The Truth Digest

From Acts to Revelation: Part 14 - Apostles Persecution

2012-01-29T06:31:00.000-05:00

FromActs to Revelation

Part14 – Apostles Persecution

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

By this time in the Book of the Acts of theApostles, they have been instructed by Christ before the ascension, obeyed Hiscommand and received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, healed the lame,arrested for preaching, released and warned not to preach or teach in the nameof Jesus any more, and returned to doing what the Lord commanded them.

Now we will see that the persecutioncontinues against them by the jealous leaders of the Sanhedrin. Sadduceeand Pharisees continue to squash theteachings of Jesus Christ, and punish any who preach in His name.

If you were arrested, imprisoned, whipped,and told not to say another word about Jesus, would you still share the Gospel?

How about if none of that stood in yourway, would you share it then?

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 5:17-42

17 Thenthe high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of theSadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18They arrested the apostles and putthem in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doorsof the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the templecourts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they hadbeen told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived,they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders ofIsrael—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail,the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “Wefound the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but whenwe opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, thecaptain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering whatwould come of this.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jailare standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 Atthat, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did notuse force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear beforethe Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “Wegave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you havefilled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty ofthis man’s blood.”

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey Godrather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom youhad killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his ownright hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgivenessof sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the HolySpirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to putthem to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, whowas honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that themen be put outside for a little while.35 Then he addressed them: “Men ofIsrael, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Sometime ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred menrallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it allcame to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of thecensus and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all hisfollowers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present caseI advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose oractivity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you willnot be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting againstGod.”

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in andhad them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, andlet them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they hadbeen counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Dayafter day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stoppedteaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

I. ARRESTED … AGAIN

1. Arrested and put injail by man

1. Worldly thingsimprison us.

2. Scripture tells usthat sin is our master, and enslaves us.

3. We are confined byour sin, forced to live within its grasp.

1. Ask someone who isaddicted, how free they really are.

2. Ask someone who isimprisoned with chains of fear, anger, animosity, greed, selfishness, hatred,jealousy how free they are to live.

2. Released and setfree by God

1. A ministering angelcame to aid them.

2. This is one of manyangels who serve as ministering Spirits to Believer's.

3. Hebrews 1:14 “ Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to servethose who will inherit salvation?”

4. This isprobably where we get the term, “Guardian Angel.”

5. Thisangel released the Apostles from prison without waking any of the guards.

3. Instructed by theAngel of the Lord

1. Remember, angelliterally means, “Messenger of God.”

2. After releasing theApostles, this Messenger of God gave them instruction in verse 20, “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell thepeople the full message of this new life.”

3. Whatmessage? The full message of this new life

1. Where sin locks you in, the Lord opens the door

2. Where you were once a slave, now you are a free man in JesusChrist!

3. You do not have to be trapped by your sin

1. slaveto alcohol

2. slaveto drugs

3. slaveto pornography

4. slaveto anger

5. slaveto hate

6. You canbe set free by the Lord today!

4. They returned topreaching and teaching Jesus is the Messiah

1. The Apostles obeyedthe angels instruction.

2. How did they knowthat this angel was sent by God and his message was from God?

1. Because it passedthe test.

2. Not because theywere set free from the cell...any man with a key could have done that.

3. BUT, theinstruction from the angel lined up with what Jesus had told the Apostles to dowith His own mouth...preach and teach the people about Jesus the messiah.

3. The angel did nottell the Apostles anything that God did not already tel them.

4. So they returned towhat Christ had originally instructed them to do.

II. INTEROGATED AND EXAMINED

1. The high-priestquestioned them

1. He asked them, didwe not instruct you against this?

2. Peter and theApostles answered, “We must obey God rather than man.”

3. Peter thencontinues to explain that what they preach and teach is the truth.

1. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you hadkilled by hanging him on a tree. 31 Godexalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might giverepentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 Weare witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given tothose who obey him.”

4. Whenthey heard this, they became furious, and wanted to put the Apostles all todeath.

1. Theseteachers of the law, who were supposed to know ad understand God's word, werenothing more than selfish, self-centered haters, whom Jesus called the churchof Satan.

2. He alsocalled the Sanhedrin, the children of the devil.

3. Theyfollow their father, who was a liar and murderer from the beginning.

5. Butliars and murderers can see the truth, and chose to accept it!

1. We seeone man step up to defend truth among the Sanhedrin.

2. Gamalielstood and asked that the Apostles be removed from the court so he could addressthe Sanhedrin.

III. REASON, FLOGGED ANDRELEASED

1. Gamaliel, a teacherof the law, who was honored by all the people, addressed the Sanhedrin.

2. Men of Israel,consider carefully what you do to these men

1. Some time ago,Theudas appeared and claimed to be something, and 400 rallied with him. He waskilled and his followers dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

2. After him, Judasthe Galilean appeared in the days of the census, and a band of people followedhim in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers scattered.

3. Gamaliel used somecommon sense here about uprisings, saying, “Look, Jesus too was killed, nowwait and see what happens.”

4. “Therefore, leavethese men alone! Let them go!”

1. Reasoning: “If what they do isof human origin (asin the two examples), then it too will fail. But, if it is from God, youwill not be able to stop these men, and you will only find yourself fightingagainst God!”

2. Good Logic: This statement wasmade approximately 2,000 years ago...are there still followers of Jesus theMessiah?

5. His speechpersuaded them...somewhat.

6. The Sanhedrinflogged the Apostles, warned them again about preaching in the name of Jesus,and let them go.

IV. THE APOSTLESRESPONSE TO ALL OF THIS

1. To the cowardly andunjust beatings they received

1. The Apostlesrejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name.

2. Have you eversuffered prison, beatings, any such thing for His name?

3. What persecution doyou actually face in this day and age?

4. When you sufferthat persecution because of your belief, do you rejoice?

5. Do you allow thatpersecution to keep you from spreading the Gospel?

2. To the ignorant andpointless instruction to stop preaching and teaching about Jesus the Messiah

1. Verse 42 tells us,they returned to the Temple Court DAILY

2. Boldly and properlydisregarding their illegal judges command

3. They continued topreach that Jesus was the Promised Messiah.

CLOSING

TheApostles had already been arrested a few times, put in jail, interrogated,flogged, or beaten with a whip or a rod, and instructed not to speak of Jesusagain. However, they immediately returned to the temple courts, and going fromhouse to house preaching and teaching that Jesus is the Messiah.

Wouldyou speak the name of Jesus after this?

Whatabout now? What are you facing that is so terrifying, that you do not share theGospel of Salvation with people around you every day?

Weneed to evaluate ourselves, and ask the question in light of today's scripture.

AmI still imprisoned by my sin, enslaved, waiting to be released by anAngel? Am I freed from my sin, butafraid of persecution, so I stay silent? Or, am I free, and fearless in the strength of the Lord sharing theTruth of scripture with all, and rejoice when I am persecuted for His name!

From Acts to Revelation - Part 13: Apostles Heal Many

2012-01-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

FromActs to Revelation

Part13 – Apostles Heal Many

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

The Apostles continue to minister to thepeople, and many signs wonders and miracles are following them.

Although they have been warned, andtaunted, punished and locked up, they continue to serve Jesus Christ and tellof the things in which they have seen and heard.

Do you, a follower of Christ, a believer inGod's Word, stand so strong against opposition in life?

Are you continuing to serve, regardless ofwhat is taking place around you, or are you allowing the things of this worldto have all of your attention, thus robbing the lord of your service?

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 5:12-16

12 The apostles performed many miraculous signsand wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together inSolomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one elsedared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believedin the Lord and were added to their number. 15 Asa result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds andmats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passedby. 16Crowds gathered also from the towns aroundJerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, andall of them were healed.

I. THE APOSTLES PERFORMED SIGNS AND WONDERS

1. God uses signs,wonders and miracles to distinguish His messengers from others.

1. The prophets of theOld Testament had them to show they were the true messengers of God.

2. Moses parted theRed Sea by his obedience to the command of God.

3. Not every followerof God in the Old Testament can do this simply because they are a follower ofGod.

4. Moses, along withthe signs and wonders and miracles that followed him, were to signify to God'speople that God had given Moses the message of the Covenant, and he (Moses),was to be trusted as a true messenger of God's.

2. God used signs,wonders and miracles to distinguish His messengers with the New Covenant aswell.

1. The Apostles werespecifically chosen by Jesus to be the prophets of the New Covenant.

2. To set them apartas the ones with authority from God to teach His message of this new covenant,they had signs, wonders and miracles that no one else could imitate.

3. Not all of theDisciples showed signs, wonders and miracles.

4. In fact, everywherein the New Testament that it talks about signs, wonders and miracles as far asthe message of the New Covenant is concerned, it only talks about Jesus, andthe Apostles.

3. God still performsthese signs, wonders and miracles, but they take place through the means ofprayer, and the working of God through the Holy Spirit in the form of SpiritualGifts.

1. We no longer seethe signs, wonders and miracles all coming from a single person, because themessage of the New Covenant has been brought to man, through Jesus and theworkings of the Apostles.

2. God did this in theOld testament to bring His Covenant through the prophets.

3. God did this in theNew Testament to bring His New covenant through Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

4. And God will dothis again, in the middle of tribulation, when God brings His two prophets tothe world to preach the message one last time for anyone who will listen.

4. And to prove thatthese two are really sent by God, and not just people claiming to be, they willhave signs, wonders and miracles that no on else can imitate. This is how Godestablishes His authoritative messengers.

5. We see in thescriptures that the message was being preached by the Apostles, and theycontinued to do signs, wonders and miracles, thus proving the message of theNew Covenant they brought, was truly from God.

II. NO ONE ELSE JOINED THEM

1. In verse 13-14, we seethe scripture state that, “No one else dared jointhem, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and womenbelieved in the Lord and were added to their number.”

1. Thisspeaks of the fact that no one else was added to the number of the Apostles,but rather, all those who believed were added to the number of the Church.

2. Thisscripture negates the teaching of some belief systems that state that there isApostolic succession, or the powers, signs and wonders as well as the authorityto make foundational statements to the faith, are passed down from Apostle toApostle.

3. Thescripture clearly states, all those who believed were added to the Church, andnone were added to the Apostles.

2. Oncethe foundation had been established by God through Jesus Christ and theApostles for the New Covenant, there was no longer a need for Apostles. Thefoundation had been laid, and the Word of God given.

3. Wecontinue today, in the power of the Holy Spirit, who through the SpiritualGifts of God, give us Pastors to lead and teach, and for the signs, wonders andmiracles, they too come through the members of the Body of Christ, by means ofthe Holy Spirit, to build and strengthen the body of believer's throughfellowship.

4. Godalso continues to work through prayer, and our supplications.

III.ALL WHO CAME WERE HEALED

1. A true sign thatsomeone has the authority to speak the foundational belief system withauthority from God is by the signs and wonders and miracles.

1. We have some todaywho call themselves Prophets, and Apostles, but are nothing more than men andwomen who have deceived themselves and misunderstood the Word of God.

2. Not all arecharlatans, not all purposely deceive God's children, but they have lost sightof the Truth of God's Word, which tells us, there are no more Apostles, and theDisciples are to use prayer, and the Spiritual Gifts we are given by God's HolySpirit.

2. Some of thesepeople have huge events, promising healing, miracles, as well as signs andwonders, trying to prove their authoritative teachings.

1. Most of which laterfall because of pride, arrogance, greed, etc...

2. Because they wereNOT there for God, but themselves.

3. The scripture heretells a story, that cannot be imitated, in verse 16 we read, “Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem,bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of themwere healed.”

1. ALL OFTHEM WERE HEALED!

2. Notmost of them, or some of them, but ALL.

CLOSING

God establishes a select few to represent Him and His covenant, inthe Old testament as well as the New, setting them apart from all others withpowers, signs, wonders and miracles that no one else can imitate, proving theyare the authoritative foundation for His Covenant.

We, as God's followers, need to better understand who we are, andwhere we stand in God's plan, so that we can effectively serve Him in themanner in which He has enabled us through His Holy Spirit.

If we try to act outside of this boundary, we will fail, we willbecome discouraged, and we will lose faith in the power and ability of God,which will then lead to us losing hope.

There are still miracles today, healing, signs and wonders, and Iam not talking about Jesus' face appearing on paneling, statues that cry bloodor Mary's face on a burnt piece of toast.

Our God is a powerful God, who is in control, and who showsHimself by flooding an entire planet to wipe out sin, opening up the earth toswallow priests of Baal, a God who has fireballs rain down from the heavens todestroy Sodom and Gomorrah, a God who shakes the earth destroying entirenations at His Word, a God who saved all of humankind by an act of selflessnessand sacrifice.

Not a God who places cartoon images of a woman who has no businessbeing worshiped on to a piece of bread, or a hippies face on the bark of a treethat resembles an artists rendition of what the Lord looked like, painted 300years after He walked the earth.

This mediocre representation of who God is, reflects our societiesmediocre awe and petty reverence for the Creator of the universe.

They want to see who God truly is, then we, the followers of JesusChrist, member of the Body of Christ, and the only ones here to represent God'sHoly Word and His Church, NEED to discover our Spiritual Gifts, and startliving them in our everyday lives, so that others will witness our Lordfirst-hand in our love for others, and they will witness God's powers in our fruitsand gifts.

From Acts to Revelation Part 12 – Lying to God

2012-01-15T15:37:00.003-05:00

FromActs to Revelation

Part12 – Lying to God

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

So far in the Acts of the Apostles, we haveseen the Apostles obey Christ's command, receive the Holy Spirit, preach theGospel, saving thousands of people, and start the first church.

We read about the Sanhedrin getting angrywith peter and John for healing the lame man at the temple gate, how theythreatened them to stop speaking about Jesus, and the response from theApostles was to pray for strength from God to continue to do what they knew wasright regardless of the dangers around them.

When then saw a new community emerging, andthe disciples and apostles taking care of each other by selling extra lands andhouses to give to those who were needy in the church, and take care of them.

This set a tone for the entire church,fulfilling God's command to us, and His description of love in ICorinthians 13, that we be charitable above all things, showing that wetruly have love.

We read how even the apostles were sellingland to care for those in need.

Today, we will see that not all of thosewho are in the church are serving God. Not all of those who are eating andworshiping with the church, are counted as sheep.

For there are tares among the wheat, goatsin the herd, and this will be until the end of this time.

But until God calls us all for judgment, wewill see that some actions among the children of God, reveal a persons heart,thus revealing whom they really serve.

Is year heart for God, or have you madesatan your lord, doing his deeds of wickedness?

Or, perhaps you have made yourself lord,following the desires of your own flesh?

Are you right now, sinning against the onlyGod who can save you?

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 5:1-11

1 Nowa man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece ofproperty. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of themoney for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has sofilled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept foryourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’tit belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money atyour disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied tomen but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And greatfear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward,wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing whathad happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananiasgot for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

9 Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spiritof the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door,and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then theyoung men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her besideher husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard aboutthese events.

I. LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. This story ofAnanias and Sapphira was placed here in scripture by the Holy Spirit as awarning to the church.

2. Ananias andSapphira saw that others in the church were selling land and houses to bringmoney to the Apostles

1. So that it could bedistributed to those in the church who did not have anything, and were in need.

2. We see in previousverses, that even the Apostle Joseph, named Barnabas, son of consolation, soldhis land in Cyprus for the needy.

3. Community in thechurch, and looking out for one another was first and foremost. We are onebody, and must take care of each other.

3. From the firstverse, we see a plan of deception was conceived by Ananias and Sapphira, andcarried out.

1. Their plan, forwhatever reason, was to sell their land, keep some of the money secretly, andmake it look to all as if they sold it and gave it al to the Apostles.

2. This false act ofgenerosity was for the praise of men, not service to the Lord, and thereforewas not acceptable to God, even if they gave the entire amount.

3. But where they gotin trouble with God, was the fact that they lied to the Holy Spirit, trying todeceive everyone in the church into thinking their hearts were right, and theywere, as previous verses said, one in heart and spirit, with the rest of thechurch.

4. No one wasinstructed to participate!

1. We see in previousverses, this act of selling land and houses to give to the needy was NOTcommanded by the Apostles. No one was told to do this, but many did this totake care of their brother's and sister's in Christ.

2. Peter not onlypoints this fact out to Ananias before God strikes him, but also makes a fewother points to him.

1. “Why have you allowed Satan to fill your heart to lieto the Holy Spirit?”

2. “The land was yours to do whatever you wanted with.”

3. “After you sold it, the money was yours to do what youwanted with.”

4. “Why have you conceived this wicked thing in yourheart?”

5. “You have not lied to men, but to God.”

5. Actions reveal onesheart.

1. John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want tocarry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, notholding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, hespeaks his native language, for he is a liar andthe father of lies.”

2. Ananias and Sapphira, although living andparticipating among the church, were truly following another master. They servedSatan. They were the “tares among the wheat”.

1. Matthew 13:30 “Letboth grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say tothe reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundlesto burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

3. The object of all sin is God.

6. Inverse 8, when Sapphira came in, she had an opportunity to tell the truth

1. This shows that in the New Covenant,although the husband and wife are one, if one sins against God, the other notonly does not have to participate, but also has the ability to be separate fromthe spouse in that situation, and not be held accountable for another personssin.

2. But, she lied as well, and so paid the sameprice.

3. In verse 10, God strikes her down.

II. POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE APOSTLES

1. Remember, Apostleshad the signs, wonders and miracles

1. Where we rely onprayer for God's power, the Apostle's had signs, wonders and miracles to showthat what they taught was directly from the mouth of God, and they werespecifically sent from God to teach these things.

2. This is how God hasalways set His Prophets apart from all others, so that humankind would know,these were the real-deal.

III. LESSON FOR THECHURCH TO REMEMBER

1. All your actionsmust be genuinely from the heart, for the right reason.

1. Remember, your intentions mean more than your actions.

1. The widow was praised for giving 2 small coin, becauseshe gave all she had, while the other gave a little from his wealth.

2. God tells us to give of our “First Fruits”

3. God wants what is RIGHT, and what is LEFT!

2. The word also warns us about doing things to show off

1. Matthew 6:2 “Sowhen you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocritesdo in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you thetruth, they have received their reward in full.”

2. Listen,we do not give to the needy to show off ~ that's pride

3. Wedon't give to those in need to get praise ~ or that's your reward

4. Wedon't give to others because we want something back ~ selfishness

5. We don'tgive because “it makes us feel good” ~ self-centered

6. Wegive, because it is the right thing to do! ~ Good Works from the Spirit

3. Anything you do for any reason other thanserving God, is pointless.

2. Lyingto God comes in many forms

1. We don't just lie to God when it comes toour tithes

2. We don't just lie to God when it comes tocharity

3. We can lie to God about our sin, and that'swhat Ananias and Sapphira essentially did...they had sin, was given theopportunity to confess and repent, but chose to continue to lie to God...andthe result was death.

3. Godwants this to be an illustration to all those in the church.

1. Not everyone in the church is going toheaven.

2. We all have sin, and we all have anopportunity to confess that sin and repent

3. The literal difference between our finaldestination, either heaven or hell, boils down to one question...

1. Are youready to stop lying to God?

2. Confessyour sin, repent, and be forgiven.

CLOSING

Those who hear this scripture and say, “Sowhat? God wants us to sell everything and give it to the church?”, are loversof their money, and should evaluate where they have placed things of this worldin their life.

This story is about being “real”, and“honest” with God about your sin.

Don't let your sin against God keep you fromall the blessings He has stored for you, in this life, and our eternity tocome.

Just because you go to church, does notmean you will go to heaven.

Confess your sin against God, repent and beforgiven.

Only then can God's Holy Spirit begin awork in you, and change your life to be an instrument of Glory unto His HolyName!

From Acts to Revelation - Part 11: How to be Nothing

2012-01-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

FromActs to Revelation

Part11 – How to be Nothing

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

Last week we talked about the Apostlespraying for strength during their time of persecution.

Peter and John had been held captive by theSanhedrin, and questioned about their involvement with the healing of a man whowas lame from birth. They gave all the credit to the Name of Jesus Christ.

They were threatened by the religiousleaders and priests to stop preaching and teaching about the Name of Jesus.

When they returned to their room inJerusalem, and shared this with the other Apostles and Disciples, they allprayed for God to continue to give them strength through the Holy Spirit topreach the Word of God boldly, regardless of persecution.

Today's scripture will give us insight tothe community of believer's, and how they took care of each other. We will alsosee how a believer can quickly become “nothing”, simply by living selfishly.

This is the Word of God, and a warning toall of those who live their lives in a selfish state, putting themselves, andtheir desires, not just before God's, but before others in general.

We will see today, how the first churchLIVED the LOVE talked about in I Corinthians 13, and how we too should takethis example, and LIVE LOVE.

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 4:32-37

32 Allthe believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of hispossessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 Withgreat power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the LordJesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy personsamong them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them,brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles calledBarnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned andbrought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

I. THE BELIEVER'S WERE ONE

1. 4:32And the multitude of them who believed were of one heart and of one soul

1. Speaksof unity that can only be brought about by the Holy Spirit. Man's efforts to dothis will always fall short.

2. No onewas selfish with possessions

3. Community/ Common

1. Manywho came to Christ lost their jobs because they were excommunicated from theSynagogue. Many thrown out of their apartments. So others who did not sufferthese types of losses shared what they had.

2. Andthey did so gladly!

4. Thiswas LOVE (I Corinthians 13) in action

1. Remember,love is an action, not words.

2. “If Ispeak with the tongues of man and angels...if I have the gift of prophecy andunderstand all the mysteries, and all knowledge, and I have the Faith to movemountains, but do not have charity, I AM NOTHING.” I Corinthians13:1a;2

3. This islove in action.

5. Theresult of this love, 4:33b and great Grace was upon them all.

1. Youwant God's grace in your life, or more of it? Stop living selfishly, and startthinking about others.

2. Startreading I Corinthians 13 first thing in the morning, and live itfor that day!

3. Putothers before yourself for a change.

II. ABUNDANCE WAS SOLD AND DISTRIBUTED

1. Landand Houses were sold, and the money given to the Apostles to distribute

1. Thismoney was NOT for the Apostles...we know they did not keep it, because we readin scripture Peter telling others he had no gold or silver, and we also read inscriptures, everything the Apostles had, they distributed as believer's hadneed so that none would lack.

2. Thepeople were NOT told to do this, the people did this out of love

1. RememberActs 5, “a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira,also sold a piece of property. With his wife’sfull knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the restand put it at the apostles’ feet.”

2. Petersaid, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you havelied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money youreceived for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And afterit was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think ofdoing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”

3. Theydidn't get in trouble with God for keeping some of the money, they got introuble with God for lying about giving it all!

4. The liewas to make themselves look good to others...any time we try to make ourselveslook good to others, we are exalting ourselves, lifting ourselves up...this ispride, and pride will always cause us to fall!

5. Themoney given to the Apostles to help others, came from the love in thebeliever's hearts, and for NO OTHER REASON, but LOVE!

6. 2Corinthians 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decidedin his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves acheerful giver.”

3. Thisdistribution of the wealth to others may sound like Communism

1. Butonly in theory, we know from history and examining communistic societies thatthe people in power in Communist societies always took advantage of the poor,and only became richer. We know Communism does not work. But this is God's Community.

III.DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO NEED

1. TheApostles took the money given to them, and distributed it among those in thebeliever's community, as they had need, so that no one lacked.

2. We aretalking about “needs”, not wants...

3. TheApostles did NOT use this money to live “high on the hog”

4. Scripturetells us that Joseph of Cyprus, who was later named Barnabas (meaning son ofconsolation), we see he was made an Apostle in Acts 14:14, soldhis land and gave the money to the Apostles for distribution as well.

IV. MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL BEWARE

1. There aremany who take the money of the Saints and build for themselves great empiresunder the guise of spreading the Gospel.

1. Theybuild for themselves mansions, many times multiple mansions, in many cities.

2. Theyhave more cars, boats and planes than any one man could drive.

3. Theywear $1,000 suites, expensive jewelry, gold and diamonds, while God's peoplestarve.

2. Andwhere did they acquire this wealth for themselves?

1. Squeezingit from the pockets of believer's in search of a healing, or a miracle, or ablessing from God.

2. Youwill never receive a healing, miracle or blessing from God by lining the pocketof a self-serving minister of greed.

3. REALAPOSTLES

1. Peterand John told the lame man at the Temple gate, “Silver and Gold I havenone...”

2. Jesussaid in Matthew 8:20;Luke 9:58, “Foxes have holes and birds ofthe air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place tolay his head.”

CLOSING

The scriptures today have shown that weneed to be one in heart and soul as believer's.

We need to LIVE LOVE that we talk so muchabout in Christianity.

We need to be ready to help take care ofother Christians who may have needs.

As we are told in the Word of God, ICorinthians 13, we could have all gifts, and understand all mysteries,but if we do not have charity...we ARE NOTHING.

From Acts to Revelation - Part 10: Prayer for Boldness

2012-01-01T15:07:00.000-05:00

FromActs to Revelation

Part10 – Prayer for Boldness

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

Last week we talked about Peter and Johnand how the religious leaders begin to struggle with control, and acting infear of losing this control.

We read of how they tried to put a stop toPeter and John preaching and teaching about Jesus and the resurrection.

After Peter and John were taken prisoner,and threatened to stop preaching and teaching things in the name of Jesus, theywere released.

We will now read about how they returned tothe others, and prayed.

While we read today’s scriptures, and talkabout them, think to yourselves about how you may have lost strength to speakthe word of god at some opportunity in your life, and watch how the Apostlesdeal with the very same weakness...and you will see the answer to the problemis as simple as a prayer to the Lord for strength.

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 4:23-31

23 On theirrelease, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that thechief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When theyheard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “SovereignLord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, andeverything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth ofyour servant, our father David:

   “‘Why do the nations rage
   and the peoples plot in vain?
26 Thekings of the earth take their stand
   and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
   and against his Anointed One.’

27 Indeed Herod and PontiusPilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in thiscity to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 Theydid what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now,Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word withgreat boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signsand wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the placewhere they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the HolySpirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

I. RETURNING TO THEIR OWN PEOPLE

1. Afterpeter and John were threatened by the chief priests and elders, they returnedto “their own people.”

1. Theywere no longer 'under arrest', and returned to the others.

2. Andthey reported everything that the priests and elders said to them.

1. Thisrepresents the first account of opposition against the early church.

2. It didnot take long for this to happen.

3. Theythen decided how to respond to the threat they now faced for preaching andteaching in the name of Jesus.

1. Theyall began to pray.

II. PRAYER TO THE SOVEREIGN LORD

1. They first acknowledged thatthe Lord had prophesied this when David said through the Holy Spirit; “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gathertogether
against theLORD and against his Anointed One.” in Psalm 2:1,2

1. This is used by the Holy Spirit to refer to these religiousleaders concerning Jesus. This proclaims the fact that the Messiah is theperson spoken of in the second psalm.

2. This psalm speaks of all the opposition against Christ from thevery beginning, but more particularly speaks of the coming antichrist.

2. The scriptures tell us that this was fulfilled with Herod, andPontius Pilate meeting with gentiles (Romans) and the people of Israel toconspire against Jesus. The Holy One that God anointed.

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecies, the Son of God, theincarnate One, the Savior of men.

2. They all gathered together for the purpose of crucifying Christ.

3. When they did this against Christ, they fulfilled God's power andwill, His predestination for Jesus to be the Christ and savior of mankind.

1. Verse 28 speaks of predestination of Christ. His death onCalvary’s Cross, and his resurrection from the dead; but again, those who wereto Crucify Him were not determined by God; they did this cruel deed by theirown choice.

III. THEIRPRAYER REQUEST

1. Afterexclaiming God's complete reign, and complete control over the destiny of JesusChrist through God's will, power and predestination, they ask God for theirrequest.

1. They donot pray for God's enemies to be destroyed, or or armies of angels to come downfrom heaven, or even for those who persecute them to fall at their feet.

2. Theyturn over the rulers, and the others to the Lord, in order that He would handlethe situation.

2. Theyask God to give them the strength to speak the Word of God in boldness in theface of the threats.

1. This isthe opposite of that determined by the religious leaders of Israel.

3. Theythen ask for God to stretch out His hand.

1. To heal, perform miracles, signs and wondersin Jesus' name, which would show the authority of the Apostles to teach suchthings in the name of Jesus, and as a sign to all that they represented God andthe teaching and preaching of the New Covenant which was made in the blood ofJesus Christ.

2. Manyspeak of the power of God, but not so many of Jesus Christ.

3. Allhealing, all miracles, all signs, all wonders, are done in the name of JesusChrist.

CONCLUSION

The results of this prayer wereimmediate, and we see the scriptures say that the place where they were prayingshook, and they were filled (AGAIN) with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the Word ofGod boldly!

The place where they prayedliterally shook from the power of God. They were filled again by the HolySpirit...we must pray for continual filling, leading and guiding of God's HolySpirit. We see God answer their prayer, giving them more boldness, and they didnot hesitate to speak accordingly.

This is what we need today, andcould have, if we prayed for it!

From Acts to Revelation - Part 9: Persecution of the Church

2011-12-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

FromActs to Revelation

Part9 – Persecution of the Church

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

Last week we talked about Peter and Johnand their daily trips to the temple, where they would preach and teach whatthey had seen and heard while with Jesus.

There was a man, lame from birth, who askedfor alms, and Peter healed him in the name of Jesus.

This aroused the attention of many,including the sanhedrin, the religious leaders.

Today we will see how the religious leadersbegin to struggle with control, and acting in fear of losing this control, theytry to put a stop to Peter and John preaching and teaching about Jesus and theresurrection.

In the world we live in, persecution isdifferent in the US than in other parts of the world, where it is closer tobiblical persecution we read about.

But we are still faced with decisions wemust make when it concerns the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God.

On what do you base your decisions in everydaylife? You may say God...but is thattrue?

Does favor of men control how you act? Orperhaps money is the basis for your decisions?

When you vote for a leader, does what Godsays is important, important in your decision making?

Are God's values reflected in your choices?

Today we see that the religious leaders arebeginning to lose their control...as God is reclaiming it.

Today's scriptures will make us askourselves, is it better to listen to man, or God?

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 4:1-22

1 Thepriests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peterand John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbedbecause the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus theresurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, andbecause it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 Butmany who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about fivethousand.

5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law metin Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John,Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. 7 Theyhad Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By whatpower or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them:“Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called toaccount today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how hewas healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is bythe name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raisedfrom the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Heis

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone.’”

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no othername under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realizedthat they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they tooknote that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see theman who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they couldsay. 15 Sothey ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferredtogether. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked.“Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, andwe cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among thepeople, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not tospeak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied,“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you ratherthan God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen andheard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could notdecide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for whathad happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over fortyyears old.

I. PERSECUTIONBY THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

1. Apostleswere bringing attention to themselves

1. In Acts2 we see they healed a man who was lame from birth on the way to the temple

2. Thisman told everyone what had happened, including the Temple priests

3. Everyonein Jerusalem knew this man because he had lived here his entire life of 40years, lame, a beggar in from of the Temple gates.

4. Afterasking Peter and John for alms, Peter healed the lame man in the name of Jesus.

2. Dailythe Apostles taught of Jesus and the resurrection in front of the Temple

1. Thiscreated animosity in the priests.

2. Thesemen were winning converts from Judaism to this new Church faith, referred to asChristianity.

3. By thistime, over 5,000 had accepted to the teachings about Christ and the resurrection,and had devoted themselves to Jesus, becoming His followers.

3. Preachingthe Truth has consequences

1. Whenyou preach the truth, two things will happen;

1. People will come to Christ

2. People will hate you

2. When Ibegan to preach at the First Baptist Church, immediately, people loved mypreaching because it was the truth of God's Word, and immediately, people hatedme for the very same reason.

3. Aftertwo years preaching there, the church became divided into two groups, those wholoved the Word of God and His Spirit working in the Church, and those who hatedit, because God was gaining control...and they were losing it.

4. I toowas taken aside by the leaders of the church

1. At first, encouraged by them to continue leading the church

2. After those who hated wrote enough letters, I was asked byleadership to “play nice” with the handful of self-elected people who truly ranthat church.

3. When I refused to to stop preaching and teaching the scriptures,such as allowing people to come forward for the Elders of the church to prayand lay hands on them, the leaders once again called me for a meeting.

4. This time, offering me my choice between three other churches tolead.

5. To which I refused, as I told them, God had already told me yearsbefore that my ministry for Him would be here in Tawas, not another city.

5. Animosity,anger and hate, all because of the Word of God.

4. TheSanhedrin hated the Gospel for the same reason...

1. Thehigh priests were no longer high priests when Jesus came.

2. Thepeople no longer needed the priests for seeking God

3. Thereligious leaders no longer were the top-dogs with the Apostles around

4. So theybeg, and threaten to hold on to their control of God's people, not wanting tohand it over to the Holy Spirit.

II. THE APOSTLES RESPONSE TO THE PERSECUTION

1. TheSanhedrin asked “By what authority do you do this?”

1. Peterand John make it clear, the healing, teaching and preaching was all done in thename of Jesus.

2. Thelame man was healed in front of the Temple so that ALL the people of Israelshould know the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

3. Remember:this is one of the signs that the Apostles were speaking for God, signs,wonders and miracles.

2. Peterthen reminds them who Jesus is

1. Youknow, the one whom you crucified, but God brought back to life!

2. The oneyou tried to silence, but could not.

3. The oneyou tried to rid yourselves of, so that you would stay in control of God'speople, but weren't able to.

3. By theway...

1. Salvationis found in no one else.

2. Forthere is no other name under heaven given to men by which you can be saved.

III. ACTIONSTAKEN BY THE SANHEDRIN AND APOSTLES

1. TheSanhedrin had a problem

1. Theyasked that Peter and John be taken away so they could talk

2. Theyknew these men were unschooled, and ordinary men, yet, they spoke with courage,and they realized that they had been with Jesus.

3. Theyalso knew that an outstanding miracle had taken place in this name they wereoperating in. The man had been lame for forty years, yet stood before themnow. Lame from birth, yet walked as ifnever lame.

4. All ofJerusalem knew this man because he begged in front of the temple his entirelife. All those coming to the Temple sawhim, and see him now. They could not deny he was healed.

2. Questionsthey asked themselves

1. Theyasked each other, “What are we going to do with these men?”

2. “Everybodyin Jerusalem know about this miracle.”

3. “Wecannot deny the man was healed, BUT, to stop the spreading of this Jesus, wemust warn these men to speak no more to anyone in His name.”

3. TheSanhedrin's Command

1. BringingPeter and John back into the room, they give their command, “Speak no more inthe name of Jesus!”

2. “Donothing else in His name.”

3. “Stoppreaching and teaching what Jesus taught you.”

4. TheApostles Response

1. “Judgefor yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.”

2. “For wecannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

5. Morethreats and release

1. Thescriptures tell us the Sanhedrin threatened Peter and John more beforereleasing them.

2. Theycould not decide how to punish them because all the people were praising Godfor what happened, because the lame man who was healed was forty years old, andeveryone knew him.

CONCLUSION

The religious leaders hated theteachings of Jesus, because they were losing their control and power over the people.

They tried to put a stop towhat the Apostles were teaching about Jesus and the resurrection, but thesigns, wonders and miracles that followed the Apostles proved that they werespeaking the Truth, and were speaking for God.

Neither the leaders, nor thepeople could deny that these signs, wonders and miracles were taking place,therefore, the Sanhedrin could only threaten the Apostles.

But Peter asked them to judgefor themselves if it were better to listen to men, or God?

Do we ask ourselves the samequestion on a daily basis? We should.

Christmas Eve Service 2011

2011-12-24T21:11:00.002-05:00

CHRISTMASEVE SERVICE 2011

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Houseof Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

{slide 1} - WELCOME

Iwould like to welcome you all to the 6^th annual Christmas EveService here at the House of Faith Church.

Tonight,we will be paying homage to God the Father for the Messiah, and His promise ofredeeming humankind.

Thoughwe know that December 25^th is not the actual day of Christ’s birth,it is the day many have chosen to celebrate His coming into our world, and Hisultimate sacrifice to pay our debt to reconcile us to God and allow us whobelieve in Him to have eternal life.

Tonightis a special night for friends and family to gather, give reflection, praiseand worship to our King. Not baby Jesus,but Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Lord of Lord’s and King of King’s, oursavior.

{slide 2} - CALL TO WORSHIP

Soas we celebrate this evening, let the songs fill your soul with the love andjoy of Jesus.

Tonight,as we celebrate His coming, give thanks to God for the love He has shown, andgiven us.

Letus celebrate Christmas in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, who came to us from theheart of God’s own being, in the form of a servant, born in human likeness.

Letus celebrate God’s entering into our lives, bringing light to the entire world.

Tonight,may love be reborn in our hearts as we worship God together.

OPENING PRAYER: Pastor Bruce Shields

{slide 3} - SCRIPTURE READING

† 1 John 4:9-10

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent hisone and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love:not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoningsacrifice for our sins.

† Galatians 4:4-5

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son,born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we mightreceive the full rights of sons.

{slide 4}

...Andthe people cried out for the Messiah to come, the one that God promised, theone that the prophets spoke of. Theysang out, Emmanuel, which is two Hebrew words, El, meaning God, and Immanuel,meaning with us.

O’come, Emmanuel is a cry for God to come and be with us.

{slide 5} - SONG: O’ Come, O’ Come Emmanuel

{slide 9}

Thetime had finally come for the Messiah to come into the world, to be with us, toshow us love, to free us from the bondage of sin, and reconcile us to God.

{slide 10} - SONG: Mary Did You Know?- Special Music by Trenton Shields

{slide 11}

† Luke 1:26-38

²⁶In the sixth month, God sent theangel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷to a virgin pledgedto be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's namewas Mary. ²⁸The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you whoare highly favored! The Lord is with you."

²⁹Mary was greatly troubled at hiswords and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰But theangel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.³¹You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are togive him the name Jesus. ³²He will be great and will be called theSon of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his fatherDavid, ³³and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; hiskingdom will never end."

³⁴"How will this be," Maryasked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

³⁵The angel answered, "The HolySpirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.So the holy one to be born will be calledthe Son of God...

... ³⁸"I am the Lord'sservant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."Then the angel left her.

† 1 Peter 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope throughthe resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance thatcan never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,”

{slide 12} - Advent Candle - HOPE
We first light the advent candle, which represents HOPE. God fulfilled His promise of bringing theMessiah. Our HOPE is now in Christ, and His promise to return, which will alsobe fulfilled.

(Light the shortest purple candle for HOPE)

{slide 13} - SONG: O’ Little Town of Bethlehem

{slide 19}

† Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, andthe government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called WonderfulCounselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

{slide 20} - Advent Candle - PEACE
We now light the advent candle, which represents PEACE. Jesus is the Prince of PEACE, and He promisesto leave His PEACE with us, a PEACE which does surpass worldly understanding.

(Light the purple candle for PEACE)

{slide 21} - SONG: Let the Peace ofGod Reign

{slide 33}

† Luke 2:8-12
And there wereshepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks atnight. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shonearound them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do notbe afraid. I bring you good news of greatjoy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: Youwill find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

{slide 34} - Advent Candle - JOY

Wenow light the advent candle, which represents JOY. We rejoice because of the overwhelming joyChrist has brought to us.

(Light the pink candle for JOY)

{slide 35}

† Luke 2:13-15

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appearedwith the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in thehighest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to oneanother, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which theLord has told us about.”

{slide 36} - SONG: Hark! The HeraldAngels Sing

{slide 43}

† Luke 2:16-18

¹⁶ So the shepherds hurried off andfound Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told themabout this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what theshepherds said to them.

{slide 44} - SONG: O’ Come All Ye Faithful

{slide 53}

† John 3:16 - 18
"For God soloved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in himshall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to savethe world through him. 18 Whoeverbelieves in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemnedalready because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”

{slide 54} - Advent Candle - LOVE

Wenow light the advent candle, which represents LOVE. As the scriptures say in 1 John 4:8-10 “Whoever does not love does not know God,because God is love. ⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: Hesent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son asan atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

(Light the purple candle for LOVE)

{slide 55} - SONG: The First Noel

{slide 62}

John 1:14 & 16,17

TheWord became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, theglory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Fromthe fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses;grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

{slide 63}

Thelast candle represents the light that Jesus Christ brought to the world when Hecame.

(Light the big candle for CHRIST)

{slide 64}

Jesustook the disciples in Matthew 28, and gave them the “Greatcommission”, which instructs that the light that Jesus brought, wouldbe shared with the world through the Body of Christ, which is us, the believersand followers of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:14

“Youare the light of the world...”

TheWord of God tells us that we are this light. Jesus Himself said to take this light, and share it with the world.

Aswe sing Silent Night, let us pass this light from one to another, and let itrepresent the lives we are living in the world, and how we share the Gospel andlight with others around us daily.

{slide 65} - SONG: Silent night

Wewill now close with our final song of the evening, afterwards, I will closewith prayer, and you are all welcome to stay and have snacks and coffee andfellowship together.

{slide 72} - SONG: Joy to the World

{slide 81} - CLOSING PRAYER

· Thank you for thisevening, and each one here

· Bless each forcoming

· Pray that each onetakes with them tonight, Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of God

· Most of all, theLove and light of Christ, which they will share with all around them

· Pray that each onehere tonight, takes this Light that Christ has given us, and shares it with theworld as He commanded in His Word