This morning, we celebrated the powerful ways God is moving in our world, especially among the younger generation. Stories from college campuses like Ohio State University, where thousands of students have come to faith and been baptized, remind us that God is not done working. Even in a digital age, Gen Z is hungry for truth, driving a surge in Bible sales and seeking authentic encounters with Jesus. We heard a moving testimony from Mackenzie, who found freedom and new life in Christ, and we rejoiced in the many baptisms happening right here at EVC across all ages. These stories are not just distant miracles—they are invitations for each of us to experience God’s transforming power in our own lives.

We reflected on what it truly means to be the church. The church is not a building or an event, but the people—God’s family, His body, His temple, and His bride. Looking back to the first-century church in Acts, we saw that the same Holy Spirit who empowered ordinary people like Peter is available to us today. The early church was marked by boldness, deep commitment, and a willingness to go “all in” for Jesus, even when it cost them dearly. Their devotion was not a one-time act but a continuous, daily surrender to God’s purposes.

God moves where He is wanted and welcomed. Transformation often begins in desperation and hunger for more of Him. The mission Jesus gave us is clear: as we go about our lives, we are to make disciples, baptize, and teach others to obey all He commanded. This is not a task for a select few, but a calling for every believer. Living on mission is not about striving in our own strength, but about being empowered by the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. We don’t need more strategies; we need more surrender.

The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, and sharing the gospel. These are the basics, but they are also the essentials for a movement of God. We are called to be disciples—apprentices of Jesus—who not only learn from Him but also help others follow Him. This means being intentional about gathering for teaching (“row time”), spending personal time with God (“chair time”), and connecting in smaller groups for growth and accountability (“circle time”). The invitation is to go all in, to live sent, and to trust that God will use us to bring transformation wherever we are.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome

[01:10] - Football, Culture, and Spiritual Movements

[03:45] - Revival at Ohio State and Gen Z’s Hunger

[09:11] - Testimonies of Life Change

[11:44] - God’s Work in Our Congregation

[14:08] - Mackenzie’s Story of Salvation

[19:19] - The Church: Not a Building, But a People

[22:54] - The Cost and Boldness of Following Jesus

[25:19] - God Shows Up Where He’s Wanted

[26:49] - Living on Mission in Everyday Life

[29:45] - The Great Commission: Our Mission

[32:08] - Making Disciples as You Go

[33:19] - Living Sent: Church Beyond the Rows

[35:49] - What Is a Disciple?

[38:26] - Be a Disciple, Develop Disciples

[41:14] - Supporting Mission and Multiplication

[45:03] - The Power Holy Spirit, Not Strategy

[47:33] - Surrender and the Spirit’s Power

[48:59] - Chair Time: Connecting with God Daily

[53:03] - Devotion: The Early Church’s Playbook

[57:14] - Row, Chair, and Circle: Pathways to Growth

[59:51] - Invitation to Faith and Prayer

[60:46] - Closing Prayer and Sending