Messages by Michael Staley (Page 4)
Speak The Message of Life
ACTS 5:17-42 There are times in life when even though we are doing the right thing, it still seems like we get in trouble for it. The disciples were doing the right thing when they were preaching and teaching in the temple courtyard, but they were falsely accused, imprisoned, freed, exonerated, punished anyway, and went right back to teaching just like they were told to do. Our prayer is that in similar circumstances, we would do the same. Scriptures Referenced…
Putting the Spirit of God to the Test
Acts 4:32-37, 5:1-16 God takes our words and our actions very seriously. Ananias and Saphira made the mistake of lying to the Holy Spirit during the early days of the church. They conspired together to make something of themselves rather than give an honest gift and let the glory go to God. The consequences weren’t good, but it is a lesson that all Christians should consider. Scriptures Referenced John 11:49-52 Mark 12:29-31 Genesis 4:1-8
We Cannot Stop Speaking
ACTS 4:1-31 Don’t you hate it when you do something that you think is good and right and it causes you trouble. Imagine how Peter and John felt when they were arrested for healing a man lame from birth. Imagine also how it would feel if you were the lame man, who after forty years imprisoned by your lame feet, had to spend your first night healed and free in a prison for doing no wrong. Scriptures Referenced Job 19:25…
Peter’s Second Sermon
Acts 3:1-26 Sometimes, even when we are doing what is right, God has a different plan for us. In Peter’s case, he was heading to the temple for a prayer service. That is a good thing, but along the way, things can change and not always in the way you might expect them to. Peter was forced to detour from his plan when God sent him to heal and then to teach another sermon. Scriptures Referenced Deuteronomy 18:15-22
Peter’s First Sermon
Acts 2:1-47 It is so good to be right with God. The day that Peter preached his first sermon under the power of the Holy Spirit, 3000 devout men heard the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their own heart language as Peter and the other disciples spoke to them in languages they didn’t know. God made that happen, they were saved, and it changed their lives. Scriptures Referenced Joel 2:28 Exodus 32:1-35
Introduction to Acts
Acts 1:1-26 With the death of Jesus on the cross, the apostles were left in mourning and confusion, but Jesus spent His time preparing them to serve Him. When Jesus died, was buried, then resurrected and He ascended into heaven, it was all pre-planned. It was God’s plan. But that wasn’t the end of it. God planned to use the people who chose Jesus to be a light to the world so that He and His Son Jesus would be…
What Are We to Do
Mark 16:14-20 It’s the end of Mark and Jesus ascends to heaven, but there are some controversial verses in this section that you would be well advised to note and maybe not partake of. Serve Jesus well and stay safe. Scriptures Referenced Mat 17:22-23 Acts 16:31 Romans 10:9 Matthew 28:18-20 2 Cor 11:16-33
Where is our Hope?
Mark 16:1-13 We celebrate the birth of the baby, but that baby grew to be a man, perfect and sinless. He became the sacrifice that saved us from our sins. He did something for us that none of us can do for ourselves, purely out of His love for us. Enjoy the holidays that God gives you. Enjoy the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but always remember, the baby coming was just the first step He took…
The Man on a Tree
Mark 15:20-40 It’s one of the saddest moments in the history of mankind, but one of the most necessary moments at the same time. Jesus, died on a cross so that we could have the hope of eternal life with Him because He has been raised from the dead and we can trust in His grace to save us. Scriptures Referenced Isaiah 52:14 Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:51-53 Isaiah 53:9 Psalm 69:21 Psalm 22:14-15 Psalm 34:20 Psalm 22:7-8 Psalm 22:1 John…
The Long Road to the Cross
Mark 15:1-21 Do you struggle with the brutality of the world around you? Jesus was brutalized so badly that the word says He was hard to recognize as a man. But He went through it all for us. His love for us is beyond our comprehension and His love for us never fails. Scriptures Referenced Matthew 27:12-14 Matthew 27:27-31 Luke 23:2 1 Peter 2:24 Luke 23:4
Denial, Chaos and Conviction
Mark 14:66-72 So we are taking some time here to circle back to Peter’s denial of his knowledge or relationship with Jesus. You can be sure that all the disciples fell away as Jesus said they would. Peter’s denial and ultimate restoration serve as an aid to us, not because he was the only one that failed Jesus here, but because he is the strongest example of that failure and the grace that Jesus offered when He restored him. Scriptures…
The Trial or the Travesty
Mark 14:53-65 The trial the Jesus endured was truly a travesty. A true miscarriage of justice where a completely innocent man was condemned to death. It is sad that this happened, but it shows the condition of man’s heart and our need for the grace that Jesus purchased for us on the cross. Scriptures Referenced John 18:12-14 Matthew 26:57-68 Luke 23:8-12 John 18:19-23 John 18:28-38 Luke 23:13-25 John 11:48-52 Luke 23:1-5