Acts 10:1–11:18 Who’s in God’s family? Everyone washed clean by Jesus, welcomed by grace, and sealed by His Spirit. The SetupGod is setting up a meeting between Cornelius and Peter, proactively dismantling Old Covenant barriers The SurpriseThe Gentiles are sealed by the Spirit in the New Covenant through Jesus, without becoming Jewish The SortingIn the New Covenant, Jews and Gentiles alike come directly to the Father, through Jesus alone, by the Spirit Takeaway: “Ever welcome to this house of God are strangers and the poor”

Acts 9:32–43 We’re all works in progress living in a world under construction—yet Jesus is still working, healing, and bringing resurrection hope. Expansion∙ Jesus’ work is reaching further Extension∙ Jesus’ work is multiplying wider Expectation∙ Jesus’ work is pointing higher Takeaway: “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

1 Kings 18:30–39  Though fear grips tight, faith can take root. What threatens to undo us can become the ground where trust in God grows strong. Elijah’s experience with fear provides several lessons for the church today on how to endure anxieties and setbacks. Discover how our Father in heaven responds to our emotional vulnerability.  1. Fear is normal.  2. Fear interrupts faith. 3. Fear cannot revoke your calling.  Takeaway: Fear is the opportunity to experience God’s comfort, restoration, and guidance. Spiritual strength is grounded in unwavering dependence upon God.

Acts 9:1–31 In a striking reversal, the persecutor became the persecuted, displaying the Gospel’s power. Only the risen Christ could turn an enemy into an ambassador. Saul’s Conversion • The Gospel confronts and consoles. Saul’s Community • The Gospel changes and challenges. Saul’s Commission • The Gospel compels and confounds. Takeaways: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” –Romans 1:16a

Acts 8:26–40 Ever feel too broken or unworthy for God? In Jesus, the outsider is embraced, the cut-off are welcomed, and joy overflows. A Divine Appointment• God is going out of His way in pursuit of the Ethiopian Eunuch through Philip. A Spiritual Pilgrimage• This Ethiopian Eunuch's longing for hope is riddled with pain. A Gospel Breakthrough• In Jesus, this Ethiopian Eunuch is fully welcomed. Takeaways:• The Gospel is for you.• Jesus is our way in.• “What prevents me from being baptized?”

Acts 8:1–25 When chaos scatters God’s people, does evil win? In Jesus’ hands, persecution spreads the Gospel, reconciles people, and cultivates humility. The Redeemer• Persecution in Jesus’ hands becomes Gospel-propulsion. The Healer• Estrangement in Jesus’ hands becomes Gospel-reconciliation. The Teacher• Ego in Jesus’ hands becomes Gospel-humility. Takeaways: Put it all in Jesus’ hands

In the darkest persecution, Jesus stands with those who stand for Him. Stephen's witness and martyrdom revealed God’s glory, sparking unstoppable faith. THE FIRST MARTYRActs 6:8–7:60 Stephen's ChargesBlasphemy against Moses, God, Temple, and Law. His DefenseThe real blasphemy is rejection of Jesus Messiah. His WitnessStephen sees and shines Jesus as his final testimony. Takeaways:Standing for Jesus has never been easy. Jesus stands with the ones who stand for Him. Our greatest sermon is our Christlikeness. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] What if conflict strengthened the church? The early church’s growing pains led to Spirit-filled unity that empowered diverse leaders and multiplied impact.The ProblemThe Problem: Distortion & Distraction The SolutionThe Solution: Integrity & Intentionality The ResultThe Results: Mutuality & Multiplication Takeaway: The more we become what we believe, the more the world beholds the Gospel’s beauty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Weird Prologue The story begins with the sons of the prophets, a humble community serving the Lord. When a borrowed iron axe head falls into the Jordan, Elisha miraculously makes it float. Though small and strange, this miracle shows that God cares deeply for the problems of ordinary people—even when those problems don’t affect history. God delights to bless and intervene, no matter how insignificant our crises may seem.  A Blind King The king of Syria repeatedly tries to ambush Israel’s king, but Elisha warns him each time. Frustrated, the Syrian king suspects betrayal, until he learns that Elisha, God’s prophet, reveals his plans. Blind to reality, the king foolishly attempts to capture Elisha. His blindness highlights not physical sight but a failure to grasp God’s power and sovereignty.  A Blind Servant and a Blind Army Elisha’s servant panics when they are surrounded by the Syrian army. But Elisha prays, and God opens the servant’s eyes to see an unseen angelic host of fiery chariots all around. Elisha then prays for the enemy to be struck with blindness, leading them into Samaria. This demonstrates that God’s power invades the ordinary through prayer and that true sight requires faith.  Another Blind King The king of Israel, Jehoram, is eager to kill the captured Syrians. But Elisha commands him instead to feed them and send them home. Though Jehoram sees his enemies delivered to him, he is blind to the deeper truth—that YHWH alone is worthy to be obeyed and feared. By showing mercy rather than slaughter, Israel gains peace, revealing God’s heart for nations and His ways that are better than ours.  Application: God cares for you. He cared about a lost axe head, about kings, armies, and even enemies. Nothing is too small or insignificant for His notice. God is capable. Whether crises are small or international in scale, both are equally manageable for Him. This world is a lot stranger than we think. Like Elisha’s servant, we are often blind to the unseen spiritual reality around us. Our prayer life should reflect all 3 of these realities. Pray as though God cares, as though He is capable, and as though His solutions may be unexpected or unusual.  Takeaway: God’s power invades the world of the ordinary because of the prayers of His people.

Be encouraged you have reasons to rejoice. Believers are commanded to rejoice always. Joy is deeper than happiness and is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in remembering what we have in Christ. In Him we have acceptance, adoption, forgiveness, hope, grace, salvation, love, and the sealing of the Spirit. Remembering these truths fuels rejoicing and brings encouragement.Be encouraged you have access to God. Prayer is ongoing communication with God and an awareness of His presence and dependence on Him. We are told to pray without ceasing, trusting that God always hears and answers, even when the answer is “no.” Through the Holy Spirit we are taught, strengthened, and guided. Prayer is like spiritual breathing, sustaining our relationship with God.Be encouraged in everything. God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances. Even in trials and hardships, we can trust His sovereignty and power. Every situation is used for our sanctification, shaping us to serve and share. Nothing is too great for God; while we may ask Him to remove mountains, He promises to walk with us as we climb them.Takeaway: Saved to serve and share. When saved, believers are summoned to serve and share Christ. Service unites the body of Christ and flows from the meaning, purpose, and joy found in Him. We must stop living between “if” and “when” and embrace the truth of the gospel today. Whether we know Him, need restoration, or have yet to believe, the call is the same: be encouraged, Jesus died for you, loves you, and offers reconciliation with God.

Jesus and the Agony of an Unanswered PrayerMark 14:32–42Pastor Erwin Lutzer Four Questions That Beg for an Answer1. What was the Cup?2. Who Gave Him the Cup?3. What was Jesus’ Request?4. What was Jesus’ Response? Five Lessons for our own prayer life1. Today’s prayerless Christians are tomorrow’s backsliders2. Unanswered Prayers are not unheard prayers3. Our “cup” must be accepted from the hands of God4. Our Redemption was founded on an unanswered prayer5. Jesus was abandoned so we will always be welcomed

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]How well are you sleeping these days? Pain is God’s wake-up call to the soul (Psalm 32:1-4)Sin damages us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. David describes how unconfessed sin drained his strength and joy. Pain, though often normalized in our culture, is God’s loving pressure to alert us that we’ve strayed from His truth and need to return to Him. Confession is the doorway to forgiveness (Psalm 32:5)Confession means fully acknowledging our sin without excuses or blame-shifting. David resolved to stop hiding and honestly admit his wrongs to God. This wholehearted honesty opens the door to God’s mercy and releases us from guilt’s grip. Forgiveness lifts the burden of guilt and brings the joy of salvation (Psalm 32:6-7)When we confess, God removes the threat of judgment and becomes our refuge. His forgiveness doesn’t necessarily change our circumstances, but it turns groaning into praise and shelters us in times of trouble. Salvation is the heart of our worship and the motivation of our mission (Psalm 32:8-11)The forgiven are called to guide others toward God, urging them not to resist His leading. Experiencing His steadfast love should compel us to worship joyfully and to lead our families, communities, and the world in trusting Him. Silence is not an option for those who have been delivered. Conclusion: How well are you sleeping these days? Why don’t you do something about it?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Sanctification: For YouSanctification—becoming more like Christ—is God’s will for every believer. It's not about earning salvation but about growing in holiness because we've been saved. This growth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, includes developing self-control, especially in the area of sexual purity. Paul calls believers to abstain from all sexual immorality and to live in holiness and honor. Temptation often looks good, but trusting God's voice over our desires is key. Self-control reflects faith and prepares us for eternity. Though we stumble, sanctification is a lifelong process that doesn't undo our justification. Believers fall into three groups: the complacent, the discouraged, and the gospel-centered. Each is reminded that God is patient, just, and faithful to complete the work He began.  Sanctification: For OthersSanctification is not just personal—it’s missional. Paul lists six areas where our growth in holiness impacts others:Holy Sexuality – Purity honors others and strengthens our witness. Love – Without genuine love, even right actions ring hollow. Live Quietly – Avoid stirring up controversy; be peaceful. Mind Your Own Affairs – Speak truth with humility and grace. Walk Properly – Work hard and live dependently on God, not others. Grieve Well – Believers grieve with hope, pointing others to the promise of resurrection.  Sanctification: For the LordChrist is returning, and we will be with Him forever. This coming reality is the reason we pursue sanctification. God's commands are not burdens—they are preparation for eternal joy with Jesus. Every act of obedience trains us to love Him more than this world. Ultimately, the question is: What is your life preparing you for? Earthly success is fleeting, but sanctification shapes us for eternity with Christ. Living for Him now reflects the hope of being with Him forever.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]The Book of Acts reveals how the life of Jesus is unstoppable, advancing through His people despite every form of opposition. Acts 5:17–42 answers the question of how Jesus works through us to change the world, showing a divine partnership between God’s power and our participation. This passage presents four key ingredients that demonstrate how we join Jesus on His mission. 1. Unexpected PowerThrough weakness, God reveals His strengthIn Acts 5, the apostles are imprisoned by jealous religious leaders for boldly preaching about Jesus. But during the night, an angel miraculously releases them and instructs them to return to the temple and keep proclaiming the message. Despite their weakness and powerlessness, God demonstrates His strength by freeing them and continuing His work through them. The apostles’ imprisonment becomes the stage for God’s unexpected and undeniable power. - Through weakness, God reveals His strength 2. Undaunted WitnessThrough obedience, God displays His supremacyWhen brought before the Sanhedrin, the apostles refuse to back down. They boldly declare that they must obey God rather than men and proclaim Jesus as the crucified and exalted Savior. Their courageous witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confronts their accusers with both truth and invitation. Despite pressure and threats, their obedience becomes a testimony to God's supreme authority and unmatched worth. 3. Unfading EnduranceThrough perseverance, God proves His purposesThe council is enraged and wants to kill the apostles, but Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advises caution. He points to past failed movements and argues that if this movement is from God, it cannot be stopped. His words prove prophetic, as the gospel spreads across the world, showing the endurance of God’s purposes through His people. The apostles keep showing up—faithfully living, proclaiming, and enduring—and through them, God proves the lasting truth of His mission.  4. Unquenchable JoyThrough suffering, God unveils His worthinessAfter being beaten and warned not to speak in Jesus’ name, the apostles leave rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Him. Their suffering doesn’t discourage them—it deepens their joy. It proves the authenticity of their faith, draws them closer to God, strengthens their character, and displays Jesus as their highest treasure. Their joy in suffering highlights the incomparable worth of Christ, who is more valuable than comfort, safety, or reputation.  Takeaway: Through our weakness, obedience, perseverance, and suffering, the unstoppable life of Jesus continues to transform the world. We each have a role to play in bringing this life to others.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]The early church was growing rapidly, marked by unity, generosity, and powerful witness. But as momentum built, a new threat emerged, not from external persecution, but from within the community itself. Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit revealed a spiritual attack designed to corrupt the church from the inside. This passage confronts us with sobering questions about holiness, sin, and the seriousness with which God protects His people. What is going on here?The early church is under spiritual attack from within.As the church grew rapidly in unity and generosity, Satan shifted his tactics from external persecution to internal sabotage. While believers were sacrificially caring for one another, Ananias and Sapphira conspired to lie about their offering. Motivated by pride and a desire for recognition, they pretended to give the full amount from a land sale while secretly keeping part back. Their deceit wasn’t just a personal sin, it was a direct lie to the Holy Spirit and a threat to the spiritual health of the entire community. God responded immediately by striking them dead, exposing their hypocrisy and protecting the church from the internal decay of duplicity and pride. Why is it such a big deal?God is purifying His church through a severe mercy.This moment is a big deal because it reveals both the holiness of God and the deadliness of sin. God is utterly holy and will not be mocked or approached with pretense. Like in other moments at the start of major redemptive eras, such as with Nadab and Abihu, Achan, and Uzzah, God acts decisively to set a precedent. His swift judgment shows that He is serious about sin, especially in the formative days of His church. At the same time, the sin of Ananias and Sapphira was far more than a minor misstep. It was deliberate, deceptive, satanic, and corrosive. If left unchecked, it would have poisoned the church’s unity, witness, and trust. In His severe mercy, God cut off this threat before it could metastasize. Though He judged them physically, it may be that He preserved their souls, protecting both them and the church through a hard but merciful act. How should we respond?God is holier than we realize.God’s holiness is awe-inspiring and demands our reverence. He is not tame or to be taken lightly. We must approach Him with sincerity, obedience, and humility, recognizing His glory and our unworthiness apart from Christ.Sin is deadlier than we realize.Sin is not just personal weakness, it is spiritual poison. It dulls our conscience, spreads like cancer, and endangers not only ourselves but our communities. God’s patience with our sin should not be mistaken for approval; it’s a call to repentance.Mercy is greater than we realize.The fact that we are not judged instantly for our sin is evidence of God’s incredible mercy. Jesus absorbed the full wrath of God on the cross so we wouldn’t have to. Even the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira points to mercy, God’s grace in preserving the church and possibly their souls. We must never take that mercy for granted.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Boldness For JesusActs 4:1–31Pastor Philip Miller In our secular, pluralistic culture, there is constant pressure to keep our faith private and stay silent about Jesus. But this goes against His commission to make disciples of all nations, we are called to boldly share the Good News. True boldness for Jesus must be gracious, loving, and rooted in a desire to speak the truth with humility and courage. Saving NameJesus is the only Name that saves.Peter and John boldly proclaimed that Jesus is the only Name that saves. Even when arrested and brought before the same powerful leaders who condemned Jesus, they declared that the crippled man was healed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth, crucified and risen. Peter explained that Jesus is the Cornerstone, rejected by people but essential for salvation, because there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. They found courage knowing that Jesus alone perfectly bridges the infinite gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. Supreme AuthorityGod is the only Authority that matters.When ordered by the authorities to stop speaking about Jesus, Peter and John refused, appealing to God’s supreme authority. They recognized that they answered to the One who made heaven and earth, who rules over every earthly power. Knowing they had been with Jesus and were commissioned by the Highest Authority gave them confidence to keep speaking, no matter who told them to stay silent. Spiritual PowerThe Spirit is the only Power we need.After being released, the believers gathered to pray, not for safety or less opposition, but for continued boldness. They trusted the Holy Spirit to empower them to keep proclaiming the Gospel, even as threats increased. God answered by shaking the place they met and filling them with the Spirit, enabling them to continue to speak the Word of God with boldness. They knew that the Spirit’s power, not human strength, was the source of their courage. Takeaway: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Signs Of The TimesActs 3:1–26Pastor Philip Miller At the end of Acts 2, the early church is growing rapidly through the Apostles’ preaching and miraculous signs. Acts 3 zooms in on one specific miracle, a lame man healed at the temple gate, which serves as a powerful sign meant to point beyond itself. Like a road sign to a scenic view, this healing directs our attention to deeper spiritual truths about Jesus and His Kingdom. Our SituationOur need is deeper than we know.A man, lame from birth, begged daily at the temple gate, showing how our visible struggles often point to deeper spiritual needs. Like him, we seek temporary fixes—money, relationships, success—thinking they’ll make us whole, but our true problem lies deeper. Jesus knows our real need and offers not just relief, but restoration and life. His miracles are signs pointing beyond physical healing to the complete renewal He promises in God’s Kingdom. Our SaviorOur Jesus is greater than we realize.The healed man’s joyful leaping drew a crowd, and Peter made it clear that Jesus—not human power—had performed the miracle. Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One, crucified but raised by God. Faith in His name brings healing and salvation. Jesus gives grace, the gift of faith, and blessings far beyond what we ask. Even those who once rejected Him can receive mercy. He alone deserves the glory because He saves completely and abundantly. Our SolutionOur time is shorter than we think.Peter urged the people to repent, reminding them that even though they acted in ignorance, they were still responsible. Jesus’ suffering fulfilled God’s promises through the prophets. Repentance brings forgiveness of sins, spiritual refreshment, and hope for the full restoration Jesus will bring when He returns. Jesus fulfills all of God’s covenant promises, and He alone offers true salvation. Time is short, so people must turn to Him now before the opportunity passes. Takeaway: Repent and believe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?Mark 15:33-39Rev. Stephen E. Farish Mark 15:33-39 reports the supreme moment of all redemptive history, when Jesus Christ the Son of God on the cross bore the sins of sinners and thereby satisfied the righteous wrath of God the Father against those sins. However, we naturally ask what in the world was happening in the spiritual realms when Jesus uttered the last words we would expect to hear from the mouth of the Son of God: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The answer to this question is that God in that moment, out of his immense and steadfast love, was delivering his people from his eternal judgment through the sin-bearing and wrath-bearing sacrifice of Jesus the Son of God on the cross. And the equally glorious reality is that God, through the cross, was not only delivering sinners from his wrath, but he was delivering us to nothing less than to himself! A. Three words of caution concerning our understanding of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross1. A caution from the doctrine of the Trinity2. A caution from the doctrine of the union of a fully human and a fully divine nature in Jesus3. A caution from the infinite love for and delight of the Father in the Son  B. Three hints at the meaning of the cry of forsakenness in v. 341. A hint from the Garden of Gethsemane prayer (Mark 14:36; cf. Jeremiah 25:15-16)2. a hint from the descent of darkness from noon to 3:00 p.m. (v. 33; cf. Amos 5:18; 8:9-10)3. a hint from the cry itself (v. 34; cf. Psalm 22:1)  C. Two applications of Jesus’ suffering of forsakenness1. to the lives of unbelievers, from v. 39 (cf. Mark 1:1)2. to the lives of believers, from v. 38 (cf. 1 Peter 3:18)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Together On The JourneyActs 2:42-47Pastor Philip Miller In the early centuries of the Roman Empire, Christians faced intense persecution for refusing to worship the emperor or other gods, leading to widespread suspicion and marginalization. Yet, Christianity grew rapidly because it offered a radically different kind of community—one centered on a personal relationship with God and open to all people, regardless of background. This new identity in Christ created a multi-racial, forgiving, caring, life-affirming, and covenant-keeping society that stood in stark contrast to Roman norms and attracted many. The earliest Christian community, as seen in Acts 2, embodied this transformative way of life, one that continues to shape lives and communities today through worship, community, service, and mission. The Journey of a LifetimeKnow God through WorshipGod created people to know Him personally and be in relationship with Him. Through worship, individuals respond to God's greatness with reverence, gratitude, and surrender. Worship includes gathering regularly with others to hear God's Word, pray, and praise Him. Feed Your Soul through CommunityFollowing Jesus is not a solo journey. Community provides encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. Small groups, classes, and relationships rooted in faith help individuals grow stronger and remain connected. Grow in Love through ServiceLoving others through service reflects the heart of Jesus. Using time, talents, and spiritual gifts to serve in the church and beyond builds up the body of Christ and strengthens personal faith. Change Your World through MissionEvery follower of Jesus is called to live on mission, sharing the gospel and meeting needs locally and globally. This includes acts of compassion, speaking truth, and living out faith in everyday life to reflect Christ’s love to the world. Takeaway: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:14–41 takes place on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is poured out and thousands witness supernatural signs. As a result of this message, 3,000 people respond and are baptized, marking the birth of the Church and the beginning of a new era in God’s redemptive plan.  Explanation: The Last Days are herePeter explains that the events at Pentecost fulfill Joel’s prophecy about the “last days,” a time marked by the outpouring of the Spirit, divine revelations, and signs in the heavens. This period stretches from Jesus’ ascension to His return, and it is a time for people to call on the name of the Lord and be saved. The Spirit is now available to all—young and old, men and women, servants and free—signifying the inclusive nature of God’s new covenant. Exposition: The Messiah has comePeter proclaims that Jesus of Nazareth was attested by God through miracles and wonders, yet was crucified according to God’s sovereign plan. He was raised from the dead, fulfilling Psalm 16, which foretells that God’s “Holy One” would not see decay. Jesus is the promised Messiah, David’s greater Son, whose resurrection confirms His identity and mission. Exaltation: The King is ascendedJesus is not only risen but also exalted at the right hand of God, having received and now pouring out the Holy Spirit. Psalm 110 affirms His royal authority as the Lord whom David called “my Lord,” who will reign until all enemies are defeated. God has made this same Jesus, who was crucified, both Lord and Christ—the exalted King of all. Exhortation: The promise is on offerConvicted by the truth, the people ask what they must do, and Peter urges them to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for all—those present, their descendants, and everyone whom the Lord calls. Salvation is a gift of grace, and the invitation remains open to all who respond in faith. Takeaway: “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”This is the core message of Peter’s sermon: salvation is available to all through Jesus Christ. In these last days, all who call on His name will be saved.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]