July 30, 2023 Message Big Idea This week we witness a crucial moment in Church history, particularly in how the early believers handled the dramatic and surprising expansion of God’s people to include the Gentiles. In this we see the apostles and elders wisely evaluate the evidence (God’s initiative, God’s missional presence, and God’s promises) to defend the gospel from an …
July 23, 2023 Message Big Idea In this week’s passage, Luke tells of the first missionary journey, sent out from the church of Antioch. We can observe some very helpful traits for missional living. Paul and Barnabas displayed a passion for the gospel accompanied by signs and wonders, always directing attention toward God. Furthermore, they continually sought to encourage the body of …
July 16, 2023 Message Big Idea As Luke focuses on the church in Antioch, we begin to see some distinct characteristics of the type of community all local churches are meant to be. It is very clear that they exist solely by the power of the Holy Spirit. This brings about new life from the ashes of human brokenness, culminating in …
July 9, 2023 Message Big Idea This week centers on the arrest of Peter, which was prefaced with the killing of James. This heightens the narrative tension surrounding Peter’s arrest. He was in real danger! But as Peter sat in prison, the church prayed earnestly for him. God responded to their prayer and miraculously rescued Peter from prison, thereby overriding …
June 25, 2023 Message Big Idea Every good story needs a bad guy! In the book of Acts, it seems like Saul is stepping into the leading antagonist role. But Jesus has different aspirations. On the Damascus Road, Christ initiates an utterly surprising life-change, turning the zealous and blood-thirsty Saul into a devoted disciple of the way. After the courageous and faithful involvement …
June 18, 2023 Message Big Idea The early Church in Jerusalem experienced escalating opposition until it finally boiled over into great persecution. Yet, this did not yield its intended consequences. In fact, God’s people stayed on mission! They were emboldened and sent out, bridging relational and racial divides. This displayed God’s power in new ways, bringing more to know Jesus. According to God’s …
June 4, 2023 Message Big Idea In this week’s reading, we observe the challenges that accompanied meteoric growth within the Jerusalem church. As a healthy organization, the early church experienced growth in number, need and diversity. Yet, this also manifested new problems to be addressed. In response, the apostles listened and took advantage of this divine opportunity by expanding leadership, sharing culture, and …
May 28, 2023 Message Big Idea The early Church faced great external opposition which sought to stifle it at every turn. However, it was internal failure which placed the movement at greatest risk! The troubling account of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us of the constant duplicity within the human heart. It can lead us to discount the threat of spiritual attack, minimize God’s …
May 21, 2023 Message Big Idea When Jesus was put on trial before his crucifixion, he was brought before a group called the Sanhedrin (Matt 27:12). This was the highest governing body for all Jewish people. In Acts chapter 4, we meet the same group, but now Peter and John are on the hot seat! They are ready with all …
Weekly Reading Plan Acts is a long book, and we won’t be able to study every verse of it during each of these sessions. This reading plan will help you familiarize yourself with the entirety of the book so that you can dig more deeply into God’s Word. This week, use this reading Acts 15-21. We are peeking ahead and …
