Acts
All Things to All People
March 17, 2024 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 21:15–26
Contextualization is a term we use to describe how we seek to embody the message of Jesus in a specific context. As the Apostle Paul arrives in Jerusalem, we see him contextualize the gospel message. Looking to his example, and ultimately the example of Jesus, we consider how we too can lay aside our preferences to serve people and preserve unity.
How We Encourage
February 25, 2024 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 20:1–12
We've all received encouragement at just the right time, when we needed it most. As the Apostle Paul wraps up his time in Ephesus, he encourages the disciples and then departs on a bit of an encouragement tour. This week we learn from Paul what encouragement can look like in the life of a church.
No Little Disturbance
February 18, 2024 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 19:18–41
Jesus doesn't cause just a little disturbance in our lives. He makes us new. As we continue to follow Paul's ministry in the city of Ephesus, we see the Way of Jesus move so powerfully in the lives of the citizens that social norms are changed.
What You See Is Not All There Is
February 11, 2024 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 19:1–17
In life, it's easy to believe that what we can observe with our eyes and touch with our hands is all there is. The truth, however, is that there is more than meets the eye. The spiritual realm is just as real as anything we experience with our senses. As Paul returns for a lengthy stretch of ministry in Ephesus, we see God the Holy Spirit move in powerful ways.
The Deck Is Stacked
February 4, 2024 • Kevin Marando • Acts 18
Paul enters the massive city of Corinth with a mission to make disciples and plant a church. Through utilizing his gifts and training within his sphere of influence, he discovers that despite discouraging circumstances, God aligned every detail so that a church would be planted and grow.
How We See Our City
January 28, 2024 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 17:16–34
As the Apostle Paul arrives in Athens, we see his heart for a people and a place. Paul's heart reflects the heart of Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem. Today, how we see our city should likewise be reflective of the heart and mission of Christ.
Right Side Up
January 21, 2024 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 17:1–15, 1 Thessalonians 1:7–8
As we continue on in our study of the book of Acts, we see Paul and team travel across Macedonia to the capital city of Thessalonica and then into Berea. In these cities we see unique responses to the message of Jesus. Paul's approach and the unique responses give insight into how we live out Christ's mission as His disciples.
Diverse Church Family
November 12, 2023 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 16:13–40, Philippians 1:1–6
This week we look at the birth of the church of Philippi, considered among the most healthy of the New Testament churches. In his record of the early days of this church, Luke highlights three conversions. Despite the diversity of these founding members, they are made into a family by the transforming power of Jesus.
Decision Making
October 29, 2023 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 16:6–12
Do you have a process through which you make decisions? As followers of Jesus we have the God of the universe informing the choices we make. Continuing in our journey through the book of Acts, we see the Apostle Paul and his growing missionary team following God's leading as they travel into Europe with the message of Jesus. We consider how to invite God into our journey and look at a rubric through which to make decisions.
What to Make of Conflict
October 22, 2023 • Kevin Marando • Acts 15:36—16:5
The Dynamic Duo of Paul and Barnabas split over whether or not to bring John Mark on their next journey leading to some unexpected results. This week we learn how God is sovereign even in our conflict and will use even our failures for our good and His glory.
Defining Who We Are
October 15, 2023 • Kevin Marando • Acts 15:1–35
It seems as though everyone is search for identity. When the diversity of the early church posed a challenge to their unity, they discovered that they only way they could live in peace was by focusing on their primary identity as Christians.
Perseverance
September 3, 2023 • Josh Wyatt • Acts 14
Every one of us will have to practice varying degrees of perseverance in this life. For those who follow the Lord, He provides the resources we need to endure life's challenges. As we continue through the book of Acts, we look at Acts chapter 14 and the perseverance of Paul and Barnabas in the region of Galatia.