Acts 15 gives us a front row seat to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. Pastor Abbie shows how even mission-minded leaders collide when deep convictions pull in different directions. Rather than avoiding conflict, we learn to name the roots beneath our reactions, recognize the gift in our differences, clarify roles and expectations, and keep our lives anchored to Jesus and his mission.

You will hear how God still advanced the gospel through their split and later brought reconciliation, and you will be invited to practice the same posture in your everyday relationships. If life is too short and the gospel is too big to let bitterness win, how do we handle conflict and hand it to Jesus? Press play for honest teaching, practical questions, and hope for healing.

Bible references used

• Acts 15:36-41

• Acts 13:13

• Acts 13:1-3

• Acts 14:21-22

• Acts 1:8

• 2 Corinthians 5:20

• 1 Corinthians 9:6

• Colossians 4:10

• 2 Timothy 4:11

• Proverbs 27:17

Pastor Sean Steinke opens with a moving story of piloting a tandem bike for his friend Greg, then invites us to let God strengthen our “core” through Acts 15. Walking through the Jerusalem Council, we see the Holy Spirit bringing freedom, not extra burdens, and forming one new family in Jesus. Peter, Paul, and James point us to a salvation by grace through faith that produces love, unity, and holy living. Pastor Sean then connects this freedom to our lives in Madison with practical next steps of worship, community, and embodied discipleship. If you need your core strengthened to finish your race, this message is for you.

Primary text

• Acts 15:1–35

Supporting

• John 3:1–8

• John 8:31–32

• 2 Corinthians 3:17

• Ephesians 2:11–22

• Galatians 5:1–26

• Romans 6:23

• Romans 12:1–2

• 1 Samuel 15:22

• Amos 9:11–12 (quoted in Acts 15:16–18)

• Exodus 12:7, 13

• Matthew 7:24–27

Pastor Abbie Sawczak walks us through Acts 14 and shows how following Jesus often brings both momentum and pushback at the same time. Paul and Barnabas preach with boldness, witness a miraculous healing, resist taking the credit, and then face misunderstanding, mistreatment, and even stoning. Through it all they keep returning, strengthening disciples, and trusting God to produce the fruit.

If you have ever wondered whether hardship means you are off track, this message will steady your heart. You will learn how to hold space for both fruitfulness and friction, how to point glory back to Jesus, and how to discern when to stay and when to go through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and community. Lean in, be encouraged, and ask, what does faithfulness look like for me right now.

Scripture References

• Acts 14:1 to 28

• John 3:30

Are you wondering how God might be calling you to share your faith in everyday life? Join us for an inspiring message from Ashleigh Jurosic as she unpacks Acts 13 and reveals how being "sent" isn't just for overseas missionaries, it's for YOU, right where you are!

In this powerful teaching, Ashleigh shares personal stories of missed opportunities and divine appointments, showing us that we don't need perfect scripture knowledge or eloquent words to share Jesus. All we need is our encounter with Him and a willingness to let the Spirit speak through us.

Discover how Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey provides a blueprint for our own spiritual adventures. whether that's at work, in our neighborhoods, or with our friends. Learn how the Holy Spirit qualifies and equips us, regardless of our background or past mistakes.

Key takeaways include:

• How community and worship create space for the Spirit to speak
• Why your personal encounter with Jesus is enough to share
• Practical ways to recognize divine appointments in daily life
• How to overcome fear and share faith authentically

Plus, hear about exciting opportunities to connect through our summer and fall community groups, college ministries, and young adult retreat!

Whether you're new to faith or looking to step out in boldness, this message will encourage you to embrace your calling as someone sent with the Spirit to bring hope to your world.

Bible Verse References:

• Acts 13:1-12 (Primary passage)
• Acts 1:7-8
• Matthew 27:48
• Ephesians 6:12
• Acts 13:13-15
• Acts 13:38
• Acts 13:44-47
• Acts 13:49-52
• Mark 6:11
• Acts 9-10 (Referenced for context about Paul's conversion)

Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak in this powerful message from our Set Apart Summer series as she shares the often-overlooked story of Rhoda, a young servant girl who played a crucial role in one of the Bible's most dramatic miracles. Through the account of Peter's miraculous prison escape in Acts 12, discover how our private prayers lead to public answers and why opening the door to God's miracles sometimes requires risking our reputation.

Whether you feel too young, too unqualified, or too ordinary, this message will remind you that you're part of a bigger story - one where even the smallest acts of obedience can have eternal impact. Be encouraged that following Jesus isn't about having all the answers - it's about taking one faithful step at a time, even when those around you think you're "out of your mind."

Bible References

• Acts 12:1-19 (Primary text)
• James 5:13-16
• Romans 8:14-17

Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak for an encouraging message about how God calls us to expand our tables and hearts to welcome ALL people into relationship with Him.

In this week's sermon from Acts 11, discover how Peter's vision in Joppa transformed the early church from an exclusive community to a beautiful, multi-ethnic movement where everyone belongs. Learn about the incredible story of how persecution led to the gospel spreading, and how Paul returned to minister to the very people he once persecuted.

This message will challenge and encourage you to:

• Open your eyes to see who God is inviting to your table
• Be generous with your encouragement, time, and presence
• Show up for others in practical ways (not just with good intentions!)
• Use your words to give courage to those around you

Bible References:

• Acts 11:1-30 (main passage)
• Acts 8 (persecution and scattering of the church)
• Luke 22 (Peter's denial)
• John 21 (Jesus restoring Peter)
• John 15:5-8 (vine and branches)
• Psalms 46:10 (breath prayer)
• Mark 10:47 (breath prayer)

Join Pastor Sean Steinke as he shares a powerful message about God's radical inclusivity and how the gospel breaks through our human boundaries. Through the incredible story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10, discover how God orchestrates divine encounters that transform not just individuals, but entire communities.

In this inspiring teaching, you'll explore:

• How God uses miraculous ways to expand His family beyond our expectations
• The difference between religious devotion and genuine salvation
• Why even the most devoted people still need the transforming power of the gospel
• How God graciously shifts our perspectives to align with His heart for ALL people

Pastor Sean weaves personal stories from his childhood home—where over 300 people found refuge and family—with Biblical insights about hospitality, openness, and God's surprising work. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or have been following Jesus for years, this message reminds us that God's love knows no boundaries and His invitation extends to everyone.

Bible References:

• Acts 10 (Primary passage - Cornelius and Peter)
• Hebrews 11 (Faith that pleases God)
• John 15:5-8 (The vine and branches)
• Acts 10:43, 11:18 (Repentance and faith)
• Mark 1:35 (Jesus' prayer life)
• Luke 6:40 (The apprentice and rabbi)

Join us for a milestone celebration as Pastor Abbie Sawczak guides us through a powerful message about what it truly means to build our lives on Christ as our firm foundation!

In this special Sunday at the Table service, we're not just wrapping up our journey through the Sermon on the Mount - we're celebrating becoming a sovereign church and welcoming our very first members! Discover why our church name comes from Matthew 7:24 and what it means to create the culture of Christ in our daily lives.

Pastor Abbie unpacks Jesus' timeless illustration of building on rock versus sand, reminding us that storms are inevitable - but when we build on Jesus, we can withstand anything life throws our way. She challenges us to examine our foundations and invites us to embrace a community that's about giving rather than gaining, where we lay down our lives for the sake of the gospel.

Bible References:

• Matthew 7:24-28 (Building on the Rock)
• Matthew 5 (The Beatitudes)
• Psalms 18:2
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (The Body of Christ)
• Ephesians 5:1-2
• John 15 (Abiding in Christ)

What if success in life isn't about achievements, careers, or financial security? Join Nathan Strachen as he explores the powerful conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus reveals the true foundation for a flourishing life.

In this message, discover how Jesus is far more than just a moral teacher - He's the one with ultimate authority and power to change our hearts from the inside out. Through stories of modern-day healing and a fresh look at familiar scripture, you'll be challenged to examine what truly astounds you about Jesus and how that awe can fuel real transformation.

Whether you've grown up in church or are exploring faith for the first time, this message invites you to build your life on something unshakeable - not just moral principles, but on the person of Jesus himself. Come discover why success in God's kingdom looks radically different than the world's definition, and how a pure heart surrendered to Jesus becomes the foundation that weathers any storm.

Bible Verse References:

• Matthew 4:23
• Matthew 7:24-28 (Primary text - The wise and foolish builders)
• Psalm 130:3-4
• Mark 10:47 (Referenced in breath prayer example)
• Psalm 46:10 (Referenced in breath prayer example)
• John 15:5-8 (The vine and branches)
• Mark 1:35 (Jesus' prayer life)
• Luke 6:40 (The apprentice and rabbi)

What if the "Golden Rule" we learned in elementary school is actually pointing us toward something much deeper than just being nice? In this powerful message, Ashleigh Jurosic explores Jesus' teaching about the narrow and wide gates, challenging us to move beyond outward performance to true heart transformation. Drawing from her own struggles with people-pleasing and the desire for reciprocated love, Ashleigh unpacks how accepting God's unconditional love first becomes the overflow that transforms how we love others. Whether you're tired of carrying the heavy bag of expectations or ready to trade performance for authentic relationship with Jesus, this message offers a path forward. Discover why the narrow gate isn't about doing more, but about letting God's love transform you from the inside out.

Bible Verse References:

• Matthew 7:12-14 (main passage) - The Golden Rule and the Narrow Gate
• Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment (Love God, Love Others)
• Matthew 19:16-26 - The Rich Young Ruler
• John 15:5-8 - Remaining in the Vine
• Psalm 15 - Who May Dwell in God's Sanctuary
• Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me, O God