Throughout church history, God has used certain individuals in a significant way to advance the gospel. In the early days of the church, Stephen was one such man. His biography is only two chapters long, but his impact was enormous. He was used greatly not primarily because he was a great man (though he was), but because he was constantly filled with the Spirit. This means that no matter who we are, we too can be used by God if will yield ourselves to His control.

There is a distinct pattern that shows up in the book of Acts. It's also a pattern that proves to be true in our lives, as well. God moves, opposition arises, people grow. In Acts 5, we see this ongoing pattern emerge, and it's how God extends the gospel further and further out into the world He's called His followers to reach.

Biblical belief is full confidence in the person and work of Christ, and it is anything but passive. It impacts the head, heart, and hands. In Acts 4, we see what biblical belief produces in the life of a sold out follower of Christ.

After thousands receive the Word and were baptized in Acts 1-2, the focus shifts to one man: a disabled beggar at the temple gate. Acts 3 shows the continuation of Jesus' ministry of word and deed, which was about far more than just signs and wonders.

The book of Acts picks up where the gospels leave off. Where the gospels tells us about the life and ministry of Jesus, Acts tells us about the continuation of Jesus' work through his apostles (sent ones). In these first two chapters, Jesus goes up, the Holy Spirit comes down, the gospel goes out, and the disciples come together. The Spirit births the Church and begins the spread of the gospel throughout the known world.

The Lord is the Chief Shepherd, His people are the sheep. The Church is the flock of God, and the Church needs order and leadership. To finish up our series, we consider three things the flock needs.

The second of two offices in the New Testament church is Deacon. The role of Deacons is so vital to the health of the church, yet it is a position that is often misunderstood in modern churches. Acts 6 gives us the clearest picture of how Deacons are meant to function within the body.

The Chief Shepherd, Jesus, is head of the body, the church. But he designates human leaders, under-shepherds called Elders, to feed & lead His flock. Who exactly are Elders and what are they called to do?

It has been said that everything rises and falls on leadership. This rings true in the church, which God has designed with purpose and structure. He has given leadership roles and responsibilities to the church in order to accomplish His plans through her.. And it all starts at the very top: Himself.

On the first day of 2023, we set the tone for The Year of Mission by looking at Paul's words in Colossians 1:28-29.