First Irving Sermons

Main Idea. The missionary work of Paul and Baranbas is authored by the Spirit and affirmed by the local church for the purpose of taking the gospel to God's people. 1. The Spirit Sets Apart and the Church Affirms (1–3) 2. The Spirit Sends for the Church to Speak (4–7) 3. The Devil Seeks to Turn People Away from God’s Word (8–11) Application. What are the obstacles that tempt you to keep from...

Main Idea. The conversion of Cornelius is a turning point in salvation history, as God reveals that the time for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel of Christ and the Spirit has come. A. God Draws Near (1–23) 1) The Call of Cornelius (1–8) 2) The Convincing Vision for Peter (9–23) B. Christ is Preached (23b–43) Apply. For the gospel to be presented, you must preach Christ crucified and raised. C. T...

Main Idea. The sovereign Lord Jesus intervenes and he heals, and many lives are changed through it. 1. Jesus changes lives by tending to the weak (32–35) 2. Jesus changes lives because he has authority over death (36–43) Eph 5:26–27 Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might pres...

Main Idea. Behold the glorious grace of the Lord Jesus, who converts hearts for his purposes. The Lord Jesus Confronts Saul (1–5) The Lord Jesus Converts Saul (6–9) The Lord Jesus Commissions Saul (10–19) Takeaways. Salvation is by God’s grace alone. God's grace can save the most zealous sinner. Conversion involves a confrontation with Jesus. (but all look different) Surrender to a new Master...

Main Idea. God’s gospel is for the outsider: he provides messengers to explain it, the Messiah to save, and the means for obedience. God provides messengers to explain God provides a Messiah for saving God provides means for obedience Takeaways. Rejoice that Jesus treats his servants differently than earthly kings treat theirs. Rest in God for he provides and pursues his people. Remember the Spiri...

Main Idea. The gospel expands past boundaries and into the hearts of people from different nations, and yet also exposes those who do not have genuine faith in the name of Jesus. 1. The Gospel Expands (4–8) 2. The Gospel Exposes (9–25) (3 things the gospel exposes from this text) 1. The Gospel exposes real hope (9–13) 2. The Gospel exposes authentic power (14–17) 3. The Gospel exposes sneaky count...

The Christlikeness of Stephen from three angles. 1. Stephen's Christ-like Character (6:8–16) The two specific charges (13, 14): Speaking against the temple Speaking blasphemous words against Moses and changing customs Psalm 34:4–7: I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor...

Driving Question. What do we learn about the gospel from these Spirit-filled Apostles when they are opposed by the Jewish leaders for ministering in the Name of Jesus? The Gospel of Salvation is exclusively found in Jesus’ Name (5–12) 3 temptations we face today in caving to speak of the exclusivity of Christ That we would be found arrogant That we would be found as intolerant That we would be cha...

Driving Question/or Main Idea. Why is Peter’s message more glorious than the miracle it follows? Because the message shifts all the focus onto Jesus. Because his message conveys that healing is found in Jesus’ Name (12–16) Because his message offers an even greater healing in Jesus’ Name (17–21) And then Peter provides 3 purpose clauses (that)... that serve as 3 promises to the one who repents: 1....

Main Idea: The mission of Christ unfolds as His Spirit-filled witnesses bring hope to the hopeless and credibility to their Christ. 1. The Mission of Christ (vv. 1-4) 2. The Wonders of Christ (vv. 5-10) -The Wonder of His Name (v. 6) -The Wonder of His Power (v. 7) -The Wonder of His Hope and Grace (v. 8) -The Wonder of His Identity (vv. 8-10) Response 1. Live on mission with Christ 2. Reflect on...

Driving Question: Who is this Jesus whom Peter is preaching? The One Whom the Spirit Speaks About Through Prophets (vv. 16–21) The One Whom The Apostles Witnessed (vv. 22–32) The One Whom The Father Exults (vv. 33–36) The One Who Offers You Grace in His Name (vv. 37–41) Responses. Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ with bold conviction, and clear presentation. Glory in the Gospel daily. Repent an...

Driving Questions. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is his purpose? Who is the Holy Spirit? His Manifestation Confirms That He is God (1–3) Who is the Holy Spirit? He is the Fulfillment of God’s Promises (4) What is his purpose? His Message Proclaims God’s Mighty Works in Christ Takeaways. (Theological connections) God comes to us through His Spirit. The Spirit of God is the Agent who strengthens ordi...

Main Idea: Jesus’ followers seek the Lord’s will together by uniting in prayer, relying on the inspired Scriptures, and trusting God to direct sovereignly. Driving Question. What can we learn from Jesus’ followers about seeking the Lord’s will? Jesus’ followers were unified and devoted to prayer (14) Applications for prayers. - Confess your tendency to be busy and not pray. - Remain diligent in pr...

Framing Question: What is the plan that Christ has for the church, and why is the ascension important to the plan? The ascension. Is a significant part of the ministry of Jesus Christ and the plan for the church. He gives gifts to men that he might fill all things (Eph 4:8–10) We have an interceding High Priest, who has passed through the heavens (Heb 4:14–16) We have a King who has full authority...

A reminder of where the church is founded 1. In the work and teaching of Jesus 2. In the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit 3. In the Hope of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Who will attend the great banquet of Christ? 1. Those who are humble. (v.15) 2. Those who truly value Christ. (v.16-21a) 3. Those who receive His mercy. (v.21b-24) How do we respond? For those who do not follow Jesus: Embrace the mercy that God extends to you today. For those among the church: Pray that the Lord would grow you in humility. Pray that the Lord would grow your affections for Jesus. P...

Driving Question. Why is Christ’s birth announcement to the shepherds so profoundly wonderful? Because it teaches that lowly sinners are first entrusted with the glorious news of Christ [vv. 8–12] Because it teaches lowly sinners that Christ is the highest glory of God [vv. 13–14] Because it teaches lowly sinners how to faithfully respond to the glorious news of Christ [vv. 15–20] The Shepherd’s r...

Testimonies of the Messiah Matthew 2:1–12 Seeking the Messiah Driving Question. Why is the testimony of the wise men a significant part of Christ’s first advent? Because their testimony reveals that King Jesus is worshiped by all nations [1–2] Because their testimony reveals that many will reject King Jesus [3–8] Because their testimony reveals how joy fuels worship of King Jesus [9–12] 3 Response...

Driving Question. Why is the virgin birth of Jesus Christ so significant and magnificent? 1. Because the message came from heaven to an earthly servant [26–30] Apply: Have you pondered in your heart lately, why God has shown you his gracious favor despite your weakness? 2. Because the message contains miraculous truths about the Messiah [31–37] Apply: Reflect on Gabriel’s reverence for God's...

Big Idea: "Unholiness defiles the human heart, but God in His great mercy and love bestows unmerited favor upon His covenant people." Point 1: Defiled and without hope [vv. 10-14] Point 2: Disciplined and in need of repentance [vv. 15-17] Point 3: Directed and given gracious hope [vv. 18-19] Are we hiding darkness and defilement in our hearts behind busyness and “service” for the Lord? H...