Article posted on Christianity Today, written by Alister McGrath (Alister McGrath is Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University, president of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and author). On a beautiful May morning in 1973, my Christian life took a decisive turn. I had converted to Christianity 18 months before, in […]
Book of Acts: Verses about Receiving the Holy Spirit
In preparation for this Sunday’s sermon, meditate on these verses. Acts 2 38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 8 14 When the apostles who were at […]
Acts 6-7: Overflow
What drives you? What drove Stephen, the first martyr of the church? In our culture of performance, isn’t it tough to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over the work we do for Jesus? Discussion Questions – What drives you? Is It the Lord? Phil 3:8 – do you agree with Paul’s testimony that nothing can […]
Light for a Dark World: The Story of Tope Koleoso
His plans were frustrated again by a lousy generator. No matter how many times he pulled the rope, it would not start up. He was used to his rented generators stopping intermittently during his itinerant work in these remote parts of Nigeria, but tonight was the first time a generator wouldn’t even start. There was […]
Acts 5: Scare the Hell Out of You
Why does God seem to judge the sin of hypocrisy in Ananias and Sapphira by killing them? Don’t we all sin and so why doesn’t God judge us in the same way? Discussion Questions – If God never changes, He is same yesterday, today, forever, then why does He treat the hypocrisy of Ananias and […]
Acts 4: Should We Pray for Signs and Wonders?
In Acts 4:29-30, the early church prayed for 2 things: 1) boldness to preach and 2) that the Lord would stretch out His hand for healing, signs and wonders. Should the church today be praying this same prayer? Discussion Questions – Here are some ways to read the OT: 1) civil/ceremonial/moral laws – only the […]