The first church in Jerusalem is increasing in number and as with most new ventures is experiencing growing pains. Although some had sold property and given the proceeds to be shared, there were some who felt "their people" weren't being cared for and this leads the Apostles to call for the first congregational meeting to find a solution.

Very early in the ministry of the Church, the disciples had to make a choice. Were they going to listen and respond to the calling of God to go and preach the good news, or would they back down because of pressure from those around them? As followers of Jesus, we have the same choice. Today, the people of God have the same command...Go. Stand. Speak.

Continuing our look into the Parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25, we will discover the difference between the foolish and the wise virgins. It all comes down to having "oil". How will you respond to the reality of the "groom's" coming?

This is all about a wedding. "What is", you ask? Everything. God is pursuing His human creation. He has promised Himself to us and when we respond, we are His. Will you exchange vows with Him and commit to being His?

In Acts chapter five we read of a husband and a wife who make a donation to the early church and are immediately killed. Why did this happen and what can we learn from it as the church today?

As we continue in our review of the Acts of the Apostles we are witness of God developing the heart of His people, the Church. We are on a path of looking more and more like our heavenly Father. Central ways we see this in the first generation Church is in community and generosity. God continues to develop His heart in us as well.

The boldness of the disciples continues to be displayed by their refusal to comply with the Sanhedrin's mandate not speak of Jesus. This teaching considers what can we learn from their defiance in knowing when and how best to respond authorities in our world today.

It was recognizable that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Is Jesus recognizable in our life? How do I spend time with Jesus and what does it look like to participate in God's presence? We will discover that moving  further into God's presence should be our focus no matter what we face.

Peter and John lead the church to standing firm, relying on the Holy Spirit and not backing down to any threats, real or perceived. They set the tone for the Church holding their ground of commitment to the reality of Jesus, the cross and the resurrection and God lead many to saving faith in Jesus as a result! How and where should we stand today?

This message examines how Peter takes advantage of a great teaching moment after the miraculous healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years and gives us a Biblical model for our own evangelism.