Jim introduces the three truths about God that are found in the book of Amos - His sovereignty, His patience, and His faithfulness - and the message of hope despite the content of sin and judgement. As the book of Amos is introduced, ask yourself, "was the cost too high?"

Threaded through Stephen’s historical account is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We see the Holy Spirit working throughout history.

It's not just a Sunday thing - the apostles continued teaching and preaching every day in the face of persecution.

Three revelations regarding the church in the book of Acts:

1. Origin of the church

Jesus created it

2. Nature of the church

We are united with Jesus

3. Function of the church

To be His representatives (The focus of this message)

Jim draws several parallels between the account of Ananias and Sapphire and Old Testament passages, drawing out how God’s grace and mercy can be seen in His judgement.

In the prayer of the church, they

1. Surrendered to God's sovereignty

2. Sought boldness in witness

3. Assumed that God would show His power at work

There are three ways the reality of the Gospel impacts us today.

1. There is no other name in salvation.

2. There is no other name in transformation.

3. There is no other name in glorification.

When we turn to Jesus we will be renewed, revived, and restored.

The result of the miraculous should always be to glorify the one through whose power the miracle took place.

Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, the qualities of the early church should also be found in the church today. The main qualities of the church found in Acts 2 are that it was Spirit filled, evangelistically minded, and vibrantly connected.