In our study of The Story, we have been examining the persecution of the earliest Christians. In particular, the church in Jerusalem faced oppression, leading many disciples to flee into the surrounding areas of Judea and Samaria. But “those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4)In Acts 10, we reach a critical point in the church’s history: the conversion of Cornelius, the first Gentile Christian. In this powerful story, we see the expansion of God’s kingdom promise, extending now to those who were formerly considered “outsiders.” And we see the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “…and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”Join us today in Acts 10 as we discuss the conversion of Cornelius.

At the stoning of Stephen, we are introduced to a young Pharisee named Saul (Acts 7:58), a ruthless persecutor of the church. Acts 9 opens with an ominous scene: Saul, “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples (9:1),” seeking the execution of Christians as far away as Damascus. Saul has zealously devoted himself to the annihilation of the early Christian movement.On the road to Damascus, Saul’s life was dramatically altered when he encountered the risen Christ. With a flash of light, Jesus asks, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (9:4) Saul experiences a dramatic conversion and answers God’s call to carry the name of Jesus before the Gentiles as well as the people of Israel (9:15).Today, we reflect on Acts 9 and the story of Saul, the zealous Pharisee who would become Paul, the great Christian missionary.

A conintuation of the study of Philip and the Eunuch.

Acts 8 focuses on the ministry of Philip, the evangelist who shares the Good News with “outsiders," namely a group of Samaritans (8:4-8) and a eunuch from Ethiopia (8:26-40). In the preaching ministry of Philip, we see the gospel leaving Jerusalem, even Judea, and moving into Samaria just as Jesus commanded in Acts 1:8.Through Philip, the Good News extends to the marginalized. The Samaritan was considered to be the despised ethnic and spiritual “half-breed” in NT times; likewise, the eunuch would not have been granted entry to the inner courts of the temple. And yet, the Good News about Jesus is Good News to Samaritans and eunuchs as well. In this powerful chapter, we come to understand that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News for everyone!

Dr. Bradley discusses the day of Pentecost, Peter's powerful sermon, and the beginnings of the church and how we can be a part of His body.

Acts is the book of church history and a book of "firsts," including:First mention of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (and the fulment of the prophecies of Daniel, Joel, andIsaiah.The answer to the most important question, "What must I do to be saved?" is answered seven times.Church discipline is addressed for the first time.First idea of church governmentFirst martyr (stephen)First missionary (Phillip)

Our study of The Story has reached it’s critical chapter. As the hour of darkness falls, the followers of Jesus wonder, “Is this the end? What about the kingdom Jesus promised? Were we wrong? Did we miss something?” Messiahs reign; they don’t die on crosses.But this is where the story makes a crucial turn. Messiah in fact dies on the cross AND reigns! The death of Jesus on the cross is matched by the improbability of the empty tomb. These two events form the central act of human history and are the basis of the Christian faith. Join us today in John 20-21 as we focus on the power of the empty tomb.the resurrection.

Prior to their observance of Passover, Jesus shows his disciples the full extent of his love (13:1): he washes their feet. Taking up the towel of service, Jesus demonstrates humility and compassion, teaching his followers to do the same: “You also ought to wash one another’s feet,” (13:14).At this Passover feast, Jesus institutes a new covenant meal sealed with his own blood, a memorial we observe in our worship today. In these next chapters of our study, we will see that God is at work to liberate His people from bondage. But just prior to His betrayal and arraignment, Jesus offers a final teaching on trust in God (14:1); a promise to return (14:3); and a bold affirmation of His identity: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” (14:6).Join us as we examine John 14, a critical episode of Jesus’ final hours prior to the crucifixion.

A teacher of the law approaches and asks Jesus to identify the greatest command in Torah. Jesus replies with a fairly standard answer: He quotes the Shema, known as “the Great Teaching” in Judaism. “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”But Jesus takes another passage of Scripture - a seemingly obscure teaching from Leviticus 19 - and places it alongside Shema. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” According to Jesus, these are the two most important commands in God’s Word. Love God. Love Others. In these four words, Jesus gives us a dissertation on ethics, worship, and obedience to God’s commands. Join us today in Mark 12 as we reflect more on these words of life.

In our study of The Story, we have reached the crucial question: Who is Jesus? This question was surely on the lips of the crowds as they listened to his teaching and marveled at his miracles. At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples about this and they share what they’ve heard: “Some say you are John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”Then Jesus makes it personal: “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” On behalf of them all, Peter answers: “You are the Christ.” This -- the identity of Jesus -- is the heart of the matter. Peter’s confession prompts us to reflect on our own answer to the same question: Who is Jesus? Join us today as we reflect on this powerful story found in Mark 8:27-38.