First Irving Sermons

Driving Question. What do we learn about the gospel from these Spirit-filled Apostles when they are opposed by the Jewish leaders for ministering in the Name of Jesus? The Gospel of Salvation is exclusively found in Jesus’ Name (5–12) 3 temptations we face today in caving to speak of the exclusivity of Christ That we would be found arrogant That we would be found as intolerant That we would be charged with being narrow-minded Opposition to the gospel will come because of Jesus’ Name (13–22) There are times when we obey God rather than magistrates. If the government said we could not preach the gospel (God commanded us to Mk 16:15) If the government said we could not preach against sinful lifestyles (1 Pet 2:21) If the government said we couldn't gather as the church (Heb 10:24–25) Despite opposition, we keep proclaiming the gospel in Jesus’ Name (23–31) Takeaways. Marvel at the Savior and Rejoice in the gospel. He shapes our rest He shapes our boldness He shapes our work He shapes our mission Prepare to be opposed because of Jesus’ Name.

Driving Question/or Main Idea. Why is Peter’s message more glorious than the miracle it follows? Because the message shifts all the focus onto Jesus. Because his message conveys that healing is found in Jesus’ Name (12–16) Because his message offers an even greater healing in Jesus’ Name (17–21) And then Peter provides 3 purpose clauses (that)... that serve as 3 promises to the one who repents: 1. that your sins may be blotted out, 2. that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. 3. that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Because his message reinforces that Jesus is the One they’ve been waiting for (22–26) Takeaways. Jesus is provided to bless you (v.26). The value of Jesus as the glorified One (v.13).

Main Idea: The mission of Christ unfolds as His Spirit-filled witnesses bring hope to the hopeless and credibility to their Christ. 1. The Mission of Christ (vv. 1-4) 2. The Wonders of Christ (vv. 5-10) -The Wonder of His Name (v. 6) -The Wonder of His Power (v. 7) -The Wonder of His Hope and Grace (v. 8) -The Wonder of His Identity (vv. 8-10) Response 1. Live on mission with Christ 2. Reflect on your desperate state before Christ saved you 3. Commit to being a channel of God’s power and grace in the lives of others

Driving Question: Who is this Jesus whom Peter is preaching? The One Whom the Spirit Speaks About Through Prophets (vv. 16–21) The One Whom The Apostles Witnessed (vv. 22–32) The One Whom The Father Exults (vv. 33–36) The One Who Offers You Grace in His Name (vv. 37–41) Responses. Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ with bold conviction, and clear presentation. Glory in the Gospel daily. Repent and be baptized.

Driving Questions. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is his purpose? Who is the Holy Spirit? His Manifestation Confirms That He is God (1–3) Who is the Holy Spirit? He is the Fulfillment of God’s Promises (4) What is his purpose? His Message Proclaims God’s Mighty Works in Christ Takeaways. (Theological connections) God comes to us through His Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Agent who strengthens ordinary people to boldly testify. The Gospel is for the nations.

Main Idea: Jesus’ followers seek the Lord’s will together by uniting in prayer, relying on the inspired Scriptures, and trusting God to direct sovereignly. Driving Question. What can we learn from Jesus’ followers about seeking the Lord’s will? Jesus’ followers were unified and devoted to prayer (14) Applications for prayers. - Confess your tendency to be busy and not pray. - Remain diligent in prayer, for it keeps you from being divided. - Unite together and pray for God's redemptive purposes. - Submit humbly to Christ. Jesus’ followers were dependent on the inspired Scriptures (15–20) Apply. - Trust the Scriptures as your authority. - Look at the Scriptures through the lens of Christ. - Run to the Scriptures to interpret your life. Jesus’ followers agreed and trusted in God’s sovereign direction (24–26) Takeaways. - Obey and practice what God has clearly revealed in his word. - Let the Scriptures inform wise, logical decisions that are connected to his mission and the spread of the gospel. - Be devoted to a group of like-minded people who share the same beliefs and convictions about Christ.

Framing Question: What is the plan that Christ has for the church, and why is the ascension important to the plan? The ascension. Is a significant part of the ministry of Jesus Christ and the plan for the church. He gives gifts to men that he might fill all things (Eph 4:8–10) We have an interceding High Priest, who has passed through the heavens (Heb 4:14–16) We have a King who has full authority, and all things are subject to him (angels, authorities, powers) (1 Pet 3:22) We have an Advocate before the Father- Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 Jn 2:1; Rom 8:34) We are citizens of heaven, our lives are hidden with Christ in God who is in heaven (Col:2–3) Jesus sends the Advocate- the Holy Spirit to empower his church (Jn 14:6; 16:7; Lk 24:49). Man now sits enthroned in heaven, whom God has granted all authority (Gen 1:28; Matt 28:18; Eph 1:21–23). Main Idea. After Jesus’ ascension, his ministry continues through the church, by the Holy Spirit, to the ends of the earth. Driving Question. How is the ministry of Christ continued? King Jesus Provides Us The Message to Proclaim (vv. 4–8) The Gospel King Jesus Provides The Means to Empower Us (vv. 4–5, 8) The Holy Spirit Apply: Pray for a fresh work of the Spirit. King Jesus Provides Us The Mission to Obey Before He Returns (vv. 9–11) The Great Commission Takeaways. Christ is with you. Repent of complacency and trust the Spirit to help. Commit to letting the Book of Acts change our view of the church. Pray. Be active in the Great Commission.

A reminder of where the church is founded 1. In the work and teaching of Jesus 2. In the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit 3. In the Hope of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Who will attend the great banquet of Christ? 1. Those who are humble. (v.15) 2. Those who truly value Christ. (v.16-21a) 3. Those who receive His mercy. (v.21b-24) How do we respond? For those who do not follow Jesus: Embrace the mercy that God extends to you today. For those among the church: Pray that the Lord would grow you in humility. Pray that the Lord would grow your affections for Jesus. Pray that the Lord would grow your gratitude towards the mercy of God

Driving Question. Why is Christ’s birth announcement to the shepherds so profoundly wonderful? Because it teaches that lowly sinners are first entrusted with the glorious news of Christ [vv. 8–12] Because it teaches lowly sinners that Christ is the highest glory of God [vv. 13–14] Because it teaches lowly sinners how to faithfully respond to the glorious news of Christ [vv. 15–20] The Shepherd’s responses. 1.They trusted the word of God. 2.They made haste to the Messiah. 3.They responded as those who know they need saving. 4.They evangelized others who needed the Savior. 5. They glorified and praised God. Mary’s response. 1. Treasuring and pondering the news of Christ.

Testimonies of the Messiah Matthew 2:1–12 Seeking the Messiah Driving Question. Why is the testimony of the wise men a significant part of Christ’s first advent? Because their testimony reveals that King Jesus is worshiped by all nations [1–2] Because their testimony reveals that many will reject King Jesus [3–8] Because their testimony reveals how joy fuels worship of King Jesus [9–12] 3 Response. 1. Some are like Herod, confronted by Christ, and hate him. (Herod) 2. Some are confronted by Christ, and are apathetic, indifferent. (religious leaders) 3. Some are confronted by Christ, and fall down and worship him. (Magi) Consider. 1. Consider how the Father views his Son as worthy to be praised by all nations. 2. Consider how the Gospel is still for the nations, because Christ is King of the nations. 3. Consider God’s provision from this passage. 4. Consider the obedient response of the Magi. 5. Consider the Magi's worship of the Messiah. 6. Consider God's victory over evil.

Driving Question. Why is the virgin birth of Jesus Christ so significant and magnificent? 1. Because the message came from heaven to an earthly servant [26–30] Apply: Have you pondered in your heart lately, why God has shown you his gracious favor despite your weakness? 2. Because the message contains miraculous truths about the Messiah [31–37] Apply: Reflect on Gabriel’s reverence for God's power and mystery. Reflect on the humility of Christ. Reflect on the Gospel of Grace. 3. Because it teaches us how to respond in faith to God’s word [38] Apply: Do you trust God’s word when it doesn't make sense? Response: Marvel at the mystery and miracle of the Messiah's birth this Christmas. Ponder why he came. [He came to die for you and me]

Big Idea: "Unholiness defiles the human heart, but God in His great mercy and love bestows unmerited favor upon His covenant people." Point 1: Defiled and without hope [vv. 10-14] Point 2: Disciplined and in need of repentance [vv. 15-17] Point 3: Directed and given gracious hope [vv. 18-19] Are we hiding darkness and defilement in our hearts behind busyness and “service” for the Lord? How do we Respond Today? 1. Consider your Defilement 2. Consider your Repentance 3. Consider God's Grace

Main Idea of Passage. Waiting for Christ to return as promised, enables us to live godly lives in the present. 1. What sort of people ought we to be while we wait (v.11–13)? A)We are to live holy (set-apart) and godly (reflect God’s character) lives (11). B)We are to hold to his promises (v.13). 2. How are we to wait for the Coming of Christ? 4 Exhortations from the Apostle 1. Be diligent to be found by Christ without spot or blemish (v.14) 2. Be careful not to lose your stability (v.17) 3. Be growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ (v.18) 4. Be living for the glory of God (v.18) How do you know if you’re growing in Christ while you wait? 6 Marks of the Believers' Growth in Grace (Ryle, Holiness) 1. Growing in humility. 2. Growing in faith and love towards our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Growing in the holiness of life and conduct. 4. Growing in spiritual mindedness. 5. Growing in love for others. 6. Growing in zeal and diligence to do good to others. Warning to the casual churchman. Those living for the world. Those who are living self righteous lives. Those who are apathetic. Those not looking ahead to the Day.

Main Idea of Passage: Hold to Christ’s promise that He is coming again. But why should we prepare for Christ’s coming? Because we’re told to remember what God has said about Christ’s return [1–2]. Obey the command of the Lord. Reminder’ is at the heart of discipleship. Humbly admit your capability to forget. Because we’re told to be prepared for people who scoff at Christ’s return [3–4]. Because we are deliberately told about the nature of God [5–10] (4 aspects of God’s nature) The Mighty Acts of God in Creation (5–7). The Nature of God (8). The Mercy and Patience of God (9). The Judgement of God (10) Response. Stay awake and live with his coming in mind. (Matt 24:42; Rev 3:3; 16:15) Grow in your love of his appearing by loving him. (2 Tim 4:6–8)

The question must be asked, why would Peter spend 22 verses describing and warning us of false teachers? Listen to todays sermon upload to hear Peters warning not to go astray and forsake the right way.

In this week's sermon, the passage shows that false teaching is destructive and God will bring destruction on the false teachers, but he will rescue the godly.