Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

What hills should Christians be willing to die on? And not die on? I suppose if people enjoyed arguing, one could debate endless topics until they’re blue in the face. Why does the church “die on a hill” in Acts 15? Let’s compare two of Paul’s letters to see if we can get an answer. In Philippians 1:15-18, Paul addresses those who have been preaching the gospel with impure motives, and they haven’t been very friendly towards Paul. In this case, Paul rejoices, not because of their impure motives but because the true gospel is being preached. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul has a much harsher tone. In the region of Galatia, they’re getting the gospel wrong, and therefore, Paul will die on that hill. Acts 15 centers around the gospel, grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Therefore, the church will die on that hill. I encourage you to ponder this question that our passage invites us to ask. What type of burden are you carrying around that was not put there by Christ? May Christ lead you and me into an ever-increasing measure of freedom that comes through knowing him.

Acts 15:1-35

Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).”  Paul isn’t saying that he compromises the gospel message but rather seeks to meet each person where they’re at with the unchanging gospel. In our Acts 14 passage, Paul’s approach to being Jesus’ witness is different than we’ve seen before. Can you guess why. Look at verses 8-15. What can we learn from Paul as we seek to be faithful witnesses for Jesus?

Acts 14:1-28 

Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

This week we look at the aftermath of Paul’s first sermon in Acts (13:44-52). We see God bringing both eternal life and the ability to believe it to people with no rational reason to turn to this new Jewish sect. And we see others who thought they had God figured out missing his greatest gift - this is for us as a warning, and not to judge.

Acts 13:44-52

Elder Jared Fisher

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Pastor Matthew McCleary, Associate Pastor

As we continue in our study of Acts this week, we’ll look at Acts 13:13-43. Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey and much of the passage is taken up by a sermon Paul delivers to the people of Antioch in Pisidia. What we find in his sermon is a reminder of what makes Christianity so compelling, so unique, and so trustworthy compared to other worldviews and religious systems: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

The resurrection is the hinge of all human history, the great before and after. Before there was death and darkness, after is light and new life! As believers we are resurrected people, looking forward to eternity with Christ yet sure of that hope even now. This passage is an invitation to live in the confidence of the miracle of the resurrection. 

Pastor Matthew McCleary, Associate Pastor

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Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

Chapter 13 begins the gospel going to the end of the earth. For centuries prior to the book of Acts, the scriptures told us that God’s grand purpose was that all nations would praise Him and know Him. Jesus said that when he was lifted up, he would draw all peoples (different nations) to himself. Acts 13 tells us of the first missionary endeavor, which became the launching pad through which God would be praised by all nations. This is still God’s heart today. We still have many people groups who have never heard of Jesus, nor do they have scripture in a language they understand. 

Acts 13:1-12

Pastor Dave Pack, Senior Pastor

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