As we approach the Christmas season, we’re taking a look at Advent. The first candle on the Advent wreath is traditionally known as the Hope Candle or the Prophecy Candle. To understand the need for hope, we have to remember a time in our life when we’ve been hopeless. During the time of Isaiah the prophet, the nation of Israel felt hopeless as foreign nations threatened them. Listen in as Neal teaches about the role of the prophet and how the arrival of Christ brings hope to a hurting world.
As Paul continues on his second missionary journey he brings Priscilla and Aquila along with him. The three travel to Syria and eventually make it to Ephesus where they preach the good news. The team decides to divide and conquer to reach more people for Jesus. While in Ephesus Apollos hears the truth about Christ and his life is changed. In Acts 18:18-28, Luke tells us about three people who worked for the advancement of the Gospel. Listen in as Rob Hall talks about the kind of people God uses to build His Kingdom.
Paul had a passion and desire to share the love of Jesus with the entire world. He took the gospel around the Middle East, and then boarded a ship to spread the love of Christ to Europe where he traveled around Greece helping people find and follow Jesus. This morning we will see Paul leave Athens and travel south to the commerce town of Corinth. Listen in as Neal teaches on Acts 18:1-17
Paul traveled 300 miles to Athens to be a soul winner, not a sightseer. The idol worship there put him in great distress, so he shared the gospel in the local synagogue, the marketplace and to educational leaders. Luke shares Paul's great sermon on Mars Hills with us in Acts 17:16-34. Listen in as Neal talks about how much Paul cared for the people in Athens and how we can also care deeply for others.
In Acts 17:1-15, Luke, the author of Acts, gives us a snapshot of the Gospel travelling to two different cities. Each of these cities has a different response to the Gospel. The city of Thessalonica is thrown into turmoil while the city of Berea responds with eagerness to God’s word. Listen in as Neal teaches about how we all respond differently to Christ.
Paul, Silas and Timothy plan to continue their mission journey in Asia Minor, but the Holy Spirit takes them in a different direction. Instead, He leads them, along with Luke, to Philippi to share the good news. During their mission in Philippi, they meet a wealthy business woman, a slave girl and a jailer. Each of these people place their faith in Christ and join the Church. Listen in as Neal talks about how God is on a rescue mission to reach those who are far from Him.”
This week as the story of Acts continues, we see that the apostles have a desire to continue spreading the Gospel to the entire world. To help reach more people Paul and Barnabas decide to divide and go different ways. This opens a door for each of them to train up new, younger leaders. Paul chooses Silas and Barnabas chooses John Mark. Listen as Pastor Don Loomer shares God’s word from Acts 15:36-16:5.
As the story of Acts progresses, we see an increased focus on the Gospel being preached to both Jews and Gentiles. What began as a Jewish thing seems to be changing the further we get into the story. The Gentiles are believing (Acts 10) and receiving the Holy Spirit – even the home base of the church is shifting from Jerusalem to Antioch. This morning we’ll look at the most theologically important passage in the book of Acts. Listen in as Neal teaches from Acts 15:1-35.
Unfortunately, we’ve all seen leadership failure in government, local business, children’s sports, etc. What does godly leadership look like in comparison? Listen in as Pastor Neal preaches on Acts 14 and talks about raising the bar in leadership.
As we continue in the book of Acts, we encounter Paul preaching a very clear Gospel message at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. He teaches about Israel’s history, the coming of the Messiah and the choice between life and death. Whether you’re far from God, have walked away from faith or you’re a strong believer, this sermon will encourage you to live for Christ.