Acts 28:1-28

As we approach the end of a long, arduous trip, we can often find ourselves so tired, cranky and drained that we just want to hurry up and get there. As Paul begins the "final lap" of his long journey to Rome that has included imprisonment, beatings, storms and being shipwrecked on an island, it would be understandable if he just curled up in his cabin and said "wake me when we get there." Instead, Luke records several more opportunities where being ambassadors for Christ in word and deed paves the way for Paul to continue to testify about Jesus in Rome. Join us Sunday to see what we can learn from Paul's gospel witness all the way to Rome.

Luke 15:1-2, 11-32.

What do you find worthy of celebration? Do you ultimately celebrate what Jesus does? In our passage Jesus identifies obstacles to celebrating the gospel and invites us to join him in celebrating what he does.

Acts 27:1-44

Having endured angry mobs, violent beatings, death threats and a lengthy imprisonment, the apostle Paul finally finds himself on the way to Rome to appear before Ceasar. But the journey is anything but smooth sailing. In the midst of great peril from a hurricane at sea, Paul, along with the entire crew, is reassured by God's promise and rescued by God's providence. Here we near the end of our journey in Acts with adventure on the high sea.

Acts 25:13-26:33

One tactic often used by defense lawyers to help their clients receive reduced sentences is to plead insanity. If a person is "out of their mind" then they cannot really be held accountable and may avoid the consequences for their actions. When Paul made his defense before the governor and king, he was accused of being mad, but instead he made the case that the gospel is the most sane thing anyone could believe. Here we look at Paul's final trial in the book of Acts and see why we as followers of Christ can boldly plead perfect sanity in our witness to others.

Acts 24:1-25:12

Having been sent away to Caesarea from Jerusalem, Paul now finds himself standing trial once again – this time before the governor Felix. Still with no credible or substantial charges being brought against him by his opponents, Paul nevertheless continues to make his defense. But what should have been a quick and straight-forward process gets stretched out for years. We consider Paul’s time in Caesarea and learn how God continues to work in and through his people during seasons of waiting so that He might be glorified and His Word may continue to go forth.

Acts 22:22-23:35

Being a bold witness for Jesus Christ often takes an incredible amount of courage. Whether it’s courage to speak when we are afraid to do so, courage to confront another when the potential consequences are troubling, or courage to endure some form of hardship or persecution, the simple truth is that it takes courage. But where does this courage come from and how do we sustain it? Here we continue studying the Book of Acts and see how gospel courage is born out of our adversity and sustained by God’s providential care for the details of our lives.

Passage: Acts 21:27-22:21

Sometimes seeking to be a faithful witness and bridge gaps with those who don't agree or understand us can result in even greater disagreement, misunderstanding and even hostility. Such is the case with the apostle Paul as he finds himself at the temple and suddenly at the mercy of a hostile mob of Jews. Ironically this assault leads to an opportunity for him to "apologize." We continue to follow Paul and learn what it means to make an apology for ourselves and our faith.

Acts 21:1-26

Listening to the counsel and wisdom of other fellow believers is one important element of discerning the Lord's guidance and will in our lives. As Paul heads towards Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey, he receives wise counsel from many not to go there in light of the danger he would face. Yet he decides to press on and go anyway. Once in Jerusalem, Paul receives counsel from the Jewish believers there that appears to go against the freedom of the gospel he so adamantly defends. Yet, he decides to heed their advice. Here we continue to follow Paul and learn what it means to discern and trust God's will when the way isn't always clear.

Acts 20:17-38

Saying goodbye to family, friends or loved ones is never easy, especially if you know there's the likelihood that you might not see each other face to face again. When considering such a moment, we usually give careful consideration to what we have to say, so that our parting words convey the lasting impression we want to leave with those dearest to us. As the apostle Paul prepares to return to Jerusalem, he calls together the elders of the church at Ephesus, a church especially dear to his heart, and in his final words to them he shares wisdom that would guide them in their continued shepherding God's flock. Now we see what we can learn from Paul's parting words of wisdom and grace.

John 20:19-29

After his tomb was found empty, it took some convincing of Jesus' closest followers that he had risen from the dead, as he had told them he would. But upon seeing their risen Savior, their fearful skepticism turned to bold witness, a witness that was and continues to be the main conduit for the gospel's powerful impact in the world. This Easter Sunday we look at the significance and impact of being resurrection witnesses.