City Church Sheffield Podcast

Stephen speaks boldly of the God who does not live in temples made by human hands.

When we break bread together as a church we remember and proclaim Jesus' death and also look forward to his coming. His death and his return are two vantage points that we can focus on in times of hardship. We also need to discern his body as we celebrate the Lord's Supper.

We can take offence at Jesus by stumbling over the messenger, over the message or over our own disappointments and failed expectations. We can promote an atmosphere of faith by enjoying God's word, being honest with God when things are difficult and giving thanks for what we've already received.

Jesus is our brother who saves us, he is our brother who understands and helps us in our temptations and he is our brother who is an example for us and whom we can follow.

The testimony of the Galatians' early experience, the testimony of Abraham, and the work of Jesus all show that the only way to be saved is through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. God looks for faith, not works.

It was important for the Apostles to devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer, and the Church grew as a result. We too should study God's word and spend time with God in prayer.

Although Jesus was always the perfect Son of God, God saw fit to make him a perfect sacrifice through suffering, so that could pay the wages of sin. God saw fit to show grace to us, and it's fitting for us to show grace to one another.

A synagogue ruler humbles himself before Jesus in desperation, and a sick woman is healed by touching his cloak. But Jesus is not satisfied with just healing physically - he stops to ask who touched him so that he can give the woman peace.

We should pray on our own when we're suffering, praise God when we're cheerful, call in the elders (our spiritual fathers) to pray for us when we're sick, and confess our sins and be transparent with our brothers and sisters. God hears our prayers just as he heard Elijah's.

Jesus commissions his worshippers to go and share his love without fear because He is always with us. [Download Ben's slides](http://d2lpchbt6qg0df.cloudfront.net/uploads/15-03-08_-_Ben_s_Slides.pptx)

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. God is good and his grace is enough to sustain us when we suffer, in order that He would be glorified. [Download Blessan's slides](http://d2lpchbt6qg0df.cloudfront.net/uploads/Acts_5.ppt)

Jesus reaches the other side of the lake and encounters a troubled man. We see Jesus' supreme authority, but also a sad ending to the episode as the people of the region beg Jesus to leave their area rather than experience his freedom.

We live between the Passion and the Parousia of Jesus, and Jesus mentions four good things and four bad things that will happen during this period. He encourages us to live in expectation of his return, but not to speculate.

In spite of what we see around us, Jesus our brother is risen and reigning, has restored and redeemed us, and is our rock-solid hope.

Jesus demonstrates his power and authority in the presence of his disciples. What should our response be when we face storms in our lives?

Jesus wants us to show him to others, even when others don't seem interested. God can be working in people's lives without us being aware of it.

We are lost without Jesus but with him are life, hope, and a future. So let's pay attention and get rid of anything that might cause us to drift away.

How do we listen and respond to God's word? Do we have hard hearts, shallow hearts, over-cluttered hearts, or soft hearts that accept God's word?

The family of Jesus thought he was mad, his critics thought he was bad. But his disciples sat at his feet and learnt from him what the will of God is.

Following Jesus means putting our resources at his disposal, and nailing our colours to the mast and being known for identifying ourselves with him.

God uses us to heal the sick. We are Christ's ambassadors. It is not about how much faith we have but whom we have faith in.

Barnabas fell in love with people and out of love with possessions. Ananias and Sapphira loved money but also loved the praise of men.

God has spoken through Jesus - something new has happened, a new covenant and a new kingdom, but also a continuation of the past.

Jesus brings joy. Trying to live up to expectations can crush our joy, but when we are with Jesus we needn't be glum.

God chose us before we were born to be his arrows taking his gospel to the nations. We face difficulties because God is preparing his arrows for use.