In this message, Mac expresses gratitude for the presence of the Lord and the significance of Calvary, emphasizing the love and provision found in Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the importance of prayer for those in need and the power of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's Word. Mac references key scriptures from Matthew, Ephesians, and Zechariah to illustrate the foundation of the church and God's purpose throughout history. He introduces a series on church history, aiming to learn lessons from the past rather than merely recounting facts. Mac stresses that God has a purpose for His people, encouraging believers to recognize their heritage and the faithfulness of those who came before them. He outlines three reasons for studying church history: to understand God's purpose, to appreciate the heritage of faith, and to maintain balance in the Christian life. Mac concludes by discussing the characteristics of the early church as seen in Acts, emphasizing the importance of Christ as the head, the authority of Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the love among believers. He encourages the congregation to learn from history and remain faithful to God's calling.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.