North Highlands Bible Church

The Church is a sent people. We are all sent, right where we are.

We examine the final chapter of Acts, a remarkable conclusion that intentionally leaves the story open-ended, inviting us to step into the ongoing mission of God's kingdom. 

Wherever you are, you're on assignment. What does it look like to live like it? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Where in your life is God calling you to show unusual kindness—the kind that costs something, the kind that's not expected or earned? Have you been carrying the weight of labels—either from others or from yourself—that don't line up with what God says about you? What would it look like to let God define you this week? What might change if you stopped viewing your current situation as a detour and started seeing it as your assignment? What's one way you can stay on mission right where you are?

Even in life's fiercest storms, God is not absent—He is present, speaking, and faithful to deliver. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What storms—past or present—have made you question God's nearness, and how did He show up in them? In what ways do we try to hold on to “lifeboats” instead of fully trusting God's Word? How might obedience—especially in difficult circumstances—be the key to experiencing God's deliverance in your life?

Have we lost sight of what freedom truly means—and what it's for? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Paul didn't stay silent before Felix, Festus, or Agrippa—he spoke truth with clarity and courage, even when it was risky. Where might God be calling you to speak truth, even if it costs you influence, comfort, or approval? What holds you back? Paul used his Roman citizenship not to escape suffering, but to advance the mission. How are you using the freedoms you've been given—your voice, your vote, your time, your platform—for the kingdom of God? Paul remembered which kingdom he represented, even while standing trial. As you reflect on your life, your priorities, and your decisions—are they shaped more by earthly identity or heavenly citizenship?

What God calls leaders to embody, He calls His people to reflect. This is not just a charge for leadership—it's a calling for all who follow Jesus. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion In what specific ways does your life align—or not align—with the gospel you profess to believe? What would it look like for you to “finish your course” with courage in this season of life? How can you personally help build up the church body with grace-fueled vigilance?

Time is short, people matter, and eternity is real—so let's wake up, lean in, and live like we've been raised to life. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Consider how urgency and intentionality show up (or don't) in your conversations with family, friends, or coworkers. What would change if you knew today might be your last opportunity to speak the truth or hear it? Like Eutychus, drift can happen even when you're in the right room. Are there places where you've become passive or numb? What step do you need to take to “shift your seat” and re-engage with Jesus? Resurrection power creates ripple effects. Who in your life might need the hope you carry? How can you run toward the fallen like Paul did and speak life into their story?

The gospel calls us to confront our idols, remove them from the throne of our lives, and replace them with the One who is greater. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What's an idol—either obvious or hidden—that you've sensed the Holy Spirit inviting you to confront? How has it shaped your priorities or sense of worth? How do you typically respond to resistance—either from others or within yourself—when Jesus challenges something you've clung to? What does it practically look like to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” in your current season of life? Where is God inviting you to live from your identity in Christ instead of something counterfeit?

We cannot pretend when it comes to faith—the enemy isn't fooled, and neither is God. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What does it look like in your life to be truly available to God—not just praying for His help, but yielding your plans, timing, and control to Him? In what ways have you been tempted to “use” God for outcomes rather than pursuing a deeper relationship with Him? Is there anything in your life you need to “burn”—something that's holding you back from full surrender to Jesus?

You can be close to the truth, confident in your beliefs, and still be completely wrong—until you truly encounter Jesus. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What are some ways we might be “doing the right things” without actually knowing Jesus personally? Like the men in Acts 19, is there something essential about Jesus—who He is or what He's done—that I've heard but not truly trusted in? Am I experiencing real change—new desires, fruit of the Spirit, freedom, and purpose—or am I still trying to live the Christian life in my own strength?

It's the big moments of our lives that get the headlines—but what if the small, ordinary ones matter just as much? What would it look like to give God ALL OF IT? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion How do you currently view your daily work (whether that's a job, caregiving, studying, etc.)? Do you see it as sacred or separate from your spiritual life? What would it look like to intentionally invite God into your workday this week? Who has God placed in your life right now that might be open to deeper conversation or friendship? What routines or habits are currently shaping your life—are they helping or hindering your walk with God?

The world we live in is a lot like ancient Athens–full of energy, ideas, and idols. How do we follow Jesus faithfully in a world that worships everything but God?

Paul and Silas were accused of turning the world upside down, but the gospel they preached actually set the world right side up–just as God intended from the beginning. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What assumptions or “truths” do you think our culture holds that conflict with the truth of the gospel? In what areas of your life does the world feel “upside down” right now? How might the gospel begin to set those areas “right side up”? What keeps you from sharing the gospel more openly—fear, uncertainty, discomfort, or something else? What's one “seed” you can plant this week in someone's life? What step of faithfulness is God asking of you?

Even in our darkest moments, God is ever present – and with Him, “midnight” is never the end of our story. -- Question for Reflection & Discussion How do we discern when something “true” is being used deceptively or manipulatively? Paul and Silas worshipped at “midnight” while in prison – before their circumstances changed. How does that challenge the way you think about worship? What has been one of your “midnight moments,” and how have you seen God work through it?

God's guidance is real, relational, and often unfolds over time. The invitation is to trust Him more deeply and be available for how He might want to use us right now.

Because Jesus lives, the resurrection isn't just an event we celebrate—it's the reality that changes everything–past, present, and future. Forever. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Paul says if Christ hasn't been raised, our faith is "in vain." What does that tell us about the importance of the resurrection in Christian belief? How does the resurrection set Christianity apart from other worldviews or religions? What would change in your life this week if you lived like the resurrection really happened? Who is someone you know that needs to hear the hope of the resurrection? What's one way you can share it with them this week?

Palm Sunday reminds us that deep and abiding peace isn't found in the absence of trouble—it's found in the presence of Jesus. Will we recognize this? Or let our moment (and peace) pass us by? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What's the difference between (and danger of) praising Jesus for what He does and not worshiping Him for who He is? What kind of peace are you searching for right now—and what would it look like to receive it from Jesus instead of chasing it elsewhere? Who in your life needs to hear about the kind of peace Jesus offers? What's one way you could share it with them?

Too often, we treat faith like something we put on for Sundays, but the resurrection isn't just a one-day event—it's a reality that should transform the way we live every day. Join us as we explore what it means to be united with Christ in His death and resurrection, walking in the new life He has given us. This Sunday, we're diving into Romans 6:1-11 and asking the question: Are we truly living in the power of Christ's resurrection? -- Small Group Discussion Questions: What is one area of your life where you've been living like your old self? What would it look like to fully surrender that to God and walk in the new life He has given you? Romans 6:4 says we are “raised to walk in newness of life.” What does that practically look like in your daily routine? Philippians 3:20-21 tells us that our citizenship is in heaven and that our bodies will one day be transformed like Christ's. How does this future hope give us confidence and purpose in our present circumstances?

In a world full of noise and compromise, the early church wrestled with a question that still defines our faith today: Is the grace of Jesus enough to save us? -- What does Peter say about the Law and salvation? Why is his statement in verse 11 so important? What does it mean that salvation is “Jesus plus nothing”? How does that truth confront pride, performance, or self-reliance in your own life? The early church leaders chose unity over division. What does it look like to “fight for each other, not against each other” in today's church? Are there any areas where you've let secondary issues divide you from other believers? How might God be calling you to pursue unity?

Life can change in an instant—betrayal, loss, or unexpected news can leave us shaken. But with God, our trials aren't just struggles; they are testimonies in the making.  -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What are some ways we can ensure that miracles (or answered prayers) in our lives lead us to deeper trust in God rather than distraction or pride? What makes suffering for Christ different from simply enduring hard times? How can we develop the kind of resilience that Paul demonstrated? What is one key takeaway from this Sunday that you want to apply in your own life this week?

Most attribute “The best defense is a good offense” to famous football coaches and war generals. They  rarely think of the early church. But in Acts 13, the early church takes on this mindset—no longer reacting to persecution but advancing by the Spirit's command. From scattered to sent.

Fire either destroys or strengthens—it all depends on what's inside. The same is true for faith. In this message, we explore how trials don't have to consume us, but through faith, God can use them to refine and strengthen us. Faith in the Fire.

The church in Antioch wasn't just a gathering of people—it was a movement that changed the world. And their story isn't just history—it's a blueprint for us today. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion The early church in Antioch was started by unnamed, ordinary believers. How does this encourage you in your own role in God's mission? The disciples in Antioch were the first to be called "Christians" because their lives so clearly reflected Jesus. If someone observed your daily life, would they recognize that you belong to Christ? Why or why not? Where is God calling you to be sacrificially generous—with your time, resources, or talents? What step can you take this week to trust Him in this area?

Have you ever experienced something so profound and undeniable that it left you speechless? God often moved in ways that left the early Church in awestruck wonder—and He can do the same again today. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Have you ever experienced a situation where your limited perspective made you doubt or misunderstand what God was doing? How did it turn out in the end? Are there areas in your life where you sense God calling you to obedience, but you've been hesitant to take the next step? How can you surrender to His plan instead of resisting it? The Jewish believers went from critics to worshipers when they stopped and recognized what God was doing. How can you develop a habit of stopping, stepping back, and worshiping God even when things don't go as expected?

In Acts 10, Peter's word to Cornelius reiterates what Jesus had been saying all along: God's love isn't exclusive. His grace isn't limited. The invitation is open to all who will receive Him. What will you do with the invitation?

When God calls us to change, it's rarely easy—but it's always necessary. This sermon explores how God confronted Peter about a heart issue that needed changing, and how He does the same work in our lives today.

The church is called to be together, bring people together, worship together, and serve God together. How do you fit in with God's calling for His church?  -- What steps can we take to ensure that our words and actions reflect Christ's love in our interactions with others? Can you share an experience where you had to put another's needs above your own? What did you learn from it? What is one action you can take this week to foster a sense of community and unity at North Highlands?

The choices we make in life are often motivated by fear and comfort. This sermon explores the deeper truth that not all fear and comfort is created equal: some fears and comforts lead to life, others to death. The question is, which will you choose? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What are some specific situations in your life where you've been tempted to prioritize the fear of man over the fear of the Lord? When you face discomfort, what “worldly comforts” do you typically turn to for relief? How effective are they in providing lasting peace? What practical changes can you make this week to walk more fully in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit?

It is easy to forget that God changes lives. We assume that people are too far gone, too out of His reach, to ever change. Reflecting on how God has changed the lives of others encourages us to reflect on how He has changed ours and prepares us for future growth! -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion God was always at work changing Saul's life—both before and after his Damascus Road experience. What is one way God has changed your life this past year? Saul seemed like the last person who would ever come to know Jesus. Who is someone you have written off as hopeless? How can you pray for that person this week? Ananias was just an ordinary guy, who God used to heal and commission one of the greatest evangelists in history. Who is someone ordinary that God has used to change your life? Can you encourage and thank them this week?

Faithful witness isn't about grand gestures or extraordinary achievements—it's about ordinary people faithfully following Jesus in the small, everyday moments of life. In this sermon, we look into the ordinary faithfulness that God delights in using for His extraordinary purposes. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Why do you think it's difficult for some people to trust or act on God's prompting, and how can we overcome that? How confident do you feel in your ability to explain how the Bible points to Jesus? What resources or practices could help you grow in this area? What does bold obedience look like in your life? Can you share a time when you stepped out in faith, and what happened as a result? What might God be calling you to next?

As we begin a new year, we often look for ways to improve, but no resolution can compare to one life-changing choice: shifting our trust from what's fleeting to what's firm; trading great for what's truly the greatest. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion The Samaritans placed their trust in Simon's abilities. In today's world, who or what do people often look to as “great” or worthy of trust? Why are these things ultimately insufficient? Simon wanted God's power for his own purposes. How do we sometimes fall into the trap of transactional faith, treating our relationship with God as an exchange rather than a surrender? In what ways can we make sure our faith is anchored in the “greatest”—trusting in Jesus for who He is, not just what He gives?

Christmas may be over, but the story isn't finished. Join us as we walk with the wise men on their post-Christmas quest to find Jesus—a journey that reveals far more than their devotion. The gifts they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—declare who He truly is: our King, our Priest, and our Sacrifice. Don't pack away the spirit of Christmas just yet. There's still more to celebrate, more to discover, and more of Jesus to worship.

No other King would come this way. He's not the King we expected, but He's the King we desperately needed. This Christmas, come and see the Savior who came for you.

Christmas is almost here! Amid the busyness, Advent reminds us of what truly matters: the first Christmas, where God's perfectly magnificent love came to us in the most humble of ways. -- Question for Reflection & Discussion How have you experienced God's personal love in your life? In what ways can you better embrace and reflect His personal love in your daily routines? Where do you see God's transformational work in your life or the world around you? Are there areas in your life where you need to let go of worldly pursuits and allow God to reshape your priorities? How has God's faithfulness been evident in your life or the lives of others? How can remembering God's faithfulness help you trust Him with challenges you face today?

Have you ever felt joy so overwhelming you couldn't keep it to yourself—like having the perfect gift you can't wait to give? That's the joy of anticipation: the thrill before the moment arrives. Let's talk about the ultimate joy—God's promise, presence, and plan—that even caused a baby in the womb to leap with excitement. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Which of the three kinds of joy discussed in the sermon—believing His promises, encountering His presence, or anticipating His return—resonates most with you right now? Why? What practices help you experience God's presence in your daily life (e.g., prayer, worship, Scripture)? Which of these could you prioritize more? How can you share the joy of Jesus with someone who needs Him this week? Think of a specific person and plan a way to encourage them.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word peace? Is it a quiet evening at home? A world without conflict? Or maybe just a break from the chaos of everyday life? If we're honest, peace can often feel like an elusive dream, especially in a world like ours. Yet, Advent reminds us that peace isn't a dream or just an idea—it's a promise. And it's not based on our circumstances, but on a person. This morning, we're going to talk about unending peace, the unlikely people God used to accomplish His plans to bring about that peace, and how we, like Mary, can experience and share His unending peace in the world today. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What does the contrast between Zechariah and Mary teach us about how God chooses people for His purposes? In what ways does Mary's story inspire us to see value and purpose in our ordinary lives? How can we encourage others who feel “unqualified” to step into God's calling? Mary's role as the mother of Jesus came with significant challenges. How does her story reshape your understanding of what it means to be favored by God? Mary said, “Let it be to me according to your word.” What does this level of peace and surrender look like in your life? What might be holding you back from fully trusting God's plan?

We begin Advent with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who were righteous before God but had no children because Elizabeth was barren. Have you ever prayed for something so deeply, so desperately, and felt like all you got in return was silence? Maybe you've been holding onto hope for a breakthrough, for healing, or an answer, but instead, you're left wondering if God is even listening. It's hard, isn't it? To stay faithful, to keep believing, when it feels like nothing is changing. But here's the thing—God's faithfulness isn't tied to our timelines. He always fulfills His promises, even when the wait feels unbearable. This weekend I want to talk about how God works in the waiting and why He's worth trusting no matter what comes our way.  -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What do we learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth's faithfulness despite their personal struggles? How can their example encourage us in seasons of waiting? Why do you think Zechariah struggled to believe the angel's promise? What might this tell us about doubt, even in the presence of God's assurance? What promises of God do you find difficult to trust in your current season of life? How does this passage encourage you to persevere in faith?

The Bible calls us to live lives of thanksgiving—not just one day a year, but every day, in every circumstance. What if we spent less time critiquing the menu and more time cultivating a heart of gratitude? Thanksgiving, in its truest form, isn't about a holiday table—it's about a life transformed by God's goodness and faithfulness. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion When you think of “thanksgiving,” what comes to mind first—the holiday or the spiritual practice? Why? How do you think our culture influences our view of gratitude? What hinders us from living with an attitude of thanksgiving? Is it busyness, entitlement, or focusing too much on what we lack? How can we combat these tendencies? What is one specific thing you are deeply thankful for right now? 

In this weekend's passage from Acts, we see this truth clearly: With God, nothing is ever wasted. All things are His servants. He uses EVERY SINGLE THING we go through—including our suffering—to bring about His plan and purpose, not just in us, but in the world, too. Let's talk about it! -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What would it look like to trust that God is working in all things, even painful ones, to make you more like Jesus? What situations in your life might God be using to impact others, even if you can't see it yet? Who in your life might need to hear how God has been faithful to you during hard times?

Do you remember the “Be Like Mike” Gatorade commercial? It was the best. The idea was simple: if you drink Gatorade, you could somehow "become" like Michael Jordan – to shoot, move, and dominate like the GOAT. As you might imagine for a boy growing up in the 80's and 90's, I was obsessed with Michael Jordan. All my friends were, too. We would have done ANYTHING to be like Mike. For followers of Jesus, the call is not to be like Mike but to be like Jesus. In Acts, unlike the Gatorade commercial, we see that being like Jesus isn't a mere slogan or wishful thinking for us; it's a transformative reality that the Spirit provides. When we are filled with the Spirit, we can ACTUALLY live like Jesus.  -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Can you think of a time when you felt the Holy Spirit strengthening or guiding you? How would your daily life change if you regularly leaned on the Spirit's power rather than your own abilities? What practical steps can you take to seek and rely on the Spirit's empowerment more consistently? How can you prepare yourself to face potential opposition for your faith, whether it's subtle or overt? What promises from Scripture can you hold onto in those times? What does it mean for you to “hold fast to the truth” in a world that often promotes its own version of truth? Where might you feel pressured or tempted to let go of the truth in your life?

If you have been around long enough to notice, it is safe to say that North Highlands is a growing church. For example, our membership has increased by 60% in the last 18 months. How good is God! Being a part of a growing church is exciting. There are new people to meet. New ministries to start. God is on the move. It's awesome. But “church growth” is not without its challenges. This week, we'll explore how the early church navigated these growing pains and what it means for us today. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Why do you think the early church's rapid growth brought both excitement and challenges? How might unmet needs and fractured unity affect the health of our church community? What specific gifts or strengths do you bring to the church? How can you use these to help strengthen the church's mission, unity, and care for others? The apostles remained focused on prayer and the ministry of the Word even amid practical demands. How can you guard against distractions and stay focused on our core mission as a church?

Hey, Fam! Sunday is going to be sooo good! This weekend we have the privilege of spending a morning with Marvin Walker, Campus Pastor of Watermark South Dallas. If you don't know Marvin, you are going to love him! He is a native Californian and long-time friend of North Highlands. He is married to his beautiful bride, Amber, and together they have three beautiful children.  He is going to be sharing a message from Judges 3 titled “Fail the Test, Cease to Rest.” It's going to be awesome!

We all know what it feels like to face an impossible challenge. But what if the One whom you have challenged is God Himself? In Acts 5:17-42, we see the religious leaders attempting to silence a movement of God, only to discover a sobering truth: the surest way to lose a fight is to pick a fight with the Most High God. Will we make the same mistake? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion In what ways does our culture elevate personal freedom and autonomy over submission to God? How does this mindset impact your own walk with Christ? Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What does that look like practically in your daily life? How do you navigate the tension between your desires and God's will? Gamaliel's advice highlights the futility of resisting God's plans. How does this perspective help you trust in God's timing and purpose, especially during difficult seasons? 

This Sunday we have the awesome opportunity to witness and celebrate the baptisms of NINE people in our church family! There's something so powerful about watching someone step into the waters of baptism and declare, “I have decided to follow Jesus—no turning back.” It's a bold step of faith, and it's a reminder that God is still working powerfully in the world today. This weekend we are talking about the power of bold witness. The reality is being bold doesn't just attract attention, it changes lives. It was true then, it is true now. Can I get a witness!? -- Can you think of an example where someone's bold witness influenced you or inspired you in your faith? Are there areas of your life where you feel called to be bolder in your witness for Jesus? The early church experienced miracles regularly, and God's presence was unmistakable. How do you see God's presence at work in your life or your community today? In the early church, some were hesitant to follow Jesus because of fear. What are some of the fears that people face today when it comes to following Jesus? What are some practical steps we can take to help others who may be fearful or hesitant about making a commitment to follow Christ?

This summer no less than eight pastors in the Dallas area resigned or were removed from their positions due to moral failure issues and no less than 50,000 people attend these churches every weekend. What is going on!? Our passage this morning gives us an idea. Could it be that some of Satan's best work is found within the Church? If so, how must we respond? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Are there times when you've been tempted to present a more “spiritual” version of yourself to others than is real? What might be motivating that, and how can you pursue greater honesty before God and others? If you were to evaluate your heart and actions, is there any area where you're tempted to “hold back” like Ananias and Sapphira? What is a specific step you can take this week to live with greater honesty before God and others? What is one tangible way you can live out the Spirit-filled generosity demonstrated by Barnabas this week? Whether it's your time, resources, or encouragement, how can you give sacrificially for the sake of others?

How often have you heard someone say, "I'll be praying for you"? It's a phrase we use so frequently that it almost becomes second nature for Christians, like saying "hello" or "goodbye."  But how many of us, if we're honest, actually follow through on those promises to pray? No doubt, we mean well. We want to support one another, especially in tough times, and prayer IS the right answer. But how often do we move on, distracted by life, and forget to actually follow through? This weekend we will see the early church embodying a totally different approach to prayer. When faced with threats, they didn't talk about praying for one another—they did it. They came together immediately, lifting their voices as one, and asked God to give them the boldness to continue in the name of Jesus. Can you imagine what might happen if we were to do the same thing? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion How does acknowledging God's sovereignty before presenting your petitions (like the early church did) change your perspective on prayer? What is your first response when you face opposition or challenges because of your faith in Jesus? Do you tend to plan, panic, or pray? How can you make prayer more of your "default setting" in moments of stress or opposition? The early Christians prayed for boldness, not for safety. How do your prayers compare? Are you more likely to pray for comfort in life or for the boldness in the name of Jesus? What specific areas of your life do you feel called to be bolder for Jesus?

Have you ever found yourself tongue-tied, afraid to speak up when you knew you should? Maybe you felt pressure to stay quiet, but something inside you was urging you to be bold. This weekend, we will be looking into Acts 4, where we see ordinary people, filled with the Holy Spirit, becoming bold witnesses for Jesus—astonishing the world and spreading truth like wildfire. What gave them that courage? And how can we live with that same boldness? -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion Why do you think the Holy Spirit is key to the boldness we see in Peter and John in Acts 4? How can we cultivate that same boldness in our own lives? Where is God calling you to step out in faith right now, and what fears are holding you back? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to give you courage? What does it mean for faith to “thrive under pressure”? Share an experience where you felt your faith grow stronger through adversity?

I am old enough to remember when everything was done by check and everyone made regular visits to the bank. Do you still write checks? What makes the check valuable isn't the size or type of paper or even the amount of zeros behind the number written on it—it's the name of the one who authorizes it. Without the right name, even something that appears valuable holds no real power. This weekend, we're going to look at a moment in scripture where a man in need was offered something far better than money. What He was given wasn't because of power or wealth—it was because of a name. The name of Jesus. And just like an unauthorized check, without the name of Jesus, even our best efforts, resources, and plans are powerless. But with His name, everything changes. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What are some things you tend to rely on to "fix" the brokenness in your life? How might Jesus offer something better? In what ways have you experienced the truth that “Jesus is better” in your own life? Where are you currently trying to rely on your own strength or righteousness? How might you surrender that and trust in Jesus' greater goodness and power? How does knowing that God's plans cannot be thwarted—even by our own ignorance or failure—give you hope in your current circumstances?

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a doctor. I loved the idea of helping people stay healthy, diagnosing their illnesses, and making sure their bodies were functioning as they should. The human body is remarkable, but as we all know, it requires the right care—a good diet and regular exercise to help it function properly and grow strong. In our passage this weekend, Luke, the physician, is essentially giving a prescription for a healthy church, outlining the diet and exercise that made the early Spirit-filled congregation as vibrant and healthy as it was–a prescription that will help keep our church body healthy and growing, too. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What is the most encouraging aspect of this passage for you personally? What do you find most challenging? With regard to the healthy “diet and exercise” prescription of a local church, which is the greatest strength here at North Highlands? Which is the greatest weakness? How can you help? How does this passage compel you to pray for your own personal pursuit of Jesus? How does it compel you to pray for our church?

Imagine the scene: the streets of Jerusalem are filled with people from every nation, all gathered for a festival celebrating the harvest God provided them. Suddenly, the sound of a mighty wind rushes through the city, capturing everyone's attention. Flames of fire appear above the apostles' heads as the Spirit of the Living God fills each one of them, and they begin speaking about God in languages they've never known before. Confusion and amazement sweep through the crowd. What is happening? What does this mean? In that moment, one man steps forward to address the crowd—Peter, the apostle who, just weeks earlier, had denied even knowing Jesus. But now, filled with the Holy Spirit, he boldly stands to answer the burning questions on everyone's mind. What happened next was a harvest none of them, not even Peter himself, could have expected. -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion In what ways have you struggled with or been encouraged by Jesus' identity as the Lord and Christ? When was the last time you felt "cut to the heart" by the Spirit of God? How did you respond? How does repentance as “changing your mind” speak to you today? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to change your mind and/or your attitude about Jesus?

When was the last time someone over-promised and under-delivered on a promise to you?  Megan and I recently completed some updates to our home, and if you've ever gone through home renovations, you know this is a common experience of homeowners. Contractors often promise that a renovation project will be finished within a certain timeframe and budget, and with excellent results. But more often than not, the project ends up taking twice as long and costs twice as much. If you've been through it, you know what I mean. But here's the good news: Our God is not a general contractor trying to earn our business. He is a perfectly loving heavenly Father who has never once over-promised or under-delivered. He always fulfills His promises to us. One of the most powerful examples of this happened ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, during the Jewish festival of Pentecost.  -- Questions for Reflection & Discussion What does it mean to trust the Promise-maker more than the promise itself? In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from holding onto outcomes to holding onto God? How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your daily life? Reflect on recent conversations. How might you have approached them differently with the guidance of the Holy Spirit?