Woodmen Valley Chapel

The transforming work of the gospel led the early church to radical generosity. Recognizing God’s ownership overall they had, when presented with a physical need in the congregation, they quickly responded to meet that need by divesting themselves of real property to meet the needs of each other. Series: Essential. Speaker: Josh Lindstrom. Scripture: Acts 2:44-45.

As the church devoted themselves to God’s word, each other, the Lord’s supper and prayer, the Holy Spirit responded in powerful ways and awe came upon every soul. We too should trust that as we live the life that God has called us to, it will be recognized and lead people to look to Christ. Series: Essential. Speaker: Kurt Birky. Scripture: Acts 2:43 (John 15:1-17).

Time in Prayer, Acts 2:42e (Matthew 6:5-13) Series: Essential. Speaker: Kurt Birky. Scripture: Acts 2:42e (Matthew 6:5-13).

Committed to live the life Jesus called them to, the early church consistently remembered Jesus’ death on their behalf. Our gathering around the Lord’s table is to be both a time of solemn confession and reflection, and an opportunity to ensure we are in right relationships with fellow believers. Series: Essential. Speaker: Kurt Birky. Scripture: Acts 2:42d (1 Corinthians 11:17-34).

Nowhere in Scripture are we called to live in isolation. To the contrary, we are called to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Fellowship with other believers is not simply an add-on optional component of the Christian life, but very much necessary for our ongoing growth and faith in Christ. Series: Essential. Speaker: Josh Lindstrom. Scripture: Acts 2:42c (Hebrews 10:19-25).

The first followers of Christ were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. They desired to know what Jesus had taught and how it connected to God’s larger story in Scripture. We are fortunate to have all of God’s word recorded for us; 66 books, each profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that we may be equipped for every good work. Series: Essential. Speaker: Josh Lindstrom. Scripture: Acts 2:42b (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Before churches ever gathered in stand-alone buildings, the church in Acts 2 was a group of people called out and devoted to biblical community with a clear commitment to God’s word, evangelism and care. While much has changed since then, the local church remains the centerpiece of God’s plan to reach and disciple this world. Series: Essential. Speaker: Josh Lindstrom. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47.

The Preacher wraps up his book by reminding us of the careful attention he gave to his words and, consequently, the careful attention we should give them in response. The end of the matter is that it is only in a reverence for God and obedience to his commands that we will find a truly satisfied life. Far from being discouraging, we can be confident that all we do in pursuit of Christ will be recognized and rewarded on that final day. Series: Chasing After Wind. Speaker: Josh Lindstrom. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12: 8-14.

Until Christ returns, each one of us at some point will die and the reality of death casts a long dark shadow over all our pursuits. However, for the redeemed in Christ, we cry out, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). For the child of God, while death is not the end, its presence here and now should drive us to cherish and enjoy life while we can. Series: Chasing After Wind. Speaker: Kurt Birky. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1-18.

Even from our limited human perspective, we understand there is good advice that is worthwhile to follow and that making wise choices is to be preferred to making foolish ones. However, human wisdom is not a safeguard against all the perils and injustice of this world, and so our hope rests not in our wisdom but in the person and work of Christ who stands sovereign over all. Series: Chasing After Wind. Speaker: Kurt Birky. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14.