Stephen's Defense

Dennis McCallum

Acts 6:7-7:60

Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin and gives a history lesson, stating God rejects sacred space, has worked and is working outside of Israel, and still decries His people as stiff-necked, unwilling to change, and murderers of His Messiah.

Stephen

Conrad Hilario

John 4:21-24

The Apostle Stephen presents his defense to the religious leaders threatening him. He reminds them that; 1. Temples cannot contain God; 2. Moses predicted Jesus; 3. The Jewish people reject the prophets.

Stephen's Defense

James Rochford

Acts 6:7-7:58

Stephen, the first martyr, is brought before the Sanhedrin to give his defense. He uses Abraham, Joseph, and Moses as examples to explain that God is at work outside of "Holy places, spaces and races". Putting God in a box results in 1) a diminished view of God; 2) hypocrisy; 3) distraction and confusion; and 4) idols which replace and confine God.

Two Rich Guys

Dennis McCallum

Luke 18:18-19:10

Jesus says that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus exposes a rich young ruler's idolatry of wealth because he's unwilling to give it away to follow Jesus. By contrast, a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus, receives salvation and responds with joyful generosity.

Evangelism for the 21st Century (Part 1) - Identifying Idols

Randy Newman

Acts 17:16-34

Evangelism in the 21st century is a unique challenge. Today, we face barriers that create a need for having more pre-evangelistic conversations, conversations in which we help people across different theological truths before ever arriving to the gospel. One specific barrier in evangelism is the problem of idols. We often have our own idols of comfort or peace that prevent us from sharing the gospel. But those who do not know God also have idols in their life that take reign in their hearts. Learn how to address these by following principles demonstrated by the Apostle Paul in his own evangelism.

Solomon Sliding

Dennis McCallum

Ecclesiastes 2:1

Solomon fails in following God and keeping the covenant established with David. Solomon: 1) collected great wealth for himself, 2) built up a large army, and 3) married many foreign women and built altars to their gods. God tells Solomon he has failed and God will tear the kingdom from him. Solomon most likely wrote the book of Ecclesiastes during this time of failure and depression.

The Whore of Babylon

Conrad Hilario

Revelation 17-18

Babylon represents humanity rising up in rebellion against God. This rebellion is seen in 5 different venues: 1) spiritual adultery; 2) political power and world domination; 3) materialism; 4) opulence, hedonism, and pleasure; 5) hubris and the desire to find meaning apart from God.

The Father's Treasure

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Is money spiritually neutral? We look at warnings of having your heart serve wealth in this life, and guidance on areas including anxiety and faith. We look at aspects of what spiritual rewards and treasures God has given us, how to put God first, and his people as the true treasure of the master that we serve.

Stephen's Defense

Ryan Lowery

Genesis 7:37-8:1

When argument failed, the enemies of the early church turned to lies and perjury when they accused Stephen of attacking the God of Israel. In Stephen's defense, he makes the argument that God is much more than just the God of Israel. Those who murdered Stephen had idolized ritual practices and were blind to the fact that God wants a relationship rather than religious acts.\r\n\r\n