We all feel hopeless at times. It’s an effect of the broken world we live in. But there is hope today. A Living Hope. A certain and sure promise that will never fail. Jesus is alive, and thus our hope is alive. May we turn to Him, and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Division destroys. When there is dissension in a relationship, it dishonors God, is destructive to those in the relationship, and is repulsive to those outside. In Acts 15 the church almost divided, broke apart. But thanks be to God that the grace of Jesus won out!

Persecution is forcing the church outward. As Some Of Them moved to Antioch, they faithfully spoke of Jesus to those in the city, and the hand of God moved to start a church. These were everyday people, just moving cities, and taking the hope of Jesus with them! We can be Some Of Them too! Acts 11

One of the worst feelings is being excluded, on the outside looking in. And for generations, this was the case for anyone who was not a Jew. Until Acts 10. When God made clear in dramatic fashion that He shows no partiality, but anyone and everyone is invited to the table through faith in Jesus. Acts 10

While the church is growing, so is the intense persecution against Christians, led by the murder breathing Saul. There must have been a sense of helplessness. But where things seem impossible to us, nothing is impossible with God. Acts 9:1-31

The love of Christ should compel us to continue the work of Christ. Acts 8:1-25

We are all looking to make the most out of life. We believe that life is found in knowing, trusting, and following Jesus in obedience. Stephen lived this life to the very end and lacked nothing in doing so. But rather, he gained everything! Acts 6, 7

We see in Acts 4 what it looks like to be bold and obedient and then in Acts 5 what it looks like to be dishonest and disobedient. At the end of the day, it’s not about our works or outward appearance of obedience, but rather, it’s about our relationship with God and if we are growing in our love for God. Loving God produces obedience. Acts 4:13-21, Acts 5:1-11

God restores us from the inside-out through the transforming power of the Gospel. Acts 3, 4:11-12

Because God is our Father, we are freed to live as a family, encouraging & supporting one another. Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37