A Life Hidden in Christ
Paul is in prison and the end of his life is near. In the midst of these circumstances he writes some powerful words: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” That is a remarkable perspective on life but not an easy one to embrace. Let’s consider together what it means to […]
The Rest of the Story — Jim Goodson (7 Aug 2016)
From Acts 21:10-14. Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem began a period of imprisonment that lasted about 5 years. What can we take from Paul’s view of God in this situation to help us the next time we find our life in pieces?
The Gospel Entourage — Dan Waugh (31 July 2016)
This message explores several things that accompany the gospel when it comes to town (or into a person’s life).
Behind a Frowning Providence — Dan Waugh (24 Jul 2016)
In Acts 18:1-17, a lot of people feel God’s “frowning providence.” They face suffering, sometimes for Christ’s sake; other times they’re just caught up in evil that is being perpetrated in general. But, in this chapter we see God’s purposes ripening as he sovereignly works through their distress to build his kingdom.
Strange Ideas — John Mangrum (17 Jul 2016)
From Acts 17:22-32. A look at how Paul sought to communicate the gospel to a well-educated, biblically-illiterate audience.
(July 10 Public Disturbances) — John Mangrum (10 Jul 2016)
Pastor John Mangrum continues our series Follow Jesus into the World with a look at Acts 16:16-34. Evil takes notice when the power of God is present, and this often leads to confrontations with the world order. But who will we look to for stability when the earth is shaken under us? Rome? Our abilities […]
Theology Crafted in Community — Bob Whitaker (3 Jul 2016)
From Acts 15:1-21. Theology is a quest for knowledge about God and a parallel inquiry concerning how to follow God. Theology is not boring ideas; it is life in action. Theology is developed in a community with real-life situations full of human conflict, passion, and conviction. This passage is an example of theology which is […]
No Wasted Time — Josiah Leuenberger (26 Jun 2016)
Paul’s story comes at us fast in the book of Acts–he’s miraculously converted on the road to Damascus in Chapter 9; two pages later he’s being sent by the Antioch church on his first missionary journey to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Join us Sunday as we reflect on God’s work in forming Paul […]
Surprised by God — Bob Whitaker (19 Jun 2016)
From Acts 12:1-17. The believers in the early church had seen numerous miracles performed following Jesus’ death. It seems that they shouldn’t have been surprised by another, but they were. Some suggest that this indicates a lack of faith, but is that the best interpretation of the story? Maybe they were surprised by the grace […]
The Sending Church — Bob Whitaker (12 Jun 2016)
The church at Antioch was a sending church, sending Barnabas and Saul off to missionary work. After all, the church is not for itself; it’s for the world. God uses this human, and also eternal, institution to accomplish his eternal purposes.