Snapshots from Acts
This Sunday school series continues from the Sermon series, The Book of Acts.
Conversion of Saul (Part 1)
Acts 9:1–19 We all know someone who seems too hostile, too hardened, or too far from God to ever come around — but what if no one is actually beyond his reach? In this message, Josh Hollingsworth traces the dramatic conversion of Saul from a violent persecutor of the church to a humbled servant of Christ, showing how God confronts sin, brings genuine humility, and delights in turning his enemies into instruments for building his church.
The Ethiopian’s Road to Faith
Acts 8:26-40 Sharing your faith can feel intimidating, but what if the hardest parts of the conversation aren’t actually up to you? This message traces the story of an unlikely roadside encounter to show how faith takes root when ordinary people simply point others to Jesus. In this message, Pastor Rod Bunton explores how God orchestrates divine appointments, uses everyday believers as His instruments, and lets His word do the transforming work in a person’s heart.
Threats to the Church: How the Gospel Triumphs Over Persecution and Deception
Acts 8:1-25 When opposition comes from the outside and corruption threatens from within, the church faces its greatest tests — and reveals its greatest strength. In this message, Pastor Rod Bunton traces two major threats to the early church in Acts 8, showing how both Saul’s fierce persecution and Simon the magician’s counterfeit faith were ultimately powerless to stop the gospel from spreading into new cities and cultures.
Full of Grace and Power: The Witness of Stephen
Acts 6:8-7:1 Why do some people reject the truth no matter how clearly it’s presented to them, even rising up in anger against the messenger? In this message, Pastor Rod Bunton examines the false accusations brought against Stephen and unpacks the beginning of his defense, revealing a rich, biblical view of God as a giver of revelation and promises, a rescuer, and one too holy and great to be confined to any building.
Following Orders: The Church’s Call to the Word and Prayer
Acts 6:1–7 Every church faces the temptation to trade its highest calling for good causes that feel urgent — and that tension is as old as the church itself. In this message, Pastor Rod Bunton explores how the early church navigated internal conflict and cultural friction, showing why keeping the preaching of the Word as the central priority is what allows Christ to build His church.
Worthy to Suffer
Acts 5:27-42 Continuing to obey God and defying the Jewish leaders led the apostles to a severe beating. Despite this setback, Pastor Rod Bunton explains that they rejoiced and continued to teach and preach about Jesus.
Arrested and Freed
Acts 5:17-26 Doing amazing signs and wonders impressed the followers but also caught the attention of their enemies. Pastor Rod Bunton teaches about the jealousy of the high priest and the Sadducees, which ultimately resulted in increased persecution of the apostles; however, this only revealed that God remains in control of the situation.
Signs and Wonders
Acts 5:12-16 Following a highly publicized disciplinary measure to address internal persecution, the church experienced significant growth. Pastor Rod Bunton begins a report on unity and expansion, while the apostles adhered to the pattern set by Jesus by performing signs and wonders to evangelize those outside the church.
Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5:1-11 After witnessing the exemplary response of the new church members to the external persecution faced by Peter and John, they encountered a new challenge: internal persecution. Pastor Rod Bunton recounts the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who sought recognition for their own financial contributions.
Responding to Persecution – Part 2
Acts 4:24-35 Peter and John’s persecution by the Jewish leaders demonstrates how they responded to a challenge to their unwavering commitment to obeying God. Pastor Rod Bunton identifies three more points that illuminate the appropriate course of action when confronted with persecution in our own lives.
Responding to Persecution – Part 1
Acts 4:8-23 Peter and John’s persecution by the Jewish leaders demonstrates how they responded to a challenge to their unwavering commitment to obeying God. Pastor Rod Bunton identifies three key points that illuminate the appropriate course of action when confronted with persecution in our own lives.
The First Persecution of the Church
Acts 4:1-22 After Peter preached to the crowd that had just witnessed a healing miracle, the Jewish leaders became annoyed and questioned their right to preach about Jesus. Pastor Rod Bunton describes the scene where the intimidation of the Sadducees was met by the boldness of the Holy Spirit empowering these men of God. Biblical Understanding of Authority booklet
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