Against All Odds
September 10 – November 26, 2023
The God Who Opens Doors of Faith
November 26, 2023 • Blaine Dennison • Acts 14:21–28
Walt Disney’s first animation company went bankrupt, Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple, and J.K. Rowling’s first manuscript was rejected by 12 different publishers. But that’s not where their stories ended, is it? These wildly successful people all have one thing in common: Tenacity. Nothing—not opposition, rejection, or even utter failure—could take their eyes off the prize. The same could be said of Paul, whose Spirit-powered boldness turned the world upside down. The question is, can it also be said of you? “The God Who Opens Doors of Faith,” challenges us to consider, Do I have my eyes on the prize?
Unstoppable but Uncomfortable
November 19, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 14:8–20
Celebrated as one of history’s greatest motivational speakers, the inspiring words of renowned author and orator Zig Ziglar have reached millions. Among dozens of books and countless speeches, perhaps one of Ziglar’s most prominent quotes is the oft-repeated, “It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be worth it.” “Unstoppable but Uncomfortable,” reveals how this familiar platitude is never truer than in the case of the Gospel. With a front-row seat to the challenges faced by the earliest evangelists, we’ll consider what it takes to follow in their footsteps.
Preach the Gospel Without Words?
November 12, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 14:1–7
In the thick of a fallout with longtime bandmate and co-writer Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards released his first-ever solo album in 1988. The title? Talk is Cheap. The album struck a chord with listeners across the US and UK, where it topped charts and amassed gold-record sales. Millions resonated with the artist’s calloused sentiment: Actions speak louder than words. “Preach the Gospel Without Words?”, explores how this same sentiment has shaped the way we live our faith today. Together we’ll confront the question, Is talk cheap after all?
Gospel Reactions
November 5, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 13:42–52
Black licorice, bleu cheese, Brussels sprouts – what do they all have in common? You love it or you hate it. Let’s face it – when it comes to anchovies on pizza, there’s really no middle ground. And the Gospel is no different. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Gospel Reactions,” gives us a taste of the biggest controversy in human history: the message of Jesus Christ. What will your reaction be?
God's Ultimate Work
October 29, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 13:26–41
Renowned today as the Father of Invention, Thomas Edison was not always so celebrated. In fact, in 1878, Edison’s work was deemed “unworthy of the attention of practical or scientific men” by a very unimpressed British Parliament Committee. Within the year, however, Edison’s scoffers would be silenced by the release of his flagship invention: the world’s first electric light bulb. Like Edison’s nay-sayers, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day landed themselves on the wrong side of history. Something world-changing happened right under their noses, but they managed to miss it. How about you? Which side of God’s story are you on?
The Search for Salvation
October 22, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 13:13–25
“X” marks the spot. Throughout history, adventure-seekers have devoted their lives to the hunt for lost treasure. Even from childhood, we’re captivated by tales of their perilous journeys through jungles and across seas in search of something extraordinary. Like the great treasure-hunters of old, we all find ourselves chasing something that will satisfy our deepest desires. Yet, as one hunt leads to another, our cravings only grow.
Into Enemy Territory
October 15, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 13:4–12
As followers of Christ, we have been given marching orders to go out into the world and make disciples. But it’s a world that has rejected him. Yet, it takes discernment to relate to the world without becoming like the world or rejecting it but being a light in the world. In this message, we'll discover who our real enemy is, and what to expect when we step into battle.
A Sending Church
October 8, 2023 • Adam Mashni • Acts 12:25—13:3
What do a professional racecar driver, NBA point guard, and NFL quarterback all have in common? Sponsors. From Nike’s swoosh to Red Bull’s wings, the biggest stars rep the biggest brands. Stadiums are filled with the supersized logos and famous one-liners of the corporations that make these big-name athletes their millions. But what does all this have to do with Acts? Join us tomorrow as we turn our attention from the star players of the early church to the One behind it all. Don’t forget your foam finger!
Pride Falls
October 1, 2023 • Caleb Middleton • Acts 12:20–24
“Pride is like bad breath – everyone else around you knows when you have it.” As we read these famed words by C.S. Lewis, we can all think of someone who gives off the “stench” of pride – maybe a coworker, relative, or the chair of your HOA – but did you ever stop to ask what others smell on you? Join us for our upcoming message, “Pride Falls,” as we discover what happens when human pride collides with the Word of God.
Happy Interruptions
September 24, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 12:6–19
“An unsuspected turn of events that completely changes the outcome from the direction it was likely to go” Few things captivate an audience like a plot twist. Who doesn’t love that mind-blowing, never-saw-it-coming feeling they get when the same-old story takes a staggering turn? As we continue our series “Against All Odds: How the Name of Jesus Spreads,” we’re taking a front-row seat to one of the book of Acts’ most dramatic plot twists. Join us for our newest message, “Happy Interruptions,” to see God’s hand at work in the most unexpected ways.
Whose Kingdom Come?
September 17, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 12:1–5
From generations past, humans have crafted stories of good vs. evil. Whether Red Riding Hood encountering the Big Bad Wolf or Batman bringing The Joker to justice, our bookshelves and TVs tell the same age-old tale. This Sunday, we’re continuing our study in the book of Acts by uncovering the source of humanity’s preoccupation with good and evil. Join us for our newest message, “Whose Kingdom Come?” as we take a close look at the true battle raging between darkness and light.
One Small Step for Man
September 10, 2023 • Jon Morales • Acts 11:19–30
A true superfan will do anything to prove their devotion. From a sports fan tattooing the team jersey over their entire torso to a boyband groupie eating a lock of their celebrity crush’s hair, the bumper stickers and t-shirts just don’t cut it for these hardcore fans. We begin our study in the book of Acts by examining the lives of some of Jesus’ most devoted followers in our new series, Against All Odds: How the Name of Jesus Spreads.