The 9 Principles pt. 1
Every local church is a collection of diverse people seeking to live and serve in unity as they worship God. Having a common vision and ministering under common principles is integral to each of us individually being who God has made us to be. (Eph 4:16)
The Acts of the Apostles: The Ending We All Need
Acts 28:16-31 As we close out our study in Acts, Paul provides us with one more reminder of the faith, character and doctrine of the apostles. Just as abruptly as Paul story ends, ours begins. Will we take the gospel to a world in need of Jesus?
The Acts of the Apostles: We Are a Window to the Power of God
Acts 28:1-15 Paul is shipwrecked on the island of Malta and to top off an already crazy situation, he is bit by a poisonous snake and survives. Soon he is healing people from all over the island. Paul was gifted in a unique way by God, but we too have been gifted with the ability to be a sign of God’s magnificent power and love. Are you a window to the power of God?
The Acts of the Apostles: Leading Through the Wind
Acts 27:26-44 When people lose faith and begin to fear, how should the body of Christ respond? What does it look like to lead in the midst of life’s storms? Today we observe Paul as he exemplifies true spiritual leadership and calls others to faith and obedience despite their circumstances.
The Acts of the Apostles: Facing the Winds
Acts 27:16-25 Paul is being taken by armed guard and ship to Rome to stand before Caesar’s tribunal. On the way, they face the Eurocyldon, a seasonal storm that threatens their very lives. In today's sermon, we address how most people react to trials and hardship in their lives; then we reverse those reactions to discover how Christians find confidence and peace in God.
The Acts of the Apostles: When the Wind Blows
Acts 27:1-15 Paul, a prisoner of two years, sets out for Rome under the watch care of the Roman authorities. This windy sea journey becomes increasingly arduous and by the end of the chapter, it will be disastrous. In today's sermon, we learn to watch the movements of the wind in order to get a better idea of how the enemy seeks to undermine God’s plan for your life and make a disaster of your mission.
The Acts of the Apostles: Is Your Gospel Ready?
Acts 25:12-27 / Acts 26
King Agrippa comes to visit Festus and while he is in Caesarea he takes time to listen to Paul and hear directly from Paul in order to better understand the case against him. Paul capitalizes on this opportunity by preaching the gospel. In today’s sermon, we learn a important lessons on what it means to truly have a “ready gospel”.
He That Hath Ears - The Sower
Luke 8:4-10
Brandon teaches the parable of the Sower and the different types of soil that seeds can fall on.
He That Hath Ears - The Disciple
He That Hath Ears: The Disciple
The Acts of the Apostles: A Good Confidence
In a world that is training us to constantly be afraid, the Christian has the ability to be confident. After years of imprisonment and bureaucratic corruption, Paul has lost almost all control over his life. In this sermon, we look at Paul’s testimony of boldness in order to discover where his confidence comes from.
The Acts of the Apostles: The Bondage of Foolishness
Acts 24:22-27
The Bible says a lot about what it means to be foolish. In Acts 24 we come across one of the truest examples of what it means to be a fool. In today's sermon, we discover just how avoidable foolishness can be as well as the dangers of choosing ignorance over Christ.
The Acts of the Apostles: Dealing with the Accuser
Acts 24:1-22
If we are going to be mission-minded Christians, living out our faith in service to Christ, we will need to anticipate an enemy that will make claims about us that aren’t true. These lies have the potential to seep into our hearts and minds and distract us from the thing we set out to do. Today we will address what to do when we face accusations.
The Acts of the Apostles: The Real Conspiracy
Acts 23:11-35
Paul sits in a jail cell while zealots from the religious community gather to conspire against his life. Just like Paul, we face a conspirator that is not theoretical, he is very real and he has been working against believers since the beginning of time. We are going to discuss what it means to acknowledge the enemies that surround us as well as discuss what it means to humbly trust the Lord to help us navigate situations outside of our control.
The Acts of the Apostles: A Good Conscience
Acts 23:1-11
Paul is once again brought before a hostile crowd, this time his old friends the Sanhedrin. Paul’s composure in the face of hatred is amazing and gives us insight in what it means to be Spirit-filled in the midst of trial and enmity with the world.
The Acts of the Apostles: Our Greater Passion
Acts 22:22-30
In today's sermon, we see Paul deliver the gospel to a mob of Jews and get rejected outright. The result of him speaking the truth almost culminated in a Roman scourging until he spoke up and defended himself under Roman law. What we discover about Paul and his decision-making is that whether he faced suffering or escape, Paul always sided with the truth. In reflection, do you share that same passion?
The Acts of the Apostles: To Entreat Without Retreat
Acts 22:1-23
As Paul is led by Roman authorities into the courtyard for questioning, he is followed by a mass of Jewish people. He requests an opportunity to speak and rather than defending himself, he instead defends the gospel. He doesn’t make a doctrinal argument, he appeals to them with his testimony. How can we learn to unapologetically share our story of our faith?
The Acts of the Apostles: When it Doesn't Make Sense
Acts 21:27-40
Paul is doing all he knows to do to appease the people of Jerusalem and yet he still finds himself betrayed, lied about and beaten. Today we examine what it means to make sense of chaotic situations, when we feel confused or misled by others or our own thoughts and emotions.
The Acts of the Apostles: A Recipe for Ministry Failure
Acts 21:15-26
A well-intentioned, yet misguided Paul heads to Jerusalem to meet his friends, fully aware of the dangers he might find there. When he arrives he is immediately confronted with the fact that the Jewish converts in Jerusalem are fervent about the laws and traditions of the old covenant; so much so that there is an undercurrent of disdain for Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. Based on the response of the leaders in our story, this sermon addresses how a church focused on the wrong things is prime for failure.
The Acts of the Apostles: Going Your Own Way
Acts 21:1-16
As Paul leaves the shores of Miletus for his destination of Jerusalem, he encounters many loving friends. These encounters were both wonderful but also very difficult as his friends unanimously counseled him in a way that ran counter to what he felt was best. What should we do when our well-intentioned plans come in conflict with God’s plans?
The Acts of the Apostles: A Life Invested
Acts 20:25-38
As Paul closes his farewell to the church in Ephesus, he charges them how to take ownership of the ministry he is entrusting them with. As he describes this investment, he describes what it means to practically shepherd the flock of God. As a ministry of growing leaders, are we owning our responsibility to invest in God’s people?