Podcasts about acts series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Thanks for checking out the podcast! Join us every Thursday at 7PM! Check out our website for more details. www.excelyouth.org Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/excelyouth/ Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/excelyouthchi

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

This Sunday, in our second sermon during the 10 Acts Series - we look at the ascension of Jesus and how it fits in the larger narrative of the Scripture and how it provides Mission Direction, Power and Patience.  Text: Acts 1.1--11 Teacher: Eric Williams

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Acts Series

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

In this episode Erin and Pastor Matt discuss who exactly saw the heavens open, how Jesus is on the throne and still doing work in the world today, and the importance of discipleship in the church today.

We are sharing the story of Saul of Tarsus, who was once a persecutor of Jesus' followers but has now been radically transformed by faith. The gospel has changed him from a persecutor into a believer. If you have ever wondered about the power of the gospel to change someone's life, please take the time to listen to today's story and be encouraged. The gospel is real, and lives can be changed—even those who seem most hardened to it. If you'd like to follow along, please turn to Acts 9.

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Acts Series: "Time of refreshing" | Message: Todd Hessel | Oct. 20, 2024https://www.ankenyfree.church

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Watch our services live at http://wcfav.org/ Free Downloads of Pastor Shane's E-books at https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/free-ebooks/ Donate to Westside Christian Fellowship here: https://westsidechristianfellowship.org/give/ Westside Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational Christian church that meets every every Sunday at 8:30 am & 11:00 am in Leona Valley, California (9306 Leona Avenue). For more info, or to read our statement of faith, visit westsidechristianfellowship.org/about-wcf/statement-of-faith/

Our fall sermon series kicks off today. We will be going through the first seven chapters of Acts in the next two months. Listen to the context and overview of the sermon series from Mark and ponder on how the contemporary church can learn and imitate from the early church!

Send me a Text Message!The people in Acts were devoted to prayer, not just as a means to an end, but they were devoted to being with God, with Jesus in prayer. The early church prayed like prayer really mattered. They saw prayer as a necessary preparation for God's Work. (In fact you might argue that they saw prayer as the work, not just preparation for work.) They were constantly together and constantly in prayer. Prayer was not an afterthought or a whispered moment in the midst of the day. It was an intentional, sustained, unified, passionately devoted effort.  Is prayer our first response or our last resort?

Send me a Text Message!You could say that the book of Acts is the story of a people standing at a crossroads of decision. Their next step would set the direction of their lives. They had to make a decision. It was a decision of devotion. To what or whom would their first devotion be given? They had a conviction that they needed to give their hearts to Jesus, all-in. That kind of conviction only comes about when the  dangerous combination of the Spirit and the Word saturates our hearts and minds. Listen, if you've never felt that kind of conviction from the Spirit to take a particular path of devotion. You can just skip this one... but if you have had a moment where you stood at a crossroads of decision, as to where to place your devotion. Listen in... I think this is an important one.

Send me a Text Message!Don't miss this, though the book of Acts has been shown time and time again to contain an accurate historical survey, this is not an historical dissertation for Dr. Luke.  He's writing to a person, possibly a friend and I want you to picture, his hand shaking with emotion, with excitement, joy, and deep longing as he writes. Because more than anything, he simply wants Theopholis to know Jesus.And if we want to know Jesus, if we want others to know Jesus, that doesn't happen without the Spirit! You have a mission. It's all about Jesus, but it won't happen without the power of the Spirit!

Send me a Text Message!When you read Paul's story in the book of Acts, you find that he had a dream, a  compelling vision.  He wanted to live for Christ.  He wanted to bring Jesus to the whole world and for Paul the whole world was at Rome. He wanted to witness to Caesar. So God brought him to Rome. Probably not the way Paul envisioned. no mass-crusade in the Coliseum, no miraculous signs and wonders in Caesar's court.  Some might look at the last years of Paul's life, the world's greatest missionary stuck in a Roman prison and say, "What a waste." But maybe not. When you live your life for Christ with no reserves, no retreats and no regrets, amazing things happen! What was true for him, could also be true for you!

Send me a Text Message!In Acts 27, we see that Paul had a deep, deep confidence in God's power to accomplish God's purpose through God's plan. God's power, purposes and plan. What is God's purpose? He's taking the gospel global. The Kingdom of God and the good news of Jesus is going global. That's always been God's plan, and can I tell you something? In spite of what we think we see, or don't see, we can have confidence in God's power accomplishing God's purposes through God's plan.That's what was happening in Acts 27 and listen...it never stopped happening and it never will stop happening. All around the world, God is at work. That encourages me, but it also keeps me crying out, "God please do it again, here!"

Send me a Text Message!Acts 25 contains one of my favorite love stories in all of scripture. I'll never forget the first time it hit me, it settled into my heart. The passionate relentless love of God is so great. The love of Christ is so great, His pursuit so relentless that he would throw his #1 spokesman in jail for two years so that his #1 enemy might have one more chance to know that love?  Such relentless love. And He relentlessly loves you too! You are relentlessly pursued by a lavishly gracious, greatly merciful, fiercely loyal, patiently loving God. You are part of a great epic love story!

Send me a Text Message!ACTS 24 is a beautiful description of Paul being faithful. Embracing opportunities to share his faith, to talk about Jesus, even when it might make his life miserable.  Not watering down the message to someone who has the power of life and death in his hands. Giving the full truth even if it might be controversial. Paul was faithful over and over again. Over two years, he continued to speak about Christ to Felix. Paul knew that his faith in Jesus was the very reason he was in custody. But he didn't downplay it or hide it. He boldly proclaimed it. He was faithful.What if God doesn't judge the success of our lives based on outputs and outcomes, but rather on our faithfulness? Jesus help us to be faithful!

Send me a Text Message!There is a moment of a scene in Acts 23, a short description in verse, and here's what it says, "The following night, the Lord (Jesus) stood near Paul and said, "Take courage..."  Who doesn't need more courage, but rather than focusing on the courage…here's what I love. The following night, Jesus stood near Paul and spoke. Jesus stood near Paul and spoke. And Paul heard the word of the Lord. Listen, I believe the same is true today. There are times when Jesus is standing near you speaking. In fact, what if this is the very word that God wants to drive deep into your heart with a gentle challenge to listen. When Jesus comes close, give him your ears. We won't gain anything, if we don't listen.

Send me a Text Message!Bob Buford talks about one of the most significant questions anyone ever asked him. The question was, "What's in your box?" It was a question asked in the midst of some life-coaching and the purpose of the question was to bring about a discussion of the central purpose of Bob's life. The consultant finally said to him, "Bob, you have to be real clear on this, real clear on the central purpose of your life. I've talked with you long enough to know that it's one of two things: It's either money or it's Jesus." And then he asked him, "What's in the box?"The story God has prepared for us will not be written if we don't put Jesus in our box. What's in your box?

Send me a Text Message!I think every Christian in America should be required to memorize Philippians 1:21. This was Paul's dream, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." That's the creed he lived by.  "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Is that our creed?  For most of us, who have the label American Christian, Paul's words are close to our dream/creed.  We've just inter-changed two words. We may not say it this way, but isn't it the way we live? "For me to live is gain and to die is Christ." Honestly, isn't that closer to how we live, how I live? I'm not saying anything that doesn't convict me. These words from Paul rock my world. Ask yourself, like  I've asked myself,  "Can I say, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain?" Or do I live for the gain now and hope in Christ for my death?Am I living for Christ or living for the gain?

Send me a Text Message!If you had to summarize your life in six words, what would they be? How would you describe your life in six words? "Penn State wins again. Heart full." "If I don't graduate, I'll die." "I am seeking comfort and control." The challenge of the six-words is that it causes us to focus on what matters most, to capture briefly something of true significance. It really forces us to ask other questions, like, "Why Am I Here?" "What is life's greatest aim?" "What counts?" Paul's answer is given in Acts 20:24 and I think it might simply be... "I want my life to count." What is  your six-word story?

Send me a Text Message!What does it take to finish well? Or let me make that even more specific, what does it take for a follower of Jesus, a Jesus-apprentice to finish well? Because I think in order to finish well, we need to have some sense of who is determining the finish line, our course. Who is writing our story? For Paul that goes all the way back to his experience on the Damascus road? It goes all the way back to the words God spoke to Ananias about Paul. What did God say to Ananias about Paul?God said, "Go, for Paul is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before gentiles, kings and the children of Israel." He is my chosen vessel. Paul believed that. It shaped his life and motivated him to finish well. And you know what? If you are a Jesus-follower, you are chosen too!

Send me a Text Message!The time comes when we all need a word of encouragement. And isn't that what church is all about. Paul says that the church is God's fields and we are partners in the Harvest, that the church is God's building and we are partners in it's construction...none of us stand alone. And one of the best things we can do together...is to encourage one another!In fact, if you are here today, it is because...someone planted a seed,  a seed of kindness, a seed of encouragement. Someone watered your heart, in a time when your heart was dry or barren, when it seemed like there was no hope, someone reached out with an arm your shoulders and encouraged you.  Someone spoke into your heart. They said, "I see something in you. I believe in you. God loves you." They encouraged you.Never believe you don't have time for a word of encouragement, because the value gained could be off the charts good!

Send us a Text Message.Somewhere along the journey every heart ablaze for God, begins with a growing heart-conviction that God actually wants to be with us.  This is his great promise.  I will bewith you.  I want to be with you.  But somewhere along the way, we gain this idea that God is love so God has to love us. He has to love us because he's God.  But we aren't so sure He likes us...not so sure He wants to be with us.But you see there is something about love that always desires to be with... The Bible is not primarily a guidebook left behind by God for those who might want to make the trip up to Him.  The Bible is a storybook telling us about this God who came down to us. He not only loves you, He likes you! He wants to be with you!And if you've been gone, He simply says, "C'mon back!"

Send us a Text Message.The Word of God is vital to spiritual life, but it's not enough.  It's necessary but not sufficient.  There's more. When we go through bone-drying, hope draining times, we  need more than knowledge about God.  We desperately need the Spirit, the breath of God. In Ezekiel 37, God says I'll put my breath into you. The word for breath is the Hebrew word, Ruach. It's the same word translated as Spirit. The breath of God is the Spirit of  God. So Ezekiel called out to the Spirit, and the Spirit entered them and they came to life.  They began to breathe. Do you understand?  If you ever go through a dry bone time...and you get to the point where you're wondering if there's any hope; as long as God has breath, there's always hope! It's time to breathe again!

Send us a Text Message.Acts 18 is full of names, the names of people whom Paul built into...and who were on his team. Paul says that the church is God's fields and we are partners in the Harvest, that the church is God's building and we are partners in it's construction. None of us stand alone.  If you are here today, it is because someone planted a seed, someone watered your heart, someone laid a foundation. Someone built into your life.  They gave you their time.  They taught you about Jesus.  They prayed and wouldn't quite praying for you.  They were there when you needed them.Who are the people who built into you? Who are the people you are building into? What list of names comes to your mind? Maybe you should take a moment and tell God thank you for your list!

Send us a Text Message.I think every person in the world, wants a father who loves us, who will pursue us no matter what, right? Don't we?  Our hearts long for a father who will never give up hope that somehow, somewhere his son or daugther will re-connect, come home.  A father who is persistent and unrelenting in his love, always reaching out, regardless of where his kid is at, regardless of whether or not there's a response.God loves us like that, He is a Father without compare, and at it's heart isn't that the heart of our mission?  We're just showing people the heart of God. We are on a mission to share the Father-heart of God with the world! Let that stir up your heart!

Send us a Text Message.I believe God has planted in the very dna of our souls, a desire to matter; a desire to live a life that makes a difference... to find a mission worth dying for and even better worth living for. So let me ask you right now, you can answer in the quiet of your own heart, "What and/or who are you really living for? What is your mission in life?If I could put it in simple, non-religious language, I think Jesus wants us to show people the heart of God. At it's heart isn't that our mission? Showing people the heart of God? I think we get that messed up sometimes.  Sometimes we think our mission is to tell   people how messed up they are...and we aren't.  Sometimes we think our mission is to fix people...and we can't. But what if He's just asking us to show people the Father-heart of God? That's a mission worth living for!