Paul’s arrest continues to play out like a courtroom drama. All the while, however, Paul has never been more sharp, and never been more focused. The ways in which this man’s faith is bolstered in the midst of hardship and injustice teaches us something powerful and convicting about the truth he was living and dying for.

As Paul turns to Jerusalem (in many ways modeling Jesus's fateful turn toward Jerusalem), we explore ways in which God shares wisdom and even caution with people, but perhaps not to deter them but to more fully prepare them. When facing some of the greatest hardships (as Paul undoubtedly was), God often graciously takes steps to ensure we have counted the cost and fortified our strength, and yet perhaps not our full understanding.

In Paul's final stretches of ministry free from imprisonment and impending martyrdom, we find him taking long voyages and long stretches of time to speak with and encourage the believers. The ways in which Paul sets his priorities in these final days reminds and challenges us to proactively set our priorities so that distractions and disorientation cannot disrupt the greater plans of God in us and through us.

Across a power-packed passage, this weekend we find a special opportunity to lean into the Lord in seeking healing. What does it mean to trust the Lord in seeking physical healing when we are not promised a particular outcome?

Today we explore the Apostle Paul's missionary journey to Corinth, where he faces opposition but remains steadfast in spreading the Gospel. The Gospel is available to all people, regardless of their background or past. Drawing parallels between ancient Corinth and modern cities like Las Vegas, we see how the Gospel can shine brightly in the midst of a sinful world. Through the story of Paul and his encounter with the synagogue leader Crispus, we encourages believers to share their stories of transformation and to continue spreading the hope of Jesus to those who are far from God.

Across three different situations, and through the faithful missions extension of Paul and company, the Gospel meets communities uniquely where they are. God's faithful reach to all people is greatly highlighted this weekend, and is the sort of thing that each of us has the opportunity to participate in. God meets individuals and communities in the midst of their unique questions, and then so much more!

Facing hardship, opposition, and violence, Paul and Silas find themselves imprisoned, only to take that opportunity to begin a midnight prayer and worship night. That point, that moment served as the pivot-point for everything in the story. Then and now, the truest Freedom Fighters proclaim that worship changes everything!

The fingerprints of God are found all over the movements of the very-early-church. In this weekend’s passage we find God powerfully prohibiting, redirecting, and opening peoples’ way to his will. Where are God’s fingerprints in our own lives? Where are we yielding to his surpassing power?

Pastor Brent picks back up where we left off before the holiday season in The Book of Acts

Join us for our annual Vision weekend as we look ahead to 2025