Sermon ‘Citizenship Concerns’ (Acts 21:37-22:29) by Ken D Noakes is available in audio and video: http://bit.ly/2BHM4p5
Read the Bible text: http://bit.ly/2BZkK6o
Read the English support notes: http://bit.ly/2C02E4l
Outline, Workings and Script for this Talk – Acts 21.37-22.29
Michelle
Michelle had never considered herself to be a particularly bad person, so why did she feel the need to repent?
‘For as long as I can remember, I have believed that the Bible tells the truth about who Jesus is. My parents were believers and our family went to church every week. My parents’ faith and lifestyle of ministry and service was always a household priority. My mum was unwell throughout much of my childhood, and her bed-based Bible reading, prayer life and unwavering faith was very noticeable to me. So too was my dad’s commitment to Mum and us children, and his trust in God despite Mum’s very difficult health circumstances.
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Caroline
What was the problem that Caroline faced?
I became a believer in Jesus because I realised that just being a good person wasn’t good enough. As a child, I knew a little about God—I believed that he was there, and he was powerful, and I would pray to him occasionally—but I didn’t have a relationship with him. When I was in primary school, my mother was diagnosed with cancer again, and over the next year or so of her illness, I particularly saw my parents living out their faith in Jesus. Mum died when I was 10, and I know that she is, and will be, living with Jesus forever. Continue reading
James
Why was James labelled by his school classmates as a ‘square’, ‘goody-goody-two-shoes’ and ‘teacher’s pet’?
‘I was the good kid—the one who obeyed the rules and did what the teachers asked. Why did I behave like that? Was it because I thought my efforts would earn me rewards? Was I seeking accolades and recognition? Was I trying to make up for something bad I’d done in the past?
Your ‘testimony’ is the testimony of Christ and what he has done in your life. As such for your christian testimony to be worth anything, it should be a testimony to Jesus using you as the example!
The Apostle Peter helpfully challenges Christians to be ready to speak about Jesus when he says:
‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’ – 1 Peter 3:15
So some tips for writing your testimony…
On Sunday we looked at ‘Discipleship’ at Church – and as Trinity City strives, by God’s grace, to be a healthy discipler-making church, I asked the question ‘How has 5pm Church encouraged you this year to grow as a disciple of Jesus?
Here is what you said….
Duncan
What is it about God that most amazes Duncan?
‘The Gospel brings me to tears. After Jesus’ resurrection, his friends failed to immediately recognise him, but he was gracious and gentle in revealing himself until they finally saw and embraced him. When I reflect on this it brings me to tears because it is so similar with me! We can know Jesus well and yet not recognise him. We often fail to honour and love the one who loves us most.
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Ken
‘I came to Christ kicking and screaming! Well, I put up a fight.
‘By the time I was 20 I had been told what “sin” was numerous times, but I hadn’t yet realised I was guilty of it!
‘“Sin”, my mate said, “is when you think you are better than God.”
Bernie
Confronted by racism, attacks and threats, Bernie’s welcome to Australia was not what he expected. But then he found a group of people who were totally different—they were welcoming, inclusive and caring. What was the reason behind their actions?
churchcentralonline.com 