New Day Christian Church - Weston, WI

The Three-Culture Gospel, or Goodbye Stephen

Acts 7:54-56 (NLT) 54  The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55  But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56  And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” 

Three Worldviews

• Guilt-Innocence
• Shame-Honor
• Fear-Power

Control or Release

NOTE: there were audio challenges at the beginning of the service

Jesus issues a call to all his disciples…”Come and Follow”.  But what exactly does that mean? This morning we’ll look at how Jesus called His first followers to see what lessons are there for us.

Acts 5:41-42 (NLT) 41  The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42  And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” 

Finding and Following Direction from God

• What potentially selfish direction do you need to repent from, because you may be opposing God?
• How are you taking in God’s Word and praying in order to receive direction from the Holy Spirit?
• What suffering are you enduring that may actually be from doing the right thing?
  • Have you come to the point that you can rejoice in that?
• What situation are you facing that seems to have no solution?
  • What prayer could you continuously pray to release that to God?

Fear: Tony LaMouria

1 John 4:13-18, Romans 5:16, Joshua 1:1-9; Joshua 7:10-13

God is not angry and we don't have to be fearful of Him.  

God is not going to tire of my imperfection.

It's okay to be afraid - and God will not abandon you!

Called to Follow

Jesus issues a call to all his disciples…”Come and Follow”.  But what exactly does that mean? This morning we’ll look at how Jesus called His first followers and see what lessons are there for us.

Acts 5: The Church Has Left the Building

Acts 5:12 (NLT) 12  The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) 14  “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Acts 5: Dropped Dead

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT) 6  Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7  You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8  And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

OPTION 1: If you are giving nothing, make a plan to give SOMETHING.

OPTION 2: If you are giving something from your LEFTOVERS, make a plan to set a PERCENTAGE of your income.

OPTION 3: If you are giving a PERCENTAGE of your income, make a plan to increase that PERCENTAGE.

SOW generously.

GIVE cheerfully.

GAIN what only God can provide.

Acts 4.5: Does the Bible Teach Capitalism or Socialism?

The short answer is “no”; the Bible does not teach either Capitalism or Socialism.

Government overthrow was not the goal of Jesus. His goal was to overthrow Satan Himself, the tempter who opened the door for human greed to corrupt creation

 

Reference: Differences Between Capitalism and Socialism

 https://www.thebalancesmb.com/thmb/UCnc_7JxnroFQHQjKyGXcClZVtM=/950x0/filters:format(webp)/the-characteristics-of-capitalism-and-socialism-393509-v2-5bf45d014cedfd0026257a35.png

Acts 4: Civil Disobedience

Acts 4:18-20 (NLT) 18  So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19  But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20  We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” 

Acts 4:29-30 (NLT) 29  “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30  Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 3: Refreshment

Acts 3:19-21 (NLT) 19  Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20  Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21  For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.  

The Progression:

• First, RePENTANCE
• Then, ReFRESHMENT
• Finally, ReSTORATION

Take Time to be Holy: Pastor Jass

I. Experience The Cleansing Of His Presence.

   a. vs. 1-5, John 14:6

II. Experience The Cleansing Of His Blood.

   a. vs. 5-7, Psalm 51:10

III. Experience The Cleansing Of His Word.

   a. vs. 8-10, Ephesians 5:25-26

Take a Spiritual bath often, especially when you desire to enter into God’s Presence.