Reformation Family Podcast

Stephen continues to indict the Priests on account of their rejection of Christ, showing Moses as a historical example of Israel’s turning in their hearts away from God’s given deliver, and turning to other idols, continuing in the outward forms of worship God gave them, though denying them in their hearts. We see that external appearance alone does not make for right worship, but the importance o...

Stephen continues to preach showing the Priests' rejection of Christ through Israel's rejection of Moses. We see the God who condescends to dwell with His people, as His presence is made manifest amongst His people by the Spirit through Christ, and we see our God as the faithful covenant promise keeping God who has sent Christ as both our judge and redeemer. Acts 7:30-35 “Now when forty years had...

As Stephen preaches, he uses Moses, and Israel’s initial rejection of him as their deliverer, to show the Sanhedrin that they are condemned on account of Israel’s historic rejection of God’s sent delivers, which they no continue through their rejection of Christ Himself. We see that the only rescue and deliverance to be had, is that which comes through God’s chosen means of granting it; the Lord C...

We see out witness to the Gospel through evangelism and missions as a primary way by which we love God with our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbor as our self, as He who loves God thirsts for His glory, the highest motive in our efforts to call sheep unto faith. Matthew 22:34-40 “But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them...

Continuing in Stephen’s sermon, with his counter accusations toward the Sanhedrin, against their temple idolizing, and their history of rejecting God’s servants sent to deliver them. We see that true worship is not that which trust in external forms and circumstances alone, but that which draws near to God through Christ, our true High Priest, both in Spirit and in truth. Acts 7:9-16 “And the patr...

Stephen responds to accusations of his temple blaspheming by preaching a sermon, recounting Old Testament history to show that the Sovereign Lord, his presence, promises, and purposes were never confined to one land, city, or building, but that through the redemption accomplished through Christ, the true Temple, the Church is the dwelling place of God in which He tabernacles. Acts 7:1-8 "And the h...

Pastor Christ Cookston shows the deep and boundless love of Christ for His sheep through Jesus’ parable of the lost son. Luke 15:11-32 "And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a...

Stephen, commissioned as a Deacon of the Church, full of the Spirit, preaches Christ, and is falsely accused of blaspheming God Himself, the temple, and the law of Moses. But it was the Jews who misunderstood the law and the temple, not realizing they were only shadows of the promise of Christ to come, who Himself alone is the substance of all that the Scriptures pointed to.   Acts 6:8-15 “An...

Continuing to look at the appointing of the first Deacons in the early Church, we see who they were, and what qualities in them qualified them to serve in the diaconate. We also see the manner in which they were appointed, and the multiplication of the Church the Lord brought through the ministry of the Word which flourished because of the Deacons’ service. Acts 6:1-7 “Now in these days when...

As the Church grows, so does its needs. The Lord provides for the ever expanding practical needs of the early church by appointing men to serve as deacons to enable the Apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the Word. And as the Word is free to increase, so does the Church. We see the honorable nature of these men who in humility serve the Church this way, and how it reflects Christ our redee...

God is so sovereign that all of His purposes for the Church will succeed, and all of man’s plans against Him will ultimately fail. This reality makes us willing to suffer persecution on account of Christ, knowing Christ will win, and thus we are made bold to proclaim Him! Not only can we suffer willingly knowing this, but we can suffer well, with great joy, being united to Christ in both His suffe...

As the Apostles are arrested again by the Jewish leaders, we see the continued consequences of bold witness for Christ by the power of the Spirit. In this age, the world will persecute the Church and those in it, as the name of Jesus is proclaimed faithfully. But ultimately, we see that though opposition comes against God’s purposes, it will never prevail against the Sovereign God. Acts 5:17-26 “B...

In this Resurrection Sunday Sermon, we look not only to the cross, but the resurrection of Jesus for a hope that transcends all things. The raising of Jesus from death to life vindicates His divine identity, secures out justification, unites us to Christ in power, and gives us great hope that Christ will accomplish final victory over satan, sin, and death itself, as His return. We look forward to...

Having witnessed the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, the Church having feared God, was purified of hardness of heart within them. Through that purity and pursuit of holiness in the Church, the Lord continued to work through them in power, with signs and wonders, bringing great multiplication to the number in the Church. We see that the Lord’s standard of holiness is a means through which He builds...

Looking back through the account of Ananias and Sapphira’s deaths, we consider whether or not it was ultimately just and fair that God would deal so harshly with them. Ultimately, we see the heinousness of their sin in light of the infinite holiness of God, and see not only Ananias and Sapphira as worthy of judgment, but ourselves too in light of our own sin, and revel in grace of the God! Acts 5:...

After Ananias dies, his wife Sapphira too hardens her heart in her sin and deceit, and though given the chance to turn, she will not repent, and thus sees the same fate as her husband. We see that we must not test the Lord, nor presume upon His mercy, but in gratitude for the Gospel, be softened in heart, and turn from our sin continuously Acts 5:7-11 "After an interval of about three hours his wi...

After seeing Barnabas, the example of generosity, we see Ananias who lies to the Holy Spirit, being untruthful before the Apostles about how much of he gave, and so revealed not only his deceit, and his greed, but also the true motives of his heart which revealed a desire for his own glory over and above that of Christ’s. Acts 4:32-5:6 "Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (wh...

Having been filled with the Holy Spirit, the covenant Christian community of faith exercised great unity and love for one another, giving generously and sacrificially to those amongst them who had need. This is propelled by and reflects the very Gospel of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection that they proclaimed." Acts 4:32-35 “Now the full number of those who believed were of one hear...

Pastor Gerard spends time walking through the entire book of Acts to show the ministry of the Holy Spirit and His function and power in the life of the Church. John 16:4-15 "But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. “But now I am going to Him who sent Me...

The church moves to bringing their supplications before God, asking for boldness, and for the Spirit’s continued power displayed through them, the Christ would build His Church. God answered their prayers, and granted them boldness to proclaim Christ before the world, even in the face of trouble. Acts 4:29-31 “‘And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to s...

The  church goes to Psalm 2 to pray in response to trouble arising against them, as they are reminded against the futility of man’s purposes against God Almighty’s. The sovereignty of God over and through the evil works of man gives these Saints peace, knowing God’s will cannot be thwarted, even in the face of opposition. Acts 4:25-28 “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth an...

After Peter and John were released, they returned to the Church. And the Church’s first response to trouble is to pray. They pray with one voice, on the basis of the Sovereignty of God their Creator. And that gives them boldness to draw near to God in prayer. Acts 4:23-24 "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And w...

Under trial before the Sanhedrin for preaching Christ, Peter and John are warned to no shut their mouths and not speak the name of Christ amongst the people of Jerusalem. But Peter and John cannot disobey the commands of God to proclaim Christ, and therefore must defy the Sanhedrin, for the sake of obedience to their ultimate authority, which is Christ. Act 4:13-22 “Now when they saw the boldness...

Put on trial before the Sanhedrin for preaching Christ, Peter proclaims Christ before the leader of the Jewish council, and declares boldly that the man they crucified is the Christ, and that there is salvation in nothing and no one other than Him, Jesus Christ. Act 4:5:12 “On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and&...

After Peter preaches at the temple, the Jewish authorities arrest Peter and John in response to their preaching on the resurrection of Christ. Many come to faith however, despite their arrest. We see in Peter and John, the boldness required of the Church, the persecution that will come to the Church, and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom through that opposition. Act 4:1-4, “And as they were spea...