The Church Next Door - AZ

This side of heaven the believer lives on a battlefield. Sometimes even ministry for the Lord is not all peaches and cream. Today we’ll explore a disagreement between Paul & Barnabas, a sacrifice by Timothy, and Paul’s return visit to strengthen the new disciples. Listen in to prepare for 3 ministry realities so you’re not caught off guard.

After their first missionary journey, Paul & Barnabas shared that God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. But some Jews from Jerusalem said they had to be circumcised to be really saved. Is God’s grace enough to save lost sinners or not? What’s the difference between mercy & grace? What sets Christianity apart from every other religion? Listen in!

Before the Holy Spirit came upon the early disciples they were in an upper room devoting themselves to prayer. The same Holy Spirit indwells every believer today. But we still believe prayer is a crucial way to prepare for what God wants to do in our lives! Join us as we confidently go before God’s throne of grace through Jesus our High…

On September 10, Charlie Kirk was assassinated. The darkness hit its target but John 1:5 assures us it cannot overcome the Light of Jesus Christ. Listen to learn more of what the Bible says about overcoming.

What should you do when people idolize you? When they demonize you? When they believe and are saved? Gain wisdom to handle the mixed reviews by observing the ministry of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and beyond.

If you think Paul always got positive responses when he shared you have not read Acts! From belief & salvation to unbelief & rejection the pendulum swung wildly. He and Barnabas persevered because they lived to please the Lord, not the crowds. As you listen, we pray their example encourages you to persevere today. 

Did you know Paul customized his messages? He never changed God’s truth. But the way he shared it with Jews was not the same way he shared it with Gentile pagans. Listen in to learn how we can build bridges between the gospel and the groups we share with today.

Which better describes the things you do for God? Paul’s first missionary journey did not come out of a vacuum. Rather it came from a man and a church that was abiding in Christ. Listen to learn how to abide in Christ and bear His fruit today. 

Who would you rather be? Peter in prison awaiting execution or King Herod giving a speech and being exalted by the crowd as a god? Hold your answer until you’ve heard this message from Acts 12.

Unity is given to the church by God. But maintaining it is up to us. Listen to see how two very different groups of believers in Antioch and Jerusalem modeled 4 tools that keep unity from falling into disrepair.

Unity is a buzzword. But what sets Biblical unity apart? It is based on God’s Word, God’s leading, and God’s work. And in the end, Biblical unity always brings glory to God. See how this played out when Peter explained Cornelius to the church in Jerusalem. 

Cornelius had many things going for him. But he was missing what mattered most. Listen in to see how faithful, available, and teachable Peter brought Cornelius the message of the only One who could meet his deepest needs. 

The cultural wall between the Jews and Gentiles seemed insurmountable. Listen in to hear how God worked in Cornelius and in Peter to prepare for a gospel breakthrough.

We live in a world that groans in pain. Listen to hear how the Lord used Peter to bring hope in the face of paralysis and death. Then  ponder the reality that the Lord wants us to spread His hope today. 

Saul’s conversion, early ministry, and pursuit of Christ provide insight on the past salvation, present walk, and future hope of the believer. 

Saul, convinced he was serving God, was on his way to Damascus to ravage Christ followers.  Little did he know he was about to become one! A voice from heaven changed everything with the shocking statement, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

(Apologies for some audio issues at the start but they clear up shortly into the sermon) We have a missionary God who cares not only for crowds but for individuals. Listen to see how God’s preparation, Philip’s cooperation, and the Spirit’s leading play into an Ethiopian’s salvation. And think of the exciting truth that God’s not done. He still wants to use…

R Kent Hughes wrote, “Following the church through Acts is like following a wounded deer through a forest. Drops of blood mark the trail.” Stephen’s martyrdom marked the beginning of intense persecution. But as believers fled, something wonderful happened: They spread the good news to some shocking places. Listen in to hear how salvation came to Samaria and learn some important lessons…

Stephen continues talking about the controversial ramifications of Jesus being the risen Messiah. At the end he drives it home with a pointed accusation aimed at the Sanhedrin. The results teach us deep lessons about the source and results of faithfulness in the life of the believer. 

Stephen knew Jesus is the risen Messiah. He also knew this had radical impact on the way Jews should worship God, view their ancestors, and engage their temple and law. Talking about it got him dragged in front of the Sanhedrin. Listen in to hear how his history lesson from their own Scriptures paved the way to his main point.

Salvation is a free gift but discipleship is a costly road filled with trials. That’s why encouragement is so important as we follow Christ. Listen in to see how encouragement & discipleship went hand in hand in the early church – and how we can be encouraging disciplers today.

How did the early church handle it when one group of widows was being overlooked? And what can we learn about solving our own problems in the church today? Listen in to find out.

The attack from the Sanhedrin intensified but the early church kept on spreading the word about Jesus. They even rejoiced at being counted worthy to suffer for His name! Listen to see what drove them to be faithful and for some hope when the battle heats up in your own life.