Advent: The Arrival - Prepare the Way
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Isaiah 40:3-4
We celebrate the preparation of Jesus coming.
I. God created the way. (vs. 3b-4)
II. John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way. (Matthew 3:1-13, 11)
III. We join in preparing the way.
Worship Service begins at 25:10
Sermon begins at 43:45
Advent: The Arrival - Hope
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus is our greatest hope.
I. Hope placed in the things of this world will fail.
II. Hope placed in Jesus is sound and secure.
III. We can face tomorrow with our hope placed in Jesus.
Taking Root: Destroying Strongholds
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 16:16-34
The gospel of Jesus has power to destroy strongholds.
I. The stronghold of condemning law.
II. The stronghold of evil.
III. The stronghold of human arrogance.
Taking Root: Sharing the Gospel
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 16:11-15
Every believer needs to take the first step in spreading the gospel.
I. Begin looking for those who will listen.
II. Depend on God to open hearts.
III. Every convert has connections to others who need to hear the gospel.
Taking Root: On the Road Again
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 15:36-16:10
Paul begins his second missionary journey.
Observations as the gospel is spread:
I. Conflicts will come even among believers.
II. Sacrifice will be needed to win the world.
III. Submission to GPS (God's Positioning System).
Taking Root: Protect the Word
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 15:1, 5
Keep the gospel message pure.
I. Address whatever distorts the gospel.
II. Discuss with those who attempt to change the message.
III. Decide according to God's leading. (vs. 7-17)
IV. Declare the pure message. (vs. 19)
Taking Root: Kingdom Tough
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 14:1-7
God's people are made to endure.
The means for strength: (vs. 21-23)
I. Strength is found in teaching.
A. Be faithful.
B. The way is difficult.
II. Strength is found in solid leadership.
Taking Root: Jealousy or Joy
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 13:23-52
Salvation belongs to God, take it or leave it.
I. God's salvation is exactly what is needed. (vs. 38-41)
II. There are many who find God's salvation unacceptable. (vs. 44-46)
III. Those who accept His salvation find joy. (vs. 52)
Taking Root: Equipped
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 13:4-12
God has equipped us to go.
Two essentials God has made available:
I. Holy Spirit
II. Truth
Taking Root: Sent
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 13:1-12
The Church must be mission focused.
I. We must be attentive to God's leading.
II. We must be prepared to send people out.
III. Those sent out need ongoing support. (13:4-12)
Taking Root: HELP!
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 12:1-19
God acts when His people pray.
Lessons about prayer:
I. Tragedy and trouble leads to earnest prayer.
II. God is able to deliver. (12:20-23)
III. Pray for the continued spread of God's word. (12:24)
Taking Root: The Christ People
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 11:19-26
The follower of Christ can be recognized
I. They are recognized through God's grace.
II. They are givers and receivers of encouragement.
III. They are focused on growth in learning.
Taking Root: Facing Criticism
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 111:1-18
Whenever God brings change criticism follows.
Actions to address criticism:
I. Address the problem.
II. Defend the change carefully.
III. Move on and follow God's direction.
Taking Root: An Invitation for All
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 10:23-48
I. It requires willing servants of Jesus.
II. Know your audience.
III. Know that God is working.
Taking Root: Breaking Barriers
Speaker: Matthew Johnson
Text: Acts 10:1-23
I. Submission (10:1-8)
II. Sanctification (10:9-20)
III. Obedience (10:21-23a)
Family Ministry Sunday
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
I. Fostering the Family of God
II. Reach / Teach / Connect
Taking Root: Ministry to God's Family
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 9:32-43
The Church continues to minister to believers.
I. For those faced with health crises we should look for healing.
II. Where Jesus is actively working people will be drawn to Him.
Taking Root: Unwanted
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 9:19-31
When you are changed through Jesus, life around you changes as well.
I. Conversion and commission go together.
II. Rejection is going to happen.
III. Acceptance will be there as you join God's family.
Taking Root: Kingdom Asset
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 9:3-18
God takes a disadvantage and creates a kingdom advantage.
I. Everything can change once you know that Jesus lives.
II. The wicked can be saved through God's amazing grace.
III. By His grace we become an advantage for the Kingdom.
Taking Root: One on One
Speaker: Ronnie Roberts
Text: Acts 8:26-39
We have a message that people need to hear.
I. Does God want me to tell others?
II. How will God direct me?
III. How will I know what to say?
