Month: November 2019

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:54 — 10.3MB)

Sermon Audio: The Heart of a Minister
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 8:14-25
Duration: 20:54
Size: 10.3 MB

Acts: Life In The Spirit
The Heart of a Minister
Acts 8:14-25

If our hearts are right with God, we have an active part in the ministry of God.

I. God’s Ministers Must not Exploit His Presence
Whenever we start to think that it’s all about us, then we are in danger of abusing God’s power and exploiting His presence.

Peter let him know that God’s power was not about having a right formula; rather, it was about having a right heart before God.

II. God’s Ministers Must Have Hearts that Are Right with Him
Also, just because somebody prays the prayer of repentance does not mean that all of the baggage from their past just disappears.

III. God’s Ministers Must Confront Their Bondage
If you continue trying to hide your bondage behind smiles and closed doors, then you will never find the freedom you long for.

IV. God’s Ministers Must Make Repentance a Way of Life
If we confess our sins, God will forgive us and make us clean.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:43 — 9.1MB)

Sermon Audio: Amazed by Grace
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 8:9-13
Duration: 18:43
Size: 9.13 MB

Acts: Life In The Spirit
Amazed by Grace
Acts 8:9-13

The truth about Jesus will have a powerful effect on those who receive it.

I. Power Attracts People (Acts 8:9-11)
Aside from facing times when our only answer must come from a higher power, there is something within us that wants to see something supernatural happen.

II. Power without Truth Is Dangerous (Acts 8:11)
We know that there are other powers and spiritual forces around, but Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

III. The Power of the Truth Leads to Freedom (Acts 8:12-13)
So, with a sense of mission he headed towards a Samaritan city to tell the people about Jesus.

God’s grace can reach even the worst of sinners.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:08 — 14.4MB)

Sermon Audio: The Prevailing Purpose of God
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Acts 8:1-8
Duration: 30:08
Size: 14.3 MB

Acts: Life In The Spirit
The Prevailing Purpose of God
Acts 8:1-8

Now, God does not take pleasure out of forcing someone to love Him, so He does give us a free will.

I. God’s Purpose Is Always Under Attack (Acts 8:1,3)
Whatever the reason, the heat was turned up in opposition to the purpose of God.

We have a nasty enemy who does not want anyone to receive Jesus or experience lasting peace.

II. God’s Purpose May Be Fulfilled Through Grief and Suffering (Acts 8:2,4-5)
Now, the ripples of Christ’s work were being felt not only throughout Israel, but in Samaria.

However, sometimes God may be saying, “I have a higher purpose for you than just making you feel good.”

III. God’s Purpose Includes Demonstrations of His Power (Acts 8:6-7)
When we share the love of Jesus with someone, we should be able to say with boldness that Jesus Christ wants to make them whole!

Sometimes people today never really hear the gospel, because they are so overwhelmed by their problems.

IV. God’s Purpose Brings Joy out of Sorrow (Acts 8:8)
Because Philip was willing to minister out of his grief and suffering, these Samaritans were able to see God turn their sorrow into joy.