First Irving Sermons First Irving

Main Idea:
Christ-centered corporate worship is commanded by God as a means of grace to preserve and strengthen the faith of Christians who await their Savior.

1. The Access to Corporate Worship (vv. 19-21)
2. The Goal of Corporate Worship (vv. 22-25)
- Communion with God (v. 22 “let us draw near…”)
- Endurance of faith (v. 23 “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering”)
- Edification of saints (v. 24 “let us consider how to stir up one another…”)
- Dress rehearsal (v. 25 “...the Day drawing near.”)

Takeaways:
1. Come to Christ!
[For Christians]
2. Come to Corporate Worship Confidently!
3. Come to Corporate Worship Expectantly!
a. He delights to reveal Himself to us powerfully as we draw near to Him by faith.
b. He intends to keep all of His promises to us as we hold firm our confession
c. He designs and empowers every member around you to encourage you and “stir up” your faith.
d. He will come again to get his prepared Bride (Rev. 19:7). Every Sunday, this Day is on our minds with great joy!

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 the word of God?
4. Some See and Believe the Lord’s Teaching (12)

Response.
Pursue following Christ tenaciously.
Pray for some of us to be set apart for missions.

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. The Spirit Falls and Converts (44–48)
D. Peter Counsels the Disciples (11:1–18)

Takeaways.
Consider Peter’s repentance.
Remember the Gospel is for all nations.
Behold the triune God’s work in salvation.

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 present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Takeaways.
1. Jesus saves everyone who turns and believes in him.
2. Jesus is alive and reigning today, and he still intervenes in our lives.
3. A life changed by Jesus is meant to testify to others.

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 follows conversion.
The Holy Spirit is given at conversion.
Every convert is now commissioned.
Conversion is ultimately for God's glory

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 Spirit’s leading.
Reflect on Philip’s Christlike life.
Receive the Eunuch (and anyone who is a sinner).
Repent and believe, then be baptized.