Berean Baptist Church

In Acts 13, we witness a major turning point in the life of the early church. As the leaders in Antioch worshiped, fasted, and served faithfully, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new mission. What does a successful church look like? Not one that simply gathers — but one that prepares and sends. Acts 13 reminds us that the church must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and willing to send its very best for the sake of the gospel.

In Acts 12:6–25, we see God's sovereign hand at work as He protects His servants, provides for His people, and brings justice against those who oppose Him. Peter's miraculous rescue, the prayers of the church, and the downfall of Herod all remind us that God is fully in control — even when circumstances seem uncertain or impossible. This passage encourages us to trust Him completely, knowing that His purposes will always prevail.

In Acts 11–12, we witness the unstoppable growth of the early church as the gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem into the wider world. Scattered believers preach the Lord Jesus, the hand of the Lord brings salvation, and the church grows through teaching, generosity, and steadfast faith—even in the face of persecution. This passage reminds us that growth is God's work, accomplished through His grace, His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Walls of sin, self-righteousness, and superiority divide us—but the gospel alone has the power to tear them down. Through Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity become possible. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

What is the true message of Christian evangelism—and what makes it good news for all people? In Acts 10:34–48, Peter proclaims the gospel to Cornelius and his household, revealing a salvation that is rooted in God's grace and extended to every nation. This pivotal moment shows that God shows no partiality and that forgiveness of sins is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.This passage highlights the heart of biblical evangelism: salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. As the Holy Spirit is poured out on the Gentiles, we see that the mission of God is not limited by culture, background, or history—His gospel is for the world.

In Acts 10, we see that evangelism is never something God's people step into alone. As the Holy Spirit brings Peter and Cornelius together, Scripture shows us that God sovereignly prepares both the hearts of those who hear the gospel and the hearts of those He sends to share it. This passage reminds us that gospel ministry is not driven by human strategy or strength, but by God's sovereign work, His Spirit's leading, and obedient faith.

What is the mission of the Church—and whose mission is it really? In Acts 9:32–43, we see the early church participating in the Missio Dei—the mission of God Himself. As Peter ministers in Lydda and Joppa, God displays His power through healing and restoration, leading many to turn to the Lord and magnifying the name of Jesus.This passage reminds us that the Church has always been a sent people. We do not create our own mission; we are invited to participate in what God is already doing in the world. Empowered by Christ and led by the Spirit, every believer has a role in God's redemptive work—so that Christ may be exalted among the nations.

What happens when someone fully surrenders to the lordship of Jesus Christ? In Acts 9:19b–31, we see the immediate and powerful fruit of Saul's conversion. Once a fierce persecutor of the church, Saul is radically transformed by an encounter with the risen Christ—and that transformation begins to reshape his message, his relationships, and the mission of the early church.This passage shows us that true surrender to Christ leads to a changed life that boldly proclaims the gospel, forms new relationships within the body of Christ, and multiplies the work of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Following Jesus is not a sprint—it is a lifelong race that requires endurance, focus, and faith. In Hebrews 12, we are reminded that faithful perseverance as a disciple is fueled by a deep delight in Christ. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, believers are called to lay aside every weight and sin, fix their eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance the race set before them. When the journey is hard and weariness sets in, we find strength by considering Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

In Acts 9, we encounter one of the most dramatic conversion stories in all of Scripture. Saul, a fierce persecutor of the Church, is confronted by the risen Jesus and transformed by God's sovereign grace. This passage reminds us that even those who seem far from God are not beyond His reach. Like Saul, we were once enemies of God, dependent on His initiative for salvation, and in need of one another as He brings about life-changing transformation.

In Acts 8, God shows us how He works through ordinary obedience to accomplish extraordinary gospel impact. As Philip follows the leading of the Holy Spirit, obeys immediately, and faithfully points someone to Scripture, the good news of Jesus reaches a searching heart. This passage reminds us that missional living is not about creativity or convenience, but about being Spirit-led, obedient, and committed to doing things God's way.

How far can the gospel reach—and what happens when it does? In Acts 8:4–25, persecution scatters the early believers, but instead of hiding, they boldly proclaim Christ wherever they go. Philip travels to Samaria—enemy territory for the Jews—and through the power of the Holy Spirit, people are delivered, healed, and filled with joy as the good news takes root.This passage reveals the unstoppable reach of the gospel: enemies can be reconciled, hearts can change, and even spiritual imposters are exposed by the truth of God's Word and the work of the Spirit.

Persecution has always been part of following Jesus—and Acts 7–8 gives us one of Scripture's clearest pictures of a faithful witness who stood firm to the very end. As Stephen boldly proclaimed the truth, he faced hardened hearts, violent opposition, and ultimately death. Yet even in suffering, he saw the glory of Christ, experienced the strength of the Holy Spirit, and helped propel the gospel forward. This passage shows us that God sovereignly uses the suffering of faithful witnesses for gospel advancement and the glory of Christ.

Where has God been throughout history—and what does His presence mean for us today? In Stephen's powerful sermon before the religious council, Acts 6:8–7:53 traces the story of God's faithfulness from Abraham to Moses to David, revealing that God has always been with His people, even in moments of opposition, suffering, and rejection.Stephen reminds us that the entire storyline of Scripture points toward Jesus—the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Though God's people often resisted Him, His presence, His promises, and His purposes have never been stopped.

What does healthy growth look like in the church—and what challenges come with it? In Acts 6:1–7, we see a rapidly expanding church face real problems, but also discover a God-designed solution: every believer has a part to play. As the apostles remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word, the church raises up Spirit-filled servants to meet needs, protect unity, and advance the mission of Jesus.This passage reminds us that meaningful ministry is never a solo effort. When God's people step into their gifts and serve together, the church flourishes and the gospel multiplies.

When the apostles were imprisoned, beaten, and ordered to stop preaching, they didn't quit—they rejoiced. Acts 5:17–42reveals the unstoppable power of God's plan to spread the gospel and build His Church. Opposition could not silence it, persecution could not hinder it, and suffering only made it shine brighter.

How should believers respond to the power of God? In Acts 5:1–16, we witness both the sobering judgment of God and His overwhelming grace. Through the story of Ananias and Sapphira and the miraculous works done through the apostles, Scripture reminds us that signs and wonders are purposeful — they produce a holy fear of God and point us to the transforming power of the gospel. God is not only mighty to heal bodies, but to change hearts and bring sinners from darkness to light.

What does true unity look like in the church? In Acts 4:32–37, we see a powerful picture of believers filled with the Holy Spirit—living with one heart and one soul, sharing generously, and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus with great power. This passage reminds us that unity isn't just agreement—it's the supernatural work of God's Spirit that fuels mission, strengthens believers, and glorifies Christ.

After persecution and threats, Peter and John return to the believers and pray — and God shakes the place where they meet! This powerful passage shows us how to recharge in times of trial through community, prayer, and the filling of the Holy Spirit. True boldness comes not from self-confidence but from the Spirit's power at work within us.Scripture: Acts 4:23–31Series: Acts: The Church on the MoveMessage: RechargeLearn more about Berean Baptist Church → www.bereanfamily.comConnect with us → www.bereanfamily.com/connectGive online → www.bereanfamily.com/give

When Peter and John are arrested for preaching Jesus' resurrection, they respond not with fear, but with Spirit-filled boldness. This message from Acts 4 reminds us that the gospel is unchanging, the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak truth, and true faith trusts God with the results—no matter the cost.

The gospel is the truth that changes everything. In Acts 3, after the healing of the lame man, Peter preaches boldly that Jesus is the promised Messiah. From this passage we see that the truth of the gospel reveals God's power, confronts our guilt, offers real hope, and calls us to repentance and submission.

What does it mean to be a conduit of God's grace? In Acts 3:1–10, Peter and John encounter a man in desperate need — and through them, God pours out His power and mercy. This passage reminds us that God wants to use ordinary people to bring His extraordinary grace to others. In this message, discover how being devoted to prayer, intentional with your time, and committed to God's glory allows His grace to flow through you.

What does a Spirit-filled church look like? Acts 2:42–47 shows us a community radically devoted to Jesus — to His Word, to one another, to generosity and service, and to passionate worship. In this message, discover how God calls us to a deeper devotion that multiplies His mission in the world.

We are all called to courageously point people to Jesus. Like Peter at Pentecost, we must lovingly confront misconceptions, take people to Scripture, highlight the mighty works of Christ, and give clear next steps of faith. In this message from Acts 2:14–41, discover how the same Spirit that empowered Peter empowers us today to boldly share the good news of Jesus.

At Pentecost, God exceeded expectations by sending His Spirit in power, filling the disciples, and enabling them to proclaim His mighty works to the nations. What seemed ordinary—an upper room prayer meeting—became extraordinary when the Spirit came like wind and fire. God still works through unlikely people, empowering His church to witness boldly. The question remains: will we recognize His power and give Him glory, or dismiss it with worldly explanations?

Waiting can feel frustrating, but God uses it to shape our faith and prepare us for His perfect plans. In Acts 1, the disciples show us how to wait well—through prayer, unity, searching the Scriptures, and relying on God's direction. Just like them, we are called to trust God's timing instead of forcing our own. Seasons of waiting are not wasted; they are part of God's good design for us.

Have you ever witnessed something so great you couldn't stop talking about it? In Acts 1:1–11, the disciples stood in awe as eyewitnesses to the risen and ascended Christ — and were then commanded to be His witnesses to the world. Luke reminds us that the same Spirit who empowered them lives in us today, giving us both the message and the power to testify until Jesus returns. This isn't just history — it's our calling.

God, in His grace, invites us to join Him in His redemptive work—not because He needs us, but because He loves us and wants us to share in the joy of seeing lives changed. Just as four friends brought a paralytic to Jesus in faith and obedience, we too are called to act out of love for God and love for others, empowered by the Spirit, and willing to break through barriers so others can encounter Christ. Our role is simple but powerful: obey, love, and bring people to the One who can save.

In 2 Corinthians 5:11–21, Paul calls believers to put on spiritual glasses and discern who is influencing their lives. The Corinthians were impressed by charisma, wealth, and status, but Paul reminds them that Christ's love compels us to live for the One who died and rose again for us. True influence comes from Jesus-like people—those who humble themselves, fear the Lord, and live sacrificially so others may be reconciled to God. As new creations, we are called to be Christ's ambassadors, rejecting worldly standards and living for Him who gave His life for us.

In a world filled with uncertainty, 1 John 5 reminds us that true confidence is found in Christ alone. This final message in the That You May Know series teaches that genuine belief in Jesus leads to spiritual rebirth, loving obedience, and victory over the world. Pastor Philip encourages believers to cling to God's testimony about His Son, live in assurance of eternal life, and boldly pray according to God's will. With a faith grounded in the water, blood, and Spirit, we can walk in victory and live with unshakable hope.

In a digital age where cyberattacks are common, our spiritual lives also face constant threats from false teaching. Just as we need firewalls to protect our devices, God has given us doctrinal firewalls to safeguard our faith—through biblically qualified elders, sound doctrine, and expositional preaching. In 1 John 4, we're reminded that the Spirit of God empowers truth, while the spirit of error seeks to deceive—and only by grounding ourselves in God's Word can we stand firm.

What makes Christians stand out in a world where there's no uniform to wear? According to John, it's our love—sacrificial, Spirit-filled, and rooted in Christ—that reveals who we truly are. When we love with more than words, we not only prove our salvation but anchor ourselves in God and display His presence through us.

We are living in a world filled with counterfeit truth—where lies sound spiritual and deception wears a friendly face. The apostle John warns us that the real danger isn't just future evil, but false teaching already among us. In a time when truth is under attack, God calls His people to remain rooted in His Word and to walk in righteousness as the unmistakable evidence that they truly belong to Him.

How can you know you truly belong to Christ? In this message, John reveals how the evidence of your new nature is seen in how you relate to God, to other believers, and to the world. Real faith is never passive. Though salvation is by grace through faith, faith leads to transformation. True believers obey God's commands, grow in spiritual maturity, and forsake the sinful desires of the world. These marks of spiritual life provide assurance and joy to the believer.

The apostle John addresses a vital question: can someone truly encounter Jesus and remain unchanged? According to John, the answer is no—those who genuinely know Christ will walk in the light. That means acknowledging sin, not denying it, and trusting in Jesus as our advocate and atoning sacrifice. Confession is not a sign of failure but evidence of spiritual life. Through it, we are restored to fellowship with God and others. John's message assures believers that a changed life is not the root of salvation, but the fruit. This should lead to confidence in salvation and a desire to proclaim the gospel to a dark and broken world.

Series: 1 John: That You May KnowIn a world filled with confusion and counterfeit claims, how can we be confident in what is true? John opens his letter with a bold and personal testimony: he saw, heard, and touched the eternal Word of Life—Jesus Christ Himself. This firsthand witness anchors our faith in the real, incarnate Son of God. When we know this truth, we enter into fellowship with both God and His people. And in that fellowship, we find lasting, unshakable joy.

In the stunning conclusion of Ruth's story, we see God's invisible hand writing a redemptive ending far beyond anyone's expectations. Boaz steps up to redeem Ruth not just legally, but lovingly—and through this act of faithfulness, God weaves Ruth into the royal line of King David… and ultimately Jesus. This chapter reminds us that God is always at work, even upstream from our struggles, orchestrating a story of redemption that's bigger than we can imagine. No mistake is too messy, no season too dark—God is in the redemption business, and your story isn't over.

Can you trust God when life doesn't make sense? Ruth's story reminds us that genuine trust walks in obedience, takes risks, waits in faith—and is always met with the blessing of God's presence and provision. When we can't see the outcome, we can still obey. When it feels risky, we can still take the leap. And when the waiting seems long, God is still working. Trust isn't passive—it's the courageous step into the dark, knowing the Redeemer holds the light.

What breaks your heart the way Paul's heart broke for the lost? In Romans 9:1–3, Paul reveals a deep, painful burden for his own people who are cut off from Christ — a burden so heavy he says he'd give up his own salvation if it meant they'd be saved. This message calls us to examine whether we share God's heart for the lost, both near and far, and challenges us to take action, pray fervently, and join the work of making disciples among the least reached peoples of the world.

Ruth: The Story of Redemption — Ruth 2In Ruth 2, we witness Ruth's bold faith in action as she works hard in a foreign land — and how God providentially leads her to Boaz, a man of integrity. This message explores how faithfulness opens the door to God's blessing, how the faithfulness of others inspires us, and how faithful people consistently go the extra mile. Be encouraged: when you trust God and act on your faith, He meets you there. Watch or listen to see how God weaves His redemption story through simple acts of daily faithfulness.

Series: Ruth: A Redemption StoryIn Ruth 1, we see how one decision can radically alter the course of life. Elimelech's choice to leave Bethlehem, Naomi's urging her daughters-in-law to return to Moab, and Ruth's determination to follow Naomi all highlight the powerful ripple effect of our choices. This chapter reminds us that the safest decisions are those made in submission to God's will and ways. Even in moments of desperation, God is at work orchestrating redemption.

In a world full of uncertainty, Romans 8 offers unshakable security for those in Christ. From no condemnation to glorious adoption, from present groaning to eternal glory, this chapter assures us that we are fully known, deeply loved, and forever held by God.If you've ever struggled to feel safe or secure in your walk with Jesus, this message will anchor your soul. Discover the promises that prove nothing can separate you from the love of God.

What if the key to seeing lives changed and the church grow isn't doing more, but depending more—on the Holy Spirit, on faithful prayer, and on one another? In Acts 5 and 6, we see a movement multiply not through celebrity leaders, but through surrendered people using their gifts. This message explores how the resurrected life leads to exponential impact when God's people walk in His power and purpose. Come discover how multiplication starts with you.

Have you ever wondered what life should look like after you've been made new in Christ? In this message from Colossians 3, we're invited to leave behind our old ways and embrace the beauty and power of a resurrected life. Discover how to fix your eyes on Jesus, crucify what holds you back, and live out the love, peace, and holiness God has called you to. If you're longing for real transformation and a life that truly reflects Christ, this message is for you.

What if the resurrection of Jesus isn't just a historical claim—but the anchor of real, living hope? This message explores how the risen Christ brings forgiveness for your past, confidence for today, and unshakable hope for eternity. Backed by eyewitnesses who risked everything, and a Savior who conquered death, this isn't blind faith—it's bold assurance. If you're longing for something solid to stand on, this Easter sermon will point you to the One who lives.

Feeling unsure in a world full of instability? In this message from 2 Peter 3, we're reminded that while earthly investments are risky, investing in God's Kingdom offers the only guaranteed return. Discover how God's patience is an invitation, not a delay, and how your time, treasure, and talents can be used for something that truly lasts. If you're looking for clarity, purpose, and peace in uncertain times—this sermon is for you.

In a world overflowing with voices and opinions, who you listen to has never mattered more. In 2 Peter 2, we're warned about the subtle yet destructive influence of false teachers—those who twist truth and lead others away from Christ. This message challenges us to cling to Scripture, stay alert, and hold fast to the truth that sets us free. Don't settle for empty words—discover how to recognize lies and stand firm in what's real.