“…for anyone who needs encouraging.”

In Acts 4, we see Peter and John arrested and in jail overnight. Nevertheless, when interrogated, they boldly proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. There is power in the Name of Jesus!

The healing of a lame man gave the early church the opportunity to preach Jesus. We should rejoice every time we have the same opportunity.

Finding your voice in the Gospel mission.

The book of Acts gives us the history of the first church. We are searching that history to help us determine what our mission should be. That church, immediately after Pentecost, models a vitality that we need in our church. We then ask ourselves the question, what does church vitality look like?

The miracle of speaking in foreign languages showed God’s purpose for the church -- to reach every nation with the good news of the gospel.

The first major event after the ascension of Jesus, when the apostles and disciples convened to choose a replacement for Judas, teaches much about discerning God’s will for our lives.

The mission of Christ was to do and teach, and the two always went together. His deeds illustrated his words, and his words explained his deeds. The church has the same ministry -- to do and teach.

Ezra's teaching method was simple and effective.

Ezra chapter five is part of the story of Israel rebuilding God’s House. In his process of reclaiming us, God wants to rebuild our lives. After redemption and restoration comes rebuilding.