This sermon is called “The Teachable Disciple”. We will be studying Acts 7:9-16. As Stephen preaches his sermon to the hostile crowd of religious leaders and Greek-speaking Jews, he begins with these words, “Brothers and fathers, hear me.” My good friend Bill likes to say “Listen to me now. Hear me later.” Hearing means more than listening. It is leaning in with a teachable and humble heart. It is a willingness to learn and to be taught the word of God, the will of God, the ways of God. Discipleship by its very definition is living a life of perpetual listening and learning. Discipleship is actually a life of learning how to listen to the truth of Christ, to hear, and to follow. One of the great criticisms of the people of Israel down through its history is that they were ever “hearing but not understanding.” How about you? Have you stopped hearing God speak to your life? What is the posture of your everyday following of Christ? Have you arrived and have nothing left to learn or is every day the adventure of growing to know and to love Jesus more and more? Come this Sunday and pray that God would give all of us a teachable spirit. May that teachable spirit be not just for Sunday but for the rest of our lives as God’s people.

Scripture References: Acts 7:9-16

From Series: No Other Name | More Messages from Kevin Dibbley

From Series: "No Other Name"

The book of Acts is a careful recording of the advancement of the kingdom of God into the Gentile world despite hostility and hardship. We constantly need to be encouraged and reminded that the mission of God happens through the unlikeliest of people (ie., Saul of Tarsus) in some of the most hostile environments. This happens precisely because our God reigns. Where are some of the hardest places that we least expect the gospel to advance? Who are you least hopeful would respond to the message of Christ? Waterbrooke Church’s mission statement is this: Waterbrooke seeks to be a gospel-centered multi-ethnic family that is captivated by Jesus, compelled to love others, and called to make disciples to the glory of God. What brings more glory to God than the salvation of the least likely people and peoples?

"The Teachable Disciple" | Acts 7:9-18

In Romans 8 Paul gives the Romans the same argument he’s giving the Colossians in this passage. Reminding them of this peculiar state they’re in: simultaneously dead and alive. Dead to Sin and alive with the Spirit. Dead to the Law and alive to Grace. Dead to the world and alive with Christ. Yes, we were made alive with Christ, and yes, we are partakers in His resurrection so, in one sense, we’re not dead anymore. We’ve been reborn, but there is a part of our nature which is dead to us. How do we walk that out? How do we actually tap into that hope and forsake those things we're dead to without forsaking the people who are still stuck in the lie? Join us as we find encouragement in Paul's letter to a church who, not surprisingly, had the same struggle almost 2000 years ago!

Scripture References: Colossians 2:20-23, Colossians 3:1-4

From Series: Looking To Glory | More Messages from Andy Keppel

From Series: "Looking To Glory"

A Study in Colossians