Easter Service

The first church was birthed in prayer, experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, and they were exhorted by the Word of God. Peter’s first sermon was used powerfully to convert 3000 people. It serves as a guide in both content and the essentials of Gospel preaching.

Acts 2 marks a new era in the history of God’s people. A new people, the church, is formed as the Spirit of God comes upon believers. This coming of the Holy Spirit and His presence in God’s children is the promised power of God - a power we are often ignorant of and fail to personally experience.

All through the book of Acts we see the church gathering in prayerful dependence upon God. The first Christians knew that apart from God’s power and presence, they could do nothing. The same is true for us, even though we often feel or appear in control and/or sufficient.

Just as the apostles misunderstood the nature of Jesus’ kingdom, we often misunderstand our role as His witnesses. We are called witnesses, not judges or jurors. The Holy Spirit must persuade people of the truth, but we do have a role and circles of influence where God wants to use us.

The book of Acts is not just a history of the church; it’s the story of Jesus’ words and works, continuing through His church. The Holy Spirit takes center stage as the Good News moves in power throughout the Roman world. Jesus is proclaimed and His church expands. The story of the church is still being written today.

In this annual update, we lay out our financial plans and introduce our theme for 2018.