Catalyst Church of Carrollton

They Were Dogs

In this powerful sermon titled "They Were Dogs," we explore the unwavering faith and perseverance of early believers amidst relentless trials. Drawing from key passages in Acts, Ben illuminates the transformative power of God’s presence even in the darkest of times.

This message serves as a reminder that God’s presence changes everything—empowering us to continue praising Him amidst adversity.

"They didn’t stop. God didn’t stop. Don’t you stop!"

 

Sermon Notes: 

”The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.“ Acts‬ 5‬:41‬-42‬ NIV

”Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts‬ 8‬:4‬ NIV‬‬

”The word of the Lord spread everywhere in that region. But the Jews stirred up the leading men of the city and the Gentile women of high social standing who worshiped God. They started a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their region. The apostles shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went on to Iconium. The believers in Antioch were full of joy and the Holy Spirit.“ Acts‬ 13‬:49‬-52‬ GNT‬‬

”The same thing happened in Iconium…” Acts‬ 14‬:1‬ GNT‬‬

”Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.“ Acts 14‬:19‬-20‬ NLT‬‬ 

“A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts‬ 16‬:22‬-25‬ NLT

Leadership Investment Session 1 | Ben Bonner

What is up, fam? I am doing a leadership investment. It's a teaching with our staff and leadership that I've been working on a while. And what I've decided to do is to share it on podcasts and other platforms. I think it'll bless you, your leadership, because we're all leading somebody or misleading somebody. It'll bless you and encourage you and you'll get clarity on where we're going and why as a church, because it's challenging our leaders, encouraging us. The best is yet to come, guys! God is moving in this church, and we are going to see some amazing things. And I just want you to have clarity. So, I think it will encourage you and give you some leadership wisdom that you can apply in whatever you're leading, wherever you're leading from home and beyond. And you can get a good taste of what we're doing at Catalyst because the best is yet to come, family. I love you. Check it out. Hope it blesses you! - Ben

Ordinary People

If you've ever doubted your own significance or felt inadequate, this sermon encourages you to embrace your ordinariness as a vessel for God's extraordinary work. Tune in as we explore how Jesus transforms lives through ordinary people who are willing to be instruments of His grace and power.

 

Sermon Notes: 

”Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with awe. All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, praising God, and enjoying the good will of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.“ Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭43‬-‭47‬ ‭GNT‬‬


”When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.“ ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬


As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.“ ‭‭Acts ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT

Keep it Simple: What's Your Ax Head?

Give God What You Got

In a world where scarcity often dictates our actions, Pastor Ben reminds us of God's ability to multiply our offerings beyond our imagination. We hope that this message encourages you to trust in God's faithfulness and generosity, knowing that He will supply all your needs according to His riches. Tune in to discover how giving God what you have can transform your life and the lives of those around you!

 

Sermon Notes: 

“As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. “Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!” Matthew 14:13-21 NLT

Give God what you got and He will take care of what you don’t got.

Keep it Simple: What Are You Doing With God’s Blessing?

When All Hell Breaks Out

Join us for an empowering sermon by Pastor Fred Ricks as he delivers a message that challenges and uplifts. Pastor Ricks emphasizes the importance of courage in confronting the challenges and obstacles that life presents, reminding us that we are not governed by fear but empowered by God's spirit of courage and love. It's time to shake it up!

Honey, Where's My Tools?

Join Mark Accord in this special Father's Day sermon titled "Honey Where's My Tools," where he dives deep into the timeless wisdom of Nehemiah. Drawing from Nehemiah 2:17-20, Mark emphasizes the power of collective effort and divine guidance in facing life's challenges. Whether you're a father, a mentor, or anyone seeking to make a positive impact, we hope that these insights from Nehemiah's story will inspire and empower you to build stronger foundations in your life and relationships.

Sermon Notes: 

We will teach our kids something. What we teach them is up to us!

Nehemiah saw the need for rebuilding and understood the power of collective effort and divine guidance.

"Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." - Nehemiah 2:17-20 (KJV)

What walls in your life need rebuilding?

Recognizing the Need

Pulling together the Right Tools

Our Spiritual Tools are Faith, Prayer, Wisdom, and Love.

Working Together

Overcoming Obstacles

Keep it Simple: Micromanaging and Manipulating God

Risk It For The Biscuit

In a world where fear and the need for approval often dictate our actions, how do we break free and truly live? Join Pastor Ben Bonner in this compelling sermon titled "Risk it for the Biscuit," where he focuses on the power of taking risks and trusting in the Lord's security. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 29:25, Ben encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the uncertainties of life with faith. Tune in to learn how to embrace risks for the ultimate reward!

 

Sermon Notes: 

Take Risks.
Don’t Be Trapped by Fear.
”People are trapped by their fear of others; those who trust the LORD are secure.” Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭25‬ ‭CEB‬‬
”Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.“ Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
”As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point.“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT