THE BOOK OF ACTS IS… A continuation of Luke’s gospel Unfinished because it continues today A record of church plantings and growth Gives examples of salvation received and how Demonstrates a contagious faith

Choices to Energize Your Faith Part 1

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41 ESV) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47 ESV) But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. (Acts 4:4 ESV) And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (Acts 5:14 ESV)

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 ESV) But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29 ESV) Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (Acts 5:41 ESV)

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, (Acts 16:25 ESV) But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” (Acts 16:35-37 ESV)

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9-10 ESV) And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. (Acts 19:19 ESV)

TRUSTING IN GOD’S HELP Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV) The Christian is NEVER alone

TRUSTING IN GOD’S HELP Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— (Colossians 4:2-3 ESV) He opens doors of opportunities Sometimes with adversaries Sometimes to be passed over

TRUSTING IN GOD’S HELP And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9 ESV) Gives us knowledge and understanding

TRUSTING IN GOD’S HELP What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 ESV) He never leaves us alone Gives us doors of opportunities Grants knowledge and understanding Who CAN be against us?

Loving God’s Word 1st choice of new believers to devote to Leadership of early church gave selves to it But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4 ESV)

Loving God’s Word 1st choice of new believers to devote to Leadership of early church gave selves to it Ties us to the Father like listening children

Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. (Psalm 119:173-176 ESV)

Prophesied and fulfilled, can we make the choice? For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31:33 ESV) Prophesied and fulfilled, can we make the choice? For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Hebrews 8:10 ESV)

Be Devoted To God’s People New believers devoted to fellowship Some were obedient for a love of the brethren Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, (1 Peter 1:22 ESV)

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 ESV) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (Ephesians 2:19 ESV)

if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15 ESV) For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 ESV)

These 3 (of 6) choices will energize one’s faith Trusting in Gods’ help Loving Gods’ word Being devoted to Gods’ people

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days…” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ESV)