Remain True | ACTS

Have you ever noticed that just about all of the romantic movies coming out of Hollywood are about how couples first get together and fall in love? I guess that’s what sells tickets, but rarely do you see a movie about a couple battling through the challenges of life together in order to remain true to each other. While that might not be the message coming out of Hollywood, it is definitely the spirit of the message coming out of a city called Antioch: “remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:23).

Opponent Turned Teammate | ACTS

Did you ever have an opponent who became your teammate? I did. His name was Wayne. In Junior High, I played basketball against him, and he was good! But then in high school, our schools merged together and we ended up on the same team. I went from hating that guy to loving him! I think the disciples of Jesus had a similar experience with a man named Saul. His transition from enemy to teammate wasn’t a smooth one, but thankfully there’s a hidden hero in our story: Barnabas.

Standing Up in Excitement | ACTS

Have you noticed that when we get really excited or filled with anticipation, we tend to stand up? We do this all the time at sporting events or concerts (and maybe even at church!). This Sunday we’re going to look at a story in Acts 7 that tells of how Jesus stood up from His throne in excitement and anticipation. What would compel Him to do that?

Acts of Courage | ACTS

I wouldn’t consider myself a true student of American history, but even I am familiar with Samuel Adams and The Sons of Liberty instigating the Boston Tea Party. Americans took courage from their act and three years later, our Declaration of Independence from England was born. Historians describe such an act as civil disobedience. Well, if there is such a similar act in the New Testament, it’s found in Acts 5.

Hurricane Force Winds | ACTS

Have you ever been in a hurricane? I have, just once. It was an experience I will never forget. The howling winds which blew sheets of rain sideways is an image captured in my mind which illustrates the potential power of nature, and of God. It was the wind of His Holy Spirit which was powerfully blowing through Jerusalem in the first century – through the Church of Jesus Christ.

Unparalleled Wonder and Excitement | ACTS

I had the joy and privilege of being there for the birth of my children. Those are definitely two of the most joyous days of my life (and I’ve never been so proud of my wife!). There’s just an unparalleled wonder and excitement about a birthday – welcoming new life into this world. Well, this Sunday we get to witness the birthday of the Church in Acts 2, and it too is a day filled with wonder and excitement.

Totalitarianism | Hot Summer Topics 2021

People of my generation and older remember that significant moment in world history when the Berlin Wall fell. It symbolized the end of tyranny and oppression by communist regimes and their totalitarian ideologies…or so we thought. Over the past few decades, there are several indications that our own great nation has moved more in that direction. So, what is the threat and how do we respond as followers of Jesus?

Critical Race Theory | Hot Summer Topics 2021

If you watch the news at all, then you’ve certainly heard about Critical Race Theory. It’s definitely a “hot topic” in our culture right now. And, unfortunately, it seems to be causing even further division (even in the Church). So, what is “CRT”? What’s good about it? And, what’s not good about it? What does the Bible have to say about it?

What’s Your Story? | His Word, My Story 2021

We have received encouraging feedback from many of you regarding the messages from our pastors around Scriptures that have had a meaningful impact in their personal walks with God. In the same spirit, we will also share a couple of passages this Sunday that have had tremendous significance in the course of our lives. Our hope is that this series encourages you to allow God to write your story according to the truths and help offered in His Word.

A Hidden Treasure | The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…

When my daughter was young, we bought her a metal detector. She wanted to search for treasures buried underneath our property (she came up empty, unfortunately). I think there’s something inside of us that gets stirred up when we think about discovering treasure. It’s the stuff of dreams, and of movies. It also makes for a great parable