In this episode of The Merge, Rev. Dr. Sargent Nelson reflects on the powerful words, “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Growth in the early church wasn’t a marketing strategy; it was the natural outcome of God’s presence among a devoted people. When the community lived with glad and sincere hearts, generosity, and unity, others were drawn to that light. This episode challenges us to shift our focus from counting numbers to cultivating faithfulness. When love leads, God adds.

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In this episode of The Merge, Pastor Sarge reflects on what it means for the church to be known by “the goodwill of all the people” (Acts 2:47). The early believers didn’t just gather for worship; they lived in such a way that their neighbors took notice. Their kindness, generosity, and unity became a living testimony of God’s love in action.

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How the early church earned the respect of its neighbors.

Why goodwill grows from authenticity, not image.

How your everyday witness can reflect the character of Christ.

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In this episode of The Merge, Pastor Sarge invites listeners to rediscover the kind of joy that can’t be manufactured—a joy that grows out of shared faith and community. From Acts 2:46–47, we see the early believers eating together with glad and sincere hearts, reminding us that joy is not about circumstances but connection.

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How “glad and sincere hearts” reframe our understanding of church community.

The link between generosity, simplicity, and lasting joy.

A practical way to cultivate gratitude in your daily rhythm.

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In the early church, generosity wasn’t an act of charity, it was an act of community.

Through reflection and prayer, you’ll be invited to see generosity not as a transaction, but as a testimony, evidence that God’s love is alive in you.

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How early believers redefined wealth and giving

Why generosity is the natural overflow of a Spirit-filled life

A reflective challenge: Who can you bless this week?

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Some of the holiest moments don’t happen in sanctuaries—they happen around tables.

Join this short, drive-time devotional as we imagine our own tables becoming spaces of healing, hospitality, and hope.

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Why the table was central to early Christian life

How simple hospitality opens hearts

A reflective question to help you practice grace this week

In this devotion, Sargent emphasizes the importance of being devoted to community and connection, drawing lessons from the early church. He highlights how true devotion involves intentionality and perseverance, leading to spiritual growth and strength through fellowship. The message encourages listeners to reflect on their own devotions and consider how they can cultivate deeper connections with others.

The Merge is a drive-time podcast where faith meets real life. Each short episode offers a thoughtful reflection drawn from Scripture, perfect for your morning commute, workout, or quiet moment between classes. Whether you're navigating a busy schedule or searching for direction, The Merge helps you pause, reconnect with God, and find meaning in the middle of life's motion. Tune in and discover how everyday moments can merge with divine purpose.