Encounter at Illinois State University / ISU

The new Church is growing, and is experiencing fracturing/complaints. The wisdom from the apostles becomes delegation. Why is this important to the life of the church and the empowerment of its members? How can we lead in our own contexts knowing that Jesus has given us permission and empowerment to do so?

(Acts 6:1-7)

An abrupt and devastating moment happens in the early Church when sin enters the community and death quickly follows behind it.  Why does God deal so harshly with this particular act of dishonesty?

(Acts 4:32-5:11, Jer 32:7, Ps 92:15, Ps 143:10, Ps 33:5, Ps 100:4-5, I Jn 1:5, 2 Tim 2:13, Titus 1:2, I Jn 3:20, James 1:13, Rom 6:23, James 1:15, Is 9:18, Is 55:8, Rom 6:11-14, Jn 16:8, James 5:16, Prov 24:16, Matt 6:12)

Peter and John were confronted by the counsel. What does it mean that we must obey God rather than men? How do we know when we are supposed to listen to governing authorities vs when we need to intentionally disobey?

(Acts 4:1-22, Acts 5:17-41, 1 Peter 2:13-15)

A crippled beggar is healed by Peter at the temple.  Of the people present, some are ecstatic, others are indifferent, and some are even angry.  Do we have the faith for ask God to miraculously move, and the eyes to see it when He does?

(Acts 3:1-4:4, Matt 13:13-15, Mk 8:17-18, Matt 13:22-33, Jn 14:12-14, Mk 10:13-16, Lk 5:18-26, Mk 9:22-24, Jn 17:1, Jn 3:30)

How can we step into life with God, rather than letting Him be on the outside?

(Colossians 4:2-6, Acts 2:31-33, Acts 2:42-47)

As the New Testament Church gets rolling, incredible public revival becomes the natural result of deep personal surrender.

(Acts 2:42-47, Rev 21:2-4, Eph 5:25-27, Acts 2:31-38, I Peter 3:21-22, 2 Cor 9:7-8, Mark 12:41-44, Jn 17:20-23, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Isaiah 29:13, Matt 6:21)

The Holy Spirit is alive and working. How can we practice reverence in hearing His voice and where it leads us to in our everyday lives?

(Acts 2:1-41, Rom 8:11)

Throughout Scripture, waiting on God is spoken of in a very positive way.  If waiting is such a good thing, why do we hate it so much?

(Acts 1:4-5, 12-14, Luke 24:46-49, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Ps 130:5-6, Ps 27:14, Ps 37:34, Is 30:18, Is 40:31, Gen 15:1, Gen 16:3, Gen 21:5, Ex 2:11, Ex 3:1, I Sam 16:12)

The Christian life is one of transformation.  But if we’re being transformed, what’s the final version of us supposed to look like?

(Rom 12:2, 2 Cor 3:18, Gal 4:19, 2 Cor 5:14, Eph 3:14-19, Matt 7:21-23, Rom 8:15, Gen 1:27, Is 43:6, Rev 19:6-9, Jn 15:15, Heb 10:24-25, Matt 28:18-20)

Fall Retreat-Session 4- Sunday AM

Living the Story of the Kingdom on Behalf of Others and the reality of the Kingdom Advancing

(1 Sam 17, Lk 4:18-19, Mt 20:25-28)