Acts 12:1-25 | Andrew Murch | The camera shifts, the scene changes, and we’re once again back in Jerusalem seeing what is happening to the church and the Apostles there. As we look back at the epicenter of the early church, we also see the heart of the persecution of Christians. Herod is ramping up his ongoing attempts to silence and suppress the Church’s influence. He rounds up Christian leaders, kills James, and imprisons Peter during the celebration of the Passover when the people of Israel commemorate their deliverance from Egypt. Not only is this a significant date in the Jewish calendar, but not many years prior, on this same day, Jesus himself was betrayed by Judas and delivered up to death (Luke 22:1). During these dark days for the early church, believers are reminded of the dark hours of Christ’s death. However, in both instances, death would not be the end of the story.
Opposition to the Mission
Acts 12:1-25
May 7, 2023 • Andrew Murch
Freedom in Christ
June 25, 2023 • Noah Soistmann
Acts 16:11-40 | Noah Soistmann | This passage is a beautiful reminder for us to slow down and look for where the Lord is working. Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, constantly distracting ourselves, what would it cost to slow down, to look others in the eyes, and pray for the Lord’s leading? Who could the Lord lead you to this week?
The Builder
June 18, 2023 • Andrew Murch
Acts 16:1-10 | Andrew Murch | Have you ever taken a moment to look back through your family line and trace the impact of the gospel? Do you know who was the first person in your family to follow Jesus? For some of us it’s parents, or grandparents, or even great-grandparents who passed on the faith. For many, it’s starting with you right now! You are beginning a culture of passing on the faith to your family. For both we praise God! The Lord is creating His family and He often does it within the context of our individual families.
Break Point
June 11, 2023 • Andrew Murch
Acts 15:36-41 Andrew Murch | After being a fly on the wall at a moment of division and clarity for the church, we now are let into a conversation that seems like another very small debate. Two friends, Paul and Barnabas, co-laborers in the gospel, have a disagreement. This is the Barnabas who was the only one to welcome Paul into the faith. These two men have journeyed in missions together, preached the Good News together, and have faced harsh persecution and near death together. They are bonded in Christ, and yet when it comes to deciding the next step in their ministry, the two men debate. Apparently, it’s also a big enough argument to lead to them going their separate ways as they continue to preach the gospel and baptize new Christians.