Herod’s pride led to his downfall, but God’s Word kept growing. Barnabas and Saul returned from their mission with John Mark, showing that God’s work continues through faithful teamwork despite challenges.

Today we see Paul try to bring order out of chaos in the church of Corinth. He teaches the proper way to speak in tongues and prophesy in church. His main point is whatever God does it is up-lifting, it is orderly, and most of all it increases faith.

Paul is in a physical prison and the church kicks in the Spiritual weapon of Prayer. Prison is a place where we cannot escape, unless an advocate steps in.  We will see that whatever is making us feel imprisoned, whether it be a financial prison, a medical prison, a troubled marriage, whatever it may be that prayer is the key to unlock the cell.

Paul urges the Corinthians not to silence spiritual gifts, but to use them with purpose so others are strengthened, not confused. The goal is not to impress, but to inspire, build up, and clearly reveal God’s truth.

Matthew 7:7 reminds us of God’s openness to our prayers. Jesus encourages us to pray with persistence: asking, seeking, and knocking, trusting that God hears and responds as we grow in our relationship with Him.

This weekend we will see that the Love od God, that Agape Love is the motivation of how we operate as believers. Paul will show us that regardless of our giftings and abilities that they mean nothing without love. That love in unity with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit will encourage, edify, and build unity within the body of Christ.

Sometimes we can be guilty of putting God in a box. We think things need to be done a certain way or should remain the same, but God is a God of progress. Though His methods may change, His principles never do.

Two Spirit worlds that cannot mix. This weekend we will see that we must live either for satan or Christ. We can’t straddle the fence and have it both ways. Our communion is with Jesus and only Jesus. As followers we must be careful that our freedoms don’t cause other to get tripped up.

Tonight we see two people changed by the Gospel. Cornelius is saved and Peter learns to preach to Gentiles.

Paul, using Israel’s failures as examples, teaches that God provides both a warning and a way of escape when we are tempted, and urges believers to resist temptation through God’s faithful help.