Acts 4:23–37
It has been said that in times of crisis, life is stripped down to its essence. In Acts 4, we see a crisis come to the church, and we learn the essence of what God intended the church to be.
The Roots: Inclusive Exclusivity
Acts 4:1–21
Is Jesus really the only way to God? How should we respond to people who think we are arrogant or morally superior because of our "exclusive beliefs"? The early church faced these questions and provides some helpful guidance for offering an inclusive exclusivity.
The Roots: Practicing What We Preach
Acts 3:1-10
As the early church moves out on Jesus's mission, their proclamation of the good news is joined by a demonstration of the good news. The Gospel in word and deed brings healing and transformation.
The Roots: The Message
Acts 2:14-41
No one can deny that over the past 2000 years the movement which began in Acts has made a tremendous impact on the world. How did this happen? What power brought about this impactful movement? In Acts 2 we hear Peter's message which points to the power. Has this power impacted you?
The Roots: The Spirit and the Church
Acts 2:1–13, 42–47
"Work! Work! Work!" Ok, honestly, how did you read that sentence? Did it stress you out? Did you hear complaining? In Acts 2, we hear about work that unleashes and liberates and grows. Acts 2 tells us about work, work, work that is good, good, good!
The Roots: The Soil
Acts 1:12–26
Spring is here! Well, sort of. Maybe you've already gotten out to turn the soil in anticipation of your garden this summer. What's your soil like? What soil did the roots of the early church grow in? Turns out it was an essential soil for all our growth.
The Roots: The Catalyst
Acts 1:1 – 11
For most of us the ascension of Jesus doesn't get 'top billing' like his birth, death or resurrection. And yet, Luke tells us that Jesus's ascension stirred in the disciples "great joy." When we understand what it means, we'll find reason for joy, too!
The Roots
Acts 1:1–5
Where can we turn to figure out life in the "new normal"? How about the book of Acts? As the first followers of Jesus sought to live out the reality of the resurrection, they sure had to figure out a vastly new normal. Nothing would ever be the same again! We begin this series with observations and implications to guide us through the weeks ahead.
Easter Sunday: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
John 20:1 – 18
That first Resurrection Sunday truly is the first day of the rest of our lives. In the details and the delight of John's account of that day, we learn that through the resurrected Jesus we are now offered a new reality and a new relationship. The glorious gift of Easter cannot be understated!
Palm Sunday: What Are You Looking For?
John 12:12 – 26
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, crowds swarm around him. The Pharisees seem to throw up their hands and say, " Look, the world has gone after him," and what happens next proves their point. No doubt they realize that the only way to stop Jesus is to kill him. What Jesus says next proves them wrong.
Global Outreach Sunday: Exiles in Crisis—on Purpose
Esther
In the story of Esther, we will see that God is present in hard times. In fact, hard times are part of His plan. God proves Himself trustworthy and gives ordinary people a chance to participate in His plan for the world. We can all be missionaries.
The Big God in Troubling Times: Prequel to The Revelation
Daniel 9 – 12
The book of Daniel wraps up with an amazing vision of things to come. This vision reminds us that the Big God is in control and offers us four lenses for how to view our current troubling times.
Kids Activity Sheet
The Big God in Troubling Times: A Prayer and a Promise
Daniel 9
Through reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel realizes that the end to the exile is drawing near. He cries out to the LORD in an impassioned prayer and receives His unparalleled promise. As you consider the message of Daniel 9, how are you preparing yourself for His promised work in your life?
The Big God in Troubling Times: Readied and Numbered
Daniel 8
In Daniel 8, we see a vision with more wild imagery, this time about events that would take place about 300 years after Daniel's time. What does a fulfilled prophecy from ancient times have to do with us today? A whole lot, actually, especially for our troubling times.
Kids Activity Sheet
The Big God in Troubling Times: A Theology of History, Part 2
Daniel 7
The second half of the book of Daniel begins with some wild imagery. Scary beasts rising from the sea. A belligerent, warring little horn. One like a son of man. The Ancient of Days. What does this all mean? What does it say to us today?
The Big God in Troubling Times: Countercultural Identity
Daniel 6
This Sunday we return to our series in Daniel, "The Big God in Troubling Times." In chapter 6, Daniel identifies his ultimate allegiance not with the power structure of Babylon but rather with the one true God. And he's willing to pay the price. A counter-cultural identity grounds itself in the only One who can truly deliver.
Baptism: The Threefold Declaration
Romans 6:1–14
This Sunday we celebrated the baptisms of Ron Skaife and Luke Foley. Baptism is commonly called, "A public declaration of a personal decision." There are also two additional declarations made in the waters of baptism and this threefold declaration is something to celebrate!
The Big God in Troubling Times: Weighed in the Balances
Daniel 5
"We dare not presume upon the grace which God has shown to others. To know that God is gracious and yet not to turn from our sin in the light of that grace is to fall under His righteous judgment. Such was the experience of Belshazzar.” (Sinclair Ferguson)
The Big God in Troubling Times: The Animal in Us All
Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar had it all: Power, Authority, Wealth, Kingdom. Until he didn't and he became like an animal. Pride will do that to all of us. Thankfully, the Big God is a merciful God.
The Big God in Troubling Times: Through the Fire
We all feel a desire to 'fit in.' But what happens when 'fitting in' means being someone we're not? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are motivated by more than just fitting in and it makes all the difference.