Aspen Grove Podcast

Did you know that the word "Christian" was originally meant to be kind of a mean name? How did we get it, and how did we change it into a good word?

In Acts 11:19-30, Luke highlights the church at Antioch. What can we learn from this example of a healthy church?

As God opens the door for the Gospel of Jesus to go to all kinds of people, not just the Jews, Peter has to learn a hard lesson. He has to learn how to get out of the way! 

In Acts 10:35-11:18 Peter adjusts to the new development of Gentiles being included in gospel ministry. What does it mean for God to show no partiality? And how will the other leaders in Jerusalem receive this news?

Nobody likes to feel left out or excluded! But up until Acts 10, lots of people were left out of hearing the good news of Jesus. But all that changes when Peter receives a very strange vision. (Acts 10:9-16)

Peter’s famous vision of a sheet being lowered from heaven is about much more than meat! It’s about breaking down barriers to the Gospel. (Acts 10:1-33)

The stories of Peter in the book of Acts give us a little bit of Deja Vu, because they directly mirror some of the things that Jesus did. Just like Peter, we are meant to reflect who Jesus is and what He did!

The account of Peter’s ministry in Acts 9:32-43 shows us a very direct reflection of the work of Jesus. But how are we supposed to reflect Jesus?

Following Jesus is the best decision a person can make. But does it actually make life easier? Did it make Saul’s life easier? Acts 9:19-31 suggests that it actually became much harder! So why should we follow Jesus?

Do you know what it means to threaten someone? Saul, who once threatened Christians, has now become one himself! How will he respond?

As we continue into Acts 9 today, we hear about Saul. Saul would have definitely said that he would never EVER follow Jesus. He was an enemy of Jesus and the church! But will he go back on his word?

In the conversion of Saul, we see one of the most dramatic and consequential turnarounds in history. It truly proves that an encounter with Jesus can change everything for anyone! Acts 9:1-19

What's the most unlikely thing you've ever seen? In today's story, God does something incredibly unlikely in Philip's life, and it is awesome!

In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, we see God clearly leading and guiding. But how can we see God lead and guide in a similar way in our own lives?

In the wake of Stephen’s death, the church is scattered. But is that as devastating as Saul thinks? Based on the account of Philip, how can we expect the gospel seed to grow? Acts 8:1-25

After Stephen's death, the church at Jerusalem was scattered in fear! But, was that actually a bad thing?

Sometimes things get WAY out of hand! That's exactly what happens with Stephen in Acts 7. How could Stephen be so peaceful when things were going crazy around him?

At the end of Acts 7, the temperature changes dramatically as Stephen is publicly executed for his faith. What can we learn from his famous last words?

Stephen is placed on trial for blasphemy. But he brought the receipts. And in a long discourse, he lays out a compelling argument that infuriates his accusers. Acts 7:1-51

If we understand the local church as a body, then we should understand it to have both practical and spiritual needs. And leaders must rise to meet those needs, because attacks will come, and the church needs to be healthy.

People can do a lot, but they can't do everything! So, what are we supposed to do when it feels like there is just too much to do...especially in the church?

Who is the rightful boss and authority in your life? The conflict in Acts 5 is a battle of authority, and the apostles make their position clear. They must obey God rather than men. But what about you?

The book of Acts shows us just how far the apostles were willing to go to obey the Lord. But how are they supposed to obey when other people get in the way? 

In Acts 4, as the pressure ramps up against the apostles, how will they respond? How will they show that they are “all in” for Jesus? Chris LaChance gives an excellent breakdown.

The church is called to be holy. That high standard requires diligence and commitment so that individuals can display hearts changed by the Spirit. Brian Shelburn offers great insight on Acts 4:32-5:11.