Acts 10 records one of the most significant events in the history of the world. It gives us a picture of how the Holy Spirit works in people's lives, and reveals the inclusivity of the church, the necessity of Jesus and the power of the gospel.
Following Jesus doesn't make life easier. In fact, it often makes life more complicated and challenging. In this sermon chronically Saul's bumpy ride post-conversion, we exult in God's sovereignty, reflect on how the powerful role we can play to counteract suspicion and distrust, and manage our expectations for what it means to follow Jesus and the role of suffering in our walk of faith.
In this passage we see Saul, a ruthless, relentless persecutor of God's people: but he's about to meet someone a lot more relentless...
In a world marked by division and delay, the gospel calls us to a faith that moves—a faith that runs. This sermon explores the Spirit-led obedience of Philip as he runs toward a divine appointment with an Ethiopian official on a desert road. Through this encounter, we see how God breaks down racial, cultural, and political barriers to bring the good news to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Faith That Runs challenges us to listen for the Spirit’s voice, step into uncomfortable spaces, and trust that when we go where God sends us, lives will be changed—including our own.
As the gospel spreads out from Jerusalem we hear a story about bearing and losing power. The story of Simon the Sorcerer challenges us to consider the power we have and how we use it for God's glory or sell it for our own gain.
After Stephen was stoned to death, it became untenable for Jesus' followers to stay in Jerusalem, and so they became scattered throughout the surrounding regions. This sermon explores how the Holy Spirit redeems evil, calls and equips believers to leave their comfort zones so that we can witness to the reality of the Kingdom, in word and in deed.
Pastor Pierre explores the story of Stephen, who is the first martyr (witness) of the New Testament Church. His bold rebuke of the religious leaders of his day results in his death, and reveals some important lessons for the church today.
Growing pains. Every family, church, organization, company and nation experiences them. As much as the early church was a family and a movement, it also had to figure stuff out. It had to create systems and structures and teams. It had to solve problems and make sure people didn't fall through the cracks. In this sermon, Pastor Bill examines how the Apostles and the church responded to a problem very early on--one that if not handled well, could have derailed what the Spirit was doing among and through Jesus' followers.
The gospel changes everything, including how we navigate danger, how we use power, and how we fulfill our vocations. In this sermon, Pastor Bill shows how the gospel triumphs amidst adversity, and how Jesus' followers can be faithful witnesses, even and especially during fearful times.
A couple lies about a donation and drops dead. This is one of the most challenging and upsetting passages in the New Testament. Pastor Bill explores what this reveals about God, about us, and about how churches can weather the storms of human selfishness.
How can we walk by faith and not by sight, especially when we are anxious, afraid or overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control?
Immediately after healing the man born lame, Peter and John are called onto the carpet by the religious leaders. "By what name did you do this?" Their arrest sheds light on some of the temptations leaders face. Their response is a beautiful example of courage and faithfulness under fire.
This week Luke presents the church in action, as Peter and John heal a man on the temple steps. This first miracle of the disciples after Pentecost paints a picture of a church that is not only concerned with loving one another, but with loving those around them as well. We will examine what it means for the church to be the True Temple, mediating God's presence in the world.
The first Christian communities were filled with awe, joy, gladness and praise. God's grace and power were powerfully on display through their relationships with each other. Listen as we peer into these communities together, and ask ourselves, "to what extent do we resemble them in our own day?"
After the Holy Spirit is poured out on Jesus' followers, the crowd begins to wonder if some of the Apostles are drunk. Peter gets up to explain what's happening, why it's happening and how the crowd should respond. Both Peter (chapter 2) and Paul (chapter 17) provide beautiful (and very different) examples of what faithful Christian witness looks like...and we can learn a lot from them today.
Pentecost marks the birth of the church. Listen as Pastor Bill unpacks the meaning of that day and its implications for our lives.
The Book of Acts is the story of how the Holy Spirit empowered a rag tag group of mostly uneducated blue collar workers to lead the world's first multi-ethnic, global religion. Pastor Bill helps us to find our bearings in this strange and wonderful book, which repeatedly insists that the incarnation continues, mysteriously and powerfully, through the Spirit-filled people of God.
Jesus is Risen! How does the resurrection speak to our fears, disappointments and confusion?
In this sermon, Pastor Bill looks at two VERY different portraits of prayer, that on their faces, seem to contradict each other. And yet, they hold together because of who God is, and who we are, in relation to Him. Prayer is fundamentally about communion with God, and that communion with God is what ultimately transforms us.
This week’s sermon is a call to slow down, notice the movement of the Spirit, and pray not just as a last resort, but as a way of life. Renewal is possible—in our hearts, our families, and our church—if we’re ready to make room for it.
