In Acts 16 we hear how Paul and Silas find themselves in a dark night but do not allow their circumstances to dictate their faith. Instead, Paul and Silas allow their memories of who God is and what God has done to shape their belief and trust that even amidst the dark night they know a bright morning is coming  

As we look at Acts 15, we see what happens when we begin to value rules over the ruler, uniformity over unity, and standardization over transformation. As we hear the call to not over complicate the Gospel but love God and neighbor as we seek to belong, not simply fit-in 

In Acts 14:8-20, we hear of a people that have fallen into the trap of trying to do enough to receive the god's favor. However, when Paul and Barnabas enter Lystra and perform miracles, they also provide the Good News that says you don't have to do enough. You are enough. This is a call to jump off the hamster wheel of trying to do enough but believing in God when he says you are enough. Actions matter, but what truly matters is believing God and allowing your life to be lived in His truth   

In Acts 11:1-18, we hear how Peter, after his vision and interaction with Cornelius encounters persons who have listened to 2nd hand stories and half-truths. Challenged by these persons, Peter tells them the rest of the story, introducing more than their opinions and ideas and interjecting BUT GOD. Let's say to the rest of the story, as we live in a world of division and hate, let's add the BUT GOD   

As we look at Acts 10, we hear that 2 visions point to the 1 VISION OF GOD for God's people. A vision that may challenge and stretch us beyond our comfort zone, but one that says ALL are loved and welcomed. Let the Holy Spirit call us to be greater than we are and to love bigger than we can fathom  

In today's sermon, we hear the continuation of the conversion of Saul, and we hear of THE OTHER ANANIAS and how he moves beyond every reason. He may not have done God's will. Ananias is obedient and faithful to God's call, and because of that, we see a ripple effect that is still impacting people today   

As we look at Saul on the road to Damascus, we hear how we can believe we are serving God, but what happens when God knocks you off your high horse   

As we hear the story of Stephen, the first martyr of the Church of Acts, we hear a call to not seek a longer life but a deeper one.  One rooted in love, mercy, grace, hope, joy, and God 

In Acts 5 we hear the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and how the danger of developing a MEology over a Theology can lead to a terrible place. Let us cast off our wants and desires, and our MEology and develop a deeper and more robust Theology

God desires to fulfill the need of our hearts to be made whole. However; too often we settle for the bare minimum that the world offers, instead of the totality of what God desires for us. As we look at Acts 3:1-10 let's expand our expectations, and desire more