Bent Oak Church

While the early church was marked by unity and the power of the Spirit, they not only continued to face external persecution but internal temptations. The story of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us that the same spirit that brings power also demands our humble honesty. 

Having been threatened by the religious leaders, Peter and John returned to their friends. They gathered together to pray. But they didn't pray for protection or vengeance. They reminded themselves of God, his promises, and the work of Jesus, and they prayed for boldness to be faithful. Their prayer moved God as his Spirit filled them all again, and they went out speaking with courage. 

As Peter and John's preaching began to draw a crowd in the temple, the Jewish rulers had them arrested and questioned. But Peter was not intimidated. He spoke the truth with a boldness and clarity that astonished the leaders. As we study the passage, we discover how it encourages us to live and speak today by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

In Acts 2, Luke offered a summary of the first Christians worshipping together and seeing the Spirit work in miracles. In Chapter 3, Luke offers an example of one of those events, as Peter and John met a crippled man outside the temple. What follows is not just a healing but another sermon and the conversion of many. 

While the opening chapters of Acts are full of spectacular moments, Luke is careful to conclude with a summary of the humble commitments of God's people. Having received the Spirit, they committed themselves to a particular set of acts that shaped them as the church.

The discussion dives into the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit and its deep roots in biblical prophecy. Peter delivers a powerful call to the crowd, connecting the event to Jesus’ resurrection and urging repentance. The transformative impact on the listeners leads to a remarkable 3,000 baptisms. Emphasis is placed on the active role of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, encouraging everyone to embrace their identity in Christ and actively participate in God's kingdom.

As the disciples waited in the upper room, God's Spirit came down. We take a close look at what is one of the most important passages in the Bible and see how the events of Acts 2 shaped the disciples, the church, and us today. 

Jesus asked his disciples to wait. But their wait wasn't wasted time. Waiting changed their perspective as they began, by the Spirit and scripture, to better understand what God was doing around them. Waiting also allows us to make room for what God is doing in our lives. 

Acts begins at one of the most important moments in history. Jesus sent his disciples out to witness to the world. But before they could turn the world upside down, Jesus commanded them to wait. The work begins with waiting. We take a closer look at how this waiting shapes this story and our own lives. 

Mary Jane, a dedicated missionary with years of experience, shares powerful insights in her final sermon of the Values series. She discusses the importance of understanding the local church's role in God’s global mission. Personal stories emphasize the need for a broader perspective on faith. Mary Jane calls for the church to move beyond outdated practices and actively engage in inclusive ministry. She highlights the historical dedication to missions and encourages listeners to cultivate love for Jesus through global outreach.