ACTS

Part TwoTHE CHURCH MATURES

Acts

PRAISEAscribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. (Psalm 29:2)

Call To Worship Job 1:21“Blessed Be Your Name” Hedge, LutherWelcome Josh Poore, Director of Worship Arts RENEWALAs far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

Prayer of ConfessionAssurance of Grace Psalm 23:4“You Never Let Go” Redman“Desert Song” FraserOffering Testimony of God’s Work with Jason & Jen Stranbro “Used” Stanbro PROCLAMATIONMake me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. (Psalm 25:4)Reading of the Word Acts 12:1-25 Karen SytsmaPreaching of the Word Pastor Mike Matheson RESPONSEBecause your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. (Psalm 63:3)

“It is Well With My Soul” Bliss, Spafford“O Church Arise” Tomlin, Getty, TownendBenediction Pastor Mike Matheson

Today’s Worship Service

The passage for this week takes us through a significant time of crisis in the life of the early church. The death of James and the arrest of Peter threatened to throw the church in Jerusalem into uncertainty. But what we see is another demonstration of God sovereignty and the triumph of the Gospel.

Discussion Questions1. This Sunday, we finished the second portion of our series in Acts. In

considering the two months we’ve spent looking at the church maturing from Acts 8 up until this week’s sermon, how has God spoken to you through his word? What have you learned? How have you been challenged?

2. As you consider the world around you, as well as your own life, what are some things that tempt you to take on a defeatist attitude? Given the hope that we have in Christ, why is it still easy to fall into this?

3. The early church faced very difficult changes in 12:1-5. How did they handle it? In what ways does it matter that we handle change well as God’s people?

4. The death of Herod was an outward demonstration of God‘s justice. Does understanding that God is completely just bring you comfort? Why should it?

5. Read 12:24. Why is it so important that we don’t miss this verse after reading the rest of chapter 12? In what way does it encourages us? Pray for the patient endurance of your faith and for our church.

Sermon Review Discussion QuestionsThese questions are for after the sermon and can be used for Life Group discussion, one-to-one discipleship, or personal reflection and application.

Next Week’s Sermon PreparationThese questions are for personal use during the week to help you prepare for next week’s passage, Luke 19:28-40.

Context1. What has happened so far in the narrative? 2. Have there been any major events, characters or themes?

3. What has happened just prior to the section you are reading?

Observation1. What do you learn about the main characters in this section? How does

the author describe them? How do they describe themselves? 2. Is time or place significant in the events that happen in the passage? 3. Is there a conflict or high point in the passage? 4. Do you think there is a main point or theme in this section of the story?

5. What surprises are there?

Meaning

1. Are there any ‘editorial’ comments from the author about the events in the narrative? How do these comments illuminate what is happening?

2. Does someone in the narrative learn something or grow in some way?

How? What does this person learn? 3. What does the passage reveal about who Jesus is, and what he came into

the world to do? 4. How could you sum up the meaning of this passage in your own words?

Application1. How does this passage challenge (or confirm) your understanding?

2. Is there some attitude you need to change? 3. What does this passage teach you about being a disciple of Jesus?

1. What is the main idea this morning?

2. What significant change in the culture of Jerusalem and the church do we see as this passage opens up?

3. How does this passage display God’s sovereignty and him graciously answering the prayers of his people?

4. What is the third area that we can have confidence in?

5. What complete reversal so we see in this passage? What does this give us confidence in?

In-Sermon Focus QuestionsThese questions are designed to keep you engaged during the sermon.

Preacher: Pastor Mike MathesonSermon: The God Who TriumphsScripture: Acts 12:1-25Date: February 25, 2018

Sermon Notes

For more information on this topic look into:Acts by I. Howard MarshallActs: A 12-Week Study by Justin HolcombThe Spirit, the Church, and the World by John Stott

Last Week: Sanctuary Attendance: 565 Children’s Nursery/Preschool Attendance: 93

Giving: Last Week: $29,116 YTD: $203,953 +/- Budget: $9,838

REALMRealm is our church database software and a great communication tool for our congregation to use. Stay connected with one another, with your group happenings, and with opportunities to participate in other activities, classes, and events. Please visit Graceinracine.com/realm to request an invite to Realm.

Calling all Creative People!Do you enjoy scrapbooking or working creatively with paper? The Care Ministry needs help with a large project that provides encouragment for those recovering in the hospital. Please indicate on your connection card if you are able to help us!

No Communion, March 4thWe will be celebrating communion together on March 11th instead of March 4th. As a part of our Easter series, the sermon on March 11 will focus on the last supper of Jesus with his disciples. This is when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, so what better response than for us to celebrate it together?!

Learn MoreGo to jenstanbro.com/store to check out “Used,” as well as other music from our own Jen Stanbro. Also visit our bookshelf in the Commons to purchase her album Real With You.

Announcements

Please pray for healing and recovery for those hospitalized or recently discharged: Jewel Bushey, Randy Due, Debbie Palmer

This Week at GraceMon, Feb 266:30pm: From the Pedestal to the Plate (care group), Room A36Tues, Feb 276:30pm: Celebrate Recovery, Room A18Wed, Feb 286:30pm: Awana, BlazeThurs, March 19:00am: MOPs Meets12:00pm: Seniors Bible Brunch

Sat, March 349:00am: GriefShare, Room A18

Looking Ahead:Women’s Communitea & Coffee Mar 3Baptism ......................................Mar 11Member Prayer Gathering ......Mar 18Men’s Retreat ......................... April 6-7