Acts 17:13–34
The apostle Paul's experience in Athens offers us helpful guidance for speaking about Christ in our own contexts. We can learn a lot from what Paul sees and feels, and what he does and says.
The Roots: Three Transforming Gospel Conversations
Acts 16:13–34
Each one of us has our own story of how the Lord found us. Here we see three transforming Gospel conversations that encourage us to be ready for whatever encounters the Holy Spirit might bring our way!
Bulletin
The Roots: What Matters
Acts 15:1–32
In Acts 15, the early church stood at a crossroads and had to clarify what really matters. It's amazing how the clarity gained in an ancient discussion is still so relevant today.
The Roots: Prayer More Powerful Than Injustice
Acts 12:1–18
Jailed Peter + earnest prayer of the church = God's miraculous deliverance. But why not every time? Because we're not praying earnestly enough? Because we're asking for the wrong thing? The mystery of prayer goes even deeper still.
Kids Activity Sheet
The Roots: Standing in God's Way
Acts 10:34–11:17
Oftentimes it’s not immediately clear what God is doing; it just seems like life is being turned upside down. When this happens, it’s tempting to keep things right side up, but what if that just gets in God’s way? This is what Peter was faced with, and he asked a great question: Who am I to stand in God’s way?
The Roots: No Exceptions
Acts 10
Jesus died for all of us, which means salvation is available to everyone, not just to those we deem desirable.
The Roots: No One's Disqualified
Acts 9:19–31
In Paul we see a persecutor of Christians become transformed into a courageous Christ-follower regardless of the cost. The key truth for us all is who chose whom.
The Roots: Saul's Conversion to Christ and Ours
Acts 9:1–19
Saul’s conversion is very exciting, but how does it apply to us?
The Roots: (Extra)ordinary Good News(izers) - Part 2
Acts 8:26–40
As we continue in Acts 8, we see the same good-news-izer, Philip, but in a different location. Same good news, but different method for making it known. Our takeaway? Some things change, some things stay the same. It's important to know the difference.
The Roots: (Extra)ordinary Good News(izers)
Acts 8:1–25
When the early church encounters serious opposition, the believers scatter. But not in fear. They scatter as ordinary good-news-izers spreading extraordinary good news. And where they go speaks volumes to us today.
The Roots: An Ordinary Christian
Acts 6–7
We can't forget what happens when the "new normal" of the resurrected Jesus gets ahold of ordinary people like Stephen. We become full of power and grace as seen through impartiality and service. When good news gets a hold of your life, no cost is too great.
The Roots: Sadly Stuck in the Old Normal
Acts 4:34–5:14
The "new normal" of life in light of the resurrection offered the church a tremendous opportunity for a change of perspective. Unfortunately, Ananias and Sapphira were sadly stuck in the old normal of an all too familiar perspective. Which perspective will we choose?
The Roots: Boldly into the New Normal
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.