Follow Me: The Call Beyond Belief - John 21 Bible Study
Join us for the powerful conclusion of our year-long journey through the Gospel of John. In this transformative message, we explore Jesus's personal call to Peter—and to each of us—to move beyond mere belief into active discipleship.

Drawing from John 21, this sermon unpacks the three essential movements of faith: Come, Believe, and Follow. While many stop at belief, Jesus calls us to something deeper—a lifelong commitment to follow Him wherever He leads, even when the path is difficult.

Key Topics Covered:
- The significance of Jesus's post-resurrection appearance at the Sea of Tiberius
- Peter's restoration and commissioning after his denial
- The miraculous catch of 153 fish and its eyewitness testimony
- Jesus's three-fold question "Do you love me?" and its profound implications
- The personal nature of discipleship—"What is that to you? You follow me."
- Moving from passive faith to active following

This message challenges listeners to examine their own walk with Christ. Are we content with intellectual belief, or are we ready to follow Jesus with our whole lives? Discover why following Jesus isn't just the next step after belief—it's the essential expression of genuine faith.

Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of discipleship, struggling with comparing their spiritual journey to others, or wanting to grow from casual belief into committed following.

Recorded at Howell Bible Church as part of our systematic study through John's Gospel.

Follow Me - John 21 - 08.17.2025

Join us as we begin an exciting journey through the Book of Acts in this powerful sermon from Howell Bible Church. Pastor explores Acts 1:1-11, revealing how Jesus commissioned His disciples to be witnesses "to the remotest parts of the earth" - a mission that continues today through us. Discover the significance of Christ's ascension, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the vital role of the Kingdom of God in understanding the entire New Testament.

This message examines how the early church's faithful witness reached across 2000 years to bring the Gospel to us today, and challenges believers to consider: How are we participating in this ongoing testimony? Learn why waiting for God's empowerment through the Holy Spirit was crucial for the disciples, and remains essential for effective ministry today.

Key topics covered include:
- The historical foundation of the New Testament through Acts
- Understanding the Kingdom of God as a central biblical doctrine
- The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Christ
- The ascension of Jesus and His current reign
- Our calling as modern-day witnesses
- The importance of Holy Spirit empowerment for ministry

Perfect for anyone seeking to understand the connection between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, or looking to discover their role in God's ongoing mission.

Additional Resources:
Kingdom of God Articles
https://www.theexaltedchrist.com/the-kingdom-of-god

Church History Articles
https://www.theexaltedchrist.com/church-history

Our Devotional Study Guide on Acts
https://www.theexaltedchrist.com/books/witnesses-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-acts

The Kingdom of God Sermon from 1.15.2023
https://on.soundcloud.com/CNMDdmjuy86jZdi31D

Witnesses - Acts 1:1-11 - 08.24.2025

"If you have three priorities, you really have no priorities." This challenging exposition of Acts 1:12-26 confronts the modern church's tendency to pile on programs while losing sight of its central mission. Examining how the early believers waited in unified prayer after Christ's ascension, the message reveals why their singular devotion to bearing witness remains the unchanging priority for Christians today. The sermon unpacks the selection of Matthias to replace Judas, the foundational role of the apostles, and how waiting on God's timing prepared them for world-changing ministry. A timely call for believers to evaluate whether secondary activities have crowded out their primary purpose - proclaiming Christ's death, resurrection, and offer of forgiveness to all nations.

Waiting - Acts 1:12-26 - 08.31.2025

This transformative message explores the Day of Pentecost from Acts 2:1-13, examining one of history's most pivotal moments when the Holy Spirit descended upon the early church. The sermon unpacks the dramatic events - the violent rushing wind, tongues of fire, and miraculous speaking in other languages - while focusing on the central purpose: empowering believers to declare God's mighty deeds to all nations.

Rather than getting lost in theological controversies about spiritual gifts, this teaching emphasizes the unchanging mission given to Christ's followers: to be witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Learn how being filled with the Spirit connects directly to bold proclamation of the Gospel, why rejection shouldn't discourage us from sharing our faith, and how God orchestrates divine appointments for His glory.

Key topics covered:
- The significance of Jewish pilgrimage festivals in God's redemptive plan
- Understanding "baptism in the Spirit" within its biblical context
- The relationship between being filled with the Spirit and witnessing
- Why Pentecost ranks among the four most important events in human history
- Practical encouragement for modern believers facing rejection while sharing their faith
- How God continues to work through His people today

Perfect for anyone seeking to understand the Book of Acts, the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, or looking for encouragement in their witness for Christ.

Pentecost - Acts 2:1-13 - 09.07.2025

Preaching the Promise: Understanding Peter's Pentecost Sermon | Acts 2:13-40

Dive deep into one of history's most powerful sermons as we explore Peter's message on the Day of Pentecost. This 45-minute teaching examines Acts 2:13-40, breaking down the four essential elements of gospel proclamation that Jesus commanded His disciples to witness: Christ's suffering, resurrection, glorification, and the offer of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

Discover how Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, transforms from a fearful denier to a bold proclaimer of truth. Learn why the Day of Pentecost marks the beginning of "the last days" and what this means for believers today. Understand the significance of Christ's exaltation as Lord and King—not just His death and resurrection—and why this matters for effective gospel witness.
This message challenges modern believers to examine their own gospel presentations. Are we including all the elements Christ commanded? Are we proclaiming Jesus as the already-established Lord rather than asking people to "make" Him Lord? Through careful exposition of Peter's sermon and its Old Testament foundations (Joel 2, Psalm 16, Psalm 110), this teaching equips Christians to share the gospel with biblical accuracy and Holy Spirit power.

Key topics covered:
- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
- Understanding "the last days" from Acts to today
- The four essential elements of gospel witness
- Divine sovereignty and human responsibility
- The promise of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit
- Why Christ's exaltation matters in evangelism
- Practical application for modern gospel proclamation

Perfect for those seeking deeper biblical understanding, ministry training, or anyone wanting to share their faith more effectively.

Preaching the Promise - Acts 2:13-40 - 09.14.2025

In this powerful message from Acts 2:41-47, we explore what it means to be continually devoted to Christ and His church. Following the Day of Pentecost, when 3,000 souls were added to the early church, we see a beautiful picture of authentic Christian community marked by four essential devotions: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

This sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts - what are we truly devoted to? The early church didn't just attend religious events; they experienced a complete transformation that simplified their lives and unified their purpose. They held everything in common, met daily with gladness and sincerity of heart, and saw the Lord adding to their number daily.

Key themes explored:
- The difference between casual Christianity and continual devotion
- How genuine faith simplifies and clarifies life's priorities
- The organic nature of true Christian fellowship
- Why revival requires faithful gospel witness
- Moving from checkbox religion to authentic relationship with God

Whether you're new to faith or have been walking with Christ for years, this message invites you to rediscover the joy and simplicity of wholehearted devotion to Jesus and His people.

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47
Preached at: Howell Bible Church
Date: September 21, 2025

Continually Devoted - Acts 2:41-47 - 09.21.2025

To Bless You - Acts 3 | The Power of Repentance in Gospel Proclamation

In this powerful message from Acts 3, we explore Peter and John's miraculous healing of the lame man at the temple's Beautiful Gate and the essential gospel message that followed. This sermon emphasizes the often-overlooked ingredient of repentance in modern gospel presentations, examining how true blessing comes through turning from our wicked ways to Christ.

Key topics covered:
- The healing miracle at the Beautiful Gate and its purpose as a platform for the gospel
- The four essential components of gospel proclamation from Luke 24
- Why repentance is the "missing ingredient" in many modern gospel presentations
- Peter's bold sermon deflecting glory to God and confronting religious hypocrisy
- The difference between going through religious motions and genuine faith
- How God wants to bless us by turning us from our wicked ways
- The cost of faithful gospel proclamation and the beginning of persecution
- Practical applications for personal repentance and evangelism today

This message challenges both believers and seekers to examine whether they've truly repented or are merely going through religious motions. It calls the church to faithfully proclaim the complete gospel message, including the call to repentance, regardless of the personal cost.

Scripture reference: Acts 3:1-26, Acts 4:1-4
Delivered: September 28, 2025

#Acts #Repentance #Gospel #BibleStudy #ExpositoryPreaching #ChristianSermon #PeterAndJohn #Miracles #EarlyChurch #BiblicalPreaching

To Bless You - Acts 3:1 - 4:4 - 09.28.2025

Authority Questioned, Challenged, and Praised - Acts 4:5-31
Greg Churchley explores the confrontation between Peter, John, and Jerusalem's religious authorities in Acts 4:5-31. Preached at Howell Bible Church on October 5, 2025.

When the apostles healed a lame beggar and preached the resurrection of Jesus, they were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin—every civil and religious leader in Jerusalem. The authorities demanded to know: "By what power or in what name have you done this?"

Peter's response demonstrates three essential characteristics of faithful gospel proclamation: directness (naming Jesus Christ without hesitation), boldness (unintimidated by human authority), and exclusivity (declaring salvation exists in no other name). When threatened to stop preaching, Peter and John stood firm: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than God, you be the judge."

This message examines how authority conflicts reveal the heart of gospel opposition throughout Scripture—from Genesis 3 to Jesus clearing the temple. Greg draws from his 13 years of military service to illustrate how authority functions in every sphere of life, and challenges believers to maintain the same resolve Peter and John displayed.

The early church's response to persecution offers a model for today: they praised God as Creator, acknowledged His omniscience in foreseeing opposition, and worshiped His sovereignty in ordaining all events for His purposes. Their prayer wasn't for vengeance but for boldness to continue speaking God's word with confidence.

Acts 4 reminds us that gospel proclamation always comes down to authority. Every believer must answer: Will we obey God or men? This exposition calls Christians to be perpetually ready—in season and out—to give a direct, bold, and exclusive account of Jesus Christ, trusting the omnipotent, omniscient Creator God who sustains His people through any trial.

Preacher: Greg Churchley
Church: Howell Bible Church
Date: October 5, 2025
Scripture: Acts 4:5-31

Authority - Acts 4:5-31 - 10.5.2025

Pastor Joe explores Acts 4:32-5:11, examining the radical commitment of the early church and challenging modern believers to move beyond superficial faith. This sermon contrasts the authentic devotion of the early Christians—who shared everything and lived with one heart and soul—with today's tendency toward partial commitment. Through the powerful examples of Barnabas's generosity and the sobering judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, discover why God demands authenticity over religious performance. Learn what separates churches that change the world from those merely "playing church," and understand how the resurrection of Jesus Christ requires total, not superficial, commitment. The message includes striking statistics about American religious giving versus entertainment spending, revealing where our true priorities lie. Pastor Joe challenges listeners to examine areas where they might be pretending full commitment while holding back—whether in time, talents, treasure, or testimony—and calls for the kind of authentic Christianity that transforms communities.

Heart & Soul - Acts 4:32 - 5:11 - 10.12.2025

We exist to edify the saints, evangelize the world, and do all things to the glory of God.