The Sycamore Message

May 10, 2026
Eric Burton
The Sycamore Church
 
Acts: We go to worship.  When the church gets together.
Acts 2:43-46
We’re looking at the church in the book of Acts to see what they did that allowed them to have such an impact and how we line up with that church. 
Intro:
We like going places.  We like going out.  “Do you want to go out with me” meant we are in an exclusive relationship.
Two things the first church did:
    1. They went to the Temple daily to worship (giving to God).
    2. They went to each other’s houses to receive the Lord's supper and share (giving to each other).
The church went to worship (giving to God).
We are living in a time and culture where you can’t distinguish staying in and going out.  People wear the same stuff going out that they wear staying in.  Nothing is significant anymore. We’ve eliminated the high-brow Sunday’s best so everyone feels welcome, but in removing the segregation, we’ve also lost the sacredness. We’ve lost the awe of going.
The first church continued going to the Temple after they were saved.  You don’t stop going to church once you are saved.
When I was growing up, we got dressed up, got in your car, left where you lived, and went to a different location.
We first see this in Genesis 22:5 Abraham says to his servants, “You stay here while the boy and I go over there to worship.”  It distinguished between where I am and where God is.
Worship is an intentional destination.  We don’t worship from afar; we come from afar. When they worshiped God, they came to Him.   
The wise men came to worship.
The leper came to worship.
The Roman soldier came to worship.
They left the dilemma they were in to go where the king resided.
Worship is an act of ascension and assembly to exalt God.       
There are a number of Psalms called, Songs of Ascent that Jews would sing as they made the ascension into Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go to the house of the Lord.  While the Jews were in captivity, they would request to go to Jerusalem to worship their God. They were asking to leave the rigors of bondage so they could ascend.
To worship you and I leave where we are and by design ascend to a higher plane.
Even the pagans would establish their idols and shrines on high places.
Satan brought Jesus to a high place to tempt him with power if He would worship him.
Even our thoughts are fighting for high position.  We are to take captive every thought that exalts itself above God.  Everything in our life is trying to gain higher ground so we will ascend to worship it rather than God.
1 Kings 12: 28-32
King Rehoboam was threatened by King Jeroboam. King Rehoboam didn’t want people going to Jerusalem to worship for fear that he would lose their allegiance. So he created new locations, idols, and invented a new holiday to keep them from going to Jerusalem.  Going out meant we’re in an exclusive relationship, and he didn’t want that.
Worship has been reduced to an imitation of what we used to do. 
The enemy doesn't want us actually going to worship because “ going out” means we’re in an exclusive relationship.
We are living in a day, just as they were, where distractions are vying for our attention to keep us from going to worship.  Or people just don’t feel worthy to go up to God.
Worship indicates you’re not staying where you are but you’re going higher.
 
2. They went house to house (giving to each other)
    To receive the Lord supper (break bread together)
    To share
The church went house to house. This looked like our Connect Groups. You have to get up and go to fellowship. 
 
Psalm 133 says, “How wonderful and precious it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil…”
The result of the church ascending and gathering for worship and fellowship was people being added to the church daily. 
Worship was meant to be given to God, and community was meant to be given to others.
When we assemble together in worship, we leave the mundane and encounter the miraculous. 
It was while they were on the way to worship that they ran into a lame man that needed a miracle.  We don’t see the miraculous because we don’t go anywhere. 
Closing
Hebrews 10:22-25
    Don’t forsake assembling as some do.  Why? The day of His return is near.
Hebrews is letting us know there was a time you felt unworthy to go up and worship, but now, because of the blood of Jesus, we can go in with boldness. There’s nothing keeping us from going up today. 
Somebody say, we’re going to worship!

The Sycamore Church
John Barnett
May 3, 2026
 
Acts: Pierced for Power
Acts 2:36–39
 
We are studying the patterns and foundations of the early church in the Book of Acts.
 
Question:If it worked for the early church, are we still doing it today?
 
Context: Peter’s Sermon
Peter is preaching after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He explains: Jesus fulfilled prophecy, David prophesied about Him, Jesus was crucified, God raised Him from the dead, Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
 
Acts 2:36
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
The same Jesus they rejected and crucified…God publicly declared as LORD through the resurrection.
 
Acts 2:37
“Peter’s words pierced their hearts…”
“Pierced” = Deep Conviction
Greek word: Katanyssomai (κατανύσσομαι) Meaning:
pierced thoroughly, cut to the heart, deep remorse, spiritual conviction
 
Conviction Happens When:
The Word of God is preached
The Holy Spirit moves
We allow God to deal with our hearts
 
Conviction vs. Condemnation
Condemnation- Shame without hope, Separation from God, “You’ll never change.” Leads to death
Conviction-  Draws us toward God, Produces repentance, “You need to change.” Leads to healing and restoration.
Conviction is not meant to crush you — it is meant to draw you closer to God.
 
The Proper Response to Conviction
“Brothers, what should we do?”
Total surrender asks:
“What’s my next step?”
“God, what are You trying to change in me?”
“What do I need to let go of?”
 
Acts 2:38
“Repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Peter gives a pathway for transformation.
 
I. Repentance
Repentance Is:
• More than saying “sorry”
• A change of direction
• Turning from sin toward God
• Dying to the old life
 
You do not clean yourself up before coming to God.
Jesus already carried the cross because we could not save ourselves.
 
True Repentance is not emotional only, Not temporary guilt, Not goosebumps. True repentance is transformation. “You can’t repent while you are still repeating.”
 
II. Baptism in Jesus’ Name
Baptism Is:
Obedience to Jesus
Public identification with Christ
Burial of the old life
Remission (removal) of sins
 
Jesus does not sweep sin under a rug. He removes it completely. Through repentance and baptism, the disease of sin can go into full remission.
 
Baptism Declares:
“I belong to Jesus.”
Peter once denied Jesus publicly.Now he boldly tells everyone to identify with Him publicly.
 
III. Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Jesus Promised Power
Luke 24:49
“Stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Acts 1:8
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”
 
The Gospel Pattern
Repentance - Identifies us with Christ’s death
Baptism - Identifies us with Christ’s burial
Receiving the Holy Spirit - Identifies us with Christ’s resurrection life
 
The Holy Spirit Is Not Just a Feeling
The Holy Spirit is:
Power
Transformation
Boldness
Hope
Peace
Joy
Strength to endure
Ability to live differently
 
When Life Squeezes You…
Whatever fills you will come out of you.
 
Without the Holy Spirit:
anger
fear
bitterness
flesh
hopelessness
 
But when filled with the Spirit:
peace
boldness
joy
endurance
faith
power
 
Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit?
Because life pierces us too.
We need power to: respond like Jesus, survive spiritual warfare, endure suffering, resist the enemy, walk through pain without becoming bitter.
 
Acts 2:39
“This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away…”
The Promise Is:
For you
For your children
For every generation
For everyone God calls
The outpouring has already happened.
We simply must receive what God is offering.
 
Acts 2:40–41
“Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
“Those who believed…were baptized…”
They did not delay.
They responded immediately.
 
Final Challenge
Have you been pierced by God today?
Do not ignore conviction.Do not resist surrender.Do not stay comfortable.
 
Today Can Be Your Day
• Repent
• Be baptized
• Receive the Holy Spirit
• Walk in power
 
Become who God created you to be.
 
“You can’t be filled if you are already full.”
Empty yourself today so God can fill you completely.

April 26, 2026
Eric Burton
www.thesycamore.net

April 19, 2026
Joel Gatlin
www.thesycamore.net
 
”FOR WITH GOD NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE.”LUKE 1:37 NKJV
”AND HE SAID, “THUS SAYS THE LORD: ‘MAKE THIS VALLEY FULL OF DITCHES.’” II KINGS 3:16 NKJV
“FOR THUS SAYS THE LORD: ‘YOU SHALL NOT SEE WIND, NOR SHALL YOU SEE RAIN; YET THAT VALLEY SHALL BE FILLED WITH WATER, SO THAT YOU, YOUR CATTLE, AND YOUR ANIMALS MAY DRINK.’ AND THIS IS A SIMPLE MATTER IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD; HE WILL ALSO DELIVER THE MOABITES INTO YOUR HAND.”II KINGS 3:17-18 NKJV
“NOW IT HAPPENED IN THE MORNING, WHEN THE GRAIN OFFERING WAS OFFERED, THAT SUDDENLY WATER CAME BY WAY OF EDOM, AND THE LAND WAS FILLED WITH WATER.”II KINGS 3:20 NKJV
“WHEN ABRAM WAS NINETY-NINE YEARS OLD, THE LORD APPEARED TO HIM AND SAID, “I AM EL-SHADDAI—‘GOD ALMIGHTY.’ SERVE ME FAITHFULLY AND LIVE A BLAMELESS LIFE.” GENESIS 17:1 NLT
“I WILL MAKE A COVENANT WITH YOU, BY WHICH I WILL GUARANTEE TO GIVE YOU COUNTLESS DESCENDANTS.” GENESIS 17:2 NLT
1. DIG A DITCH”AND HE SAID, “THUS SAYS THE LORD: ‘MAKE THIS VALLEY FULL OF DITCHES.’” II KINGS 3:16 NKJV
PHYSICAL OBEDIENCE BRINGS SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGHS“AND THE LORD SAID TO MOSES, “WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME? TELL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD. BUT LIFT UP YOUR ROD, ANDSTRETCH OUT YOUR HAND OVER THE SEA AND DIVIDE IT. AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL GO ON DRY GROUND THROUGH THE MIDST OF THE SEA.” EXODUS 14:15-16 NKJV
2. TRUST HIS WORD”NOW IT HAPPENED IN THE MORNING…”II KINGS 3:20 NKJV
 “EVERY WORD OF GOD IS TESTED; HE IS A SHIELD TO THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM.”PROVERBS 30:5 
"CAN ANY ONE OF YOU BY WORRYING, ADD A SINGLE HOUR TO YOUR LIFE?" (MATHEW 6:27). NIV
”BEHOLD, HE WHO KEEPS ISRAEL WILL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP." (PSALM 121 VS 4) NKJV
3. LIVE WITH EXPECTATION“NOW IT HAPPENED IN THE MORNING, WHEN THE GRAIN OFFERING WAS OFFERED, THAT SUDDENLY WATER CAME BY WAY OF EDOM, AND THE LAND WAS FILLED WITH WATER.”
II KINGS 3:20 NKJVSCREEN: “THEN THEY ROSE UP EARLY IN THE MORNING, AND THE SUN WASSHINING ON THE WATER; AND THE MOABITES SAW THE WATER ON THE OTHER SIDE AS RED AS BLOOD. AND THEY SAID, “THIS IS BLOOD; THE KINGS HAVE SURELY STRUCK SWORDS AND HAVE KILLED ONE ANOTHER; NOW THEREFORE, MOAB, TO THE SPOIL!” SO WHEN THEY CAME TO THE CAMP OF ISRAEL, ISRAEL ROSE UP AND ATTACKED THE MOABITES, SO THAT THEY FLED BEFORE THEM; AND THEY ENTERED THEIR LAND, KILLING THE MOABITES.”II KINGS 3:22-24 NKJV
“NOW A MAN WHO WAS LAME FROM BIRTH WAS BEING CARRIED TO THE TEMPLE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL, WHERE HE WAS PUT EVERY DAY TO BEG FROM THOSE GOING INTO THE TEMPLE COURTS. WHEN HE SAW PETER AND JOHN ABOUT TO ENTER, HE ASKED THEM FOR MONEY. PETER LOOKED STRAIGHT AT HIM, AS DID JOHN. THEN PETER SAID, “LOOK AT US!” SO THE MAN GAVE THEM HIS ATTENTION, EXPECTING TO GET SOMETHING FROM THEM. THEN PETER SAID, “SILVER OR GOLD I DO NOT HAVE, BUT WHAT I DOHAVE I GIVE YOU. IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, WALK.” TAKING HIM BY THE RIGHT HAND, HE HELPED HIM UP, AND INSTANTLY THEMAN’S FEET AND ANKLES BECAME STRONG. HE JUMPED TO HIS FEET AND BEGAN TO WALK. THEN HE WENT WITH THEM INTO THE TEMPLE COURTS, WALKING AND JUMPING, AND PRAISING GOD.” ACTS 3:2-8 NIV
 “NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THATWORKS IN US,” EPHESIANS 3:20 NKJVS
”AND GOD IS ABLE TO BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY, SO THAT IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES, HAVING ALL THAT YOU NEED, YOU WILL ABOUND INEVERY GOOD WORK.” 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 NIV

Eric Burton
The Sycamore Church
April 12, 2026
 
God Rewrites the Story
Mathew 28: 10-15
 
What the enemy means for harm, God turns into a testimony.
 
After the resurrection, the religious leaders had one urgent priority — control the narrative. They knew that if the story of a risen Jesus got out, it wouldn't stay quiet. It would spread. It would change everything.
 
But that's nothing new. From the very beginning of Scripture, this has been the pattern: God at work, and the enemy trying desperately to rewrite the story.
 
Think about Joseph. Sold by his own brothers, enslaved, falsely accused, forgotten in prison. By every human measure, his story was a tragedy. But Joseph saw something different on the other side of it:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."
— Genesis 50:20
 
The Apostle Paul echoes this same truth in the New Testament:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose."
— Romans 8:28
 
Here's what's honest, though — we believe bad things will happen to us. We almost expect them. But do we expect God to redeem them? Do we really believe that the painful chapters, the betrayals, the setbacks — that God can take all of that and make it into something unbelievable?
The enemy didn't want the story of Jesus told, so he tried to manufacture a different one. He still does that today — with your story. He wants you to believe it ends in failure, in shame, in loss. 
 
But God is in the business of taking what was meant for evil and turning it into a testimony that still gets told.
 
The resurrection is proof of that. The grave couldn't hold the story down. It never could.
Reflection
 
What part of my story have I stopped expecting God to redeem — and what would it look like to hand it back to Him?
 
How do I do this? Hebrews 12:2 tells us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Let Jesus take ALL THINGS and bring them under his authority. Surrender it all to Jesus today.

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Eric Burton
thesycamore.net

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www.thesycamore.net

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www.thesycamore.net