Living Hope Family Church Marana Sermons

Stephen is accused of speaking against "this holy place and the law" as well as saying that Jesus will destroy the temple and change the customs Moses gave to the Israelites. Stephen begins his response when asked if these things were so.

Since the failed attempt to discredit the Church through Ananias and his wife didn't work, now a legitimate complaint arises over neglect of the Hellenistic widows. The Apostles understand their role is to pray and minister the Word of God, so they ask the congregation to choose reputable men from among themselves to oversee the daily distributions. As a result, that solution causes the Church to continue to expand. So, another attempt is made by accusing Stephen of "blasphemy" against Moses and the Temple. The ruthlessness of this is evidenced by the fact that the accusers were bribed! When Stephen is arrested, they all see his face like an angel's. That should have stopped them in their tracks! But we'll see what happens next week!

The early church is off to an amazing start. Multitudes of people getting saved every day, and God was moving powerfully with signs and wonders. And this was even with all the opposition that Peter and John were facing. However, in spite of this opposition, they continued preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, inciting the religious leaders to jealousy and anger. But even in the midst of being imprisoned and beaten, they rejoiced for the privilege to suffer for His name's sake.

Amazing signs and wonders are being performed through the Apostle's hands and the church is growing. But today, we deal with one of the more difficult stories in the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira.

After being threatened by the authorities not to mention Jesus Peter and John return to their friends and give a report. This prompts a prayer meeting with the result that they all receive another infilling of the Holy Spirit. This not only gave them a renewed boldness but melted down selfishness and united them in a genuine Christian community. The end result is the continued building of the kingdom right up to this day.

An amazing miracle has just taken place as the man who had been lame since birth for 40 years has now been healed. The crowds gathered around wanting to know what has happened, and you’ll remember from last week, Peter begins to preach. But wherever the gospel is preached, the church is growing, and Jesus’ name is lifted up and He is making an impact, the enemy sends opposition.

After the man who had been lame from birth was healed, the crowd gathers around him and Peter and John. Peter addresses the crowd and informs them it wasn't their power that healed this man, but the power of the name of Jesus, whom they had rejected and killed. But, all was not lost for them. If they would repent from their sin and put their trust in Jesus too, then they would be saved.

The New Testament Church is established through the power of the Holy Spirit moving among the believers. They spent time with one another, caring and sharing with gladness and generosity. They continued with instruction from the apostles, fellowship and prayer and worship. Signs and wonders displayed God's stamp of approval. Chapter 3 highlights one of the miracles. As a result, the number of believers grew. This is the model of what we are privileged to be a part of until Jesus returns.

Some say we only celebrate Christmas because Christians of old tried to appropriate pagan holidays. But do we find evidence of celebrating Jesus' birth in the bible?

The Holy Spirit had just come upon the house where the disciples were as a mighty, rushing wind. A crowd showed up to see what was going on and began to hear the disciples speaking in their own languages. Peter stands to tell them what was going on.