Just as a wildlife biologist exercises appropriate authority in the wilderness for the flourishing of an ecosystem and the enjoyment of it by people, the Apostle Paul exercises spirit-led authority in the epicenter of the “gentile wilderness” for people to flourish with the living water of Christ Jesus like never before. Paul exhibits clear vision, persistence, and responsiveness in developing a team that’s focused, firmly grounded, equipped, and ready to begin a dramatic movement. It’s empowered by the Holy Spirit Himself. When servants of King Jesus capture the opportunities presented to them by the Spirit of the Living God, they exercise authority for a flourishing movement, even (especially!) in the midst of the wilderness. What wilderness are you called into, today?
Sermons from January 2016
If you identify as a follower of Jesus (a disciple) do you find yourself growing in a loving and joyful spiritual union with Him? Are you experiencing more of His love, joy, peace and self-control? Are you delighting more in God and trespassing away from Him less? Are you having an expanded capacity to serve others with the gifts God has given you? If so, praise God! If not, this message is a serious invitation to reflect on how your journey of faith in Jesus began. Contractors, engineers and Jesus agree on this – foundations matter. In Acts 19:1-7 we meet 12 men who revisited the foundation of their faith and discovered a significant void in their understanding of Jesus and His Holy Spirit. After filling in this gap these men believed what they were taught, were blessed by God with the indwelling of His Holy Spirit and given a fresh opportunity to begin well in their life with Christ. It will be worthwhile for many today, who consider themselves Christians but lack the fruit listed above, to do the same.
What comes into your mind when you think about Jesus is the most important thing about you. When a statement like this is made, it must be supported. In this message we will learn why thinking accurately about Jesus is so essential for your life now and for the life to come. Then we will discover from Acts 18:24-28 a few of the many gifts God gives us to help us think more accurately about Himself.
Why does God call some people to leave their comfortable home, familiar city and supportive local church? Why do churches around the world in our modern day as well as generations in the past send, support and pray for those who depart to be with people in other lands? In our journey through Acts we discover today why Paul departed for a third time from his friends and church in Antioch. In our service today we also have the privilege of hearing from and praying for 3 couples who will depart this week as part of Christ’s enduring and collaborative vision to make disciples of all nations.
According to the World Health Organization 54% of the people on earth in 2014 live in cities. So, Jesus went into cities, sent His first disciples into cities and continues to work through His followers in cities today. Since urban centers have unique challenges, this message announces 3 reminders that our exalted Christ gave to Paul during his time in the metropolis of Corinth. These truths have significant implications for all of us who love, live within and long to faithfully join Jesus in His mission in our city today.