The Trails Church

Good Friday slows us down. It invites us to linger near the cross. We reflect on those final moments of Jesus’ earthly suffering: how he was mocked and scorned, tried and beaten, crowned with thorns and nailed to a Roman cross, lifted up and crucified as a man humiliated, rejected. But this death was no ordinary death. It was the death of death itself. In 1 Peter 3:18, we are not only shown the si...

In Acts 25, Paul remains in chains, not because God has forgotten him, but because Christ is forming him. Through his enemies, through their opposition, persecution, and their schemes to take his life, Paul is sustained, carried along by the presence and promises of Christ. Today, we highlight three specific comforts that Paul quietly clings to, so that as we face trials of many kinds, we would cl...

Acts 24 records the Apostle Paul standing before Governor Felix in what is essentially a kangaroo court. Falsely accused by fierce opponents, Paul nevertheless seizes the moment to glorify Christ. His unshakable joy and gospel courage under pressure offer a helpful model to us today as we face trials of many kinds.

This sermon is titled, “Acts 23 in Three Acts,” and, as the name implies, we will look at three different sections of this text. Act 1 is called “Man versus Man.” Act 2 is called “Man versus Himself” and Act 3 is called “Man versus God.”

Today we have another scene of remarkable gospel courage. Here we meet the apostle Paul in Jerusalem. He’s just been delivered from an angry Jewish mob into the hands of Roman authorities. The one was surely going to kill him; the other, surely going to punish him. What does the apostle do? What does he say? How does he conduct himself in this moment? What is at the heart of all of it? And what do...

In Acts 21:1-36, we encounter a chapter filled with a man earnestly pursuing the will of the Lord. As the Apostle Paul journeys to Jerusalem, he gains deeper insight into God’s purposes for his life: some expected others surprising. Yet through it all, one truth remains clear: Paul understood that God’s will for him was to walk in the footsteps of his Savior. What we learn in these three scenes ar...

As the Ephesian elders look upon Paul’s face for the last time, the weight of the moment is unmistakable. Yet beyond the emotion, this passage provides a profound model for ministry—one defined by integrity, gospel faithfulness, and deep trust in God’s sustaining grace. It’s a word we all need to hear, one that speaks directly to our church today. In this second part of our study on “Gospel Goodby...

Acts 20:17–24 records Paul’s final words to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Standing on the shore, he reflects on his ministry among them, urging them to continue in the example he has set. At the heart of this passage is Paul’s deep love for the Lord Jesus, his devotion to the people of God, and his unwavering commitment to the ongoing work of the gospel. In this “Gospel Goodbye,” we hear an...

Acts 20:1-16 helps understand that 1. Gospel Partnership Refreshes Us (1-6) 2. Gospel Power Reawakens Us (7-12), and 3. Gospel Purpose Refocuses Us (13-16)

Acts 19:21-41 tells the story of how the Gospel advanced so powerfully in Ephesus that the city’s idols could not stand against it. As people came to recognize Jesus Christ alone as the True and Living God, the idols that once held their devotion simply faded from significance. However, not everyone experienced this transformation. When the prevailing culture and its established ways of life are t...

In Acts 19:8-20, we see the power of God’s Word at work—it strengthens believers, unsettles opponents, exposes deception, breaks spiritual strongholds, leads sinners to repentance, and brings true revival. As people witness the supremacy of Jesus, they confess their sins, turn from their idols, and surrender to Him. As we reflect on this passage and consider this ancient place “Where the Word Prev...

Guest speaker Bob Lepine shares best practices for a Thriving Marriage as part of our marriage conference weekend: (1) Extravagant Love, (2) Generous Forgiveness, and (3) Enthusiastic Encouragement.

Today’s passage serves as a powerful reminder that (1) although Paul desired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known; he was equally committed to the pastoral care of these young congregations. That (2) discipleship, even by “unschooled,” ordinary men and women, empowered by the Holy Spirit is necessary for believers to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. And finally, (3) t...

Acts 18:1–17 recounts the Apostle Paul’s journey to Corinth, a city that proved to be one of his most challenging mission fields. Yet, it was in this very place that Paul experienced God’s unfailing faithfulness to sustain him in the work he was called to do. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God calls His people to gospel ministry—even in the face of opposition—and assures them of H...

In Acts 17:16-34, the Apostle Paul is deeply provoked by the idolatry in Athens and boldly proclaims the truth of the risen Christ to a skeptical audience at Mars Hill. His message declares that the one true God has made Himself known in Jesus, calling all people to repent and believe. I’d like to use our headings this morning as prayers that we would pray for ourselves, those in our families, the...

Acts 17:1–15 paints two powerful scenes that beautifully illustrate the centrality of Scripture in the life of every believer. The first shows Paul modeling how to engage others with God’s Word—reasoning, explaining, proving, and persuading. The second shows the response of people examining, receiving, and believing the Word of God. Together, these scenes teach us that delighting in God and in his...

With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we have a New Year and 2025 on the horizon; the disciples were similarly heading into a season of life where they had no clue what was in store for them. All they had were the words and promises of Jesus to cling to, to prepare their hearts for what lies ahead. The same is true for us. But with that in mind I want to ask you a question to help shape our time...

John 1:14 summarizes the message of Christmas in one sentence like this: God became flesh and dwelt among us. Here we are met with the truth that invites us to a lifetime of thoughtful meditation and worship. My prayer this morning is that we would take up that invitation—to behold the wonder of Christ’s first coming and to live with a steadfast hope in His promised return.

John 1:6-8: God Deploys Messengers to Share the Light of the Gospel to Those in Darkness

John 1:1–5 welcomes us to behold the eternal glory of Jesus Christ, the Word who was with God and is God, through whom all things were made. It invites us to look to the Light that shines into the darkness of this broken world, bringing life, hope, and salvation. This morning, I invite you to look with wide-eyed wonder at “The Light of Life” by exploring three profound truths from this passage tha...

Acts 16:16–34 teaches us that “Gospel Thanksgiving” is not dependent on life’s circumstances but arises from the profound truth of Christ’s work in our lives. Whether in freedom or suffering, in worship or witnessing, the gospel empowers us to live with grateful hearts, reflecting the transforming grace of Jesus to the world. This passage highlights the power of the gospel in three profound ways:...

In Acts 16:6–15, we find the Lord sovereignly directing, working through, and adding to His people. Paul and his missionary team are guided by God to a new mission field, while simultaneously preparing hearts to receive the good news of the gospel. The passage presents “A Call to the Unconverted,” unfolding in two key moments which we will look at under their headings given in the English Standard...

Acts 15:36–16:5 unfolds in two scenes of parting and meeting, moving and changing, each advancing God’s kingdom. Here, we see God sovereignly guiding His people through disagreements, new partnerships, and the Spirit’s leading—all to accomplish His purposes of spreading the gospel and strengthening His church. We will explore each scene under the headings: 1. A Parting of Ways, and 2. A Providenti...

What does it take to inherit eternal life? We are going to examine that question this morning as we walk through Acts 15. And we will do so under two headings: The Victory of Grace and the Victory of Love.