It wasn't too long before problems arose in the early church. By Acts 6, threats to the basic fellowship of the church emerged, and the disciples called the whole body together to solve the problem. They needed more leaders, people of godly character who could keep the church on mission, care for the congregation, and point people to Christ. The same pattern exists in the church today. We appoint elders, deacons, and leaders to keep our devotion and further the mission. 

After the day of Pentecost, three thousand people were added to the church. They worshipped God, met in homes, shared what they had, and united in purpose. This church is the community we all long for, and it can be ours in Jesus Christ. How can we be a church like this? By devoting ourselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

On the day of Pentecost, the Church was born. People from all over the world saw the Spirit fall upon the disciples and heard the good news in their own languages. Many of the likely thought of the Tower of Babel, the leadership of Moses, and the valley of dry bones. God was fulfilling his promises for his people.

What does it mean to be forgiven? How does repentance fuel holiness and transformation? In Psalm 32, David models the kind of repentance and confession that leads to a life of freedom. As we follow Christ, we confess to grow closer to him and to be restored in our relationship with our heavenly Father.

We were made to worship God - not just for what he's done but for who he is. This psalm reveals a life of praise, rooted in God's character and nature, and celebrating all that he has done for us. 

God is our refuge and strength, especially in times of trouble. This psalm from the sons of Korah contrasts earthly cities with the heavenly city, God's city. They remind us that our only hope in trouble is to have God in the center of our lives. 

"The Lord is my shepherd" is one of the most famous lines in the Bible, but what does it mean? In this psalm, David describes what it's like to have the Lord as our shepherd, in the green pastures and in the valley, with his rod and his staff, and nourishing us from his table in the presence of our enemies. He will provide everything we need for the transformation he designs.

In Psalm 126, one of the Songs of Ascent, the author sings of deliverance. The relief was so sweet it was almost like being in a dream. Then he faces another trial but his mind turns to prayer and to the promises of God. Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy! We too have been called to live by this promise, to share the Word of God and our testimonies so that we can take part in the harvest.

Preacher: Terry Tramel 

One thing that made David so unique among God's people was his ability to see God working in every season of his life. When he was suffering he saw God deliver. When he triumphed he found God to be his deepest joy. When he waited he saw God working something through him for the future. In every season, David had a testimony of God's faithfulness and he shared it with others. 

Every Christian will go through a season of doubt, disappointment, or discouragement. Even John the Baptist, the greatest of the prophets and the forerunner of Christ, found himself wondering if God would really come through on his promises. In Matthew 11:1-15, Jesus responds to John and shows us how to turn to God in seasons of doubt.