Membership Part 1: Pictures of the Church | January 12, 2025
Genesis 3:1-13 | The Fall of Mankind | January 5, 2025
Genesis 3:1-13 ESV
(1) Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" (2) And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, (3) but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" (4) But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. (5) For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (6) So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (7) Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. (8) And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (9) But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" (10) And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself." (11) He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" (12) The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (13) Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
The Whole Story of the Bible | December 29, 2024
Sorry…no video from today. Jon spent 10 minutes setting up the camera and then forgot to press record.
Psalm 119:105-112; 129-136 | Light Unto My Path | December 21, 2024
Psalm 119:105-112, 129-136
(105) [Nun] Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (106) I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. (107) I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! (108) Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. (109) I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. (110) The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. (111) Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. (112) I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
(129) [Pe] Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. (130) The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (131) I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. (132) Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. (133) Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. (134) Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts. (135) Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. (136) My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
Psalm 119:9-24 | Delight | December 8, 2024
Psalm 119:9-24 ESV
(9) [Beth] How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. (10) With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! (11) I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (12) Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! (13) With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. (14) In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. (15) I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (16) I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (17) [Gimel] Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. (18) Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (19) I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! (20) My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. (21) You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. (22) Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. (23) Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. (24) Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
Acts 12:20-25 | Herod’s Pride | December 1, 2024
Acts 12:20-25 ESV
(20) Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. (21) On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. (22) And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" (23) Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. (24) But the word of God increased and multiplied. (25) And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
Acts 12:1-19 | James Killed, Peter Saved | November 24, 2024
Acts 12:1-19 ESV
(1) About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. (2) He killed James the brother of John with the sword, (3) and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. (4) And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. (5) So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (6) Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. (7) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. (8) And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." (9) And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. (10) When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. (11) When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." (12) When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. (13) And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. (14) Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. (15) They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!" (16) But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. (17) But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place. (18) Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. (19) And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
Acts 11:19-30 | The Antioch Church | November 17, 2024
Acts 11:19-30 ESV
(19) Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. (20) But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. (21) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (22) The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. (23) When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, (24) for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (25) So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, (26) and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (27) Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28) And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). (29) So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (30) And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11:1-18 | Gentiles | November 10, 2024
Acts 11:1-18 ESV
(1) Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. (2) So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, (3) "You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them." (4) But Peter began and explained it to them in order: (5) "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. (6) Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. (7) And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' (8) But I said, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' (9) But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has made clean, do not call common.' (10) This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. (11) And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. (12) And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. (13) And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; (14) he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' (15) As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. (16) And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' (17) If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" (18) When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life."
Acts 10:34-48 | Peter’s Third Sermon | November 3, 2024
Acts 10:34-48 ESV
(34) So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, (35) but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (36) As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), (37) you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (39) And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, (40) but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, (41) not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (42) And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. (43) To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (44) While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. (45) And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. (46) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, (47) "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Acts 10:1-33 | Two Visions | October 27, 2024
Acts 10:1-33 ESV
(1) At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, (2) a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. (3) About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius." (4) And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. (5) And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. (6) He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea." (7) When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, (8) and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. (9) The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. (10) And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance (11) and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. (12) In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. (13) And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." (14) But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." (15) And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common." (16) This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. (17) Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate (18) and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. (19) And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you. (20) Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them." (21) And Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?" (22) And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." (23) So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. (24) And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. (25) When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. (26) But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." (27) And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. (28) And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. (29) So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me." (30) And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing (31) and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. (32) Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' (33) So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."
Acts 9:32-43 | Peter’s Miracles | October 20, 2024
Acts 9:32-43 ESV
(32) Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. (33) There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. (34) And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. (35) And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. (36) Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. (37) In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. (38) Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." (39) So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. (40) But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. (41) And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42) And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (43) And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Acts 9:19-31 | Saul’s Early Days as a Believer | October 6, 2024
Acts 9:19b-31 ESV
(19) For some days Saul was with the disciples at Damascus. (20) And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." (21) And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?" (22) But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (23) When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, (24) but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, (25) but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. (26) And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. (28) So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. (29) And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. (30) And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. (31) So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
Acts 9:1-19 | Saul Believes: Conversion | September 29, 2024
Acts 9:1-19 ESV
(1) But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3) Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. (4) And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (5) And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (6) But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." (7) The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (8) Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. (9) And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (10) Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." (11) And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, (12) and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." (13) But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." (15) But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (17) So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (18) And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; (19) and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
Acts 9:1-19 | Saul Believes: The Power of the Gospel | September 22, 2024
Acts 9:1-19 ESV
(1) But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3) Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. (4) And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (5) And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (6) But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." (7) The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (8) Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. (9) And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (10) Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." (11) And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, (12) and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." (13) But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." (15) But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (17) So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (18) And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; (19) and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
Acts 8:26-40 | Phillip The Evangelist | September 15, 2024
Sorry, no video this week. The camera was zoomed in way too far. It was a whole thing…but feel free to check out the audio above.
Acts 8:26-40 ESV
(26) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place. (27) And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship (28) and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. (29) And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." (30) So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (31) And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. (32) Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. (33) In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." (34) And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" (35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. (36) And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (37) (38) And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (39) And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. (40) But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:9-25 | Simon the Magician | September 8, 2024
Acts 8:9-25 ESV
(9) But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. (10) They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." (11) And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. (12) But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (13) Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. (14) Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, (15) who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, (16) for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (18) Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, (19) saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." (20) But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! (21) You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. (22) Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. (23) For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." (24) And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." (25) Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Acts 7:54-8:8 | The Church Spreads Because of Persecution | September 1, 2024
Acts 7:54-60 ESV
(54) Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. (55) But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (56) And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (57) But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. (58) Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (59) And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (60) And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:1-8
(1) And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (2) Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. (3) But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. (4) Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. (5) Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. (6) And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. (7) For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. (8) So there was much joy in that city.
Acts 7:1-53 | Stephen’s Sermon | August 25, 2024
Acts 7:1-53 ESV
(1) And the high priest said, "Are these things so?" (2) And Stephen said: "Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, (3) and said to him, 'Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.' (4) Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. (5) Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. (6) And God spoke to this effect--that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. (7) 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' (8) And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. (9) "And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him (10) and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. (11) Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. (12) But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. (13) And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. (14) And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. (15) And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, (16) and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. (17) "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt (18) until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. (19) He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. (20) At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house, (21) and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. (22) And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. (23) "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. (24) And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. (25) He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. (26) And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?' (27) But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? (28) Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' (29) At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. (30) "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. (31) When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: (32) 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. (33) Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. (34) I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' (35) "This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'--this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. (36) This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. (37) This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.' (38) This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. (39) Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, (40) saying to Aaron, 'Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' (41) And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. (42) But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: "'Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? (43) You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.' (44) "Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. (45) Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, (46) who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. (47) But it was Solomon who built a house for him. (48) Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, (49) "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? (50) Did not my hand make all these things?' (51) "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. (52) Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, (53) you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."