A Church on the Move
‘Into the Deep in Acts”
Our theme and focus for 2023 is “Into the Deep”. We have earthed that theme by focusing in on our key scripture – Ezekiel 47. We have been deeply challenged and encouraged as we have felt God’s spirit stirring in our hearts as we have unpacked the reality of that vision for Ezekiel then and for us now.
Ezekiel 47 ends with the realization that the river of life – which is moving out from God’s Throne room into the desolate places, and flowing to the Dead Sea – is a picture that is fulfilled in and through the work of Jesus Christ. This series led us into our Easter celebrations focusing on Jesus and the wonderful reminder that the River of Life is available to all people here and now through Him.
Post Easter we moved into a focus on Global missions through our Hope Worldwide Fortnight where we celebrated the global partners we support and stand alongside, shoulder to shoulder. We recalled the mission that God outlined for his people in Acts 1:81
8 “But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”
As we continue to move forward as a church “Into the Deep” in 2023, we begin a series looking at the book of Acts that has continuity with the Gospel of Luke. Acts also brings into sharp focus the themes outlined in Ezekiel 47.
In the book of Acts, we see God building on what he was already doing and what he planned to do. Acts provides the continued outworking for God’s people as he steps them into the promised land and as he leads them deeper into his plans. We believe God is leading us to a study in the book of Acts as he too looks to build on what he is already doing in the life of Hope Presbyterian and what He plans to do as we step out “Into the Deep.”
MINI-SERIES BREAKDOWN
Mini-Series |
Date |
Title |
Scripture |
| Introduction | May 7th | Unfinished Business | Acts 1 |
| Stepping out in Power | May 14th | Power from Heaven | Acts 2 |
| May 21st | Power Together – Living it Out | Acts 2:42 | |
| May 28th | Power of His Name | Acts 3:1-10, 4:13, 19:1-17 | |
| June 4th | Power of Prayer | Acts 4:23-31 | |
| June 11th | Power of Persecution | Acts 5:17-42, 6-7, 13:9, 14:19-20 | |
| Power of Generosity | June 18th | What has got a hold of your heart – Part 1 | Acts 5:1-11 |
| June 25th | What has got a hold of your heart – Part 2 | Acts 5:1-11 |
STUDY RESOURCES
There are a number of resources available if you wish to do extra study alongside the Sunday teachings. See below for some that we recommend:
DOWNLOADABLE STUDIES:
“On The Move” Hope Growth Group Study Guide (adapted from Passion City Church)
“Hearts on Fire” Small Group Study – St Paul’s Church, Castle Hill
BOOK TO PURCHASE:
PHONE WALLPAPERS
Download a wallpaper to put on your phone during the series. You can choose whichever you like, whenever you like, OR, follow along with the series using the dates below.
MINI SERIES 1: STEPPING OUT IN POWER
Beginning 14th May
MINI SERIES 2: POWER OF GENEROSITY
Beginning 18th June
MINI SERIES 3: A CHURCH ON THE MOVE
Beginning 2nd July
MINI SERIES 4: OPEN DOORS
Beginning 20th August
MINI SERIES 5: KEEP ON
Beginning 10th September
MINI SERIES 6: LIVING FOR CHRIST
Beginning 8th October
