Woodmen Valley Chapel

Stephen shares the testimony of God’s working in the lives. We cannot assume that people know the details of the story and must ensure that we ourselves know what we are talking about. 1. The charges (vs. 1) 2. His defense: a. Abraham (vs. 2-8) b. Joseph (vs. 9-16) c. Moses (vs. 17-36) SONGS Your Love Never Fails All The Poor And Powerless O Praise The Name (Anástasis) How He Loves

Even while they were enjoying unprecedented growth, the early church was not without opposition. We need be mindful that though faithful, it does not mean we will avoid conflict. 1. Private depth precedes public impact (vs. 8) 2. A positive impact is not always well received (vs. 9) 3. God gives confidence when we are opposed (vs. 10) 4. The opposition is real and rarely fair (vs. 11-14) 5. The presence of God is notably different (vs. 15) SONGS Here For You Hallelujah What A Savior Jesus Son Of God Man Of Sorrows

As the church grew, the workload simply became too much for the apostles to handle. For our work at Woodmen to continue and be blessed, we too need to enlist others to help with the work. 1. The problem (vs. 1-2) 2. The plan (vs. 3-4) 3. The people (vs. 5-6) 4. The result (vs. 7) SONGS The Lord Our God You Have Won Me Holy Spirit All The Earth God Of The Redeemed

Sinners drew near to Christ while the religious establishment sought division. God’s heart is for the lost and the self-righteous will miss the party. 1. Jesus Welcomed (vs. 1-2) 2. Jesus Pursued (vs. 3-4) 3. Jesus Rejoiced (vs. 5-7)

Sinners drew near to Christ while the religious establishment sought division. God’s heart is for the lost and the self-righteous will miss the party. 1. Jesus Welcomed (vs. 1-2) 2. Jesus Pursued (vs. 3-4) 3. Jesus Rejoiced (vs. 5-7)

Sinners drew near to Christ while the religious establishment sought division. God’s heart is for the lost and the self-righteous will miss the party. 1. Jesus Welcomed (vs. 1-2) 2. Jesus Pursued (vs. 3-4) 3. Jesus Rejoiced (vs. 5-7)

It has been said that the issue is not, “unanswered questions but answers unquestioned.” If not careful the followers of Christ are susceptible to buying into the world’s goals and values. We must be careful to listen with a discerning ear in order to detect the lies of the enemy.

The love of God was made manifest in the person and work of Christ. As his children, we too should be transformed into his image and display the love of God through all that we do. Interestingly, our confidence for the final day is not to be found in intellectual agreement but in the evidence of love in our lives.

We must be careful to listen with a discerning ear in order to detect the lies of the enemy. 1. The warning: Do not be fooled (vs. 1) 2. The test: Who do you say Christ is? (vs. 2-3) 3. The assurance: The Holy Spirit (vs. 4) 4. The proof: Biblical Unity (vs. 5-6) SONGS Love Came Down [J Riddle] Stronger Jesus Paid It All Lord I Need You God I Look To You

We are to pattern our lives after the example of Christ who laid down his life for us. Our love is to be a transforming and practical love for the family of God that goes far beyond lip service to tangible and sacrificial examples of care one for another. 1. Love well (vs. 11) 2. What it is not: a. Jealous (vs. 12) b. Shortsighted (vs. 13) c. Optional (vs. 14-15) 3. What it is: a. Sacrificial (vs. 16) b. Generous (vs. 17) c. Active (vs. 18) 4. Why it matters (vs. 19-24) SONGS Here For You You Have Won Me How He Loves Full Attention How Great Is Our God Forever [Bethel]

Four components to truly understand Christ's challenge to be a worker in the harvest. 1. The Meaning: The Harvest, The Crowds, The Workers 2. The Motivation – 3 Lessons a. Shepherd – reach the lost b. Farmer – save the dying c. Savior – compassion for the lost and dying 3. The Methodology – Go, See, Individualize 4. The Mandate – The Call to Action SONGS Be Thou My Vision He Is The Light Good Good Father Came To My Rescue 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)

Before jumping into a New Year ahead we pause to remember all that enjoyment is a gift and that he, and he alone, is worthy of all our praise and thanksgiving. 1. I give thanks to the God who answers (vs.1-3) 2. I give thanks to the God who cares (vs. 4-6) 3. I give thanks to the God who delivers (vs. 7-8) SONGS Joyful (The One Who Saves) Here I Am To Worship Waiting Here For You Revelation Song God With Us

In a dark world filled with sin, the light of Christ shines in darkness declaring a message of hope for all. 1. The King is God (vs. 1-2) 2. The King is creator (v. 3) 3. The King is light (vs. 4) 4. The King is here (vs. 5) SONGS Here Is Our King O Come All Ye Faithful Forever Reign O Holy Night No Other Name Silent Night

All of our goods, our prayers and our commodities are to be brought before Christ. While our Christmas celebrations can become rather self-focused, here we are reminded to give thanks to the giver of all things. 1. A new perspective (vs. 15) 2. A bright future (vs.16) 3. An eternal confidence (vs. 17) 4. A reason to sing (vs. 18-20) SONGS: Joy To The World Angels We Have Heard On High All Who Are Thirsty Great Are You Lord To Our God What Child Is This Jesus We Love You

Far from having an impact on only a select few, the Psalmist envisions the King having a global impact. Showing love in action towards those in need. The King redeems those he loves out of slavery. Our love should not be withheld for a select few, but rather, given freely to all people. We should stand for the poor and needy and show our love in practical ways.

While our faith often puts us at odds with the world, we should seek, as we are able, to bring joy and levity to those who are hurting. 1. The King is honored (vs. 5a) 2. The King is consistent (vs. 5b) 3. The King is welcomed (vs. 6) 4. The King builds up (vs. 7) SONGS Always What Joy Is Found O Come All Ye Faithful No Other Name Only King Forever

Looking forward to a future reign of God’s anointed; the Psalmist begins by calling on God to give the king a desire for justice and righteousness. Our hearts need to be transformed in order to care for the things that matter to him most. 1. The desire begins with God (vs. 1) 2. The ability comes from God (vs. 2) 3. The pursuit is for God (vs. 3) 4. Our hope is in Christ (vs. 4) SONGS It Is Well 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) No Longer Slaves Jesus You Are Worthy All The Poor And Powerless

The convicting work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is practical and gracious. Properly understood, the conviction of the Holy Spirit will draw us closer to Jesus and not drive us away from him. 1. The Purpose of the Spirit (vs. 4b-8) 2. What is Wrong: Confessing My Sin (vs. 9) 3. What is Right: Embracing Christ’s Righteousness (vs. 10) 4. What to Choose: Understanding Life’s Purpose (vs. 11) SONGS Holy Spirit Hosanna (B. Fraser) When You Walk Into The Room Jesus We Love You Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Those who are born of God through Christ should share some common traits with one another. While not yet who we will be, there should be a consistent effort to pursue righteousness and not make it a practice to sin. 1. We have hope and not despair (vs. 2:28-3:3) 2. We recognize and respond (vs. 3:4-7) 3. We fight and are faithful (vs. 3:8:10) SONGS

This sobering text deals with the work of the enemy and how we can combat his evil schemes. Rather than giving cause for fear, the children of God possess the upper hand and can rest confident in what they have been taught. Resting in the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the followers of Christ can discern truth from error. 1. We face a real enemy (vs.18-19) 2. We possess the upper hand (vs. 20-21) 3. Separate fact from fiction (vs. 22-23) 4. Fight back (vs. 24-27) a. Trust in his word (vs. 24-25) b. Listen to his Spirit (vs. 26-27) SONGS Love Came Down [J Riddle] Cornerstone Before The Throne Of God Above Jesus Paid It All Forever Reign