The Book of Acts

#1 - The Commission of the Church

January 1, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

Prior to His ascension, Jesus gave a mission statement to His disciples, explaining to them what they were to do and how and where it was to happen. This work that He began would now continue through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Although Peter and Paul would be the prominent ministers in the book of Acts, they would not be the central character; that position was reserved for Christ alone.

#2 - The Birth of the Church

January 8, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

Jesus ascended to His throne 40 days after His death. The following ten days were spent in intense prayer and waiting upon the Lord by the 120 followers He left behind. Then "suddenly" on the Day of Pentecost, Jesus fulfilled His promise to baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire! The effects in the spiritual realm and on the city of Jerusalem would change the course of world history.

#3 - The Growth of the Church

January 15, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

The first order of business for the apostles after Pentecost was discipling and organizing 3,000 new believers! It was a time of great excitement as God's Spirit moved freely through the primitive Church. One day, the Lord healed a lame man through Peter and John. Then came a stirring message--adding another 2,000 believers to the burgeoning Church--followed by opposition of the enemy. But the disciples refused to be intimidated or to stifle their testimony of the Messiah.

#4 - The Early Church

January 22, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

A great devotion to the Lord, fear of displeasing Him, deep fellowship and unity--even to the point of sharing possessions--characterized the primitive Church. In this section, Luke introduces Barnabas, a man "filled with the Spirit," and then begins the fearful story of Ananias & Sapphira, who allowed Satan to fill their hearts with deception.

#5 - The Witness of the Church

January 29, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

Through a dispensing of responsibilities, a man of the spirit and power came into leadership in the early church. And even though Stephens life and ministry wasn't long, his witness planted a seed in the heart of certain Pharisee.

#6 - Expansion of the Church

February 5, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

No one expected to be driven from the city to city from fear of a blood hungry Pharisee. But what the enemy had intended for evil, the Lord used to expand the church and spread the news of the gospel. It would have taken generations, perhaps, to accomplish what persecution did in one day.

#7 - God's Purpose for the Church

February 12, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

The two leading cities of Palestine represented the clash of two cultures. Jerusalem had a long history of a Jewish religion that had gone bad. Caesarea represented pagan culture and Roman domination. Naturally speaking, it would be impossible for the struggling new Church of Jerusalem to bridge the gulf separating the two. But God is a God of the impossible!

#8 - Opposition to the Church

February 19, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

Opposition was not uncommon to the early church. The religious leaders thought they could overthrow it. Herod even sought to stamp it out. And Satan continues to act in his same delusional notion thinking that he can stop God's work on the earth. Yet for His own sovereign purposes, the Lord allows Satan to oppose His people, but it is always held in check by the boundaries He establishes. "You may go this far and no further!"

#9 - The Conversion of Saul the Pharisee

February 26, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

A Pharisee of Pharisees, a Hebrew of Hebrews and a persecutor of the church suddenly becomes a man that changed the course of church history. In this session, we look into the life and conversion of this man, Saul of Tarsus.

#10 - The First Missionary Journey

March 5, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

While meeting together in a time of fasting a prayer, the Lord spoke to the church with a clear mission. They were to set aside Barnabas and Saul for a journey that would take them out into the unknown.

#11 - Paul's Disagreement

March 12, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

As a man who constantly fought for Truth, it was inevitable that Paul would find himself in conflict with other Christians. But how did he handle those disagreements? Through the meekness and humility of Christ.

#12 - Paul Arrives in Europe

March 19, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

Motivated by the love of God and guided by the Spirit of God, Paul and his partner missionaries were led to the lost people in the Roman colony of Philippi. Behind the power, signs and wonders, there was a man meek and humble man filled with the love of God.

#13 - Facing Greek Superstition and Debauchery

March 26, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

After being driven out of Northern Greece, Paul arrives in Athens--the philosophical capital of the world. It is a stronghold of Greek superstition and dark knowledge that is largely impervious to the gospel. So, Paul moves on to the wicked city of Corinth where his efforts would be much more fruitful.

#14 - A Dark City

April 2, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

In the city of Ephesus, an atmosphere of demonic activity was thriving. Three years after the Lord had diverted Paul from this city, he arrives. In his time here, Paul would have some of his most fruitful years in ministry and go through some of the toughest times as well.

#15 - The Corinthians

April 9, 2021 • Steve Gallagher

During his time in Ephesus, Paul was approached by some leaders of the church in Corinth. Hearing the issues that were going on in the church, he pens a letter to them exhorting them to love for one another and not these issues that were causing division. Then later, after hearing of their repentance, he pens his second letter to them.

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