Sermon Series: The Book of Acts
Sermon Outlines On
The Book of Acts
From the Personal Files of
Dr. J. Mike Minnix
Founder and Editor
www.pastorlife.com
I recently discovered 34 outlines that I developed early in my ministerial life from the Book of Acts. These outlines are not fully developed, nor are the points clearly explained. You can discern as you read these outlines that some were developed to be preached, some to be taught, and some simply as observations while I read Luke’s account of the birth and growth of the early church. Almost all of them are expository in nature. Later, I further developed some of the outlines into messages to be preached, but they were changed dramatically by that time and those messages do not appear in this document. It is uncommon for us as preachers to open up a file from our early pastoral life and allow others to see the unrefined work we did at that time. Most of these outlines were developed over 45 years ago. Still, I thought you might like to use these outlines as a means of inspiration as you prepare to preach and teach God’s Word. Perhaps a tidbit of information or a spark of truth will assist you in some way.
The outlines found in this document are not in any way offered as a commentary or in-depth study – far from it! They are offered only as a tool for use when considering Bible texts from Acts. By reading the text listed for each outline, a preacher can usually unravel the reason for each point or sub-point in the outline. Some points are obviously related to other Bible passages, though those other references are not listed in most cases. A preacher with knowledge of the Bible will have little problem discerning where the co-joining Bible references can be found in the scriptures.
Outlines serve to create a spark in the mind or heart of the preacher or Bible teacher. One point or sub-point in an outline, when attached to the companion Bible text, can lead to thoughts and ideas far beyond those of the originator. It is my hope that these simple outlines may do just that for those who read them.
These outlines do not comprise all of the sermons I preached from The Book of Acts through the years, but they do represent the major themes and texts I used across the years that followed. Every preacher of God’s Word has his own style for preparing an outline to preach, and the outlines listed here may not fit your own modus operandi for sermon preparation.
To assist you as you begin to look at these outlines, I am including an introduction to Acts from my book, “Panorama of the Bible,” a commentary on all 66 books of the Bible, including some commentary on the inter-biblical period of history. I am sorry that no additional copies of the entire book are currently available since all those printed by the publisher have been sold. Though I am sure you know the history and purpose of The Book of Acts, re-reading an introduction to a Bible book can be helpful and refreshing. The outlines follow this brief introduction.
Introduction to The Acts of the Apostles
Panorama of the Bible © Evangel Publications
Dr. J. Mike Minnix
The Acts of the Apostles was written by a Christian physician named Luke, who also penned The Gospel According to Luke. Note the similar beginning to the Gospel According to Luke and that found in The Acts of the Apostles (Luke 1:3 & Acts 1:1) - both were addressed to Theophilus. Also, note that Luke used the personal pronoun "they" until he (Luke) joined Paul and the others on the missionary journeys. He then changed the pronoun to "we" (look at 16:6-7 where Luke used the term "they", and then in 16:10 where he changed it to "we").
Luke traveled with Paul to Macedonia after Paul had the vision of the Macedonian call. Having remained in Philippi for some time, Luke was with Paul later in Rome when Paul was under house arrest (2 Timothy 4:11).
Some have suggested that the Acts of the Apostles should be renamed the Acts of the Holy Spirit, since the Holy Spirit is the central figure in the book. This is a fitting suggestion. The fact is that the Church would never have been birthed, nor could it have grown, were it not for the Holy Spirit's blessing and power within those who trusted Christ as Savior and Lord.
The Acts of the Apostles covers a period of about thirty-five years. If it were not for this book, we would have very little knowledge of how the inauguration of the Church occurred at Pentecost, nor would we have information on the rapid spread of the gospel across the ancient world after the Ascension of Christ. The activities of Peter, Stephen, Philip, James, Barnabas, Apollos and Paul would have been lost to us for the most part.
The Acts of the Apostles reveals early church life. We see how the church prayed, fellowshipped, witnessed, dealt with problems, loved each other, and loved the Lord. We have a clear pattern in Acts for any modern church to use in developing Biblical and Spiritual principles for ministry and directions for operating within the local church.
This book also brings to light how the church viewed critical doctrines. Admittedly, the approach in Acts is more practical than theological, but the development of doctrine can clearly be seen in the pages of this document.
One of the greatest contributions of the book of Acts is the missionary nature of the book. The church is clearly a missionary organism, not merely a doctrinal or moral institution. In Acts, we come to understand patently that the church is not meant to hold the fort until Jesus returns; rather, we are to storm the gates of hell. Jesus gave the missionary mandate in the gospels, and we see the church obeying and practicing that mandate in The Acts of the Apostles!
It is in the book of Acts that we see believers called "Christians" for the first time (Acts 11:26). We discover that the first martyr to die for the cause of Christ in the New Testament church era appears in Acts 7. Many other firsts for the church are recorded in this book. However, it is the way the book ends that is most important. Acts is open-ended! The story is not finished! We are a part of the continuing "Acts of the Holy Spirit." The church goes on with the task which Jesus gave her in Acts 1:8 - "witnessing to the ends of the earth!"
Now, what follows are some simple outlines from my own ministry. I pray they will be a blessing to you in some small way as you preach and teach from this great Bible book.
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Basic Outlines from the Acts of the Apostles
Dr. J. Mike Minnix
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The Embryotic Church
Acts 1
I. THE ASSURANCE FROM JESUS
A. IT WAS INSTRUCTIONAL ASSURANCE
B. IT WAS INSPIRATIONAL ASSURANCE
C. IT WAS INSIGHTFUL ASSURANCE
II. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS
A. THE ASCENSION MIRACLE
B. THE ANGELIC MESSENGERS
C. THE AWAITING MISSION
III. THE APPOINTMENT FOR JESUS
A. PRIVILEGE OF A PARTNERSHIP - UNITY
B. PROMINENCE OF A PRACTICE - PRAYER
C. PRIMACY OF A PUBLICATION – SCRIPTURE
D. PREEMINENCE OF A PERSON - JESUS
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The Work Of God’s Gathered People
Acts 1:6-11
I. TO KNOW WHAT WE ARE TO BE DOING
A. THE GLORY OF THIS WORK
B. THE GODLINESS OF THIS WORK
C. THE GRAVITY OF THIS WORK
II. TO HAVE THE POWER TO DO WHAT WE KNOW WE ARE TO BE DOING
A. THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL POWER LIKE THAT OF SAMSON
B. THIS IS NOT A MENTAL POWER LIKE THAT OF SOLOMON
C. THIS IS NOT A SPEAKING POWER LIKE THAT OF SOME
III. TO GET ON WITH DOING WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING
A. NOT JUST GAZING
B. NOT JUST WAITING
C. JUST GET GOING BECAUSE HE WILL COME AGAIN!
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First Reference To Prayer In Acts
Acts 1:14
I. G - GROWTH – GOD’S WILL
II. R - RESISTANCE – SATAN’S WORK
III. O - OBEDIENCE – OUR RESPONSIBILITY
IV. W - WITNESSING – OUR CALLING
When the people met for prayer, it was the beginning of doing God’s work without the physical presence of Jesus. It was His will that His people work together to grow spiritual and eventually to grow numerically. G – R – O – W - Growth will always occur if we can overcome the resistance, faithfully obey and give witness to Jesus. There will be resistance to growth as Satan tries to stop us. We must be obedient to the Lord and faithful in witnessing if we hope to fulfill God’s will of growth in the Church.
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The Super Church
ACTS 2
I. SUPER POWER
A. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS DIVINE POWER
B. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS DRAMATIC POWER
C. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS DELIGHTFUL POWER
D. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS DRAWING POWER
II. SUPER PREACHING
A. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS BIBLICAL PREACHING
B. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS BOLD PREACHING
C. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS BURDENED PREACHING
D. SUPER BECAUSE IT WAS BLESSED PREACHING
III. SUPER PEOPLE
A. SUPER DEVOTION IN THEIR LEARNING
B. SUPER DEMONSTRATION IN THEIR LOVING
C. SUPER DIRECTION IN THEIR LOOKING
D. SUPER DISTINCTION IN THEIR LIVING
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The Focus Of God’s Gathered People
Acts 2:14-47
I. FOCUS ON THE WORD OF GOD
A. THE CORRECTING POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
B. THE CONVICTING POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
C. THE CONVERTING POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
II. FOCUS ON THE SON OF GOD
A. HE IS THE BUILDER OF THE CHURCH
B. HE IS THE BLESSER OF THE CHURCH
C. HE IS THE BRIDEGROOM OF THE CHURCH
III. FOCUS ON THE CHURCH OF GOD
A. THE FAITH FACTOR
B. THE FOSTERING FACTOR
C. THE FELLOWSHIP FACTOR
IV. FOCUS ON THE WILL OF GOD (WINNING SOULS)
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Rejoicing In The Resurrection
Acts 2:22-41
I. WE REJOICE IN THE FACT OF THE RESURRECTION
A. THEY KNEW WHO HE WAS - JESUS
B. THEY KNEW WHERE HE WAS FROM - NAZARETH
C. THEY KNEW WHAT HE HAD DONE
1. MIRACLES - HIS ACTIONS
2. WONDERS - THEIR REACTIONS
3. SIGNS - GOD’S COMMUNICATION
D. THEY KNEW HOW HE HAD DIED - NAILED TO THE CROSS
E. THEY KNEW HE WAS RESURRECTED – RAISED VICTORIOUSLY
II. WE REJOICE IN THE FORCE OF THE RESURRECTION
A. THE DESTRUCTION OF DEATH
B. THE VALIDATION OF GOD'S WORD
C. THE EXALTATION OF JESUS
D. THE PROVISION OF HOLY SPIRIT
E. THE INVITATION TO SALVATION
III. WE REJOICE IN THE FAITH OF THE RESURRECTION
A. A FAITH THAT PRODUCES CONVICTION FOR SIN
B. A FAITH THAT PRODUCES COMMITMENT TO THE SAVIOR
C. A FAITH THAT PRODUCES CONVERSION THROUGH SALVATION
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The Master’s Ministers
Acts 3
I. FAITHFULNESS
A. THEY WERE FAITHFUL IN THEIR PRESENCE AT THE HOUSE OF GOD
B. THEY WERE FAITHFUL IN PRAYER TO THE GOD OF THE HOUSE
II. FELLOWSHIP
A. THEY WALKED TOGETHER
B. THEY WORSHIPPED TOGETHER
C. THEY WORKED TOGETHER
III. FAITH
A. THEY BELIEVED IN THE IMPOTENCY OF MAN
B. THEY BELIEVED IN THE POTENCY OF THE MASTER
C. THEY BELIEVED IN THE AGENCY OF THE MINISTER
IV. FORTITUDE
A. CONFIDENT TESTIMONY
B. COMPASSIONATE TONE
C. COHERENT TRUTH
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The Six Kinds Of Resistance To Growth
Acts 4:21
In this passage, we note that attempts were made to stop the witness and work of God’s servants. There has been and always will be resistance to the progress of God’s Church. Think with me of some types of resistance we face as we seek to grow the work of God.
I. RELIGIOUS RESISTANCE
II. INTERNAL RESISTANCE
III. PERSONAL RESISTANCE
IV. SOCIAL RESISTANCE
V. DEMONIC RESISTANCE
VI. INTELLECTUAL RESISTANCE
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Nicknames That All Christians Should Possess
Acts 4:36
Barnabas had a nickname – Son of Consolation. Think with me of some nicknames that all Christians should have as they serve the Lord. In ways, every one of these could have been given to Barnabas.
I. A LOAD-LIFTER
II. A FRIEND-FINDER
III. A BRIDGE-BUILDER
IV. A DISCIPLE-DEVELOPER
V. A FAILURE-FIXER
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Servant Of Whom? - Servant Of What?
Acts 6
I. SERVANT OF CHRIST
II. SERVANT OF THE GOSPEL
III. SERVANT OF THE CHURCH
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Money Matters
Acts 5
I. MONEY IS A SPECIAL MATTER
Note the number of times that God speaks of money in the Bible. Malachi – where he tied the blessings from heaven to faithfulness in giving. Many parables dealt with money or possessions.
II. MONEY IS A SPIRITUAL MATTER
Wherever your treasure is, that is where your heart is. People who love money more than God will always be disturbed to hear it discussed. It is a matter of one’s heart and spiritual devotion!
III. MONEY IS A SERIOUS MATTER
If you don’t think money and possessions are serious matters, consider the story in our text. One thing is for sure, God takes it seriously!
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The Birth Of The Deacon Ministry
Acts 6
I. THE REASON FOR THE DEACON SELECTION
A. MULTIPLYING OF THE MEMBERS
B. MURMURING FROM THE MEMBERS
C. MINISTRY TO THE MEMBERS
II. THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE DEACON SELECTION
A. THE RIGHT SOCIAL LIFE
B. THE RIGHT SPIRITUAL LIFE
C. THE RIGHT SERVANT LIFE
III. THE RESULTS OF THE DEACON SELECTION
A. WORK OF GOD WAS DONE
B. WORD OF GOD WAS SHARED
C. WILL OF GOD WAS ACCOMPLISHED
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The Role Of Deacons
Acts 6:1-7
I. THE NEED FOR DEACONS
A. DEACONS WERE NEEDED BECAUSE THE CHURCH WAS GROWING
B. DEACONS WERE NEEDED BECAUSE THE CHURCH WAS DIVIDING
C. DEACONS WERE NEEDED BECAUSE THE PASTORS KNEW THEIR PRIORITIES
II. THE SELECTION OF DEACONS
A. THE APOSTLE'S QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACONS
B. THE CHURCH'S APPROVAL OF DEACONS
III. THE ORDINATION OF DEACONS
A. THE CANDIDATES WERE "SET BEFORE THE APOSTLES (Pastors)"
B. THE APOSTLES (Pastors) "PRAYED" OVER THEM
C. THE APOSTLES (Pastors) "LAID HANDS ON THEM”
Deacons were not chosen because the church wanted them, but because the pastors asked for them. Deacons are to be assistants to the pastors and not lords over them. In essence, they work for and with the pastors)
IV. THE BENEFITS OF DEACONS
A. GOD'S WORD CONTINUED TO BE SPREAD
B. GOD’S CHURCH CONTINUED TO GROW
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Stand Up For Jesus
Acts 7:54-60
I. THE WISDOM TO SPEAK FOR CHRIST
II. THE POWER TO STAND FOR CHRIST
III. THE GRACE TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST
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Philip: The Effective Evangelist
Acts 8
I. PHILIP AND SAUL
A. SAUL APPROVING
B. SAUL ATTACKING
II. PHILIP AND SAMARIA
A. THE PROCLAMATION
B. THE PERSUASION
C. THE PRAISE
III. PHILIP AND SIMON
A. THE CONVERSION
B. THE CONFUSION
C. THE CONFRONTATION
D. THE CONFESSION
IV. PHILIP AND SOUL-WINNING
A. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT
B. THE WORK OF THE SCRIPTURE
C. THE WORK OF THE SAVIOR
D. THE WORK OF THE SOUL-WINNER
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What Can I Do When Everything Goes Wrong?
Acts 8:4-8
I. REMEMBER YOUR MASTER
Jesus suffered and you are not better than your Master!
A. JESUS SUFFERED SOCIALLY – SEE HIS REJECTION BY MANY
B. JESUS SUFFERED FINANCIALLY – HE HAD NO PLACE TO LAY HIS HEAD
C. JESUS SUFFERED PSYCHOLOGICALLY – HE WAS TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY
D. JESUS SUFFERED PHYSICALLY – HE HUNGERED, THIRSTED, WAS CRUCIFIED
E. JESUS SUFFERED EMOTIONALLY – HE WEPT
II. REALIZE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
A. SEE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
B. SERVE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
III. RESIST SATAN
A. CONFESS YOUR SINS
B. RESIST SATAN
IV. REJOICE AT EVERY VICTORY
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The Sweeping Scope Of Salvation
Acts 10
I. THE REVELATION TO CORNELIUS
A. THE GOODNESS OF CORNELIUS
1. HIS DESIRE FOR GOD
2. HIS DEDICATION TO GOD
B. THE GRACE OF GOD
1. THE ANGEL SENT
2. THE ANNOUNCEMENT MADE
II. THE REALIZATION IN SIMON PETER
A. IT CAUSED HIM TO PERCEIVE - TO SEE THE WAY OF GOD
B. IT CAUSED HIM TO PURSUE - TO SEEK THE WORK OF GOD
C. IT CAUSED HIM TO PREACH - TO SHARE THE WORD OF GOD
III. THE REGENERATION BY THE SPIRIT
A. THERE WAS CONVICTION
B. THERE WAS CONFIRMATION
C. THERE WAS COMMITMENT
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A Tale Of Two Cities
(With apologies to the late Charles Dickens)
Acts 11
I. THE PREJUDICE IN JERUSALEM
A. THE HOSTILITY
B. THE TESTIMONY
C. THE VICTORY
II. THE PROGRESS IN ANTIOCH
A. THE SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL TO ANTIOCH
B. THE SENDING OF BARNABAS TO ANTIOCH
C. THE SEEKING OF SAUL FOR ANTIOCH
D. THE STEWARDSHIP OF THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH
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Missionary Beginnings
Acts 13
I. THE CALL OF THE MISSIONARIES
A. THE DEDICATION REQUIRED TO BE A MISSIONARY CHURCH
B. THE DEVOTION REQUIRED TO BE A MISSIONARY CHURCH
C. THE DIRECTION REQUIRED TO BE A MISSIONARY CHURCH
II. THE COMMISSIONING OF THE MISSIONARIES
A. THE SUPPLICATION
B. THE SEPARATION
III. THE COMMITMENT OF THE MISSIONARIES
A. THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO THE SPIRIT
B. THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO THE SCRIPTURES
C. THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO SOUL-WINNING
D. THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO STEADFASTNESS
E. THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO THE SAVIOR
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Dangers For Disciples
Acts 14
I. THE DANGER OF DISSENSION
A. THE EARLY SUCCESS
B. THE EVENTUAL STIRRING
C. THE EFFECTIVE SIGNS
D. THE EMOTIONAL SPLIT
II. THE DANGER OF DEIFICATION
A. THE PRAISE OF MAN - THE TEMPTATION OF SELF
B. THE PRAISE OF THE MASTER - THE TERMINATION OF SELF
III. THE DANGER OF DISCOURAGEMENT
A. THE FICKLE CROWD
B. THE FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN
IV. THE DANGER OF DETOUR
A. THEY WERE NOT DETOURED BY PLEASURE
B. THEY WERE NOT DETOURED BY PROBLEMS
C. THEY WERE NOT DETOURED BY PRESUMPTION
D. THEY WERE NOT DETOURED BY PRIDE
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The Gospel For The World
Acts 15
I. A SERIOUS MATTER CONSIDERED
A. THE SALVATION DETERRENT
B. THE SHARP DISPUTE
II. A SUDDEN MEETING CALLED
A. THE GATHERED PEOPLE
B. THE GREAT PROBLEM
C. THE GRACE PROCLAIMED
III. A SCRIPTURAL MESSAGE COMMUNICATED
A. THE SCRIPTURES AUTHENTICATE THE WITNESSES
B. THE SAINTS APPROVE THE WRITING
C. THE SERVANTS ACCEPT THE WORK
IV. A SEPARATE MISSION COMMENCED
A. THE DECISION REGARDING THE MISSION
B. THE DISAGREEMENT REGARDING MARK
C. THE DEVOTION REGARDING THE MASTER
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The Story Behind The Letter
ACTS 16:1-18; PHILIPPIANS 1:1
The fact that the Gospel spread to the west rather than the east was no accident. As Paul tried to go east, he was stopped and turned in a different direction by the Spirit of Jesus. It is important to note that Paul was always listening to the Spirit of God. He was not assuming anything! In other words, Paul never reached the point to think he knew it all – he was open to divine direction at all times. Thus, we have the story of the message of Christ coming to the western hemisphere.
I. THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT CONTROLLING
A. SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY GHOST
B. SURRENDERED TO THE HOLY GHOST
II. THE VISION OF THE SINNER CALLING
III. THE VICTORY OF SALVATION CONVERTING
A. SINNERS
1. THE CULTURED SINNER (Vs. 13-15)
a. Salvation Incredible
b. Salvation Initiated
c. Salvation Influencing
2. THE CAPTIVE SINNER (Vs. 16-18)
a. She is a Sinner Chained
b. She is a Sinner Changed
3. THE CALLOUSED SINNER (Vs.23-34)
a. The Jailer Awakened to Salvation
b. The Jailer Appealing for Salvation
c. The Jailer Applying Salvation
B. SUCCESS
1. THE PRAYER AND PRAISE TO GOD IS RENDERED
2. THE PROMISE OF GOD IS RELIABLE (Matt. 18:19-20)
3. THE POWER OF GOD IS REVEALED
4. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS REALIZED
5. THE PERSEVERANCE FOR GOD IS REWARDING
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Riverside Redemption
Acts 16:10-15
I. SIGHT TO BE CAUGHT
A. THE CALL ABOVE US
B. THE CROWD AROUND US
C. THE CROSS UPON US
D. THE CROWN BEFORE US
E. THE CATASTROPHE BENEATH US (Satanic attempts to stop us)
II. SINNERS TO BE SOUGHT
III. STAGNATION TO BE FOUGHT
IV. SALVATION TO BE TAUGHT
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Jailhouse Joy
Acts 16:22-40
I. PRAY FAITHFULLY WITH JOY
II. PRAISE GLADLY IN FELLOWSHIP
III. PROCLAIM CLEARLY WITH BOLDNESS
IV. WAIT PATIENTLY WITH FAITH
PATIENCE DOES AT LEAST 4 THINGS IN THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE:
A. BRINGS GLORY TO GOD
B. BRINGS SALVATION TO THE LOST
C. BRINGS HEALING TO YOUR OWN SITUATION
D. BRINGS WIDER OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE
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Taking The Word To The World
Acts 17
I. THE ENEMIES AT THESSALONICA
A. A PLACE TO TEACH
B. A PERSON TO PREACH
C. A PEOPLE TO REACH
II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT AT BEREA
A. THE FAITHFUL PREACHER
B. THE THOUGHTFUL BEREANS
C. THE WONDERFUL CONVERTS
D. THE HATEFUL ENEMIES
III. THE ENTHUSIASM AT ATHENS
A. PAUL WAITING
B. PAUL WATCHING
C. PAUL WITNESSING
IV. THE ENDEAVOR AT MARS HILL
A. THE INVITATION TO PAUL
B. THE PRESENTATION BY PAUL
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God’s Timing Is Everything
Acts 18
I. TIMING IN REGARD TO THE COMPANIONS
A. THE SIMULTANEOUS ARRIVAL
B. THE SAME OCCUPATION
C. THE STRONG MINISTRY
II. TIMING IN REGARD TO THE CONTRIBUTION
A. A FREEDOM IN HIS PREACHING - MORE TIME
B. A FORTITUDE WITH HIS PREACHING - MOTIVATED TEMPERAMENT
C. A FULFILLMENT THROUGH HIS PREACHING - MAGNIFICENT TRIUMPH
III. TIMING IN REGARD TO COMMUNICATION
A. HE COULD STAY BECAUSE OF A WORD FROM CHRIST
B. HE WOULD STAND BECAUSE OF A WORD FROM CHRIST
C. HE COULD SHARE BECAUSE OF A WORD FROM CHRIST
IV. TIMING IN REGARD TO THE CORRECTION
A. PAUL TRAINS PRISCILLA AND AQUILA
B. PRISCILLA AND AQUILA TRAIN APOLLOS
C. APOLLOS TRAINS OTHERS
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A Revival And A Riot
Acts 19
I. THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE EPHESIANS
A. THE OBLIVIOUS EPHESIANS
B. THE OBSTINATE EPHESIANS
C. THE OBSERVANT EPHESIANS
II. THE INSPIRATION OF THE EPHESIANS
A. THE MIRACULOUS INSPIRATION-INFLUENCING THE FLESH
B. THE MYSTERIOUS INSPIRATION-INFLUENCING THE DEVIL
C. THE MARVELOUS INSPIRATION-INFLUENCING THE WORLD
III. THE INCIDENT AMONG THE EPHESIANS
A. THE CAUSE OF THE RIOTOUS INCIDENT
B. THE COMMOTION IN THE RIOTOUS INCIDENT
C. THE CALMING OF THE RIOTOUS INCIDENT
If we speak up for the Lord, and stand faithfully against the devil, we can be sure that a riot will follow. One cannot have a revival without expecting a satanic rebellion. After Jesus’ baptism came the awful temptation in the wilderness. We must never be lulled into sleep in the midst of success, but must always keep our guard up (Proverbs 4:23) against the evil one.
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The Family Of God
Acts 20
I. THE FAMILY TRAVELS
A. THE ENCOURAGEMENT
B. THE ENDANGERMENT
C. THE ENJOYMENT
II. THE FAMILY TIMES
A. TIMES OF FELLOWSHIP
B. TIMES OF WORSHIP
C. TIMES OF MINISTRY
III. THE FAMILY TEARS
A. THE MINISTRY RECALLED
B. THE MISSION REVEALED
C. THE MESSAGE RELATED
[Editor's Note: I have used this sermon, somewhat altered, when I am resigning a church to take another pastorate. It provides an opportunity to share the road the church family has traveled together through the years, a chance to talk about the wonderful times of fellowship, worship and ministry together, and a way to express the tears you will shed as you leave them behind. A wise preacher, who had reached retirement after 25 years in one church, said the following in a pastor's meeting: "I am leaving three types of people behind in the church I have pastored for so long.
First, there are some who will never forget me.
Second, there are some who wish to applaud at my resignation but you are restraining yourself out of respect.
Third, there are some who will hear of my resignation a couple of weeks from now and say, 'You mean he is still living!'"
I heard that from him while a young preacher and kept that in mind as I pastored for more than 50 years. You will always have those three types of members in your church!]
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Almost Forgotten
Acts 20:33-35
I. PRINCIPLE OF MERRIMENT
A. YOU KNOW YOU ARE OBEYING CHRIST
B. YOU KNOW YOU ARE SUSTAINING THE CHURCH
C. YOU KNOW YOU ARE SENDING THE GOSPEL
II. PRINCIPLE OF MULTIPLICATION
III. PRINCIPLE OF MAINTENANCE
IV. PRINCIPLE OF MEANING
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The Christian's Peace In Perilous Circumstances
Acts 23
I. SANHEDRIN ASSEMBLED - PAUL'S PROBLEM
A. THE STATEMENT PAUL RENDERED
B. THE SLAP PAUL RECEIVED
C. THE SPIRIT PAUL REVEALED
II. THE STRATEGY ADOPTED - PAUL'S PLAN
A. THE DISSENSION FORMULATED
B. THE DELIVERANCE FOLLOWED
III. THE SECURITY ASSURED - PAUL'S PEACE
A. THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
B. THE PROMISE OF THE LORD
C. THE PROVIDENCE OF THE LORD
D. THE PROTECTION OF THE LORD
E. THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD
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How Wise, How Foolish
Acts 25
I. A WISDOM THAT PRODUCED CAUTION
A. THE INDICTMENT BY THE JEWS - ACCUSATION
B. THE EXCITEMENT OF THE SITUATION – AGITATION
C. THE DISCERNMENT OF THE GOVERNOR – ADMINISTRATION
II. A WEAKNESS THAT PRODUCED COWARDICE
A. THE FACTS THAT COULD NOT BE FOUND
B. THE FAVOR THAT WAS NOT SOUND
III. A WICKEDNESS THAT PRODUCED CATASTROPHE
A. THE OPPORTUNITY RECORDED
B. THE OPPORTUNITY REJECTED
C. THE OPPORTUNITY REPEATED
D. THE OPPORTUNITY RELINQUISHED
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The Pull Of Pomp
Acts 25:23; 26:28-29
The pride in Agrippa’s heart kept him from coming to faith in Christ. Pride is the original sin. It was the sin of Lucifer in heaven. It was the sin of Eve in the Garden of Eden. It always appear before a fall!
I. PRIDE'S DENIAL
A. DENIAL THROUGH INSOLENCE
B. DENIAL THROUGH RESISTANCE
II. PRIDE'S DELUSION
A. AN UPWARD DELUSION - WE DESERVE GOD'S BEST
B. AN OUTWARD DELUSION - WE ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS
III. PRIDE'S DISPLAY
A. AN EXPRESSION OF WHO WE THINK WE ARE
B. AN EXHIBITION OF WHO WE WANT OTHERS TO THINK WE ARE
IV. PRIDE'S DISCERNMENT
A. JUDGMENTAL - LOFTY VIEW OF OURSELVES
B. JUDICIAL - LEGALISTIC VIEW OF OTHERS
V. PRIDE'S DOOM
A. GOD'S DISTANCE FROM THE PROUD
B. GOD'S DISDAIN FOR THE PROUD
C. GOD'S DESTRUCTION OF THE PROUD
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The Savior And The Storms Of Life
Acts 27
I. THE DECISION TO SAIL
A. SOME ARBITRARY DECISIONS IN LIFE - UNSEEN
B. SOME AGONIZING DECISIONS IN LIFE – SEEN
C. SOME APPARENT DECISIONS IN LIFE – FORESEEN
II. THE DISASTER AT SEA
A. THE FOUL WIND IN LIFE
B. THE FAITHFUL FRIEND IN LIFE
III. THE DELIVERANCE BY SHIPWRECK
A. THE APPROACHING DANGER
B. THE ATTEMPTED DESERTION
C. THE ASSURING DECLARATION
D. THE AMAZING DELIVERANCE
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Serving Christ – A Mixed Bag – A Marvelous Blessing!
Acts 28
I. THE HARDSHIP
A. THAT'S GOOD - THE SAFETY
B. THAT'S BAD - THE SERPENT
C. THAT'S GOOD - THE SURPRISE
D. THAT'S BAD - THE SWITCH
E. THAT'S GOOD - THE SUPPLIES
Note, that serving God involves some things that appear to be extremely negative, but God's will always ends with a shout, "That's Good!"
II. THE FELLOWSHIP
A. TO ENABLE US
B. TO ENCOURAGE US
III. THE STEWARDSHIP
A. HONESTY IN YOUR LIFE
B. TESTIMONY FOR YOUR LORD
C. SYMPATHY WITH THE LOST
IV. THE LORDSHIP
Christ does not explain why difficult circumstances occur in the midst of our obedient service, but He does reveal himself as Lord through it all. Never question God’s plan, or your part in it, till the work is completed! We will experience our storms, shipwrecks, and snake bites along the way, but God is working through it all for His glory, for the salvation of souls, and for our best in the end!
