The resurrection is central to the gospel - Biblical, historical, and life-changing. That is the simple and universal altering truth we celebrate on Easter.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to complete His mission as Savior. As He rode in, there was a lot of hype. Palm branches were part of an Old Testament and historical display that this rabbi was the Messianic servant of God. There was lots of Old Testament chanting and delight and even seeming worship. Ironically, that same week, a crowd, undoubtedly with many of the same people who were praising Jesus, called for an insurrectionist to be freed from impending capital punishment instead of Jesus. How?!? You see, the crowd at the Triumphal Entry was mixed. It for sure had real believers, who saw the big picture. It had observers who got caught up in the hype. It had rejectors - folks ready to pounce on this rogue character once they had a chance. My friend, you are represented in that crowd. Which one are you? If you were there, what did you come out to see? A rebel leader who might defeat Rome? An existential threat to your religion and nation? Or the Lord of life who would suffer and then receive glory, for your eternal good?

The Church continues to grow in number which brings new challenges. As conflict arises between two cultures represented in the Church, Stephen, a Greek-speaking Jew, becomes a key figure. In this passage we see a whole church playing their various parts and a new realization of the Kingdom emerges, and the church grows further into God's intended form.

You and I probably won't get a true lickin' for being clear and conspicuous Christians. But, we may lose some serious honor: reputation, job opportunities, financial stability, titles, friends. That is hard. Nothing about that is easy. But, if it really is for Jesus, it is not just ok, it is an honor according to our text this week. What a disposition of the heart! To consider the suffering of dishonor, which may be the greatest form of dishonor, to be a gift, a honor, if you will.

This week we trace the story of Jesus' followers who could not stop preaching, even when socially and physically dishonored, because they knew to whom they belonged. May we follow suit.

Every follower of Christ has at least one spiritual gift. And, most of the time, we have multiple. The Spirit is very generous in the gifts that He gives. It's not just for pastors or "super Christians", it's for every follower of Jesus.

In this conversation between Pastor Ryan and Silas Martinez, we introduce the CHBC family to what spiritual gifts are, why they matter, and how you can discover yours.

A married couple does not tithe, and God strikes them dead! OK, not really. The last part is true, but why did God judge them so intensely? This scene is about generosity, but the sin in question is that of curated, purposeful, first-degree hypocrisy and deception. Having said that, the judgment here is not usual, but like examples God has made throughout history is carried out in order to make a point that will echo through the ages. The church must be defined by peace, purity, and generosity. The lying and hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira has the potential to let cancer enter into the true temple of the Holy Spirit. God will have none of it and He wants us to feel the same.

The emphasis of our passage, Acts 4:1-31, is so clear that I will just go there right now - boldness. 4:13, 29, 31. Peter, John, and the other disciples are bold, even in the midst of persecution. In fact, now the cycle of faithfulness followed by rejection begins... just like Jesus. In fact, this is a mini- passion narrative -faithfulness, rejection, more faithfulness, resurrection, fruit. Boldness shows itself in the disciples enduring hardship, continuing to proclaim Christ, and in ever deepening prayer (for more boldness!).

In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John boldly proclaim Christ through the healing of a man lame from birth. This man, unable to heal himself, finds that only through faith in Jesus is our deepest need revealed and satisfied. How are we as believers to understand this physical healing? What is our call to bold proclamation of Christ? In this chapter, we are confronted with the call to recognize Christ as Lord, repent and follow Him, and receive the eternal healing and restoration granted to us in Christ.

The Kingdom is the telos (goal), but the cross is the means. It is through the cross King Jesus is crowned and that His people are welcomed into His kingdom. In this message, we will look at the centrality of the cross and our necessity to preach it to the lost.

Jesus spoke a great deal about the Kingdom of God. But what is it anyway? And what are the implications for us as citizens of that Kingdom?

In your life groups and small groups this week, answer the following questions: