In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon explains why seeking the welfare of our communities is incompatible with Pride Month and the LGBTQ agenda.

In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the joy and deliverance that the Gospel brings to those who are dead in trespasses and sins. This is a joy that surpasses understanding, it is a joy that we can't quite make sense of, and it is a joy that we desperately need. The early Church knew this joy, which is why they kept spreading the Gospel despite persecution. Is this a joy that we know too?

In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Psalm 100 and considers the joy of gratitude and the hope that we have because of God's steadfast love.

Big Ideas

1. The Holy Spirit is on the move.

The interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch was anything but coincidental. Philip wasn’t building a relationship of trust and respect with the Ethiopian. In fact, there is no indication that any previous interaction had ever taken place. The Spirit was already at work in the Ethiopian’s life. An angel directed Philip to head south. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to join the Eunuch in his chariot. There was no slick strategy to this. All of it was the work of God by the Holy Spirit.

2. Jesus and Isaiah.

The Eunuch in this story is reading Isaiah 53, one of the clearest and most beloved Old Testament depictions of Jesus’ atoning death. But the Eunuch is understandably confused. He doesn’t know who the text is speaking about. Through Philip, he comes to understand that the faithful suffering servant of Isaiah is none other than Jesus. Once again, we see how the entire Bible points us to Jesus.

3. Supernatural events.

You can’t read this story and walk away without questions. How exactly did Philip encounter the angel in verse 26? And what does it mean that Philip was “carried away, and the Eunuch saw him no more”? The truth is that these are mysteries that should lead us to awe and wonder, not skepticism and doubt. God is able to do anything he wants to do. He is not bound in the ways that we are.

Study Questions

1. What can this interaction between Philip and the Eunuch teach us about evangelism and the work of the Holy Spirit?

2. Take a moment to read Isaiah 53. What does that text teach us about Jesus?

3. How do you respond to incredible stories in the Bible like this that defy any sort of rational explanation?

In light of Pride Month, Pastor Jon addresses one of the most common statements Christians face when dealing with the LGBTQ agenda: "Aren't all sins the same?"

In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss the sermon and martyrdom of Stephen and how it unpacks and demonstrates a theme that is consistent through Scripture. God sends his prophet, judge, or ruler to his people, and they reject him. And through that rejection, God vindicates his man and delivers his people from bondage.

In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten looks at Ezekiel 37:1–14 and the valley of the dry bones. God confronts this seemingly hopeless situation, rescuing the dead bones through the power of his Word. God loves to do wondrous things through his Word because it demonstrates his glory.

Big Ideas

1. Excitement, baptism, and authentic faith.

The story of Simon begins with excitement. Simon was known for his dark powers and the whole community was amazed by him. When Philip began preaching the Gospel, the community began to be drawn to Jesus. Initially, Simon appears to believe and even gets baptized. However, after time, it becomes very clear that whatever Simon was pursuing, it was not the truth of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself warned his disciples of this type of superficial faith (Mark 4:1-9).

2. Faith and the Holy Spirit.

The order of events in this story is atypical. In Acts 2, faith, repentance, and the Holy Spirit all come together in a singular event. But here, Samaritans believe but do not immediately receive an outward indication of the Spirit’s presence, whatever that may have been. Why would God choose to act in this unique way at this point in the Church? The giving of the Holy Spirit, in the presence of Peter and John, seemed to serve as evidence to Peter and John, that the Spirit of God and the good news of the Gospel was for all peoples and not just the Jews.

3. Persecution and the advancement of Jesus’ mission.

The evangelism of Samaria came as a direct result of the death of Stephen and the following persecution of the Church. As Christians relocated to safer regions, they brought the Gospel with them. Through persecution, Jesus’ command to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth was being fulfilled.

Study Questions

1. What is the difference between spiritual excitement and authentic conviction? Are they mutually exclusive? What warnings might we take from this text?

2. Why would it be important for Peter and John, who were Jews, to personally witness the Holy Spirit being given to the Samaritan converts?

3. How have you seen God use difficult and perhaps painful experiences in your life to bring others to himself? What might this teach us about how God fulfills his promises?