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Some Principles for Servant Living

Jim Leffel

Acts 15:36-16:40

Paul's second missionary journey reveals several principles about living lives as servants. The first principle is that God works through broken people, as evidenced through the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. It also shows the need for servants of God to take chances, be challenged and grow from failure. Secondly, servants of God will relate to the culture around us, while remaining distinct, to reflect God to those who don't know Him. Lastly, servants who want to be used by God are led by the Holy Spirit. Practicing these principles will keep us effective in glorifying God with our lives.

Keywords

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Good News Comes to Philippi

Jim Leffel

Acts 16:11-40

During Paul's second missionary journey, he makes a stop at the city of Philippi. During their time at Philippi, they encounter many different people that all come to faith in Jesus. The first is Lydia, a wealthy and single woman selling purple fabrics that is seeking God. The second is a possessed slave girl that is liberated through the good news of God's grace and freed from her bondage. Lastly, the Philppian jailer, while initially uninterested and unmerciful, is shown mercy and comes to know Jesus after coming to the end of his self. Each of these encounters in Philippi reflect the principle that God meets us where we're at and provides us with what we need to find him.

Keywords

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First Mission to the Gentiles (Part 3) The Jerusalem Council

Jim Leffel

Galatians 2:11-16

Paul and Barnabas go up to Jerusalem to figure out the issue of salvation and how it pertains to circumcision, something the Judaizers had begun teaching to others. The issue being discussed among the Council was if circumcision was necessary across cultures, and not simply for the sect of the Jewish people. Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James all come to agreement that God saved people through grace, not by circumcision or works of the Law. They want to encourage the Gentiles to use their freedom in Christ to love others.

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 15:1-21","passageabreviated": "Acts 15:1-21","passagetiny": "Acts 15:1-21","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "02/...

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First Mission to the Gentiles (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Acts 13:1-39

Barnabas and Saul are commissioned by the Christians in Antioch and sent to Cyprus and then Galatia. On their missionary journey they encounter spiritual opposition, and have the chance to speak before a governor. Through this passage we see that being sent by God involves prayer, the direction of the the Holy Spirit, and consistency with God's calling. We are also commissioned to spread the same message of grace and freedom!

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Being Barnabas

Jim Leffel

Acts 11:19-26

Barnabas is sent to Antioch, where the followers of Christ eventually are first called Christians. He is greatly built up by what he finds and rejoices in God's goodness. True to his name, "Son of Encouragement" Barnabas builds up the church through the power of the Holy Spirit, and later recruits Paul to spend a year there with him teaching and encouraging the church. We can also build others up, being an advocate for them as we impart God's love and grace. \r\n\r\n

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The Other Side of the Tracks

Jim Leffel

Luke 15:1-7

As persecution increases, Saul of Tarsus enters the scene as a great enemy of Christians. Philip goes to proclaim the message of Christ in Samaria, bridging a cultural gap made from 1000 years of enmity and prejudice. We can also bridge the gaps in our culture, reaching those in our community with whom we are not naturally connected. \r\n\r\n

Keywords

{"passage": "Acts 8:1-8","passageabreviated": "Acts 8:1-8","passagetiny": "Acts 8:1-8","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "11/18/2012"}

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Marriage Evangelism

Scott Risley

1 Peter 3:1-9

In many different religions and cultures, women are not respected and have no rights. The Bible, however, has a high view of women. Peter is speaking to Christian wives who have non-Christian husbands. He explains how to live as Christians while loving and submitting to their husbands. Peter advises these women to a silent witness in order to win their husbands over by their behavior: respecting their husbands, avoiding casting suspicion, and not focusing on the world's view of beauty. Peter also calls on husbands to honor their wives by being faithful, gentle, and considering their needs.

Keywords

{"passage": "1 Peter 3:1-9","passageabreviated": "1 Pet 3:1-9","passagetiny": "1Pet 3:1-9","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "11/...

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Confrontation and Persecution

Jim Leffel

Acts 7

Persecution continues in the early church. Stephen is accused of blasphemy, and is put on trial. He gives his defense before the court, reminding them of God's grace and provision throughout history. Stephen understood God's heart - what He cared for the most - do we display that same understanding? If so, we should be telling others! The same God of History that Stephen speaks of is with us too. \r\n

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Witnesses in a Hostile World

Scott Risley

1 Peter 2:11-25

Peter reminds his audience that they are different than those who don't believe in Christ and they should live differently for their own good and for their witness to others. Believers can represent Christ in a hostile world by expecting slander, not being needlessly offensive, communicating with kindness, and being proactive with good deeds. Christ is the ultimate example.

Keywords

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