This Sunday we will jump into the fourth and final section of the book of Acts. The major theme of this section is that The Story Continues. The same Spirit continues to advance the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are part of the story God has written and continues to write. Acts 21:1-16 starts off Paul's journey back to Jerusalem. It's a crazy section. People around Paul claim to be hearing from the Holy Spirit and do some bizarre things, like tying themselves up with his belt. Paul continues on in the face of it. We are going to take time on Sunday to approach the question of what we do when Christians come to different conclusions while pursuing the will of the same Spirit of God. How do we deal with disagreement? How do we walk in step with the Spirit, or with any confidence that we are actually following Him?
Walking in the Spirit
Acts 21:1-16
May 5, 2019 • Pastor Bill Riedel
The Story Continues
August 11, 2019 • Pastor Bill Riedel
It's always bittersweet for me when we close out a series. On the one hand, I have loved walking through this with you and have learned so much. I have hope that we have been shaped as a church to be more Spirit-led and to see our part in the story God is writing as the Word advances through the church of Jesus Christ. On the other, it's hard to say goodbye. - Pastor Bill
Rome at Last
August 4, 2019 • Pastor Bill Riedel
In this passage, Paul makes it to Rome at last. That doesn't mean it was easy, though. When we left off, he and the others aboard the ship had made it safely to land after a shipwreck. We see that they had landed on the island of Malta. There are clear themes of hardship and hospitality throughout this section. In all of it, we will see that God's promises bring us freedom, and our ability to trust His promises will free us to live life to its fullest.
Shipwrecked
July 21, 2019 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This passage is the most detailed nautical narrative in any ancient literature. It is a gripping story of sailing, a storm, disagreements on board, and an eventual shipwreck. Through it all, Paul shows an incredible sense of calm, focus, decisiveness, and confidence. He had faith that Jesus would bring him to Rome, even if it wasn’t quite the path he, or anyone else, imagined. This is an important passage for us. There is an important interplay of faith and action, trust and wisdom, in our lives.