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03-30-08... Acts: Good News, Goofs, and Ghosts

The beginning of Acts chapter 8 introduces us to some interesting themes and characters which point to the future of the New Testament church.

Based on Acts chapter 8, we look at practical lessons on spreading the best news ever - - the good news of Jesus!

Because a Gentile guy named Cornelius was faithful in small things, God blessed him as the first rain drop in a storm of growth for the early church. This sermon explores some themes from this exciting turn in the life of Christianity.

Peter faces dire circumstances before an evil king who recently killed a key figure in the early church. Meanwhile the church is praying earnestly to God to step into the situation. Here we explore the Gospel as the Ultimate Bond-Breaker.

Part of the wonder of the Christian faith is that God chooses to use simple, flawed humanity--us--to help in His holy, perfect work here on earth. Acts 13:36 says that David accomplished God's purpose for him in his generation and then he died. We, too, have a purpose--a calling--from God to do something great in our generation.

Built into our very being is a desire to work toward pleasing something--God, other people, self, etc. Unfortunately religion often just shifts the striving to a particular set of beliefs. The heart of Christianity is seeing Jesus as the ONLY thing that we need--no ifs, ands, or buts.

I love maps. I also really enjoy traveling. At the end of a great trip, one of my favorite things to do is think back to all the great spots and stops along the way. In ministry, the "mile-markers" of our journey are most often people, and C!C has had the privilege of seeing many lives encouraged and changed as a result of God's work among us. This message explores some of the "Points Of Interest" along some of Paul's travels and what that means for us.

Upon Paul's visit to Athens in Acts, he saw the beauty of the city with his physical eyes, and his spiritual eyes saw the great darkness and depravity of their idol worship. We are called to see and address the needs in our world and so lay up treasure in heaven as we realize God's calling on our lives.

Though it may seem contradictory at first, there is an inherent conflict between Christianity and Religion at large. Paul encountered it at Ephesus, and because of a little thing called idolatry, we're likely to encounter it in subtle ways all around our lives.

An ever-relevant topic is "calling." What do I do? Why do I do it? And for the Christian, what is God asking of me? Paul's life throughout the book of Acts was gripped by a few noble callings that compelled him to live life to the full and stay encouraged and determined in all circumstances. As Christ followers, we are called to certain things and they should provide a compulsion in our lives.

Paul's life and ministry seem to be winding down as the prophecies of his capture and bondage are realized. He's brought to trial before two powerful leaders and uses the opportunity for a profound discourse on Truth. Here we explore the different ways that hearts handle the Truth.

After almost a full year in the book of Acts, we wrap it up . . . sort of. How the end of the book spells the beginning of much much more.