Scattered Servants
Scattered Servants are what followers of Jesus are meant to be, people who are scattered into their communities and in doing so choose to love people and proclaim the gospel to that bit of the world. In this series we look at chapters 8 to 12 in the book of Acts and learn what it means to be scattered servants from the story of the early church that was scattered from Jerusalem, bringing the good news about Jesus into the rest of the world.
How to trust God through uncertain times
Chris looks at Psalm 31 v 14:15 and 139 v 16 and how King David overcame fear and uncertainty through taking hold of God and believing his promises. He fully believed that his times were in God's hands and that ultimately even the number of day he would live were ordained by him.
Good news?
In Acts 15 Paul and Barnabas return from preaching the ‘good news’ about Jesus, but are confronted by a group who think the ‘good news’ is too good to be true.
Marcellus explores if the good news is still good news for us today.
Appointing elders
In Acts 14 we see Paul and Barnabas appointed as elders. Martin looks at the role of elders in the life of a local church and how we should be praying as Luke Hoskin is appointed as a new elder at Kings Church.
Recovering our wonder for the gospel
In the Bible book of Acts in chapter 14, verses 1-19, we see Paul and Barnabas preaching the gospel despite opposition because they were in awe of the gospel and work of God in their lives. Luke asks whether we live in the same way?
Taking up God’s invitation
Chapter 13 of the book of Acts is a series of invitations, Paul and Barnabas invite the Jews and Gentiles in Cyprus and Turkey to believe in Jesus. But Jesus not only invites us to believe in him but also to pick up our cross and follow him. Marcellus explore how we take up that invitation.
Barnabas, a good man
Barnabas, an early church leader whom the Bible describes as a good man, is a great example of how to get the issues of life in order. The Bible says this has a surprising amount to do with our feelings. Martin asks what can we learn from this about how to get our lives in good order?
How impacted are we by our western culture?
For many of us "comfort is king" and as a result we become ineffective in the kingdom of God. Richard explores whether we are ready to respond to the challenge to shake off the shackles and live free.
Scattered servants, or just scattered people?
The Church in Jerusalem were in a bleak situation. Marcellus reminds us that trouble shouldn’t be a surprise for followers of Jesus. But to be prepared to face and overcome challenges with God.
The heart of a disciple
It was at Antioch that the name Christian was first given to Jesus’ followers. Before that they were called disciples. Martin asks the question what does it mean for us to live as disciples today?
Different kingdom different hope
Marcellus investigates how the church in Jerusalem deals with an uncomfortable and difficult development. He considers how we can draw our hope and strength from Gods kingdom.
Peter- the making of a servant
Serving people and serving God is hard. In Acts 10, Marcellus looks at how Peter, like us, struggles to become a servant of both God and people.
Challenged to the roots of your identity
God interrupts Peter’s worship time with the biggest challenge he had ever faced. Martin looks at whether we are ready to let God disrupt our lives as well?
Walking in the Fear and Comfort
When the book of Acts tells us that we should walk in the fear of the Lord it could sound like a bad and scary thing. Marcellus looks at what it actuallymeans to walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Being an effective witness for Jesus
When we catch Jesus’ heart we want to tell others the good news we’ve learnt. But how do we become effective witnesses for Jesus? Chris looks at Acts 9 and sees just how closely Jesus is involved with us, and how the Holy Spirit’s power in us enables us to live like Him.
Silly people doing silly things
Marcellus takes a look at the impressive growth of the church in Acts 8 and see's that kingdom growth is not about clever people doing clever things but is instead all about God.
You need the power of the Holy Spirit
Luke looks at our need to receive the Holy Spirit. He encourages us to examine our desire to move in the power of the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit does not point to us but to the greatness of Jesus.
A food bank administrator's dream
Martin looks at how God took an administrator and used them to see significant transformation in a region. How can we ensure that Jesus remains at the centre as we work at what God has called us to do?
God in the Scattering
Jesus' last words to his disciples were "go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and all the ends of the earth". The disciples didn't act on this word until persecution came because they were comfortable in Jerusalem. Richard asks whether we are prepared for discomfort in order to scatter amongst our communities and share the love of God with them.