Encounter at Illinois State University / ISU

1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that followers of Jesus are God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His treasured possession. This sermon explores what it means to live out that identity, moving from passive consumers to active representatives of Christ in the world.

(1 Peter 2:9)

Peter gives us a reminder that our true home is heaven.  If that’s true, how do we go about living in a place that isn’t our home?

(I Peter 2:11-12, I Peter 2:4, Eph 2:19-22, Gen 15:13, Ex 2:22, Matt 8:20, Rev 21:3, Jn 1:1-5, Jn 1:14, Jn 13:15, Jn 17:13-18, Matt 5:13, Matt 5:14)

We come to God as living stones of a house, built on the cornerstone of Christ. You’re building a life this year. Pay attention to where you build it, what you’re building with, and the foundation you’re building on. And why.

(I Peter 2:4)

Paul’s “defense” in Acts 22 provides a beautiful glimpse into how we can share Christ with others.  One of the most powerful ways to share the Gospel involves knowing our own story and speaking it.

(Acts 22:1-16, I Peter 3:15-16, I Jn 4:10, Rom 8:5-6, Pr 14:12, Is 53:6, Matt 16:24, John 9, Acts 1:8)

In the end of Acts 18, we see Apollos teaching in a way that doesn’t fully represent the Gospel, and Priscilla and Aquila take him aside to help sharpen his gifts and help him become exactly who he needs to be. Proverbs tells us that “wounds from a friend can be trusted.” What does the Bible say about confrontation? How do we handle speaking difficult and tender truth?

(Acts 18:24-28, Prov 27:6)

When Paul arrives in Athens, he is invited to share the story of God with a very different group of people.  What lessons can we glean from Paul on what it means to interact with people who are completely unfamiliar with Jesus?

(Acts 17:16-34, John 17:14-18, I Peter 2:9-12, Phil 3:20, Matt 26:53, Luke 19:10, Matt 5:14-16, John 1:14, Rev 21:3)

Do we know the scriptures well enough to know when things are said that aren’t true? Do we examine the Scriptures to see if what we hear is true? What is our source of Truth? How do we understand it?

(Acts 17:1-15)

Paul and Silas, beaten and thrown into prison, sing their songs to the Lord.  What does this teach us about the difference between pleasure, happiness, and joy?

(James 1:17, Acts 16:16-40, James 1:17, Rom 15:13, John 15:9-11, Gal 5:22)

We think of idols as remnants of ancient civilizations, and yet each of us has a heart that is quick to produce them.  How can we recognize this worthless form of worship for what it is?

(Isaiah 44:9-20, Acts 14, Ex 32:19-20, Ps 144:2, Ps 139:1, Ps 56:8, Jer 31:3, Col 3:1-5, I Cor 11:1, Ps 121)

The people of God earnestly pray for Peter and he is miraculously rescued from prison.  But how do we live in a world where we do not always see an immediate healing or resolution when we pray?  Dr. Cedric Williams joins us for a conversation where we explore how this overlaps the world of mental health.

(Acts 12:1-17, Matt 7:7-8a, James 5:16, Matt 17:20, 2 Cor 12:7-10, John 16:33)