Welcome to Sunday Online!
Today we're starting a new series on the book of Acts called LIMITLESS.
In the book of Acts, we’re going to see the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, just as Jesus said it would, and despite a number of obstacles and trials that come along nothing can stop it. We’re going to see the gospel spread to all different kinds of people, inviting them all into God’s kingdom. We’re going to see the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables people to see the glory of Jesus.
We’re going to see that the gospel is limitless — It’s for everyone!
The spread of the gospel is limitless — Nothing can stop it and nowhere is too far for it to go.
The Holy Spirit is limitless — Bringing power, healing and faith to everyone who believes the good news.
The power of the gospel is limitless — Bringing new life to the ends of the earth.
We’re hoping this series will give us greater confidence to know that God is at work in us and at work in our city and region. There is no one beyond the reach of the gospel, so we can have confidence to bear witness to Jesus and his resurrection.
There is also a call to consider the resurrection for ourselves. The main characters in each chapter stake their lives on the truth of the resurrection. Rather than a comfortable existence, this book should shake us and provoke us to consider our own walk with Jesus. Are we prepared to stake our lives on it, to the point of expecting and rejoicing in suffering for the name of Jesus?
It is our hope that we’ll press on to grow as disciples who sacrifice, serve and speak for the sake of others, to grow the renown of the gospel and to grow the church, all for the glory of Jesus. We can only do this, under God, in the power of His Spirit, so will you join us in praying that God’s Spirit would be powerfully at work in us.
The Bible reading for today is Acts 1v1-11.
Acts 1v1-11 — New International Version (NIV) from biblegateway.com
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,”they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Prayer Points
Here are some prayer points that you might like to use with your family or on the phone with others:
- Praise Jesus because he is the Risen and Ascended King who is coming back to claim his people.
- Give thanks for God’s Spirit at work in us and ask for His help to make Jesus known in our region.
- Keep praying that God would give 8000 new people to Jesus in our generation in Rockhampton & Gracemere for a start, because Jesus is worthy of praise and because he offers his salvation to everyone. We’ll pray for opportunities every day, every where we go, to speak to every one about Jesus.
- Pray for our mission partner, Cam, that he would boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord and bear witness about His resurrection at every opportunity.
Family Bible Time
This week for Family Bible Time, there are three short videos for you to watch and then discuss together. Don't forget the family discussion and craft activity as well.
kidschurch talk
kidschurch discussion and craft activities
SONGS FOR REFLECTION DURING OUR ACTS SERIES
Here are some songs to encourage you during the day. If you go to youtube you can shuffle the music and subscribe to rockypc MUSIC PLAYLISTS