By developing a new pattern of daily experiences with God, we can foster reliance, gratitude, and hope no matter what our circumstances. Experience God in the present and let go of biased memories of the past.

God's past provision of a way forward with the Israelites in Egypt is proof that God will provide a way forward today even when it seems impossible. Place your faith in the reality of Christ more than the circumstances around you.

God creatively provides a way where there seems to be no way in the deserts of life. The celebration of the Lord’s supper where we recognize Christ as the Lamb of God is a powerful experience of this reality.

God is in this desert season of life, just like He was with Moses in the Desert of Sinai. Even though we quickly realize we're out of control amidst things like a global pandemic, we can use this time as an opportunity for transformation and come back stronger.

What is one thing you could do to learn more about God in this current season of life?

By studying Luke and Acts, we find that the lives of Jesus and Paul have major parallels. This intentional literary design by the author of both of these Biblical books shows that anyone, even someone like Paul who regularly persecuted Christians, has the ability to make a difference for the Kingdom. This opportunity means more now than ever in our world that desperately needs love and light.

Get Ben's sermon slides here.

The Christian life is messy. But the wonderful mystery is that God still moves in the midst of that, so we can share the Good News of Jesus' love.

The early Christians were regularly hunted down and persecuted for their faith. With their lives on the line, what they needed was courage to remain faithful. That courage could only come from one source -- God. Those early followers of Jesus were strong in conviction and valued their faith more than their earthly popularity. When our hope is greater than our fear, and we have the boldness to ask and receive from God, He provides the courage we need to be faithful in all facets of life.

Where do you need courage in your life right now to be faithful?

The early Christians were a people who lived in God’s truth and took advantage of the opportunities that God gave them to share the Gospel message no matter what the circumstances. By living into God’s truth today we seek to take advantage of the opportunities God is giving us in hard times to share the Gospel message.

In God's Kingdom, miracles alleviate suffering or trouble. Many miracles have the power to change the course of our lives forever. This week's sermon also includes testimony from Payton, who shares how God's presence miraculously transformed her perspective on love and purpose, which ultimately saved her life.

How can you point someone to Jesus this week?

The original Chrisitan movement was effective because of the way it related to and loved its context; it was different in its approach which made it all the more attractive to unbelievers. Only when the Gospel cuts our heart can we become more devoted to God, devoted to apostolic teaching, and devoted to being love on the move in our community.

How do you see yourself committing to devotion to the apostles' teaching together in community?