Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their sudden and seemingly extreme death.

1) Surrender marks a true believer
2) Imposters scheme in selfishness
3) Perception management is a serious sin

Perception Management and The Pause

This is the weekly sermon podcast from Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Visit www.harriscreek.org for more information.

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To live a Christian life, we have to imitate Christ. One place where some struggle is with forgiveness of others who have committed a wrong against them. Rather than holding grudges, quiet judgment, and anger in our hearts, we are called to forgive in the same way that Jesus forgave us. God deeply cares about how we are able to forgive others and let go of our anger.  
 Life Group Questions:  Are there any unresolved conflicts or feelings of resentment towards others in your life? How can you take the first step towards resolution? How does our anger towards others often reveal other sin within us? 


Anger and Forgiveness

 Change begins in you thinking …thoughts take you places. When you become a Christian, you are learning a new way to live, different than the world. The true test of a changed person is what comes out of them when they are squeezed. The true test is in trials.    Thoughts take you places You are learning a new way The true test comes in trials   Life Group Discussion: What are you allowing in your thoughts? Share what you fed your brain this week. What do you need to let go of? What are you going to start doing to help fill your heart with the things of God? What comes out of you when you are squeezed by life? Begin to uncover what is stored in your heart. How would your life look different if you took this step?  

A Changed Life

The disposition of a mature Christian comes from a unified doctrine. The deployment of mature Christians leads to unified service. The development of mature Christians makes up a unified church.    A mature Christian’s disposition  A mature Christian’s deployment  A mature Christian’s development    Life Group Discussion: Who do you know that is clearly marked with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness? What makes you say that? Would someone think about you?    Where have you been deployed in the body to use your gifts? If you haven’t deployed your gifts, ask your LG how they see God using you in the body.   Are you in a season where you are a weak part of the body? Share with your LG and let them pray for you during this difficult season. Take a step forward in growing your faith. Don’t just “go” to church, but “be” the church.

Mature Christians and Unity

Jesus showed his wounds and Thomas was changed forever. Thomas believed Jesus was risen indeed. May we be encouraged to show our wounds and tell others about the risen Savior who changed our lives forever.    1. We tend to conceal when the Bible’s pattern is to reveal. 2. Show your wounds to share your Savior. 3. A man with an experience of God is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.      Life Group Discussion:  - What do you remember about Easter Sunday in your childhood? Was it an important day in your family? - Do you conceal your wounds or reveal them? Why or why not? - What are some of the challenges you face to show your wounds in your workplace, school, neighborhood, and with friends?

Show Your Wounds to Share Your Savior  |  Easter 2024

On Good Friday, we observe in reverence the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. In this message, JP takes us through the scriptures to see where we might've missed the shadows of our savior throughout the Old Testament.  
 1) Shadows of Sacrifice 2) Shadows of a Substitute 3) Shadows of a Savior

Perception Management and The Pause

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