The testimony and baptism of Rebecca Byeseda.

There are 3 important principles in today's passage that every follower of Christ should live by in their own personal ministry.

Today’s passage has a glorious implication to all of us. Just when it looks like when we’re finished, God has incredible plans in store.

The United States of America is experiencing a seismic cultural shift. One of the areas where this is evident is in discussions of homosexuality. Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin and by extension oppose institutionalizing gay marriage are being denounced as homophobic, intolerant, bigoted, and by our Presidents own classification – oppressive. An incredible degree of intimidation has arisen against anyone who opposes the current cultural agenda to normalize these relationships.

Combined with the reality most all of us have loved ones, family or friends who identify with the LGBT community, we struggle with how to process this reality, love them and stay true to our beliefs. It has even caused many to question the traditional teachings of the church.

There are a number of professing Christian writers and advocacy groups claiming the Bible doesn’t forbid committed monogamous homosexual relationships. As one writer states, "These people can be orthodox about Jesus and every other area of teaching; but they just think it’s all right to be a practicing homosexual.” One pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in America who I know personally and have worked with in the past has now endorsed the homosexual lifestyle and welcomes those who practice it to full membership and as pastors in his church. He is not alone in his opinion.

As he who runs a race never lets up until past the finish line, so are those who have heaven in mind. We must still be pressing forward to "our calling" with a holy desire and hope. The more fit we grow for heaven, the faster we must press towards it.

Many people struggle with God's presence, longing to experience Him in dramatic ways in order to erase their doubts about His existence and goodness. Others demand that God engage them following their preferences whereas others attempt to ignore God's presence because they want to live without Him. Today we will explore the biblical theme of God's presence and consider how we should live in view of this over-arching truth of Scripture and in life.

We live in a post-Christian culture here in the U.S. Identifying with the name of Jesus is more and more coming at a cost. So, by whom do you identify with? Will you deny Christ when under pressure? Or, are you willing to be called a hater, a bigot, unloving for the cause of Christ?

With the church growing by leaps and bounds in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas are sent back with some help of others to encourage the new Gentile believers.

As we enter Chapter 15, troubles ensue when certain Jewish believers challenge God’s decree that salvation be available to all people, not just the Jewish people.

It's not our habit to typically craft Sunday's sermon based upon what's on the front page of the newspaper this past week, but when a landmark decision is made by our Supreme Court such as this past week on the legal definition of marriage, we think it's important we address this issue Biblically and the Christian response.

Providentially, today's passage in Acts 14:21-28 still applies to this subject.