Paul enters Ephesus on his third missionary journey, and his time there is marked by the word "disturbance." In Acts 19, we see several disruptive episodes of activity amongst the Ephesians. Though we often view disturbances as irritants, God often uses them to move us out of the status quo. This is God's gracious work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.

In order to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, God establishes gospel partnerships. The mission of God cannot be accomplished alone. In Acts 18, as Paul brings the gospel to Corinth, God forms multiple alliances to advance the gospel. We can rejoice that God brings us into relationship with others who will further the work of God not only in the world, but in us.

As the second missionary journey continues through Europe, Paul and friends come through Thessalonica and Berea before finally landing in Athens. It is here at Mars Hill where Paul addresses the pagan unbelievers with the simple message of the gospel. This was something strange and new to them, but it was a story with the power to give them new life.

Following the Jerusalem Council's verdict, Paul makes his second missionary journey. Along with his team, they move into Macedonia to establish the gospel on European soil. As we see all throughout the book of Acts, God is orchestrating events to accomplish His purposes, and He uses those who follow His lead.

When Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary journey, they came back to a church dispute around the doctrine of salvation. In other words, what is required for a person to do in order to receive the forgiveness of their sins? The apostles and elders form the Jerusalem Council, which comes to a decisive conclusion, a truth that impacts all of us: salvation is by grace alone.

Paul takes his first missionary journey out of Antioch in Syria. In Acts 13, he preaches a sermon in another Antioch (of Pisidia). He preaches the same gospel we see preached by the apostles throughout Acts - which makes for a great Easter sermon! The Easter message is the gospel message: Jesus has power over sin & death.

In a transitional time in the formation of the church, the base of operations moves from Jerusalem to Antioch. From here, a new church is birthed and missionaries are sent out. This church at Antioch becomes the prototypical New Testament church and is a model for churches on mission.

In Acts 10, the church takes a significant stride forward as the gospel reaches the Gentiles in Caesarea. Not only are Cornelius, his household, and many Gentiles converted, but Peter's heart is "converted" in the process. Because of God's work here in this chapter of history, there is neither Jew nor Greek...for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28-29).

God uses more than just apostles and leaders to get the gospel out; He uses everyday, Spirit-filled men and women. In Acts 9, we see one of the most important transformations as Saul of Tarsus is interrupted on the road to Damascus.

Following the execution of Stephen, another faithful servant steps up and continues to preach the Word. Dr. Luke (author of Acts) calls him Philip the evangelist, and we see his willing, obedient heart in Acts 8. His ministry gives us an example of how to live on mission.