This is the 35th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

Our identity in three words: People, Law, Place (21:27-40a).Your testimony is the Gospel’s opportunity (21:40b-22:21).Not every opportunity will be handled well (22:22-29).

Discussion Questions:

Who are the American church’s “gentiles” (Outsiders that we often fail to love)? How does this passage challenge us to love better? Think about some times you have heard Christians share their testimony. What was the experience like? How did it impact your own faith? Why are stories like those so powerful? In your DC: Tell us your story. What is your testimony? Think in terms of the 4 steps discussed today (1. Brokenness, 2. Personal conversion, 3. New family identity in the Church/baptism, 4. A redeemed vocation/calling/ministry).

This is the 34th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

Ministry often brings with it difficulty (21:1-16).That difficulty can be big or seemingly small (21:17-26).Jesus already endured difficulty on our behalf (Heb. 12:2-3).

Discussion Questions:

As we have asked throughout our study of Acts, what ministry(s) has Jesus called you to?What does an “off ramp” from that ministry look like? How have you been tempted to take the off ramp? What tools has Jesus used to enable you to endure in your ministry these past two years?

This is the 33rd sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

God’s plan for leadership: A plurality of godly elders (20:17).Paul’s example of godly leadership (20:18-27).Paul’s encouragement to be godly leaders (20:28-35).Godly leaders and Gospel-goodbyes (20:36-38).

Discussion Questions:

As you think about the leaders you have respected most, what attributes have they had that were impactful? How do those attributes reflect the character of Jesus?Where have you seen the American church pursue worldly leadership instead of godly leadership? What have been the consequences?Where has God given you leadership influence? Which of the traits discussed today do you most need to grow in?

This is the 32nd sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

Our future resurrection should be a source of current comfort for us.We will have an imperishable body.The resurrection will restore all that has been broken.

Discussion Questions:

What are you looking most forward to in the New Creation?What are some practical ways to remind ourselves of the reality of our Resurrection?Pray for encouragement and perseverance for others at your table, in whatever they are facing.  

This is the 31st sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

Individual calling and vocational faithfulness (19:21-22).Idols and Gospel-disruption (19:23-27).Confusion and defending our gods (19:28-34).Competing idols and a temporary truce (19:35-41).

Discussion Questions:

What is your vocation? How does viewing it as a calling from God for ministry tangibly change your actions?When are you most likely to become angry, anxious, or give in to despair? What might that show you about what your heart worships? How is Jesus better?What would Gospel-disruption in our city look like? What cultural idols would be challenged? How would we know the Gospel is what is causing the disruption?

This is the 30th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

Apollos’ discipleship journey (18:24-28).“Disciples” in Ephesus and their journey (19:1-10).Spiritual warfare, total surrender, and the discipleship journey (19:11-20).

Discussion Questions:

As you reflect on the past few months, how has Jesus worked in you? How has Jesus worked through you?Which of the discipleship journeys that we studied today most connects with you? Why?Why is the combination of gifting and humility (i.e. Apollos) so rare? How can we cultivate humility in our own lives?

This is the 29th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.

Sermon Outline:

Presence in friendship (18:1-3).Presence in conversions (18:4-11).Presence in reminders of sovereignty (18:12-17).Presence in spiritual disciplines (18:18-23).

Notable Quote:

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled…let not one go unwarned and un-prayed for.”         —C.H. Spurgeon

Discussion Questions:

Does evangelism/mission scare you? If so, why?Have you ever felt depleted in ministry or your walk with Jesus? How would experiencing the presence of Jesus impact that? What means of grace, or spiritual disciplines, has Jesus used to show you that He is with you?

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy (Titus 3:1–5a, ESV).

SERMON OUTLINE:

Who we are… for the world (3:1-2)Who we were... in the world (3:3)Who He is... that makes us new (3:4-5a)

**This sermon was preached by Joey Parsons of The Town Church in Greeley, Colorado.

Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31–33, ESV)

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1–2, ESV)

Sermon Outline

Anxious Work: It is in vain that you rise up early… eating the bread of anxious toil

Anxious Sleep: It is in vain that you go late to rest...eating the bread of anxious toil

Sleep that Works: When the Lord builds the house and watches the city, he gives to his beloved sleep.

**This sermon was preached by Justin Broady, Church Planting Resident at The Village Church in Dallas, Texas.