We should expect uncomfortableness because the crucifixion and what Jesus did on the cross is at the very center of our faith. He is our example for how to deny ourselves and take up our crosses, for it is in his work that we find true comfort.

The Christian life—especially when it comes to being part of a church community—is full of discomfort and awkwardness, but God uses these challenges to help us know him better. Rather than attempting to find our dream church, we must embrace the uncomfortable and difficult parts of the Christian life in order to grow and experience gospel community.

The Gospel proclamation calls for a response. The grace that God has given, received through faith, moves us to action. When we read through Acts, we find that the response of those who have come to believe in Jesus is to do something. 

All truth is God’s truth; there are many things in this world that can encourage your faith and lead unbelievers to Jesus. Our hope is to be free from the penalty of our sins and to enjoy being with God who loves us so much he gave his only Son to die for us. The reason for our hope is that Jesus rose from the dead.

Paul and Silas are in prison. While they are there, they begin to sing hymns of worship. Suddenly, an earthquake causes the locks to open. Because of their faithfulness, a jailor's life is spared and he comes to place his faith in Jesus. In this sermon, we explore this story and the role that faith plays. 

There is something about grace - something amazing. Grace is not just how we start following Jesus; it is how we keep following Jesus. Disciples are always growing in grace, always pursuing a greater experience of God's power and goodness. No other gospel can do what the gospel of grace can do. It not only saves us from our sins, but it saves us for a life of freedom and service.

Through Jesus, all of God's promises find their "yes." But, often, we look to other things to find our yes. Sometimes, this is just because we don't realize what the Gospel is. In this conversation, we discuss what the Gospel is, what it was for the Jews and why it's still good news for us. 

Ask yourself, “What rules and regulations guide my interaction with
others whom I see as ‘unclean’?”

Coming off of the events of Pentecost, 'good living' marked the early church. This good living led to powerful opposition, which led to powerful prayer. And powerful prayer leads to Spirit-empowered ability to continue Good Living in the face of Powerful Opposition. No one is too far off to be used by the gospel. So often we can get lost in trying to sell our faith; instead, we should point people to Jesus and let him do the rest. 

Good news is something we all need. Sometimes, we can go about life accepting that bad news is normal. We walk along, zombies in the mundane of every day life. But when good news comes along, it helps us to see things differently. The good news of his death, burial, and resurrection changed everything for his followers. But it wasn't just something they kept to themselves - it was good news for all the people. Good news that is just as good today.