Table Of Content

Power and Witness (A Series of Sermons on the book of Acts) Pastor Bill Johnson Power and Witness: (A Series of Sermons on the book of Acts) Pastor Bill Johnson Copyright © 2010 William E. Johnson Table of Contents Preface ............................................................................................................................. x 1. Why Acts? .................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 It tells us what the early church did. .............................................................................. 2 It is an exciting book! ................................................................................................. 2 It encourages us to labor on while we await His return. ..................................................... 3 It demonstrates the power that the early church had, and that we should have today. ................ 4 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 4 2. Waiting for the Promise ................................................................................................... 6 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 6 The Proof .................................................................................................................. 6 The Promise .............................................................................................................. 7 The Departure ............................................................................................................ 9 The Waiting ............................................................................................................. 10 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 10 3. Numbered With The Eleven ............................................................................................ 12 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 12 There was a vacancy that needed filled. ........................................................................ 12 There was a reason for the vacancy. ............................................................................. 15 Only the Lord could fill the vacancy. ........................................................................... 15 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 16 4. The Importance of Being Together ................................................................................... 18 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 18 They were ALL ........................................................................................................ 19 With ONE ACCORD ................................................................................................ 20 in ONE PLACE ....................................................................................................... 22 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 23 5. What Happened In That Room? ....................................................................................... 25 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 25 They were baptized in the Holy Ghost. ......................................................................... 25 They were filled with the Spirit. .................................................................................. 26 They spoke in tongues. .............................................................................................. 27 They went soul winning ............................................................................................. 28 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 29 6. A Perfect Church? ......................................................................................................... 30 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 30 They continued in the apostles' doctrine... ..................................................................... 32 ... and fellowship... .................................................................................................... 34 ... and breaking of bread... .......................................................................................... 35 ... and prayers. ......................................................................................................... 35 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 36 7. What Are You Lookin' At? ............................................................................................. 38 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 38 The Miracle ............................................................................................................. 38 The Meaning ............................................................................................................ 40 The Message ............................................................................................................ 42 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 44 8. The Only Name ............................................................................................................ 46 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 46 By what name (vs. 7) ................................................................................................ 47 By the name of Jesus (vs. 10) ..................................................................................... 48 iii Power and Witness Stop using that name (vs. 18)) .................................................................................... 49 We can't stop using that name (vss. 19-20) .................................................................... 50 It is the only name (vs. 12) ........................................................................................ 50 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 52 9. Ananias and Sapphira .................................................................................................... 53 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 53 A and S forgot that ALL sin is against God. .................................................................. 55 A and S did not take the unity of the church seriously enough. .......................................... 55 A and S did not care enough about the needs of their brothers and sisters. ............................ 56 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 57 Invitation ................................................................................................................. 58 10. The Wisdom of Gamaliel .............................................................................................. 59 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 59 Suffering for Christ is Part of the Bargain. .................................................................... 59 Witnessing for Christ is Always Our Task. .................................................................... 60 Rejection of Christ is Often the Response. .................................................................... 61 Neutrality Toward Christ is Never Acceptable. ............................................................... 62 CONCLUSION - Victory in Christ is Already Ours. ....................................................... 62 11. Growing Pains ............................................................................................................ 65 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 65 There arose a complaint ............................................................................................. 65 It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God. .................................................. 67 Seek out from among you seven men. .......................................................................... 69 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 70 Invitation ................................................................................................................. 70 12. Stephen ...................................................................................................................... 72 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 72 Stephen Lived What He Advertised. ............................................................................. 73 Stephen Showed Us How A Christian Dies. ................................................................... 74 Stephen Was Christlike To The End ............................................................................ 76 Stephen Witnessed Even In Death. ............................................................................... 76 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 78 13. The Samaritans and the Sorcerer .................................................................................... 79 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 79 First, let's consider this passage HISTORICALLY. ......................................................... 79 Second, let's consider it THEOLOGICALLY. ................................................................ 81 Third, let's consider it PRACTICALLY. ....................................................................... 82 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 84 14. What Hinders Me? ....................................................................................................... 86 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 86 We could talk about Baptism ...................................................................................... 86 We could talk talk about witnessing ............................................................................. 87 We could talk about the Bible ..................................................................................... 88 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 90 15. The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus .................................................................................. 92 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 92 A light shown around him from heaven... ...................................................................... 93 Why are you persecuting Me? ..................................................................................... 94 It is hard for you to kick against the goads. ................................................................... 95 Lord, what do you want me to do? .............................................................................. 96 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 97 16. The Obedience of Saul of Tarsus ................................................................................... 99 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 99 He Got Up .............................................................................................................. 99 iv Power and Witness He Prayed .............................................................................................................. 100 He Was Immersed ................................................................................................... 101 He Hung With The Disciples .................................................................................... 102 He Witnessed ......................................................................................................... 103 He Grew ................................................................................................................ 104 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 105 17. Saul and his Brothers ................................................................................................. 106 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 106 ANANIAS - the RECEPTIVE or ACCEPTING brother ................................................. 107 BARNABUS - the ENCOURAGING brother. .............................................................. 109 NAMELESS BRETHREN - the PROTECTING brothers. ............................................... 110 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 111 18. As Peter Travelled ..................................................................................................... 112 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 112 God used Peter to spread the Gospel. .......................................................................... 112 God used miracles to spread the Gospel. ..................................................................... 113 God used somebody who was busy to spread the Gospel. ............................................... 114 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 116 19. Religiously Lost ........................................................................................................ 117 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 117 Cornelius was Influential .......................................................................................... 117 Cornelius was Devout .............................................................................................. 118 Cornelius Cared About His Family ............................................................................. 118 Cornelius Cared About the Poor ................................................................................ 119 Cornelius Was a Man of Prayer ................................................................................. 120 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 120 20. All People, Everywhere! ............................................................................................. 122 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 122 The Historical / Ecclesiological Perspective ................................................................. 122 The Personal (Peter's) Perspective .............................................................................. 124 A Question To Ponder ............................................................................................. 126 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 127 21. Pleasant Surprises ...................................................................................................... 129 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 129 Change is hard. ....................................................................................................... 130 Change is possible... and needed. ............................................................................... 131 We know what things SHOULD change because of the things that NEVER change! ............. 132 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 133 22. Lessons From Antioch ................................................................................................ 134 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 134 A couple lessons from the church, itself. ..................................................................... 134 Lessons from Barnabus ............................................................................................ 135 A Lesson From The Evangelists ................................................................................ 139 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 140 23. My Chains Are Gone ................................................................................................. 141 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 141 Senseless harassment by Herod .................................................................................. 141 Miraculous deliverance of Peter ................................................................................. 142 Powerful prayer meeting at Mary's house .................................................................... 145 Disastrous arrogance of Herod ................................................................................... 146 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 147 24. Growing, Busy, Listening, and Sending ......................................................................... 148 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 148 It was a growing church. .......................................................................................... 148 v Power and Witness It was a busy church. ............................................................................................... 149 It was a listening church. .......................................................................................... 151 It was a sending church ............................................................................................ 152 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 152 25. Five Men on an Island ................................................................................................ 154 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 154 Barnabas ................................................................................................................ 155 Bar-jesus / Elymas ................................................................................................... 155 Sergius Paulus ........................................................................................................ 157 Saul / Paul ............................................................................................................. 158 John Mark ............................................................................................................. 159 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 159 26. A Primer in Getting the Job Done ................................................................................. 160 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 160 Thoughts from the PREACHING. .............................................................................. 160 Thoughts from the PREACHER. ................................................................................ 163 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 166 27. Appointed to Eternal Life? .......................................................................................... 167 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 167 An overview - What did Calvin and Arminius teach about salvation? ................................ 168 A clarification - What does the Bible teach about salvation? ............................................ 171 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 172 28. "So" and "Therefore" .................................................................................................. 174 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 174 SO... ..................................................................................................................... 174 THEREFORE... ...................................................................................................... 178 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 180 29. Something is Missing in Lystra .................................................................................... 182 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 182 They put their eyes on the messenger, rather than putting their ears to the message. .............. 184 They were initially attracted to the excitement that accompanied the message, but when the excitement faded, so did their interest. ........................................................................ 185 They were willing to add Christianity to their lives, but not willing to be fundamentally changed by Christianity. ........................................................................................... 185 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 187 30. OK... So We Got Them Saved... Now What? .................................................................. 189 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 189 They organized the churches ..................................................................................... 191 They explained the realities of the faith ....................................................................... 191 They strengthened the souls of the disciples ................................................................. 192 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 194 31. The Jerusalem Council ................................................................................................ 195 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 195 Because people can be wrong. ................................................................................... 195 Because some truth is worth fighting for. .................................................................... 196 Because there is a right way to administer the local church. ............................................ 198 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 199 32. The Jerusalem Council - Part 2 .................................................................................... 201 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 201 What did they DO? ................................................................................................. 201 What did they DECIDE? .......................................................................................... 203 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 205 33. What Cost, Surrender? ................................................................................................ 207 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 207 vi Power and Witness Surrender Number One - To God ............................................................................... 207 Surrender Number Two - To Defeat and Hardship ........................................................ 209 Surrender Number Three - To God ............................................................................ 212 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 212 34. Round Two ............................................................................................................... 214 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 214 The makeup of the team was different. ....................................................................... 214 Their source of power had not changed. ...................................................................... 216 The goal and expected result had not changed. ............................................................. 217 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 219 35. Some Thoughts on the Macedonian Call ........................................................................ 220 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 220 God leads those who are busy. .................................................................................. 221 Sometimes God's leading feels bad. ............................................................................ 222 When God leads, there is only one right response. ......................................................... 223 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 223 36. A Glimpse Into the Soul of a Hero ............................................................................... 225 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 225 Patience With The Lost Among Men .......................................................................... 225 Trust In The Sovereignty Of God .............................................................................. 227 Concern For the Lost, Even Those Who Hurt Him ........................................................ 227 Care For The Church Of God .................................................................................... 228 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 229 37. Turning Your World Upside Down ............................................................................... 231 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 231 They PURPOSED ................................................................................................... 232 They PLODDED ..................................................................................................... 233 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 236 38. The Challenge of the Berean Christians ......................................................................... 238 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 238 They RECEIVED the Word. ..................................................................................... 239 They SEARCHED the Scriptures. .............................................................................. 240 They searched the Scriptures DAILY. ......................................................................... 241 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 242 39. With Paul in Athens ................................................................................................... 243 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 243 Paul was willing to go it alone. ................................................................................. 243 Paul wasted no opportunity to reach the lost world around him. ....................................... 244 Paul was affected by the lost world around him. ........................................................... 245 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 247 40. Next Stop - Corinth .................................................................................................... 249 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 249 The gospel works everywhere it is tried. ..................................................................... 250 Sometimes we need to make tents. ............................................................................. 251 Even great Christians get down. ................................................................................. 252 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 254 41. Apollos .................................................................................................................... 255 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 255 Apollos was willing to share what little he knew. .......................................................... 257 Apollos was willing to learn what he did not know. ....................................................... 258 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 258 42. Parking at Ephesus ..................................................................................................... 260 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 260 Parking Space # 1 - Confused People ........................................................................ 260 vii Power and Witness Parking Space # 2 - Hypocritical People .................................................................... 263 Parking Space # 3 - Repentant People ........................................................................ 264 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................... 265 43. Rioting in the Streets .................................................................................................. 266 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 266 PAUL'S MESSAGE WAS WORKING. ..................................................................... 266 PAUL'S VISION WAS BIG .................................................................................... 268 PAUL'S ENEMIES TESTIFIED ON HIS BEHALF! .................................................... 270 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 271 44. Going to Church with Paul .......................................................................................... 272 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 272 SUNDAY WAS THE DAY ..................................................................................... 273 PREACHING WAS THE WAY ............................................................................... 274 He must have been pretty good at it. ......................................................................... 275 People sleep through the best of sermons. ................................................................... 275 He must have had something to say. .......................................................................... 276 BREAKING BREAD TOOK PLACE ........................................................................ 276 THEY TALKED THINGS OVER FACE TO FACE .................................................... 277 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 278 45. The Measure of a Ministry .......................................................................................... 279 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 279 How He Lived ........................................................................................................ 279 What He Taught ..................................................................................................... 282 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 284 46. Expectations of Elders ................................................................................................ 285 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 285 Eldership must be first, a personal walk with God. ........................................................ 286 Eldership Includes Leadership. .................................................................................. 287 Eldership Includes Shepherding. ................................................................................ 288 Eldership Requires Perspective .................................................................................. 288 Eldership Demands Vigilence. ................................................................................... 289 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 290 47. Jerusalem? ................................................................................................................ 291 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 291 James and his Elders .............................................................................................. 292 Phillip and his Daughters ........................................................................................ 293 Paul and his Prophets ............................................................................................. 295 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 295 48. The Power of a Testimony .......................................................................................... 297 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 297 PAUL'S TESTIMONY - I WAS JUST LIKE YOU ...................................................... 297 PAUL'S TESTIMONY - BUT THEN I MET JESUS .................................................... 298 PAUL'S TESTIMONY - I AM DIFFERENT NOW ...................................................... 299 YOU AND I HAVE THE SAME TESTIMONY .......................................................... 300 You need to be able to articulate it - BECAUSE IT IS POWERFUL. ............................... 300 You need to be able to articulate your testimony - BECAUSE IT IS OUR FOCUS. ............. 301 You need to be albe to articulate your testimony - BECAUSE WE ARE COMMANDED TO. ....................................................................................................................... 301 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 301 49. Not Done With You yet, Paul ...................................................................................... 303 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 303 Paul tried, again, to witness to them. ................................................................. 304 Paul reviled the High Priest (vs. 3) .................................................................... 304 Paul pitted the Pharisees against the Sadducees. (vs. 6) ......................................... 304 viii Power and Witness The rioting and arguing began again, and the Roman commander once again had to pull Paul away. ............................................................................................... 305 THE LORD STOOD BY HIM ................................................................................. 305 YOU HAVE TESTIFIED IN JERUSALEM ............................................................... 306 YOU MUST ALSO... IN ROME .............................................................................. 307 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 308 50. Things God Uses ....................................................................................................... 309 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 309 Ordinary People ...................................................................................................... 309 Paul's Testimony. .................................................................................................... 312 His Matchless Power! .............................................................................................. 313 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 314 Invitation: .............................................................................................................. 314 51. Reasons, or Excuses? .................................................................................................. 316 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 316 The Reasons of Paul ................................................................................................ 317 The "Reasons" of Felix and Drusilla. .......................................................................... 321 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 322 52. Festus ...................................................................................................................... 324 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 324 FACT # 1 - The Bible Is A Reliable Document. ........................................................... 325 FACT # 2 - The Best Of Men Are Unreliable. .............................................................. 327 FACT # 3 - We Can Always Rely On God. ................................................................. 327 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 328 53. Almost Persuaded ....................................................................................................... 330 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 330 Festus .................................................................................................................... 331 Bernice .................................................................................................................. 331 Agrippa ................................................................................................................. 332 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 334 54. Bon Voyage .............................................................................................................. 336 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 336 When the south wind blew softly. ( vs. 13 ) ................................................................. 336 All hope was given up. ( vs. 20 ) ............................................................................... 337 God got them through it. .......................................................................................... 338 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 340 55. The Final Chapter ...................................................................................................... 341 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 341 We learn that when God starts to do something, He finishes it. ........................................ 341 We learn still more about Paul .................................................................................. 342 We are reminded, once again, of the theme of the book of Acts. ...................................... 344 We are reminded, one last time, of the star of the book of Acts. ....................................... 345 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 346 ix Preface This series of sermons was preached on Sunday Mornings in 2010 and 2011, at the Friendship Bible Church in Randolph, Ohio. Each chapter, for the most part, contains an individual sermon, just as it was preached. The series title was obtained from the key verse in Acts - But you shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and you shall be WITNESSes unto me, both in Jerusalem, and Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. The author has attempted to ensure that due credit is given for all citations contained herein. However, if something was missed, please contact the author at: Pastor Bill Johnson P.O. Box 341 Randolph, OH 44265 <[email protected]> x

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Where the gospel of Luke ends, the Acts of the Apostles picks up. When everyone has finished painting, an artist goes over the entire Samaritan who came back to give thanks, but they apparently didn't pick up on the lesson.
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357 Pages·2011·1.36 MB·English
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Power and Witness (A Series of Sermons on the book of Acts) Pastor Bill Johnson Power and Witness: (A Series of Sermons on the book of Acts) Pastor Bill Johnson Copyright © 2010 William E. Johnson Table of Contents Preface ............................................................................................................................. x 1. Why Acts? .................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 It tells us what the early church did. .............................................................................. 2 It is an exciting book! ................................................................................................. 2 It encourages us to labor on while we await His return. ..................................................... 3 It demonstrates the power that the early church had, and that we should have today. ................ 4 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 4 2. Waiting for the Promise ................................................................................................... 6 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 6 The Proof .................................................................................................................. 6 The Promise .............................................................................................................. 7 The Departure ............................................................................................................ 9 The Waiting ............................................................................................................. 10 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 10 3. Numbered With The Eleven ............................................................................................ 12 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 12 There was a vacancy that needed filled. ........................................................................ 12 There was a reason for the vacancy. ............................................................................. 15 Only the Lord could fill the vacancy. ........................................................................... 15 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 16 4. The Importance of Being Together ................................................................................... 18 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 18 They were ALL ........................................................................................................ 19 With ONE ACCORD ................................................................................................ 20 in ONE PLACE ....................................................................................................... 22 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 23 5. What Happened In That Room? ....................................................................................... 25 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 25 They were baptized in the Holy Ghost. ......................................................................... 25 They were filled with the Spirit. .................................................................................. 26 They spoke in tongues. .............................................................................................. 27 They went soul winning ............................................................................................. 28 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 29 6. A Perfect Church? ......................................................................................................... 30 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 30 They continued in the apostles' doctrine... ..................................................................... 32 ... and fellowship... .................................................................................................... 34 ... and breaking of bread... .......................................................................................... 35 ... and prayers. ......................................................................................................... 35 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 36 7. What Are You Lookin' At? ............................................................................................. 38 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 38 The Miracle ............................................................................................................. 38 The Meaning ............................................................................................................ 40 The Message ............................................................................................................ 42 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 44 8. The Only Name ............................................................................................................ 46 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 46 By what name (vs. 7) ................................................................................................ 47 By the name of Jesus (vs. 10) ..................................................................................... 48 iii Power and Witness Stop using that name (vs. 18)) .................................................................................... 49 We can't stop using that name (vss. 19-20) .................................................................... 50 It is the only name (vs. 12) ........................................................................................ 50 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 52 9. Ananias and Sapphira .................................................................................................... 53 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 53 A and S forgot that ALL sin is against God. .................................................................. 55 A and S did not take the unity of the church seriously enough. .......................................... 55 A and S did not care enough about the needs of their brothers and sisters. ............................ 56 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 57 Invitation ................................................................................................................. 58 10. The Wisdom of Gamaliel .............................................................................................. 59 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 59 Suffering for Christ is Part of the Bargain. .................................................................... 59 Witnessing for Christ is Always Our Task. .................................................................... 60 Rejection of Christ is Often the Response. .................................................................... 61 Neutrality Toward Christ is Never Acceptable. ............................................................... 62 CONCLUSION - Victory in Christ is Already Ours. ....................................................... 62 11. Growing Pains ............................................................................................................ 65 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 65 There arose a complaint ............................................................................................. 65 It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God. .................................................. 67 Seek out from among you seven men. .......................................................................... 69 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 70 Invitation ................................................................................................................. 70 12. Stephen ...................................................................................................................... 72 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 72 Stephen Lived What He Advertised. ............................................................................. 73 Stephen Showed Us How A Christian Dies. ................................................................... 74 Stephen Was Christlike To The End ............................................................................ 76 Stephen Witnessed Even In Death. ............................................................................... 76 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 78 13. The Samaritans and the Sorcerer .................................................................................... 79 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 79 First, let's consider this passage HISTORICALLY. ......................................................... 79 Second, let's consider it THEOLOGICALLY. ................................................................ 81 Third, let's consider it PRACTICALLY. ....................................................................... 82 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 84 14. What Hinders Me? ....................................................................................................... 86 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 86 We could talk about Baptism ...................................................................................... 86 We could talk talk about witnessing ............................................................................. 87 We could talk about the Bible ..................................................................................... 88 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 90 15. The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus .................................................................................. 92 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 92 A light shown around him from heaven... ...................................................................... 93 Why are you persecuting Me? ..................................................................................... 94 It is hard for you to kick against the goads. ................................................................... 95 Lord, what do you want me to do? .............................................................................. 96 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 97 16. The Obedience of Saul of Tarsus ................................................................................... 99 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 99 He Got Up .............................................................................................................. 99 iv Power and Witness He Prayed .............................................................................................................. 100 He Was Immersed ................................................................................................... 101 He Hung With The Disciples .................................................................................... 102 He Witnessed ......................................................................................................... 103 He Grew ................................................................................................................ 104 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 105 17. Saul and his Brothers ................................................................................................. 106 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 106 ANANIAS - the RECEPTIVE or ACCEPTING brother ................................................. 107 BARNABUS - the ENCOURAGING brother. .............................................................. 109 NAMELESS BRETHREN - the PROTECTING brothers. ............................................... 110 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 111 18. As Peter Travelled ..................................................................................................... 112 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 112 God used Peter to spread the Gospel. .......................................................................... 112 God used miracles to spread the Gospel. ..................................................................... 113 God used somebody who was busy to spread the Gospel. ............................................... 114 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 116 19. Religiously Lost ........................................................................................................ 117 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 117 Cornelius was Influential .......................................................................................... 117 Cornelius was Devout .............................................................................................. 118 Cornelius Cared About His Family ............................................................................. 118 Cornelius Cared About the Poor ................................................................................ 119 Cornelius Was a Man of Prayer ................................................................................. 120 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 120 20. All People, Everywhere! ............................................................................................. 122 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 122 The Historical / Ecclesiological Perspective ................................................................. 122 The Personal (Peter's) Perspective .............................................................................. 124 A Question To Ponder ............................................................................................. 126 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 127 21. Pleasant Surprises ...................................................................................................... 129 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 129 Change is hard. ....................................................................................................... 130 Change is possible... and needed. ............................................................................... 131 We know what things SHOULD change because of the things that NEVER change! ............. 132 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 133 22. Lessons From Antioch ................................................................................................ 134 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 134 A couple lessons from the church, itself. ..................................................................... 134 Lessons from Barnabus ............................................................................................ 135 A Lesson From The Evangelists ................................................................................ 139 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 140 23. My Chains Are Gone ................................................................................................. 141 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 141 Senseless harassment by Herod .................................................................................. 141 Miraculous deliverance of Peter ................................................................................. 142 Powerful prayer meeting at Mary's house .................................................................... 145 Disastrous arrogance of Herod ................................................................................... 146 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 147 24. Growing, Busy, Listening, and Sending ......................................................................... 148 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 148 It was a growing church. .......................................................................................... 148 v Power and Witness It was a busy church. ............................................................................................... 149 It was a listening church. .......................................................................................... 151 It was a sending church ............................................................................................ 152 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 152 25. Five Men on an Island ................................................................................................ 154 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 154 Barnabas ................................................................................................................ 155 Bar-jesus / Elymas ................................................................................................... 155 Sergius Paulus ........................................................................................................ 157 Saul / Paul ............................................................................................................. 158 John Mark ............................................................................................................. 159 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 159 26. A Primer in Getting the Job Done ................................................................................. 160 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 160 Thoughts from the PREACHING. .............................................................................. 160 Thoughts from the PREACHER. ................................................................................ 163 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 166 27. Appointed to Eternal Life? .......................................................................................... 167 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 167 An overview - What did Calvin and Arminius teach about salvation? ................................ 168 A clarification - What does the Bible teach about salvation? ............................................ 171 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 172 28. "So" and "Therefore" .................................................................................................. 174 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 174 SO... ..................................................................................................................... 174 THEREFORE... ...................................................................................................... 178 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 180 29. Something is Missing in Lystra .................................................................................... 182 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 182 They put their eyes on the messenger, rather than putting their ears to the message. .............. 184 They were initially attracted to the excitement that accompanied the message, but when the excitement faded, so did their interest. ........................................................................ 185 They were willing to add Christianity to their lives, but not willing to be fundamentally changed by Christianity. ........................................................................................... 185 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 187 30. OK... So We Got Them Saved... Now What? .................................................................. 189 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 189 They organized the churches ..................................................................................... 191 They explained the realities of the faith ....................................................................... 191 They strengthened the souls of the disciples ................................................................. 192 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 194 31. The Jerusalem Council ................................................................................................ 195 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 195 Because people can be wrong. ................................................................................... 195 Because some truth is worth fighting for. .................................................................... 196 Because there is a right way to administer the local church. ............................................ 198 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 199 32. The Jerusalem Council - Part 2 .................................................................................... 201 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 201 What did they DO? ................................................................................................. 201 What did they DECIDE? .......................................................................................... 203 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 205 33. What Cost, Surrender? ................................................................................................ 207 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 207 vi Power and Witness Surrender Number One - To God ............................................................................... 207 Surrender Number Two - To Defeat and Hardship ........................................................ 209 Surrender Number Three - To God ............................................................................ 212 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 212 34. Round Two ............................................................................................................... 214 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 214 The makeup of the team was different. ....................................................................... 214 Their source of power had not changed. ...................................................................... 216 The goal and expected result had not changed. ............................................................. 217 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 219 35. Some Thoughts on the Macedonian Call ........................................................................ 220 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 220 God leads those who are busy. .................................................................................. 221 Sometimes God's leading feels bad. ............................................................................ 222 When God leads, there is only one right response. ......................................................... 223 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 223 36. A Glimpse Into the Soul of a Hero ............................................................................... 225 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 225 Patience With The Lost Among Men .......................................................................... 225 Trust In The Sovereignty Of God .............................................................................. 227 Concern For the Lost, Even Those Who Hurt Him ........................................................ 227 Care For The Church Of God .................................................................................... 228 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 229 37. Turning Your World Upside Down ............................................................................... 231 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 231 They PURPOSED ................................................................................................... 232 They PLODDED ..................................................................................................... 233 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 236 38. The Challenge of the Berean Christians ......................................................................... 238 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 238 They RECEIVED the Word. ..................................................................................... 239 They SEARCHED the Scriptures. .............................................................................. 240 They searched the Scriptures DAILY. ......................................................................... 241 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 242 39. With Paul in Athens ................................................................................................... 243 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 243 Paul was willing to go it alone. ................................................................................. 243 Paul wasted no opportunity to reach the lost world around him. ....................................... 244 Paul was affected by the lost world around him. ........................................................... 245 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 247 40. Next Stop - Corinth .................................................................................................... 249 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 249 The gospel works everywhere it is tried. ..................................................................... 250 Sometimes we need to make tents. ............................................................................. 251 Even great Christians get down. ................................................................................. 252 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 254 41. Apollos .................................................................................................................... 255 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 255 Apollos was willing to share what little he knew. .......................................................... 257 Apollos was willing to learn what he did not know. ....................................................... 258 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 258 42. Parking at Ephesus ..................................................................................................... 260 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 260 Parking Space # 1 - Confused People ........................................................................ 260 vii Power and Witness Parking Space # 2 - Hypocritical People .................................................................... 263 Parking Space # 3 - Repentant People ........................................................................ 264 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................... 265 43. Rioting in the Streets .................................................................................................. 266 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 266 PAUL'S MESSAGE WAS WORKING. ..................................................................... 266 PAUL'S VISION WAS BIG .................................................................................... 268 PAUL'S ENEMIES TESTIFIED ON HIS BEHALF! .................................................... 270 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 271 44. Going to Church with Paul .......................................................................................... 272 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 272 SUNDAY WAS THE DAY ..................................................................................... 273 PREACHING WAS THE WAY ............................................................................... 274 He must have been pretty good at it. ......................................................................... 275 People sleep through the best of sermons. ................................................................... 275 He must have had something to say. .......................................................................... 276 BREAKING BREAD TOOK PLACE ........................................................................ 276 THEY TALKED THINGS OVER FACE TO FACE .................................................... 277 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 278 45. The Measure of a Ministry .......................................................................................... 279 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 279 How He Lived ........................................................................................................ 279 What He Taught ..................................................................................................... 282 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 284 46. Expectations of Elders ................................................................................................ 285 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 285 Eldership must be first, a personal walk with God. ........................................................ 286 Eldership Includes Leadership. .................................................................................. 287 Eldership Includes Shepherding. ................................................................................ 288 Eldership Requires Perspective .................................................................................. 288 Eldership Demands Vigilence. ................................................................................... 289 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 290 47. Jerusalem? ................................................................................................................ 291 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 291 James and his Elders .............................................................................................. 292 Phillip and his Daughters ........................................................................................ 293 Paul and his Prophets ............................................................................................. 295 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 295 48. The Power of a Testimony .......................................................................................... 297 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 297 PAUL'S TESTIMONY - I WAS JUST LIKE YOU ...................................................... 297 PAUL'S TESTIMONY - BUT THEN I MET JESUS .................................................... 298 PAUL'S TESTIMONY - I AM DIFFERENT NOW ...................................................... 299 YOU AND I HAVE THE SAME TESTIMONY .......................................................... 300 You need to be able to articulate it - BECAUSE IT IS POWERFUL. ............................... 300 You need to be able to articulate your testimony - BECAUSE IT IS OUR FOCUS. ............. 301 You need to be albe to articulate your testimony - BECAUSE WE ARE COMMANDED TO. ....................................................................................................................... 301 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 301 49. Not Done With You yet, Paul ...................................................................................... 303 INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................. 303 Paul tried, again, to witness to them. ................................................................. 304 Paul reviled the High Priest (vs. 3) .................................................................... 304 Paul pitted the Pharisees against the Sadducees. (vs. 6) ......................................... 304 viii Power and Witness The rioting and arguing began again, and the Roman commander once again had to pull Paul away. ............................................................................................... 305 THE LORD STOOD BY HIM ................................................................................. 305 YOU HAVE TESTIFIED IN JERUSALEM ............................................................... 306 YOU MUST ALSO... IN ROME .............................................................................. 307 CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................... 308 50. Things God Uses ....................................................................................................... 309 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 309 Ordinary People ...................................................................................................... 309 Paul's Testimony. .................................................................................................... 312 His Matchless Power! .............................................................................................. 313 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 314 Invitation: .............................................................................................................. 314 51. Reasons, or Excuses? .................................................................................................. 316 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 316 The Reasons of Paul ................................................................................................ 317 The "Reasons" of Felix and Drusilla. .......................................................................... 321 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 322 52. Festus ...................................................................................................................... 324 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 324 FACT # 1 - The Bible Is A Reliable Document. ........................................................... 325 FACT # 2 - The Best Of Men Are Unreliable. .............................................................. 327 FACT # 3 - We Can Always Rely On God. ................................................................. 327 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 328 53. Almost Persuaded ....................................................................................................... 330 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 330 Festus .................................................................................................................... 331 Bernice .................................................................................................................. 331 Agrippa ................................................................................................................. 332 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 334 54. Bon Voyage .............................................................................................................. 336 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 336 When the south wind blew softly. ( vs. 13 ) ................................................................. 336 All hope was given up. ( vs. 20 ) ............................................................................... 337 God got them through it. .......................................................................................... 338 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 340 55. The Final Chapter ...................................................................................................... 341 Introduction: ........................................................................................................... 341 We learn that when God starts to do something, He finishes it. ........................................ 341 We learn still more about Paul .................................................................................. 342 We are reminded, once again, of the theme of the book of Acts. ...................................... 344 We are reminded, one last time, of the star of the book of Acts. ....................................... 345 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................ 346 ix Preface This series of sermons was preached on Sunday Mornings in 2010 and 2011, at the Friendship Bible Church in Randolph, Ohio. Each chapter, for the most part, contains an individual sermon, just as it was preached. The series title was obtained from the key verse in Acts - But you shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and you shall be WITNESSes unto me, both in Jerusalem, and Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. The author has attempted to ensure that due credit is given for all citations contained herein. However, if something was missed, please contact the author at: Pastor Bill Johnson P.O. Box 341 Randolph, OH 44265 <[email protected]> x

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Where the gospel of Luke ends, the Acts of the Apostles picks up. When everyone has finished painting, an artist goes over the entire Samaritan who came back to give thanks, but they apparently didn't pick up on the lesson.
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