Wellspring of Life Church

This chapter describes the growth of the church in Antioch, the first place believers are called Christians. Barnabas (the son of encouragement) was sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to oversee this new growth and brings Saul with him. They were a powerful team that God used to bring the Word and encourage the believers to remain faithful in spreading the Gospel. May we be just as faithful and committed to sharing the Gospel.  By Dave Bartlett

The importance of recognizing the dangers of falling asleep spiritually, which can eventually lead to spiritual death. And the importance of knowing that God can and wants to resurrect us. He desires to bring us back into a life of vibrancy and purpose that is only found in our relationship with Him. By Marilyn Bartlett

The Apostle Peter has learned that God does not show favoritism, that grace cannot coexist with prejudice.  The Gospel is for everyone. We are to see one another as God sees us, with eyes of grace.  By Dave Bartlett

The Resurrection was not just a historical event that happened centuries ago. It is an ongoing reality and an everlasting truth that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, death has been defeated, hope has risen and love has triumphed forever.  By Dave Bartlett

It's hard to comprehend all that Jesus endured on the cross. We cannot begin to fathom the torture and suffering He went through. We should forever appreciate and never lose sight of what Jesus was willing to do on behalf of all humankind. He became the ultimate sacrifice, so that we could live forever. "It Is Finished!" By Arrow Lontine

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, is a pivotal event which fulfills an Old Testament prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah. His prophecy foretells of a coming King, riding on a donkey, marking Jesus' final days before His crucifixion. Jesus riding into Jerusalem shows us that the King of Glory humbled Himself and became a servant King so that we might live with Him forever. By Dave Bartlett

In this portion of Acts 10 the walls of prejudice have started to come down between Jews and Gentiles. We see Peter entering the house of Cornelius bringing the message of Jesus to him and his family.  It's a beautiful picture of God's grace that reveals He is no respecter of persons. His love and mercy is toward all humankind.  By Dave Bartlett

In the story of Peter and Cornelius, we see God's grace and salvation is for all people. God is no respecter of persons. He is the creator of all human kind and His love extends to all ethnicities. As God's people we are to be agent's of His love, breaking down the walls of prejudice and building bridges of compassion and understanding. By Dave Bartlett

If we choose to apply and obey God's word, we will say and do the things God Himself, would do. If we make everything about Him we in turn will experience a life of joy and fulfillment.  By Dave Bartlett

Everyday, we like Paul, need to embrace the truth that God is with us and will turn our trials into testimonies. When we face challenges, we need to remember, that He will use them to shape us, strengthen us and demonstrate His faithfulness to us. By Dave Bartlett

When we allow our lives to be apprehended by Jesus, we will willingly and joyfully obey what He asks us to do, even if what He is asking us to do, doesn't make sense. His commands are always right. You never know what your obedience to God might accomplish for His kingdom and for His glory. By Dave Bartlett

Are you willing to say "Yes" to whatever Jesus asks you to do, say whatever He asks you to say and go wherever He asks you to go? If you are, it means choosing the narrow road but that is the road that leads to a life of joy and victory. By Dave Bartlett

Following the death of Stephen persecution broke out forcing believers to flee to Judea and Samaria. We read of Phillip faithfully preaching the Gospel in Samaria leading many to Jesus, including Simon the sorcerer who attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. God's mission for Phillip then, is our mission today.    By Dave Bartlett  

Stephen, the first martyry of the early church, provides for us a powerful example of what it means to sacrifice for the Lord. Because he was a man of faith and full of the Holy Spirit, he displayed for us how to live a life of grace and how to die with grace as followers of Jesus Christ our Lord. By Dave Bartlett

The early church serves as an example to us of how God has gifted each one of us for the work of the ministry. We see this wonderfully displayed here in Acts chapter six, as each one used their gifts to meet the needs of those were being neglected. You have been given spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ, use them and see how God will be glorified and His people  edified.  By Dave Bartlett

There are two themes found in this Old Testament story. The first, is the all-sufficiency of God to meet any crises we face. Second, our prayer is our means of access to the all-sufficient God.  By Kenny Guidry

The power of Jesus rests on us because His Spirit is in us. We find Him in the world around us and we find Him living within us. Are you living the new and resurrected life? By Brook Stockert

God gave the Apostles power to perform great miracles to authenticate their ministry and to spread the Gospel. In spite of persecution, beatings and imprisonment the Apostles and early believers joyfully continued spreading the Gospel. May we follow their example and allow God to empower us to faithfully spread the Good News and see miracles happen in peoples lives.  By Dave Bartlett

These verses in Acts 5 teach us that hypocrisy and deceit undermine the work of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ. As God's people we are to be trustworthy, real and authentic. We serve a holy God and we are to be holy as He is holy.  By Dave Bartlett

The Acts Church enjoyed the miraculous display of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, saw numbers of people coming to Christ continually, even in the midst of heightened persecution. Because they prayed in the power of joy, prayed in the power of God's Word, united together in prayer for God's purposes to be accomplished and not for their own personal needs to be met, they saw extraordinary happenings daily. Dave Bartlett

God calls us to love the unlovable, even our enemies. The Bible provides us with many examples of people who were willing to do just that.  Brook Stockert

Peter and John serve as examples to us, in the face of adversity to be confident and courageous. They continued to speak in the name of Jesus, no matter what persecution they would have to endure. May we, like them, in the power of Jesus name, courageously live with hearts on fire for God. By Dave Bartlett

God has always had a plan to save all humankind. He brought forth His Son to fulfill that plan which included you. He came so you could know Him and the life He has designed for you to live now and for all eternity. You needn't fear the unknown, He is sovereignly in control and He is Immanuel, God with you.  By Dave Bartlett

In these verses Peter gives one of the greatest sermons in all of the New Testament. He begins by stating that the Gospel rests in history. The long-awaited Messiah has already come. God made this promise to Abraham, Moses affirmed it, Samuel the first prophet and every prophet following made the same declaration. Just as Peter spoke to those who were present that day, his words continue to speak to us today. Open your ears and eyes, the Messiah has come, to be your Savior.  Dave Bartlett

God gives us opportunities to make a difference in people's lives and the power to make a difference. We must be willing to take the time to see the divine appointments He places in front of us, just as He did for Peter and John. Don't pass by or pass up the God-given appointments you are given. You might be the answer to someone's prayer and the one to bring about a miraculous change in their life through the power of the Holy Spirit within you. By Dave Bartlett

The Early Church in the second chapter of Acts shows us what God intends His church to look like today. We need to do a heart check to determine if we make church all about us. Or do we, like those of the Acts 2 church display the marks of true followers of Christ? Are we giving ourselves to the teaching of God's Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers and are we consistent in sharing the blessings and goodness of God with those in need? Hopefully, we will intentionally choose to make church all about Him. By Dave Bartlett

Peter gives one of the most powerful and persuasive sermons in all of the New Testament in the second chapter of Acts. His message given two thousand years ago, encourages us today, to be strong witnesses that take a stand, to be knowledgeable of the Word and to be bold in proclaiming Christ.   By Dave Bartlett

The same Spirit that came upon the 120 in power at Pentecost is the same Spirit that resides in us. The Holy Spirit set their hearts on fire that they might spread the Gospel to those who were lost. Today, the Holy Spirit will set our hearts on fire that we might spread the Gospel to those who are lost. Is your heart open, desiring for Him to set your heart on fire, if so expect to be ignited! By Dave Bartlett

God chooses us so He can empower and use us. Perfection does not qualify us to be used by Him but dependence on His power to be demonstrated in and through us.   By Dave Bartlett

God's mission for the first century believers continues to be the same mission for us today. We are to be His witnesses faithfully and boldly proclaiming the Gospel. By Dave Bartlett

The promises of God are trustworthy, solid, true, and reliable. We as God's children are heirs of these promises and we can be assured that they will never fail. They are our lifeline to walking in His power and living a productive and effective life for His kingdom. By Dave Bartlett

Understanding our adoption as God's children and the Fatherhood of God is the foundation of a vibrant Christian walk.  By Tim Munyan

When life is hard and we are experiencing disappointments, it can be our tendency to turn our eyes off of Jesus and on to the situation. However, if we make the deliberate choice to focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus, He will meet us where we are and we will be recipients of His strength and joy. By Dave Bartlett

Mountains played a significant role in God's interaction with His people, seen throughout Scripture. Two very important mountains...Mount Sinai, shows us the way to God and Mount Zion shows us a better way to God.  By Dave Bartlett

The believers dress code is not external but internal. We are to put on Christ and putting on Christ means we are to live together in unity and we are to generously give His love to others. When we clothe ourselves with Christ's holy apparel our hearts are filled with peace.  By Dave Bartlett

Jesus holds all things together and that includes you. Whatever challenges or hardships you may face, the Lord by  His power will always see you through.  By Dave Bartlett

What keeps us from demonstrating love to others? The idea that it's about how we feel. We give and show love to other's based on God's love given to us. We need to put our ourselves and our feelings aside in order to demonstrate God's love in practical ways to those He brings into our lives.  By Dave Bartlett

We get to choose the story we tell ourselves and to others. The part of our story that we want to highlight is what Jesus has done for us and who He is. When we put the spotlight on Him, other's will be drawn to Him and will recognize that...Truly He is the Son of God. By Marilyn Bartlett

There is no other path, no other way to cross from alienation to life, from alienation to reconciliation from earth to heaven, except by way of the Cross. By Brook Stockert

These two Psalms written by David, reveal how he chose to conduct himself before God and others. In choosing to follow David's example, we can live the life God has ordained for us, which is one of purpose and meaning.  By Dave Bartlett

What the world needs and what you and I need is... a shepherd, not just any shepherd but the Good Shepherd In these turbulent times in which we live. He is the only one who can lead us and guide us into all truth. He is the one who will bring justice and righteousness and will grant to us peace that exceeds all understanding and will always be with us. By Dave Bartlett

Jesus invites us to go deeper in our relationship with Him. To go below the surface of having a nominal relationship with Him but one where we enter into the depth of knowing, He can be trusted and we are never alone. We can live in a place of rest, assured that He's got us and we can live free of anxiety and stress. "The shallow end of hope, is usually the deep end of grace." Bob Goff

God has called each one of us and that calling defines our purpose. We can count on God's power to fulfill His calling through us as we choose to live out His purpose for us.  Dave Bartlett

When we choose to live in humility and invite God to shape and transform our lives, we experience His strength perfected in our weakness. God accomplishes His purposes in us and is glorified through us.  By Dave Bartlett

We can live the life God has purposed for us when we truly believe that He sees us for who we can become, not how we see ourselves. Jesus asks us to draw near to Him so that He can transform us into His likeness by His power. We are invited to join Him in the building of His eternal kingdom.  By Dave Bartlett

We all mess up and because we do, we like to start over. When we experience to many disappointments we often give up. However, 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of a  "new creation" in Christ, old things are passed away and all things become new. Due to His redemptive work in us, we are  be able to face each day with a sense of renewed hope. By Bill Middleton

It's interesting that Psalm 16, a chapter full of joy and hope, was written by David in a time of peril. It's easy to feel blown around by the storms of life and depleted by all the hardships thrown upon our shoulders. However, like David, we must turn to God for true joy and deliverance. When we are anchored to Jesus, nothing can move us or steal our happiness.  Shelby Crosswhite

If you want to make the most of every day, get an early lead by expressing thanks to God first thing in the morning, for all He is, all He has done and promises to do. Be determined to be grateful and you will experience joy and peace. By Dave Bartlett

There are people all around us who need to be rescued from the Enemy and the bondage of sin. We have been called by the One who rescued us, to be willing to fight against apathy and fervently bring the message of hope and life to those who desperately need to know Jesus. By Dave Bartlett

We are to live each day anticipating the Lord's return, while also embracing every opportunity to love, serve and bring His hope to those who are hurting and are in need.  By Dave Bartlett

This passage defines, possibly more than any other in the Sermon on the Mount, what the difference between religion and true spirituality really does mean in our lives. It is possible to be religious and miss out on a relationship with God. Hopefully, your desire is to know God more intimately, living your life for Him and His kingdom. By Dave Bartlett