When discussing spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues, one thing should take center stage: Graciously building each other up, in love.

Hope grows from being in the Word and in being in relationship with God and one another through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The “first church”, just before the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, displayed five characteristics worth emulating: They were diverse, united, praying, Bible-based and obedient.

Jesus’ purpose for his followers is clear: Be My Witnesses. However, at the beginning of the story he calls his followers to wait for POWER. Both commands are important and should be followed.

One great purpose in our study of Acts is to shape our faith in the God of creation who has made Himself known to us through His Son, our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Christ.

Be kind to people you meet. Your kindness may lead to discussions that allow you to pray for them out loud at that moment (having asked their permission).

In our periods of unbelief, Jesus meets us sympathetically and restores us to a living relationship with him by a personal encounter which re-enlivens our deepest dreams about who we could be in His eyes.

At the joint Good Friday service of Hope Chapel and Christ Church of Austin, members of our communities shared reflections on Christ's seven final sayings on the cross. The following recording includes their comments along with the introduction and prayers by Rev. Cliff Warner and Pastor Geno Hildebrandt. Due to the personal nature of the reflections, the announcement of the speakers' names has been removed.

It is possible to see Easter and the resurrection of Jesus as being the work of God on our behalf. To see this great work as being all about us. However, the Triumphal Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, traditionally celebrated as Palm Sunday, can only be seen as all about Him and His glory.