How to Build a Foundation of Faith | Acts 2:36-47 | Darien Gabriel
Series: NA
Title: How to build a foundation of faith
Scripture: Acts 2:36-47 NIV
Bottom line: We build a foundation of faith by devoting ourselves to the word, the fellowship, the cross, and prayer.
SERMON OUTLINE
NOTES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
OUTLINES
MAIN REFERENCES USED
SERMON OUTLINE
Introduction
I had a moment on Christmas Day when I was triggered by taking the family group photo. Last year, when we had our accident, we were taking a family group photo and I was trying to do that using my watch. So when it came time to do that this year, I decided I wasn’t up for that so I just held up my phone and took a group selfie.
Many of us have had a difficult 2023. We have scars from past wounds and some wounds are still fresh. Family, jobs, health, world wars, culture wars—it’s been a hard year for many.
Our tendency is to work on these areas in our life. And that’s fine. But to really make progress, we need to start with the foundation.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27 that to have a foundation of faith made of rock is to hear the word AND obey it. Not hear it and then go on like we never heard anything. It’s about obeying the word.
So that’s the short answer to the question, how do we build a foundation of faith.
But that probably doesn’t quite satisfy you. You may be saying, but how do I do that?
This is why we’re going to Acts 2:36-47.
Outline
I. The Question (2:36-41)
Repent
“The Greek word can mean ‘change one’s mind.’ The idea in Hebrew, however, is ‘Turn,’ indicating a change in direction. In Luke 24:47 Jesus makes clear that he is referring to the OT sense (Hebrew) and that this is what the disciples are to preach.” -Boch, p. 141-142
Boch continues, “Peter’s declaration here is obedient to Jesus’ commission and call in Luke 24. Peter is telling his audiences to change direction from the attitudes that led them to crucify Jesus, and look to God through Jesus for forgiveness.” Ibid, p. 142
My take is that we’re to preach repentance meaning a change in direction in your thinking, beliefs and behaviors that are consistent with those thoughts and beliefs.
II. The Answer (2:42-47)
A. Be devoted to these 4 things:
The apostles teaching.
The fellowship.
The breaking of bread.
Prayer.
B. Be expecting this fruit:
Awe
Power
Unity
Generosity
Favor
Evangelism
Conclusion
So how do we build a foundation of faith?
By obeying scripture.
But how do we do that?
Bottom line: We build a foundation of faith by devoting ourselves to the word, the fellowship, the cross, and prayer.
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to build a foundation of faith.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. So that they can weather the storms of life and the ultimate wrath of God.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A.
Pray
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
OUTLINES
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Acts” by Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“Look at the Book” by John Piper
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner
“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt