Key Scripture: Acts 15

It’s easy to lose sight of what’s most important. We tend to make minor issues major and miss the major issues entirely. We get caught up in our rights as Christians and concerned with everything others are doing wrong. What’s most important to Jesus? The unity of His Church. As we face disagreements and potentially divisive issues with other believers, we must do everything possible to avoid both legalism and lawlessness and to pursue love. Don’t judge, don’t stumble, and do all for the glory of God.

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Matthew 23:24

• 1 Corinthians 9:12

• Romans 14:13-19

• John 17:22-23

Key Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

As followers of Jesus, we are all called to share the good news of the gospel. However, it is not always easy and isn’t always well-received. During those times, we can get discouraged and want to quit. God’s Word reminds us that we’re not alone in our discouragement. Even though the apostles and early Church believers accomplished incredible things for Christ, they were very much human and experienced many of the same frustrations we do. But when faced with trouble they continued to share the gospel and live the life God called them to.

Scripture References and Quotes:

•  Matthew 28:18-20

• Acts 1:8

• Luke 9:62

• Galatians 6:9

• 2 Corinthians 11:25

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

• “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” – Francis Chan

• Matthew 6:33

• Luke 9:23

• Luke 14:27-28

• “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” – Max Lucado

Key Scripture: Acts 13

The only life without limits is the one God has called you to live. His calling will never be first and foremost about you and will always serve to accomplish His purpose of redeeming the world to Himself. As you live out this calling, you’ll run into conflict from those who oppose the gospel and try to dilute Truth with disobedience. But this conflict can clarify God’s calling on your life. He uses opposition to give us direction. Do you know the life He’s called you to? Are you living it?  

Scripture References and Quotes:

• Acts 9:15-16

• Romans 8:28

• Matthew 3:3-8

• Luke 10:21

• 1 Corinthians 2:4-20

• 2 Timothy 3:5

Key Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Do you feel like a prisoner? It’s easy to live as a captive to sin and addiction, stuck in a jail of bitterness, anxiety and fear. But Jesus came to set us FREE. He can break every chain and open every iron gate that keeps us from moving forward in our Faith. He wants to wake us up to the reality of life with Him – a life of liberty and joy. What is holding you back today? It’s time to walk in the miraculous freedom you have in Christ.

Scripture References and Quotes

• Ephesians 6:10-12

• Romans 8:20-21

• 2 Peter 2:19

• Luke 4:18

• Galatians 1:3-4

Key Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

The truth of the matter is that we are not as impartial as we would like to believe. We all have our preferences. We have comfort zones when it comes to interacting with others, and are less likely to connect with those outside our circle than with those who are like us. It is easier to talk to an old friend than to make a new one. Additionally, our culture celebrates beauty, wealth and athletic skills, fawning over the successful and ignoring the rest. Playing favorites is part of life. But it is not what God intends for us.  Favoritism may be part of our culture, but it is must not be part of the church. 

Scripture References and Quotes: Acts 10:1-48, Acts 1:8, Luke 2:10, Mark 11:17, Titus 2:11, James 2:8-9, Romans 3:22-24

When we show favoritism, when we assess people by externals, we are usurping God’s exclusive right to stand in judgment over others. You’re taking the place of God.  - Jeff Purswell

Key Scripture: Acts 9:1-31

 The Apostle Paul’s story reminds us that Jesus can change anyone. His redemptive power is unstoppable. There isn’t a wall of pride He can’t break through nor a heart hardened by sin He can’t soften. We must not write off those He wants to write in to His story of redemption. This includes you. Who you are isn’t determined by what you’ve done; it’s determined by what God has said about you and what He’s done for you. He has a plan for you. He has a call on your life. Do you know who you are in Christ? Do you believe who He is in you?

Scripture References: Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1, 3, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Acts 26:13-15, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 3:4-6

Key Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Have you ever been so excited about something, that you’ve taken it a little too far? When we’re passionate about something, it’s easy to get carried away. Our faith in Christ should carry us away to places we’ve never been. It should carry us to do things we’ve never done: approaching the unapproachable, loving the unlovable, forgiving the intolerable, attempting the impossible. Unfortunately, it’s easy to just get carried away and caught up in the excitement of Christianity, but not in Christ Himself. Where is He wanting to take you today?

Scripture References: Luke 8:4-9: 13, Matthew 8:18-22, John 6:53-54, Luke 14:34-35, Mark 13:13, Philippians 3:8

Key Scripture: Acts 6:8-7:60

Faith is more than words. We say we believe in Jesus, yet so often we fail to exercise our faith and do the things he has called us to. It’s like buying fitness equipment we believe will help us get healthy, then using it primarily as a coat rack. Any worthwhile training achieves results only by exploring the limits of capacity. We do not discover untapped potential until we’re pushed outside of our comfort zones. In the same way, building our faith is not always comfortable but is always beneficial. In fact, it’s necessary. The Holy Spirit is the perfect Trainer in our faith. He knows our personal limits and gives us His strength to get past them. What challenge are you facing today? Exercise your faith!

Scripture References: Matthew 8:26, Matthew 17:20, 1 John 5:4, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 2 Peter 1:5, 2 Timothy 4:7

Key Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Every church has problems. In fact, the more people a local church has, the more problems it will face. It’s easy to feel overlooked, neglected, like you don’t matter. How we respond to hurt and disappointment is very important. We must be eager to give grace and careful not to tear the church apart with gossip. How the church responds to problems is equally important. Church leaders must willingly entrust ministry to the people of God and equip them to love others well. Most importantly, the problems a church faces must never distract it from what matters most. The health of any church will always be measured by its devotion to prayer and God’s Word.

Scripture References: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 4:11-12, Luke 10:38-42, James 2:15-17

Key Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

A life without limits is a life you can’t control. The power of the Holy Spirit isn’t safe and cannot be contained within the confines of our comfort and convenience. He leads us into situations that are risky and difficult, calling us to go where we don’t want to go and to give up what we want to hold onto. But it’s only when we surrender control of our lives to the all-consuming fire of God that we discover true freedom. what are you still trying to control today?

Scripture References: Acts 5:12-42, 1 Peter 3:15, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 Kings 18:36-39, Luke 14:25-33