Sunday School Lesson “A Spirit Empowered Testimony unto Death” December 31, 2017 Acts 6:8-15; 7:44-60 Pastor’s Notes: Stephen, was one of the first deacons selected to serve the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-7). The requirements, as set forth by Peter, were that they be men full of faith, and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that deacons were not called to positions of authority, but ministry; however, their spiritual qualities would suggest that they woul

Sunday School Lesson “The First Christmas Carol” December 24, 2017 Philippians 2:5-11 Pastor’s Notes: Not long ago I discussed this passage with a man representing the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He argued that this passage proves that Jesus was not Divine, but a created being who knew his place. He insisted that Jesus recognized his inferiority to God and admitted his real station in life. The Jehovah’s Witness, who believe that Jesus was a created being, the angel Michael, cannot

Sunday School Lesson “The Spirit of Truth and Generosity” December 17, 2017 Acts 4:32-5:11 Pastor’s Notes: A characteristic of the early church was a genuine concern for one another. The early believer was generous, concerned about the needs of others… what is mine, is yours. This attitude can only exist where the focus is eternal rather than temporal. This practice suggests an internal change which was manifested outwardly. While I do not suggest that believers sell their po

Sunday School Lesson “Spirit-Empowered Ministry in Jesus Name” December 10, 2017 Acts 3:1-10; 4:5-31 Pastor’s Notes: “A man who was lame from birth” … Hopelessness only exists apart from faith in God. Right place … wrong reason … May we invite the hopeless and the hurting to our churches where they can meet the One, the Only One who can meet their needs. The greatest gift we possess is not physical or financial but spiritual … the gift of life through Jesus Christ. A real enc