Acts: The Church, Then & Now
Hope
April 21, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 28:17–31
If one word could be used to sum up the condition of our world right now, I think it would be “unstable.” Whether we are talking about the Stock Market or the Middle East, gasoline prices or the coming elections there is a sense in which unstable is an appropriate description. In the last message of the book of Acts Paul is imprisoned in an unstable situation. Yet, he continually presents hope to his audiences. And when they reject his message of hope in the Messiah, he tells those who won’t listen that hope will be sent to those who will. Join us as we consider our ultimate “Hope” in an unstable world.
A Focused Faith
April 14, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 20:17–35
The voices of today’s world call for our attention about all kinds of things. Are we safe? Are we prosperous? Is the culture suitable for our children and their futures? Is our culture healthy or deteriorating? Is our political leadership doing what’s right or leading us into ruin? The voices of Paul’s world were very similar. Yet he lived a life of focused faith. Join us as we take a look at a life consumed by purpose and driven by mission and think about how we can also live a more focused faith.
Fill in the Blanks
March 17, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 19:1–10
Wise people have always counseled others to “not jump to conclusions”. Sometimes we can jump to disastrous conclusions, other times we jump the right way but just not far enough. Join us this morning as we consider a story in which men had made positive decisions about Jesus but hadn’t jumped far enough due to only getting part of the story. Learn with us how to fill in the blanks.
The Unknown God is Alive and Well
March 10, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 17:16–34
In all our lives there is a desire to count for something. We want a life that is meaningful and that experiences a sense of fulfillment. Humanity seems to be hard-wired to pursue these same things. In ancient times as well as today we often settle for insufficient substitutes that temporarily meet our needs but ultimately let us down. Paul addressed some of these things to the people in Athens when he saw an altar built to an unknown god. Join us as we consider this search for fulfilment in life and the danger of the insufficient.
Expectations
March 3, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 15:1–35
During a very tense meeting the apostle Peter asked the people debating why they would expect other people to follow the Law that the Jews themselves couldn’t follow? And when we read that we all say “Amen”! But Peter’s question is equally applicable to us. In light of all God forgives simply because of His love for us, do we extend grace to others that results in life-changing transformation? Or do we express expectations of others that we couldn’t keep ourselves? Join us Sunday as we consider our expectations, and learn to live in and express to others the forgiving grace of a loving God
Do We Keep the Change?
February 25, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 11:19–30
Have you ever told someone to whom you had given too much money for a purchase, “keep the change”? It’s usually a matter of convenience or gratitude for a job well done. But when you and I are expected to change, we may tell others to keep the change to themselves, we are fine just like we are. Yet, the message of Jesus and his grace carries with it the expectation that we will be changed. Join us this morning as we consider the changes God’s grace can bring.
“What Isn’t Said!"
February 11, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 10
In some Bible stories what isn’t said is just as important as what is said. Today we consider a passage that gives us critical affirmation in our relationship to God’s kingdom and receiving his forgiveness. But what isn’t said by Peter is also important to notice. It is important because in today’s world many of us are tempted to say what Peter didn’t. Join us as we learn to love people everywhere, and what not to say.
“It’s All About…?”
February 4, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 8:4–40
Sometimes Christians think our goal is to invite people to church and then the church will tell them about Jesus. But what if the bigger picture is just the opposite? Maybe we’re to share the great things the Messiah has done in our lives and then invite people into the community of faith? Join us as we look at the different ways Christ was shared with people who were different.
Power Struggles
January 28, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 4:23–35
As politics and wars and the threat of wars spin up all around us, we are tempted to stress out and see doom and gloom. Or we might be tempted to take some kind of action to get things under the kind of control we think is best. This week we look at how the early church responded during the political, military, and religious power struggles that threatened their existence. And maybe, just maybe we’ll be encouraged to pursue the same strategy ourselves. Join us as we consider “Power Struggles”.
No Silent People
January 14, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 3:1—4:22
If given the chance to talk to other people about something that excites you, what would it be? For Peter and John in the book of Acts the answer was always related to Jesus, who He is, what He did, and what He offers to mankind. Peter and John told the religious people of their day that Jesus is the one who gives hope, times of refreshing, and the promise of life in God’s presence. And when pressed to be quiet they said, It is impossible for us to not talk about what we’ve seen and heard. Join us as we celebrate a life worth talking about in the person of Jesus.
The 2024 Church
January 7, 2024 • Mike Waldrop • Acts 1, Acts 2
Have you ever started to do something and then forgotten what you were doing? Something distracted you; someone interrupted you, or your own thoughts just interfered. Sometimes the same thing happens to churches. We begin the New Year by refocusing on what we believe the Lord would have us to do, and to become in 2024. Join us as we consider the book of Acts and begin a series on the “The Church Then and Now.”