The sermon for July 26th 2015 is now available on the New Life web-site.
In this sermon which is based on Acts 10:1-48. I talk aobut the importance of dreams and visions today.
Acts
Today’s Sermon
Today’s Sermon
The sermon for June 21st is now available on the New Life web-site.
In this sermon, which is based on Acts 3:1-26, I talk about Power to Heal the Lame.
click here to listen or here for the mp3
Today’s Sermon
Today’s Sermon
Reflection on Acts 2:1-21
Scripture
“No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel.”
Observation
It is the Jewish feast of Pentecost and all the believers are together. Suddenly there is a sound like a mighty wind-storm, and something that looks like tongues of fire appears ad settles on each one.
Everyone is filled with the Holy Spirit and they begin peaking in tongues. Onlookers from around the world are amazed at the noise and the fact that they can hear the believers praising God in their own native languages.
Some mock them as being drunk, but Peter refutes this . This is the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all people.
Application
The Holy Spirit is the birth right of all born again believers. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the power that makes evangelism, and all ministry, possible.
We all need a regular infilling, a “top up” of Holy Spirit power because it is so easy to take our attention away from the presence of God and focus on the things we can see.
The gift of tongues is the gateway gift to the other gifts. If we let Holy Spirit control our tongue, He has control of every part of us.
“All flesh”, every true follower of Jesus, has access to the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. Call on Him today.
Prayer
Holy Spirit come. Come and fill me in the same way you filled those early disciples. Empower me, equip me, overflow in me. Amen.
Today’s Sermon
Reflection on Acts 1:12-26
Scripture
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women and the brothers of Jesus.
Observation
The disciples, along with some of the women including Mary and Jesus’ brothers, spend their time seeking God in prayer.
During this time, on one occasion when 120 believers were together, Peter said that Judas’ treachery had been foretold, but now it was time to replace him. The selected person would have to be someone who had followed Jesus throughout His ministry. They proposed Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias and then prayerfully used lots to select Matthias.
Application
The disciples had been told to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They used this time of waiting productively in prayer- not just any prayer but constant, united prayer.
They did not wait idly or disinterestedly. They waited prayerfully, seeking God and preparing their hearts for the day when the Holy Spirit would be given.
During this time Peter seems to have been listening to the Lord as he was reminded that they needed to fill the place of Judas. This was a big step, as previously it was Jesus who called the apostles.
When we spend time with the Lord in prayer, He will speak to us about the big and bold steps we need to take.
Prayer
Lord help me to pray more- more often, more passionately, more faithfully. Amen
Today’s Sermon
Reflection on Acts 10:44-48
Scripture
Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.
Observation
Peter is talking to the the people in Cornelius’ household.
As Peter shares the gospel with them, the Holy Spirit falls on all who are listening and they begin to speak in tongues and praise God. The Jewish believers with Peter are amazed at this.
Since these Gentile believers have been baptised in the Holy Spirit, Peter arranges for them to be baptised in water. He then stays with Cornelius for several days.
Application
God keeps breaking out of the box religion tries to keep Him restrained in.
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on “all flesh.” In the Old Testament it had been just the prophets, priests and kings who received the Holy Spirit. In the church age, the Holy Spirit is for everyone, even those who are not Jews.
When somebody receives the Holy Spirit, we know they must be born again- even if they don’t fit our picture of what a christian should look like.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, come and fill me to overflowing. Amen.
New Life Narrabri 