“For a full understanding of the early church we need to read The Acts of the Apostles and The Book of Revelation side by side. Both tell much the same tale of the church and its experience of conflict, but from a different perspective. Luke in the Acts chronicles what unfolded on the stage of history before the eyes of observers; John in the Revelation enables us to see the hidden forces at work....  Read More

“The Christian message has been expounded through these chapters of Acts in a variety of contexts, sometimes at considerable length. It was to receive significant restatement and further elaboration in the later New Testament writings. In the two millennia to follow, it would become the source of voluminous compositions and counter-compositions, both learned and popular, of sufficient number to st...  Read More

Sermon Overview:In Acts 17:1-5, Luke uses two cities to display the relationship between the pulpit and the pew that God uses to advance his mission. In Thessalonica, Luke highlights Paul’s teaching and interpreting of the Scriptures that was met with a Jewish mob and false accusations. Paul explained and reasoned with the Jews in Thessalonica, and many Gentiles believed. The Jews in Berea receive...  Read More

“We never move on from the cross, only into a more profound understanding of the cross.” -David Prior“I’ve come a long way since I heard the gospel in a drug-induced high. I’ve traveled many miles in this journey of faith. But by His grace I’ve never moved on from the cross of Jesus Christ. And I never want to.” -CJ Mahaney“These accusations missed the mark, as Paul had ‘never aligned his messiani...  Read More

Sermon Overview:Paul and Silas inspire us how to suffer well in Acts 16:16-40. While they are bringing the gospel to Philippi, a demon tries to interrupt their witness though a possessed slave girl. Paul casts out the demon after a few days, but this enrages the girl’s slave owners as they lose their profit. The result is that Paul and Silas are beaten and jailed with false accusation and gross in...  Read More

“Authentic turning points in history are few. But surely among them that of the Macedonian vision ranks high. Because of Paul’s obedience at this point, the gospel went westward; and ultimately Europe and the Western world were evangelized. Christian response to the call of God is never a trivial thing. Indeed, as in this instance, great issues and untold blessings may depend upon it.” Richard Lon...  Read More