Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4
Theme: Tensions that shape our outreach strategy.
Tension #1: Awareness vs. engagement.
Tension #2: Individual effort vs. corporate program.
Tension #3: The sheer joy of witnessing vs. the stark obedience of witnessing.
Tension #4: Compassion for sinners vs. condemnation of sin.
Tension #5: Bold persistence vs. bold intolerance.
Special: Resurrection Sunday
Text: Acts 26:12-23
Theme: The light of the gospel shines from an empty tomb.
One: Gospel light has the power to transform lives.
Two: Gospel light is received by repentance and faith.
Three: Gospel light is anchored to the power and hope of the resurrection.
Christ…being the first to rise from the dead…would proclaim light. ~ Acts 26:23
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 28:17-31
Theme: Last instructions for witnesses
One: Aim for opportunities to talk.
Two: Communicate a genuine hope.
Three: Anchor your witness to the Bible.
Four: Understand the possible results.
Five: Be ready in any context to speak of God.
Six: Believe in the gospel's success.
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 28:11-16
Theme: How do we keep in mind the big picture of kingdom advance?
One: View perceived delays as God's plan.
Two: Remember that you live as a witness among unbelief.
Three: Rest in God's promise-keeping.
Four: Be encouraged by other believers and their gifts.
Five: Trace the simple kindness of God in your life.
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 27:1 - 28:10
Theme: Advancing the kingdom when daily life is hard.
One: Know that everyone faces the storms of life.
Two: Believe that nothing hinders God's plan.
Three: Take courage from what God promises.
Four: Remember that you belong to God.
Five: Encourage others by sharing your hope.
Six: Use healing and rescue as <## data-preserve-html-node="true"> of the gospel.
You will receive power…you will be my witnesses… ~ Acts 1:8
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 25-26
Theme: See how the resurrection anchors the gospel.
One: Jesus died.
Two: Jesus rose from the dead.
Three: God has a plan to save sinners.
Four: Christians aren't crazy.
Five: Christians have hope.
You will receive power…you will be my witnesses… ~ Acts 1:8
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 24:1-27
Theme: You should consider how your Christian witness is perceived in order to give the right opinion of God.
Is your witness…
One: …concerned about truth?
Two: …peaceful in manner?
Three: …committed to God (and the word He gave us)?
Four: …confident in the resurrection?
Five: …consistent with behavior?
Six: …focused on faith?
Seven: …convicting with context?
You will receive power…you will be my witnesses… ~ Acts 1:8
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 23:11-35
Theme: You can know, and then rest in, the providence of God.
One: God has a plan.
Two: God is faithful to his promises.
Three: God is with us on our pilgrim journey.
Four: God knows all things.
Five: God accomplishes his will – sometimes through unique ways.
Six: We must not define providence solely by our comfort.
Seven: We must trust God to work all things for his glory and for our good.
You will receive power…you will be my witnesses… ~ Acts 1:8
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 22:30-23:11
Theme: You can have a confident witness in the face of constant opposition.
One: Know the world you live in.
Two: Keep your conscience clear.
Three: Be wise with your use of truth.
Four: Rest in God's faithfulness.
You will receive power…you will be my witnesses… ~ Acts 1:8
Series: Acts: The Advance of the Kingdom
Text: Acts 21:37-22:21
Theme: You must be ready to tell your story of faith in Jesus.
One: As a witness…engage people strategically.
Two: As a witness…follow the rescue storyline.
Three: As a witness…trust God with the results.
You will receive power…you will be my witnesses… ~ Acts 1:8