Sermons

Better Together

GUIDES

We have good cause for great confidence in these guides.

(Acts 1:1-3) I wrote the first narrative Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

1. Our Author will be Dr. Luke

A. Highly regarded physician

B. Probably a Gentile

C. Accompanied Paul on Missionary trips

D. Highly educated man

E. Active church member

F. Interested in life of early church

G. Historian and biographer

H. Gifted apologist

I. Evangelist

J. Theologian

K. Interested in the poor

L. Student of prophets and prophecies

M. Interested in the role of women

N. Interested in the role of the Holy Spirit

O. Interested in the dynamics of prayer

P. Relationship between Jews and Gentiles

Q. The missionary work of Paul

2. Our Surrogate will be Theophilus

A. Probably a Roman citizen

B. Name meant “Friend of God”

C. A man of recognized stature

D. Great interest in the life of Christ and beginning of church

3. Our Instructor will be The Holy Spirit

A. Jesus gave instructions to the apostles through the Holy Spirit

B. Jesus gives instructions to us through His Holy Spirit

(John 14:26) “The Holy Spirit – the Father will send Him in My name – will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”

4. Our Confidence will be the Witnesses

(3) He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

A. All these folks who saw Jesus after He was resurrected are trust worthy witnesses.

B. I “choose” to believe they were speaking the truth.

He appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18)

He appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5)

He appeared to His brother James (1 Corinthians 15:7)

He appeared to the other women at the tomb (Matthew 28:8-20)

He appeared to the two travelers on the road (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-34)

He appeared to 10 of the disciples (w/out Judas and Thomas) (John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5)

HE appeared to 11 of the disciples (this time with Thomas) (John 20:24-29)

He appeared to 7 disciples while they were fishing (John 21:1-14)

He appeared to all 11 disciples on a mountain (Matthew 28:16-20)

He appeared to a crowd of 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)

He appeared to ALL the apostles (the 12 plus all the others) (1 Corinthians 15:7)

He appeared to ALL the disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24:44-40)

He appeared to all those who watched as He ascended (Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:3-8)

He appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus (many references).