Archibald First Baptist Church

Because He Lives: The Birth of the Church

Week 7 | Acts 5:12–16, 38–39 | Because He Lives… The Church Endures Because Jesus is alive, everything changes—not just how the Church begins, but how it lasts. In Week 7 of our series Because He Lives: The Birth of the Church, we move from boldness under pressure to endurance through testing. In Acts 5, we see the gospel continue to spread as the apostles are opposed, imprisoned, and threatened—yet the work of God cannot be stopped. Through Gamaliel’s warning and the powerful witness of the early church, we are reminded that what is built by man will fall, but what is built by God will stand. This sermon explores four key marks of a church that is truly from God: * It is empowered by the Holy Spirit * It is united in purpose * It is marked by reverence * It is growing in Christ We are reminded that the strength of the church is not found in personalities, programs, or popularity—but in the power and presence of God. And when a church is truly from Him, it will endure. Because He lives, the Church is not just bold… it is sustained… and it cannot be overthrown.

Because He Lives: We Cannot Be Silent

Week 6 | Acts 3:1–10; Acts 4:7–12 | Because He Lives… We Cannot Be Silent Because Jesus is alive, everything changes—not just what we have, but what we say and how we live. In Week 6 of our series Because He Lives: The Birth of the Church, we move from being unified to being bold. In Acts 3–4, we see the power of the gospel on display as a man is healed, a crowd is stirred, and Peter and John stand before authorities and refuse to stay silent. What they had was not silver or gold—but something far greater: the name of Jesus. This sermon explores three key truths: * We have what truly matters * We proclaim His name without hesitation * We cannot stay silent when pressure comes We are reminded that the power of the church has never been in what we possess, but in the gospel we proclaim. And when we truly believe in the name of Jesus, silence is no longer an option. Because He lives, we are not just unified… we are bold… and we cannot be silent.

Because He Lives: We Are United

Week 5 | Acts 2:41–47 | Because He Lives… We Are Unified Because Jesus is alive, everything changes—not just what we believe, but who we become together. In Week 5 of our series Because He Lives: The Birth of the Church, we move from being empowered to being unified. In the Acts 2:41–47, we see the result of the gospel at work as thousands from different backgrounds are brought together as one people. This is not unity built on preference, personality, or culture—this is unity built on the gospel of Jesus Christ. This sermon explores three key truths: * Unity is built on the gospel * Unity is strengthened through shared devotion * Unity is seen in a visible, powerful witness We are reminded that the gospel doesn’t just save individuals—it forms a people who live, grow, and serve together. And when that unity is real, the world can see it. Because He lives, we are not just sent… We are not just empowered… We are unified.

Because He Lives: We are Empowered

Week 4 – Because He Lives: The Birth of the Church Acts 2:1–8 | Because He Lives… We Are Empowered Because Jesus is alive, everything changes—not just what we believe, but how we live and what we are called to do. In Week 4 of our series Because He Lives: The Birth of the Church, we move from being sent to being empowered. In Acts of the Apostles 2:1–8, we witness the moment the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers at Pentecost. This is not a human effort or manufactured movement—this is God moving in His timing, fulfilling His promise, and empowering His people for His mission. This sermon explores three key truths: * God supplies the power for His mission * The Holy Spirit empowers the message of the gospel * The movement of the Spirit demands a response We are reminded that the mission of God cannot be accomplished in our own strength. But the same Spirit who filled the early church now fills every believer—equipping us to make disciples and carry the gospel to the world. Because He lives, we are not just sent... We are empowered.

Because He Lives: We Are Sent

Because He Lives… We Are Sent - (Acts 1:1–11) What do you do with a risen Savior? In this message, we move from the empty tomb to the mission of the Church. The resurrection of Jesus was never meant to stay at the tomb—it was meant to be carried to the world. In Acts 1, we see that the message of the gospel has been passed from person to person, generation to generation, and now it has reached us. The question is: will it move through us? This sermon challenges us to step beyond simply believing and into going—living as witnesses of Christ in our homes, our communities, and to the ends of the earth. While the mission is urgent, Jesus also reminds us that we are not sent alone. The promise of the Holy Spirit points us forward to the power God provides for the work He calls us to do. Because He lives… we are sent.