In Week 7 of Acts: The Church That Changed the World, we turn to Acts 4:32–5:11 and discover what it really means to live with open hands.

The generosity of the early church wasn’t simply about money—it flowed from hearts transformed by Jesus. Open hands begin with an open heart, recognizing that what God places in our hands can become a blessing in the life of someone else.

But the story of Ananias and Sapphira takes us deeper. They wanted the appearance of generosity without the honesty behind it. Their story reminds us that God would rather have our honest heart than our impressive image. He isn’t looking for appearances or spiritual performance; He desires authenticity, surrender, and a heart fully open to Him.

As you listen, consider what you may be holding too tightly—and where God might be inviting you to live with greater generosity, honesty, and openness.

Scripture: Acts 4:32–5:11
Series: Acts: The Church That Changed the World
Week 7: Open Hands

What does it mean to live boldly for Jesus? In Acts 4, Peter and John faced opposition, threats, and pressure to remain silent—but they refused to stop speaking about what they had seen and heard.

In this message from our ACTS: The Church That Changed the World series, we discover that boldness comes from knowing who is with us. The early believers didn't pray for an easier life; they prayed for greater courage.

When our confidence is rooted in Christ, fear doesn't have to have the final word. The same God who empowered the early church is still with His people today.

Scripture: Acts 4:1–31
Series: ACTS: The Church That Changed the World
Sermon: BOLD

In Acts 3, a man who had been unable to walk his entire life asked Peter and John for money. He knew what he wanted—but Jesus saw what he truly needed.

Sometimes we come to God focused on the immediate problem, hoping for just enough help to make it through another day. But Jesus sees deeper. He doesn’t simply help us cope with where we are; He offers healing, restoration, and transformation.

This week, we discover that what Jesus offers is always greater than what we could ask for on our own. His grace doesn’t merely help us survive—it changes us.

Scripture: Acts 3

Sermon Points:

1. Jesus sees more than your immediate need.

2. Jesus doesn’t just help us cope; He offers transformation.

In Acts 2, we witness the birth of the Church—a community centered on Jesus and transformed by life together.

In Week 4 of ACTS: The Church That Changed the World, we explore Acts 2:22–47 and discover what marked the earliest Christian community. A healthy church is centered on Jesus, and healthy disciples don’t just believe together—they live together.

The first believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, and worship. Their faith wasn’t simply something they believed; it shaped the way they lived and cared for one another.

What would happen if the Church today lived with that same devotion?

Scripture: Acts 2:22–47
Series: ACTS: The Church That Changed the World
Week 4: The Church Is Born

Versailles United Methodist Church

ACTS: The Church That Changed the World — Week 3: FIRE FALLS

In Acts 2:1–21, the promised Holy Spirit comes upon the followers of Jesus at Pentecost—and everything changes.

The Holy Spirit is more than a moment or an experience. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us, reminding us that we never walk the life of faith alone. And the Spirit’s power is not given simply for ourselves. The Holy Spirit empowers us for other people—equipping ordinary followers of Jesus to share His love, serve others, and carry the good news into the world.

The fire fell. The Spirit came. And the Church was empowered for its mission.

Scripture: Acts 2:1–21

While You’re Waiting | ACTS: The Church That Changed the World — Week 2

Waiting can feel like nothing is happening—but God is often doing some of His deepest work in the seasons when we cannot yet see what comes next.

In Week 2 of ACTS: The Church That Changed the World, we explore Acts 1:12–26 and discover how God used the waiting between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost to prepare His people for what was ahead.

Sermon Points:

1. God Does His Deepest Work While We Wait
2. God Is Preparing the Right People for the Right Moment

The waiting isn't wasted. God is working, God is preparing, and His timing has purpose.

ACTS: The Church That Changed the World begins with a simple but life-changing truth: Jesus' mission didn't end when He ascended into heaven—it continued through His Church.

In Week 1: It Starts Here, we explore Acts 1:1–11 and discover that before Jesus sent His followers into the world, He promised them the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church was never meant to rely on human ability alone but on God's presence and power.

Whether you're beginning your faith journey or have walked with Christ for years, this message will encourage you to embrace your calling and live as a witness for Jesus in your everyday life.

Scripture: Acts 1:1–11

In This Message:
• Jesus Continues His Mission Through His Church
• We Are Empowered Before We Are Sent

Join us as we begin our journey through the Book of Acts and discover how God still uses ordinary people to change the world through the power of His Spirit.

God never intended us to do life alone. We were created for relationships that encourage us, strengthen us, and point us toward Jesus.

In this message, we discover how real friends help carry what we cannot carry alone and how Jesus didn’t just command friendship—He modeled it. Through His example, we learn what it means to love faithfully, carry one another’s burdens, and become the kind of friend who stays when life gets difficult.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 • John 15:12–17 • Proverbs 17:17 • Galatians 6:2

Real friends. Real faith. Real love. You don’t have to do life alone.

At the Movies: Forrest Gump – Run Your Race

Every life is a journey, but God never intended for us to run someone else's race.

In this message inspired by Forrest Gump, we explore what it means to faithfully run the race God has marked out for each of us. Hebrews 12 reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, not on our past or on someone else's finish line. Success isn't measured by comparison or achievement—it's measured by faithfulness.

Join us as we discover how to persevere with purpose, leave comparison behind, and keep moving toward the calling God has placed on our lives.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–2, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 3:13–14

Versailles United Methodist Church • Versailles, Kentucky

What do you do when life feels like a prison?

Whether it's fear, grief, disappointment, or circumstances beyond your control, God offers a hope that cannot be chained. In this message from our At the Movies series, we'll discover that our greatest trials can become the very place where God produces perseverance, shapes our character, and fills us with lasting hope.

Drawing from Romans 5:3–5, Acts 16:22–34, and Isaiah 43:2, this sermon explores how God's presence is greater than any prison we face.

Scripture

• Romans 5:3–5
• Acts 16:22–34
• Isaiah 43:2

Sermon Points

1. God Produces Hope Through What You're Going Through
2. God's Presence Is Greater Than Your Prison

No matter what you're facing today, your story isn't over. Hope is never locked up when Christ is with you.

Versailles United Methodist ChurchVersailles, KentuckyLove Like Jesus 💛