All Saints Anglican Church Sermons

Will God really deliver us? - Acts 7:17-22 | Prescott Anglican Church - Sam Stockfisch

Text: Acts 7:17-22

As we look at this passage, we see how God often works in unexpected ways, preparing us, using adversaries and challenges, and unexpected means to bring us through our trials and into his glory.

Much like the Sanhedrin, we often want God to do things just so, but this is not always his will. It is encouraging to know that we have a heavenly father who loves us enough to bring us through even the most challenging times, and that he will use those times to His glory and our good.

Am I redeemable? - Acts 7:9-16 Sermon | Anglican Church Prescott

Text: Acts 7:9-16

In this sermon, we look at the second section of Stephen's sermon. Here he turns his focus to Joseph, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the patriarchs of Israel. Stephen draws on the image of Joseph to show that God redeems people who often seem unredeemable, and he does it in ways that are often unexpected.

But we'll also see that Joseph is a shadow of Christ, foreshadowing a far better redemption than even the council dared to expect. But just as Joseph foreshadows Christ, Stephen reflects him. As we think about all these connections, we are reminded yet again that our hope is in a God who redeems those who often seem the most unredeemable.

Can we trust God to do what he says? - Acts 7:1-8 Sermon | Anglican Church Prescott

Text: Acts 7:1-8

In this sermon, we start looking at Stephen's sermon. The sermon is a Biblically rich rebuke of the religious leaders of his time. The overarching argument is that it should be no surprise that the people mistreated Jesus as they have routinely mistreated God's prophets and servants.

But this week, we lay a foundation - God is a faithful God, he will complete that which he promises. Stephen shows this by looking at Abraham's life. Abraham does not receive the land that he is promised, but instead, it takes several generations for that to happen. But that didn't mean God was unfaithful; it meant that God would complete what he promised in the fullness of time.

Are you on the way of God or man? - Acts 6:8-15 Sermon | Anglican Church Prescott

Text: Acts 6:8-15

We now turn our focus to Stephen, sometimes called the proto-martyr (or first Martyr). It is the first time in the book of Acts that we turn our focus away from Peter, John, and the other apostles. But Luke shares this moment for another important reason.

In it, we see two very different ways - the way of Christ and the way of man. The contrast couldn't be more stark. The way of man is one of deception and pain, while the way of Christ is one of grace. The invitation, by turning his focus to Stephen, is to ask: which way will you choose, the way of man or the way of God?

What do you do when you don't know what to do? - Acts 6:1-7 Sermon | Anglican Church Prescott

Text: Acts 6:1-7

In Act 6:1-7, we see the Devil's third attack on the church. This time, he attempts to distract and divide the church through controversy. What has arisen was no small problem, but the Apostles also recognized it could easily distract them from the primary mission: prayer and the ministry of the word.

Through the Holy Spirit, the apostles recognize a wise solution, and the church actually becomes stronger. The Devil's devices against the church, more and more disciples become engaged in ministry, and more people come to know Christ.

What does it look like to be obedient to God? - Acts 5:17-42 | Prescott Anglican Church

Text: Acts 5:17-42

In this passage, we see two types of obedience: the first stems from the fear of man and self-made obedience, the second stems from knowing God. In this passage, we learn how Christ has fulfilled our obedience for us, and from that, we get to do because God has already redeemed us.

This distinction makes all the difference; the self-made obedience leads to horrible destructions - jealousy, fear of man, and indignation. Obedience to God leads to joy - even in the face of incredible hardship.

Why did God give the early church such incredible signs and wonders? - Acts 5:12-16 Sermon | Anglican Church Prescott

Text: Acts 5:12-16

This passage allows us to ask the question, why were the signs and wonders given? And as we look at the passage, we see that they revealed God's power, his goodness, and mercy towards humanity.

While we don't always see such incredible signs in our day and age, as we contemplate our salvation, we realize that it is a testimony to God's goodness and power in its own right. The passage invites us to live prayerfully and faithfully, that others might see our good works and glorify God for all of eternity.

What does it look like to live in unity? - Acts 4:32-5:11 Sermon | Prescott Anglican Church

Text: Acts 4:32-5:11

This lesson starts with this beautiful picture of unity, where nobody wanted because everyone cared for one another. People were sacrificing their own property so that others might have what they need.

Then we meet Ananias and Sapphire, and something shifts within them. At first glance, it almost seems as though there's a sense of severity and cruelty in the church. But if we read the text carefully, we realize that the couple has rebelled against God and is hard-hearted.

As we read this passage carefully, it shows how we live together and how sin can easily shatter that life. This passage invites us to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit, quick to repent, and wholeheartedly focused on glorifying God with our lives.

Who is the authority in your life? - Acts 4:5-22 Sermon | Prescott Anglican Church

Text: Acts 4:5-22

There's a level of indignation as the Sanhedrin asks Peter and John by what power they healed the lame man. This stems from a desire to protect what they believed was the truth, yet they had missed all the signs that Christ was God, taught with God's authority, and had, by the power of the Holy Spirit, given to the apostles and his church.

The whole passage is about the interplay between temporal authority and the authority of God. The apostles respond, but not by their own power or even own boldness, but because they are empowered by the Holy Spirit. They then point beyond themselves to Christ, who alone has the authority to save souls. It forces the question: whose authority will you listen to?

Is God's plan better? - Acts 3:17-4:4 Sermon | Anglican Church Prescott

Text: Acts 3:17-4:4

We often expect a certain kind of blessing, or that our lives will turn out in a specific way, but God's plans are not always what we expected, but always infinitely better than we could imagine. Peter tells his audience that they are ignorant of the reality of who Christ is and what he has done.

He goes on to note just three of the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection. When we put our faith in Christ, our sins are wiped away, we are given refreshment, and he will return to make all things right. These gifts are incredible and better than simply restoring a temporal kingdom. Christ, the true messiah, restores our relationship with God and will renew all of creation.