Holly Springs Bible Fellowship Podcasts

Acts 5:28-40 = The Christian message is one which should never change. We may change the way we present it, but it must remain faithful and true. We need to put ourselves in places of influence so we can influence the world God has placed us in. When we face persecution, we need to stop complaining and realize what a privilege it is to be associated people who also faced persecution for the cause of Jesus Christ

Acts 5:12-27 - God heals through the healing ministry of the disciples to confirm His message. Sometimes he asks difficult things of us and we have to be obedient and trust Him. Nothing takes Him by surprise because He is in control of our lives.

Acts 5:1-11 Be careful that material things are not the focus of your heart. We are responsible for our actions and our heart before God and others. God takes His church very seriously. He abhors hypocrisy and will do whatever He needs to do to protect His church.

John 20:4-7 = The clothes of Jesus tell the Easter story. God who humbles himself as a man and walks among us sinless and perfect. He willingly goes to the cross as our sacrifice and High Priest. He comes out of a tomb Alive forever and offering to everyone forgiveness of sin and a new life with Him.

John 12:19-26 Two men asked Jesus a simple question - They wanted to see Jesus. Jesus explained that in order to see Him, He would have to die. He explained that life comes from death. The core concept of Christianity lies in the fact that we must die to our way and choose Christ.

Acts 4:23-35 The early church did not seek deliverance from persecution. They understood people did not like their message, so they asked for boldness. They were unified in heart, soul, and mind in proclaiming Jesus and Him crucified. We need to be willing to do the same.

Acts 4:1-22 - Peter and John were doing what God had led them to do. In the process they were persecuted for doing right. They stood boldly and used the opportunity to share Christ. They focused on obedience to God and trusted God to use them as they served Him.

Acts 3:12-26 - Peter reminds the people that God has been at work throughout history. They needed to repent and turn to God. It is the only way to come to God. Faith in the person, name and work of Christ is the way to genuine repentance. Forgiveness of sin is offered and granted to all who will come to God on His terms and not their own.

Acts 3:1-10 - Peter and John opened their eyes to the opportunities that God put in front of them. While the beggar did not know His real need, Jesus did. The message of the early church was that God would now be accessible to everyone. No matter what your background, God desires to change your life when you decide to follow Him.

Acts 2:42-47 - The early church was a force to be reckoned with. They demonstrated to a lost world how a relationship with Jesus changed people They lived out the principles of Christ and the world noticed and many were drawn to want a relationship with Christ as well. That is our calling today.

Acts 2:14-41 God uses Peter to clearly proclaim the good news of Jesus and His story. Repentance is the only acceptable response to the message of Jesus. Forgiveness of sin only comes through a life that wants to change (repent) and follow Jesus. A true disciple is not afraid to let the world know what God has done in their life.

Acts 2:1-13 - God fulfilled His promise and sent a comforter to permanently indwell believers. He has decided to use common people to accomplish His plans and will use anyone who is willing to follow Him. As we share the gospel with others, some will embrace the message and others will mock, that has not changed in 2,000 years.

Acts 1 - Matthias - God picked 12 diverse guys to carry on His message. These people were dedicated and committed to follow Him even unto death. They were ordinary people who committed their lives to Jesus and He used them to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the entire world. His methods have not changed and He will do the same with our lives if we will follow.

John 12,13,18 - Judas Iscariot is a reminder to look at our heart and not just our actions. It is possible to follow Christ without possessing Christ. Judas is also a reminder of the incredible patience of God and a reminder that God can use any situation to bring glory to His name.

John 14:22 - Judas (the gentle souled disciple) reminds us that some followers were more tender hearted and quiet in their nature. They still made a significant impact on the Kingdom of God. They just went about it a different way and reminded all of us that God can use everyone.

Luke 6:15 - Jesus choose Simon the zealot because he focused on his potential not his shortcomings. He does the same with you. He can take the negatives in your life and refocus them in a healthy positive direction of you are willing to follow Him with your whole heart and lay aside your biases. Allow Him to use you this week.

Mark 15:40 - James the "less" is only less because he is not talked about as much as the other disciples. His impact on the kingdom is just as significant. He pointed people to Christ and His Word. Everyone has value to the work of God uses everyone who is willing to be used. Allow God to use you this week.

John 11,14, 20 = Thomas viewed life as a pessimist and it impacted his life experiences. Jesus did not condemn him for his outlook, but did not encourage it either. On the positive side Thomas was devoted and committed to follow Jesus no matter what the cost. We should be willing to do the same.

We spent the day looking back over God's blessings in 2016 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Anyone can build a building, but a church is built on relationships. Building a church family requires us to commit to one another, be flexible and be willing to adapt and change as growth necessitates. Jesus will build His church, the question is whether we will allow Him to use us as part of His plan.

Luke 2:25-35 - Simeon reminds us of the hope that the birth of Jesus brings to the world. But he also reminds us of the sorrow that comes with His birth. Mary & Joseph would not have a life that would be easy, but it was the path that God had chosen for them. And they would watch as their child would bring light, glory, hope, and salvation to the world.