In Acts 6:8-7:60, we see Stephen, one of the deacons appointed earlier in chapter 6, brought before the Sanhedrin. As he stands before them, he rebukes them for being like their fathers: stiff necked and having uncircumcised hearts. As a result, the council drags Stephen out of the city and stones him.
Read MoreIn Acts 6:1-7, the early church is faced with a conflict. The 12 apostles, remaining faithful to their calling as ministers, delegate some of the day to day tasks of caring for church members to 7 men, full of the spirit, who would come to be known as deacons.
Read MoreIn Acts 5:12-42 the apostles appear before the Sanhedrin, counting it all joy to be subject to punishment for following God’s commands.
Read MoreIn Acts 4:32-5:11, we hear how the early church is becoming a supportive community, and we learn from the example of Ananias and Sapphira about the significance of God’s holiness.
Read MoreIn Acts 4, we see the apostles filled with the Holy Spirit, who gives Peter and John the courage to give their defense to the high priest trying them for healing the lame man.
Read MoreIn Acts 3:1-4:4, we see Peter and John heal a man born lame, sparking faith in the man and all who were witness to the sign. Because of their attribution to the resurrected Jesus, the apostles are imprisoned by the Pharisees.
Read MoreIn Acts 2:42-47, we see the example of the early church being lived out. Pastor Tom walks through the passage and offers ways that we can live that example out even today.
Read MoreAfter Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, the people who heard his message respond with the question “What shall we do?” Peter’s tells the people to repent and be baptized, a call that still applies to us today.
Read MoreAs the Apostles await the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they trust in His power as they choose the disciple who will replace Judas as one of the twelve.
Read MoreIn the first sermon of a new series on The Spirit and the Church, Pastor Tom digs in to the first chapter of Acts, honing in on the Spirit promised to the apostles and the way that promise has been passed down to us.
Read MoreDeacon John Lotter presents Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 4 that the church be unified in Christ.
Read MoreDespite all of the troubles of this world, in Jesus we have a King that can redeem all things.
Read MoreBecause of the gift of Christ, we can be forgiven and brought back into relationship with our God.
Read MoreAs the children of Israel lay their father to rest, fear of retribution from Joseph starts to rise in the brothers, but Joseph offers mercy and forgiveness much like we are offered the same through Christ.
Read MoreAs Jacob's life comes to a close, he offers his final words of blessing and warning to his sons.
Read MoreThrough a season of hardship for Egypt and Canaan, God continues to bless the Israelite people according to His promise.
Read MoreAs Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, we see the changes in their hearts as well as the incredible faith shown by Joseph. Even in immensely difficult life circumstances, Joseph looks to God for purpose in his suffering.
Read MoreWhen trouble arises in Jacobs life, he is led to despair. As humans, we often find ourselves in similar situations, but God promises that though we face trouble, he has already overcome.
Read MoreEven when circumstances seem impossible by the world’s measures, God can move and make incredible things happen.
Read MoreAfter Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, he first prospers and then finds himself in more trouble. But through it all, he holds fast to his faith in God and holds true to his character, and God blesses him for it.
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