Christ Church Bartlett

Many Witnesses — One Way Acts 19:1-10 i. God’s has given us the private witness of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:1-7) ii. God has given us the public witness of believer’s baptism. (Acts 19:1-7) iii. God has given us the perpetual witness of the gospel — Jesus Christ is the Only Way of salvation. (Acts 19:8-10) As We Go … First make sure you have full assurance of your faith through the private witness of the Holy Spirit and then be unashamed to publicly proclaim to the world that Jesus Christ is the Only Way to have eternal life.

Kingdom First - A Call to Christian Unity and Maturity Acts 18:18-28 I. Gospel work must always be kingdom first in the spirit of unity and cooperation — never competition. (Acts 18:18-23) II. Gospel work must emphasize personal discipleship, reproduction and spiritual maturity. (Acts 18:24-28) III. Gospel work must always boast in Jesus Christ above anyone else. (Acts 28:24-28, 1 Corinthians 3) As We Go … We must resolve to seek first God’s kingdom and be more zealous for God’s glory than our own name, trusting that He will take care of the rest.

Breaking the Deafening Silence of a Fearful Church — Acts 18:1-16 I. We are witnesses at work. (Acts 18:1-3) II. We need to worship together for weekly encouragement. (Acts 18:4) III. We must learn to develop a serious preoccupation with the Word of God. (Acts 18:5) IV. We are often called to exercise wisdom in our approach. (Acts 18:6-8) V. BUT NO MATTER WHAT … (Acts 18:9-16) • We cannot be afraid • We cannot be silent • We cannot be discouraged VI. Because … GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK around us! (Acts 18:10) As We Go … It is time we break the deafening silence and share the gospel with confidence knowing that God has prepared many people in our city for salvation!

From Creation to Consummation — Exploring the 7 C’s of History -- Acts 17:22-34 #1 — CREATION - God is the Creator and Lord of the universe. #2 — CORRUPTION - God cursed the creation because of satan and Adam’s rebellion. #3 — CATASTROPHE - God judged the evil on the earth through a global flood #4 — CONFUSION - God confused the languages at Babel and set the boundaries of the nations. #5 — CHRIST - God the Son entered His own creation to reveal Himself to the world. #6 — CROSS - Jesus Christ was willing to give His own life and die for sinners. #7 — CONSUMMATION - Jesus Christ will return to judge the earth and restore the entire creation, making everything new. As We Go … We must understand and learn how to communicate the overall Biblical story of redemption, beginning with Creation and leading to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Making the Most of Every Opportunity for the Days are Evil — Acts 17:16-21 I. Like Paul, true believers in Christ represent the overwhelming minority in today’s culture. (Acts 17:16) II. Like Athens, our culture is immersed in gross idolatry. (Acts 17:16) III. There are two primary attitudes in overcoming spiritual complacency. (Acts 17:6-7) 1. A relentless zeal for God’s glory. 2. A relentless love for humanity. IV. We must no longer allow the culture to silence our voice of reason in this sea of insanity. (Acts 17:7) V. Don’t be intimidated by worldly, vain philosophy. (Acts 17:18) VI. We must take advantage of every opportunity …. Because the days are evil. (Acts 17:19-21) As We Go … IT is time we stand up and speak out for the good of men and the glory of God in the midst of this perverse and idolatrous generation!

Psalm 16 Acts 2:22-33

1 Samuel 16

The Living Word for a Dying World Acts 17:1-15 1. It’s time we go and turn the world upside down! (Acts 17:1-8) 2. It’s time we grow and turn the Word inside out. (Acts 17:9-15) 3. It’s time we show a dying world what Life is all about. (Acts 17:7) As we Go …. Let us not waste another day. It’s time we turn the world upside down, turn the word inside out and show a dying world what life is truly about!

The Light Overcomes the Darkness — Acts 16:16-40 1. The gospel of Jesus Christ exposes the darkness of the supernatural forces of evil around us. (Acts 16:16-18) 2. The gospel of Jesus Christ exposes the darkness of social injustice. (Acts 16:19-21, 35-40) 3. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides joy and peace in the midst of our darkest hour of suffering. (Acts 16:22-26) 4. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides hope to overcome the darkness and despair of suicidal thoughts. (Acts 16:27-28) 5. The gospel of Jesus Christ ultimately brings salvation to lost souls in spiritual darkness. (Acts 16:29-34) As We Go … So Let our light shine this week that our words, attitudes, and actions expose and overcome the darkness all around us so that it may bring glory to our Father in heaven.

Open Hearts, Open Homes and The Lost Art of Hospitality Acts 16:11-15 1. Our part is to make sure the world hears the gospel. (Acts 16:11-14) 2. God’s part is to open up the sinner’s heart to receive the gospel. (Acts 16:11-14) 3. The sinner’s part is to heed the witness and warnings of the gospel. (Acts 16:11-14) 4. The convert’s part is to immediately become a witness to his/her household. (Acts 16:15) 5. All followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to open up their homes and practice the lost custom of hospitality. (Acts 16:15) As We Go ... Open Your Hearts to God and Open you homes to others and begin to practice the lost art of hospitality for the sake of the kingdom!

The Messy Yet Rewarding Work of Discipleship — Acts 15:36-16:10 1. We may not always personally agree on the decisions and details in ministry, but we can trust that God is always working His greater plan. (Acts 15:36-41) 2. Biblical discipleship involves a vital and intentional partnership between both the family and the local church. (Acts 16:1-5) 3. Fruitful discipleship is the result of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and joining God where He is already at work. (Acts 16:6-10) As we Go … Where is God working in your life? Pray that He would show you. And Then join Him there.

Time to Expose the Plague of Pornography I. Pornography is a social plague that promotes sexual degradation, slave trafficking, and the grossest forms of perversion. (Ephesians 5:3-14) II. Pornography is a deadly poison that defiles the heart, corrupts the mind, and ultimately destroys marriages and families. (Proverbs 4:23) III. Pornography holds people in bondage to secret and shameful sins and spiritually joins them to demons. (1 Corinthians 6:13-20) IV. Pornography is a powerful, satanic grip that will eventually drag many people to hell. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) V. Only the transforming power of Jesus Christ can deliver you from the plague of pornography and empower you to live a life of permanent victory! (1 Corinthians 6:11) As We Go … Expose the shameful deeds of darkness in the light of the truth and repent. Confess your sins to God and receive forgiveness. Experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ, who will give you VICTORY over the bondage of pornography.

Jesus is Enough Philippians 4 I. Remember your eternal destiny. (Php 4:1-3) Christ has made THE Way for you to be with God in heaven for all eternity! II. Rejoice in the Lord's sufficiency. (Php 4:4-5) He is always near, eager to give us His grace at all times. III. Develop a Christ-like mentality. (Php 4:6-9) When you're worried, stop and pray. When you're worried, stop and count your blessings, thanking God. Dwell on good things. IV. Find your ultimate security in the Lord Jesus. (Php 4:10-12, 19) Contentment can be learned. God has and will continue to provide all that we need. (4:19) V. Rest in God's ability. (Php 4:13) Christ will give us His strength for victory in every season of life. As we Go … Because Jesus is Enough ... You can Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance. And trust God to provide all that you need to be who He created you to be.

Christian Conscience, the Law of Liberty & the Law of Love — Acts 15:13-35 Principle #1 — There is true unity found in Christ. (Acts 15:13-18) Principle #2 — There are many different levels of spiritual purity and maturity for those who come to faith in Christ. (Acts 15:19-21) Principle #3 — There is a newfound law of liberty through Christ. (Acts 15:22-35) Principle #4 — The law of love always trumps the law of liberty. (Acts 15:22-35) AS WE GO … May we use our freedom in Christ wisely to build up one another in love and so fulfill the law of Christ.

By Grace Through Faith — Good News for All People [Acts 14:24 -15:12] i. Some doctrines are essential in nature. (Acts 15:1) a. The doctrine of salvation requires total agreement among believers. ii. Most theological controversies are not easily resolved. (Acts 15:1-6) a. The overwhelming majority of the early church consisted of Torah-observant Jews. b. Gentile conversion and inclusion was an altogether new challenge for the early church, especially in regard to circumcision. iii.Essential doctrines must be fiercely defended, even if it leads to division. (Acts 15:1-6) iv.The Holy Spirit provided the Apostle Peter with divine wisdom from heaven to bring clarity and promote unity. (Acts 15:7-12) Tv. he good news for all people — Jew and Gentile — is that salvation is forever by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:7-12) As We Go … If you really believe that salvation is the free gift of God for all people ... What is keeping you from receiving this gift? To whom are you offering this gift?

Resurrection Sunday Come to Jesus — Romans 8:1-11 i. Are you living with a spirit of condemnation? Come to Jesus — He will set you free! (Romans 8:1-4) ii.Are you struggling with a spirit of hatred? Come to Jesus — He will bring you peace! (Romans 8:5-8) iii. Are you suffering from a spirit of rejection? Come to Jesus — He will give you a true sense of belonging! (Romans 8:9) iV. Are you tormented by the spirit of death? Come to Jesus — He will give you His very resurrection life! (Romans 8:10-11) As you Go … The good news is that no matter who you are, where you’ve been or what you’ve done to this point in your life … you can come to Jesus today and experience His love and forgiveness, and receive His resurrection life!

The Cross before the Crown — Acts 14:19-28 I. The Lord Jesus was willing to go to the cross before receiving His crown. (Acts 14:22, Mt. 21:1-11, John 18:33-38) II. As followers of Christ, we also must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. (Acts 14:19-23) III. Every true believer is promised to participate on some level in the sufferings of Christ. (Acts 14:19-23) In light of this reality, God is calling us to I.Strengthen the souls of disciples. (Acts 14:22) II.Encourage one another to continue in the faith. (Acts 14:22, 27) III.To live in a manner worthy of receiving a crown on that Day when Christ Returns in Glory! (Acts 14:22) As We Go … As we face the many trials and troubles of this world as people of the cross, let us live in a manner worthy of Jesus so that we may one day receive the crown of life!

Jesus above others gods — Acts 14:1-18 I. From where did all the pagan gods and goddesses originate? (Acts 14:16, Deuteronomy 29:24-28, 32:8-9) ANSWER — The Tower of Babel II. How did the ancient world view their gods? (Acts 14:11-14) ANSWER — As real, powerful divine beings III. How did the ancient world worship their gods? (Acts 14:11-14) ANSWER — Primarily through Idolatry and Immorality IV. Why does the Bible portray pagan idolatry as being worthless and ultimately damning? (Acts 14:15) ANSWER — Because it was the worship of demons V. What is the connection between Zeus, Baal and Satan Himself? (Acts 14:11-14, Matthew 12:24-28, Revelation 2:12-14) ANSWER — They are likely different names for the same “god” VI. What does all of this have to do with the gospel and the cosmic mission of Jesus Christ? (Acts 14:15-17) ANSWER — Jesus has proven his victory and supremacy over Satan and all other so-called “gods" As We Go … We must stop giving Satan and his demons power and influence over us, especi

The Gospel: God Is Revealing . . . Romans 1 1. His RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 16-17) • POWERFULLY FREE • God’s Salvation • God’s Gift • PERSONAL FAITH • “for everyone who believes” • “from faith to faith” • “live by faith” 2. His WRATH (v. 18) • PRESENT COMPONENT • Being Revealed • By God • PERMANENT CONDITION • Rejecting God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS • Rejecting God’s TRUTH 3. His NATURE (v. 19-20) • Through CREATION • Through CONSCIENCE • Through CHRIST

Five Essential Keys to Living in Victory 1 Peter 5:6-11 1.A victorious Christian cannot be proud — but humble. (1 Peter 5:6) 2. A victorious Christian cannot be anxious — but at peace. (1 Peter 5:7) 3. A victorious Christian cannot be distracted or asleep — but must be spiritually engaged! (1 Peter 5:8) 4. A victorious Christian cannot be fearful — but full of faith. (1 Peter 5:9) 5. A victorious Christian cannot remain focused on the challenges and changing circumstances of this life — but on Jesus Christ and the reality of eternity. (1 Peter 5:10-11) As we Go — we must realize that God hasn’t saved us to live defeated lives, but victorious lives in Christ! Let’s begin walking in victory as His people!