Acts 12:1-19

The Jerusalem Church is not forgotten . . .

King Herod’s Scheme

The Lord’s Rescue

The Church’s Response

Matthew 7:15-23

How are we like sheep?

The Danger of False Prophets

Why is subtlety often the precursor to deception?

The Danger of Appearances

How do we recognize what is real?

The Danger of Nominal Christianity

When is confidence merely presumption?

Acts 11:19-30

Antioch was a top city in the Roman Empire . . .

New Mission

How did the witnesses in Antioch advance the Church’s mission?

New Ministry

What did the leaders of the church do to encourage this mission?

New Act of Mercy

Why did the church in Antioch help the church in Jerusalem?

Matthew 7:7-14

What makes the pyramid such a strong structure?

Relating to God

How should we relate to God?

Relating to One Another

How should we relate to one another?

Relating to God’s Way

How should we relate to God’s way?

Acts 11:1-18

How does Peter’s report convince the Church that God was at work?

Confronts Religious and Prejudicial Oppositions

How should we counter objections?

Encourages Submission to the Mercy and Grace of God

What is at the heart of our resistance to God?

Points to the Shared Gift of the Holy Spirit

How does God overcome all our objections?

Matthew 7:1-6

Are you a critical person?

Judge Not

What is at the heart of the matter?

Be Not Judged

Why do we need heart corrections?

Do Not Lack Judgment

When is a discerning heart not a judgmental heart?

Acts 10:1-48

Why is this story a turning point in Christian history?

The Preparation

Who prepares those who proclaim and receive the gospel?

The Preaching

What is the “sum of saving knowledge”?

The Pouring Out

How does God make the gospel effectual?

Matthew 6:25-34

What do you worry about most in your life?

Do Not Be Anxious

What particular kind of anxiety is Jesus addressing?

Consider the Birds and Lilies

Why is this kind of anxiety wrong?

Seek First the Kingdom

How can we overcome this kind of anxiety in our lives?

Acts 9:32-43

When have you seen yourself in your kids?

The Priorities of Christ

What are the priorities of gospel ministry?

The Power of Christ

By what power is gospel ministry made effective?

The Glory of Christ

Who does gospel ministry glorify?

Matthew 6:19-24

Stories of buried treasure are common around the world . . .

Heaven or Earth

Where is your treasure?

Healthy or Bad

How is your eye?

God or Money

Who is your master?