The Trails Church

John 1:1–5 welcomes us to behold the eternal glory of Jesus Christ, the Word who was with God and is God, through whom all things were made. It invites us to look to the Light that shines into the darkness of this broken world, bringing life, hope, and salvation. This morning, I invite you to look with wide-eyed wonder at “The Light of Life” by exploring three profound truths from this passage that reveal who the real Jesus is: Specifically, he is 1. Jesus Christ the Lord, 2. Jesus Christ the Creator, and 3. Jesus Christ the Light of the World.

Acts 16:16–34 teaches us that “Gospel Thanksgiving” is not dependent on life’s circumstances but arises from the profound truth of Christ’s work in our lives. Whether in freedom or suffering, in worship or witnessing, the gospel empowers us to live with grateful hearts, reflecting the transforming grace of Jesus to the world. This passage highlights the power of the gospel in three profound ways: 1. Deliverance From Evil, 2. A Song in the Night, 3. A Sure Salvation.

In Acts 16:6–15, we find the Lord sovereignly directing, working through, and adding to His people. Paul and his missionary team are guided by God to a new mission field, while simultaneously preparing hearts to receive the good news of the gospel. The passage presents “A Call to the Unconverted,” unfolding in two key moments which we will look at under their headings given in the English Standard Version of Scripture: 1. The Macedonian Call, and 2. The Conversion of Lydia.

Acts 15:36–16:5 unfolds in two scenes of parting and meeting, moving and changing, each advancing God’s kingdom. Here, we see God sovereignly guiding His people through disagreements, new partnerships, and the Spirit’s leading—all to accomplish His purposes of spreading the gospel and strengthening His church. We will explore each scene under the headings: 1. A Parting of Ways, and 2. A Providential Meeting.

What does it take to inherit eternal life? We are going to examine that question this morning as we walk through Acts 15. And we will do so under two headings: The Victory of Grace and the Victory of Love.

(1) Sowing the Seed (2) Strengthening the Saints

Acts 13 records the inaugural sermon preached by the Apostle Paul. Our sermon will focus on Acts 13:13-52, which presents the Apostle Paul's inaugural sermon. This passage provides a word of encouragement as it emphasizes God’s grace throughout the Old Testament, highlights Israel's rejection of the promised Messiah, declares forgiveness of sins, and illustrates the inevitable division the gospel brings.

The thimble-sized passage of Acts 13:38–39 holds an ocean of gospel truth. This passage announces what the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have made possible, while also promising salvation to all who believe upon Christ. Our brief sermon will be organized under two main headings, examining each verse individually: 1. A Glorious Proclamation, 2. A Gospel Invitation.

Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey and details the commissioning service of the first planned missionaries sent out overseas from a local church. The church in Antioch appoints Barnabas and Paul, who are sent to spread the gospel. During their mission, they face opposition but also witness a powerful conversion. Our sermon is entitled “A Missionary Journey” and will be organized under two main themes found our text: 1. A Sending Church and 2. A Sent People.