Christ Community Church Helena, Al

1. The gospel and its counterfeits 2. The use and power of a personal story: (a) my life before Christ, (b) how I realized my need for Christ, (c) how I received Christ, (d) my life since receiving Christ 3. Conclusion

1. Facts about Pentecost Meaning of the term, "ecclesia" Meaning of the term, "pentecost" Events in Acts 2:1-4 The "ribbon cutting" ceremony for the Church The role of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Matt 28) 2. Expansion of the Church (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:13; and Acts 8:1,4)

Facts about the Ascension: 1. At the end of 40 days, Jesus visibly ascended from earth to heaven. 2. Jesus remains - now and forever - fully god and fully human, forever. 3. Jesus' return will be like his ascension - physical and visible. What's Jesus doing now? 1. Jesus is abiding with you by his spirit (John 15:26; Rom 8). 2. Christ is interceding for you (Heb 7:25). 3. He is preparing for you to join Him (John 14:1-3).

Part 4 of our 5 Solas (5 "Onlies") series

Part 3 of our 5 Solas (5 "Onlies") series

Part 2 of our 5 Solas (5 "Onlies") series

Main Idea: Because Jesus was resurrected, our forever salvation is guaranteed. 1. Through the resurrection of Jesus, God's saving work of us is complete. 2. Through the resurrection of Jesus, God's restoration work is guaranteed!

1. Disciples follow the ways of Jesus by surrendering their own path. 2. Disciples display selfless love to others. 3. Disciples make disciples of others. So, how do we become this type of disciple? 1) Remember the Jesus that we follow - wise, kind and divine. 2) Identify yourself primarily as a child of God and a follower of Jesus. 3) Remind yourself that following Jesus is greater than ruling the world.

1. What is a miracle? 2. What is the purpose of miracles?

A. Be aware that God rejoices in the repentant sinner but resists the self-righteous (Luke 7:36-50) B. Be active in showing compassion to the needy (Luke 10:25-37)

Main idea: Since Jesus came to replace our emptiness with undeserved abundance, let's thank him and speak often of the good news he brings. Good News: Jesus was sent by God to rescue us (Luke 4:18; Ps 23:6) Good News: Our bankruptcy is replaced with riches (Gal 2; 2 Cor 8:9) Good News: Our captivity is replaced with freedom (Rom 3:2; Eph 2) Good News: Our inability to see and savor God is replaced with an ability to see and savor God (Acts 26:18; 2 Cor 4:4) Good News: Our despair from a shattered life is replaced with the promise of Shalom (Luke 4:18)

1. What was the purpose of Jesus' baptism? 2. What was the purpose of Jesus' wilderness temptation? Conclusion

Truth 1: God favors you by saving you through the birth of Christ (Gal 4:4-5; Luke 2:25-32; Acts 4:12; and Luke 2:33-34). Application: Thank God often that he demonstrated his delight in saving you. Truth 2: The life of Jesus displayed he favored God his father (Luke 2:41-52). Application: Make decisions that grow your favor of God.

1. Is this the Gospel era? 2. What was John the Baptist's role in redemptive history? Conclusion

Worshipping with us today is one of our Faith Promise supported families, the Wheelers, who serve in Bundibugyo, Uganda. Rhett Wheeler shared a 15 min testimony (not included on audio) of God's work in Uganda. As a church family, we also spent time in prayer for this family. To read more about the Wheeler's work in Uganda, please visit https://serge.org/staff/id-51095/ Sermon outline: 1. Act #1 comes to a close 2. Act #2 is being prepared Conclusion

Consider: Is your desire to know and reveal God growing or stagnant? Main Truth: Since walking with God in his ways brings our deepest satisfaction and impact, let's always seek continual spiritual renewal. Principles of Spiritual Renewal: 1. We ask the Lord to begin the work of renewal. Ezra 1:1-2; 1:5; 7:27-28; Nehemiah 2:8; and Ps. 51:10-12. 2. We recognize that suffering, sin and struggle are necessary for true renewal. Ezra 4:4-6; Nehemiah 4:7-8; Matt. 5:3,4,10-11; and Phil. 3:8. 3. We need Biblical heart repentance along with life change. Ezra 10:2-4 and Joel 2:12-13 4. We recognize renewal is created and sustained through the means of grace: gathered worship and community with other believers and seeking God in the Word and prayer. Ezra 3:3 and Ezra 7:10

Truth #1: God controls all things and provides what we need. (Dan. 1:1-2; 1:9; and 1:17) Application: Be faithful always through dependency on Him. Truth #2: God's kingdom is the true and lasting kingdom. (Dan. 2:44) Application: Be 'heart-resistant' to assimilation into a temporary culture. Truth #3: God keeps His promise to deliver us through Jesus. (Dan. 7:13-14; Matt. 24:30; and Matt. 26:64) Application: Be assured that suffering is temporary and will be reversed.