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Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 11:19-30 - The Church in Antioch
ACTS Part 13 Acts 8:4-40
Irritations, Disturbances, and Death are "fork in the road" moments for Christ followers.
The expansion of Jesus' church wasn't a historical accident but followed divine patterns that still apply today. Through a fresh exploration of Acts, we uncover three powerful catalysts that fueled the early church's growth despite overwhelming obstacles.First came the witness of ordinary believers who boldly shared both personal testimonies and scriptural explanations of the gospel. From Peter's Pentecost sermon that converted 3,000 in one day to countless unnamed Christians who "spoke the word of God with boldness," their witness proved unstoppable. But something counterintuitive happened next - fierce opposition actually accelerated church growth. Stephen's martyrdom triggered persecution that scattered believers throughout Judea and Samaria, fulfilling Jesus' geographic expansion mandate as they continued preaching wherever they fled.Most fascinating are the three detailed conversion accounts that reveal the essential DNA of genuine faith transformation. The Ethiopian eunuch's story demonstrates how Scripture opens understanding about Jesus. Saul's dramatic Damascus road experience shows God's power to transform even violent enemies into passionate apostles. And Cornelius - already devout, generous, and prayerful - reveals that even "good religious people" need personal faith in Christ for salvation.These stories expose three elements present in all true conversions: God's behind-the-scenes preparation, clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He did, and the crucial moment of personal belief. This framework challenges both religious formalism and casual cultural Christianity that lacks transformative power.Has God placed someone in your life who needs to hear this message? Are you yourself converted, or simply religious? The difference isn't just theological - it's eternal. Open your heart to Christ today and experience the same life-changing power that swept through the ancient world and continues transforming lives today.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G71oJIX4G1Q
Pastor Rick Andrew continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 10:34 - 11:18
The explosive growth of early Christianity can't be explained by the resurrection alone. What transformed a small band of frightened disciples into a world-changing movement? The answer lies in the dramatic events of Pentecost.When the Holy Spirit descended on those first believers, four remarkable signs appeared: a violent wind filling the house, tongues of fire resting on each person, miraculous speaking in foreign languages, and a fearless joy that made onlookers think they were drunk! These weren't random supernatural phenomena but powerful symbols of God's presence now dwelling within ordinary people.Through these events, we discover what being filled with the Spirit truly means - encountering a power from outside ourselves that transforms us from within. The result? Being "so joyfully obsessed with the gospel of Jesus that you want to tell others about his wonderful salvation." This Spirit-empowerment turned ministry consumers into gospel proclaimers overnight.Most fascinating is how the Spirit instantly created genuine community. Three thousand people who had rejected Jesus completely changed their minds about him, received the Spirit, and were drawn together in powerful ways. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, worship, prayer, serving each other, and reaching others. This wasn't just organizational structure - it was spiritual organism, the living Body of Christ.What does this mean for us today? Having the Holy Spirit isn't optional for Christians - it's essential. "If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Romans 8:9). The Spirit gives us not just individual power but a divine pull toward authentic community with other believers. No lone wolves in Biblical Christianity!Have you experienced this transformative presence? Has the Spirit given you fearless joy and a desire for genuine Christian community? If you're unsure, don't settle for uncertainty about something so vital. The same Spirit who created the church at Pentecost is still transforming lives and creating community today.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFOO-s4I32A
God is not finished when things get worse.
Pastor Xavier Ries and Pastor Tony Scotti continue an examination in the book of Acts.
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 10:1-34
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 10:1-34
What makes Christianity different from every other faith system in human history? As we return to our study in the book of Acts, we uncover the three extraordinary foundations that explain Christianity's existence and remarkable growth over two millennia.The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the absolute cornerstone. Without this historical reality, the Apostle Paul plainly states our faith would be "absolutely worthless." But what evidence convinced the first followers? Luke tells us Jesus presented himself alive through "many convincing proofs" over forty days. He appeared physically to Peter, the twelve apostles, James, Paul, and remarkably, to over 500 people at once. Most striking is how difficult it was for the disciples to believe what they were seeing. They dismissed early reports as "nonsense," and even when Jesus stood before them, "they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement." Their skepticism actually strengthens the credibility of these accounts – these weren't gullible people eager to embrace a spiritual fantasy.The ascension serves as Christianity's second pillar. When Jesus was "lifted up while they were looking on," this visible departure declared his exaltation to the very throne of the universe. The disciples needed to understand Jesus wasn't simply gone, but elevated to the position of ultimate authority "at the right hand of God." The angels' promise that he would return the same way established the hope that continues to inspire believers today.The third foundation – Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit – explains the most perplexing question about early Christianity. How did fearful disciples hiding in prayer suddenly transform into bold witnesses willing to face arrest, flogging, and death? Only the empowering presence of the Spirit, personally promised by Jesus, can account for this dramatic change.As Tim Keller wisely observed, "If Jesus really rose from the dead, everything's going to be okay." His resurrection assures us he truly is Lord of all, while his Spirit enables us to know him personally, experiencing God's love directly in our hearts. Have you embraced these foundations that have transformed countless lives through the centuries?Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BKM1mcSCC0
God uses those who are not enough but are willing to surrender.
Pastor Xavier Ries and Pastor Tony Scotti continue an examination in the book of Acts.
Exodus is the narrative of God acting in human history to keep His promises,
Pastor Xavier Ries and Pastor Tony Scotti continue an examination in the book of Acts.
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 9:31-43
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 9:31-43
Pastor Sam Luce continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 9:18-31
Pastor Sam Luce continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 9:18-31
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 9:1-31
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 9:1-31
Pastor Rick Andrew continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 8:26-40
Pastor Rick Andrew continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 8:26-40
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 8:5-25
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 8:5-25
Pastor Xavier Ries and Pastor Tony Scotti continue an examination in the book of Acts.
Join the movement that didn't end in Acts 28!
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 7:51-8:3
Pastor Mike continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 7:51-8:3
The Gospel goes to the ends of the earth through submitted servants.
Pastor Sam Luce continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 6:8-7:53
Pastor Sam Luce continues our series on the Book of Acts, speaking from Acts 6:8-7:53
When God opens hearts, are you ready to give an answer?
Telegram Channel: https://t.me/orokpomichaelYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ApostleOrokpoMichael
Telegram Channel: https://t.me/orokpomichaelYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ApostleOrokpoMichael
This week, Jeshua Glanzmann continues our series on Acts.
Join us as teaching elder continues our Acts recap by looking at how our church wants to handle Ministry and Missions both locally and globally. Notes from today can be found here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tE3-7coVZ02eWHVa6Js1RStFXXMYXhcQ/view