As Paul continues his second missionary journey, we find him using and explaining God's Word to point his listeners to Jesus the Messiah. For this, they are accused of turning the world upside down and serving another king, King Jesus. Would anyone accuse us of the same thing?

Paul and his companions arrive in the town of Philippi. Despite the lack of a synagogue, being hounded by a demon-possess woman, and getting thrown in jail, we see God work out all these things for good, as He continues to do today.

Knowing God's will can be a tricky exercise as Paul experienced on his second missionary journey. It is more than simply doing what is good or arriving at a particular destination. It is about allowing God to continuously move you in the right direction.

When Paul returns to Lystra on his second missionary journey, he visits a young disciple name Timothy. In Paul's visit and Timothy's willingness to join Paul on his journey, we see the need for intentionality and sacrifice in order to share the good news of Christ.

With the lighting of the candle of peace, we are reminded that Christ's arrival ushered in a reign of peace that is offered to anyone who accepts the invitation into His kingdom.

Celebrating the third Sunday of Advent and the lighting of the candle of joy, we discover true joy is neither found in nor hindered by our circumstances. Rather, joy comes from the hearing and understanding of God's word.

The angel Gabriel, having delivered the message of the promised Messiah to Mary, assured her of the truth of his words: "For the word of God will never fail." This same promise that grounded the faith of Mary remains the source of our faith and trust in God today. His words never fail. 

As Advent season begins, we recall the fulfillment of God's past promises and look ahead with hope at what is yet to come.

The opening verses remind us that worship rightly begins by recognizing God's glory and the dangers of misplaced worship.

Just after the church in Jerusalem arrived at a united resolution regarding Gentile Christians, we find Paul and Barnabas in "sharp disagreement" over John Mark. A careful reading of this passage in Acts reveals a clash of priorities and personalities but also the possibility of disagreeing while remaining united in Christ.