Stephen Georgeson (Pastor Stephen)

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus. We'll look at who we was prior to meeting Jesus. Then the encounter with Jesus. Then we'll see what a change it made in his life. And isn't this the same process the Lord takes with us (though different circumstances)?

Simon the Magician. See what happens when the gospel (the Lord) comes to a city! Verses 9-11 is what it was like prior to Philip bringing the gospel. 12-17 is when the gospel came. 18-24 is how things changed as a result of the gospel coming to town.

The stoning of Stephen was the Big Bang of the church of Jesus Christ. The pressure was building between the new believers and the religious powers in Jerusalem. Something had to give. The pressure resulted in 1) Persecution, which led to 2) Propelling the gospel outward, and 3) to see that God is purposeful in all that He does or allows.

Stephen's speech. He showed the Council that they were doing the very things he was being charged with. And he had historical evidence.

Stephen, a man full of grace, the Holy Spirit, power, faith and wisdom. He's a fascinating man. And his accusers. First they dispute him and escalate their attacks until he's before the Sanhedrin.

The major theme of the Bible: Man wrestling with God. In this passage in Acts, we'll see the unrelenting resistance, the unstoppable gospel and the unbreakable men as the Church is established and grows.

We'll look at signs and wonders. We'll see those who were scared and those who dared. And we'll see the sick and afflicted.

What should we consider important and what should we focus on in this new year? The world tries to tell us what's important, but the Lord tells us what's REALLY important...for our souls and for eternity.

The story of the wise men from the East coming to find baby Jesus. Pastor John will lead us through the three encounters and the three reactions found in this biblical account.