The first word not only begins the Ten Commandments, but it sets the tone for all that will follow. In a somewhat surprising introduction, God calls us to an undivided allegiance.

Before diving into each of the Ten Commandments, we first consider the law of God. Where did it come from? What was its purpose? What does it mean for us today? Our goal in this series is deeper than mere obedience, but delight in God's law.

This Sunday sermon, preached by Pastor Andrew and his son Aidan, is the conclusion of our Youth DNow weekend. The theme was Irreplaceable, speaking of the one and only Jesus. If we are going to follow Him as the Bible calls us to, we have to know who He is. In the gospel of John, Jesus makes 7 "I Am" statements to help us understand exactly who He is. In this sermon, we see Jesus as the light of t...

The final five psalms all begin and end with the Hebrew word, Hallelujah, translated as "praise the Lord." These are a call to praise the Lord!

Psalms of Wisdom are similar to the ``Wisdom" books of the Old Testament (think Proverbs or Ecclesiastes). These psalms provide instruction, both specifically and broadly, on how to live life and exist in relationship with God.

Psalms of Remembrance retell the history of God’s presence in humanity, focusing on acts of salvation and redemption in the past. These psalms turn our hearts toward gratitude as we remember God’s grace in his specific actions, the miraculous, and major historical events.

Psalms of Kingship present a king as the major focus. This can be directed at a humanly king, or God as the heavenly King of all creation.

Psalms of Confidence describe the author’s trust and faith in God, typically with a central image or theme. Psalm 23 is the primary example, where David compares God to his shepherd.

Psalms of Thanksgiving are similar to Psalms of Praise, in that they celebrate God. In doing so however, they share narratives of God’s goodness and typically honor specific things that He has done. This can include heard and answered prayers, stories of deliverance, and God-given victories.

Psalms of Lament are songs and prayers given to God in times of pain - when we feel distant from God, hurting, or abandoned. Though each Lament begins in a generally negative position, each one turns back to God in trust and thanksgiving by its end (excluding Psalm 88). Psalms of Lament can be cries of desperation, petitions for aid, or pleas for justice.

Psalms of Praise, otherwise known as hymns, are songs of pure praise to God. These songs are sung when our orientation and relationship with God is stable, calm, and untroubled. Psalms of Praise can be general calls to worship, address God’s rule as creator, or exist as an author’s personal moments of adoration.

As the book of Acts concludes, Jesus is fulfilling His word and promise to build His Church by His Holy Spirit through his witnesses. Though the book ends with Paul imprisoned in Rome, the story of God continues through us today. God is with us to the end, as He sends us to the end of the earth.

As Paul's return journey from his third missionary journey, he landed in Miletus where he called the Ephesian elders to come to him. In this farewell address, he speaks of his own personal example as he exhorts them in their leadership. Here we see the heart of Paul and what he values most.

Paul enters Ephesus on his third missionary journey, and his time there is marked by the word "disturbance." In Acts 19, we see several disruptive episodes of activity amongst the Ephesians. Though we often view disturbances as irritants, God often uses them to move us out of the status quo. This is God's gracious work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.

In order to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, God establishes gospel partnerships. The mission of God cannot be accomplished alone. In Acts 18, as Paul brings the gospel to Corinth, God forms multiple alliances to advance the gospel. We can rejoice that God brings us into relationship with others who will further the work of God not only in the world, but in us.

As the second missionary journey continues through Europe, Paul and friends come through Thessalonica and Berea before finally landing in Athens. It is here at Mars Hill where Paul addresses the pagan unbelievers with the simple message of the gospel. This was something strange and new to them, but it was a story with the power to give them new life.

Following the Jerusalem Council's verdict, Paul makes his second missionary journey. Along with his team, they move into Macedonia to establish the gospel on European soil. As we see all throughout the book of Acts, God is orchestrating events to accomplish His purposes, and He uses those who follow His lead.

When Paul and Barnabas returned from their first missionary journey, they came back to a church dispute around the doctrine of salvation. In other words, what is required for a person to do in order to receive the forgiveness of their sins? The apostles and elders form the Jerusalem Council, which comes to a decisive conclusion, a truth that impacts all of us: salvation is by grace alone.

Paul takes his first missionary journey out of Antioch in Syria. In Acts 13, he preaches a sermon in another Antioch (of Pisidia). He preaches the same gospel we see preached by the apostles throughout Acts - which makes for a great Easter sermon! The Easter message is the gospel message: Jesus has power over sin & death.

In a transitional time in the formation of the church, the base of operations moves from Jerusalem to Antioch. From here, a new church is birthed and missionaries are sent out. This church at Antioch becomes the prototypical New Testament church and is a model for churches on mission.

In Acts 10, the church takes a significant stride forward as the gospel reaches the Gentiles in Caesarea. Not only are Cornelius, his household, and many Gentiles converted, but Peter's heart is "converted" in the process. Because of God's work here in this chapter of history, there is neither Jew nor Greek...for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28-29).

God uses more than just apostles and leaders to get the gospel out; He uses everyday, Spirit-filled men and women. In Acts 9, we see one of the most important transformations as Saul of Tarsus is interrupted on the road to Damascus.

Following the execution of Stephen, another faithful servant steps up and continues to preach the Word. Dr. Luke (author of Acts) calls him Philip the evangelist, and we see his willing, obedient heart in Acts 8. His ministry gives us an example of how to live on mission.

Throughout church history, God has used certain individuals in a significant way to advance the gospel. In the early days of the church, Stephen was one such man. His biography is only two chapters long, but his impact was enormous. He was used greatly not primarily because he was a great man (though he was), but because he was constantly filled with the Spirit. This means that no matter who we ar...

There is a distinct pattern that shows up in the book of Acts. It's also a pattern that proves to be true in our lives, as well. God moves, opposition arises, people grow. In Acts 5, we see this ongoing pattern emerge, and it's how God extends the gospel further and further out into the world He's called His followers to reach.