Click on one of the following files to view the available options:
Acts 19a Christmas Means What
Pastor Nelson
Various OT & NT
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Various OT & NT scriptures used to explain a bigger picture of what "Christmas" is really all about. Hang with me on this one folks - my various thoughts last week has made me go deeper into what God has really done for us. Can you see this as I do? (the handout has all the scriptures written out). 32min
Acts 19b Christ Change Challenge Conviction Courage
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I had a dream - what will God bring in 2016? Are you ready? Do you have the ability to face the CHANGE, & the CHALLENGES, and do you have the CONVICTION and the COURAGE to face what is coming? There is only ONE way & that is through Jesus the Christ! Here is a challenge and an assurance that you will be OK with what ever comes your way this next year. Live prepared by following these 5 basic areas of key understanding. 50min (a hand-out of the scriptures is available)
Acts 19c Holy Spirit Lessons
Flanagan-Nelson
Acts 19:1-7
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Mike Flanagan talks about the blessing of NOT being blessed. Then Pastor Nelson continues our walk in Acts 19:1-7. Paul in Ephesus teaches us big lessons on the gift(s) of the Holy Spirit. As we approach the subject of laying on of hands (or not) & the gift of tongues (or not) please refer to the 4 page handout for some scriptures you can read for yourself. This Bible based lesson is meant to encourage & challenge you in your spiritual walk & growth. What scriptures do you base your current beliefs on? We need more spiritual gifts understanding if we are to overcome the age in which we live. 49min
Acts 19d Miracles & Riots part1
Pastor Nelson
Acts 19:8-26
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Acts 19:8-26 Well I had hoped to get through end of chapter today but I guess not. So many lessons from Acts 19: 1.Get Holy Spirit when accept Christ 2.Many spiritual gifts from Holy Spirit (everyone has at least 1) 3.Miracles only by God's power & are to glorify God Alone 4.Have to know Jesus Christ personally, can't just use His Name 5.Demons real & powerful 6.We all need to burn our "false gods" & separate ourselves from evil 7.God can & will protect, guide, & defend 8.God hates mobs & anarchy. All this & more in one chapter - we will continue next week with part2. 49min
Acts 19e Miracles & Riots part2
Pastor Nelson
Acts 19:28-41
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Acts 19:28-41 This great chapter goes on & 2 more key points need to be noted (beside the 8 points given last week). 1st the worthless idols worshiped in Ephesus can doing nothing compared to the One True God - for there is only ONE God. 2nd the true and living God is a jealous God. Have you ever thought about the fact that the Creator God wants your love & to fellowship with you. So as Paul had upset Ephesus with God's truths we are living in the same situation today. 41min
Acts 1a An Itroduction to the Book
Pastor Nelson
Acts Overview
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The Acts of the Apostles an Introduction. Dr. Luke continues in his second volume of what was happening during the life of Jesus and immediately after. This book brings into focus the many personal events of what the early "Church" went through, & set the pattern of what we should still be doing 2000 years later. But first a study of the places, times, characters, and purpose of this great writing. Does man's call to serve God differ? Let's see what is about to unfold. 46min
Acts 1b The Faithful Wait for God to Deliver & Recall Events
Pastor Nelson
Acts 1:4-19
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Acts 1:4-19 After a quick summary of last week & starting to get "into the meat" of what is happening to these followers of Jesus, we look at some really important Old Testament scriptures to try to understand where these people were concerning this recent world changing event. What is their assignment? What truths of the O.T. relate to the N.T.? So much is happening so quickly. What was Jesus' last command to these ordinary people called to do extraordinary things? How should they carry on in light of the fact that Jesus died, was buried for 3 days, was resurrected & appeared to them for 40 days, & was physically then taken up into heaven? What should they do? 51min
Acts 1c Summary of Chapter 1
Pastor Nelson
Acts 1:20-26
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Acts 1:20-26 & Summary points of Chapter 1. There are some really key verses in this first chapter; they are verses 3,7,8,11,14,16, &24. The Sovereignty of God is a major point in the starting of the "Church" & we can learn a lot from these first century Believers in what they believed and did in an effort to follow the leading of Jesus. 41min
Acts 20a Sleepy In Church?
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:1-16
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Acts 20:1-16 Well today we have some fun & at the same time learn some good lessons about "church", "preachers", & listening to the Holy Spirit. Paul has not been detoured by the riot, and for sure he hasn't gotten any shorter winded! In fact we see him preaching all night & putting a young man to sleep & fall from a 3rd story window! So what are the lessons here? We also see how important it is to listen & be guided by the Holy Spirit. 40min
Acts 20b The Truth That Offends
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:17-24
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Acts 20:17-24 What is the truth that offends & may even cause the Christian believer to loose friends or even be persecuted? Paul in speaking God's truths got a lot of flack & you may too, but we can't really be a Christian unless we believe God & Jesus in this issue. It's all about "repentance" & "faith in Jesus". All men are sinners & fall short of God's requirement to be Holy & perfected. BUT there is a way that was given - The Christ's shed blood & forgiveness. So sow in tears & reap in joy (Psm126:5-6). 2Cor 11:22-31, Rom 3:11-12 & 21-26, Rom 10:9-13, Heb 12:1-2. 43min
Acts 20c Your Call to Watch and Share
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:25-31
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Acts 20:25-31 Wow what a week, Bury one & watch another die. It is so wonderful to KNOW God's grace & love personally. The HOPE that Christ can give is beyond wonderful & Paul knew the same exact thing. That is why knowing the Shepard is so important. And realizing that it is up to us who KNOW HIM to share that good news. But folks the enemy does not want the fear of death to be conquered - he wants people alone and fearful. So we who know God's Truth must be willing to fight on. Ezk 33:1-7, ,John chptr 10, 1Tim 4:1-2, 2Tim 3:1-16. 38min
Acts 20d God's Big Love & Big Words
Pastor Nelson
Acts 20:32-38
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Acts 20:32-38 As we look at Paul's bitter sweet departure, we think back about his teaching the "whole gospel message" & what it meant on a deeper level. Some times words are used & the hearers don't really understand what they really mean. Words like Justification, Sanctification, Reconciliation, & Edification. So get ready to go a little deeper & don't get uncomfortable, because all of these $5 words are about God's love for you. 43min
Acts 21a Courage & Riots
Pastor Nelson
Acts 21:1-36
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Acts 21:1-36 Paul continues towards Jerusalem with the love gifts for the Church & continues to get warnings not to go there. Courage is needed to face the unknown while hearing the warnings, yet "God's will must be done". We see Paul following the foot steps of Christ and demonstrating a willingness to be flexible while not compromising the Gospel. Then the start of riot number 6 & Paul's life is in danger. What he says will come next week. 45min
Acts 21b Trust & Testimony
Pastor Nelson
Acts 21:37-22:18
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Acts 21:37-22:18 As we finish Chptr 21 & go into Chptr 22 we see Paul is severely beaten but still wanting to share the love of Christ, he follows the leading of the Holy Spirit & then God's power comes over the riot. WOW! It is amazing to see how your personal experience with Jesus can affect even the hardest of hearts. Remember this fact: when God has called you to faith - HE already knows what He has prepared you for and what He wants you to do! Remember your own personal testimony & let God use it! 46min
Acts 22a Your Citizenship
Pastor Nelson
Acts 22:17-23:6
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Acts 22:17-23:6 Last weeks message was not posted as it was a intimate Church moment centered around communion. The question as to why "we" are not growing was addressed; some figures like why is it that in the US some 4000 churches close their doors @ year, 1700 Pastors leave the ministry @ year, 3500 people leave the church @ year, & we have 1/3 the number of churches in the US today than we did in 1950 in-spite of the population growth. I believe this all has to do with the lack of commitment of believers to Jesus Christ, their local Church, & the ministries that "feed" them. Enough said. Be more like Paul - be willing to tell the story of what Christ has done for YOU & KNOW who you are in Jesus and what you should be doing for the Kingdom of God. 33min
Acts 23a God is Always in Control
Pastor Nelson
Acts 23:1-22
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Acts 23:1-22 Paul's faith in Jesus the Christ gave him the faith & conviction to speak forth truth - even in the face of danger. As he speaks under the direction of the Holy Spirit once again his life is narrowly spared. What a story of God's faithful presence, power, & protection! God's has & will always accomplish His purposes. The bottom line is that the resurrection of Jesus is always the dividing point. Are you willing to believe God? See how God once again manipulates the details & is getting Paul to Rome. 42min
Acts 23b 1Cor 15 Easter Messg
Pastor Nelson
1 Cor 15:3-19
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1 Cor 15:3-19 It's Easter & with all the good testimonies of how YOU know HE lives, the music, communion, & Mark's miraculous healing (because of prayer) that astounded the doctors; we had to shorten the sermon. Sorry, maybe another time! God is SO GOOD and so alive & well. Our trust in Jesus is constantly being tested but HE always comes through. Back in Acts we were seeing God's faithfulness & that Grace & Mercy & Love has never failed us either. Praying you have a glorious Easter because truly HE HAS RISEN!! 18min
Acts 23c Paul Has Hope in the Resurrection
Pastor Nelson
Acts 23:23-35
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Acts 23:23-35 While Paul is being secretly escorted to Caeserea by 470 soldiers he is seeing God's plans being worked out in ways he never expected. Paul's focus - still "hope & the resurrection". As we think on that what did Jesus mean by "I am THE WAY"? John14:1-6. The same problem today as back then - is there really a "resurrection"? Yes a twofold one. One for the righteous & one for the unsaved dead. Daniel 12:2, Jn 5:28-29, Rev 20:11-15, 1Cor 3:11-15 & 2Cor 5:7-11. Don't be like some that put it off "because I've got lots of time" - today is the day to admit that a judgement day is coming! 44min
Acts 24a Way to Go Paul
Pastor Nelson
Acts 24:1-27
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Acts 24:1-27 Hard to believe - we covered a whole chapter in one shot! Good stuff to be learned here like: when accused, stay calm & tell the truth; Jesus really does have your back; be patient God hasn't forgotten you;always strive to keep a clean conscience before both man & God. And a biggie here Flattery is not always as it seems! Prov 29:3. When you hear what God has said, like it or not, you are responsible to do something about it! Luke 12:48. Also don't procrastinate. All this & more in 1 short chapter. 47min
Acts 25a There Is More To Life Than Life
Pastor Nelson
Acts 25:1-12
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Acts 25:1-12 After 2 years in prison Paul comes out still upbeat, & preaching the hope that is in him. Appealing his case to Caesar himself (the highest earthly court) Paul is fed up with the games that have been played so far. We can all learn some timely principles here. Remember the word "FATO", & know for certain that there is more to life than life. Ecc 12:13-14, Mal 4:1-2, Rom 8:28, Heb 12:7-11, 1Pet 1:6-10, Jam 1:2-8. 50min
Acts 25b Paul's Faith in God's Will
Pastor Nelson
Acts 25:13-27
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Acts 25:13-27 As we see Paul getting ready to give one of his greatest calls to accept the reality of Jesus The Christ & His forgiveness of sin (chapter 26 Acts) we introduce the idea of God's 4 wills. If things are presently so nuts & evil, how & why is God allowing it all to happen? Can you have faith enough to really believe God is in total control like Paul did? Is God really wiser in His planning and controlling the final out come than man? God has given us His Word to give us hope & the proof that He is God and we are not. 44min
Acts 26a Having Faith in a Crisis
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Psalm 46, Luke 7:1-10, 1 Peter 1:1-9, 2 Cor 4:3-11&16-18, Isa 35:10 What should one do when they have a crisis of faith, or how can we help others who might be in the middle of a crisis? Here is a quick overview of how we can manage better when things just seem to be falling apart. All of us face hard times - so where & how do you cope? An attitude of gratitude & expectation is needed. But most of all we can't share with others that which we ourselves don't possess. Here are some Biblical insights that may help. 48min
Acts 26b Who's Your Daddy?
Pastor Nelson
Matt 18:1-14
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Matt 18:1-14 First allow me to explain that I didn't post a sermon last week because I was returning from Critical Incident Stress Management Training. As one who cares for people in Crisis, the training was invaluable; but it also made me think about where people turn in hard times, what do they lean on & who do they depend on when "it" is crunch time? Seeing as we are all like children and learn to trust God over time & obey God or not. What are the lessons here that Jesus was trying to teach His Disciples? We all must learn to trust God and learn total dependence; & that is a hard thing to do. 41min
Acts 26c So What's Your Story
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:1-11
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Acts 26:1-11 If you're a believer in Jesus YOU have a story to tell - just like Paul! So What Is "Your Story" of how YOU met the Lord Jesus Christ? Come on! It's your story of WHO you were, WHAT you were doing (before God became really personal), WHERE you were (living AND thinking), WHEN it was in your life continuum, and most importantly HOW the Holy Spirit convicted you of a need to Be & Do your life differently! HOW DID JESUS BECOME ALIVE TO YOU? 1 Pet 3:13-19. Paul has an exciting story to tell, but yours is just as good & just as real, even though it may not be quite as dramatic. Therefore learn to tell "your story" by starting at the beginning (like Paul). Fill in the details (they are yours alone). Tell others the how & why JESUS is alive in you & how HE has changed you. Luke 12:8-12 & 21:8-19. More to come next week on this important topic. 47min
Acts 26d What's Your Story Part 2
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:12-18
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Acts 26:12-18 Part2 Talking & learning from Paul's testimony before King Agrippa. First we go to Romans 4:25 to learn from Paul again about what was so important about what Jesus did on the cross & in His death & Resurrection. Think about the words Justification & Reconciliation. You must understand this in order to be able to tell others about what Christ has done for you. As we press thru Paul's story to Agrippa we learn again from Paul what happens to one who has truly accepted Jesus - a new birth. 2Cor 5:15, 17-21. Now using the 4 page handout you need to do some homework & be prepared to share "your story". 43min
Acts 26e Irrefuatable Facts
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:19-23
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Acts 26:19-23 As we look at this short passage it brings us to a MUCH LARGER picture. What did Paul know by being a student of Old Testament Scripture? He fully understood the sayings & promises of the Prophets. Did you know that there are 308 (by one account) Scriptures in 21 subject areas that confirm that JESUS is the One sent by God to PROVE who He IS! You don't have to set good thinking-reasoning aside to KNOW that JESUS was who He said He was ... God in the flesh! His resurrection proved it; but the Old Testament also foretold it! Listen to Paul in Rom 12:1-2, Eph 2:1-10, and go to our website www.ccsheridan.org home page to see the 308 prophecies about Jesus before He was ever born. 36min
Acts 26f Your Witness Tract
Pastor Nelson
Acts 26:24-32
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Acts 26:24-32 Today we see Paul's final plea to the crowd & especially King Agrippa & Governor Festus to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah (God in the flesh come to earth to save us). But we can also learn some witnessing techniques here & learn how to use a few key New Testament Scriptures as the Holy Spirit leads us in speaking out to those who have not yet met Jesus the Christ. Mark your personal little Bible with these verses & you'll never be lost for what to say! John 3:3, 4-7, 18-19, 36; Romans 3:23 & 3:10-11, 12, 20; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; 1John 5:10-13; John 14:6-7; John 1:1-5, 12-13,14; John 10:33. Bless you in the telling of God's truth & mercy! 46min
Acts 27a The Voyage to Rome is Like Life
Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:1-12
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Acts 27:1-12 Paul's voyage to Rome begins & for us some valuable lessons. Help at the right time by the right people is God's way of letting us know HIS plans will not be thwarted. This sailing trip gives us some good insights if you care to read between the lines. What usually happens when the majority rules? What are we really doing when we say "If I could only have ... or do ... ?? Then let us o on to look at 2Cor 5:1-10 and Psm 34. In whom do you really trust during the storms of life? 40min
Acts 27b Lesson Learned In The Storm
Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:13-38
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Acts 27:13-38 Boy oh-Boy, Some lessons are just not learned until you are in fear of loosing your life! Paul once again shows us the way of FEARLESS trust in God and His purposes. These few verses expose us to a totally helpless situation and what your trust in God can do. How many people will your faith & trust in God's love and purposes affect before you are out of here? 276 souls here, with only a handful of "believers" present but theybwent thru a terrible ordeal. They experienced 1st hand the sovereign hand of God at work. A lesson for anyone in the middle of a "storm". 42min
Acts 27c God's Protection Provision & Plans
Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:39 - 28:10
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Pastor Nelson
Acts 27:39 - 28:10
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Acts 27:39 - 28:10 Sorry no sermon over the 4th of July weekend, the Church as a whole decided it should be a "free" weekend. One of the advantages of a small Church! We continue with Paul in the middle of a major storm. Have you ever been there? I love how this one turns out! Paul is not only saved from the storm, but from being murdered by the soldiers, saved from a deadly snake bite, but then ministers Jesus power, forgiveness & love to the entire island of Malta. Never forget God has a plan for YOUR life. Will you trust Him a do the tasks laid before you? 41min