Bethel Community Church Orlando

ACTS // Week 12 // MISSIONS

Philip, an early Christian missionary, encountered an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official under Queen Candace, traveling from Jerusalem. The eunuch was reading Isaiah but struggled to understand it. Guided by the Spirit, Philip approached and explained the passage, revealing it as a prophecy about Jesus. He shared the gospel, and the eunuch, moved by faith was saved and baptized. This account highlights Philip’s role in spreading Christianity to regions outside of Jerusalem.

ACTS // Week 11 // PHONY

Was Simon a phony Christian? When Philip preached the gospel and performed miracles, many believed and were baptized, including Simon the Magician. However, Simon’s true motives came into question when he offered money to the apostles Peter and John to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, leading to a sharp rebuke from Peter, who accused him of having a heart not right before God. 

ACTS // Week 10 // EVANGELISM

After the stoning of Stephen, a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, causing many believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. Meanwhile, those who were scattered preached the gospel wherever they went. Philip, one of the seven deacons, went to Samaria and proclaimed Christ there. As a result, many believed and there was great joy in the city.

ACTS // Week 9 // STEPHEN

From start to finish, Stephen’s life was an example of service and dedication to Jesus. Stephen served the Lord and, on the surface, did everything right; yet he ended up dying for his faith and service. Stephen’s most effective contribution to the kingdom of God came through his martyrdom. God used Stephen's death to produce the greatest Christian missionary, Paul. 

ACTS // Week 8 // SERVICE

Not everyone can be great in the eyes of the world. Not everyone can be rich or famous. But anyone can be great in God's economy, because serving others is within the reach of everyone. Greatness is open to all, because anyone can be a servant.

ACTS // Week 7 // MINISTRY

We’re here to be witnesses for Jesus. The Holy Spirit will empower us to continually testify the name of Jesus. Although Christians may face opposition or persecution, they are to continually speak the name of Jesus and minister to those who don't know Him.

ACTS // Week 6 // HYPOCRISY

Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife, conspire to hold back a portion of the money they received from a sale of some land, while pretending to donate the full amount to the early church in Acts 5. Because of their lies, they died instantly. From their story, we learn that God’s not after perfection, but He’s after our heart. And ultimately, He wants our honesty. 

ACTS // Week 5 // BOLDNESS

Despite the persecution that the apostles and early Christ followers began to experience, they prayed for God to give them boldness. Because they prayed this way, the gospel went forward. In addition, because future generations responded this way, the gospel eventually went all around the world. Their heroism led to our salvation. From where does boldness and courage like that come?

ACTS // Week 4 // MIRACLES

Throughout the New Testament, miracles were God's way of showing His divine power and giving validation to the apostles. Ultimately, the need for physical miracles points to our need for spiritual healing through salvation in Jesus Christ. 

ACTS // Week 3 // PENTECOST

The first message ever preached happened in Acts 2 at the Day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter urged the people there to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. That day 3,000 people put their faith and trust in Christ. It marked a turning point in their lives. We have the same opportunity today -- to repent and trust Christ or to trust in ourselves.