What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit can speak through visions, even if, as in this case, the meaning is not immediately clear (10:17, 28-29). Acts 1:8 is fulfilled as now the Holy Spirit comes upon those Gentiles who represent “the end of the earth” (10:44-48). What did you learn about […]
A Shocking Postscript
Two weeks ago, I shared about the tragic loss of a family member on my wife Cyndi’s side. He was a 17-year-old senior in high school, and his morning ritual was to drive to Starbucks to get his mom a cup of coffee. Last year, one April morning at 7:30, he was on his way […]
Acts 9 – By the Spirit We Are Grace-full
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit brings comfort (9:31). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? We are sent to share the Holy Spirit with those who sometimes we least expect (9:13, 17). They receive, with wonder, those who have done complete 180’s by the power of the Holy […]
Acts 8 – By the Spirit We Are Intentional
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? He performs signs and great miracles, but it is not the same thing as magic (8:11-13) and his power cannot be purchased (8:20). He is moving, as promised in 1:8 from Jerusalem to Samaria! We see the fulfillment of that in 8:17 when Acts specifically records the […]
Acts 7 – By the Spirit We Are Courageous
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit has been active among, and has been resisted by, God’s people since the beginning (7:51). The Holy Spirit filled Stephen at the climax of his persecution (7:55). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? They experience the Holy Spirit in great persecution (7:55). […]
Some Great News, Some Advice Needed and a Reminder …
First, the great news. As many of you already know (but I have to have my chance to celebrate this), after months of effort by many committed souls, we received the news last week that Ellis White have been granted a change of status to “R-1 Temporary Non-immigrant Religious Worker”. This will allow Ellis to […]
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Acts 6 – By the Spirit We Are Entrusting
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? His wisdom and words can be cause for leadership (6:3) or cause significant offense (6:10). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? There is a new organizational structure that includes deacons, people selected by the church, of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, and […]
Acts 5 – By the Spirit We Are Blessed
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? He himself is a witness of Jesus, “given to those who obey Him” (5:32). You can lie to the Holy Spirit (5:3). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? Even in the aftermath of seeing the cost of lying to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit-filled community […]
New Saturday Night Worship Service in the Fall
The past few Sundays have had a particular sweetness to them. Being led by our youth, welcoming new members, the energy around First Step and Next Step—all of these things (and more) remind me why gathering together to encounter God’s presence as a community has been such a shaping force in the life of our […]
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Acts 4 – By the Spirit We Are Plenty-full
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? He empowers people to preach with boldness (4:8,31). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? They “were one of heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them” (4:32 NASB). […]