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.

Biblical belief is full confidence in the person and work of Christ, and it is anything but passive. It impacts the head, heart, and hands. In Acts 4, we see what biblical belief produces in the life of a sold out follower of Christ.

After thousands receive the Word and were baptized in Acts 1-2, the focus shifts to one man: a disabled beggar at the temple gate. Acts 3 shows the continuation of Jesus' ministry of word and deed, which was about far more than just signs and wonders.

The book of Acts picks up where the gospels leave off. Where the gospels tells us about the life and ministry of Jesus, Acts tells us about the continuation of Jesus' work through his apostles (sent ones). In these first two chapters, Jesus goes up, the Holy Spirit comes down, the gospel goes out, and the disciples come together. The Spirit births the Church and begins the spread of the gospel thr...

The Lord is the Chief Shepherd, His people are the sheep. The Church is the flock of God, and the Church needs order and leadership. To finish up our series, we consider three things the flock needs.

The second of two offices in the New Testament church is Deacon. The role of Deacons is so vital to the health of the church, yet it is a position that is often misunderstood in modern churches. Acts 6 gives us the clearest picture of how Deacons are meant to function within the body.

The Chief Shepherd, Jesus, is head of the body, the church. But he designates human leaders, under-shepherds called Elders, to feed & lead His flock. Who exactly are Elders and what are they called to do?

It has been said that everything rises and falls on leadership. This rings true in the church, which God has designed with purpose and structure. He has given leadership roles and responsibilities to the church in order to accomplish His plans through her.. And it all starts at the very top: Himself.

On the first day of 2023, we set the tone for The Year of Mission by looking at Paul's words in Colossians 1:28-29.

The coming of Jesus was the longing of God's people for generations. Yet history is still marching toward the coming of Jesus - the second time. And He is the only One who can perfectly fulfill the desire of every longing heart. At Christmas, and until He returns, we long for the arrival of Jesus.

The story of God comes full circle in the book of Revelation. God had a goal in mind from the very beginning, and He will bring it to pass in the end.

One of the primary themes of the Advent season is love. The greatest expression of love the world has ever known was God sending His Son into the world to die for us. Today we consider the words of the Apostle John as he instructs us on gospel-motivated love. This is the kind of love that counts.

It's easy to start something, but not always so easy to finish strong. As the Apostle Paul approached the end of his life, he spoke about the things that were important to him. Looking to his example, we want to focus on finishing well as we pursue gospel endurance.

The story of Jesus' earthly live, from the cradle to the cross to the crown, was one of unimaginable humility. Paul points to Christ's example in Philippians 2, and He is the source of our unity, humility, and worship.

Ephesians, which is all about the gospel, is one of the most important books in our Bible. In chapter 2, Paul reminds us of what the Lord has done in our life through Christ. God, who loves to redeem and restore, has made us alive in Christ. This is truth to be thankful for!

As the gospel spreads throughout the book of Acts, we see a pattern of God moving and Satan countering. Many people come to salvation in Christ, then opposition surfaces. Paul's efforts to spread the gospel are always met with persecution. How did Paul deal with persecution? How might we respond if faced with persecution?

As the New Testament Church continues to expand and multiply, the proclamation of the gospel is at the heart of it all. But sharing the gospel didn't end with the early church; evangelism is something to which every follower of Jesus is called. So what does this look like for us, in our day?