The Image Church | Weekly Messages

The resurrection of Jesus isn't a wonderful ending to the story of Jesus and His crucifixion, but the beginning of something profoundly new. In the present time God is redeeming people, but when Christ comes back the second time, we will take part in God putting the rest of Creation right.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

The truth of Christ's resurrection doesn't just bring redemption and hope to our lives individually, but also to the communities around us as a whole. And it doesn't just redeem us, but is the beginning of God's plan to restore all of Creation.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

The scripture show that God is faithful to His promises and His people, evidenced by Jesus' entering into Jerusalem and the temple on Palm Sunday fulfilling God's promise through the prophets that He will return to the city and temple. But how do we position ourselves to receive and recognize the fulfillment of God's promises?--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

In the book of Ephesians the Church is called the fullness of God who fills all in all. What does it look like for the Church to be used by God to fill the world with Him?--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

God is faithful to fulfill His promises. But there are principles we must be aware of about the type of promises they are and how they are to come to pass.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

God has given us gifts for the common good, to be used within a gathering to minister to one another. And in that ministry, God through us wants to give someone a word that, by taking hold of and building on, will bring transformation in their life.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

The Holy Spirit desires to overshadow us so that the Word of God takes root in us, and as a result what comes out of us is thanksgiving to God for everything in every situation.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

The Bible uses powerful metaphors to describe the Church, each revealing a unique aspect of our identity and purpose. And importantly, it's not just something you attend, it's a place you belong to.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Our God is a faithful God. He is faithful to His purpose, which He ultimately accomplished through Jesus Christ, to His people through the Holy Spirit's work in us, and faithful to His promises, the main one of which is His love for us.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Are we striving for unity in the church or just uniformity? God's Word calls us to be united through His Spirit. What are some of the ways God desires us to live out in unity?--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

We are called to imitate Christ, especially in our love for each other. So what does that entail? How do we express Christ and His example to all God's people?--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Everybody has a personal story in the kingdom of God. It is a story of God‘s grace, which always includes us being servants/ministers in God's church! And as we uniquely grow and minister in His church, we are called to be united in Christ.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Acts 26:27-29""King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”"Are we ready to present the good news? Are we ready to talk to those around us about Jesus? We may not have the opportunity to speak to presidents or kings like Paul does here in this chapter. But, we do have many opportunities to talk to our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Our prayer today is that we would be a people who are prepared and ready to share our testimony and share about the hope we have in Christ to all those we encounter and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Acts 25In this chapter we see Paul being accused of causing trouble and stirring up riots in the city. Paul provides a defense for himself, but ultimately trusts the Lord and is willing to die for Him if he is found guilty. Can you relate to Paul? Have you ever been accused of something you didn't do? We can get so caught up in seeking justice, that we lose sight of what's most important -- to trust God and know that He knows us, sees us and has purposes for us that are bigger than what we can understand. Our prayer today, is that we would step out together today and trust Him fully.

Acts 24:14-16"However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."Paul doesn't crumble under the pressure of accusations and responds with the truth! Church, be encouraged, no matter what accusations come our way, may we know our values, who's we are, and what we stand on. Never deviate from the truth and always believe that God will make a way.

Acts 23:11"The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”This chapter highlights God's protection over Paul for him to be able to continuously deliver the Gospel. We see that directly after Paul testifies in front of the Sanhedrin, God gives direction for the next mission. God doesn't promise him that all the trials and tribulations will go away. What he is saying its that he has bigger plans for him and gives him direction. Be encouraged friends! Whatever it is you're going through in this season, God is molding you, He is shaping you, and He is speaking purpose and direction and preparing you for that next season in your life.

The stories we tell ourselves influence our actions and habits, and may hinder our ability to change. Unexamined we become those stories. So, what is the story of the Bible we tell ourselves, and what do the writers of the New Testament themselves reveal it is?--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Acts 22:18"and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!' he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.'"Sometimes it can get discouraging when we don't see the fruit of the testimonies we share with our friends and family. When we look at Paul's story, we see a man who was available to hear the voice of God, be obedient when God rerouted him, and faithful to continue his mission of spreading the gospel everywhere he went. May we continue to be faithful to share about Jesus everywhere we go while being aware and obedient to the voice of God in our lives.

Acts 21:10-14"After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'”When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord's will be done.”"Paul was obedient and had no hesitation about what God wanted to do and how God wanted to use him. It is our responsibility to seek God's will and direction for our lives. So, when someone else speaks a word of encouragement over us, it is our responsibility to bring that word before the Lord and ask for His insight and clarity. God is faithful to speak, and he looks for our faith, obedience, and action.

Acts 20:23"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."As we enter into 2025, may Paul's example of complete surrender in the face of uncertainty and hardship serve as a powerful example to us. May this be a year in which we say a bold and courageous YES to whatever it is that the Holy Spirit is inviting us into. May this be a year we set fear aside and are willing to pay the cost of what it looks like to live a surrendered life!

Acts 19:8-10"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord."We get so much information about God's works in such compact chapters, that sometimes we forget the timeline in which they occur. Here we see, Paul has daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus and this went on for 2 years. Paul was consistent through disappointment, discouragement, and through so many hurdles. So be encouraged by Paul's example today. Whatever season you're in today, stay the course and be faithful. God's timeline doesn't look like ours, but we can trust that he is our good Father and he has the best in store for us.

Acts 18:4"Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks" 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."Paul was ready to reason and persuade. He had the knowledge of the scripture and was prepared to have a an impactful conversation with everyone he came across. In 2025, lets commit to studying the word deeply and make sure we're ready for anyone we encounter, so we can give more than just a personal testimony, we can give the truth. Lets be less passive with our faith and more impactful!

Acts 17:6,16"And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also"""Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols."What if we were so led by the Holy Spirit and had the boldness only He can give, speaking into every situation where we see a need for Christ, without concern for the consequences? That is our prayer for 2025 -- that we would boldly proclaim Christ to each and every person we encounter, even at the risk of being labeled "those people that turned the world upside down".

In Scripture we are called to live in consistent connection and cooperation with each other as members of Christ's body. Together we are able to devote ourselves to building each other up through teaching, fellowship, sharing in things, prayer, helping each other through action, and spreading the good news of Jesus through evangelism.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Acts 16:25-28"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying. They were also singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a powerful earthquake. It shook the prison from top to bottom. All at once the prison doors flew open. Everyone's chains came loose. The jailer woke up. He saw that the prison doors were open. He pulled out his sword and was going to kill himself. He thought the prisoners had escaped. “Don't harm yourself!” Paul shouted. “We are all here!”"Paul and Silas could have just ran out of prison. But they took the time to share the love of God with the jailer! How many people in our lives do we encounter who don't know Jesus and have never encountered His love? We are called, as disciples, to pray for them, to encourage them, and love them. Be encouraged today to go and be the light and love on the people around you!

Acts 15:10-11"Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”Yoke was really heavy farming equipment used back in the day which was burdensome to the animals that had to wear it. Peter is making a parallel here saying that living under jewish law was burdensome to attain and that through grace, under Jesus Christ, that burden is lifted from us. So we pray today that whatever burden you are carrying may be lifted through the grace of Christ and that you may be able to share that grace with others in your community.

Acts 14:12-15"When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them."Sometimes we can put different people that God uses on a pedestal in our hearts. But God is reminding us today that He is the one who uses people. He can (and will) partner with anyone of us who is available to do His work, but ultimately He is the one who deserves the glory. Today, we get to do that -- we get to give God all the glory He deserves!

Acts 13:47"For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”This is our challenge church; to remember to share what Christ has done in our lives. The Holy Spirit is working and taking the Gospel to the nations, and when we partner with Him people will rejoice and our community will grow. We're excited to see how God will use Image this year in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to our community and taking that message to the ends of the earth.

Acts 12:5, 12-15"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.""When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”“You're out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”Those gathered were fervently praying for something that their mind couldn't fully comprehend. So when they got the answer to their prayer, they could barely believe it. We don't have to understand how God is going to solve what in the natural seems impossible, our role is only to fervently pray and watch God blow our minds!

Acts 11:12,15"12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house."“15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.Because Peter partnered with the Holy Spirit and was obedient, the whole household was blessed. When we are obedient to partner with God, we get to be a part of and witness the blessing of others. As we continue to fast, lets think about where we might be hesitating and begin to be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:34-36"Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all."God's salvation and love are for ALL! As we let the Spirit of God inspire us through this message today, let's remember two things: embrace diversity—recognize and celebrate the community in the body of Christ. Secondly, let's be open to God's leading, even if it challenges our preconceived notions. God's love is so good, and it's time to let the world know!

Acts 9:15"But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel."We see God change Saul's story and use him as a instrument to advance the Kingdom forward. God can encounter anyone in a dramatic way, but He also uses us, his people, to go and pray over people and share the good news. Lets be sensitive to the voice of God in our lives and bold enough to obey his call. Let's also continue to pray for the people in our life who still need to know Jesus, that they would have radical encounters with him as we partner with God to share the truth of the Gospel.

Acts 8:3-4"But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."Those who were scattered continued to preach the good news wherever they went. They didn't go into hiding or run away from the problem. Their faith was bigger than their fear and their love for people was bigger than their fear of death. May we be a people who's love for people is bigger than our fear of ridicule and opposition. May we be a people who can declare the good news boldly everywhere we go.

Acts 7:54-60Matthew 5:10-12Through Stephens story we see someone who knew exactly where his treasure was and that nothing on this earth could ever change that. He boldly proclaimed the truth of God. This is who we want to be friends! May you be challenged and encouraged to live out your purpose boldly as you continue to read this chapter.

The Purpose of God for me is fulfilled together with God's people. And the Gifts of the Spirit were given to me to use within His Church, for the benefit of others, not in isolation.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Acts 6:8-10And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.No one could withstand the wisdom and Spirit with with which Stephen was speaking. Friends, as walk through this time of fast, lets be open to hear what Holy Spirit is speaking to us and through us. No one can stand against the truth of God!

Acts 5:29"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."Peter had so much conviction over what God was calling him to do that it didn't matter what man thought or what repercussions they may face. So be encouraged! Stay on the course that God has prepared for you. There's so much reward there.

Acts 4:8,138 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.May we be filled with the Holy Spirit to live out the purposes of God in our lives, and as a result, that the world around us would also see that we have been with Jesus.

Acts 3:1-8"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.Peter and John were on their way to prayer, but they stopped for the lame man and allowed the power of God to work through them. Today, wherever we are heading, lets be sensitive to Holy Spirit and what He wants to do through us.

"When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”The Gospel is for every person. God's heart and His love is for everyone! How can we make sure that the love of God and His heart is passed on to every person we encounter?

What is the story of the Bible all about? Is it about God rescuing people from the sinful earth & getting them into heaven? Or is it actually about God coming from heaven & living with people? And us, the Church, being a sign to the world of God's new creation!--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

We want to improve various areas our lives, including hearing God's voice daily, but hoping alone won't change our lives, habits will. So, what habits can we establish to ensure we hear God's voice daily in our lives?--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Almost all believe that God can do anything, but it takes faith to believe that God will do it for me. And we may struggle to believe that God's Word isn't bound by human limitations and timing or the natural law.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

God spoke through His angel to Zechariah about John's birth and to Mary about Jesus' birth, and they each responded in different ways. But ultimately what God said was brought to pass.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

God's message to me will always be consistent with His Character as revealed in the Bible, consistent with His Principles throughout the Bible, and without confusion whether it was Him speaking.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

The Bible is an inspired book. So, because it is inspired, in it we can hear God's message. And because it is a book, it communicates through text, so understanding how to read texts matters. And getting it wrong can make a life-or-death difference.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

As you get to know God, you are rooted in the truth and your faith is stronger. As you faith in Christ is strong, it overflow through you in love towards those around you.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

In the Old Testament, God spoke to specific people, at specific times, and for a specific purpose. But now in the New Testament, we all are part of God's family, and the Holy Spirit in us can speak to each of us His mission that we are to submit to.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

Obedience in the Bible means submission to or moving toward what is heard. When you hear God and obey His word, you get to know Him, are provided for and will continue to hear from Him.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

We hear God with the goal of actually knowing Him. God wants relationship with us, and wants to be known by us. Yet, there will be things that prevent us from hearing effectively.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.

God has given us His Spirit who testifies to our spirit about who we are and what He desires for us. His gift of prophecy is God through His love inspiring, encouraging and strengthening you so you know that He has you on His mind.--To hear more messages from The Image Church, subscribe to our podcast or YouTube channel. Also follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or download our Image Church app in the App Store and Google Play Store to learn more about us and stay up to date.