May 11, 2025
The Story | The Power Of YOUR Story | Chapter 30
The Life Of Jesus
Acts 21 finds Paul in Jerusalem, at the Temple, getting beaten for his faith in Jesus. In a wild turn of events, Paul had the opportunity to talk to those who wanted to kill him. What do you say to people who want you dead? Paul told his story—a story of his own self-righteous zeal, of Jesus meeting him in an unmistakable way, and of a kind believer who stood with him. What a great testimony!
Songs for this week: Spotify
Questions
Acts 21:37-22:22
- Have you heard stories of people coming to believe in Jesus? If so, which one(s) stand out?
- In Paul’s eagerness to serve God, he believed killing Christians was the best thing he could do with his life. What sorts of pursuits do people in our day think are the best thing they can do with their lives?
- Jesus met Paul in a blinding light. It doesn’t always happen that way. How would you say Jesus met—or even still meets—you?
- Ananias stood with Saul and healed him even though Saul (Paul) posed a serious threat. Has anyone ever stood with you as you were moving towards trusting Jesus?
- Paul lit a fuse with his audience by mentioning God’s call to serve the Gentiles. What sorts of resistance have you encountered as you’ve shared your story?
- Give each other the 60-second version of your testimony. What mattered most to you? How did Jesus encounter you? Who came alongside you? Sixty seconds—use a stopwatch!
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Recent Sermons
The Word That Works James is direct: angry words, thoughtless words, and religious words don’t have a place in a life of faith. Our words don’t work … but God’s word does! Our job is simply to cooperate with his word.
How To Face The Hard Stuff James gets right down to business! For everyone not currently soaking in a hot tub, suffering is a first order of business. In just a few verses, James explains how trials can grow maturity, how wisdom helps the journey, and how to avoid wasting a suffering experience.
Empowered Baptism is recognized throughout the Church as the beginning of a ‘God thing.’ John’s baptism was a visible demonstration of the start of a new life — clearing out the junk to prepare for what God was about to do. Jesus’ baptism reveals the true heart of baptism: God’s desire to bless and express His delight. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the start of the Kingdom. Ordinary women and men were now filled with the Spirit of Jesus to continue on the ministry Jesus started.
Luke 3:21-22 -At Jesus’ baptism, the Father said, “You’re my son. I love you. I’m proud of you.” As Christians, our baptism is a sign that we are in Christ, that what is true about him is true about us, and that the Father’s blessing now defines us.
Luke 3:1-20 - The first mention of baptism in the Bible begins with John. John was the cousin of Jesus and also His opening act. John called the people of his day to "Get Ready." The public sign of a life getting ready for God was, and still is, baptism. Get washed so God can do what God wants to do.
Revelation 21:1-8 - Jesus wins; Jesus has already won; stay faithful to Jesus! This is the message of John’s sometimes confusing book of Revelation. It is full of encouragement and hope for disciples. Jesus, the Lamb, is on the throne. And he is preparing a future for us that includes heaven and so much more!
