We begin with Acts 8:1-25 as we see that the persecution erupted in Jerusalem following the martyrdom of Stephen. The suffering was real and intense, but had an unexpected consequence that the Word of God and the gospel spread beyond the geographic and ethnic lines that we see represented in Acts 1-7. The first chapters of Acts are dominated by the ministry of Peter and the Apostles. In chapter 8 we see the scattered church proclaiming the gospel as Philip brought God's Word to Samaria.
The Word Spreads
Acts 8:1-25
September 9, 2018 • Pastor Bill Riedel
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Acts - The Word Spreads
God Gets the Final Word
November 18, 2018 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This passage starts off pretty bleak. James the Apostle is killed, Peter is imprisoned and awaiting execution, and Herod is triumphing over the church. But God... This passage helps us to see that in the darkest of times, God can surprise us by bursting through with glorious light. His work can be surprising and confusing. The one thing we need to have confidence in is that His Word will continue to spread and increase. So, in the darkest days, God's people pray.
Christians in Antioch
November 11, 2018 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This passage shows us a glimpse of the founding of the church in Antioch. The church in Antioch was the original church planting church. This passage shows us how we as a church can join God in His work as His Word advances. It’s an incredible passage that shows the power of the gospel and the value and role that each one of us has in the church.
Fear and Control
November 4, 2018 • Pastor Bill Riedel
After Peter witnessed the movement of the Holy Spirit extended to the Gentiles in the salvation of Cornelius and his entire household, he returned to Jerusalem. The homecoming could not have been what Peter hoped for. His church family back home heard reports of what Peter had been up to and met him with criticism and questioning. This is not an unfamiliar story. When the Holy Spirit moves, it will always mess with our categories. Even today, feeling out of control can make us turn to fearful and critical hearts. Peter's thorough response helps us to see how to respond to each other in patience and love, pursuing unity as we join God in His work.