Fifth Sunday Of Easter
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
In the presence of Saul, Stephen is stoned to death. This pericope is the conclusion to Stephen's bold witness to Jesus. He aroused his hearers' anger to the point that they stoned him to death. Several items stand out: (1) This is the only time Jesus is referred to as "Son of Man" by one other than Jesus himself; (2) Only here is the ascended Jesus portrayed as "standing" at the right hand of God; (3) Saul is a consenting spectator; (4) Stephen dies with a prayer of forgiveness.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)
The Jews of Thessalonica rejected the Gospel but the Jews of Beroea received it.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1-7 (RC)
See Easter 4, Lutheran.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:2-10 (C); 1 Peter 2:1-10 (E); 1 Peter 2:4-10 (L); 1 Peter 2:4-9 (RC)
As living stones in a spiritual house, Christians are God's people. Peter's letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood (priesthood of believers) which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new Israel, God's chosen people, a holy nation and a royal priesthood. Because they received God's mercy in Christ, they have changed from a nobody to a somebody.
Gospel:
John 14:1-14 (C, E,); John 14:1-12 (L, RC)
This is the beginning of Jesus' "farewell discourses" that continue through chapter 17. The disciples are not to be troubled because he is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, he is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in his name, will be answered.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (C) - "Into thy hand I commit my spirit (v. 5)."
Psalm 66:1-11 (E) - "Make a joyful noise to God (v. 1)."
Psalm 33:1-11 (L, RC) - "Sing for him a new song (v. 3)."
Prayer Of The Day
"O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us live what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found."
Hymn Of The Day
"You Are The Way; Through You Alone"
Theme Of The Day: The People Of God
Gospel - A people prepared for Jesus' departure - John 14:1-14
Lesson 1 - A people who die for their faith in Jesus - Acts 7:55-60
Lesson 2 - A people chosen to offer spiritual sacrifices - 1 Peter 2:2-10
Easter 5 begins to look forward to and prepare us for the ascension and Pentecost. In the Gospel, Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure. In Lesson 1 we see the ascended Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Because of the resurrection and ascension, we are God's people offering spiritual sacrifices. The focus of the Lesson is on God's people. Psalm 31 relates to Stephen's martyrdom. The Prayer concerns God's people who love God's commands and desire God's promises. The Hymn deals with the Gospel, Jesus as the way.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
John 14:1-14
1. Heaven. According to Jesus, there is a heaven. He said he was going to prepare a place for his people in heaven. It is a place large enough for all believers in God and Christ - "many rooms." The nature of heaven is given - it is being with Christ - "Where I am you may be also (v. 3)."
2. One way. Unapologetically Jesus makes the claim of absolute uniqueness. He is the way, truth and life. He emphasizes this by adding that no one comes to God except by him. Pluralists will have trouble with verse 6. How then shall we consider non-Christian religions? What does this verse mean to the evangelism and missionary programs of the church?
3. Divinity of Jesus. Philip wants to know and see God. Jesus points to himself as the answer. We are to see, know and find God in Jesus. Can we believe this? Jesus says if you cannot believe it on the basis of his words, take a look at his deeds. Can anyone less than God do these works?
4. Resurrection. This passage is to be seen and used in the light of Easter. Without the resurrection, this passage would be useless. There would be no assurance of a place prepared in heaven, no one way to God, no deity of Jesus. The Easter account makes all these sayings reality and truth.
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
1. Standing (v. 55). When Jesus returned to the Father, he is always, except here, portrayed as one seated at the right hand of God. Is there any meaning to his "standing?" It may have been Jesus' shock at what was happening to one of his followers. Stephen was, like his Master, being put to death by an enraged mob. At games, we see people spontaneously stand when a big play is being made: a home run or a touchdown. Maybe the ascended Christ was standing ready to receive Stephen into heaven.
2. Loud (vv. 57, 60). Both the mob and Stephen cried "loud." The volume expressed the intensity of their feelings. The crowd cried with a loud voice - a cry of hatred. Stephen cried also with a loud voice when he prayed for their forgiveness. His love met their hatred with the same intensity.
3. Saul (v. 57). Saul of Tarsus was the only person named in the crowd. It must have been significant. Why call attention to him and not to others? To hold the clothes of those who threw stones made Saul as guilty as they were. Saul participated in the murder. When Saul saw the faithfulness of a Christian, the willingness of a Christian to die for his faith, and the beautiful spirit of forgiveness, it must have impressed him enough to think about Christ who later confronted him on the Damascus road.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)
1. This Jesus (v. 3). "This" Jesus - the name was a common one in Jesus' day. It was derived from "Joshua." Paul points to one certain person by the name of Jesus, not any Jesus. He is the Jesus who suffered, died on a cross and rose from the dead. For three weeks Paul was explaining, arguing, witnessing and appealing to the people of Thessalonica to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul unashamedly makes the claim, "This Jesus is the Christ." He is the Savior, the Deliverer, God's only Son, who came to reconcile the world to God.
2. Upside down (v. 6). The enemies of the Christian missionaries charged them with turning the world upside down. It was meant as an accusation but it really was a compliment. It was more than a turning around in terms of repentance. It was more radical than that! It was a revolutionary upsetting of the applecart. It was a turning of the world right side up. Christ was on top along with truth and virtue, and evil was on the bottom. This was the result of the proclamation of the gospel which transformed all who believed.
3. Examining (v. 11). "Check it out, please." The people of Beroea did just that with Paul's preaching. They took their Bibles to see if what was preached was true. They found it to be so and became believers. The church needs Bible students to check out our sermons. Do we really proclaim the Word? Radical and heretical sects abound today. Many people are involved because they did not test the sects' teachings with the Bible. Today's lack of biblical knowledge makes church members prey to the heretical sects. This is a call for church members to begin examining the scriptures to test what is preached and taught.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:1-10
1. Invitation. Is there a theological significance to an invitation extended by God to us? It is a sign of grace - Christ wants us to be with him in his kingdom in spite of our moral condition. It means also we do not choose Christ but we are chosen. Furthermore, we respond voluntarily and not by force. Can we then justify the user of pressure or manipulation to gain new church members? Is an altar call a form of pressure?
2. Priesthood. In this Lesson, Peter twice refers to Christians as a holy and royal priesthood. This leads to the doctrine of the universal priesthood of believers. What is the role of a priest? He has direct access to God through Christ. He offers "spiritual sacrifices (v. 5)." He ministers to people as a priest of God. How is the clergy to be related to "everyone a priest?" Where does ordination to the ministry fit in? Is it proper for lay people to participate in the administration of the sacraments?
3. A new people. God's latest (final?) attempt to create a new people is the church. With
Noah, God made a new people. He tried again with Abraham. In Christ God makes a new people. Note the marks of this new people: (1) created out of nothing (v. 10); (2) chosen; (3) different - "holy;" (4) commissioned as priests to "declare the wonderful deeds" of God. The value of each person is in God's estimate of him as seen by God's ownership of him.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
You Are Wanted
Need: The general mood of the day is "Nobody wants me, for nobody cares." This sermon will show that God wants every one of his people. He chooses them. This is an honor in itself - just to be wanted by God. He invites us to his banquet to be a member of his kindgom.
Outline: You are wanted; come -
a. Come to the Father through Jesus - Gospel - John 14:1-14.
b. Come to Christ, the Living Stone - Lesson 2 - 1 Peter 2:2-10.
c. Come and die for Christ - Lesson 1 - Acts 7:55-60.
Gospel:
John 14:1-14
1. The Power of the Resurrection. 14:1-12
Need: This passage is, almost without exception, read at funerals. It has become identified with death. It is really associated with the resurrection. After the resurrection, Jesus goes to prepare a place for the believer. This passage then speaks to the living on earth to comfort them that after death they will be secure in Christ. This sermon is to show the people the importance of the resurrection to the promises of Jesus.
Outline: Because of the resurrection -
a. A place is prepared for you in heaven - v. 2.
b. A way to God exists - v. 6.
c. God is revealed in Christ - v. 9.
d. You will outdo Jesus in works - v. 12.
2. Because Christ Lives. 14:6
Need: On this fifth week of Easter, we may lose sight of Easter. Itis necessary to see the Lessons in the light of Easer. Every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection. Because Christ lives, he is the way, truth and life. It is in the present: not that he was nor will be. In the light of Easter, Jesus is our only way to God. After all, what other man rose from the dead? An anonymous preacher used the following outline.
Outline:
a. Without the way, there is no going.
b. Without the truth, there is no knowing.
c. Without the life, there is no living.
3. Outdoing Jesus. 14:12
Need: Our people today lack an understanding of their importance in doing God's work. The common expression is that Jesus has done all and we cannot do better. Who can match the works of Jesus? The text turns out to be a shocker. Jesus promises that his followers will outdo him in works.
Outline: You can do better than Jesus -
a. What Jesus did - Fed 5,000 with a boy's lunch, walked on water, healed the blind and lepers, raised the dead, stilled a storm.
b. What Christians can do - even greater things.
1. Take the gospel to the ends of the earth; Jesus was confined to Palestine.
2. Feed millions of hungry; Jesus fed only 5,000.
3. Heal millions through medical science; Jesus healed comparatively few people.
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55-60
1. The Way to Die. 7:55-60
Need: We all know that we must die sometime. Since there are many ways to die, often we hear someone wish to die in a certain way. It can be a slow death with cancer. Some hope they will die suddenly as those who die from a heart attack. One can die in an electric chair, or one, like Stephen, can die for Christ. How does a Christian die? We look at Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The key to his death was his fullness of Spirit (v. 55).
Outline: The Christian way to die -
a. Have a vision of Christ - v. 55.
b. Pray for forgiveness of others - v. 60.
c. Give your soul to Christ - v. 59.
2. Stand Up, Jesus! 7:55-56
Need: One of our popular hymns is "Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus." But, there is no hymn, "Stand Up, Jesus." It is a tradition to stand when a person of honor enters a room. To show respect to God, we stand to pray. The lesser stands for the greater who is usually seated. In this text we have the amazing account that Jesus stood up for a man, Stephen, while he was stoned to death. Would Jesus stand up for us Christians?
Outline: Jesus stands before his faithful ones -
a. To acknowledge their importance to him.
b. To express his concern for their welfare.
c. To welcome and receive them in his kingdom.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)
1. A Riot or a Revival? 17: 1-15
Need: It is said that wherever Paul preached there was a revival or a riot. This is demonstrated in this lection. In Thessalonica, Paul caused a riot. In Beroea there was a revival. For a Christian there is no middle ground. You either believe or don't believe; you accept or reject the gospel. You will be all for the truth or against it. Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me." Since many Christians are tolerant, moderate and equivocal, this sermon is needed to get Christians totally on God's side regardless of opposition.
Outline: Which shall it be?
a. Riot - Thessalonica? - vv. 5-6.
1. Argued rather than accepted the gospel - vv. 2-3.
2. Troublemakers out of jealousy - vv. 5-6.
3. Falsely accused Christians of being traitors - v. 7.
b. Revival - Beroea? - v. 6.
1. Noble people - v. 11.
2. Bible study - v. 11.
3. Belief - v. 12.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1-7 (RC) (See Lesson 1, Lutheran, Easter 4)
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:2-10
1. Who Are You? 2:4-10
Need: The problem of identity is faced by everyone. This is the case with Christians and a church. God in Christ chooses us to be somebody (v. 10). The text tells us who God made us.
Outline: God's Word says -
a. You are living stones - v. 4.
b. You are holy priests - v. 5.
c. You are God's people - v. 9.
2. From a Nobody to a Somebody. 2:10
Need: Many people suffer from self-depreciation. They have no respect for themselves. They feel of no account and worthless. They consider themselves to be nobodies. The text says God made somebody out of a nobody. How can he do this for us today?
Outline: God makes somebody out of nobody.
a. He grants mercy to you - to change you.
b. He invites you to come to him - to be his.
c. He chooses you to serve - to be a priest.
In the presence of Saul, Stephen is stoned to death. This pericope is the conclusion to Stephen's bold witness to Jesus. He aroused his hearers' anger to the point that they stoned him to death. Several items stand out: (1) This is the only time Jesus is referred to as "Son of Man" by one other than Jesus himself; (2) Only here is the ascended Jesus portrayed as "standing" at the right hand of God; (3) Saul is a consenting spectator; (4) Stephen dies with a prayer of forgiveness.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)
The Jews of Thessalonica rejected the Gospel but the Jews of Beroea received it.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1-7 (RC)
See Easter 4, Lutheran.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:2-10 (C); 1 Peter 2:1-10 (E); 1 Peter 2:4-10 (L); 1 Peter 2:4-9 (RC)
As living stones in a spiritual house, Christians are God's people. Peter's letter is considered a sermon to newly-baptized people. As newborn children, they now need spiritual milk until they grow into maturity. The new Christians are likened to living stones in a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone holding them together. Again, they are likened to a spiritual priesthood (priesthood of believers) which offer spiritual sacrifices. These Christians are the new Israel, God's chosen people, a holy nation and a royal priesthood. Because they received God's mercy in Christ, they have changed from a nobody to a somebody.
Gospel:
John 14:1-14 (C, E,); John 14:1-12 (L, RC)
This is the beginning of Jesus' "farewell discourses" that continue through chapter 17. The disciples are not to be troubled because he is going to prepare a place which is large enough for all. Moreover, he is the only way to the Father. To know and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. It is essential that the disciples know and believe in him and the Father. If they do, they will do greater things than Jesus did and their prayers, offered in his name, will be answered.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (C) - "Into thy hand I commit my spirit (v. 5)."
Psalm 66:1-11 (E) - "Make a joyful noise to God (v. 1)."
Psalm 33:1-11 (L, RC) - "Sing for him a new song (v. 3)."
Prayer Of The Day
"O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us live what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found."
Hymn Of The Day
"You Are The Way; Through You Alone"
Theme Of The Day: The People Of God
Gospel - A people prepared for Jesus' departure - John 14:1-14
Lesson 1 - A people who die for their faith in Jesus - Acts 7:55-60
Lesson 2 - A people chosen to offer spiritual sacrifices - 1 Peter 2:2-10
Easter 5 begins to look forward to and prepare us for the ascension and Pentecost. In the Gospel, Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure. In Lesson 1 we see the ascended Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Because of the resurrection and ascension, we are God's people offering spiritual sacrifices. The focus of the Lesson is on God's people. Psalm 31 relates to Stephen's martyrdom. The Prayer concerns God's people who love God's commands and desire God's promises. The Hymn deals with the Gospel, Jesus as the way.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
John 14:1-14
1. Heaven. According to Jesus, there is a heaven. He said he was going to prepare a place for his people in heaven. It is a place large enough for all believers in God and Christ - "many rooms." The nature of heaven is given - it is being with Christ - "Where I am you may be also (v. 3)."
2. One way. Unapologetically Jesus makes the claim of absolute uniqueness. He is the way, truth and life. He emphasizes this by adding that no one comes to God except by him. Pluralists will have trouble with verse 6. How then shall we consider non-Christian religions? What does this verse mean to the evangelism and missionary programs of the church?
3. Divinity of Jesus. Philip wants to know and see God. Jesus points to himself as the answer. We are to see, know and find God in Jesus. Can we believe this? Jesus says if you cannot believe it on the basis of his words, take a look at his deeds. Can anyone less than God do these works?
4. Resurrection. This passage is to be seen and used in the light of Easter. Without the resurrection, this passage would be useless. There would be no assurance of a place prepared in heaven, no one way to God, no deity of Jesus. The Easter account makes all these sayings reality and truth.
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
1. Standing (v. 55). When Jesus returned to the Father, he is always, except here, portrayed as one seated at the right hand of God. Is there any meaning to his "standing?" It may have been Jesus' shock at what was happening to one of his followers. Stephen was, like his Master, being put to death by an enraged mob. At games, we see people spontaneously stand when a big play is being made: a home run or a touchdown. Maybe the ascended Christ was standing ready to receive Stephen into heaven.
2. Loud (vv. 57, 60). Both the mob and Stephen cried "loud." The volume expressed the intensity of their feelings. The crowd cried with a loud voice - a cry of hatred. Stephen cried also with a loud voice when he prayed for their forgiveness. His love met their hatred with the same intensity.
3. Saul (v. 57). Saul of Tarsus was the only person named in the crowd. It must have been significant. Why call attention to him and not to others? To hold the clothes of those who threw stones made Saul as guilty as they were. Saul participated in the murder. When Saul saw the faithfulness of a Christian, the willingness of a Christian to die for his faith, and the beautiful spirit of forgiveness, it must have impressed him enough to think about Christ who later confronted him on the Damascus road.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)
1. This Jesus (v. 3). "This" Jesus - the name was a common one in Jesus' day. It was derived from "Joshua." Paul points to one certain person by the name of Jesus, not any Jesus. He is the Jesus who suffered, died on a cross and rose from the dead. For three weeks Paul was explaining, arguing, witnessing and appealing to the people of Thessalonica to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul unashamedly makes the claim, "This Jesus is the Christ." He is the Savior, the Deliverer, God's only Son, who came to reconcile the world to God.
2. Upside down (v. 6). The enemies of the Christian missionaries charged them with turning the world upside down. It was meant as an accusation but it really was a compliment. It was more than a turning around in terms of repentance. It was more radical than that! It was a revolutionary upsetting of the applecart. It was a turning of the world right side up. Christ was on top along with truth and virtue, and evil was on the bottom. This was the result of the proclamation of the gospel which transformed all who believed.
3. Examining (v. 11). "Check it out, please." The people of Beroea did just that with Paul's preaching. They took their Bibles to see if what was preached was true. They found it to be so and became believers. The church needs Bible students to check out our sermons. Do we really proclaim the Word? Radical and heretical sects abound today. Many people are involved because they did not test the sects' teachings with the Bible. Today's lack of biblical knowledge makes church members prey to the heretical sects. This is a call for church members to begin examining the scriptures to test what is preached and taught.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:1-10
1. Invitation. Is there a theological significance to an invitation extended by God to us? It is a sign of grace - Christ wants us to be with him in his kingdom in spite of our moral condition. It means also we do not choose Christ but we are chosen. Furthermore, we respond voluntarily and not by force. Can we then justify the user of pressure or manipulation to gain new church members? Is an altar call a form of pressure?
2. Priesthood. In this Lesson, Peter twice refers to Christians as a holy and royal priesthood. This leads to the doctrine of the universal priesthood of believers. What is the role of a priest? He has direct access to God through Christ. He offers "spiritual sacrifices (v. 5)." He ministers to people as a priest of God. How is the clergy to be related to "everyone a priest?" Where does ordination to the ministry fit in? Is it proper for lay people to participate in the administration of the sacraments?
3. A new people. God's latest (final?) attempt to create a new people is the church. With
Noah, God made a new people. He tried again with Abraham. In Christ God makes a new people. Note the marks of this new people: (1) created out of nothing (v. 10); (2) chosen; (3) different - "holy;" (4) commissioned as priests to "declare the wonderful deeds" of God. The value of each person is in God's estimate of him as seen by God's ownership of him.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
You Are Wanted
Need: The general mood of the day is "Nobody wants me, for nobody cares." This sermon will show that God wants every one of his people. He chooses them. This is an honor in itself - just to be wanted by God. He invites us to his banquet to be a member of his kindgom.
Outline: You are wanted; come -
a. Come to the Father through Jesus - Gospel - John 14:1-14.
b. Come to Christ, the Living Stone - Lesson 2 - 1 Peter 2:2-10.
c. Come and die for Christ - Lesson 1 - Acts 7:55-60.
Gospel:
John 14:1-14
1. The Power of the Resurrection. 14:1-12
Need: This passage is, almost without exception, read at funerals. It has become identified with death. It is really associated with the resurrection. After the resurrection, Jesus goes to prepare a place for the believer. This passage then speaks to the living on earth to comfort them that after death they will be secure in Christ. This sermon is to show the people the importance of the resurrection to the promises of Jesus.
Outline: Because of the resurrection -
a. A place is prepared for you in heaven - v. 2.
b. A way to God exists - v. 6.
c. God is revealed in Christ - v. 9.
d. You will outdo Jesus in works - v. 12.
2. Because Christ Lives. 14:6
Need: On this fifth week of Easter, we may lose sight of Easter. Itis necessary to see the Lessons in the light of Easer. Every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection. Because Christ lives, he is the way, truth and life. It is in the present: not that he was nor will be. In the light of Easter, Jesus is our only way to God. After all, what other man rose from the dead? An anonymous preacher used the following outline.
Outline:
a. Without the way, there is no going.
b. Without the truth, there is no knowing.
c. Without the life, there is no living.
3. Outdoing Jesus. 14:12
Need: Our people today lack an understanding of their importance in doing God's work. The common expression is that Jesus has done all and we cannot do better. Who can match the works of Jesus? The text turns out to be a shocker. Jesus promises that his followers will outdo him in works.
Outline: You can do better than Jesus -
a. What Jesus did - Fed 5,000 with a boy's lunch, walked on water, healed the blind and lepers, raised the dead, stilled a storm.
b. What Christians can do - even greater things.
1. Take the gospel to the ends of the earth; Jesus was confined to Palestine.
2. Feed millions of hungry; Jesus fed only 5,000.
3. Heal millions through medical science; Jesus healed comparatively few people.
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55-60
1. The Way to Die. 7:55-60
Need: We all know that we must die sometime. Since there are many ways to die, often we hear someone wish to die in a certain way. It can be a slow death with cancer. Some hope they will die suddenly as those who die from a heart attack. One can die in an electric chair, or one, like Stephen, can die for Christ. How does a Christian die? We look at Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The key to his death was his fullness of Spirit (v. 55).
Outline: The Christian way to die -
a. Have a vision of Christ - v. 55.
b. Pray for forgiveness of others - v. 60.
c. Give your soul to Christ - v. 59.
2. Stand Up, Jesus! 7:55-56
Need: One of our popular hymns is "Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus." But, there is no hymn, "Stand Up, Jesus." It is a tradition to stand when a person of honor enters a room. To show respect to God, we stand to pray. The lesser stands for the greater who is usually seated. In this text we have the amazing account that Jesus stood up for a man, Stephen, while he was stoned to death. Would Jesus stand up for us Christians?
Outline: Jesus stands before his faithful ones -
a. To acknowledge their importance to him.
b. To express his concern for their welfare.
c. To welcome and receive them in his kingdom.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)
1. A Riot or a Revival? 17: 1-15
Need: It is said that wherever Paul preached there was a revival or a riot. This is demonstrated in this lection. In Thessalonica, Paul caused a riot. In Beroea there was a revival. For a Christian there is no middle ground. You either believe or don't believe; you accept or reject the gospel. You will be all for the truth or against it. Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me." Since many Christians are tolerant, moderate and equivocal, this sermon is needed to get Christians totally on God's side regardless of opposition.
Outline: Which shall it be?
a. Riot - Thessalonica? - vv. 5-6.
1. Argued rather than accepted the gospel - vv. 2-3.
2. Troublemakers out of jealousy - vv. 5-6.
3. Falsely accused Christians of being traitors - v. 7.
b. Revival - Beroea? - v. 6.
1. Noble people - v. 11.
2. Bible study - v. 11.
3. Belief - v. 12.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1-7 (RC) (See Lesson 1, Lutheran, Easter 4)
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:2-10
1. Who Are You? 2:4-10
Need: The problem of identity is faced by everyone. This is the case with Christians and a church. God in Christ chooses us to be somebody (v. 10). The text tells us who God made us.
Outline: God's Word says -
a. You are living stones - v. 4.
b. You are holy priests - v. 5.
c. You are God's people - v. 9.
2. From a Nobody to a Somebody. 2:10
Need: Many people suffer from self-depreciation. They have no respect for themselves. They feel of no account and worthless. They consider themselves to be nobodies. The text says God made somebody out of a nobody. How can he do this for us today?
Outline: God makes somebody out of nobody.
a. He grants mercy to you - to change you.
b. He invites you to come to him - to be his.
c. He chooses you to serve - to be a priest.
