All Nations Presbyterian Church: Afternoon Sermon Series

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our series in Acts by looking at the church in Antioch in Acts 11:19-30. We especially saw that the Antioch church was the first All Nations Church—the first church made up of Jews and Gentiles from all nations. We are blessed to be a part of a church like Antioch, a church where we can see that same reality of all nations. At the same time, we need to continue working to include and welcome everyone God brings to us, not just the people who look or sound most like us. We also saw that the church in Antioch joyfully served God and one another, because their ultimate motivation and the deepest thing that united them was Jesus Christ. This week, take some time to thank God for the blessing of being part of a church full of all nations. Then, pray and look for opportunities to welcome, serve, and encourage all the people who God brings through our doors.

Last Sunday afternoon, we resumed our sermon series in the book of Acts together. We saw that Acts is Volume #2 in Luke’s two-volume history of Jesus Christ. Volume #1, the gospel according to Luke, focuses on what Jesus began to do and teach, especially showing us that the Lord Jesus Christ lived and died and rose again to save us from our sins. Volume #2, the book of Acts, focuses on what the risen Lord Jesus Christ continues to do and teach from His throne in heaven. Although Jesus is seated in heaven, the book of Acts reminds us that He is still at work in this world, building His church and spreading His word by the power of His Spirit. With this in mind, Acts 11 especially shows us that Jesus is building His church among all nations—Jews and Gentiles alike. This week, take some time to thank God that Jesus is seated on the throne and still at work in our lives and in this world. Pray that King Jesus would continue to spread the waves of the gospel among all nations, here in Perth and to the ends of the earth.

Last Sunday afternoon, we finished our sermon series considering our church’s core beliefs by thinking about the sacraments together. We saw that the sacraments are signs and seals of the gospel, pointing us to Jesus Christ and assuring us of God’s promises. In particular, baptism points us to Jesus’ work cleansing our hearts from sin and pouring out the Holy Spirit on God’s people. The Lord’s Supper points us to Jesus’ body and blood given for our forgiveness. Yet, the sacraments do not work “automatically.” God’s gospel promises must be received and embraced by repentance and faith. This week, take some time to thank God for the wonderful gift of the sacraments. Reflect on your baptism and give thanks to God for the promises it symbolizes and seals. Prepare your hearts prayerfully for the next time we take the Lord’s Supper together, as we both remember Christ’s death and look forward to His return.
 

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our brief series on the key beliefs of our church by thinking about what it means to be Presbyterian from 1 Peter 5:1-5. In particular, we saw that a Presbyterian church is a church led by elders. Elders are spiritually mature men who point us to Jesus Christ, but elders are still just sinners saved by God’s grace. The role of our elders is to shepherd the flock at All Nations out of love for Christ and His people. God calls us to submit to the elders He has given us, praying for them and giving due attention to their guidance and discipline as they teach us from God’s Word. In all of this, God also gives us a great encouragement: after the suffering and struggle of life right now, an eternal crown of glory is coming for all God’s people. This week, take some time to pray for the elders of All Nations. Pray that our elders would lead us with wisdom and shepherd the flock faithfully. Pray that God would raise up more elders at All Nations. Pray that God would help all of us—elders and members alike—to press on in the Christian life as we wait for the eternal glory that is coming.

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our brief series on some of our core commitments as a church by hearing from 1 Corinthians 12 together. This passage reminds us that the church is made up of many different members with many different gifts, but together we form the one body of Jesus Christ. Although we are all different, God has saved us through the same Savior Jesus, and God has filled us with the same Holy Spirit. This means that we should not divide over silly things; instead, we should each use our unique gifts to serve and encourage one another, as we all seek to serve Jesus together. This week, take some time to thank God for making you a part of the body of Christ at All Nations. Thank God for ways that you see other people serving Christ’s body and prayerfully consider how you can use the unique gifts God has given you to serve others at All Nations.