The story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10-11 is told 3 separate times throughout those chapters. Because it's told three times, it must mean we need to really listen well to what is being told through that story! This sermon is about a clarion call to the global Church for all times - "God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34) and the Church is for Jews and Gentiles. Listen in as we learn about what makes the Church uncommon in world always, and how the Olympic Games and NBA Finals give us examples.
The Church: Never Too Far (Acts 9:1-31)
It's amazing how one person can make such an impact. In today's famous story, we learn about Saul of Tarsus' well-known conversion on the road to Damascus. But even deeper, we see the ever-extending grace of God at work in powerful ways. Join us today as we feel and experience the Pursuer God, relentlessly and extravagantly changing the course of history by transforming one man. And He uses His Church to do the good work!
The Church: Scattered For a Purpose (Acts 8)
After the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7, the Church is scattered away from Jerusalem and into the rest of the region because of intense persecution. At first glance, this seems to be problematic for the advance of the Gospel. But as we peer into Acts 8, quite to the contrary, we read two extraordinary stories: one with a magician and one with an Ethiopian - both of whom come to faith in Jesus through the obedience of Philip to the call of the Holy Spirit. In today's sermon, Alan Vance focuses on the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and the power of God's Word to change lives... at any point and in any place.
The Church: Servants in the Story (Acts 6-7)
How can the Church be of use in the modern world? This is a question many have begun to ask in recent decades. With so many humanitarian aid agencies, NGOs, non-profits, and a rising spirit of volunteerism, what possibly can the Church add? In today's sermon, we look at how the early Church remarkably responded - in a posture of humility and with a passion for the Grand Story - to a rising need in their community. We learn about the origin of a vision for "deacons" and what their important role is in the life of the Church. What we see through these deacons - with the light shining ultimately on the bold & gracious person of Stephen, is that the Church exists as the ultimate Servant People, with the One Story that can bring lasting hope to the world.
The Church: Changed by Grace (Acts 4:31-5:42)
The best definition and evidence of the of the Church is "grace." As we listen to a story today that causes fear in the early Church, we see that God takes seriously the genuineness of our actions done in His Name. But He also abundantly pours out His grace on His Church, empowering and changing them into a beautiful outpost of hope and care for our broken world. Listen in today as we explore the two evidences of grace, and the one lurking danger of grace in the story of Ananias and Sapphira.
The Church: Bold With the Gospel (Acts 4:1-31)
There may be nothing more scary for the modern day Christian than the admonition to "share your faith" with others. But when we look at the early Church, particularly at John and Peter in Acts 4, we see a unique flavor of Gospel boldness. It's not a burden, but rather a belief. Listen in as we learn about how to unlock a boldness that is freeing, and not forced. The short answer? Genuine time with Jesus - the only way to true life.
The Church: In Jesus' Name (Acts 3:1-26)
In today's Scripture, a remarkable event occurs... and it's not the healing of a lame beggar! Rather, "in Jesus' Name" Peter and John bring this man and all the onlookers more than they expected. Listen in today as we see how the power of the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth brings about more than we ever could have dreamed or imagined... even more than eternity. "God is on the move!"
The Church: Unique in the World (Acts 2:42-47)
The earliest Church must have looked really strange in the Roman Empire. Selling their houses and meeting together every day? Giving generously to the poor and the outcasts? All this (and more) is what makes the Church unique in the world. Listen in today to learn more about how these earliest believers in Jesus uniquely came together to form a fellowship that would change the world forever.
The Church: On Whom God's Spirit Rests (Acts 2:1-41)
The story of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is both astounding and confounding. What is happening in this unique story in history? Listen in today as we learn how God delights to use His Church for His purposes, by "resting" Himself on the Church.
The Church: Organized for a Purpose (Acts 1:12-26)
As the earliest disciples await the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, a clear question emerges - "What now???" It is in this in-between passage - after Jesus' ascension and before the Holy Spirit's coming - that the Church begins to be organized. In this sermon, we learn that the Church can best and most freely witness to a watching world when it is organized under God’s clear leading.
The Church: Empowered for a Purpose (Acts 1:1-11)
"God is on the move!" As we begin a new series in the book of Acts, we see two primary actors emerge: The Holy Spirit and the Church. These are God's two primary agents of action in spreading the gospel of Jesus all around. Today we look at the introduction, and see how the Church is empowered for a specific purpose. Join us on this journey through Acts as we come to understand what the Church is to be in the world today.
The Shepherd's Fish (John 21)
What does a Shepherd do with fish? Approaching John 21, we find a beautiful story of the resurrected Jesus encountering His disciples with a reminder and a vision for their lives. Join us for this wrap-up sermon on our month-long missions conference, "All for Jesus" as we see what God has in store for His church going forward into the future.
An Epic Thirst (John 4:1-26)
Jesus' famous encounter with the woman at the well in John 4 is a well known story. This week, Stephanie Clark (CEO of Amirah, Inc.) brings this poignant story to life in our modern day by teaching it through the lens of her work of rescuing women from the enslavement of human trafficking in New England. This story is a deep encouragement to all of us looking for true life and living water.
Are you thirsty?
Jesus: The King (Mark 16:1-8)
What is a King? As Jesus' tomb is found empty, Mark 16 gives us a surprising look into Jesus being crowned as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Journey with us to discover with us how the resurrection of Jesus Christ crowns Him as the One True King.
Good Friday | Jesus: The Sacrificed Savior (Mark 15:15-41)
Sacrifice. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The disgraced become the embraced. Listen in as we see those Jesus embraces while on the cross. Which does your soul identify with on this day?
Maundy Thursday | Jesus: The Sorrowful Savior (Mark 14:32-42)
Sorrow. A word we love to flee from. As we zoom into the Garden of Gethsemane experience of Jesus and His disciples after the Last Supper, we see what makes those around Jesus sorrowful. But then we see Jesus. Jesus is filled with sorrow in His soul. Join us as Jesus shows us the way of sorrow in our soul that leads to hope.
Jesus: The Savior (Mark 11:1-11)
Many try to save the world, but only One uniquely can. What makes Jesus uniquely the Savior of the World? In this famous Palm Sunday passage, we walk with Jesus from Jericho, up to Bethany, Bethphage, and the Mount of Olives and ultimately into Jerusalem's temple, and discover how Jesus saves. We look at Jesus' burden, His method, His people, and finally His power.
Jesus: The Treasure (Mark 10:17-31)
Money, possession, stuff. Jesus loves to talk about these things, even when (especially when!) they're uncomfortable for modern listeners. When Jesus is confronted by a young man with many possessions, who is looking for eternal answers, Jesus lovingly and graciously chips away at his assumptions and gives him (and the disciples) a surprising answer. Join us as we look at the trick, threat, thrill and truth of treasure, and discover at the end that Jesus Himself really is the One and only Treasure.
Jesus: The Glory of God (Mark 9:2-13)
Glory. What is it? Who is it? What happens when you're face-to-face with it? We've rounded the corner and have reached a climactic point in the first part of Mark's Gospel. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus shows the disciples something that will forever change them, their lives, and redemptive history forever. But while all this change takes place, Jesus does not change. He has always been who He shows them to be. How will you respond when you see Jesus this way?
Jesus: The Christ (Mark 8:27-9:1)
This is the turning point in the gospel of Mark. Jesus begins to unveil to his disciples the identity of the one they've watched heal, teach, and forgive people. Jesus is "the Christ", the long-awaited Savior for the world. But what does His identity teach us, and, more so, what does it show those who take on His identity, "Christian"? Journey with us and Jesus to a place the world sees as a place for fools, losers, and outcasts. But Jesus all the while is paving a more redeeming, yet surprising, path.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot