Scripture: Acts 13:1-52

A shift takes place in Acts 13 from a focus on Peter and the church in Jerusalem to Paul and Barnabas and the advance of the gospel to the nations. The remainder of Acts recounts the Holy Spirit enabling missionaries to fulfill the call Jesus made to ?"be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (1:8). What we see in our passage are the dynamics you should expect while living on mission with the gospel.

Scripture: Acts 13:1-52

It can be nerve wracking to take on something new if you don't know what to expect or if you are unprepared. It is true when you go for a hike and it is also true in our Spiritual lives. When God calls us to go and preach the gospel, he also shows us what we can expect on the way in both suffering and joy!

Scripture: Acts 13:1-52

A shift takes place in Acts 13 from a focus on Peter and the church in Jerusalem to Paul and Barnabas and the advance of the gospel to the nations. The remainder of Acts recounts the Holy Spirit enabling missionaries to fulfill the call Jesus made to ?"be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (1:8). Acts 13 outlines the components of this clear & compelling call, and the dynamics one should expect while living on mission - the mission of advancing the gospel that God still has for His church.

In a world dominated by power and political uncertainty we can feel overwhelmed and anxious. Luke seeks to comfort his readers by reminding them that God's word is not held back by politics, power, or people. In fact, God's word is full of unlimited promise and is ultimately inevitable.

Scripture: Acts 12:18-25

How do we respond when we it seems like people get away with the wrong things they do? It is easy to assume that they will get away with it, but the Bible reminds us that God is still the judge. Therefore we are called to humble ourselves before God, give him all the glory and carry on the message of the gospel!

The Apostle James was killed and the Apostle Peter was in prison awaiting death. What we find Peter, the Church, and God doing informs the Christian response to difficulty.

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

Christians in Jerusalem experienced persecution; the long arm of the state was against them. They were utterly powerless, helpless at the edge of the sword. They needed to be reacquainted with God's provision and power. Today we'll learn how God's children are protected by God despite how grim the circumstances may be.

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

As the Gospel begins to go out to the Gentiles, we see unstoppable church growth as the Lord's hand was with the church of Antioch. The Gospel is preached. Great numbers turn to Jesus and are discipled, and as a result begin to be conformed into the image of Christ. This passage offers Christians today three practices to follow as we seek to build God's kingdom for God's glory.

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

What would it have looked like to be part of the first Gentile church in Antioch? Barnabas was pleased to see the Gospel being proclaimed but recognized the need for effective discipleship. So many new things happening not the least of which is the first use of the word, Christian. It was the unique character of these new believers that necessitated this new classification of people.

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

The final act in this game-changing narrative in Acts 10-11 demonstrates these important truth: Grace knows no bounds; and one cannot be faithful to God and simultaneously refuse to accept what He is doing in the world.