the Vine

What does it truly mean to be saved? Is faith in Jesus the only requirement, or is salvation earned through good deeds? This message takes us on a journey through Acts Chapter 15, where we examine the riveting debate that brewed within the early church, a discourse that echoes within the church's walls even today. 

Our exploration doesn't stop there. We shift our focus to Jesus' response to this debate and magnify the importance of faith. By drawing parallels to the story of manna in the wilderness, we highlight the essence of "charis" : God's grace that is a gift that can't be earned by works. 

Ready for a journey that tests faith, endurance, and persistence? This message promises to deepen your understanding of what it means to walk the Christian path, as we explore the trials and triumphs of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. Walking with these two missionaries, we witness their courage and resilience in the face of persecution and praise alike, painting a vivid picture of their spiritual journey. From being mistaken for Greek gods, to Paul's stoning, their story underlines the message that hardships are a part of the journey to God's kingdom.

The second part of our conversation takes us through the struggles of faith, guided by the powerful words of Jesus from Matthew 7. We explore the concept of the narrow gate and what it means to tread the path that leads to life. The world, our flesh, and the devil might often conflict with the way of Jesus, but we discuss how maintaining faith amid these struggles isn't easy, but it's ultimately rewarding. This message is a celebration of faith's triumph over adversity and a guide to navigating the path that leads to life. So, are you ready to challenge your faith and be inspired?

In this sermon, Pastor Chris reflects on the concept of leaving a spiritual legacy and serving God's purpose in our generation. The sermon dives deep into the scriptures of Matthew 28 and Acts 1, highlighting the importance of not only understanding God's purpose but taking action towards it in all aspects of our lives. He also explores the significant impact of the 1974 Lausanne Covenant and the aspiration to be individuals after God's own heart who fulfill His will and serve His purpose in our generation.

Does God still speak today? The testimony of Scripture is an overwhelming, "yes". But how can we hear Him speak? Today we look at Acts 13 and how we can cultivate a heart of listening by waiting on the Lord.

Every command of God is an invitation to trust and obey. You can resist. But if you trust Him, why would you? The gap between your faith and the life for which you were created is closed by your obedience to the Lord's command.

How can we tell when a new thing that replaces our good thing is actually a God thing? This morning we take a look at Acts 11 (as well as a story from John Wimber) to discover the answer to that question.

What about the “spiritual but not religious” among us? How does God view those who focus on being good, doing good, and believing in a higher power but who don’t make their home in Christianity? In the account of Cornelius we find that God sees them, hears them, and calls them to one thing…

When Saul set our for Damascus he was arguably the most violent opposer of the Way of Jesus. But on that road he encounters the risen Lord himself in a powerful way. This is for us yet another picture that God can and does break through in powerful ways in people's lives, in order that they might come to know Him.

Every person that comes to faith comes by way of a few crossroads. The second of three crossroads that we're looking at is the Crossroads of Truth. These crossroads seem to be especially marked by a combination of thoughts that just will not let us go and "coincidences" that aare truly divine appointments hiding in plain sight.

Every person that comes to faith comes by way of a few crossroads. The first of three crossroads that we're looking at is the Crossroads of Identity. At the this crossroads, we are confronted with the reality that we can't just add Jesus to our lives. He must become the very center of it.