Faith Baptist Church

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…

he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being."

Philippians 2:5-7 NLT

It's been a couple weeks, but we are back! This week we are coming again to the throne and discussing some of Paul's experience and perspective.

This week's "Portrait of a Servant" focuses on Peter, who was given a vision to reach out with the good news of Jesus to those different from himself, regardless of peer pressure and fear.

"And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” Acts 11:17 NLT

In the portrait of Saul, later called Paul, we see a life changed by grace from an enemy of God to an example and chosen messenger.

^"But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16 NLT

We see in Acts 8 that Philip was not deterred by the death of Stephen, but emboldened to share the gospel wherever he went. This earned him a special nickname...

 

"But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah."

Acts 8:4-5 NLT

This week we are beginning a journey into the Throne Room of God! Join us as we discuss, among other things, what it means to come boldly before our Heavenly King and Father.

The work that God can do through suffering is seen in this week's portrait of Stephen.

 

"But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."

2 Timothy 4:5 NLT

In the weeks to come, our series in the book of Acts will examine more closely the examples of some extremely impactful servants. Our first "portrait" in the series is Barnabus, who uses his Spirit-empowered gifts to come alongside many other servants and bring out the best in them.

"When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord." Acts 11:23-24 NLT

Today's message looks at examples of sharing in Acts 4 & 5. It starts with the motives of the heart lived out in relationships, and the ripples spread outward.

"All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32 NLT

This week we are taking a look at life from a different angle than you may have before. We are comparing and contrasting the differences between life as a resident of this world and being a resident of Heaven while in this world.