Acts - The Unstoppable Church - James 1-2

Homiletics                                             Study – Acts & Letter of Apostles

Lesson     28                                                     Passage: James 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

James tells of trials, tests, and temptations (James 1:1-18) a. Greeting to 12 Tribes (1:1) b. Persevering under trials tests our faith (1:2-4) c. Ask God if we lack wisdom (1:5-8) d. Be humble followers (1:9-11) e. Perseverance under trial is blessed with the crown of life (1:12) f. Temptation is not from God, but our evil desires  (1:13-15) g. Good and perfect gifts are from God; He is consistent and gave us the word of truth (1:16-18)

James asks believers to take note of their Christian conduct (James 1:19-2:13) a. Believers are to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (1:19-21) b. Listen to the word and do what it says (1:22-25) c. Believers “Keep your tongue in check” don’t be polluted by the world (1:26-27) d. Believers don’t show favoritism; don’t be judges with evil thoughts (2:1-7) e. Love your neighbor; favoritism is sin (2:8-11) f. Mercy triumphs over judgment (2:12-13)

James describes faith in action (James 2:14-26) a. Faith without deeds is dead faith (2:14-17) b. Faith and Deeds go together “hand-in-hand” (2:18-19) c. Faith without deeds is useless; with deeds demonstrates faith as demonstrated in Abraham credited righteous and God’s friend  (2:20-23) d. Righteousness is considered by what we do and not only by declaring our faith (2:24-26)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

James tells of trials, tests, and temptations	James 1:1-18
James asks believers to take note of their Christian conduct	James 1:19-2:13
James describes faith in action	James 2:14-26

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words

James describes believers' trials, temptations, conduct, and active faith.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATLT believers' faith is proved in our life walk through difficulties, how we treat others and faith in action.

Specific Application Questions

1	What wisdom in your daily walk do you need to ask for God’s help?  Be specific!
2	How is your Christian walk noteworthy?  How are you reflecting Christ in your current situation?
3	When called to act out your faith what are you doing? How does it demonstrate the righteousness of God in you?

Principles to Remember

1	A crown of life is for those who persevere
2	Mercy triumphs over judgment
3	Useful faith demonstrates God’s righteousness

Characteristic of God

Author of Faith

Theme

Sometimes trials, temptation, tests but active faith demonstrates God’s righteousness in us. Faith is visible.

God’s Word  - What’s happening?

God’s Heart – What does God care about?

Today’s World – How does this connect to what is happening in my world today?

Acts - The Unstoppable Church - Acts 27-28

Homiletics                                             Study – Acts & Letter of Apostles

Lesson     27                                                     Passage: Acts 27-28

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Paul sails to Rome with Shipwreck protection (Acts 27) a. Paul and other prisoners handed over to centurion (27:1-2) b. Arrive at Sidon where Paul visits friends (27:3) c. Put out to sea arriving at Fair Havens (27:4-8) d. Paul warning ignored and meet hurricane near Crete (27:9-15) e. Ships crew abandonment thwarted (27:16-20) f. Paul’s encouragement to sailors, soldiers and fellow prisoners (27:21-38) g. Making land and centurion desire to save Paul (27:39-44)

Paul’s welcome with unusual kindness to him during the stay in Malta (Acts 28:1-10) a. Unusual kindness showed as they reached land  (28:1-2) b. Paul was bitten by viper bringing false judgments about his character (28:3-6) c. Public official’s father healed by Paul with others brought for healing. (28:7-10)

Paul’s arrival in Rome, his greeting and ministry (Acts 28:11-31) a. Paul sails and arrives in Italy and encouraged by believers (28:11-15) b. Paul tell Jewish leaders about how he came to be in Rome (28:16-20) c. Paul is requested to share about Christianity  (28:21-22) d. Paul shares about the kingdom of God from the Law of Moses and Prophets trying to persuade faith in Jesus (28:23-28) e. Paul continues to proclaim Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance (28:30-31)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Paul sails to Rome with Shipwreck protection	Acts 27
Paul’s welcome with unusual kindness to him during the stay in Malta	Acts 28:1-10
Paul’s arrival in Rome, his greeting and ministry	Acts 28:11-31

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words

Paul ministers through hardship, shipwreck, healing, and opportunity; telling Jesus.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATLT in all of life circumstances we are to declare boldly the message of God’s love to us in Jesus Christ.

Specific Application Questions

1	What adventures in faith are you being called to?
2	How can you bring the love of Jesus to others in your current circumstance?
3	When called to share Jesus, in what ways can you encourage others in Faith?

Principles to Remember

1	Trust in God demonstrates our faith
2	Demonstrate freely our faith
3	Be bold in sharing Jesus

Characteristic of God

Our Guardian

Theme

Faith in God requires open communication with Him and to others in boldness.

God’s Word  - What’s happening?

God’s Heart – What does God care about?

Today’s World – How does this connect to what is happening in my world today?

Acts - The Unstoppable Church - Acts 24-26

Homiletics                                             Study – Acts & Letter of Apostles

Lesson     26                                                     Passage: Acts 24-26

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Paul’s testimony before Felix (Acts 24) a. High priest Ananias bring charges against Paul (24:1-9) b. Paul denies proof of charges (24:10-13) c. Paul admits to hope in God, a follower of the way,  and resurrection of the dead (24:14-16) d. Paul shares of bringing offerings (24:17) e. Paul declares there was no crime (24:18-21) f. Felix puts Paul under guard and listens him speak of faith in Jesus (24:22-27)

Paul’s testimony to Porcius Festus (Acts 25:1-21) a. Festus arrives and goes to Jerusalem where Jewish leaders request Paul be transferred to Jerusalem  (25:1-3) b. Festus invites leaders to come to Caesarea (25:4-5) c. Festus convenes court; Jews bring charges but could not prove them (25:6-7) d. Paul makes defense and declares he will be tried in Caesar’s court (25:8-12) e. Festus discusses the case with King Agrippa (25:13-21)

Paul’s hearing and testimony before King Agrippa (Acts 25:22-26:32) a. King Agrippa requests to hear Paul himself  (25:22-23) b. Festus presents Paul to Agrippa with Paul request to send to Rome (25:24-25) c. Unreasonable to send a prisoner to Rome without charge  (25:26-27) d. Paul presents God’s resurrection to Agrippa (26:1-8) e. Paul tells of meeting Jesus on Damascus road (26:9-14) f. Paul shares his commission from Jesus to preach to Jews and Gentiles (26:15-23) g. Festus questions Paul’s sanity (26:24) h. Paul tries to persuade Agrippa of Jesus (26:25-32

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Paul’s testimony before Felix	Acts 21:16-22:29
Paul’s testimony to Porcius Festus	Acts 25:1-21
Paul’s hearing and testimony before King Agrippa	Acts 25:22-26:32

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words

Paul is brought before Felix, Festus and Agrippa declaring Jesus.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATLT we are to declare Jesus boldly no matter the circumstance.  There is a reason for faith.

Specific Application Questions

1	What do you admit to?  If there were charges that you were a Christ follower how could they prove it?
2	What defense could you offer for your faith?
3	We have a commission from God, what is your part in fulfilling that commission?

Principles to Remember

1	Faith must be visibly lived.
2	God protects
3	Truth requires action to belief

Characteristic of God

Provides life direction

Theme

When called to defend our faith we must be bold.

God’s Word  - What’s happening?

God’s Heart – What does God care about?

Today’s World – How does this connect to what is happening in my world today?

Acts - The Unstoppable Church - Acts 21:16-23:35

Homiletics                                             Study – Acts & Letter of Apostles

Lesson     25                                                     Passage: Acts 21:16-23:35

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Paul arrives in Jerusalem providing defense for ministry to hostile Jews (Acts 21:16-22:29) a. Paul arrives to warm greeting from Jerusalem church  (21:16-25) b. Paul purifies himself and goes to temple (21:26-29) c. Paul seized and dragged from the temple (21:30) d. Paul saved from the angry crowd by Roman Commander and Troops (21:31-36) e. Paul request Commander to allow him to speak to the crowd (21:37-40) f. Paul shares his Christ story to the crowd (22:1-22) g. Paul is taken to be flogged and identifies himself as a Roman citizen (22:24-29)

Paul’s defense before Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30-23:11) a. Commander orders Chief Priest and Sanhedrin to assemble and hear Paul  (22:30) b. Paul tells of his duty to God; receiving slap and rebuke (23:1-5) c. Paul’s defense brings Pharisee and Sadducee animosity towards each other (23:6-10) d. Lord speaks to Paul saying take courage; telling of ministry in Rome (23:11)

Conspiracy to kill Paul moves him to Roman protection in Caesarea (Acts 23:12-35) a. Jews form conspiracy and take a solemn oath to kill Paul  (23:12-15) b. Paul’s sister’s son tells Paul of a plot  (23:16) c. Paul tell centurion to take sister’s son to the commander to tell of the plot  (23:17-22) d. Centurion commander sends Paul with a note of explanation to Governor Felix(23-33) e. Paul kept under guard at Herod’s palace waiting for accusers (34-35)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Paul arrives in Jerusalem providing defense for ministry to hostile Jews	Acts 21:16-22:29
Paul’s defense before Sanhedrin	Acts 22:30-23:11
Conspiracy to kill Paul moves him to Roman protection in Caesarea	Acts 23:12-35

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words

Paul arrives in Jerusalem to hostile Jews ready to kill

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATLT in hostility and uncertainty God has a plan for us.

Specific Application Questions

1	What is your personal story of Jesus?  How are you ministering for the gospel that will bring a response?
2	What defense of the gospel can you give?
3	How do you see God’s protection?  How can you trust more in the goodness of God?

Principles to Remember

1	Sharing the Gospel is good news to those who believe.
2	God encourages us as we minister for Him
3	God uses circumstances for His good

Characteristic of God

Encourager

Theme

Paul boldly shares God’s ministry through him to the Gentiles.

God’s Word  - What’s happening?

God’s Heart – What does God care about?

Today’s World – How does this connect to what is happening in my world today?

Acts - The Unstoppable Church - 1 Corinthians 15-16

Homiletics                                             Study – Acts & Letter of Apostles

Lesson     24                                                     Passage: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Gospel affirmed in resurrected Jesus  (1 Corinthians 15:1-34) a. Gospel reminder  (1-2) b. Christ fulfilled scriptures in His death and resurrection for our Sins (3) c. Resurrection evidence through appearances to many witnesses (4-8) d. Paul’s apostleship (9-11) e. Resurrection of dead evidenced in Christ our hope (12-19) f. First fruits – made alive in Christ (20-23) g. Enemies under Christ feet destroyed even death (24-28) h. Resurrection is real  a reason to boast  (29-34)

Resurrected imperishable immortal  Victory in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:35-58) a. Heavenly bodies is different than earthly; a unique splendor  (35-41) b. Spiritual body is imperishable. (42-44) c. Comparison of earthly and heavenly body (45-53) d. God gives us victory through Jesus Christ our Lord (54-58)

Stand firm in Faith; do all in love (1 Corinthians 16) a. The collection process  (1-4) b. Paul’s itinerary  (5-9) c. Take care of Timothy and treat him kindly  (10-11) d. Apollos travel plans (12) e. Urging Christians to do everything in love (13-18) f. Paul’s final salutation to Corinthian church (19-24)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Gospel affirmed in resurrected Jesus	1 Corinthians 15:1-34
Resurrected imperishable immortal  Victory in Jesus	1 Corinthians 15:35-58
Stand firm in Faith; do all in love	1 Corinthians 16

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words

Gospel’s victory affirmed through resurrected Jesus to Corinthian Christ followers

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATLT victory is found only in the provision of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Specific Application Questions

1	What do you need to place before Jesus right now?
2	Where are your doubts?  What action should you take to remove those doubts?
3	How could you demonstrate God’s love in those things before you now?

Principles to Remember

1	Gospel is in resurrected Jesus.
2	Victory is in Jesus
3	Love is foundation of faith

Characteristic of God

Our victory

Theme

Resurrection Victory is in Jesus Christ; death has no sting with Him.

God’s Word  - What’s happening?

God’s Heart – What does God care about?

Today’s World – How does this connect to what is happening in my world today?

Acts - The Unstoppable Church - 1 Corinthians 8-14

Homiletics                                             Study – Acts & Letter of Apostles

Lesson     23                                                     Passage: 1 Corinthians 8-14

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Avoid being a stumbling block and our rights as followers  (1 Corinthians 8-11:1) a. Basics – Love Builds up  (8:1-2) b. Food offered to idols is a stumbling block to weak (8:3-8) c. Caution – Exercise of your rights could destroy faith and is a sin (8:9-13) d. Right to earn a living (9:1-18) e. Paul’s desire to win to others to gospel drives life choices (9:19-27) f. Example: Ancestors set hearts of evil things (10:1-12) g. Temptation is common – God is faithful; providing endurance (10:13) h. While we are many we are part of one body (10:14-22) i. Seek the good of others; do for glory of God (10:23-33)

Avoid divisions and be discerning followers (1 Corinthians 11:2-34) a. God’s hierarchy honor and not disgrace  in relationships (men and woman; with God) (11:2-16) b. Care in coming together for meetings and meals to not exclude and leave some out humiliating some. (11:17-22) c. Lord supper described (11:23-26) d. Examine and be discerning ourselves before partaking of Lord supper (11:27-32) e. Avoid judgment – eat together in unity (11:33-34)

Seek the more excellent way  building each other up in Love (1 Corinthians 12-14) a. Church body is comprised with those with different spiritual gifts  (12:1-14) b. No division in the body – all are indispensable (12:15-26) c. We are the body of Christ; desiring greater gifts??? Paul tell of more excellent way  (12:27-31) d. Excellent way described – Love (13:1-13) e. Desire gifts of the Spirit – Prophecy (14:1-5) f. Excel in things that lift up church; speak intelligible words (14:6-25) g. Everything in church should be done to build each other up (14:26-28) h. Conduct worship in fitting and orderly way (14:29-40)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Avoid being a stumbling block and our rights as followers	1 Corinthians 8-11:1
Avoid divisions and be discerning followers	1 Corinthians 11:2-34
Seek the more excellent way  building each other up in Love	1 Corinthians 12-14

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words

Corinthians instructed in excellent living and body unity with Spirit.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATLT living a life of Love respects the value and gifts of each member of the Body of Christ.

Specific Application Questions

1	Where could you be a stumbling block for others? What can you do to be more encouraging of each other in faith?
2	What can you do to bring unity to the church and be more inclusive?
3	Is there something that God is calling you to do to encourage others in faith?

Principles to Remember

1	God is faithful; he will provide a way to endure temptation.
2	Unity and Discernment proclaim Jesus
3	We are one body in Christ with many Spiritual gifts

Characteristic of God

Source of Everything our Head

Theme

Unity and loving encouragement for weaker followers; living to encourage faith in others.

God’s Word  - What’s happening?

God’s Heart – What does God care about?

Today’s World – How does this connect to what is happening in my world today?