Acts 12 opens with the death of the Apostle James. Once a Son of Thunder seeking position and power, James had been transformed into a faithful, fearless disciple—quietly obedient, beautifully bold, and fully surrendered. As the early Church reels from his loss, they gather to pray—not with polished faith, but with earnest prayer. The kind that stretches out. The kind that doesn't stop when things feel hopeless. And in the middle of their grief and doubt, God moves. From James’ quiet faithfulness to Peter’s miraculous rescue, this message is a call to be formed by Jesus and fueled by prayer. It reminds us that spiritual awakening rarely comes through noise, but through surrender, intercession, and persistent faith—even when we're weary.Key passage: Acts 12:5“But earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.”

Speaker: Taylor Drenzyk

Challenge: What’s one area where Jesus is trying to form you—not just use you? What’s one thing you’ve stopped praying for that you need to bring back to Him with renewed passion? This week, don’t settle for sleepy faith. Stretch out. Follow through. Be the kind of disciple who’s being thunderstruck—formed, faithful, and fully alive in Christ.Connect with us at thejoychurch.com

Before Jesus ascended, He left us with one clear mission: “Go and make disciples.” But too often, we reduce that call to conversion, not formation. In this sermon, we reframe evangelism as the starting point of discipleship—not the end. We explore how the Church is called to incarnate the Gospel—to embody the grace, truth, and presence of Jesus in our neighborhoods, relationships, and everyday lives. God regenerates. We disciple.Key passage: Matthew 28:18-20Speaker: Celso De Guzman

Challenge: This week, don’t just talk about Jesus—show Him through how you live. Reach out to someone who doesn’t know Christ. Be present. Be kind. Ask good questions. Build trust. Let your actions and your words work together so they see Jesus in you, not just hear about Him from you.Speaker: Celso De Guzman

Connect with us at thejoychurch.comTo learn more about Pastor Celso De Guzman and LIPI missions, visit Lipi.Vision

It didn’t happen overnight. Acts 11 unfolds nearly a decade after Pentecost—ten years of scattering, struggle, and slow growth. In this message, we explore how Peter, Paul, and the early Church matured into the people God called them to be—not instantly, but intentionally. Through pain, pressure, and perseverance, the Church finally starts to look like what Jesus envisioned: a multiethnic, Gospel-centered people on mission. From Peter’s confrontation with the Circumcision Party to the planting of the church in Antioch, this sermon traces the faithfulness of God and the fruitfulness of obedience. It reminds us that the Church wasn’t built by perfect people, but by faithful ones—people who fumbled forward, trusted Jesus, and walked with purpose.

Key passage: Acts 11:26“And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”

5-Day Devo & Study Guide: https://tinyurl.com/4s8uxtt2

Challenge: Growth takes time. Discipleship takes formation. But when the Church lives as God designed—joyful, generous, and on mission—our identity in Christ speaks louder than culture ever could. What part are you playing in becoming that Church?Connect with us at thejoychurch.com

Every person you meet—friend, stranger, or enemy—bears the image of God and has an eternal soul. But do we live like that’s true? In Acts 10, Peter had to confront his own assumptions when God revealed that the Gospel is for everyone—no exceptions, no favorites, no barriers. What about us? Who have we overlooked, avoided, or judged as beyond God's reach? This passage challenges us to see people as God sees them and to take the Gospel where we never thought it needed to go.

Key Passage: Acts 10:1-48

Speaker: Taylor Drenzyk

5-Day Devotional & Study Guide: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/pun8jbv5⁠

Challenge: Pray for someone you have overlooked or judged. Ask God for an opportunity to show them the love of Christ.Connect with us at ⁠thejoychurch.com