Acts 25:13-27

In this section of Luke's account, two dignitaries get together for a chest bump. Herod Agrippa comes to town to pay Festus a welcome to the region and Festus wants to get Agrippa's opinion on what to write to Nero when he sends Paul off to Rome. In the middle of all this pageantry, Paul expresses and models a simplicity that is much needed for us today. While the world around us pats itself on the back, how is the Christ follower to respond in a world of selfies and networking to climb the ladder? Join us as we look at the simplicity of Paul in a world of exclusive individualism.

Acts 25:1-12

Paul is out of options. The Jewish leaders want to ambush him. The Roman governors want to let him rot in jail. What is a person to do when they cannot find justice in this world. In an unbelievable account in Acts 25 Paul pulls a legal move that is absolutely consistent with his rights as a Roman citizen, "I appeal to Caesar." Paul is making a request for his case to be transferred from Caesarea to Italy. Join us as we look at our human need for justice, where we tend to look for it, how we really if we are honest with God don't want it, and finally the only way for us to actually get it.

Acts 24

The story of Paul's trial before Felix puts on display one of the most disgusting human tendencies, flattery. As his accusers speak to the Roman governor you'd think they were asking for a promotion at work. Join us as we continue in our study of the Beautiful Church and look at how the cross of Christ shatters any pretense of flattery and manipulation.

Acts 23

This message will be a message on courage. Courage for our children to stand strong for what is right and courage for the rest of us to stand strong for Christ. There is some wonderful stories in Acts 23 that kids of all ages will enjoy this week so come worship with us as we look at the courage of Paul, the courage of his little nephew, and the courage of Christ!

Acts 22:1-22

Paul has been arrested again. He's given a chance to speak on his behalf - kind of like he's playing his own lawyer. He's got one chance to talk about Christ and he tells the story of the exploding love of Christ as he show up to Paul on the road to Damascus. No matter how far you are from God, no matter what you have done or who you have heart, you are never so far gone that Christ's love and grace can't find you. Join us as we celebrate the irresponsible love of God.

Acts 20:17-37

Have you ever finished a project, a tour, or a ministry and then had to say goodbye? We love working together for a like minded purpose but when the job is finished or when God calls someone to move, we are left feeling empty, at a loss, and even at times floundering for purpose. Join us as Paul says goodbye to his ministry team in Ephesus and gives them some final words of advice, words we think we all need to hear!
 

Guest Speaker: Dan Lemelin

Acts 19:21-41

Paul finds himself in the city of Ephesus in Acts 19. The city known for its tolerance and financial commitment to sorcery and magic. While this is a hard text to for us to grasp with our Western ears because of its unashamed worldview of the demonic presence in everyday life, the point, nevertheless, is critical for you and me. As the Gospel spreads from Jerusalem, Greece, and now Asia, Luke is making it clear that God, in Christ has power over any other worldview that you may put your trust in. Join us as we look at the beautiful purging! What do you need to get rid of for Christ to reign in your life?

Acts 16:16-40

Sometimes forgiving yourself is the last necessary action in living holistically for Christ. The jailer was ready to kill himself rather than live with the shame of not doing his job. Luke gives us another 'interruption' as Paul and Silas are on their way to the house of Prayer. This time the interruptions nearly cost Paul his life. Join us as we explore and pray for a faith that is strong enough to sing in the chains.

Acts 16:1-15

There is more going on in this text than we can even begin to explain. For example, just after the big argument about circumcision not being necessary, Paul pulls Timothy aside and very casually, CIRCUMCISES him! What the what?? Next,  Paul and Silas are trying to do mission in Asia but are mysteriously being blocked by the 'Spirit of Jesus.' Also we see in this text a vision that Paul gets about a man he's never met about coming over and to Europe and this man is 'begging him' to help. Instead of preaching to a man in the region, Paul's first convert is a woman by the name of Lydia, a wealthy CEO of all garments purple. At the end of the day the text is a beautiful reminder of the power and presence of Christ leading the church out on mission. Join us as we work through some of the mystery and beg Christ as well to lead us forward on mission for those who are far from God.

Acts 15:1-11; 22-29

Every church has its fights but what if we understood that fighting was an essential part of how a church grows in Christlikeness? The issue is not the argument but rather how we argue. The church in Acts was put to the test when a section of Jewish disciples tried to heap unnecessary burdens on Gentile converts. The apostles, elders, and members of the church responded in a way that still sets the standard not only for churches but for people everywhere. Join us as we look at the role of worship in our arguments.