This week we will begin our Experiencing Advent Series celebrating the birth of Christ this season. Over the next four Sundays and Christmas Eve Service we will consider the experiences of Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Simeon and what they have to teach us about the coming of Christ into our world and the Hope, Joy, Love, Peace, and Light of Salvation Jesus made possible for those that follow him. We will also hear from 4 different preachers over the Advent Series to enjoy. This week Mike Kirby will be preaching on Hope from the Advent experience of Mary in Luke 1:26-38.

As we finish our Part I of our Acts series looking at Saul’s surprising conversion in Acts 9:1-31. Luke records for us this amazing conversion that leads to a surprising commission and a surprising message. When we look at how Saul was saved, we should be encouraged that God can save anyone at anytime. Maybe you have given up hope for the salvation of a friend or relative, or it just seems like it is unlikely, God wants to show is it is never too late and no one is ever too far gone to find Jesus.

We will continue in our study of Acts 8:4-40 looking at Philip and his ministry to the Samaritans and the Ethiopian Eunuch. The great thing about Philip is that even in times of distress and persecution, he was faithful to spread the Gospel. His life challenges us to think deeply about how we react to life’s interruptions – do we get angry and frustrated, or do we trust that God is doing something bigger and look for ways to be faithful.

We continue in our study of Acts and look at the life of Stephen in Acts 6:8-8:3. Stephen, a great man of character, will be interrogated by the Sanhedrin for his belief in Jesus and will give a great sermon in defense of the Gospel. In the sermon, Stephen challenges us to think bigger about God and to not exchange God for an idol that we want to serve us. As we go through Stephen’s words, we will see the anatomy of much of our unbelief and resistance to the Holy Spirit’s witness in our lives. The answer is to yield to the Spirit and meet God in the face of Christ. I am looking forward to opening the scriptures with you and hearing what God has for us.

This week, Jeremiah Johnston will be continuing our sermon series in Acts 6:1-7. This passage shows how the early church addressed the needs of the church and formed the office of deacon to serve the church body. We are so very grateful today for our deacons and other serving teams. Serving others is a beautiful ministry and one that is deeply needed!

Join us as Pastor Jon continues our series in Acts as we learn about The Unstoppable God and His Unstoppable Gospel. We will be looking Acts 5:17-42.

This week we will jump back into Acts and look at Acts 4:32-5:16. In this passage Luke shows us how the Spirit is unifying his church, sanctifying his church, and growing his church. The passage is a good reminder again that what God is doing to save the world through the proclamation of the Gospel in the church is his work, and we want to join him in what he is doing. The Spirit brings about unity for the purpose of the advancement of the Gospel. In these days God has given us unity at Risen Life which makes me think he wants to do some great things through us to reach this valley.

As we take a look at Acts 4:23-31, I think God has sovereignly met us with timely instruction from his word. There has been lots of talk about Christian boldness these days, but maybe you are unsure what that should look like. In this passage Peter and John will give us a great example. After the healing of the lame man and the ensuing events, they return to gather with the rest of the church to pray for continued boldness to speak the word of God. In this passage we see the disciples find strength in the community of believers, stand on the sure foundation of God’s sovereignty and what he is doing in the world through Jesus, and ask for strength and opportunity from God to bold for the Gospel–and God answers their prayer. As we think about our own day, let’s deeply consider their example given to us for our instruction.

As we dive into the word, we will be continuing our study of Acts looking at Acts 4:1-22. In this passage the growing church will face its first round of persecution as Peter and John are brought before the Jewish council and interrogated about the healing of the lame man at the Temple. This story is really interesting, because it is without a doubt that a great miracle has happened, but the Jewish religious leaders miss what God is doing because they are annoyed with “who” did the miracle. In essence they miss out on the goodness of God because they are too focused on their own position and how they think things “should” be done. How often have we done the same? The truth of the matter is that these common men have been transformed as they hung out with Jesus. In fact, Peter and John will make it very clear that it is only through the name of Jesus that this healing has taken place. The healing points to the fact that there is only one name in which we can be saved and that is Jesus. Let’s not miss Jesus because he doesn’t look like we think he should.

I love what Peter says in Acts 3:19-20 in the midst of his sermon. He encourages the crowd to repent of their sins, and turn to God so that their sins may be wiped away, and then he says that we should eagerly do this so that times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord. What a great promise as we come to Jesus for help in our sins. Maybe your sin has gotten the best of you this week. Peter’s words invite us not to run from Jesus when we sin, but rather to run to Jesus and be forgiven as we repent and so we can then enjoy the presence of the Lord. He wants us to be with him and has made a way in Jesus.