Last Words
June 23, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 20:17–38
Acts 20:17-38 | Andrew Murch | The time has come for Paul to leave Ephesus; his heartfelt words reflect the difficulty of such a departure. Paul exhorts and comforts the Ephesian elders with truths from his own missionary experience and the hope that they all have. The mission of God will continue to move forward to transform the world around them!
Eutychus Lives
June 16, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 20:1–16
Acts 20:1-16 | Andrew Murch | Continuing from last week, the uproar in Ephesus has come to nothing. The mob does not take Paul to court, so it gives him time to plan his next move. He sends Titus to Corinth, which is where he longs to go next, but it has not been smooth sailing with that church. He has had a contentious relationship with them since his first letter and subsequent visit. He now sends Titus to test the waters to see where things are there. The report he receives from Titus is positive and so, while Paul is in Macedonia he writes the Corinthians a second time. Paul then journeys to Corinth where he stays for three months.
Ancient Wonder
June 9, 2024 • Nathan Noorlun • Acts 19:21–41
Acts 19:21-41 | Nathan Noorlun | Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is booming, but you know what’s not booming because of this, the sale of idols of Artemis or the worship of her in her temple in the city. A silversmith named Demetrius is none too happy about this. You see, all these people turning to “The Way” is hurting his bottom line. Since everyone is turning to Jesus, they are no longer turning to the little silver god on the dashboard of their chariots. One thing leads to another, and Paul and his companions are dragged through the streets amid a full-scale riot. How will the gospel fair against such deep-rooted and violent opposition?
True Truth
June 2, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 19:11–20
Acts 19:11-20 | Andrew Murch | Power is attractive. We see it all over our world today that those who have power attract a group of followers and groupies. Who doesn’t want to be able to walk into the hottest restaurant in town without a reservation and say, “Oh, I’m here with...” Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is on fire. People are being healed left and right! In fact, Paul doesn’t even have to be there, if something like a napkin or apron has touched Paul, they are enough to heal people that then touch these items. It’s a million Christmas miracles and it’s not even Christmas! There is no one in the area who is not aware of Paul and the power that he wields in the name of Jesus.
The Whole Story
May 26, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 19:1–10
Acts 19:1-10 | Andrew Murch | Paul has finished his second missionary journey, yet he’s not done spreading the good news of Jesus by any means. He embarks on his third missionary journey in the city of Ephesus, a place he’d been to briefly a year before. He’d been asked to stay but felt called by God to move on, but he promised to return to them, “...if God wills.” And God has willed. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus continues for two years. As was his custom he starts in the synagogue during the first three months of his stay. Sadly, as happened in many of the places that Paul visited, many of the Jews reject his teaching and stubbornly refuse to believe. Therefore, Paul spends the rest of his time in Ephesus preaching in the hall of Tyrannus and through it all of Asia hears the Gospel message, both Jews and Greeks.
The Mission Continues
May 19, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 18
Acts 18:1-28 | Andrew Murch | After reading story after story of Paul’s boldness and tenacity in sharing the gospel, it’s almost shocking to hear God’s calm, quiet reassurance to “not be afraid . . . go on speaking . . . for I am with you.” We don’t know exactly what Paul was going through that warranted encouragement directly from heaven. But we do know that God spoke, reminding Paul of His faithfulness, and Paul listened and remained faithful.
The Search for God
May 12, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 17:16–34
Acts 17:16-34 | Andrew Murch | You can almost picture the formidable witness for the Gospel, Paul the Apostle as he arrives in the Areopagus on the top of the Hill of Aries, known in Latin as Mar’s Hill. We don’t often encounter explicit sermons from Paul in the Scriptures, but when we do, they are a treat. Facing the esteemed minds of the day, Paul seasoned his preaching with respect while at the same time boldly preaching nothing other than Christ and his resurrection. This text shows us the triune response to the gospel when it is preached, acceptance, curiosity, and denial, as well as the necessity of a pure preaching of the resurrection, no matter the cost. We ought to take a similar approach as Paul in our preaching of the Gospel. “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30–31).
Disturbing the Peace
May 5, 2024 • Andrew Murch • Acts 17:1–15
Acts 17:1-15 | Andrew Murch | Paul was no stranger to adversity. In fact, as you follow Paul’s journey, you will likely conclude that Paul has made obstacles, setbacks, and persecution his friend. In this section of text, we will see this same theme running its course as Paul shares the message of the Gospel, not knowing whether the seed will sprout into salvation, suffering, or both. May God use his Word this week to strengthen you with a humbled resolve to trust our God is working in every circumstance. When all seems thwarted, God is often doing his most significant work. As believers, our calling to the mission of sharing the Gospel to a broken and desperate world is as potent as it was for the Apostle Paul. Whether it be to our families, our neighbors, coworkers, or perfect strangers – it is the distinct honor of the saved to partner with the Holy Spirit in proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus’ work on the cross.
Hostile Territory
September 3, 2023 • Max Janusch • Acts 16:11–40
Acts 16:11-40 | Max Janusch | Before we begin our journey through Paul's letter to the Philippians, we first need to consider the establishment of the Church in Philippi. Throughout the book of Acts, the word of God takes root and spreads throughout the Mediterranean world as it is proclaimed. But what happens when the mission of the Apostles encounters uncharted and hostile territory? What happens when the gospel comes to Philippi? Here, we see that opposition cannot hinder God's mission. MAIN IDEA Opposition cannot hinder gospel mission. OUTLINE I. The gospel brings spiritual life where there once was none. (vv. 11-15) II. The gospel clashes with the world, the flesh, and the devil. (vv. 16-24) III. The gospel leads to complete transformation. (vv. 25-34) IV. The gospel will be vindicated. (vv. 35-40) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - What stood out to you from Sunday’s sermon? - What is the first thing that Paul and Silas do once they get to Philippi? How can we apply their behavior to our own lives? - What are the key details about Lydia’s conversion? Who/what is responsible for her turning in faith to Jesus? - What types of opposition do Paul and Silas face in Philippi? What types of opposition do we face today in our mission to spread the gospel? - What do new Christians do? - How does this passage challenge you to live and/or think differently?
Powder Keg
November 20, 2022 • Andrew Murch • Acts 8:1–4
Acts 8:1-4 | Andrew Murch | This section of Acts comes to a close with a person who is going to play an important role throughout the rest of the book. In the shadow of Stephen's execution, we are introduced to Saul, who "approved of [Stephen's] execution" (Acts 8:1 ESV). By the hand of Saul, the Church enters a brutal season of persecution. However, God has not finished his work of establishing his Church.
The Witness Stand
November 13, 2022 • Andrew Murch • Acts 6:8–15, Acts 7
Acts 6:8-7:60 | Andrew Murch | In this moment, the Christian movement receives its first martyr in history, and it launches an all-out “witch hunt” for anyone who would believe the same way as Stephen. We are introduced to Saul who is the primary mover in this persecution, and the church is launched into a new era of being hunted. This pivotal moment in the story of Acts continues two of the themes already established. The first is that the only proper response to the preaching of Christ is belief and repentance, which the religious leaders refused. The second is that as the church is persecuted it will only grow all the more. These two things are still true for the global church today as the message is shared in numerous languages and cultures.
The Small Stuff
November 6, 2022 • Gavin Hesse • Acts 6:1–7
Acts 6:1-7 | Gavin Hesse | As the gospel spread throughout the Jewish world, many Hellenists responded to the good news. The Hellenists were Jews who spoke Greek (instead of Hebrew), so the obvious language barrier in the church was likely the cause of this oversight. But as we see in this week’s text, a need in the church is an opportunity for the church to respond. While the word “deacon” is never used in this text as a noun, in verse 2, we see the verb “to deacon” (or “to serve”). This passage in the foundation for the office of deacon in the church, a group of leading servants who help carry out the practical needs of the church. These needs range from children’s ministry to media oversight, from caring for the facility to making sure widows have the food and help that they need.
Rise of the Resistance
October 30, 2022 • Andrew Murch • Acts 5:12–42
Acts 5:12-42 | Andrew Murch | The ongoing mission of the Spirit-filled church simply cannot be stopped. In this passage we see that following and obeying God is always worth it, no matter the consequences we will face. The high priest and the Sadducees are corrupt leaders who are now jealous of a genuine move of God. These spiritual leaders would have worked their whole lives only to gain a false authority and power and watch their influence slip right out of their hands as they oppose God and his Spirit. As the pressure increases against the apostles and the believers they never falter from the mission they have been sent on. As a result, they are once again sent to prison and they are once again delivered from it. This text reminds all Christians that following Jesus will lead us to tough decisions, difficult situations, and even persecution. In a world full of gray areas and compromises, the church stands firm on truth no matter what. When we do face trials of various kids, may we have the courage and boldness to say it is a privilege to be counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.
Wake-Up Call
October 23, 2022 • Andrew Murch • Acts 4:32–37, Acts 5:1–11
Acts 4:32-5:11 | Andrew Murch | The story of the Apostles and the early Church continues... We are reminded this week that we, as Christians, must always value and pursue truth and be known as people of truth. We also cannot ever elevate anything (or any person) above the holiness of God—no possession, no status, no position, nothing. God is a loving, caring, merciful, gracious, and jealous God!
The Powers That Be
October 16, 2022 • Andrew Murch • Acts 4:23–31
Acts 4:23-31 | Andrew Murch | In these early days of the church, we learn that the church is both a supernatural and ordinary thing. It is supernatural in that it cannot exist without the Spirit uniting and saving believers in Christ. The Spirit brings together people and puts them on mission together. In a world of broken people, it takes a supernatural work of the Spirit to fill and change hearts for people to be united. However, it is also very ordinary in that the church still has very practical needs and those united in the church work to help one another out. The church described here, as elsewhere in the New Testament, is like a haven in a storm. As the nations and the culture rages around, the church, the people of God, is the place where the Spirit dwells. Where heaven meets earth. The Church is where the people of God find refuge, care, love, encouragement, and boldness to serve on the mission of God. These apostles did not complete their mission without the church and neither can any Christian.