“Bold Believers”
Acts 4:1-31

* God isn’t just concerned with what you do, He’s also concerned with how you do it.

* When it comes to living for Christ in a dark world, when it comes to sharing the Gospel with lost people, God isn’t just interested in what we do, He’s also keenly interested in how we do it.

* God wants us to be, longs for us to be, and gives us every reason to be bold for His glory.

* In the New Testament alone, 42 times we are reminded that God wants us to be bold standing on His Word and sharing His truth.

“I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”  Ephesians 6:20 (NLT)

“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.”  Proverbs 28:1 (NLT)

* You never have to protect a lion, you just let it out of the cage and it will protect itself.

* God wants His children to be like that…so moved by God’s grace, so gripped by His power, so armed by His Word that nothing intimidates them. Nothing backs them off of the truth.

BOLD BELIEVERS ARE PEOPLE WITH A…

 1.  DEEP MOTIVATION.

Boldness is open candor especially in the face of hostility.  It is direct communication rooted in  a lack of fear.

*  Boldness isn’t pulpit pounding, red-faced preacher guy stuff.  It’s not shoving it down someone’s throat whether they want to hear it or not.

*  Boldness can be very soft, gentle, kind, and loving.  It’s not mean; it’s not obnoxious; it’s not pushy.  It’s just convinced.  It’s not afraid, and it’s going to say it.  It’s going to be said in a good way, but it’s going to get said.  Why?  Because there’s a deep motivation of Christ within.

 “Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.  However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.”  Acts 4:1-4 (NKJV)

* A hostile response isn’t a sign you sharing it wrong.

* No one will come to Christ and be saved because you shared it right, it will be because God did a supernatural work in their heart.  The pressure is not on you but God.

* We think we have to come up with some slick, winsome, subtle strategy for people to get it.  That’s just not so.  No.  Just let the lion out of his cage and he will defend himself.

* Our job, like the disciples, is to have a deep motivation to share truth in love and let God do His thing.

*  We have decide if we’d rather have people happy with us or God pleased with us.

* Bold Believers are deeply motivated by the desire for others to know Christ and the joy of He brings through His Gospel.

2.  DISTINCT MESSAGE.

“And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.  This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’ ”   Acts 4:5-12 (NKJV)

*  Boldness doesn’t come from what you know, or who you are, or what position you have.

* True boldness for Christ comes from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

*  The same name that brought healing to a lame cripple, and can bring holiness to a loving convert, can bring hatred to a lost crowd.

*  There is only one word of salvation, and that is the name of Jesus.

* There is only one way of salvation, and that is the death of Jesus.

* There is only one work of salvation, and that is the resurrection of Jesus.

* TRUTH: Salvation is not in a creed, it is not in a code, it is not in a cause, it is not in a church, it is in Christ.  Jesus is not a good way to heaven, He is not a better way to heaven, He is not even the best way to heaven, He is the only way to heaven.

3.  DEFINITE MISSION.

 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.  And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,saying, ‘What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.  But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.’  So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.  For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.”  Acts 4:13-22 (NKJV)

*  Ordinary men with neither degree nor pedigree.

*  Their lives were so Christ-captured, so Christ-centered, so Christ-controlled, that it was obvious to these religious leaders who the disciples had been with

* The way to be like Jesus is to spend time with Him.

* REALITY: Many of us are far more concerned about what man can do to us than what God can do for us?

*  OUCH: If a law were passed today that would make it a crime to talk about Jesus, it wouldn’t bother many of us, because many of us never talk about Jesus anyway.

4.  DEPENDENT MINDSET.

 ^“And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.  So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,  who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things?  The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’ ‘For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together  to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.  Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.’And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”   Acts 4:23-31 (NKJV)

* They knew they could not be bold without the help of God.

* They knew they could shrink back up in fear and hide from the authorities if let on their own.

* So they prayed for God to fill them with His Spirit and provide the boldness they needed to preach the Word and spread the Gospel.

* QUESTION:  When’s the last time you prayed for boldness?  When’s the last time you needed it?

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.  Read Acts 4:1-31.  Pastor Bob said, “God isn’t just interested in what you do, He’s also concerned with how you do it.”  Do you believe this?  If so, list some ways we see this in Scripture.  How do we see this in Acts 4?

 2.  What roles did the priest, captain of the guard and the Sadducees play in the ministry of Jesus (Luke 20:27-40, 22:6,52)?  What are some of the thoughts Peter and John would have had when seeing these religious people coming at them?

 3.  What is the most persecution you have experienced due to your faith?  How did you take it?

 4.  Why would the Sadducees oppose the disciples’ preaching?

 5.  What was Pastor Bob’s definition of boldness?  Would you consider yourself a bold believer?  Why or why not?

 6.  Why do you think being a bold believer is important to God?  Who in your life does God want you to be a bold witness for Him?  How are you doing?

 7.  Read Matthew 26:69-72 and Acts 4:8-13.  How are Peter’s responses different in these two situations?  What happened to him?  Which one are you more like today?  Why?

 8.   Read verse 13 again.  Does this seem harsh or narrow to you?  Why?  How is this verse controversial today?  How do we see Christians trying to soften this verse?

 9.   Comparing your spiritual life to a car’s gas tank, what is your reading: full to the brim, running low, on empty, half a tank?  Explain.

10.  How can your group pray specifically for you this week?

MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

Today Is The Day – Brewster

Joyful – Brown

Your Name – Baloche

How Great Is Our God – Tomlin

10,000 Reasons – Redman

We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

“How To Really Care for Hurting People”

* Power is something many of us desire, but it is often misused once we have it.

* Jesus was the most powerful person ever to walk the earth and He never used His power to benefit himself. Instead He used it to benefit others.

* Jesus was never to busy … Even for children to come to him.

* Even on the cross, Jesus ministered to the needs of others.

* Jesus didn’t come to be ministered too but to minister to others, His church is an extension of the life He lived.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”   1 Peter 4:10a (NIV)

* Read Acts 3

* Christianity was never meant to replace or displace Judaism, it was meant to fulfill it.

* Observation: The gate was beautiful – the people had valued the gate more than the person who was sitting at the gate.

WE CARE FOR HURTING PEOPLE GOD’S WAY BY…

1.  BEING CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND US.

”Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.”  Acts 3:1-5 (ESV)

* Real care has to start with real concern

* The ones who want to reach the masses are most passionate about reaching the one.

* QUESTION – when you see someone in need, do you look at them normally, or do you look away?

* God forgive us for the times where we valued our own safety and comfort instead seeing others.

– Accept INTERRUPTIONS.  “…were going up to the Temple…”

* If I am going to really help others, I have to be comfortable with interruptions … Just like Jesus was… Most of his miracles were done by interruption.

* Question: how many miracles have I missed because I was unwilling to interrupted.

– Be willing TO LOOK.  “…Peter directed his gaze at him…”

* When someone looks at you, it shows value and respect

”But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”  Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

* When we minister to others, it is far more a blessing to the person ministering than it is to the person who is being ministered to.

–  Rick and Lori Bordas story …

Rick and Lori Bordas are a great Christian couple who have learned this lesson by raising their son Jeffrey.  Jeffrey is twenty-three years old and has cerebral palsy. She wrote how this experience deepened their faith and their love for Christ. She said,

“If I had no Jeffrey would I still…

* Know Christ and His forgiveness?

* Would I understand that bad things do happen to good people and would I still be called “sweet woman”?

“If I had no Jeffrey would I still…

* Know so many Disney movies by heart?

* Would I wonder why people think all handicapped people are hard of hearing?

* Would I hate the word retarded?

* Would I wonder if people in wheelchairs wish they could wear out just one pair of shoes?

If I had no Jeffrey would I still…

* Have the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control and things do eventually work out?”

     Lori has learned to be attentive and perceptive to the lessons God that has for those who show compassion.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV 1984)

* Compassion is your pain in my heart.

* Question: who needs to experience compassion that you know?

2.  BEING CONFIDENT IN THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO WORKS THROUGH US.

“But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”  Acts 3:6-10 (ESV)

* God never calls you to give away what you do not have.

* Some of us are buckets not conduits of blessing.

* Sometimes what we think is our greatest is not our greatest need.

* We do people no good when weeny give them what they think they need instead of what they really need.

* Healing isn’t always found in a cure or a desire but what they need.

* QUESTION: What are you willing to do in the name of Jesus Christ

* QUESTION: How confident are you in the name of Jesus Christ.

* QUESTION: How often do we take for granted the fact that we get to come into Gods presence.

3.  BEING COMMITTED TO THE GOSPEL THAT SAVED US.

“While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.  But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you…’”  Acts 3:11-20 (ESV)

WHEN SHARING THE GOSPEL BE SURE TO…

– Share ALL TRUTH.  V. 11-16

– Show REAL GRACE.   V. 17-18

– Supply TRUE HOPE.  V. 19-20

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read Acts 3:1-10.  Peter and John had their day interrupted by God to give attention to this crippled man.   Do you allow God to interrupt your schedule for spontaneous ministry?  How? In what ways could you see yourself doing better?

2. Describe the contrast you envision between the Beautiful Gate and the broken man.  How do you see the priorities of people mixed up in this scenario?  Do you see that anywhere today? How about in your life?

3. Pastor Bob mentioned many of us just hurry, with our heads down, from one thing to another. Read Psalm 3:3…with a raised head are you willing to look  and pay attention to needs around you? When was the last time you GAZED into a hurting persons eyes? When was the last time you felt compassion ( their pain in your heart) for someone?

4. A plan without the gospel has no real cure. Do you find it heard or embarrassing to mention Jesus to hurting people. Have you ever had a spiritual conversation with a hurting person? How did it go?

5. As you serve others what is the motive of your heart? Is it to build up self, to fill a need, to be noticed serving?

6. Read Acts 3:11-16.  How did Peter share the ‘hard truth’ of the Gospel with this crowd?  What parts of the Gospel do you have a hard time sharing openly with an unbeliever?  Why?

7.  From Peter’s second recorded sermon, how would you sum up what it means to become a Christian?

8. Define as a group what is meant by the GOSPEL! How committed and confident was Peter sharing the gospel? Do you struggle sharing the gospel? What is the hardest part of sharing?

9.  As a group define GRACE! Talk about a time in your life that you didn’t deserve grace, yet it was given! How did you respond? What was the effect lasting or short term?

10.  As a group discuss what you place your HOPE in! Why is it so easy to lose sight of the gospel, grace and and eternal hope? How can we better live in and share the gospel?

MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

For Your Glory – Maher

Hosanna – Hillsong

Awakening – Tomlin

10,000 Reasons – Redman

The Solid Rock – Page CXVI

We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

“The Church God Blesses”
Acts 2:42-47

* As a church, it’s so easy to forget who we are and whose we are.  Have you noticed?

* REALITY: when we forget who we are and whose we are, we always forget why we’re here.

* TRUTH: The first church in the book of Acts is kind of the blueprint in many ways of what every church should aim to be.

* TRUTH: The way we become a fully blessed church is that we do what God designed the church to do.

* QUESTION: What is the church supposed to be doing? What is it supposed to be focused on?

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)

* That word ‘steadfastly’ in the Greek means to ‘adhere to or to stick like glue to’.  Not causal.  Intentional, devoted energy to these things.

GOD BLESSED THE CHURCH THAT IS DEVOTED TO … 

 1.  GOD’S WORD.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” (v.42)

* The apostle’s doctrine was comprised of the OT, the teaching of Jesus (Great Commission), and the epistles that they eventually wrote.

* Together these equal the Bible we have today.

* REALITY: when you turn on the television you can hear what a network has to say.  When you buy a magazine you can hear what a journalist has to say.  When you buy a newspaper you can hear what a reporter has to say.  When you turn on a song you hear what the singer has to say.  But when you open up the Bible, you get to hear what God has to say.  And that’s what we need most of all, amen?

* REALITY: People who listen poorly will never hear a good sermon.  It doesn’t matter who the speaker is, if your heart isn’t prepared and expectant on receiving God’s Word, you probably won’t ever get it.

* TRUTH: God has designed you to need this book.  God has designed you to need/crave this book.  Let me show you quickly three things God’s Word has the power to do.

– It has the power to CONVERT US.

“You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT)

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, Living Word of God.”  1 Peter 1:23 (NLT)

* No one, absolutely no one, is saved apart from the Word of God.

* REALITY: If we did not have the Word of God no one would be saved.  We would not know how to be saved.  The reason many churches are not seeing anyone come to Christ is simply because the Word is not being shared, taught, and preached.  It doesn’t matter how good people are to one another, or how friendly they are, or how many programs they have, without the Word of God people will not be saved.

– It has the power to CONVICT US.

“For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.”  Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)

* You can’t be corrected until you are convicted.  You can’t be changed until your challenged.

* The Bible is God pointing His loving finger in your face saying, “I’m talking to you.”

* You don’t just read this book, it reads you.  This book is alive.  It’s not dead letters on a page. This book literally pulsates with life. It breathes, and it bleeds, and it weeps, and it sings.

* Just as Jesus was the living Word of God in the flesh, the bible is the living word of God in print.  The living God wrote a living book.

– It has the power to CLEAN US.

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.”  John 17:17 (NKJV)

 “You are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you.”  John 15:3 (NKJV)

 “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.”  1 Peter 1:22a (NLT)

* The Bible is heaven’s detergent and God’s soap that can wash away the stain of sin.

* We must never ever get away from preaching/teaching God’s Word.

2.  ONE ANOTHER.

“… fellowship…” v. 42 (NKJV)

* Fellowship in the Greek language =  koinonia.  It’s the first time the word is ever used in the New Testament, and it literally means, “to care so much that you share”.

* Fellowship is relationship expressed through caring and sharing.

* The Foundation of Christian Fellowship is Jesus.

 “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (NLT)

* Qualifier for Fellowship: ‘if we walk in the light as He is in the light’ then we can have fellowship with one another.”

 * It’s based on a common commitment to Christ to live in the light.

* The first church deeply loved Jesus and the Gospel, and because of that they were deeply devoted to one another.

— Levels of Communication

1.  SUPERFICIAL.

2.  PERSONAL.

3. INTIMATE.

     * It is absolutely unhealthy and unbiblical to think that all you need from the church is to come to a worship service.

* REALITY: You need regular contact, involvement, and community with others in this church.  You can’t care and share with people you don’t know.  You will never devote yourself to people who are strangers.

* QUESTION:  If you walked out of this church today and never came back, would anyone even notice?  Would anyone’s life be different because you weren’t here? Are you serving or caring in any capacity where you would leave a hole if you didn’t come back?

* The church is not just about you filling up, it’s also about you pouring out.

3.  GOD’S PRESENCE.

 “… in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” v. 42 (NKJV) 

* God works mightily in and through a praying church.

* God works mightily in and through a church that is committed to coming to God’s table together.

* The main thing we should never forget about the Lord’s Table is that it’s fellowship with Jesus.  It’s celebrating and enjoying the presence of Almighty God. 

4.  PERSONAL SACRIFICE.

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” v. 44-45 (NKJV)

* We preach the Gospel by sharing how Christ was willing to sacrifice Himself for us.

* We demonstrate the Gospel by willing to sacrifice for each other.

“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor Him.”  Or Proverbs 19:17, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and He will repay you!”  Or Prov. 28:27, “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing.  But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty.” Proverbs 14:31

– Results of Personal Sacrifice … 

— Miracles were seen.

“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” Acts 2:43 (NKJV)

* When the church will obey God; God promises to be in their midst and He does things only He can do.

— Unity was savored.

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.” Acts 2:46-47a (NKJV)

* A unified church is where

… the long hairs, and the short hairs, and the no hairs love each other and work with each other…

…where the suit and tie crowd get along brilliantly with the jeans and t-shirt crowd…

…and nobody judges the other or makes the other feel inferior….

…It’s where the Ph.D’s can sit in the same pew with the high school dropout and they love, appreciate, and value one another…

….It’s where the millionaires can sit next to those on welfare and still hold hands and sing, “We are one in the bond of love.”

* Unity is a oneness of heart, a similarity in purpose, and an agreement on truth.  That’s Real Unity.

— People were saved.

“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b (NKJV)

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.  What are you most excited/concerned about in our church right now?

2. Read Acts 2:42-47.  Why was devotion and dedication to the apostle doctrine so important to the early church?  What happens to the church that ignores God’s Word?

3. Why was the early church so inviting? What would FBCH need to do differently to follow this blue print?

4. Read 1 John 1:7… Understanding this verse, it is only through Christ  and the gospel that true fellowship can be achieved. So, talk about real fellowship. How does your group truly practice this type of fellowship. Notice the words deeply and devoted; what does that mean to you?

5. How is our church ‘attractive’ to our community?  What could we do better?  How do you play a part in that?

6. What is fellowship?  What is the closest you have come to experiencing the close fellowship described in this passage in Acts?  (Hints: sports teams, military, family, friends, etc.)

7. Pastor Bob mentioned personal sacrifice is important for every member of God’s church?  What sacrifices are you making for the benefit of your church?  Do you sense you are sacrificing too much, too little, or just the right amount?  Why?

8.  What is the most attractive element of the early church in Acts?  Why?

9.  What is your number one desire for FBCH in the future?  Why?

10. Pastor Bob mentioned being intensely Joyous in God’s presence. How often do you feel joyous knowing your are in Christ? Talk about issues that prevent you from Joy! How might you pray as a group to move past this issues?

11. What are you sacrificing to be part of FBCH?

This weeks challenge: Please email Kim Webb your ideas on how FBCH  can be more inviting and what we can do better to reach  our community.

MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

First Love

Your Love Never Fails

God is Able

Made to Worship

How Deep the Father’s Love

We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

“Why You Should Believe the Gospel”

Acts 2:14-41

* Have you heard, “What you don’t know won’t hurt you.” …. That’s dumb!!!

* REALITY: What you don’t know can hurt you.

* TRUTH: You will be held accountable  for the things you know and don’t know!

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”  Romans 1:20 (NLT)

* The Gospel = “Good News” The good news is that the Creator of the universe has stepped out of Heaven in the person of Jesus Christ to redeem us sinners to give us life eternally.

* Gospel living is different that being religious.

* Difference between Religion and Gospel Centered Living.

** Religion is man’s way of getting to God.  The Gospel is God’s way of getting to man.

** Religion says, ‘if I obey, God will love me’. The Gospel says, ‘because God loves me, I can obey’.

** Religion depends on what I can do.  The Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.

** Religion has the goal to get stuff from God.  The Gospel has the goal to get God.

** Ultimately, religion is about me.  The Gospel is about Jesus.

* The Very first Gospel message ever preached is found in Acts 2:14-41 and it was given to Religious people.

YOU SHOULD BELIEVE THE GOSPEL BECAUSE … 

 1.  THE PROPHECIES that have been FULFILLED.

 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.  For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “ And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and Your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.   And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.   I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke.  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.   And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”’  Acts 2:14-21 (NKJV)

* TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL: It’s doesn’t matter where you have been or what you have done, when you call on the name of the Lord, you will be saved.

PROPHECIES JESUS FULFILLED

* Born in Bethlehem.  Micah 5:2 – Matthew 2:1

* Proceeded by a messenger.  Isaiah 40:3 – Matthew 3:1-2

* Enter Jerusalem on a colt.  Zechariah 9:9 – Luke 19:35-37

* Betrayed by a friend.  Psalm 41:9 – Matthew 25:26

* Feet & hands would be pierced.  Psalm 22:16-17 – Matthew 27:35

* Whipped by his enemies.  Isaiah 53:5 – Matthew 27:26

* Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.  Zech.11:12-13 – Matt. 26:15

* Spit upon.  Isaiah 50:6 – Matthew 26:67-68

* Crucified among criminals.  Isaiah 53:12 – Matthew 27:38

* Gamble for his clothing.  Psalm 22:18 – Mark 15:24

* Pierced through.  Zechariah 12:10 – John 19:34

* Darkness upon his death.  Amos 8:9 – Mark 15:33

* Buried as a criminal in a rich man’s tomb.  Isaiah 53:9 – Matthew 28:57-58

* There are 333 Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament 224 of them are fulfilled in Jesus.

 Odds of fulfilling just 8 of these prophesies: 1 IN A SEPTILLION (10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000).

2.  THE MIRACLES that Jesus PERFORMED.

‘Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know . . .’  Acts 2:22 (NKJV)

* Miracles – Go against all odds; Wonders – make us think how could this happen; Signs – Point us in the direction of Christ.

* TRUTH: Miracles happen to point people to Christ!

 3.  THE GRAVE of Jesus IS EMPTY.

 ‘Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David says concerning Him: “I foresaw the LORD always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.  Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.  For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.  You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.”  Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.’  Acts 2:23-32 (NKJV)

 * TRUTH: The Gospel will mean nothing to us until we realize that it was our sin, (my sin) that nailed Jesus to the Cross.

4.  THE ENEMIES of Jesus WILL BE DEFEATED.

 ‘For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’  Acts 2:34-36 (NKJV)

“Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:29 (NKJV)

* The rejection of Christ is the only sin you can’t be forgiven for.

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO THE GOSPEL?

* When the Gospel drives deep down in your heart you become undone.

 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’   Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”  Acts 2:37-38 (NKJV)

 * BELIEVE wholeheartedly.

* REPENT sincerely.

* CONFESS publicly.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 1.  What excuses do people use for not knowing God or understanding the Gospel?  Read Romans 1:20.  What does God say about this?  Why are there no excuses?

2.  If you had to describe the Gospel to someone in three minutes or less what would you say?  What Scriptures would you use?

3.  What are some differences between the Gospel and religion?  Why is religion so dangerous?

4.  Read Acts 2:14-17.  God says He will one day pour out His Spirit on ‘on flesh’.  Pastor Bob pointed out that God does not pour out His Spirit without exception but without distinction.  What does that mean?  Why is this important?

5.  Read Acts 2:14-21.  The Apostle Peter pointed to the prophesy of Joel to strengthen his argument for the Gospel.  There are more than 200 messianic prophesies fulfilled in the New Testament that point to Jesus being the Savior of the world.  How does this strengthen your faith?  How could you use this to share your faith with a friend?

6.   Read Acts 2:22.  How do Jesus’ miracles point to His deity?  Have you ever witnessed a miracle?  What is the ultimate point of God doing miracles and wonders today?

7.   Read Acts 2:23.  How did we help crucify Jesus?  How does that strengthen your life Jesus Christ?

8.   Read Acts 2:24-32.  What difference would it make if they found the bones of Jesus?  How does the truth of the resurrection separate Christianity from all the other major religions of the world?

9.  Read Acts 2:37-38.  The Jews were ‘undone’ or ‘pierced through’ by the Gospel?  When is the last time you’ve felt like this?  Why is this a proper response to the Gospel?

10.  What does it mean to repent of sin?  Why is it not good enough just to be sorry for your sin?

11.  Why is baptism an important part of a believers life?  What are some excuses you’ve heard for not being baptized?  What would be your response to a person who professes to be a Christian but refuses to then be baptized?

MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

Hosanna

Your Grace is Enough

Revelation Song

Christ is Risen

Praise the Father, Praise the Son

We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

“A Real Ghost Story”

Acts 2:1-13

* You can’t understand the book of Acts until you have an understanding of the Holy Spirit.

* REALITY: Most Baptist Churches Seldom talk about the Holy Spirit.

* Sometimes we are afraid of the Holy Spirit because we have a lack of knowledge of who He is and what He does.

* God will only call you to do things for your good and for His Glory.

“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”  Genesis 1:2 (ESV)

* The Hebrew Word for Spirit is Ruwach (Roo’-akh) – wind; a violent exhalation; a blast of breath

* The Greek Word for SpiritPneuma (pnyoo’-mah) – a strong breeze or current of air

 Cross references: Genesis 1:2 : Jer. 4:23

 3 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT:

* The Day of Pentecost is a one time event where the Holy Spirit was given to believers to empower them and  draw others to Jesus.

* REMEMBER: Bethlehem reveals God with us, Calvary reveals God for us, and Pentecost reveals God in us.

 1.  WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

* In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit showed up on occasion to specify people. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit stays with us.

* In the Old Testament the Holy spirit came in the form of wind and Fire.

** Wind – people could feel but not see

** Fire – used to purify

* Baptism of the Holy Spirit happens at conversion, (when someone confesses sin and believes in the work of Jesus on the Cross)

“Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 12:13 (NLT)

* Some believe that since The Apostles received the Holy Spirit in such a way that we all receive Him that way. However,the Apostles are the exception not the rule because the Holy Spirit is now here.

“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.)”  Romans 8:9 (NLT)

* You can’t be a Christian without the Holy Spirit … You do not graduate from Jesus because there is nothing better.

* REALITY: The real question is not about having more of the Holy Spirit, but about the Holy Spirit having more of you.

* The Spirit is always there … but are we with Him?

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. . .”  Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)

2.  SHOULD EVERYONE WHO IS BAPTIZED IN AND FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT SPEAK IN TONGUES?

* No! Next Question (just kidding)

* 2 types of Tongues used in the Bible

– Native language

– Heavenly/Prayer language

* Tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit, since it is a gift just like the other Spiritual Gifts, not everyone has it.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLT)

* Just because men abuse the gift of tongues doesn’t mean that God doesn’t give it or use it as a Spiritual Gift.

* The evidence of the Holy Spirit isn’t always found in speaking in tongues, but in learning how to control the tongue you have.

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”  Ephesians 5:18-21 (NKJV)

* Music is the language of the soul.

– Many of us are prison singers, behind a few bars and can’t find the key.

– God doesn’t expect you to be an expert singer, he just desires that you worship. That’s why the Bible says to Make a Joyful Noise!

3.  HOW CAN I BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?

 ~ Acknowledge His PRESENCE in your lives.

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”  Acts 2:38 (ESV)

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”  1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

* Some of us still have not acknowledge the Holy Spirit in our life.

Cross references:

1.  Acts 2:38 : Acts 3:19; 20:21; 26:18, 20; Luke 24:47

2. Acts 2:38 : Acts 22:16; [Acts 8:12]; See Mark 16:16

3. Acts 2:38 : Acts 10:48; See Acts 8:16

4. Acts 2:38 : See Mark 1:4

5. Acts 2:38 : Acts 10:45; [Acts 8:15, 20; 11:17]; See John 7:39

~ Empty yourself of ANY KNOWN SIN.

* You have to be empty before you can be filled up.

“Do not quench the Spirit.”  1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NKJV)

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

* Some of us don’t experience the power of the Holy Spirit because we keep putting out the Spirits Fire.

 ~ PRAY to be filled.

 ‘Which of you fathers, if your son asks fora fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!’  Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)

Cross references:

1. Acts 1:8 : Acts 4:33; Luke 24:49; 1 Thess. 1:5; [Acts 10:38; Luke 4:14]

2. Acts 1:8 : Acts 1:5

3. Acts 1:8 : [Acts 1:22]; See Luke 24:48

4. Acts 1:8 : [Isa. 43:12]

5. Acts 1:8 : Acts 8:1, 14; [Matt. 10:5]

6. Acts 1:8 : Acts 13:47; [Mark 16:15; Col. 1:23]

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom . . .” Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

*  The Holy Spirit did His work in writing the Scripture; and when we read and study the Scripture, we are allowing Him to fill up our life and our mind with His thoughts and His power.

~ Practice OBEDIENCE.

‘Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.’  John 14:21 (NLT)

* When you disobey Jesus you quench the Spirit in your life.  When you obey, even though it’s difficult and tedious, you make it more and more possible for the Holy Spirit to flow through your life.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.  List some reasons people are afraid of the Holy Spirit.  What reservations do you have for allowing the Holy Spirit to have total control of your life?

2.  Read Acts 2:1-4.  The Holy Spirit is seen as wind and fire.  Why? Where else is this seen in Scripture?

3.   Pastor Bob talked about how Bethlehem, Calvary, and Pentecost are similar in that they are all one-time experiences never to be repeated.  Why is that important to know?  What impact do all of these have on Christians today?

4.  How is the presence of the Holy Spirit in believer’s lives different in the New Testament than the Old Testament?

5.  When is a Christian baptized in the Holy Spirit?  Read Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9.  Why is this important to understand?

6.  Read Ephesians 5:18-21.  What’s the difference between being baptized in the Spirit and filled with the Spirit?  What are some marks of a Spirit filled Christian?

7.  What is speaking in tongues?  Have you ever experienced it yourself or with someone close to you?  Do you think God still uses this gift today with believer’s?

8.  What is our responsibility in being filled with the Spirit? What are ways that we ‘quench’ (1 Thess. 5:19) the Spirit in our life?

9.  What area of your life have you been reluctant to fully hand over to God?  Why?  What do you sense you are struggling to do with your own power and not in God’s power?

10.  What is the one ‘take away’ about the Holy Spirit that is most meaningful and necessary for you today?

MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

Come Thou Fount

Our God

Nothing But The Blood

You Are God Alone

Blessed Be Your Name

We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.