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SERMON OUTLINES ADULT TRACK

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SERMON OUTLINES

ADULT TRACK

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Now is the Time: Acts is a 30-day journey through the book of Acts that calls participants to change our world by engaging with God’s Word and acting it out.

Note to Ministry Leaders: This suite of resources includes tracks for adults, youth, and children. Companion materials include reading planners, discussion guides, and sermon outlines.

To access these materials, go to NowActs.com.

Check out the Acts 1.8 Assignment (NowActs.com/Act) and live out Scripture everywhere, every day.

Directional Leadership Team for Now is the Time: Acts Dr. Mac Pier – NYCLC Rev. Gary Frost – COPGNY Rev. Dr. John Edgar Caterson – ABS

All Scripture quotations in this publication are from the Contemporary English Version © 1991, 1992, 1995, 2006 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Now is the Time: Acts © 2013, American Bible Society

Content copyrights for Days 1-30, see page 18 Cover design by Rob Giorgio Editor: Dorette Saunders, M.A.

NowActs.comNow is the Time: Acts is a collaboration between:

Adult Track Youth Track Children’s Track

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Sermon Outline #1Obedience to the Commission – Go!

Scripture Reference: Acts 1.1-8; 2.23-39

Key Thought: Obedience to God will prepare and equip us for service that is marked by God’s power in our lives.

Overview:In his post-resurrection days, Jesus speaks to the apostles about God’s kingdom and commissions them to tell others

about the message of salvation. He gives them two distinct directives which require their obedience: First, wait in

Jerusalem until they are baptized in the Holy Spirit (1.4). Then, go and share the message of Jesus with the rest of the

world (1.8). This world-wide evangelism campaign that would begin only after the apostles were imbued with power

given them by the Holy Spirit was the catalyst that gave birth to the Early Church and which continues to draw people

to God even today.

Sermon Outline:1. The Cross Was Part of God’s Eternal Plan, From Before Creation (2.23, 24)

2. With Jesus’ Sacrifice, Now God’s Salvation Was Available for All Mankind (1.3; 2.38, 39; John 12.32, 33)

3. The Enabling Power to Share the Message of Salvation Was Now Available (2.2-4)

4. The Apostles Would Be Empowered and Would Be Witnesses in All the World (1.8)

5. Now It Is Our Time to Go Into The Entire World With the Message of God’s Eternal Salvation

Challenge:Jesus’ command to share the gospel is concise and clear: Go! What do you think hinders today’s Church from

carrying out the command and what are some solutions? Over and over the Bible speaks of obedience to the Word

of God as being a quality God values and one that brings blessings (John 14.15, 16; John 15.10, 11). Commit to

praying for surrender of self and a heart of obedience. Pray that as a body, your church will be ignited by the Holy

Spirit and be zealous in its mission to reach others with the gospel of salvation. Seek out opportunities for ministry in

your community and beyond, and devise a plan for effective evangelization. Begin to thank God for the miracles that

will happen.

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Sermon Outline #2Building the Church of Jesus Christ

Scripture Reference: Acts 1.1-11

Key Thought:Jesus will build his Church as he reigns from heaven, despite obstacles that encumber the mission.

Overview:The book of Acts continues the story of the ministry of Jesus that Luke began in the Gospel that bears his name. The

first eleven verses of Acts set the stage for all that follows. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide his

apostles in their ministry and, before he ascends to heaven, he gives them their marching orders to take the gospel

to the ends of the earth. What follows in the rest of the book is an account of the formation of the Early Church. It did

not come easy as the first followers of Jesus needed continual prodding to take the gospel to people outside their

Jewish culture. Sometimes that prodding came in the form of persecution that scattered the Church, resulting in the

gospel being spread to faraway places. At other times, these men and women had dreams and visions that pushed

them far beyond their comfort zone. Yet, always the result was that the Lord added to their number those who were

being saved.

Sermon Outline:1. The Goal of the Mission is Reaffirmed (1.8)

a. The Great Commission is affirmed again and again (Matthew 28.18-20; Mark 16.15;

Luke 24.46-48; John 20.21-23)

b. All who follow are called to bear witness, which includes the possibility of suffering and martyrdom

2. The Power for Ministry is Reaffirmed (1.4, 5, 8)

a. Jesus’ ascension to heaven assures us of his power

b. It is necessary to wait for that power and not act on our own (1.4)

c. Once the Holy Spirit is given, it is time to move (1.8)

3. The Success of the Mission is Reaffirmed

a. Jesus will return as victor riding on the clouds (1.11)

Continued Next Page

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Sermon Outline #2Building the Church of Jesus Christ (CONTINUED)

Challenge:Are your church members equipped and actively involved in witnessing for Jesus? Consider practical ways to

prepare your members to share the gospel across cultural, social, ethnic, economic, and political boundaries. Think

of opportunities that will stretch your faith as well as result in more people being added to the followers of Christ. As

you look for these areas of opportunity, make sure they are ones in which you will be involved over the long term,

building relationships with others, and not as one-time events that result in feeling good about your efforts but have

limited impact on the lives of others. It is not necessary to travel very far to witness to people of other cultures and

faiths. Do a study of your immediate community to find out who God has brought into your mission field. Then pray

for them while finding practical ways to reach them for Christ.

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Sermon Outline #3The Foundation of the Christian Movement

Scripture Reference: Acts 1.1-26

Key Thought:The critical truths that empowered the Christian Movement to increase its number from 25,000 in the first century to

20,000,000 in the fourth century are profound and necessary truths to re-ignite a 21st century Christian Movement.

Overview: Even the firsthand witnesses of Jesus, the apostles and their close-knit community, needed intense instruction

beyond the three-year pre-crucifixion classroom journey with Jesus. They were still convinced that salvation would

be found in a new political leader. What Jesus would sear into their hearts and minds in the 40 days between his

resurrection and ascension led to what could be considered the greatest miracle and movement of all time. Our

present-day global community of Christians must re-capture and revive that same movement. The fact is that the

Acts 1 strategy and truth are just as relevant and critical 21 centuries later.

Sermon Outline:“Don’t leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here…” (1.4)

1. The Christian Movement is All About Jesus

a. Jesus “gives the orders” (1.2)

b. Jesus “suffered and died…and had been raised from death” (1.3)

c. Jesus says, “you will tell everyone about me” (1.8)

d. Jesus ascended to his throne (1.9, 10)

2. The Christian Movement is Empowered by the Holy Spirit

a. Even Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit (1.2)

b. All Christians must seek and wait on God’s power (1.4)

c. Movement-generating mission and ministry are preceded by communion with God by the Holy Spirit (1.14)

3. The Christian Movement is Carried in the Hearts of Common People

a. The apostles regularly met together for prayer (1.14)

b. Constant recruitment and discipleship were essential (1.21-26)

Challenge:Let’s accept the responsibility to live out and proclaim the message of Christ. It’s not the pastor’s job alone—it’s

ours—every one of us! Now find an “upper room” and seek Jesus and his power. God desires to speak to us, shape

us, and encourage us. Write down what he has been saying. Is there a neighbor or colleague to whom he wants us

to show love?

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Sermon Outline #4The Model of the First Church

Scripture Reference: Acts 2.1-47

Key Thought: God wants to empower us to live out the gospel and the purposes of the Church.

Overview:For most Christians, Easter and Christmas are the two most important holidays. However, Pentecost – the day the

Church was born – certainly must be the third! On this day, followers of Christ, God’s family, were empowered to fulfill

the Great Commission of making disciples for Christ. In Acts 2.1-47 we see seven examples from the Early Church

that are still a model for us today as we carry out this assignment.

Sermon Outline:The Early Church shows us to…

1. Pray for God’s Power (1.8, 14; 2.1-4, 43)

a. Background to the Birth of the Church (1.8, 14)

b. Arrival of God’s Spirit (2.1-4, 43)

2. Engage Every Member (2.14-18)

3. Be Devoted to God’s Word (2.42)

4. Love Each Other Deeply (2.42, 44-46)

5. Worship with Joy (2.26, 28, 46, 47)

6. Be Willing to Sacrifice (2.44-46)

7. Take the Good News to Everyone (2.40, 41, 47)

Challenge:God’s Word is not meant just to inform you, but transform you. The Bible is useless if we fail to put God’s Word into

practice. We need to love God’s Word, learn God’s Word, and live God’s Word. If we want our lives and our churches

to be blessed by God we must “Obey God’s message! Don’t fool [ourselves] by just listening to it” (James 1.22). As

we yield ourselves in this way, Acts 1.8 declares, “… the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you

will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” Pray and ask God how

you can put into practice the lessons God is teaching you about the purposes of the Church by selecting, planning,

and carrying out the Acts 1.8 Assignment (NowActs.com/Act) to your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the

whole world!

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Sermon Outline #5The Power of “Us”

Scripture Reference: Acts 3.1-11

Key Thought: Supernatural transformative power is available in the name of Jesus Christ as believers live and serve

together in unity.

Overview:The Gospels reveal that although they walked with Jesus, at times Jesus’ followers struggled with competitiveness

(Mark 9.33, 34; Matthew 26.33; John 21.20, 21). Amazingly, after receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter and John were in

harmony as they “were going into the temple” together (3.1b) to the prayer meeting. This is the same Peter who,

having heard how he would die, with a tinge of jealousy, asked Jesus if John would die also. In response, Jesus

lovingly chided Peter (John 21.22). With the emergence of the Holy Spirit, all this was behind them. When engaging

the lame man, Peter did not say, “Look at me!”—now he could say, “Look up at us!” (3.4). A miracle of transformation

had occurred as a result of unified ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sermon Outline:1. Peter and John Were Walking Together (3.1)

2. Peter and John Were Praying Together (3.1)

3. Peter and John Were Witnessing Together (3.4)

4. Peter and John Were Believing Together (3.4-7)

5. Peter and John Were Ministering to Others Together (3.7-11)

Challenge:Is there a brother or sister in Christ with whom you once fellowshipped regularly but with whom you are now at odds?

Make a committed effort to reconcile with them as soon as possible, as you commit to praying for each other and for

a person in need, in the name of Jesus, for the next month.

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Sermon Outline #6 Power for Progress Released by PersecutionScripture References: Acts 2.22-41; 4.1-31; 8.1-4

Key Thought:Persecution strengthens spiritual resolve, releases spiritual power, produces spiritual growth, and propels spiritual

progress through the dispersion of Jesus’ followers.

Overview: Persecution is part of the fabric of the Church which is woven intrinsically so as to keep us from becoming

complacent and reminds us that there is a cost associated with becoming a follower of Jesus. The Early Church was

born through persecution, refined through persecution, released through persecution, scattered abroad through

persecution, and empowered through persecution. Persecution and opposition occur both inside and outside the

Church because the gospel of Jesus Christ is an offense to many (1 Corinthians 1.23-27).

Sermon Outline: 1. The Church is Born Through Persecution

a. Jesus is put to death by wicked men (2.23)

b. God raises him up (2.24, 32, 36)

c. The Holy Spirit is poured out (2.33)

d. Converts repent, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit (2.38-41)

2. The Church is Emboldened Because of Persecution

a. Church leaders are first arrested (4.1-3)

b. Church leaders are filled with the Holy Spirit and show courage (4.8-13)

c. Church leaders pray for boldness and receive it (4.23-31)

3. The Church and the Gospel of Christ is Spread Through Persecution

a. Great persecution hits the Church (8.1-3)

b. Great persecution forces the Church to scatter (8.1-4)

c. Great persecution forces scattered believers to preach everywhere (8.4)

Challenge Persecution and opposition are a part of the experience of every believer. When faced with persecution and

opposition, pray for boldness, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and step out in faith to proclaim the good news of Jesus.

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Sermon Outline #7Supernatural Transformation

Scripture Reference: Acts 9.1-31

Key Thought: God transforms and uses the most unlikely persons in a supernatural way.

Overview:Saul was on a rampage persecuting, arresting, and even killing Christians. With arrest warrants in hand, God

stopped him dead in his tracks on the way to Damascus. The transformation was a humbling process as he was

blinded and didn’t eat or drink for three days. When Ananias, a Damascus believer, laid hands on Saul and prayed,

Saul received both his sight and the gift of the Holy Spirit. New life emerged as Saul (who was later renamed Paul)

immediately started to share his new-found faith in Christ. Ironically, it was precisely because of Saul’s conversion

that his own persecution began.

Sermon Outline:1. The Old Way of Life

a. Persecuting and killing Christians (9.1)

b. Arrest warrants (9.2)

2. The Transformation of a Life

a. The light and the voice (9.2-6)

b. Ananias’s Role (9.10-19)

c. Baptism (9.18)

3. The New Way of Life

a. Sharing faith (9.20)

b. Amazement of others (9.21)

c. Persecution (9.23-25, 29, 30)

Challenge:At some point, most of us have felt that we were unworthy to be used by God. When we look at Saul’s incredible

transformation, this should smash all of our misconceptions. What are some ways you have felt unworthy to be used

and how can you now push past that? Many of us have probably reacted like Ananias when God prompted us to

minister to someone who we considered to have a bad reputation, or someone whose life seemed hopeless, or

undeserving of God’s grace. Who is that difficult person in our lives to whom God may want us to reach out? Seek

them out and determine in what ways you can relate to them, and what tools you will use.

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Sermon Outline #8The Model of a Transformative Church in a Lost and Hurting World

Scripture Reference: Acts 11.19-30

Key Thought:The church at Antioch which initiated the successful Christian mission to the pagan Greco-Roman world is resilient,

creative, effective, and compassionate, and therefore serves as a model of the Church as God’s agent of redemption

and transformation in a lost and hurting world.

Overview:God used the church at Antioch in the face of persecution to initiate redemptive change in the lives of people

throughout the Greco-Roman pagan society. Its leaders acted with revolutionary passion which was energized

and authenticated by God’s power and grace in planting and establishing this local church. Their personal lives

demonstrated exemplary character and exceptional giftedness. Therefore, the local church that they established was

sensitive to contemporary human need and responded to it in a way that reflected God’s compassionate heart in a

hurting world.

Sermon Outline:1. A Church with a Revolutionary Stance

a. Motivating them to turn adversity—harsh persecution—to advantage; an opportunity

for spreading God’s Word (11.19)

b. Motivating them to abandon the tradition of preaching only to Jews and to risk

unprecedented innovation in the service of the Lord by preaching to Greeks (11.20)

2. A Church with Real Spirituality

a. Evidenced by the “Lord’s power” ensuring their effectiveness (11.21)

b. Evidenced by God’s “undeserved grace” authenticating their whole operation (11.23)

3. A Church with a Resourceful Staff

a. Distinguished by exemplary Christian character –“good,” “great faith,”

and “filled with the Holy Spirit” (11.24)

b. Demonstrated by their commitment and competence in teaching a large number of people –

a year-long successful scholarly campaign (11.26)

Continued Next Page

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Sermon Outline #8The Model of a Transformative Church in a Lost and Hurting World (CONTINUED)

4. A Church with a Responsive Spirit

a. Receptive to genuine ministry that is inspired by the Spirit (11.27, 28)

b. Ready to act compassionately as followers of Christ, both individually and collectively,

in order to alleviate human need (11.29, 30)

ChallengeAs a contemporary church congregation, what are some of the adversities that challenge you deeply that God may,

however, want to turn into advantages for the spread of the gospel in your context? What are some unexamined

traditional habits or cultural taboos that may be preventing your church from reaching people who desperately need

to hear and receive the gospel? Pray that there will be clear evidence of God’s power and grace energizing and

authenticating every activity in your church so it will be a source of encouragement in the pursuit of its mission. Pray

also that the Christian Church in America will consistently reflect the compassionate heart of God in responding in a

practical way to human need, in the name of Christ.

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Sermon Outline #9Marketplace Gospel

Scripture Reference: Acts 17.22-31

Key Thought: More often than not, God prompts us to proclaim the gospel in both the marketplace and in our houses of worship in

order to transform our cities and culture.

Overview:For most Christians, the marketplace is a scary place to proclaim the gospel. If the truth be told, it is not a place for

the timid. For there, Christianity faces attackers of all stripes: the simple, the sophisticated, the oppressed, and those

with great power. Anyone who does not believe that idolatry is alive in contemporary culture has not been paying

attention to Wall Street and Madison Avenue, to Hollywood and Washington, or Beijing. The apostle Paul sparred

with idolatry in Athens head on, daring to introduce the God who “made the world and everything in it,”… the one

who “doesn’t live in temples built by human hands”! (17.24) The account is vividly recorded in Acts 17. Perhaps, we

can imagine Paul wearing a white clerical robe with red trim as he debated their philosophers, quoted their poets,

and presented the gospel of Jesus in such a way that his audience had to make a choice. But, whatever his attire, he

faithfully planted the seed of the gospel in their hearts and minds.

Sermon Outline:1. Perceptions and Finding Common Ground

a. Observed superstitions (17.22)

b. Observed devotions (17.23)

c. Observed worship (17.23)

2. Conversation Shift - Attributes of God

a. God the Creator (17.24)

b. God needs nothing (17.25)

c. Humanity’s maker (17.26-28)

3. Holding Our Ground

a. Misconceptions of God (17.29)

b. Repentance required (17.30)

c. Stumbling at the gospel (17.32)

Continued Next Page

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Sermon Outline #9Marketplace Gospel (CONTINUED)

Challenge:Without a doubt, those who dare to be witnesses of Christ must learn to live in unresolved tension. When engaging

the marketplace and churches within our cities, our proclamation evokes a range of responses: taunts, curiosity, and

even embrace. Acts 17 is an encouragement to proclaim the gospel no matter what the response because our cities

desperately need the good news. If we are faithful, some may put their faith in the Lord, as in Athens (17.34) or we

may hear something similar to what Paul heard as he spoke before the council “We will hear you talk about this some

other time” (17.32). As noncommittal as it may seem, at least it implies a message received and an invitation for more.

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Sermon Outline #10Community: A Building Block of a Healthy Church

Scripture Reference: Acts 19.1 — 20.1

Key Thought:Paul models key principles of community in his role as a critical leader of the first century church.

Overview:The book of Acts records several accounts of how the followers of Christ spread the good news and established

the Church. Paul is a key character. He is not only marvelously empowered to preach the saving message of Christ

in the face of incredible opposition, but he is also wildly successful in establishing communities of believers to form

local churches. While this is evident throughout Acts, chapters 19-20 highlight principles that Paul employs to create

community.

Sermon Outline:1. Beginning a Healthy Community Requires Commitment, Conversation, and Care

a. “Paul traveled across the hill country” because of his commitment to reach the followers at Ephesus (19.1)

b. Paul “asked” (19.2), “asked” (19.3), “replied” (19.4) in a conversation with 12 followers at Ephesus

c. Paul “placed his hands on” (19.6) twelve men from Ephesus in response to their needs

2. Growing and Maturing a Healthy Community is Cultivated by Time, Courage, and Modeling

a. Paul spoke in the synagogue for “three months,” and in the lecture hall “every day for two years” (19.8-10)

b. Paul “talked bravely with the people about God’s kingdom” (19.8)

c. “Many who were followers now started telling everyone…” “so the Lord’s message spread and

became even more powerful” (19.18, 20)

3. Ensuring a Community Will Endure Demands Plowing Together Through Crisis

a. A community founded on the Word of God is not immune to crisis (19.23-30)

b. A community that stands together will outlast the crisis (19.31-41)

c. A community that outlasts crisis is strong enough for the challenges of change (19.21)

Challenge:How does your church show commitment to your community? What if a community leader moves away from your

group? How would your community respond to such a difficult change?

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Sermon Outline #11Urban Church Planting Stimulates a Gospel Movement

Scripture Reference: Acts 19.1- 41

Key Thought:Strategically planting churches in influential cities is the fastest way to spread the gospel.

Overview:In his missionary journeys, Paul traveled specifically to influential cities. Ephesus was the third largest city in Asia.

The city was an economic hub and home to a polytheistic culture. Paul demonstrates great skill and effectiveness in

communicating the gospel. It had such huge impact that all of Asia heard the gospel in two years.

Sermon Outline:1. Paul Arrives in Ephesus

a. Paul’s strategy: find the Lord’s followers in the city (19.1-3)

b. Paul’s strategy: baptizing in the name of Jesus (19.4-7)

2. Paul Preaches in Strategic Locations

a. Paul preaches in the synagogue and is rejected (19.8, 9a)

b. Paul preaches in the town hall of Tyrannus with enormous effect (19.9b, 10)

c. Paul’s preaching results in miracles and deliverance (19.11-20)

3. Paul’s Preaching Impacts The Entire City

a. The gospel impacts idolatry (19.25-28)

b. The gospel impacts the public life of the city (19.29-40)

Challenge:As a church congregation, evaluate the engagement your church has with the city. Are you impacting the

educational, financial, governmental, and health arenas of your city? Are you establishing new churches that are

located in influential areas?

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Sermon Outline #12A Heart Set On Evangelism

Scripture Reference: Acts 28.1-31

Key Thought:No circumstance, even the most difficult, will deter a heart that is set on evangelism.

OverviewEvery believer will experience difficulty at some point in their lives. Like the weather, such times are unpredictable and

may come in varying degrees. Sometimes it “drizzles” when we face opposition that we can address successfully.

Sometimes we get a steady “rain” and we need to call upon external resources to help us. At other times, those

external resources cannot provide adequate protection because we are faced with a “storm” that threatens to shake

the very foundation upon which we stand. Nevertheless, we are assured the power of the Holy Spirit will always

“cover” us and will sustain a heart that is set on evangelizing others.

Sermon Outline1. Evangelizing During Unexpected Situations

a. Unexpected social interactions with others present an opening to share the gospel (28.1, 2)

b. Adversity can provide an introduction for evangelism (28.3, 4)

c. Addressing the misconceptions and needs of others pave the way for effective evangelism (28.1-9)

d. The fruit of effective evangelism is gratitude based on love (28.10)

2. Faithful Witnessing Solidifies the Faith of Believers

a. The gospel of Jesus Christ resonates with believers and encourages their hearts (28.14, 15)

b. True and faithful believers of Jesus Christ encourage the heart of the evangelist (28.15)

3. Evangelizing Those in Authority Who Hold Opposing Religious Views

a. Presenting your “case” without antagonizing others (28.17-20)

b. Evangelizing consistently; demonstrating passionate commitment; the ability to use tools and resources

with which people are familiar (28.23)

c. Evangelizing with perseverance; some will not believe, but others will (28.24-29)

4. Evangelizing Boldly in the Midst of Limitations

a. Physical constraints and deterrents can be overcome (28.30, 31)

ChallengeAs a church that is called to continue Jesus’ ministry by evangelizing your community, make a list of obstacles which

may prevent you from reaching families with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Next to each item, list steps to overcome

these obstacles. Use this list in your prayer services so that the Holy Spirit can set your hearts on evangelism.

Publicize your success stories.

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American Bible Society thanks the following individuals for volunteering their time and talents to create

these Sermon Outlines for Now is the Time: Acts:

Sermon Outline 1 - “Obedience to God – Go!” © 2013, Dr. Henry T. Blackaby

Sermon Outline 2 - “Building the Church of Jesus Christ” © 2013, Dr. Dan Lacich

Sermon Outline 3 - “The Foundation of the Christian Movement” © 2013, Rev. Fred Luter

Sermon Outline 4 - “The Model of the First Church” © 2013, Pastor Rick Warren

Sermon Outline 5 - “The Power of ‘Us’” © 2013, Rev. Gary Frost

Sermon Outline 6 - “Power of Progress Released by Persecution” © 2013, Dr. James Puchy

Sermon Outline 7 - “Supernatural Transformation” © 2013, Pastor Tommy Kyllonen

Sermon Outline 8 - “The Model of a Transformative Church in a Lost and Hurting World” © 2013, Dr. Sam Vassel

Sermon Outline 9 - “Marketplace Gospel” © 2013, Dr. John Edgar Caterson

Sermon Outline 10 - “Community: A Building Block of a Healthy Church” © 2013, Rev. Thomas J. Trageser

Sermon Outline 11 - “Urban Church Planting Stimulates a Gospel Movement” © 2013, Dr. Mac Pier

Sermon Outline 12 - “A Heart Set on Evangelism” © 2013, Dr. Hector Bonano

All copyrighted material is used by permission.

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The mission of American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and

format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message

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NowActs.com Now is the Time: Acts is a collaboration between: