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Acts 17c Approaching The Intellectual
Pastor Nelson
Acts 17:16-34
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Acts 17:16-34 What a lesson in how to reach those who have their own beliefs in God(s). We can learn so much from what Paul did here - as it is not about "religion" but a heart issue, and finding a living relationship with the Creator God who knows us better than we know ourselves. Paul's approach is genus in finding common ground while proclaiming God's everlasting truths. Reaching the people of Athens was not so different than what we face today. But the key is how to get folks to realize that God is not only loving & forgiving but the final judge of who we are & of all we have done. 42min
Acts 17d People Still the Same Today
Pastor Nelson
Acts 17:30-34
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Acts 17:30-34 and Psalm 84. The Epicureans & the Stoics still following their philosophies - Athens Greece the home of the Unknown God; & Paul "reasons" with them in an effort to give them real hope. ALSO what can you say to a dying person & their hope in death? Psalm 84 says a lot for the believers in Jesus. So why does man naturally seek God? Romans 1:18-23. The false gods of man have not changed much. Will we learn God's truth? 40min
Acts 17b The Assult of Evil
Pastor Nelson
Acts 17:5-15
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Acts 17:5-15 Some things never change - we will always be battling evil in trying to get out the good news that anyone can get right with God. But also the enemy doesn't like the civil exchange of ideas & the reality of God's eternal Truths. Some good insights here & are ALL of US willing to honestly seek God's truths. 35min
Acts 18a Paul Goes to Corinth
Pastor Nelson
Acts 18:1-23
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Acts 18:1-23 God directs Paul into a cesspool of a city but in the middle of all the corruption gives him some life long friends & co-ministers. God truly does a miracle save when once again Paul is put on trial for teaching the good news of the Messiah that has come to save & transform lives. 40min
Acts 18b The Apollos Witness
Pastor Nelson
Acts 18:24 - 19:2
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Pastor Nelson
Acts 18:24 - 19:2
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Acts 18:24 - 19:2 As Paul goes to Ephesus & Apollos goes to Corinth we see one ministry building on another & how every person's ministry is vital to the spreading of the Gospel. What legacy will you leave? As we start to venture into Chpt. 19 we see some eye opening truths about the "Comforter or Holy Spirit" & try to relate the Season of Christmas to the greatest gift ever given. Rom 8:9-17, 1Cor 12:12-14, Eph 1:13-14, John 14:15-18. Should we be asking people "have you received the Holy Spirit?" More of these teachings about the Holy Spirit will come next week. 40min
Acts 19c Holy Spirit Lessons
Flanagan-Nelson
Acts 19:1-7
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Mike Flanagan talks about the blessing of NOT being blessed. Then Pastor Nelson continues our walk in Acts 19:1-7. Paul in Ephesus teaches us big lessons on the gift(s) of the Holy Spirit. As we approach the subject of laying on of hands (or not) & the gift of tongues (or not) please refer to the 4 page handout for some scriptures you can read for yourself. This Bible based lesson is meant to encourage & challenge you in your spiritual walk & growth. What scriptures do you base your current beliefs on? We need more spiritual gifts understanding if we are to overcome the age in which we live. 49min
Acts 19e Miracles & Riots part2
Pastor Nelson
Acts 19:28-41
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Acts 19:28-41 This great chapter goes on & 2 more key points need to be noted (beside the 8 points given last week). 1st the worthless idols worshiped in Ephesus can doing nothing compared to the One True God - for there is only ONE God. 2nd the true and living God is a jealous God. Have you ever thought about the fact that the Creator God wants your love & to fellowship with you. So as Paul had upset Ephesus with God's truths we are living in the same situation today. 41min
Acts 19d Miracles & Riots part1
Pastor Nelson
Acts 19:8-26
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Acts 19:8-26 Well I had hoped to get through end of chapter today but I guess not. So many lessons from Acts 19: 1.Get Holy Spirit when accept Christ 2.Many spiritual gifts from Holy Spirit (everyone has at least 1) 3.Miracles only by God's power & are to glorify God Alone 4.Have to know Jesus Christ personally, can't just use His Name 5.Demons real & powerful 6.We all need to burn our "false gods" & separate ourselves from evil 7.God can & will protect, guide, & defend 8.God hates mobs & anarchy. All this & more in one chapter - we will continue next week with part2. 49min
Acts 2a The Holy Spirit Comes
Pastor Nelson
Acts 2:1-28
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Acts 2:1-28 As promised the Holy Spirit "invades earth". WOW what an entrance! As we look at this amazing work of God we must marvel at not only the timing for bringing in the New Covenant (the anniversary of God giving Moses the Law) but that Pentecost is also called the feast of "First-Fruits". Of those who heard an saw this event some realized it was a God Thing while others just tried to explain it away. Sound familiar? We start to see King David as not only near to God but a Prophet. More to come next week on David and the founding of the "Church" and what we are to be and do. 44min
Acts 2b God's Promise & Truth
Pastor Nelson
Acts 2:29-39
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Acts 2:29-39 God's promise to send the Holy Spirit is made manifest, but what does this mean? Who is the Holy Spirit and what is His purpose? What does all this prove about the "promises" of God and 'WHAT SHALL WE DO?' This study of certain details in the Old & New Testament should make clear the Promise of God. Be prepared to turn to lots of Scriptures for HIS explanation of the Truth that has come forth. Remember you can pause the audio just hit the double bars(to write down the scriptures) and then resume where you left off after the pause to continue listening. 44min
Acts 2c The "Church"
Pastor Nelson
Acts 2:40-47
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Acts 2:40-47 In these few verses we learn a lot about what the Church is, and is to do. With 4 main points of what we are called to do individually, we also learn what the 4 main points that the Church is to continuously DO. The NEW Covenant that Jesus taught us totally changes the rules of doing "Church" (Temple)and following Christ's lead. John 13:34-35 & Matthew 22:34-40 gives us the new direction in which we are now to go. The old Mosaic Law is passed & now under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit the "New Body of Christ" is to carry on Jesus work unto all the world. Unity and Fellowship seem to be key words along with doctrine, the breaking of bread, and prayer. 41min
Acts 20a Sleepy In Church?
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:1-16
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Acts 20:1-16 Well today we have some fun & at the same time learn some good lessons about "church", "preachers", & listening to the Holy Spirit. Paul has not been detoured by the riot, and for sure he hasn't gotten any shorter winded! In fact we see him preaching all night & putting a young man to sleep & fall from a 3rd story window! So what are the lessons here? We also see how important it is to listen & be guided by the Holy Spirit. 40min
Acts 20b The Truth That Offends
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:17-24
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Acts 20:17-24 What is the truth that offends & may even cause the Christian believer to loose friends or even be persecuted? Paul in speaking God's truths got a lot of flack & you may too, but we can't really be a Christian unless we believe God & Jesus in this issue. It's all about "repentance" & "faith in Jesus". All men are sinners & fall short of God's requirement to be Holy & perfected. BUT there is a way that was given - The Christ's shed blood & forgiveness. So sow in tears & reap in joy (Psm126:5-6). 2Cor 11:22-31, Rom 3:11-12 & 21-26, Rom 10:9-13, Heb 12:1-2. 43min
Acts 20c Your Call to Watch and Share
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:25-31
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Acts 20:25-31 Wow what a week, Bury one & watch another die. It is so wonderful to KNOW God's grace & love personally. The HOPE that Christ can give is beyond wonderful & Paul knew the same exact thing. That is why knowing the Shepard is so important. And realizing that it is up to us who KNOW HIM to share that good news. But folks the enemy does not want the fear of death to be conquered - he wants people alone and fearful. So we who know God's Truth must be willing to fight on. Ezk 33:1-7, ,John chptr 10, 1Tim 4:1-2, 2Tim 3:1-16. 38min
Acts 20d God's Big Love & Big Words
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:32-38
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Acts 20:32-38 As we look at Paul's bitter sweet departure, we think back about his teaching the "whole gospel message" & what it meant on a deeper level. Some times words are used & the hearers don't really understand what they really mean. Words like Justification, Sanctification, Reconciliation, & Edification. So get ready to go a little deeper & don't get uncomfortable, because all of these $5 words are about God's love for you. 43min
Acts 21a Courage & Riots
Pastor Nelson
Acts 21:1-36
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Acts 21:1-36 Paul continues towards Jerusalem with the love gifts for the Church & continues to get warnings not to go there. Courage is needed to face the unknown while hearing the warnings, yet "God's will must be done". We see Paul following the foot steps of Christ and demonstrating a willingness to be flexible while not compromising the Gospel. Then the start of riot number 6 & Paul's life is in danger. What he says will come next week. 45min
Acts 21b Trust & Testimony
Pastor Nelson
Acts 21:37-22:18
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Acts 21:37-22:18 As we finish Chptr 21 & go into Chptr 22 we see Paul is severely beaten but still wanting to share the love of Christ, he follows the leading of the Holy Spirit & then God's power comes over the riot. WOW! It is amazing to see how your personal experience with Jesus can affect even the hardest of hearts. Remember this fact: when God has called you to faith - HE already knows what He has prepared you for and what He wants you to do! Remember your own personal testimony & let God use it! 46min
Acts 22a Your Citizenship
Pastor Nelson
Acts 22:17-23:6
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Acts 22:17-23:6 Last weeks message was not posted as it was a intimate Church moment centered around communion. The question as to why "we" are not growing was addressed; some figures like why is it that in the US some 4000 churches close their doors @ year, 1700 Pastors leave the ministry @ year, 3500 people leave the church @ year, & we have 1/3 the number of churches in the US today than we did in 1950 in-spite of the population growth. I believe this all has to do with the lack of commitment of believers to Jesus Christ, their local Church, & the ministries that "feed" them. Enough said. Be more like Paul - be willing to tell the story of what Christ has done for YOU & KNOW who you are in Jesus and what you should be doing for the Kingdom of God. 33min
Acts 23a God is Always in Control
Pastor Nelson
Acts 23:1-22
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Acts 23:1-22 Paul's faith in Jesus the Christ gave him the faith & conviction to speak forth truth - even in the face of danger. As he speaks under the direction of the Holy Spirit once again his life is narrowly spared. What a story of God's faithful presence, power, & protection! God's has & will always accomplish His purposes. The bottom line is that the resurrection of Jesus is always the dividing point. Are you willing to believe God? See how God once again manipulates the details & is getting Paul to Rome. 42min
Acts 23c Paul Has Hope in the Resurrection
Pastor Nelson
Acts 23:23-35
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Acts 23:23-35 While Paul is being secretly escorted to Caeserea by 470 soldiers he is seeing God's plans being worked out in ways he never expected. Paul's focus - still "hope & the resurrection". As we think on that what did Jesus mean by "I am THE WAY"? John14:1-6. The same problem today as back then - is there really a "resurrection"? Yes a twofold one. One for the righteous & one for the unsaved dead. Daniel 12:2, Jn 5:28-29, Rev 20:11-15, 1Cor 3:11-15 & 2Cor 5:7-11. Don't be like some that put it off "because I've got lots of time" - today is the day to admit that a judgement day is coming! 44min
Acts 24a Way to Go Paul
Pastor Nelson
Acts 24:1-27
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Acts 24:1-27 Hard to believe - we covered a whole chapter in one shot! Good stuff to be learned here like: when accused, stay calm & tell the truth; Jesus really does have your back; be patient God hasn't forgotten you;always strive to keep a clean conscience before both man & God. And a biggie here Flattery is not always as it seems! Prov 29:3. When you hear what God has said, like it or not, you are responsible to do something about it! Luke 12:48. Also don't procrastinate. All this & more in 1 short chapter. 47min
Acts 25a There Is More To Life Than Life
Pastor Nelson
Acts 25:1-12
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Acts 25:1-12 After 2 years in prison Paul comes out still upbeat, & preaching the hope that is in him. Appealing his case to Caesar himself (the highest earthly court) Paul is fed up with the games that have been played so far. We can all learn some timely principles here. Remember the word "FATO", & know for certain that there is more to life than life. Ecc 12:13-14, Mal 4:1-2, Rom 8:28, Heb 12:7-11, 1Pet 1:6-10, Jam 1:2-8. 50min
Acts 25b Paul's Faith in God's Will
Pastor Nelson
Acts 25:13-27
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Acts 25:13-27 As we see Paul getting ready to give one of his greatest calls to accept the reality of Jesus The Christ & His forgiveness of sin (chapter 26 Acts) we introduce the idea of God's 4 wills. If things are presently so nuts & evil, how & why is God allowing it all to happen? Can you have faith enough to really believe God is in total control like Paul did? Is God really wiser in His planning and controlling the final out come than man? God has given us His Word to give us hope & the proof that He is God and we are not. 44min
Acts 26c So What's Your Story
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:1-11
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Acts 26:1-11 If you're a believer in Jesus YOU have a story to tell - just like Paul! So What Is "Your Story" of how YOU met the Lord Jesus Christ? Come on! It's your story of WHO you were, WHAT you were doing (before God became really personal), WHERE you were (living AND thinking), WHEN it was in your life continuum, and most importantly HOW the Holy Spirit convicted you of a need to Be & Do your life differently! HOW DID JESUS BECOME ALIVE TO YOU? 1 Pet 3:13-19. Paul has an exciting story to tell, but yours is just as good & just as real, even though it may not be quite as dramatic. Therefore learn to tell "your story" by starting at the beginning (like Paul). Fill in the details (they are yours alone). Tell others the how & why JESUS is alive in you & how HE has changed you. Luke 12:8-12 & 21:8-19. More to come next week on this important topic. 47min
Acts 26d What's Your Story Part 2
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:12-18
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Acts 26:12-18 Part2 Talking & learning from Paul's testimony before King Agrippa. First we go to Romans 4:25 to learn from Paul again about what was so important about what Jesus did on the cross & in His death & Resurrection. Think about the words Justification & Reconciliation. You must understand this in order to be able to tell others about what Christ has done for you. As we press thru Paul's story to Agrippa we learn again from Paul what happens to one who has truly accepted Jesus - a new birth. 2Cor 5:15, 17-21. Now using the 4 page handout you need to do some homework & be prepared to share "your story". 43min
Acts 26e Irrefuatable Facts
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:19-23
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Acts 26:19-23 As we look at this short passage it brings us to a MUCH LARGER picture. What did Paul know by being a student of Old Testament Scripture? He fully understood the sayings & promises of the Prophets. Did you know that there are 308 (by one account) Scriptures in 21 subject areas that confirm that JESUS is the One sent by God to PROVE who He IS! You don't have to set good thinking-reasoning aside to KNOW that JESUS was who He said He was ... God in the flesh! His resurrection proved it; but the Old Testament also foretold it! Listen to Paul in Rom 12:1-2, Eph 2:1-10, and go to our website www.ccsheridan.org home page to see the 308 prophecies about Jesus before He was ever born. 36min
Acts 26f Your Witness Tract
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:24-32
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Acts 26:24-32 Today we see Paul's final plea to the crowd & especially King Agrippa & Governor Festus to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah (God in the flesh come to earth to save us). But we can also learn some witnessing techniques here & learn how to use a few key New Testament Scriptures as the Holy Spirit leads us in speaking out to those who have not yet met Jesus the Christ. Mark your personal little Bible with these verses & you'll never be lost for what to say! John 3:3, 4-7, 18-19, 36; Romans 3:23 & 3:10-11, 12, 20; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; 1John 5:10-13; John 14:6-7; John 1:1-5, 12-13,14; John 10:33. Bless you in the telling of God's truth & mercy! 46min
Acts 27a The Voyage to Rome is Like Life
Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:1-12
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Acts 27:1-12 Paul's voyage to Rome begins & for us some valuable lessons. Help at the right time by the right people is God's way of letting us know HIS plans will not be thwarted. This sailing trip gives us some good insights if you care to read between the lines. What usually happens when the majority rules? What are we really doing when we say "If I could only have ... or do ... ?? Then let us o on to look at 2Cor 5:1-10 and Psm 34. In whom do you really trust during the storms of life? 40min
Acts 27b Lesson Learned In The Storm
Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:13-38
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Acts 27:13-38 Boy oh-Boy, Some lessons are just not learned until you are in fear of loosing your life! Paul once again shows us the way of FEARLESS trust in God and His purposes. These few verses expose us to a totally helpless situation and what your trust in God can do. How many people will your faith & trust in God's love and purposes affect before you are out of here? 276 souls here, with only a handful of "believers" present but theybwent thru a terrible ordeal. They experienced 1st hand the sovereign hand of God at work. A lesson for anyone in the middle of a "storm". 42min
Acts 27c God's Protection Provision & Plans
Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:39 - 28:10
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Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:39 - 28:10
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Acts 27:39 - 28:10 Sorry no sermon over the 4th of July weekend, the Church as a whole decided it should be a "free" weekend. One of the advantages of a small Church! We continue with Paul in the middle of a major storm. Have you ever been there? I love how this one turns out! Paul is not only saved from the storm, but from being murdered by the soldiers, saved from a deadly snake bite, but then ministers Jesus power, forgiveness & love to the entire island of Malta. Never forget God has a plan for YOUR life. Will you trust Him a do the tasks laid before you? 41min