In Acts 6:1–15, the appointment of seven men marks an important stage in the shaping of the early church. The apostles, like Old Testament priests, recognise they cannot do everything themselves and delegate ministry to others. This week, Jem reminds us that as members of Christ’s body, we are all called to serve as His priests. We step into service not because of special skill, but because we see the needs of the church and choose to respond. When we commit ourselves in this way, the whole body of Christ can flourish and reach those who need help.

In Acts 5:17-42, the persecution against the apostles begins to escalate as they continue to preach in the name of Jesus. Through this passage, we get a picture of what it looks like to build God's kingdom – we will always be faced with opposition. This week Duncan encourages us that in spite of this, we are propelled by an unstoppable God who is alive and active. As we pursue His will, even through times of persecution, we will be able to rejoice in the fact that we gain life from His empowering Spirit.

In Acts 5:1-16, we see how the holiness of God works to expose the internal sins of Ananias and Sapphira, leading to their sudden judgement. While this passage serves as quite an alarming episode in the New Testament, it is a reminder to us that we serve a God who is set apart – holy – and who can occasionally make us feel uncomfortable. This week Duncan encourages us that to live in God's presence is to live a life that is holy, which begins with the confrontation of sin in our own hearts.

In Acts 4:23-31, we see the aftermath of Peter and John before the council. Despite warnings to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, the apostles pray for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel. This week Martin encourages us to consider our response to troubles that we face as believers. We don’t need to run or hide from them — through prayer, God empowers us to persevere even in the face of opposition.

In Acts 4:1-22, all the way through to our own day, we see how the name of Jesus produces conflict and opposition. In this message our guest speaker, Derek Tidball, shows us that in spite of this division, Jesus is the one and only name by which we can achieve salvation. This means of salvation is not only the exclusive solution for us, but it is also an urgent invitation for us to turn from our present life, and reach out for God.

Our guest speaker Colin Baron brings us a once-off message in Mark 9:14-29, in which Jesus heals a boy who is possessed by a spirit. Throughout this passage we learn the importance of having faith, even when accompanied by doubts. Despite our own failures and shortcomings, we are still invited to keep trusting in God through prayer.

How should we understand healing in the Christian life? In this message in Acts 3:11-26, Duncan shows us that physical healing events, while dramatic and exciting, are not the main thing that God has come to do in this world. Instead we can learn to fix our eyes on something much greater – a healing of our soul. This healing is not one that we have to wait for – we can start living in it today.

In Acts 3:1-10, we see Peter and John healing a paralysed man — not because they had the power to do so, but because they knew that Jesus did. This week, Jem shows us that when we know Christ, we each have something to offer in this world. Empowered by His Spirit we can be encouraged to step out boldly and bring His kingdom into our community.

In Acts 2:40-47 and Acts 4:32-37 we begin to see the impact of Pentecost on the city of Jerusalem, not by the spectacle of the event, but by the community that was formed through it: the church. In this message, Duncan aims to show us that the community we are longing for is the very same community that God is preparing for us. What does the true potential of church life look like for us, and what can we offer up to live in a community like this?

In Acts 2:14-41, we see that various Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, and that His work in saving us is still alive today in the form of His Spirit. In this message, Duncan encourages us to start considering Jesus as not just our saviour, but also the Lord of our lives. How can we start living under His rule and reign?