Calvary Chapel Lake Stevens

Guest speaker Marty Anderson shares a message surrounding the idea; do we take lightly the riches of God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4)? He, dives deep into the unstoppable, grace-upon-grace power of God—its priority in Scripture, Jesus as its endless source, its purpose to bless and make us a blessing, a real-life example that chisels our flaws into beauty, and an encouragement to let it abound in every corner of your "all."From Paul's prison plea in 2 Timothy 2:1—"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"—we unpack why grace trumps vision, doctrine, family, or any other strength. It's God's relentless favor through Jesus, pouring out like Peter's prayer in 2 Peter 1:2: "Grace be multiplied to you!" We'll trace it from John's eyewitness awe in John 1:14-16 (Jesus, full of grace and truth, giving us grace upon grace), through Paul's everything-by-grace testimony (calling, ministry, sufferings—you name it), to Genesis 12's covenant promise: God shows, makes, blesses... so you be a blessing. Grace isn't hoarded; it's reflected in forgiving words, gracious speech (Ephesians 4:29), and seeing others as "beautiful gifts of God's favor." Remember that flawed marble block Michelangelo turned into David? That's you—fractured, rejected, but sculpted by the Master's hand into His poem (Ephesians 2:10). And here's the mic-drop: The Bible's very last words? Not "Come, Lord Jesus" (that's second-to-last)—but "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all" (Revelation 22:21). All your ups, downs, battles, joys—covered. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 declares, God makes all grace abound so you have abundance for every good work. If life's grit has you weary, this is your pillow of perseverance.

In this teaching out of Acts 16, we're reminded of God's intricate guidance in our lives. The story of Paul, Silas, and Timothy's journey teaches us about following the Holy Spirit's lead, even when doors seem closed. We see how God orchestrates events, leading them to Lydia - an unexpected first convert in Europe. This narrative challenges us to trust in God's higher ways, as Isaiah 55:8-9 beautifully illustrates. The message encourages us to be open to God's direction, understanding that His plans may unfold differently than we expect. As we reflect on Lydia's conversion, we're prompted to consider how our own response to God's grace can bless not just us, but our households and communities. This sermon invites us to embrace the adventure of faith, being under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and ready for the good works God has prepared for us.

In this sermon out of Acts 15, we delve into the early church's struggle with legalism and the true meaning of salvation by grace. The central conflict revolves around whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish customs to be saved. This debate mirrors our own struggles with adding human requirements to God's free gift of grace. We're reminded that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our works or adherence to religious traditions. The apostles' resolution to this conflict teaches us valuable lessons about unity, sensitivity to others' consciences, and the importance of basing our decisions on Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on this passage, we're challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we relying solely on God's grace, or are we unconsciously adding our own conditions to salvation? How can we better extend grace to others while remaining true to the gospel?

In this sermon out of Acts 14, we delve into the transformative power of faith over fear. As we follow Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey, we witness the stark contrast between those who embrace belief and those who reject it. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives and ask: Are we stepping out in faith or remaining paralyzed by fear? The miraculous healing of the lame man in Lystra serves as a poignant reminder that God's power is unleashed when we choose to believe. Just as the man leaped up at Paul's command, we too are called to rise above our limitations and walk in the freedom Christ offers. This message encourages us to recognize the 'lame' areas in our lives where we've become comfortable with bondage, and to courageously stand up in faith, trusting in God's power to transform us.

In this sermon out of Acts 13, we're reminded of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The central message revolves around how all of history points to Jesus as the promised Messiah. As we journey through Israel's history - from Egypt to the wilderness, through judges and kings - we see God's hand at work, leading to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. This narrative challenges us to consider: How often do we miss God's bigger picture in our own lives? Are we wandering in fear, or stepping out in faith? The apostle Paul's bold proclamation of the gospel reminds us that salvation comes not through our own efforts, but through faith in Jesus. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embrace God's grace and share the 'good news' with others, even in the face of rejection or opposition. Remember, our joy isn't dependent on circumstances, but on the presence of God's Spirit within us.

In this sermon out of Acts 13, we delve into the early church's first missionary journey, uncovering timeless lessons about following God's call. We see how the believers in Antioch, through prayer, fasting, and ministering to the Lord, prepared their hearts to hear God's voice. This reminds us of the importance of clearing out life's clutter to discern God's will. The Holy Spirit's role in guiding and empowering believers is emphasized, showing us that when we step out in faith, we can expect divine encounters and supernatural results. As we witness Paul confronting darkness and false teaching, we're challenged to examine the ongoing battle between our sinful nature and the Spirit within us. This message encourages us to lean into the power of the Holy Spirit, believing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.

In this sermon, we're reminded of the transformative power of prayer and the importance of trusting God in seemingly impossible situations. The story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison in Acts 12 serves as a striking illustration of God's ability to intervene in our lives, even when all hope seems lost. We're encouraged to pray fervently, just as the early church did for Peter, and to remain open to God's unexpected methods of answering our prayers. This narrative also beautifully mirrors the gospel message itself - we're all imprisoned by sin, but God sends a Deliverer to set us free. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider: Are we truly expecting God to answer our prayers? Are we giving Him the glory when He does? This message invites us to deepen our faith, to pray with expectation, and to trust in God's sovereign power over every circumstance in our lives.

In this powerful exploration of Acts 8, we're reminded of God's relentless pursuit of all people, regardless of their background or societal status. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch beautifully illustrates how God orchestrates divine appointments to reach those seeking Him. We're challenged to consider: Are we open to God's unexpected directions in our lives? The passage emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small tasks, as it prepares us for greater responsibilities in God's kingdom. Just as Philip was obedient to the Spirit's prompting, we too are called to be ready vessels for God's work. This message encourages us to look beyond our prejudices and see every person as a potential recipient of God's grace, reminding us that no one is beyond His reach.

In this message, we explore the surprising ways God works through adversity to expand His kingdom. The story of the early church in Acts 8 shows us how persecution led to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. We see that what seems negative at first - the scattering of believers - actually fulfills Jesus' command to be witnesses in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This reminds us that God can use difficult circumstances in our lives for a greater purpose. The conversion of Samaritans, a group despised by Jews, demonstrates God's love for all people and challenges us to look beyond cultural barriers. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to trust God's plan even when it's uncomfortable or unexpected, and to be open to sharing the Gospel with those we might normally avoid.

In Acts 4 and 5, we encounter a powerful narrative of early Christian community, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the challenges faced by the apostles. The key message revolves around the concept of 'mega grace' - God's abundant, unmerited favor that empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. We see how the early church responded to this grace through radical generosity and unity, selling possessions to meet each other's needs. This challenges us to examine our own response to God's grace. Are we allowing it to transform our relationships and attitudes towards material possessions? The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a stark reminder that God values honesty and integrity in our giving, urging us to check our motives and trust in God's provision. As we reflect on this passage, we're called to consider how we can cultivate a spirit of generosity and unity in our own faith communities, allowing God's grace to overflow in our lives and impact those around us.

"Repent and be refreshed!" Pastor Shane explores Acts 2-3, emphasizing devotion to God's Word, fellowship, communion, and prayer. He reminds us that Jesus—servant, holy one, and Prince of Life—offers supernatural transformation. Fix your eyes on Him for times of refreshing from the Lord.