Paul finally made it to Jerusalem and stepped into a culturally divided context where the heat was getting turned up. As he tried to navigate the tensions of the day, it ended up being personally costly, but he was able to speak the beauty and hope of good news into a culturally heated context. There is massive crossover for us as we navigate the divides of our time and see the realities that we must understand if we are going to join God in His good work in our city.
Good News for Culturally Heated Times
Acts 21:17-22:29
May 12, 2019 • Pastor Bill Riedel
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Acts – The Story Continues
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.