The Summit STL

The miracle of Christ’s resurrection did not stop after he ascended. We are living in the reality of the resurrection to this day! That means we have been given extraordinary gifts and tasks to continue the Good News by bringing it to the world and extending God’s kingdom on earth.

"The church is full of hypocrites." It’s a common critique, but as we see in Acts 5, it’s one that God takes more seriously than anyone.

In this message, we dive into the life-and-death stakes of spiritual integrity. Why does God protect the reputation of His Bride so fiercely? We discuss the difference between failing in faith and intentional deception, the "isms" that block the Holy Spirit’s work, and why the goal of the Christian life isn't just surviving judgment—it’s thriving in the presence of a Holy King.

The power of the Gospel is remarkable, and God’s power works through us by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our love for Christ fuels our desire to proclaim His resurrection and leads us to think less of ourselves and more about others. If we truly desire to be Christlike, which is God’s good for us, there is an emptying out of self that brings unity.

When we are confronted by fierce opposition to the Word, it is not uncommon to retreat out of fear. But the apostles in the early church in Acts were not frightened by threats; instead they turned their eyes heavenward and prayed for boldness. Their response, and God’s answer, lead us to proclaim Jesus boldly.

In Acts 4, Peter and John face opposition for proclaiming Jesus—and they respond with boldness, not fear. Why? Because their eyes were fixed on Christ.
Suffering is inevitable, but we don’t have to face it alone or power through it on our own. When we abide in Jesus, our perspective changes. Acts 4:12 reminds us: “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Real hope. Real power. One name—Jesus.

We all have our places—the spaces we return to again and again. For Peter and John, it was the temple at the hour of prayer. For a man lame from birth, it was the gate called Beautiful. For you, it might be a coffee shop, a soccer field, an office, or an airplane seat.

In Acts 3, we see what happens when formed believers step back into their everyday places with open eyes. What begins as an ordinary walk to prayer becomes a divine appointment. A man broken for forty years is seen, dignified, and healed—not with silver or gold, but in the name of Jesus.

Before Jesus restores this man’s legs, He restores his dignity. Before chaos gives way to order at the temple gate, healing had already begun at the cross.

This message reminds us: the church is not a lake meant to collect, but a river meant to flow. We don’t grieve what we lack—we offer what we have. And what we have is Jesus.

How does the Holy Spirit reshape everyday life? The faith of the early church was exemplified through their awe at the work of the Spirit, and it drove them to become people of devotion. The result was exponential growth - individually and corporately. Listen to learn how the church is not an event, but a people of devotion.

The early church of Acts gives us a picture of how God brings new-creation power into broken human systems.
The Spirit is not reduced or diluted for modern believers, but the Spirit transforms ordinary, flawed people into bold witnesses. We need to look at what God can do through surrendered weakness.

What happens when we follow the early church’s example of “devoting” ourselves in prayer? When we understand that prayer means aligning our wills, desires, and purposes with God’s, He will act in power to transform us.

The early church of Acts shows us that the church begins not with activity, but with trust. Don’t stare at the sky or cling to the past - wait for power and prepare to be sent.