Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Today, we’ll look at what we can learn about facing opposition from examining the charges brought against Peter and John recorded in Acts 4. Most of us have not faced this kind of direct persecution. It’s easy to misinterpret people as personally attacking you. Jesus confidently endured opposition, was never personally offended, and even loved those who were attacking Him. Pursuing God with Gene A...

In the book of Acts, we see the birth of the church and what will rapidly become its worldwide influence. We also are introduced to the first organized persecution against Christianity.  This week we are going to look at 5 different aspects of this incident as recorded in Acts 4. Each one will help us face opposition as followers of Jesus in this polarizing season in our culture. Today, we review...

Christ tore down the walls that kept us apart. The cross made it possible for us to embrace, ending hostility. God’s dream for His church is to break down our pride, prejudice, partisanship and self-righteousness, and embrace each other because of the cross. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by...

Building bridges is a costly process. When Peter invited Gentiles to his house, and he went to their house, there were concerns. But God treats everyone on the same basis. You can know Jesus Christ regardless of your heritage, past, background, or social position. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and sha...

In Acts 10, Peter meets a man who is not like him. God works in our hearts, and he might stretch your boundaries. He may surprise you on your journey. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence...

It’s Election Day, and some of you may be nervous. You know who isn’t? God. He promises to never leave or forsake us. Today, we’ll review God’s message to Peter in Acts 10. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to d...

As Election Day approaches, we want to remind you that Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. The power of love is greater than the love of power. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s prese...

James asks the early church to persevere through trials and in prayer. There are rewards for those who honor God through perseverance. Seek His power daily. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s pr...

Perseverance is part of authentic faith. God will give you the wisdom, the direction, the insight and whatever other resources your soul needs. But, there is one condition. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to d...

In the first century, people in the church were persecuted. But James reminded them of the joy in perseverance. God uses trials to refine us, so He can see his own reflection in us. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites...

Your attitude plays a role in the outcome of situations. Persevering through trials is important, and the book of James explores how the early church persevered.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover Go...

In times of struggle, we can look to God. This week, we’ll look at James and how the early church persevered through trials and tests. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in...

In Acts 16, Paul is on his second missionary journey, and it didn’t go as expected.  Sometimes God leads through the moving of the Holy Spirit. How do you test those leadings? We review three quick tests. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyon...

As we explore what pursuing God looks like when you are faced with big decisions, we can take cues from Paul, Silas and Timothy in Acts 16 as they take advantage of the open doors God placed in front of them. But, with no warning, doors suddenly closed for Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Following God’s will doesn’t mean there won’t be work involved or everything will come easily. Closed doors are not a...

In Acts 16, Paul, Silas, and Timothy began their missionary journey by taking advantage of tremendous open doors. God has provided us with three resources to help recognize open doors.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode inv...

In Acts 16, Paul is in the early stages of his second trip as a missionary, and today we’ll see an example of Paul adjusting certain practices to remove barriers for others.  How do you know what God’s will is in specific circumstances in your life? God has provided us with excellent resources to help recognize open doors.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build com...

We all struggle to discover God's will for our lives. When we don’t have clarity, we can do some curious things to try and get it. Jesus is not only in the business of opening doors, but He's also in the business of closing some as well. And no matter how hard you try, you can't open a door that God closes. This week we’ll look at how Paul handled closed doors in Acts 16 to teach us...

Today we cover the dramatic conclusion of a story in Acts 4, the first time there was opposition to the Christian movement. After refusing an offer to stop talking about Jesus in exchange for their freedom, the ruling council’s response was remarkable.  The ruling council of the Jews had religion, but they didn't have Jesus Christ. Because you have one doesn't mean you have the other.  P...

Acts 4, showing the first persecution of the Jesus movement, serves as an example for us as we encounter a culture opposed to the way of life Jesus has called us to. Today, we look at the consideration that was offered, beginning in verse 13. Religion is silenced by transformed lives. They see changes and don't understand it. You can be free, but if you don’t talk about who Jesus is, what he...

Today, we will focus on the revolutionary claim Peter and John made to the religious ruling council of their nation. As Peter stood and spoke, He was empowered by the Spirit.  Sometimes we have opportunities to share our faith. At that unexpected moment, the most significant thing you can do is to be filled with the Spirit. Knowingly lean on Him and share how Christ can change their life like He&a...

Today, we’ll look at what we can learn about facing opposition from examining the charges brought against Peter and John recorded in Acts 4. These two men are acting on behalf of Jesus as He led them to give a man back his mobility, not on behalf of the ruling religious council. Peter and John are content with being the messengers of a higher authority because Jesus prepared them for this. Jesus t...

This week, we are reviewing the book of Acts, when we see the birth of the church and what will rapidly become its worldwide influence. We also are introduced to the first organized persecution against Christianity, which ironically comes from religion itself.  This week we are going to look at 5 different aspects of this incident from Acts 4. The first aspect of the story is the context in which...

Daniel has one more lesson for standing strong in a culture of compromise: Kneeling to pray is what gives you the strength to stand. Daniel sought God not just once a day, but three times a day, no matter what. He needed His power and strength. So when Daniel was placed in the lion’s den, by the power of God, He shut the mouths of the lions. You, too, have this secret weapon of prayer that you can...

By the time we get to Daniel 6, over 67 years have passed, and Daniel was likely in his 80s. When the new king decided to promote Daniel, his colleagues were upset, so they started looking for something to use against him, but there was no corruption in Daniel. What do you do if you’re Daniel? When you courageously stand out, you can expect people to tear you down.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is...

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stood strong together and relied on one another.  You are not alone; everyone is fighting a battle. We can rely on one another for strength.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites...