As we continue our study of the Book of Acts, we see the pressure against the early church increasing. But we also see God intervening in powerful ways that keeps the message of the Gospel moving forward and the early Christians filled with boldness. But perhaps what is most astonishing is that in the face of serious opposition and the potential of death, the Apostles rejoice in the opportunity to give their all and even suffer for Jesus.

As we continue our study of the Book of Acts, we see the pressure against the early church increasing. But we also see God intervening in powerful ways that keeps the message of the Gospel moving forward and the early Christians filled with boldness. But perhaps what is most astonishing is that in the face of serious opposition and the potential of death, the Apostles rejoice in the opportunity to give their all and even suffer for Jesus.

Scripture: Acts 4:8-14

Do you ever feel ill-equipped to share your faith with others? Peter and John may have felt the same way, after all, they were just common men. But they were filled with the Holy Spirit and He worked through them to preach to the crowds causing thousands to come to saving faith! This week we take a look at what we can learn from how the Holy Spirit worked through Peter and John.

The early church was not without its problems and during our study of Acts we will learn about many of them. But in the earliest days, we see a group of people who were sold out for Jesus and for one another. As a result, the Gospel went forth in dramatic fashion and people were in awe of what God was doing. What those early followers of Jesus did should not be confined to the first century; it should serve as an example for us now and always. Imagine what it would be like if followers of Jesus had something even close to that same level of devotion today!

Imagine being people who had never traveled more than 50 miles from home. Then imagine what it would be like to have Jesus tell you to take the message of the Gospel to the farthest reaches of the world. That takes boldness. And that is were we are starting in our new series on The Book of Acts. Join us for chapter 1 as we Boldly Go.

Our final week in the One series is "One God and Father of us all". The early church understood that because of the saving work of Jesus Christ, all who trust in him are now family. Your race, ethnicity, country of origin, religious background, political party, and even your biological family are not as important as your spiritual family. That sounds great in theory, but what does it really mean and how can followers of Jesus live out being true family to one another and thus walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called?

As we continue in our “One” series, we will look at how our “one baptism” unifies us through our shared identity in Jesus.  Through Christ, we experience connection with one another and the very presence of God, whose power works through us to transform the world.