uses trial and hardship. He won’t hesitate to undo the dreams we have for ourselves if it means we’ll finally surrender to the infinitely better dream He has for us.

Scripture References: Matthew 16:24, Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 13:12, Romans 8:28