Biblically Based, Christ Centered, Caring Community in Annapolis, MD
This 11-week series looks at the growth of the early church in the book of Acts, giving an overview of the characteristics of a thriving, ever-growing Church. This not only helps us understand how the early church went from a small band of fearful disciples to a worldwide movement full of the Spirit’s power in a few short decades but also gives principles for growing thriving churches in our own day as well.
The book of Acts closes with a bold, unhindered proclamation of the Gospel – in spite of all the oppositions of Satan and the world – which guarantees a glorious thriving future for the Church and the kingdom of God.
Acts 28:30-31
Luke describes the early church as thriving with continuous growth as it is strengthened by the Spirit through the means of grace to fulfill the Great Commission – even in the face of severe opposition.
Acts 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20
As Paul learned on the road to Damascus, we thrive not through our own righteousness, but because we have a vital unity with Christ and His Church.
Acts 9:1-6
The Church exists because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, the primary means by which it continues to thrive is the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:1-12
A thriving church is a true community, centered on Christ, awed by God’s power, showing practical love, living life together, and experiencing God’s favor.
Acts 2:42-47
A thriving, growing church is fueled by a life of prayer, enjoying communion with God, and crying out for Him to work in their midst.
Acts 1:12-14; 4:23-31
A thriving, growing church understands that our mission propels us into all the world – from our local area to the farthest corners of the globe.
Acts 1:6-8
Jesus is the Great Prophet of God, our Great High Priest, and our Great King – everything we need to know, love, and serve God.
Hebrews 1:1-3
Because our sin has short-circuited God’s Law, our progress in sanctification comes from the power and ministry of the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
All the law is summarized in these two commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34
God’s Law is holy, righteous and good – but we must use it properly, allowing it to define righteousness, convict us of sin, and point us to Christ.
1 Timothy 1: 7-8
The fully blessed life is given by God to the person who fears the Lord, delights in His Word, grows in godly character, and focuses on serving
others.
Psalm 112
As we ponder the great works of the Lord in redeeming and giving us His covenantal commands, we respond with heartfelt praise and willing
obedience.
Psalm 111
This four-week series goes verse by verse through the book of Jonah. In the book of Jonah, we discover a God who relentlessly pursues rebels – idolatrous sailors, evil Ninevites, and especially His rebel prophet Jonah. Join us to discover a holy God of justice Who delights to pursue and save rebels like you and me.
Jonah’s unrepentant rebellion regarding God’s mercy towards the Ninevites (‘sinners’ whom Jonah does not think deserve mercy) comes to the surface in this final chapter, but God in His grace continues to pursue the rebellious prophet to the end.
Jonah 4
God sends flawed rebel servants like Jonah and us to proclaim His Word to rebels who do not know Him so that they might turn to Him and be saved.
Jonah 3
Jonah’s prayer of thanksgiving from inside the fish is a model of crying out to God with His Word, but it also reveals Jonah’s lack of personal repentance and his lack of compassion for the lost.
Jonah 2
Jonah was called to proclaim God’s word to the city of Nineveh, but he rebelled and tried to flee from God and His call, but God relentlessly pursued him and even the sailors whose lives Jonah endangered by his rebellion.
Jonah 1
This lengthy series was taught to explain the biblical basis for church planting, looking at why Christians should be involved in planting churches, the requirements to successfully plant churches, and a look at a number of possible objections and difficulties that may be preventing planting churches.
We are called to build upon the foundation laid by the apostles so that we can help the Church grow for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 3:9-17
Churches can not grow, produce fruit and multiply if they are divided by pride, walk in disunity with other believers, lack compassion for the lost, or are not willing to pay the cost to follow and serve Christ.
Luke 9:46-10:2
The resurrection of Jesus gives a living hope for troubled times for all those who are reborn through Him.
1 Peter 1:3-9
BRCC is called to glorify God by building and planting local churches that are biblically based, Christ-centered, caring communities, seeking to know Christ and make Him known.
1 Peter 2:4-10
In the New Covenant, believers freely give finances in response to God’s grace, in order to support the work and growth of the church.
Philippians 4:10-20; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8