A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” What does that term bring to mind for you? Do you have a positive initial reaction, or are you somewhat turned off by that description? This weekend we are introduced to a Roman Centurion, a “God-Fearer,” whose prayer-time is interrupted by God fueling his passion to find out more about Jesus.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” Those were Peter’s words to a man who had been paralyzed for eight years. Shortly after, in the same name of Jesus, Peter raised a woman from the dead. If only Jesus could do the same things among us today. COVID would lose its threat. Death would lose its power. We could live a different kind of life. He can. He does. This is the Jesus we adore and worship. This is the Jesus who sets his table before us again this weekend. This is the Christ who makes us whole. If only he were here now? He is. That’s why we gather with God’s people to worship and adore him.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” If asked to name a favorite disciple of Jesus, most of us wouldn’t quickly think of Barnabas. Our study of Acts might just change that. May the Spirit bless you through the record of his service. More than history and more than an example; his life is a testimony to the power of the gospel that is also at work in you. If God so used Barnabas for such grand things, who knows how me might use you.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” You could say of very few, “That person turned the world upside down.” But you could say that of the Apostle Paul. What’s even more dramatic is the same Spirit who turned Paul upside down has turned you upside down and is turning our world upside down today through Paul’s words. You can run from the Spirit, but you better keep looking over your shoulder, because you can’t outrun him.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” In our study of the Book of Acts this weekend, we come to two people who couldn’t have been more different. Philip was a Jew; the man he met was a Gentile. Philip was a Christian; the man he met was a pagan. Philip was (likely) not wealthy; the man he met was. Philip was white; the man he met was black. What could they possibly have in common? How could they possibly live in peace? Read Acts 8:26-40, pray for the Spirit to teach you how to give grace to every race, and join us online for help and courage to do so.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” Jesus encountered a man who said that. But it could have been any of us. Every one of us has at times felt a disconnect between our faith and our life. In the section of Acts before us today, a man demonstrates that disconnection. He’s outside the kingdom of God. Then through the Spirit’s gift of faith, he’s inside the kingdom of God. But that’s when things get interesting. Read about Simon the Sorcerer, Acts 8:9-25, and ask the Spirit to bless his Word to you today.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” “There was great joy…” What brings you great joy? Throughout this season, perhaps joy has been a challenge to find. Perhaps it, like Charlie Brown’s football, seems to always elude you. We could say it is our circumstances, all that is happening, but the words above are written at a time of great displacement and persecution and yet great joy. Today we will see how God crosses cultural boundaries and brings his great joy.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” Who is the greatest baseball player who ever lived? Dimaggio? Robinson? Oliva? Rodrigez? Or substitute for “baseball player” the greatest runner, the greatest author, the greatest president, or whatever your hobby is. Who is the greatest? In the slice of first century history called The Book of Acts, we encounter a man we might call the greatest in many ways. Study Acts 8:1-3 with us this weekend and meet him. Let God speak to you through his Word in our worship services, in the Sunday night Growth Group, and in daily devotions. It won’t make any of us the greatest, but we will better appreciate how God works in today’s world . . . and in your world.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” Have you ever wondered how your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents weathered the hardships of the Great Depression? Their stories of suffering are harrowing to most of us. In our more reflective moments, maybe more likely these days, we might ask, “How would I handle that?” God has an answer for you. He delivers it through his servant Stephen. Find Acts 7:54-60 and join us to receive God’s answer in our online worship. Let Stephen show you how your suffering, whatever it is, will lead to glory.

A sermon from the series “Acts (2020).” Though we won’t be able to pet sheep this weekend, we have the wonderful privilege of seeing Jesus, our Good Shepherd, one more time. Stephen, as he preaches his first and last sermon, his funeral testimony, he recounts for us the tremendous love of God, the Good Shepherd, for his people throughout history. We will see his love and grace transcend nations, locations, isolation, time, and even rejection by his stiff-necked sheep. This is our loving Good Shepherd!