Jeff Shackelford's Podcast

We talk often in churches about the Christmas story in Luke 2. We see the narrative about the birth of Jesus but we see in verse 15 that some ordinary shepherds found the truth of the prophecies in the Old Testament were true. The angels sent them to Bethlehem and there they found the baby Jesus just as they were told.The great news was then told by the shepherds with deep and rich excitement. The same gospel then is the same gospel that we should all tell as well. Not just at Christmas but all the time.

Paul models for us how to live a life for Jesus and to be committed to the gospel and to stand up for what is right.As we examine Acts 23 we see that God provides for Paul the strength to endure the challenges of false accusations as well as tremendous amounts of pressure and hardship.

A life story that gives honor to God for all He has done in Karl's life.

A life story that gives honor to God for all He has done in Jim's life/

Paul issues to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20 a strong and important warning that is good for all of us. We must stay rooted and grounded in the Word of God. We must stay connected to the source of all life, direction and purpose which is Jesus and we also must be doing His will in all parts and walks of our life.

As we look at Act 20 we see that we are called to a higher level in following Jesus. We are instructed to know Him fully. We are instructed to serve Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. We are to living a life fully sold out to Jesus. Are you willing to live that way? Are you willing to lean into Him and finish the race He has set for you and I? Are you willing to rely on Him fully to pursue the Great Commission in all you do?(Sorry for the long lead on the recording)

As we move through Acts we see countless times that the apostles encountered times of trouble, difficulties and joy. In those moments, they were instructed as we are to be joyful! To have a Grateful Heart! To rejoice when the time may not be joyful. We must recycle joy no matter the time.How is your heart condition?

As a follower of Jesus Christ, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. His power is right from the Source of all things, God the Father. With this, we need to begin to live according to the way the Spirit wants us to live and that requires that we live in the Spirit and walk in step with the Spirit. As we see tonight in the series on the book of Acts, we examine the way to Live In The Spirit by seeing this from Galatians 5:16-26 and Psalms 51:1-11.Grab your Bible, a cup of God's Brew and dig in to His Word and also into the offer to Live In The Spirit that the Father makes for us.

As we examine Acts 19:1-10, we see that the 12 believers that Paul encountered had only heard of Jesus to come and had not experienced the life changing impact of Jesus. So, they had never received the Holy Spirit. It is here we see as with Apollos, they knew of Jesus the Messiah to come, but didn't know Jesus the Savior and in part, had not received the Holy Spirit either.We begin tonight looking at the Holy Spirit and just who He is in connection with the Trinity as well as His role, purpose and part of our lives in relationship to our walk with Jesus.

So often in our life we have a head knowledge of God and yet, there isn't a real personal connection and relationship with God. We have to take what we know and have it radically impact our lives in order for us to surrender fully and completely to God. Know things of Him or about Him isn't enough, it take a genuine and real acceptance of our need for Him and then receiving what He has for us. Forgiveness of the sins in our lives, freeing us from our bondage and shame, walking with us in good and bad, leading and directing our steps and paths, giving us the Holy Spirit and the assurance of eternal life.Do you have a head knowledge of God? Do you have a heart knowledge of Him as well? If not, ask Him to reveal Himself to you today.Acts 18:18-28

In Acts 18 we see that Paul once again starts to preach the Gospel and many come to faith. And he also, learns a new trade and joins a husband and wife team making tents. It isn't only just for making tents, he does what he does well...making disciples! Often in the churches today, we feel it is the pastor, elders and others job to teach, mentor and disciple and yet, we see here a real example of disciple making in action.

We see in Acts 17 that Paul confronts the people on all their idols that they have and worship. Even today, people have idols that we worship and have that take the fore front of our lives over our worship of God. We will look at this passage and see that God is the only real and true God and that we must not have any other God's but Him. We also must examine our own lives and see if we are needing to rid ourselves of idols, things we worship and value more than God.

In the first half of chapter 17 we see that Paul and the crew of servants of Jesus encounter not one more, not two more but three encounters with evil opposition when they are spreading the gospel. When we boldly go where God wants us to go, we will encounter obstacles and yet, we are given full authority over the evil one in the Name of Jesus and we are given full power and victory through Jesus as we are in the battle. We need people however to be in the battle with us that will hold us up and pray for us. That will encourage us. We also need to be studying the Word for ourselves and growing. We need to boldly share the truth wherever we are and with whomever we are with.

Often in life we are held captive by things of the world that jail us. They hold us prisoners. We are allowed to be free of these when we surrender our will and way to Jesus. When we invite Him to control, direct, lead and be master of our lives. Following Jesus gives us a get out of jail free card if you will. Lets dig into Act 16 and see the account there as well as how we can apply these truths to our own lives.

When we see and encounter roadblocks in our lives and ministry, we often respond to them in varies ways. We see here in Acts 16:6-16 Paul and Timothy responded to the closed doors in life by waiting on God and then going as He led them to go.How do you and I respond to the closed doors in our lives? Seek Him first in all we do and He will be found and He will lead.

In Acts 16:1-5 we are introduced to a young man named Timothy. Raised and mentored by his grandmother and mother, they were an active part in the discipleship process of him. Here we see Paul starting the next level of discipleship with him and through this we see the crucial element of spiritual discipleship for all believers.

As we look at Acts 15 we see two scenarios of struggles of people not getting along. Due to traditions by the Jews now followers of Jesus expecting the Gentile believers to adhere to the laws and customs. All parties were unable to do that and so, a letter is written and directions for how to live as Christ indeeds for them and us to live was written and delivered.The second struggle was with two missionaries that needed to be about the call of Jesus on their life and due to a young man, Mark, there was a disagreement that arose. See how God intends for us to live and act as followers of Him through the text.(Due to a technical problem, last weeks sermon was not recorded and a review was done in the start of this sermon)

When we encounter struggles, persecution, difficulties and unfair advantages we often back away from them. We also can respond in a way that is not God honoring. Persecution is part of being a disciple.Our response is critical and paramount to the name of God. Do we tarnish His name in difficult times or do we count the cost of following Him as a disciple of His.Act 14:20-28

When the Lord leads us into a deeper walk and relationship with Him it requires us to follow Him regardless of the cost.Paul and Barnabas encounter tough obstacles and people that were horrible to them. They pushed through the ministry they were called to by God and by His strength and plan, people came to faith in Christ. Acts 14 shows us how we should live and follow Him and His plan. Boldly go where others won't go by His leading and strength.

We look at the reason and purpose for the existence of Paul and Barnabas on this journey in the spreading of the Gospel.They meet resistance again and yet, in history there is always a reason and purpose for everything. They will now embark on what God is commissioning them to do...reach the Gentiles.Act 13:26-52 The Gospel is about Christ, Christ centered and available to all! This makes Paul and Barnabas Two Happy Campers!