The Church Next Door - AZ

This side of heaven the believer lives on a battlefield. Sometimes even ministry for the Lord is not all peaches and cream. Today we'll explore a disagreement between Paul & Barnabas, a sacrifice by Timothy, and Paul's return visit to strengthen the new disciples. Listen in to prepare for 3 ministry realities so you're not caught off guard.

After their first missionary journey, Paul & Barnabas shared that God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. But some Jews from Jerusalem said they had to be circumcised to be really saved. Is God's grace enough to save lost sinners or not? What's the difference between mercy & grace? What sets Christianity apart from every other religion? Listen in!

Before the Holy Spirit came upon the early disciples they were in an upper room devoting themselves to prayer. The same Holy Spirit indwells every believer today. But we still believe prayer is a crucial way to prepare for what God wants to do in our lives! Join us as we confidently go before God's throne of grace through Jesus our High…

On September 10, Charlie Kirk was assassinated. The darkness hit its target but John 1:5 assures us it cannot overcome the Light of Jesus Christ. Listen to learn more of what the Bible says about overcoming.

What should you do when people idolize you? When they demonize you? When they believe and are saved? Gain wisdom to handle the mixed reviews by observing the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and beyond.

If you think Paul always got positive responses when he shared you have not read Acts! From belief & salvation to unbelief & rejection the pendulum swung wildly. He and Barnabas persevered because they lived to please the Lord, not the crowds. As you listen, we pray their example encourages you to persevere today. 

Did you know Paul customized his messages? He never changed God's truth. But the way he shared it with Jews was not the same way he shared it with Gentile pagans. Listen in to learn how we can build bridges between the gospel and the groups we share with today.

Which better describes the things you do for God? Paul's first missionary journey did not come out of a vacuum. Rather it came from a man and a church that was abiding in Christ. Listen to learn how to abide in Christ and bear His fruit today. 

Who would you rather be? Peter in prison awaiting execution or King Herod giving a speech and being exalted by the crowd as a god? Hold your answer until you've heard this message from Acts 12.

Unity is given to the church by God. But maintaining it is up to us. Listen to see how two very different groups of believers in Antioch and Jerusalem modeled 4 tools that keep unity from falling into disrepair.

Unity is a buzzword. But what sets Biblical unity apart? It is based on God's Word, God's leading, and God's work. And in the end, Biblical unity always brings glory to God. See how this played out when Peter explained Cornelius to the church in Jerusalem. 

Cornelius had many things going for him. But he was missing what mattered most. Listen in to see how faithful, available, and teachable Peter brought Cornelius the message of the only One who could meet his deepest needs. 

The cultural wall between the Jews and Gentiles seemed insurmountable. Listen in to hear how God worked in Cornelius and in Peter to prepare for a gospel breakthrough.

We live in a world that groans in pain. Listen to hear how the Lord used Peter to bring hope in the face of paralysis and death. Then  ponder the reality that the Lord wants us to spread His hope today. 

Saul's conversion, early ministry, and pursuit of Christ provide insight on the past salvation, present walk, and future hope of the believer. 

Saul, convinced he was serving God, was on his way to Damascus to ravage Christ followers.  Little did he know he was about to become one! A voice from heaven changed everything with the shocking statement, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

(Apologies for some audio issues at the start but they clear up shortly into the sermon) We have a missionary God who cares not only for crowds but for individuals. Listen to see how God's preparation, Philip's cooperation, and the Spirit's leading play into an Ethiopian's salvation. And think of the exciting truth that God's not done. He still wants to use…

R Kent Hughes wrote, “Following the church through Acts is like following a wounded deer through a forest. Drops of blood mark the trail.” Stephen's martyrdom marked the beginning of intense persecution. But as believers fled, something wonderful happened: They spread the good news to some shocking places. Listen in to hear how salvation came to Samaria and learn some important lessons…

Stephen continues talking about the controversial ramifications of Jesus being the risen Messiah. At the end he drives it home with a pointed accusation aimed at the Sanhedrin. The results teach us deep lessons about the source and results of faithfulness in the life of the believer. 

Stephen knew Jesus is the risen Messiah. He also knew this had radical impact on the way Jews should worship God, view their ancestors, and engage their temple and law. Talking about it got him dragged in front of the Sanhedrin. Listen in to hear how his history lesson from their own Scriptures paved the way to his main point.

Salvation is a free gift but discipleship is a costly road filled with trials. That's why encouragement is so important as we follow Christ. Listen in to see how encouragement & discipleship went hand in hand in the early church – and how we can be encouraging disciplers today.

How did the early church handle it when one group of widows was being overlooked? And what can we learn about solving our own problems in the church today? Listen in to find out.

The attack from the Sanhedrin intensified but the early church kept on spreading the word about Jesus. They even rejoiced at being counted worthy to suffer for His name! Listen to see what drove them to be faithful and for some hope when the battle heats up in your own life.

Jesus railed at the Pharisees for their hypocrisy (mask wearing/pretending to be more spiritual than they really were). Here we see Satan inspiring a couple in the early church to follow in the Pharisees' footsteps. What was God's response and what can we learn from it?

Unusual title for an Easter sermon. But Paul addressed the same question. After we unpack the bleak fallout that would result if Christ was still buried, we'll come around to the celebration: He is alive! What wonderful hope that brings! You'll also hear the testimony of two lives recently redeemed by the Risen Christ.

You might be surprised at the early church's reaction when Peter and John told them how they were dragged before the Sanhedrin and told not to speak of Jesus any longer. Listen in to see what the early church's reaction was. Is yours the same when trials hit?

If those in authority or popular opinion dictate that Christians remain silent about Jesus, what should we do? Today Peter and John show the way as they are examined by the highest court in the land.

Peter didn't hesitate to call out the guilt of those who crucified Jesus. But he quickly shows that the same crucifixion which reminds sinners of our guilt is also God's provision for our salvation.

Are we thankful people? The early church was (Acts 2: 46-47). In this service we visit a Psalm of thankfulness and explore how to be thankful today. You'll also enjoy some testimonies.

Peter and John were going to pray but they encountered a lame man begging for alms. Led by the Spirit they stopped. What happened next sparked a chain reaction they could not have imagined. Listen in to see how to be ready for divine appointments today!

A faithful husband cares about his bride's health. That's why Jesus cares deeply about the health of the church. Listen in to hear 6 marks of the early church- marks that are still good indicators of health today.

Listen to what happened on the Day of Pentecost when a Holy Spirit filled messenger delivered a Holy Spirit led message and saw a Holy Spirit prompted response!

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. He delivered on the morning of Pentecost. Listen in to see how this event should lead us to wonder, worship, and witness.

Jesus said the truth will set you free. But how do we know what's true? Join us today as we explore how the Holy Spirit gives us God's truth, helps us understand it, and enables us to live it out.

Heaven we have a problem!  Sin separates us from God and each other. Listen in to hear how the Holy Spirit works to restore unity in both of these relationships. 

Are you ever aware of your weakness and inability to live like Christ? Thank the Lord for the power of the Holy Spirit! Listen in as we trace the Holy Spirit's power through the Old Testament, the earthly ministry of Jesus, and in the lives of believers today. Then we'll ask a very important question: What is my role in all of…

How well do you know the Holy Spirit? Some have never heard Him preached about. Some have serious misunderstandings. Join us as we seek to introduce Him properly and clear up some of the confusion.

Peter and Judas had so much in common: They both spent 3 years with Jesus and at the end they both sinned against him in horrendous ways. But in Acts 1 we see them on very different paths. What was it that made the difference? Listen to this message to find out.

Savior. It's one of those words we throw around a lot. But what do we need saving from? In a word, sin. Listen in to see how Jesus the Savior is the sin bearer and substitute we need.

Many of us  long for someone to come along and put together the broken pieces of our lives – a King who is courageous, capable, and caring. Listen in to hear how Jesus is all of that and so much more.

Ever been really lost or perplexed? Maybe felt alone, like no one knows or understands you? Overwhelmed by the guilt of your sin? Like a sheep without a shepherd? The good news is Jesus came as the Good Shepherd you need! Listen in to see how this can change your life today.

Whether it's waiting for healing, reconciliation, or the promised Messiah – waiting is hard. The longer we wait the darker it feels. Today we we meet 2 people who were waiting for the Savior and finally got to meet Him. What a light He was to them and to all who look to Him in faith!

An honest look at life tells us we are sinful and God is holy. If we are to have a relationship with Him it's going to require a mediator, an advocate, a go-between. Today an angelic message to an unlikely group reminds us that Jesus is just the mediator we need!

Join us on a journey of gratitude! This message will help you thank the Father for His faithfulness, His wisdom, His Son Jesus Christ, and to thank Him always.

Money is not good or evil. But how we use it says a lot about our hearts. What does it look like to be wise with the resources we have? How can I avoid the extremes of money worship and money wasting? Join us as we unpack a number of Proverbs which speak on this every day matter.

What if your work was an act of worship? Join us as we explore 7 principles in Proverbs to help it be just that! Whether you're a landscaper or a stay at home mom, a nurse or an architect, even a volunteer at church, listen in!

Join us as we see how God's Word sheds light on a topic often kept in the shadows: alcohol. Along the way you'll discover a Biblical balance that is neither legalistic nor naive – a balance full of wisdom from above.

Some say there is no manual for parenting. God would beg to differ. Listen in for His wisdom in Proverbs on how parents and children can show love for each other in their different roles.