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The story of Saul is a story of a man who goes from terrorizing the church to being it’s greatest ambassador. Saul’s story teaches us about how God can bring about change and renewal in all of our lives.

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Acts shows us that the Gospel breaks through geographical, cultural and sexual barriers. The Gospel is for everyone and the Good News of God can reach people we would least expect. To experience God is to let this Good News reach every area of our lives to reach everyone we know including our enemies.

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Acts not only shows us how the gospel moves through a community but also how it changes individual lives. The life of Stephen is a model of how God reorients our life to be one of selfless service, forgiveness and sacrifice. Stephen’s joy came from following his King, the Suffering Servant, Jesus.

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A Message from Guest Speaker Rev. Andrew Park

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We are often forgetful of all that God has done in the past and promises to do in the future. Psalm 103 catalogs the tremendous promises of God bringing the fullness of heaven down into our own individual lives. This psalm teaches us to live in an overflow of gratitude and praise in midst of even difficult seasons of our lives.

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Fear often keeps us from living faithfully and boldly for what really matters. The early church faced the very real threats of suffering and death. But against fierce persecution they learned to live fearlessly and their witness transformed the city.

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The early church’s explosive growth was not only the result of supernatural blessing but very difficult circumstances. The persecution of the early church caused it to call out to God in prayer and united the church in community. The church in Acts teaches us how we can use difficult times in our life to find an unexpected joy.

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In the book of Acts we see God beginning a great spiritual movement. In Acts 3 we see one individual who is dramatically changed by this gospel movement. He represents someone who is broken and without hope. This man’s healing shows us the power of the Gospel to bring renewal and a heart overflowing with worship.

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The great mission of Jesus is to bring heaven down to earth. At Pentecost we get a greater glimpse of Jesus’ mission coming to reality as He sends His Spirit. At Pentecost God sends his Spirit down upon his people giving them a great power, purity and the presence of God. We see at Pentecost how the Spirit can bring together a community regardless of age, gender, class or ethnicity.

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The book of Acts begins with the the dramatic ascension of Jesus to heaven. Before Jesus departs he sends the church into the surrounding cities to share the Good News. From Acts we learn that the people of God is a “sent” people. God gives us the Spirit to begin a gospel movement that challenges our stagnancy and individualism.