"...they reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened, for the nations, a doorway of faith." Acts 14: 27 (lit.) What a blessed thing our Scriptures describe for us this morning: God pouring His Word and His Good News out into the non-Jewish world! If that had never happened, where would we be today! But it did happen dear ones!…

"...they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead, however..." Acts 14: 19 There are two kinds of people in this world: those who are blown and bent by the wind and those who stand up to it. Which one are you? This morning in Acts 14, my what a contrast we see! Those fickle, changeable Lystrians and the constant, faithf…

"...that you should turn from these useless things to the Living God." Acts 14: 15 That day when Paul preached in the city of Lystra, one man was truly listening. Though a crowd was there with him, we cannot speak for the others. So ingrained they were with the "useless things" of their culture that they seem not to have heard a word! And that make…

"Now, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them forth..." Acts 13:3 Here in the Book of Acts, we find the early church to be a mighty cross-cultural powerhouse! Powerfully gifted to serve a needy world, and powerfully enabled to proclaim the Good News to the lost. May the same be said of our church today! Message by Pastor Dav…

"...he examined the guards and commanded that they be put to death..." Acts 12: 19 Let's face it People are frail, and not even Christians are an exception. No, not even that wonderful exemplary New Testament Church! When God answers their prayers and sets Peter free, they just can't believe it! They call the messenger 'crazy'! What an exhortation …

“...they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord...” Acts 12:10 NKJV How bleak and depressing the world looked that day for Peter and his church. His dear friend James had been run through with a sword, with crowds of evil people cheering it all on. The wicked King Herod now lays hands on Peter. Tomorrow…

"Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church." Acts 12:1 Wherever the Kingdom of God advances, you can be sure that opposition will arise. This morning, Herod the 'People Pleaser', seeing that his murder of James has thrilled the populace, now lays hold of Peter. Oh, but, things don't work out too well …

"In those days, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch..." Acts 11: 27 Today, the Christian church is flooded with self-proclaimed "prophets" who make reckless proclamations that never come true. So...are they truly "prophets"? What is a "prophet"? What is his purpose? And how can we know if a person truly is one? Oh, very important questions. Let…

"...the disciples were first called 'Christians' in Antioch." Acts 11: 26 It may be a word that world despises. It may a name that the forces of evil rise up against; but there is no greater title than the one first given to the believers in Antioch. 'Christian'! The word literally means 'belonging to Christ', implying loyalty and allegiance. Never…

"When they heard these things, they became silent, and they glorified God saying 'Then God has also granted the Gentiles repentance to life.'" Acts 11: 18 Peter was heavily criticized for befriending and consorting with the 'foreigners' in their day. It was a violation of age-old standards. But nothing can silence the critics more swiftly or thorou…

"...that through Him, all who believe in His name will receive remission of sins." Acts 10: 48 Where would we be if the events of this chapter had never happened? If Peter had not obeyed the Lord, set aside his prejudices, and faithfully preached the Good News to the non-Jews? We "gentiles" would have no hope, nor would all the rest of the world. T…

"But a voice spoke to him again the second time: 'What God has cleansed, you must not call common'." Acts 10:15 The great disciple, Peter, was carrying within his heart the very same tendencies toward pride and prejudices that all of us have. But--praise His name!--God was going to do something about it! Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chap…

"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified." Acts 9: 31 In the wake of Saul, the Destoyer's, removal from the scene, the fledgling churches enter into a peaceful period where they are free to do what all Christians are called to do: they minister to the hurting, they heal the afflicted, they rescue the …

This morning we find our new believer, Saul (or 'Paul' as he soon will be) completely alone and cut off in this world. His former friends are his bitterest enemies. The Christian brothers don't trust him at all. he is the ultimate 'outsider'. Does that strike a chord? And yet he could be more safely 'in' if he tried. Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, C…

"The Lord said to him: 'Arise and go to the street called 'Straight' and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for--behold!--he prays!" Acts 9:11 NKJV Could it possibly be a coincidence? That this greatest conversion of all time--Saul the 'Destroyer' kneeling before Jesus!--should happen on 'Straight Street', of all places! P…

"...he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying: 'Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?'" Acts 9: 4 It has to be one of the most dramatic moments in all the B ib le: the complete overthrow of a wicked man. Saul, the great persecutor, was the 'ravenous wolf' from the Tribe of Benjamin, prophesied by Jacob some 2000 years before. (Gen 49: 27). B…

"Then the Spirit said to Philip: 'Go near and overtake this chariot...'" Acts 8: 29 He was treasurer to the Queen of a thoroughly pagan land; a man of great authority and prestige! Who would ever expect him to come to the Lord? And yet, there he was: in the middle of the wilderness, driven by the dictates of a deep spiritual hunger! Message by Past…

"But Peter said to him: 'May your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money.'" Acts 8: 20 NKJV It is the bedrock foundation of the Gospel of Christ that not a thing we now have, as Christians, has come by our own means. Nothing was 'bought', 'earned', 'acquired' by your own means, dear Christian, o…

"Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word..." Acts 8: 4 What an amazing God we serve! He overthrows evil with good; turns trials into triumphs! This morning, our little church is 'scattered' under the fierce persecutions of the enemies of God. But God is in control! He just turns every fugitive into a missionary! Messa…

"...but he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven..." Acts 7: 55 Stephen was the church's first martyr and what a model of courage he is! He knew the great risk behind what he was doing and yet he did it anyway. He spoke Truth in the face of great e il and paid for it with his life. But--oh!--he 'looked up' dear ones! Let…

If ever a prosecutor should regret pressing charges, Stephen's case is surely one of them. He actually proves that his accusers are guilty of the charges they leveled against him! Though the favor of God was always at work among the, they stubbornly rejected His deliverance. And how like the USA today! Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvaryary Chape…

"God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles and gave him favor and wisdom..." Acts 7: 10 Stephen's 'defense' may seem long, detailed and historical, but--make no mistake--there is nothing superfluous about it. Every word exonerates Stephen and every new subject makes the same devastating point: a nation can fall out of favor with Go…

"...and all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel." Acts 6: 15 This week, we are learning how the believer responds to a hostile environment. I think we need this lesson more than ever before. Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Pastor Old Towne, Orange, CA From the Pastors' Series: The Book of…

"Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Acts 6: 3 This morning our fledgling church struggles with its first case of discord in the congregation. How beautiful the response of these earliest believers! And how crucial that we--and every believing church--follow their wonderful example! Message by …

"...they departed from the presence of the Council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name." Acts 5: 41 This morning, we see God's mighty hand at work, keeping His church save, sound and fearless as ever! And that He will do for you too, dear faithful one! And for all His dear church! Let's take a look... Message by Pas…

"Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We must obey God rather than men.'" Acts 5: 29 Christians are expected to honor officials and obey the laws of the land. But there does come a time when the Christian will say 'no'. When he must choose between obeying God's clear commands and the commands of men. This morning Pastor Dave Johnson exp…

"Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." Acts 5: 20 NKJV Acts 5 has to be the most seeker-unfriendly episode in the history of the church! But God was not about to let hypocrisy infiltrate his fledgling congregation! With the demise of Ananias and Sapphira, God had purified HIs church, and oh what a powerful for…

"But Peter said: 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?'" Acts 5: 3 NKJV Acts 5 has to be a text for the most seeker unfriendly service in the history of the church! But, if this story is unsettling to you, or shocking, that is a good thing! Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From the …

"Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul..." Acts 4: 32 Pastor Dave offers wisdom and insight into the amazing unity of this early, already persecuted church! Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of God…

"...and when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken..." Acts 4: 31 As the world hangs heavy under the turmoil and the lawlessness, we are hearing it over and over: "I can't think of one happy thing." Oh, but we're Christians, dear ones! So how should we respond? Wouldn't you know? Our brave church in Acts 4 does it just rig…

"Whether it is right, in the sight of God, to listen to you more than to God, you be the judge." Acts 4: 19 We continue our study of the 'brave Church': people so inspired and empowered that nothing was going to stop them now. Not that many wouldn't try! This morning, the 'authorities' tried to forbid them to even 'utter' the name of Jesus. What a …

"...for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved." Acts 4: 12 How apt that question the jealous rulers of the people posed to Peter when he so miraculously healed the lame man: "By what power or in what name have you done this?" Oh! So glad they asked! That powerful name the subject of our message this morning…

"Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3: 19 That day on the Temple steps, Peter was preaching to the very enemies of Christ! "You who killed the Prince of Life..."! (Acts 3: 15) But--oh!--God was calling them too! He calls all of us to action, with the p…

"...so he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking leaping and praising God." Acts 3:8 The lame man Peter healed that day, had been in that condition "since his mother's womb" (Acts 3: 2). In other words, he was 'born that way', to be lame was 'his nature'. And everyone knows there is no changing that, right? Oh, hold…

"...be saved from this crooked generation..." Acts 2: 40 Last week we listened to the very first sermon in the history of the Church. It was simple, concise and to the point. But more importantly, it 'pierced', as only something from the Spirit of God could do. So, how did that crowd of listeners respond? Oh that is the blessed subject of this morn…

"Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and heed my words..." Acts 2: 14 This morning we come to the very first sermon ever preached by a Christian preacher. How remarkable, the man God chose to deliver it: the most broken, discouraged, defeated disciple of all the Eleven. But--my!--what a message! And what a transfor…

"Suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind." Acts 2:2 The day was 'Pentecost', remembering when God first gave the Law to His people. But oh, on this Pentecost, He gave something so much greater! He have the Holy Spirit and a changed heart, and the power to live gods Law, not just obey, but live it; to live life God's wa…

"Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke..." Acts 1: 16 Christians do not follow their own devices; their own intuitions, the advice of others or the trends of the day. No! They follow God's Word and when they do, they never have cause for regret. Pastor Dave explains the early church's very first reliance upon the H…

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me..." Acts 1: 8 NKJV Every believer in Jesus Christ becomes a member of Kingdom of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work of the Kingdom; called by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ to all the world. Message by Pastor Dave Joh…

"The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach." Acts 1:1 NKJV Luke, the beloved physician, (Col 4; 14) sets out to investigate the remarkable story of Jesus and becomes part of the story. This wonderful book of Acts is meant not only to be studied, but also to be lived out. Message by Pastor Dave Johnson: Fr…

"...the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." Jn 21: 25 This morning we come to the end of one of the greatest books ever written! And wouldn't you think that John might be proud of it? But no! Look at the incredible humility of this man. John sees his book as just one in the 'pile' that would cover the whole earth if the…

"Simon said to Him, 'Yes Lord, you know that I love you.' He said to him: 'Feed my lambs.'" Jn 21: 15 Isn't it amazing? One of history's greatest Christians was actually one who stumbled; who wavered! In fact, he was giving up ministry altogether to go back to his secular job! Oh, until He met the Savior once again! And then everything changed! Let…

"When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had removed it, and plunged into the sea." Jn 21:7 This morning, we are catching Peter at his very lowest. He seems ready to give up his calling in Christ and go back to his fishing! Oh, but hold on! That's going to change! He's going to plunge in! Message by Pastor R…

"Jesus said to him: 'Because you have seen me, you believe? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.'" Jn 20: 29 There was a direct correlation between Thomas' absence from that first gathering and the state of his heart. He was now a skeptic. What he witnessed at the Cross had disillusioned him for good! But, oh!, God loves the skeptic…

Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the Cross: 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.'" Jn 19:19 At our Savior’s most perilous, most vulnerable moment, His sovereignty is just as manifest as ever! On trial for His life; on His way to a Roman execution, and still He rules! Still He is ‘King’! Even Pontius Pilate must declare it! And you can be sur…

"So David said to God: 'I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now I pray, take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly." 1 Chron. 21: 8 Pastor Dave offers a profound and relevant call to repentance from the story of Israel's disobedience.By Pastor Dave Johnson

"They said to her: 'Woman, why are you weeping?'" Jn 20: 13 Oh, we learn something beautiful from Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb: how easily we can be blinded by fear and despair! Even as Mary wept that day, there was nothing but Good News! Yes, great victory and joy, though all the world seemed wrong, and everything seemed lost and dark. Let's…

"...a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees came with lanterns, torches and weapons..." Jn 18: 3 Rejected, betrayed, denied and abandoned by the very ones He loved! This chapter recounts the emotional pain that our Savior endured. The next chapter presents the physical. Which do you think was worse? Have you endured…

“I do not pray for the world, but for those whom You have given me.” Jn 17:9 This morning we have the rare privilege of ‘eavesdropping’ on a prayer between God the Son and God the Father! How staggeringly profound it is! Where is the preacher who could ‘expound’ this thing? But—oh, most wonderful of all!—His prayer was for you! Let’s scratch the su…

"In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jn 16: 33 Sailors used to say that, when you sail through the Straits of Magellan, no matter which way you pointed your bow, the wind would be against you! How like those straits is our world today! And how wonderful to know the One who has 'overcome' it all!…