Acts: Quite a Transformation!

One of the most significant events in the life of the early church is when its most notorious persecutor is converted and becomes its most zealous follower. It is a thrilling story of suspense, escape, and daring. But the disciples in this account challenge us to be more zealous and bold. Do you struggle at times to be alive, energetic, and zealous for Christ? Do you struggle at times to be bold in living out your faith? Hear from Acts in God's Word how we can grow in these vital areas!

Acts 9

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in the Old Testament: The Forever King and Kingdom

If the news depresses you, and the world seems to be in a spiral of decay... there is good news — and it's found in the Old Testament — a forever Kingdom is here, is coming, and will finally win!

2 Samuel 7
Acts 13:27
Isaiah 9:6-7,11:1-6,11:10
Daniel 2:44
Matthew 1:1,12:22-30
Luke 1:31-33
Romans 8:23-25
Revelation 11:15

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why is David and his kingdom such a good forerunner for the Messiah?
• Why is Jesus' Kingdom is superior to the present world kingdoms?
• When was Jesus' Kingdom inaugurated?
• How does one get into the Kingdom?
• When will it be consummated?
• Why should I be concerned to get myself in?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in a Nutshell

John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It's known by just its numbers. It's everywhere. Even the secular world acknowledges it. And it's not just a recognizable verse; it's the whole gospel message in a nutshell.

John 3,17:2-3,6:38,15:12-14
Romans 10:9
Matthew 28:18,7:21
Philippians 2:11

Henry Russo
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Acts: Personal Evangelism

In chapter 8 of Acts one thing we will be looking at is personal evangelism. 1 Peter 24:32 should challenge every Christian with at least two questions:

1. Is it my prayer and earnest desire to share my hope and faith with the lost and dying of this world?
   
   
2. Does my life display this hope and faith that might make someone ask about it?

Allow the Spirit of God to challenge you to be better prepared to share your hope and faith.

Acts 8

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in the Old Testament: The Bronze Serpent

Jesus pointed to a bronze serpent on a pole — that Moses was instructed by God to make in the Old Testament — as a teaching tool to help us understand what an wonderful thing He did to save us!

Numbers 20:1-21:9
John 3:13-18
2 Kings 18:4
Revelation 2:1-5
1 Peter 2:7

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why is complaining against God so bad?
• Why was the serpent both a chastisement and a gracious thing?
• How does this point to Jesus?
• Why are people still in danger of perishing?
• Why did the bronze serpent need to be destroyed?
• What does this teach us?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

The Gospel in the Old Testament: As Far as the East Is from the West

We learn from the Old Testament that sin is erased through sacrifice and atonement. But the ritual must be repeated. Guilt is painful and crippling.... and in Christ alone can guilt be truly and completely taken away... literally taken away... permanently... and that is Good News!!!

Leviticus 16:1-28
John 1:29
Hebrews 9:22,9:28,13:11-12
Matthew 20:28,26:28
1 Peter 1:18-19
Psalm 103:11-12
Isaiah 43:25
Jeremiah 31:34

Sermon discussion topics for parents to use with their children:

• Why did the people of the Old Testament place their hands on their sacrifices?
• What was the scapegoat, and what was its purpose?
• How does all of the Old Testament teaching on sacrifices help us better understand Jesus and what He did for us?
• How does He help us deal properly with guilt?
• What should be said to a person who says, "I know God has forgiven me, but I cannot forgive myself."?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA