Series: Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God

Part 1:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 1

What was the Apostle Peter saying in Acts chapters 1 & 2?
What does it mean to be cut to the heart?

Part 2:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 2

We continue our focus on the words that the Apostles were saying in the book of Acts.
A man was healed by the power of God.
What did Peter and John say around the time of the healing?
God wants to offer "times of refreshing" to all who will turn to him.

Part 3:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 3

As we continue into Acts chapters 5 to 7 we see the early church dealing with "pseudo encouragement" within the church and persecution from outside the church.
The people of God have to rely on the power and presence of God to speak into such challenging situations. What is God saying to us through these passages?

Part 4:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 4

Moving into Acts chapters 8 + 9 we see the Apostles continually being led by the spirit of God in what they were saying.
What can we learn from their example?

Part 5:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 5

Do we get it that the gospel is for everyone?
Did the early Church get it?
Did they need convincing?
What about us?

Part 6:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 6

As a result of persecution, the Word of God was spread further afield.
And despite persecution, the word of God continued to spread.
What about us?
What is our priority?
Are we people-pleasers or God-pleasers?

Part 7:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 7

As we move into Acts chapter 13 - the Holy Spirit speaks.
Do we expect the Holy Spirit to speak today?
How would we know that it was Him speaking?
What test could we apply?
(Some of the issues raised will be continued in next week's message - part 8)

Part 8:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 8

Watch out!
Paul and Barnabas are in Pisidian Antioch
They have declared that forgiveness of sins can only be obtained through Jesus, and now, they declare: Watch out!

Part 9:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 9

Just say "No" to the desire to receive praise from other people.
This is what Paul and Barnabas chose to do, when they were in Lystra, even though it resulted in Paul being stoned.
What about us?
Can the desire to receive praise from other people, become addictive?
Is it time, for us also, to just say No?

Part 10:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 10

The Circumcision question:
How do you deal with doctrinal questions?
How does the early Church deal with a doctrinal question that could have split the Church?
Are you guided by the Word of God and convicted by the Holy Spirit of God?

 Part 11:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 11

Last week we asked: How do we deal with doctrinal questions?
This week we are asking: How do we make plans?
What if people disagree - when making plans?

 Part 12:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 12

Have you ever been accused of being a hypocrite?
What did others suffer to bring the gospel to us?
What are we prepared to suffer to take the gospel to others?

 Part 13:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 13

Worshipping God shakes the foundations.
How did this work for Paul and Silas?
How might Worshipping God transform our lives too?

 Part 14:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 14

Repentance is not on trend at the moment.
Repentance is not in vogue.
What did the Apostle Paul say about repentance?
What might he say to the Social Media generation?

 Part 15:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 15

Taking the gospel next door.
Why did the Apostle Paul go next door?
Is God calling us to go next door?

 Part 16:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 16

What comes to mind, when you hear the words: Finishing the race?
What would you say, if you were meeting a group of friends, and you knew that you would never see them again?
What did the Apostle Paul say, in this situation?

Part 17:  Transforming Words by the Power and Presence of God - part 17

How important is your name?
How important is your fame?
What about the name of Jesus?
To what extremes would you go, to defend the name of Jesus?

Part 18:  Faith or Convenience? 

What do these words suggest to you: Faith or Convenience?
Are you living by faith?
Are you giving in to the Luxury of Convenience?

Part 19:  Is it hard for you to kick against the goads? 

Do you ever fight against God?
Do you ever resist his will?

Part 20:  Grace and life in the storm

Do you ever feel that you are in a storm?
What do you hold onto, during the storm?
What can we learn from the apostle Paul, who was a prisoner, during the storm?

Part 21:  God’s Word is not chained

Do you ever find yourself in a bad situation?
Are you in difficult circumstances at present?
Do you focus on your situation, your circumstances, and your surroundings?
Or do you focus on what God might be calling you to do, in that difficult setting?