Calvary Arlington

Last week we looked at the dangers associated with discouragement as well as undue encouragement, this week as we examine chapter 15, there are more dangers to the young church. #actsoftheholyspirit #church #division #doctrine

What we see here is a Spirit-led adventure. “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity”. Certainly the Christian life can be a journey, but when you decide to engage in ministry, it often becomes an adventure. Adventure includes dangers. 

As we are continuing to follow the story of Paul’s first missionary journey, we have some great lessons and we get to read the Apostle’s first recorded message, and it’s a powerful one.

Chapters 13 and 14 tells us about Saul’s first missionary journey. He and Barnabas, along with John Mark initially, traveled from Antioch in Syria to Cyprus and then Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), sharing the gospel, establishing churches, and encouraging the believers. As we study these events we see Spirit-led patterns developing, that we can learn from and that remain patterns for the church to this day.

As we study Acts 12 we have the incredible story of Peter's prison break and a great reminder of the privilege and power of prayer.

Ministry in the church is not always one thing. There are seasons of fruitfulness, but also times of conflict. Growth seems to bring conflict naturally. Today as we look at Acts 11, we see both conflict and fruitful ministry and in both cases, we also see the Spirit of God at work in the young church. 

As we have been going through Acts 10, we see God speaking and arranging things to bring the gospel message to this man Cornelius. The word of God has come in a vision, angels have been involved, the Holy Spirit has spoken directly, and human agency has also been involved. Now God is going to use His man, Peter. 

God has to prepare Peter's heart for greater ministry.

Bill Sullivan teaches from John 15, encouraging the church to bear fruit for Jesus.

Pastor Chad Myhre unpacks this passage reminding us that having Jesus' perspective is crucial to facing every challenge of life.