Falls Presbyterian Church (OPC)

Peter testified of the Living Christ, using the testimony of David. 1. The words of David. (v.25-28) 2. The tomb of David. (v.29) 3. The faith of David. (v.30-31) What should we say to others about Christ? What do we believe/hearts, say/mouths? Rom. 10:9-10 With whom did David fellowship? 1 John 1:3-4 How do we know that Jesus lives? John 17:4-5

We learn from the preaching of Jesus! 1. Context (v.12-14) a. persecuted b. deliberate re-locating c. fulfilling prophecy 2. Content (v.15-17) a. powerful b. same as John's (3:2 and 4:17) c. kingdom-centered 3. Application (v.17) a. repent b. see the light c. think kingdom! Friend Group Discussion Questions: 1. When is the last time you identified a sin and purposed to turn from it? 2. In what ways were you sitting in darkness? 3. What does the 'kingdom' content of this message mean for us?

We should respond as if the gospel is really true, because the historical evidence shows that it is. How is the gospel incontrovertible? 1. The miracles – show that Jesus was attested by God. (v.22) 2. The cross – shows that Jesus was delivered over by God. (v.23) 3. The empty tomb – shows that Jesus was raised up by God (v.24) What is the right response to this truth? What is the reason for Jesus' miracles? John 20:30-31 Why was Jesus handed over for us? Rom. 8:32 Col.2:15 In what way did God vindicate Jesus? Rom. 1:4

Jesus did not doubt His status as The Son of God, so we should not doubt our adoption as children of God! 1. We do not let our weak condition confuse us about our status. (v.1-5) 2. We do not hunger for spectacular proofs - we have God's Word! (v.6-7) 3. We do not desire 'success' more than the privilege of serving. (v.8-11) Family Application Questions: 1. What is the proper role for emotions for a child of God? Heb. 4:15 2. Why would someone hunger for dramatic proofs? 1 John 5:13 3. How could chasing 'success' break the 1st comm.? Phil. 2:1-11

The Spirit is God's greatest gift, and He is given in order to restore and refresh us. 1. Know about the grand gift, and celebrate. (v.1-4) 2. Evaluate the mixed reactions, and keep them in mind. (v.5-13) 3. Understand Peter's explanation, and call on God. (v.14-21) How does this apply to us? What do we know about the power of the Spirit? Ezekiel 37:9-14 Who may call on the name of the Lord? Romans 10:9-13 Who says not to harden our hearts? Hebrews 3:7-12

We start improving our baptism by realizing that the baptism of Jesus has enormous significance, and so does our baptism! 1. The baptism of Jesus meant that from the start, Jesus was on our side. (v.13-14) 2. When Jesus insisted on submitting to John's baptism, Jesus transformed baptism on His way to the cross. (v.15) 3. The gifts that Jesus received in His baptism, He gave to us! (v.16-17) a. The Holy Spirit. b. Adoption as sons of God. c. The favor of a well-pleased God. Why do we tend to underestimate baptism? What was prophesied to be given to Jesus? Is. 42:1 Was it? John 3:34. Who gave us the Spirit? Acts 2:33 Who gave us baptism? Mt. 28:19 Why was another called the firstborn son of God? Exodus 4:22-23

The Spirit of God, working with the Word of God, makes known the will of God to the people of God. 1. How does the Spirit guide us? 2. What should we use to guide us in our decisions? 3. Is the leading of the Spirit specific? What are the decisions we must make now? How do we know when God is guiding us? Genesis 24:27 In what ways does God communicate His will to us? Col. 1:9,10 What are the tools God gave us? 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Psalm 134, the final Song of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) is about the perpetual worship of God. 1. The departing worshippers called for the perpetual worship of The LORD, by calling on the priests who were staying there in the house of The LORD to represent the people by always continuing to bless God, even by night. (v.1-2) 2. The priests express The LORD's commitment to keep on blessing the worshippers. (v.3) 3. In Christ in the new covenant, we keep declaring His excellencies, and He keeps providing us with life forevermore. (Ps. 133:3b) How can there be blessings all around, continually? How often was a priest to be ready to serve God? Hebrews 10:11 What is being done 'round the clock' in heaven? Revelation 4:8 Who praised God at night in a prison? Acts 16:25

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament issue a call to repent and believe! 1. John the Baptist preached repentance. (v.1-6) 2. He preached fruit in keeping with repentance. (v.7-10) 3. The message has two sides: Spirit and fire. (v.11-12) Home Application Questions: Why is it good news when we hear a call to repentance? 2 Peter 3:9 How is it evident to others when we repent? Heb. 12:17 What happens to one who never repents? Mt. 3:12, 1 Cor. 1:18-21

We value harmony as one of the most beneficial gifts from God through Christ, and possessing it is cause for our celebration. 1. Harmony is good and pleasant. (v.1) 2. Harmony is like: a) being so saturated with the precious oil of gladness that we are dripping with it and the fragrance spreads everywhere and b) being so drenched with heavy morning dew from the mountains, that everything and everyone is refreshed and invigorated. (v.2) 3. Why is harmony so wonderful, and how do we get it? (v.3) What is it about unity that makes it so special and pleasant? On what occasions do various brothers/sisters gather? 2 Sam. 5:1-10 Who received the Spirit? John 3:34; 17:20-23 and 1 John 4:20 How can we get harmony? John 10:16, Eph. 1:3; 4:3, Acts 2:42

Our Father in Heaven fulfills what He promised in protecting His children through the coming of His Son. For what things can we trust God? 1. For salvation through the coming of His Son. (v.13-14) 2. For fulfilment of God's good intentions in the coming of His Son, despite the bad intentions of men. (v.15-18) 3. For ongoing protection for all His children through the coming of His Son. (v.19-23) Discuss these questions: Why should Joseph be encouraged by 'until I tell you' v.13? Look for 'fulfilled' in v.15,17,23. Can we trust God's promise? God protected baby Jesus. (1:20, 2:13,19,22). Can we trust Him?

Only because the anger of God was turned toward Christ for us, can His anger be turned away from our sins. 1. The Light shined. (v.1-7) 2. The call to turn from darkness to Light. (v.8-13) 3. The damage of wickedness. (v.14-21) How do we understand the predictions of Christmas? What is the source of light? Matthew 4:14 What is offered to those in darkness? John 8:12. John 12:46 How would you describe God? Hebrews 12:29

At Christmas, God warned us with the picture of a false king and gifted us with The True King. How do we find the true King? 1. Recognize the gift of Jesus reigning over us. (v.1-3) 2. Receive God's invitation to worship Jesus. (v.4-6) 3. We find Jesus when we respond with joy, worship, and gifts. (v.7-12)