United Church, Atlanta, GA
When Belief Isn't Enough
Acts is a book of renewal, calling us back to a church devoted to prayer, bold in evangelism, and united to Jesus. Join us as we continue The Jesus Revolution series.
Locations & Times
United Church
1775 Water Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
INTRODUCTION
Story of the Evangelist: A powerful preacher whose shoes were said to glow, reflecting God's touch, but who ultimately walked away from God. This raises the question: Was he ever truly __________ to God?
Story of the Evangelist: A powerful preacher whose shoes were said to glow, reflecting God's touch, but who ultimately walked away from God. This raises the question: Was he ever truly __________ to God?
UNSURRENDERED BELIEF
Example of Individuals: People who seem spiritually solid, their faith becomes __________, focusing on "What can God do for me?"
Key Point: Outward belief and being used by God do not guarantee a __________ heart.
Example of Individuals: People who seem spiritually solid, their faith becomes __________, focusing on "What can God do for me?"
Key Point: Outward belief and being used by God do not guarantee a __________ heart.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS: Acts 8:4-25
Philip's Ministry: Philip, empowered by the Spirit, walked right into the heart of this ancient _____________.
Result of Philip's Preaching: The Samaritans ___________, and were baptized, leading to great joy in the city.
Philip's Ministry: Philip, empowered by the Spirit, walked right into the heart of this ancient _____________.
Result of Philip's Preaching: The Samaritans ___________, and were baptized, leading to great joy in the city.
SIMON THE SORCERER
Simon's Belief: Simon believed and was baptized, but his focus was on the __________ rather than surrendering to Jesus.
Simon's Mistake: Here Luke reveals Simon's fundamental refusal to surrender: treating divine grace as a ___________ to be controlled rather than a gift to be received.
Simon's Belief: Simon believed and was baptized, but his focus was on the __________ rather than surrendering to Jesus.
Simon's Mistake: Here Luke reveals Simon's fundamental refusal to surrender: treating divine grace as a ___________ to be controlled rather than a gift to be received.
TRUE SURRENDER
Peter's Rebuke: "Your heart is not right before God." True faith demands __________, not just intellectual assent.
Call to Repentance: Peter invites Simon to __________ and pray for forgiveness, emphasizing the need for heart transformation.
Peter's Rebuke: "Your heart is not right before God." True faith demands __________, not just intellectual assent.
Call to Repentance: Peter invites Simon to __________ and pray for forgiveness, emphasizing the need for heart transformation.
APPLICATION
Personal Reflection: Is your belief a genuine ____________, or merely intellectual assent—a transactional arrangement?
Call to Action: Surrender every area of your life to Jesus, not just in words but in __________.
Personal Reflection: Is your belief a genuine ____________, or merely intellectual assent—a transactional arrangement?
Call to Action: Surrender every area of your life to Jesus, not just in words but in __________.
CONCLUSION
Invitation to Surrender: Respond to God's Call for True Surrender, Moving from Transactional to Surrendered Faith.
Vision for Transformation: Imagine a world transformed by believers who have chosen to believe with every fibre of their being, in full, beautiful surrender.
Invitation to Surrender: Respond to God's Call for True Surrender, Moving from Transactional to Surrendered Faith.
Vision for Transformation: Imagine a world transformed by believers who have chosen to believe with every fibre of their being, in full, beautiful surrender.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
True belief in Jesus requires surrender, not just outward actions.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to be received in humble submission, not a power to be controlled.
Genuine faith involves surrendering our whole selves to Jesus' authority.
True belief in Jesus requires surrender, not just outward actions.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to be received in humble submission, not a power to be controlled.
Genuine faith involves surrendering our whole selves to Jesus' authority.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
As you listen to the sermon, fill in the blanks with the key words and phrases.
Engage with the message by considering how it applies to your life and what steps you can take to deepen your surrender to Jesus.
After the sermon, review your notes and reflections, and pray for guidance in applying the teachings to your daily walk with God.
As you listen to the sermon, fill in the blanks with the key words and phrases.
Engage with the message by considering how it applies to your life and what steps you can take to deepen your surrender to Jesus.
After the sermon, review your notes and reflections, and pray for guidance in applying the teachings to your daily walk with God.
Missed Baptism Sunday?
Don't worry, there will be another opportunity on December 7th to take that leap of faith. If you're ready to sign up, click the link below.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2960158
Alpha at United
Alpha is a 10-week journey designed to explore the big questions of life and faith in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Whether you're new to Christianity or simply curious, Alpha offers a safe space to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with others on a similar path. The next Alpha course will begin in the Fall.
https://united.online/alpha
Now Offering Low-Cost Counseling
We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible new interns to Cumberland Counseling Centers! They bring a wealth of life experience, compassion, and insight and they’re now available to work with clients at a significantly reduced rate.
If you or someone you know is looking for high-quality counseling at a low cost, now is the perfect time to get started. Reach out today and we’ll get you connected!
https://cumberlandcenters.org/meet-usMake a Difference in Our Community
Join us on August 2nd for Back to School Bash! We're bringing our community together for a day of support and fun, offering medical and dental checkups, giving away backpacks, and providing exciting giveaways, games, and food.
To make this event a huge success for local families, we need your help! Please consider signing up to volunteer your time and talent or sponsoring a backpack or two for a local student. Your involvement will directly contribute to a memorable and helpful experience for hundreds of students here in Atlanta as they prepare for the new school year.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2984329To make this event a huge success for local families, we need your help! Please consider signing up to volunteer your time and talent or sponsoring a backpack or two for a local student. Your involvement will directly contribute to a memorable and helpful experience for hundreds of students here in Atlanta as they prepare for the new school year.
Have Questions on the Bible Reading Plan?
Join our group on the Church Center app to ask your questions and share some insights on what you're learning on the Bible Reading Plan.
https://united.online/bibleplan
Coming Soon on July 13th.
Growth Track Step One: Lunch With the Crumps
Join PL and Breanna for "Lunch With the Crumps." It's a relaxed way to connect, get to know our church family, and discover your next step in becoming a church member. *There will be no Growth Track for the month of July.*
https://united.online/growth-track
New Look, Same Heart
As we step into this new season with a new name, we're still the same church on mission to unite people to Jesus and each other. To learn more about the heart behind our rebrand and what’s ahead, visit our website.
https://united.online/visionConnect Card
New here? We'd love to connect with you! Fill out this quick form:
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/730779Need Prayer?
Our prayer team is here to support you with compassion and confidentiality, whatever your needs may be.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118409A Three-Year Discipleship Journey
See all that God has done at our church by exploring our Harvest Initiative.
https://united.online/harvestGive God Your First and Your Best
Your contributions make a difference in our community. Text "unitedgive" to 94000 or click the link below to learn more about our giving options:
https://donate.overflow.co/therenovationchurch/cash?config=harvest-