http://www.family-bible-church.org In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he declared that he had been given the revelation of the mystery of God which was the uniting together of Jews and Gentiles through the redemptive work of Christ. The book of Acts is the Unveiling of that Mystery. This series of messages is an exegetical study of the book of Acts. This series of messages were presented at Family Bible Church located in Martinez, Georgia in 2022 and 2023. en ©2022 Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church September 30, 2022 http://www.family-bible-church.org/Acts.jpg http://www.family-bible-church.org/ In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he declared that he had been given the revelation of the mystery of God which was the uniting together of Jews and Gentiles through the redemptive work of Christ. The book of Acts is the Unveiling of that Mystery. This series of messages is an exegetical study of the book of Acts. This series of messages were presented at Family Bible Church located in Martinez, Georgia in 2022 and 2023. Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church bob@corbinhome.net clean Acts 28:11-31 * This is the final message in this series on the book of Acts. As we have considered "The Acts of the Apostles," we have seen that it is more aptly titled "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." From the beginning, we have seen how the Holy Spirit empowered and filled the servants of God to distribute the message of redemption through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. * It is appropriate then, that the book should close with a testimony of Paul's evangelistic ministry in Rome. * Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen how God sovereignly oversaw Paul's travel to the city of Rome. * Today, that journey is finalized. This is Luke's final statement regarding the pattern of Paul's ministry and the faithfulness of God to truly send the gospel message to the "ends of the earth." * This message was presented on August 13, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Aug13.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Aug13.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 27:39-28:10 * This the 41st message in this series on the book of Acts. It is, as well, the penultimate of the series. * Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen the sovereignty of God guiding Paul to the city of Rome in order that he might have an audience with Caesar. * This has been accomplished, first of all, through Paul being imprisoned by Rome on account of false charges brought against him by the Jews, and the unwillingness of several Roman officials to perform the justice on his behalf that they clearly saw. * Within the judicial process at Caesarea, YHWH afforded Paul several opportunities to share Jesus with "important" Roman officials, and King Agrippa. * Last week we saw how God revealed His sovereignty as well on the journey to Rome by re-directing the ship twice in order to bring them to an unplanned stop on the journey - the island of Malta! * Today, we will examine some of the details of this stop at Malta - specifically, how YHWH delivered Paul twice during this episode and the impacts of these deliverances. * This message was presented on August 6, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Aug06.mp330290000" type="audio/mpeg"/> http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Aug06.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 6 Aug 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 27:1-44 * Over the past couple of weeks, we have been considering the transition of Paul's ministry from proclaiming the gospel in a traveling ministry to the ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic proclamation to him that Paul would bear His name before kings (cf. Acts 9:15-16) We have seen how God used Paul's wrongful imprisonment to begin the process of moving him along to Rome, just as Jesus had promised him (cf. Acts 23:11). * In the spring of 2020, we studied Paul's second letter to the church of Corinth. The title of the series was "Embracing Affliction" because that is the theme of Paul's letter. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul provides a list of the afflictions and trials which he had endured up to the point of writing that letter. In the list, he states that he had been shipwrecked three times, and that he had spent a day and a night in the deep! What is truly amazing about that statement is that he wrote that letter to them prior to this voyage we will be considering today! * As we began that series, we considered from 2 Corinthians 1 the purpose of afflictions - the reason that we should "embrace" them. It is through these situations that "press us" we experience the encouragement of the Father of all encouragements ... in order that WE might be able to put courage into (encouragement) others who are going through pressing situations, and that we might reveal the presence and power of God to those who do not know Him! * Today, we will see how God - in His Sovereignty - orchestrated events in order to provide Paul an ideal opportunity to share His power and presence with a large group of prisoners, soldiers and sailors! * This message was presented on July 30, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul30.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul30.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 30 Jul 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 25:13-26:32 * Over the past couple of weeks, we have been considering the transition of Paul's ministry from proclaiming the gospel in a traveling ministry to the ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic proclamation to him that Paul would bear His name before kings (cf. Acts 9:15-16) We have seen how God used Paul's wrongful imprisonment to begin the process of moving him along to Rome. * Last week, Paul appealed his case to Caesar. * Today, we see that while waiting at Caesarea to be transported to Rome, Paul has the opportunity to begin the final fulfillment of this prophecy - as he is afforded the opportunity to present the Gospel to King Agrippa. * Sadly, we also see today the two primary responses to the presentation of the Good News of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. * This message was presented on July 23, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul23.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul23.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 23 Jul 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 24:1-25:12 * Over the past couple of weeks, we have been considering the transition of Paul's ministry from proclaiming the gospel in a traveling ministry to the ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic proclamation to him that Paul would bear His name before kings (cf. Acts 9:15-16) We have seen how God used Paul's innocent attendance at the Temple to fulfill a vow to begin the process of moving him along to Rome. * Last week, we began the final six week segment of our study of the book of Acts by beginning to look specifically at the Sovereignty of God being reveal in the transition of Paul to Rome. Specifically, we saw how God unveiled a plot by the Jews to kill Paul and moved the Roman commander to protect Paul with a force of 470 Roman soldiers in order to convey him to Caesarea. * Today, we continue this account with Paul being able to present his case before the secular authority. * This message was presented on July 16, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul16.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul16.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 16 Jul 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 23:11-35 * History can be aptly broken into "His Story." It is the account of what God has done in the world and amongst the nations. As we have been studying the book which is titled "The Acts of the Apostles" we can as well state that it could be more aptly called, "The Acts of God." Throughout the account written by Luke regarding the beginning of the church, we have seen the power and personal engagement of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - displayed in wonderful ways both in the lives of individuals, and multitudes, as He has overseen and interceded in affairs at the personal, local, and national levels. * We have seen how Jesus specifically called Saul of Tarsus to stop persecuting His church and to begin promoting His church, and then how He orchestrated Ananias to come and heal Saul - preparing each of them for the moment. Jesus told Ananias, "Go, for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) * Over the past two weeks, we have considered the preliminary phase of the final stage of the fulfillment of this proclamation by Jesus. Through Paul's compelling desire to be at Jerusalem for this feast, God was allowing tribulation to come into the life of Paul for a greater purpose. It was through this disturbance - this troublesome situation - that God was going to fulfill His plan through the life of Paul. * However, even this final phase wouldn't be without it's obstacles and trials. We are in the midst of a Spiritual War. Those who are serving the King will experience the attack of the enemy. Satan desires to foil the plan of God; he doesn't want the Gospel message to be proclaimed and will do whatever he can to dissuade and deter the servants of the King from making it known. * Lord willing, we will spend the final six weeks of this series considering the "Fulfilling of God's Plan" for, and through, the life of Paul. * This message was presented on July 9, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul09.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul09.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 9 Jul 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 22:22-23:11 * Paul had been pressing back to Jerusalem. As he had told the elders of Ephesus along the way, "And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me." (Acts 20:22-23) * Last week, we saw the beginning stages of this prophetic declaration. * Paul was fulfilling a vow to YHWH and submitting to the leadership of the elders of the church at Jerusalem, when he was falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple. He was beaten and would have been killed if the Roman soldiers hadn't come to rescue him. * On the way to the barracks, the commander of the soldiers was told many different stories regarding who Paul was. He was shocked when Paul spoke to him in Greek to request the privilege to speak to the people. When Paul spoke to the people, he spoke to them in Hebrew. The people listened until he explained how Jesus the Messiah had sent him to the Gentiles. At the mention of this, the crowd again went crazy. * Today, we continue examining the account of the tumult and disturbance caused by the man of God simply declaring the word of God. As we study the passage, we need to remember that Paul was an ordinary man being used by God in an extra-ordinary way. However, Paul was an ordinary man who was sold-out for the service of the King. * This message was presented on July 2, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul02.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jul02.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 2 Jul 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 21:15-22:24 * We have titled this exegetical study of the Book of Acts - "Unveiling the Mystery." That "Mystery" is the church. In our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we saw the proclamation of how God had extended His grace in Christ Jesus to both the Jews and the Gentiles. In Christ, both Jews and Gentiles come to the Father, through the Spirit, as "one new man." Through the sacrificial death of Christ, and His ensuing victory over death, the middle wall of partition - the works of the law - had been removed. This new work was the result of the new covenant - and would be referred to as "the church." * God began "the church" through the original apostles of Christ. We saw how they gathered in prayer waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them as Jesus had declared. Then 3,000 Jews were saved and added to their number on the day of Pentecost. * When persecution arose, the church scattered from Jerusalem and began to take the good news of redemption in Christ to other regions. God used Philip to take the Gospel to the Samaritans and He used Peter to open up the gospel to the Gentiles proper - at the house of Cornelius. * Saul of Tarsus had risen up to destroy that work and went as far as Damascus to arrest followers of "The Way." But, God had other plans for Saul and took him from being a persecutor of the church to being a promoter of the church! It would be Paul (as his name would become) who God would use to greatly expand the church into the regions of the Gentiles. * Today, we witness the full-circle of Paul's ministry in this mystery of the church. From favorite "son" to hated "enemy" ... all for the name of Jesus! * This message was presented on June 25, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun25.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun25.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 25 Jun 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 21:1-15 * Paul has been hurrying to get to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost. We are not told why. * Over the past two weeks, we have consider part of Paul's ministry along the journey - with the church in Troas and then his exhortations to the elders of Ephesus. * In today's passage, we get to ponder the situation when two individuals, or groups, believe that they have a “word from the Lord” ... or that the Spirit is “leading them” ... and those beliefs are leading in different directions! What happens when a group within the church feels “led” in a way that different than those who are in authority? * Today, we must ask ourselves - "How do we respond when what we believe is the best solution - which 'clearly is the will of God' - is not that which is followed?" * This message was presented on June 18, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun18.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun18.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 18 Jun 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 20:17-38 * Two weeks ago, we considered the extent and effect of God's work in Ephesus through Paul. Paul spent more than two years in Ephesus at that time. Last week, we tracked Paul's travels from Ephesus to Macedonia to Greece and then back to Troas, where he spoke to a gathering of the church. * In Acts 20, Paul is at the end of his third missionary journey, and he is hurrying to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost. He sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, took five days to get to Troas, spent seven days in Troas, and thus had at most 31 days left to get to Jerusalem (perhaps less). He chose to avoid going to Ephesus and sailed past it down to Miletus. But Paul sent for the elders in the church at Ephesus in order to speak to them one last time. * Today we look at the rest of what happened in Acts 20, where Paul speaks to the elders from Ephesus. His message to them includes both a testimony of his time in Ephesus - how he lived and ministered to the Ephesians - and a charge to the Ephesian elders. * This message was presented on June 11, 2023 by David Hayes. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun11.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun11.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 20:1-16 * All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). * Why does Luke spend much time on certain portions of Paul's trips and moves quickly through other areas? The final answer ... God wanted us to know those parts and determined that the other parts were not needed for our edification! * Last week, we considered the extent and effect of God's work in Ephesus through Paul. Paul spent at least two years in Ephesus at that time. * Today, we come to another transitional time in Paul's missionary journey ... and yet God chooses to give us a couple of vignettes along Paul's journey back to Jerusalem. We will consider those vignettes and their significance over the next couple of weeks. * Specifically, today we will consider his stop at Troas and the gathering of the church during that occasion. * This message was presented on June 4, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun04.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jun04.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 4 Jun 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 19:8-20:1 * Last week, we transitioned from Paul's 2nd missionary journey to his third journey. On that trip, he promised those in Ephesus that he would return. * On his first stop in Ephesus, Paul was received well and people begged him to stay. However, wherever the gospel is proclaimed continuously, there will eventually be opposition. That is what discuss today ... the opposition to the Gospel in Ephesus. * The City of Ephesus was the largest city and, commercially, the most prosperous city in the province of Asia. It was easily accessed from sea by Athens, Corinth and Rome, and was the gateway to inland trade routes, making travel easy to any point. Due to silting, the main harbor is now about 10 kms to the west! Pilgrims came from around the world to Ephesus - home of the temple of Artemis (Diana - Roman), one of the seven wonders of the world. * This message was presented on May 28, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May28.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May28.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 28 May 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 18:18-19:7 * In 2 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul revealed the process of functional discipleship to Timothy: 1 "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." * In today's passage, we see that philosophy, or process, of discipleship being demonstrated by, and through, Paul himself. * This portion is a transitional passage taking us from Paul's second "missionary journey" into his next cycle of visits to the churches. * Through this passage, we see various individuals - who being part of the discipleship process - grasp the concept of ministry not as a profession but as a lifestyle. * This message was presented on May 21, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May21.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May21.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 21 May 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 18:1-18 * Last week we considered Paul's engagements in the metropolis of Athens - the center of the Grecian philosophical world. While there, Paul could not help but continue to tell people about Jesus. This led to his confrontation with the Stoics and Epicureans at the Areopagus. As a result, we are told, some believed. * Paul continued his travel southward to the city of Corinth - one of the major cities of Greece. * Some of the passages that we have considered during this series have spanned days or weeks. Today we will be considering the highlights which Luke records of the 18 month stay of Paul in this important city which sat at the crossroads of culture. * This message was presented on May 14, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May14.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May14.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 14 May 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 17:15-34 * As we have studied the book of Acts, we have seen how God Sovereignly oversaw the expansion of the church from Jerusalem into Asia Minor (which we refer to today as Eurasia) and then specifically toward the European continent by guiding Paul into Macedonia and then down into the Ionian peninsula - to Thessalonica and Berea - toward the epicenter of the world culture of the day - Athens. * In each place that they have gone, they have met both reception of the message and rejection of the message - some believed, some did not. * Today, as we consider Paul's engagements in the metropolis of Athens we will see how he varied his evangelistic approach - in the presentation of God's redemptive plan - to each of his specific audiences. * This message was presented on May 7, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May07.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23May07.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 7 May 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 17:1-15 * In Acts 9, we saw the call and conversion of Saul of Tarsus. In that account, Jesus speaks to the prophet Ananias telling him to go and heal Saul. Ananias balks and Jesus states, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." * As Paul began his ministry with Barnabas and they traveled proclaiming the gospel to the Jews and then to the Gentiles, Paul began to experience what Christ had proclaimed regarding him. Now, as he is traveling with Silas, Timothy and Luke, his suffering for the name of Jesus has continued. * The primary cause of that suffering is people's response to the gospel message. The good news of God's free gift of salvation from eternal condemnation is not always met with gladness! Rather, as Paul and his companions find out, it is many times with resistance, rejection, and persecution. * Today, we continue to see that pattern in the cities of Thessalonica and Berea. * As we consider how "others" receive or reject the message of the gospel, I must ask myself: how do I respond to God's message in His word? Do I receive or reject His Word of truth in my life? * This message was presented on April 30, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Apr30.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Apr30.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 30 Apr 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 16:6-40 * Throughout the book of Acts - we have seen how God has Unveiled His Mystery of the Church. God has sovereignly overseen the expansion of the Church through various means of guidance. * Two weeks ago, we saw how a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas led to the multiplication of this expansion. * Today, we will again see God's direct intervention in the continuance and expansion of His kingdom - via the ministry of Paul. * Many of us are looking for “God's Will” ... His guidance and leading ... today we want to examine the manner in which God guides us and the purpose of that guidance. * This message was presented on April 16, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Apr16.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Apr16.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 15:36-16:5 * Last week we saw how the church had worked through their first major doctrinal conflict. The church of Antioch had sent Barnabas and Paul to Jerusalem, along with others, to obtain the input of the Apostles and Elders there regarding what requirements should be placed upon Gentiles who were coming to the faith. The decision of the Jerusalem Council was that the Gentiles were not obligated to fulfill the Law as a means of salvation or an additive to salvation; that specifically included circumcision. The Council declared additionally that it would be good for the Gentiles to "Abstain from things offered to idols, from blood and from things strangled .... and from sexual immorality." This decision required submission by those of conflicting opinions. * As Paul began to take greater "ownership" of the ministry Barnabas and Paul returned to Antioch, along with Judas and Silas, and communicated the message to the church and it was received with joy. After some days Paul decided that he and Barnabas ought to return to encourage the churches which they planted on their first trip. This good desire led to additional conflict between Paul and his mentor, Barnabas. * In our passage today we see two separate accounts of discipleship situations which involved potential conflict and how they were handled. * This message was presented on April 2, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Apr02.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Apr02.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 2 Apr 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 14:27-15:35 * Barnabas and Paul had traveled from Syrian Antioch to Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Derbe, Lystra, Perga and Attalia. On their travels they witnessed God pour out His power through their lives and pour out His grace on the Gentiles through the Gospel. They had also had a foretaste of the hardships that would come along with the spread of the Gospel. * They traveled back to their sending church - Syrian Antioch - to give a report of all that God had done. They stayed in Antioch, providing additional instruction to the church. * But then the dissension which they saw in Pisidia and Pamphylia found them in Antioch. But, this conflict would prove to be used by God to solidify His plan of redemption being extended freely to all nations! * This message was presented on March 26, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar26.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar26.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 14:1-26 * The Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul to begin their first Evangelistic Journey while they teaching the believers of Syrian Antioch. * The Spirit led them to Cyprus where they would meet the Roman Proconsul, Sergius Paulus. After Sergius Paulus believes on Christ, Barnabas and Paul head to Pisidian Antioch in the midst of the Roman Province of Asia - which we refer to as Asia Minor. * Last week, we saw how Paul proclaimed the Gospel message in the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch and how it was received well by both Jews and Gentiles, until the Jews saw the response of the Gentiles! In prideful jealousy, the Jews began to fight against Barnabas and Saul, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Finally, the messengers were expelled from the region. * Today, we join Barnabas and Paul as they travel to Iconium, Derbe and Lystra in the region of Lycaonia ... and hear their exhortations to the churches which they have visited to continue in the faith and endure hardship. * This message was presented on March 19, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar19.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar19.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 13:13-52 * Over the past two weeks, we have considered the beginning of Barnabas and Saul's first "Mission Trip." * Two weeks ago, we saw how the Holy Spirit had called for them to be set apart for the work to which He had called them, and then had them sent out by the elders of the church of Antioch. Last week, we saw how God sovereignly oversaw their path - leading them to Paphos, Cyprus to lead Sergius Paulus to a saving knowledge of Christ. * Today, we see how God continues to guide Barnabas and Paul, in fulfilling His plan and revealing of the mystery of the church - the age of the Gentiles, when the Gentiles would become joint-heirs with those of Israel! * This message was presented on March 12, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar12.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar12.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 13:4-12 * Last week, we considered the movement of the Holy Spirit sending forth Barnabas and Saul from the church of Antioch, while the leaders were serving the Lord and fasting. * Today, we get to look at the beginning of Barnabas and Saul's first "Mission Trip." * Between today and next Sunday's message, we will see how God can direct His work. We may plan; but we always need to remember the admonition of James: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' " (James 4:13-15) * This message was presented on March 5, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar05.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Mar05.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 5 Mar 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 12:25-13:4 Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. As they waited, they prayed. The Holy Spirit then empowered them and they willingly proclaimed the message of Christ to the crowd that gathered. Three thousand people turned to Christ that day! * Prayer then became an integral part of the life of the church. * The early church recognized it's dependence upon YHWH and spent much time in prayer to Him. As a result, the Word and Church of God multiplied! * Today, we return to the church of Antioch with Barnabas and Saul, and see that prayer was at core of what we refer to as: "Missions." * This message was presented on February 26, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb26.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb26.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 26 Feb 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 12:1-24 * As the Gospel spread, the Spiritual War continued. * In our study of the book of Acts, we have seen that the Apostles were threatened and persecuted for proclaiming the name of Jesus ... and informed the Sanhedrin that they were to obey God rather than men - to be witnesses of the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah. * Next, Stephen was stoned to death for proclaiming Christ and Saul of Tarsus spread the persecution even unto Damascus. * However, in each of these situations God reveals His Sovereignty and His faithfulness to those who believe in Him. The Sovereignty of God does not mean that we will not be persecuted but rather that through the persecution or the deliverance God is working His plan. * In our passage today, God reveals that He is the Sovereign King and that He can, and does, over-rule earthly kings at His choosing. * From last week ... Barnabas and Saul had been sent by the church of Antioch with a gift to the church of Jerusalem. These events that we cover today occur while they are in Jerusalem (cf. 12:25). * This message was presented on February 19, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb19.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb19.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 11:19-30 * April through June of 2022 we considered "The Marks of a Healthy Church." Stemming from that series, we studied the book of Ephesians and then began this current study of the book of Acts. In that series, we consider what I refer to as: The Armada of the Church - the four "ships" of the church: Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, and Stewardship. * As the church was established and the message of the gospel began to spread, these four areas have been continually seen in the interactions of the church. * Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen the conversion of Saul of Tarsus - who was formerly the persecutor of the church - and the conversion of Cornelius the Centurion. God was beginning His work of sending the Gospel to the end of the earth. * Today, we see that message spread to Antioch - where this fledgling church highlights the marks of a vibrant church. * This message was presented on February 12, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb12.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb12.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 10:1-11:18 * Before He ascended, Jesus commanded His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them with power. Jesus also promised them that when the Holy Spirit came upon them that they would become His witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea, in Samaria, and to the end of the earth. * Over the past month, we have seen how the Good News (gospel) of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for the payment of sins ... had spread into Samaria. We saw then, and revisited last week, how it was Peter who was chosen to "confirm" that the message was truly believed by the Samaritans. * The message was then believed on by Saul of Tarsus who was told that he would be the Apostle to the Gentiles - taking the message to the ends of the earth! * However, again, as we saw last week, it is Peter - the Apostle to the Jews - whom God would use to begin that process. * Today, we continue to see how Christ is going to expand His ministry through Peter - from Judea to Samaria to the Gentiles! Thus, laying the foundation for the work that Saul, who becomes Paul, will continue. * This message was presented on February 5, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb05.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Feb05.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 5 Feb 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 9:32-43 * 1 Corinthians 12:12 states, "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." * In the beginning of our series, the focus of the book of Acts was upon the church as an entity - as a body. Over the past four weeks we have focused upon how God works through individual members - as we considered the martyrdom of Stephen, the ministry of Philip and the conversion of Saul. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at God's continued working through Peter. * Jesus had already declared that Peter would be a pillar that He would use to establish the church. Matthew 16:15-19 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." * We have seen that God used Peter at Pentecost to proclaim His message to the Jews who were gathered in Jerusalem. As well, it was Peter - along with John - who continued to the proclaim the message to the crowds and the Sanhedrin when presented the opportunities. It was Peter - along with John again - who went to Samaria to confirm that the Samaritans had received the gospel. And, it was Peter, to whom God gave special knowledge regarding the giving of Ananias and Sapphira ... and the authority and power to take away their lives by his word. * Now we see how Christ is going to expand His ministry through Peter - from Judea to Samaria to the Gentiles! * This message was presented on January 29, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan29.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan29.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 29 Jan 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 9:1-31 * Today is the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. We rejoice in God for His gift of physical life. However, the greater gift is eternal life. God desires for us to have fellowship with Him for all of eternity. That is why Jesus came to the earth to pay the penalty for our sin! * Today, we see that great gift of life - eternal life - being extended to Saul of Tarsus - the persecutor of the church! * This NEW LIFE comes with a transformation ... we become "a new man." We are told in Scripture that our "old man" (evidenced by the works of the flesh) is put off and we are given a new nature (evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit). cf. Romans 6:5-6,20-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:17-24. * This transformational work of God is evidenced in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus * This message was presented on January 22, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan22.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan22.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 8:26-40 * Throughout the Book of Acts we have seen the birth and growth of the church. Jesus commissioned the Apostles to be His witnesses and the Holy Spirit empowered them to proclaim the Gospel. The Holy Spirit then convicted men of sin, righteousness and judgment ... and thousands of men and women responded! * Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen how God then used persecution to spread the Gospel message. * Last week, specifically, we saw how Saul of Tarsus began to intensify this persecution, causing the church of Jerusalem to scatter. * We are then told how Philip went to Samaria - which is north of Jerusalem - and began to share the gospel with the Samaritans. They received his message and were baptized. Peter and John were sent from Jerusalem to validate what they had heard, and discovered that indeed the Samaritans were following Christ. On their way back to Jerusalem, Peter and John evangelized in the Samaritan villages which they passed through. * But, God wasn't done using Philip just yet! In Philip, we have the testimony of a man who was committed to the work of the Lord and who had a passion to share the good news of redemption in Christ with those whom he met. * Today, we see that commitment and passion carried into other regions. * This message was presented on January 15, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan15.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan15.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 15 Jan 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 8:1-25 * The Series Title for this Study is "Unveiling the Mystery;" that "Mystery" is the church. * Throughout the book which is titled "The Acts of the Apostle" we saw God unveiling His plan which He had Sovereignly determined prior to the creation of the world! After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned and empowered His disciples to be His witnesses. In that commissioning, Jesus told His disciples that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea, in Samaria, and into the uttermost parts of the world. * In the first seven chapters of the book of Acts, we have seen how the first part of that promise came true. God worked through those Apostles to proclaim the gospel and perform great miracles, such that many believed the message. The church became a movement and it grew. Those who believed began proclaiming the message as well and the church multiplied. * As the message was proclaimed and people believed, those who did not believe became actively resistant to the church, and began to persecute the believers. Last week, we surveyed Acts 6:8-7:60 considering the martyrdom of Stephen. * Today, we see how God used that persecution to propel the gospel message ... and "The Mystery" beyond Jerusalem. * This message was presented on January 8, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan08.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan08.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 8 Jan 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 6:8-7:60 * Jesus commissioned the Apostles and then empowered the Apostles to bear witness to His death, burial and resurrection. As they began to perform this calling, thousands of people believed that Jesus was the Messiah and the payment for their sins. The strength of the message and the growth of the church did not excite the religious leaders. As the message spread and the church grew, persecution of the Apostles began to sprout up and grow. * As we saw two weeks ago, a transition happened in the early church when the new disciples began to take ownership of the gospel message as well, and began to boldly proclaim it. The church began to multiply! The growth required the Apostles to institute new leadership and servant roles in order to meet the needs of the assembly. This facilitated even more growth. * As we will see today, that growth in the assembly met with growth in persecution. Today, we will consider the testimony of the first recorded "Martyr" of the church - Stephen. A "martyr" is one who chooses to suffer death, or great suffering, rather than renounce his/her religion, or cause. The word "martyr" is a transliteration of the Greek word martus (a witness) and martureo (to witness). * This message was presented on January 1, 2023 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan01.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2023Messages/23Jan01.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 1 Jan 2023 12:00:00 EST Acts 6:1-7 * In our exegetical study of the Acts of the Apostles we have seen that God has been adding to the church - sometimes dramatically and sometimes daily. At the conclusion of Peter's teaching to the crowd which gathered, as a result of the healing of the lame man, we are told that the church to 5,000 men (not counting the women and children)! Remember, in Acts 1 we saw that after the Ascension of Jesus there were 120 believers meeting in the upper room. Now, after this event with the lame man and the subsequent interactions with the Sanhedrin, the church was growing even more! * With growth ... comes growth pains. The early church did not get a "pass." As James would later write, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4) * In Acts 6, we are introduced to the first major "internal" test for the church. The great unity that they had was starting to be tested. How would they respond? What would they do? What would be the results? * This message was presented on December 18, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Dec18.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Dec18.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 18 Dec 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 5:17-42 * Over the past three weeks, we considered the miraculous healing of the lame man through Peter and John, and their ensuing confrontation with the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin warned them to not proclaim the name of Jesus publicly anymore. When they were released, they went directly back to where the believers were meeting to give a report and the church prayed for even more boldness! In the face of political/religious persecution they didn't pray for the demise of their oppressors, they prayed for boldness to proclaim God's truth! * Last week, we saw how God answered that prayer! The greatness of our God was on full display through what He was accomplishing through those who were committed to Him. At the end of the passage which we considered last week we saw that the Apostles, and chiefly Peter, were able to perform mighty wonders and many were bringing those who were physically or demonically oppressed to Peter for healing. * Today, we see that this did not escape the notice of the Sanhedrin. * This message was presented on December 11, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Dec11.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Dec11.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 11 Dec 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 4:31-5:13 * The book of Acts begins with Jesus' command to the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes upon them with power in order that they might be witnesses of His in Jerusalem and Judaea, in Samaria, and into the uttermost parts of the world. The apostles obeyed and were empowered on Pentecost. They witnessed of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and testified that He was the Messiah (the Christ). Those who believed were immersed in the name of Jesus and began to join together continuing steadfastly in the teaching and camaraderie of the apostles, in a remembrance of the Lord's Supper and in meeting together to pray. They were also voluntarily giving of their resources in order to meet the needs of those within the church who had them. As a result of this unity of the church, we are told that "many signs and wonders were done through the apostles" and that "the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." * Luke then begins to build upon this introduction to the church by expanding upon the themes of their unity. * Over the past two weeks, we considered the presentation of one of the many "wonders" which were performed by the apostles - the healing of the lame man. Last week, we saw Peter and John's boldness before the Sanhedrin in proclaiming the exclusivity of the name of Jesus Christ for salvation. After they were released, they went directly back to where the believers were meeting to give a report. This resulted in a praise and prayer meeting! The believers prayed for even more boldness! In the face of political/religious persecution they didn't pray for the demise of their oppressors, they prayed for boldness to proclaim God's truth! * Today, we will look at what a true "Mega" church looks like. ("mega" is a Greek word that means "great.") It occurs multiple times in our passage as a superlative adjective, and is demonstrated by some incredible examples. This passage illustrates how the "Greatness of the Church" should truly look. * This message was presented on December 4, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Dec04.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Dec04.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 4 Dec 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 4:1-31 * The church had grown via the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. The new believers were continuing steadfastly in the teaching and camaraderie of the apostles, in remembrance of the Lord's Supper and in meeting together to prayer. They were also voluntarily giving of their resources in order to meet the needs of those within the church who had them. As a result of this unity of the church, we are told that "many signs and wonders were done through the apostles" and that "the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." * Last week we looked at the account of one of those wonders performed through Peter and John in Acts 3, where we saw the Holy Spirit work with power through ordinary men in an extraordinary way - the healing of a man who had been lame from his mother's womb. This miracle drew a crowd and gave Peter the opportunity to boldly preach Christ to them … and led to the religious leaders arresting Peter and John. * Today we look at the rest of what happened in Acts 4: the next day's trial of Peter and John, giving Peter yet another opportunity to boldly preach Christ, followed by the prayer of the saints resulting in the Holy Spirit giving them further boldness. Taken together, Acts 3 and 4 demonstrate the power of Jesus to Heal the Infirmed, Save the Lost, and Embolden the Saints. Peter's example shows us what it means to “always be ready to give a defense” (1 Peter 3:15). * This message was presented on November 27, 2022 by David Hayes. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov27.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov27.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 3:1-4:4 * The church had grown via the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. The new believers were continuing steadfastly in the teaching and camaraderie of the apostles, in a remembrance of the Lord's Supper and in meeting together to prayer. They were also voluntarily giving of their resources in order to meet the needs of those within the church who had them. As a result of this unity of the church, we are told that "many signs and wonders were done through the apostles" and that "the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." * Today, we begin to consider an account which is provided regarding one of those wonders performed through Peter and John. We get to behold the wonder of the Holy Spirit working with power through ordinary men in an extra-ordinary way! * Throughout chapters 3 and 4, we witness Peter utilizing a series of events to proclaim the name of Jesus, pointing people to the Messiah. Through this account, we see the Power of Jesus to Heal the Infirmed, Save the Lost, and Embolden the Saints. * The key verse for our Kids Club is 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Peter will be demonstrating what that looks like. * This message was presented on November 20, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov20.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov20.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 20 Nov 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 2:41-47 * The Day of Pentecost ... The Holy Spirit was poured out with power. The Apostles spoke with other languages giving testimony to the Jews and proselytes the validity of the message of Christ's resurrection. * As a result, three thousand souls were saved. * What characterized those early believers? How did the fist converts react? How did the church commune with one another? What affect did the church have upon it's community? * Today, we will examine those things. * This message was presented on November 13, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov13.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov13.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 13 Nov 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 2:14-41 * Submitting to the commandment of Christ, the disciples had WAITED in Jerusalem and the Holy Spirit had come upon them with power as Jesus had promised. Now was their opportunity to fulfill the rest of the promise ... that they WOULD BE witnesses! * Over the past two weeks we considered the Scriptural Testimony regarding the indwelling and empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the use of signs as a means to authenticate the Gospel Message ... and especially, the Sign Gift of Languages to confirm it to unbelieving Jews. * Today, we have the opportunity to consider the witness of Peter as he presented truth to the Jews (and proselytes to Judaism) who had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of In-Gathering (Pentecost). The crowd was brought together by the miraculous sign of the coming of the Holy Spirit with power upon them. * This message was presented on November 6, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov06.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Nov06.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 6 Nov 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 2:1-21 * Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order that they would be witnesses on His behalf in Jerusalem, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world. * Last week, as we considered the Scriptural Testimony of the coming and ministry of the Holy Spirit, we saw that there is both the Internal Presence of the Holy Spirit and the External Empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. When you accept Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell you. You become the temple of the Holy Spirit and He seals your salvation by becoming the guarantee of your redemption until the day of Christ's return. After salvation, we are told that the Holy Spirit then "comes upon" believers, immersing (baptizing) and clothing them with power in order for them to fulfill the task which God has called upon them to supernaturally perform. This, we saw, is the "Filling" of the Holy Spirit record in Acts 2. Biblically, those who were "filled with the Holy Spirit" would then speak the message of God boldly. * Today, we continue our examination of this special out-pouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost by considering the "Speaking in Tongues" phenomenon. Again, we will derive our opinion from the testimony of Scripture and not personal experience. * This message was presented on October 30, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct30.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct30.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 30 Oct 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 2:1-21 * As we have considered the beginning of the book of Acts, we saw Christ's command for the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order that they would be witnesses on His behalf in Jerusalem, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world. * The apostles obeyed and gathered together in an upper room (1:13) in Jerusalem and spent time in prayer. This is probably the same "upper room" where Jesus had celebrated the "Last Supper" with them (Luke 22:12). Now, they were waiting ... and ten days later it was the Feast of Weeks, which we refer to as Pentecost (literally, the Greek - "fifty") because it was 50 days from the Feast of First Fruits. * There is a debate where the apostles are when the miracle of the coming of the Holy Spirit occurs. Some believe it is the house of the upper room; some believe that it is the Temple. My thought is that it probably begins at the house of the upper room and transitions to Solomon's porch (which is the southern entrance to the Temple - the House of God) where the mikvehs (Temple Baptistries) were located. * But, throughout history many teachings of the ministry of the Holy Spirit have been focused upon what occurred at this moment. Lord willing, we will be spending the next four weeks on this chapter. This week we want to consider the concept of "The Filling of the Holy Spirit" and next week we will consider the Biblical understanding of "Speaking in Tongues." After that we will consider the relationship between salvation and baptism, and then finally the practice of the early church. * This message was presented on October 23, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct23.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct23.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 23 Oct 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 1:12-26 * Two weeks ago, as we began our study of the book of Acts, we saw how Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until power came upon them from the Holy Spirit. What would they do "in the mean time?" * Last week, Luke shared with us the foundational truth of the church - the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He continues by revealing the priority of prayer in the early church. As the church waits, they pray and seek the will of God for their assembly. * As we consider this passage, ask yourself ... how would others describe the priorities and principal activities of Family Bible Church? Are we following a Biblical practice? * This message was presented on October 16, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct16.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct16.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 16 Oct 2022 12:00:00 EST Acts 1:1-11 * As we studied Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we saw how he declared that God had given him special revelation to fully unveil the mystery which was hidden in God "from the beginning of the ages." (Eph 3:9) That mystery was the church - the uniting together of Jewish and Gentile worshipers of the one true Creator God through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! * Today we begin a year-long study of this important record of the unveiling of that mystery! * God penned this book via Luke. We know that based off two primary pieces of evidence: first, this account is written to "Theophilus" as was the gospel accredited to Luke; secondly, there is a transition within the account when the author of the account joins Paul entourage (cf. Acts 16:10 [4-12]). * We begin today with the transition from the Mystery of Christ to the Mystery of the Church. * This message was presented on October 2, 2022 by Bob Corbin. http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct02.mp3 http://www.family-bible-church.org/2022Messages/22Oct02.mp3 bob@corbinhome.net (Bob Corbin) Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church, Martinez GA no Sun, 2 Oct 2022 12:00:00 EST