Acts: Authentic Followers of Jesus

Acts 5

John Michaelson unpacks chapter 5, which is twofold; first is the hard-to-swallow story about the death of Ananias and Sapphira, and second is of the persecution the apostles faced by the high priest in Jerusalem. The message challenges us to seek understanding of God’s character in difficult passages and to consider the true cost of following Jesus. At the end are two discussion questions: 1) why do you think the co-authors put in the story of Ananias and Sapphira? How does reading it make you feel? 2) Have you ever been persecuted, and what was that like?

Acts: Boldness for Jesus

Acts 4

We continue on our series in the book of Acts by looking at chapter four. Peter and John are questioned by the Jewish high council about whose authority gave them the privilege of performing a healing miracle and preaching about Jesus. Focusing in on vv. 11-13, there are three points of Peter’s response to the leaders—Jesus has become the Cornerstone of our life foundation, He is the only way to God, and He is the constant that empowers the apostles to perform miracles and preach the gospel boldly. This message reminds us what bold acts of faith are all about: the one who was crucified but raised by God—Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Acts: The Purpose of Miracles

Acts 3

The value of miracles comes not from the miracle itself but in the faith it produces. In Acts 3, the healing of the crippled man enables us to believe that Christ has risen from the dead and is also a sign of God's promise to restore all things to peace and wholeness in the future.

Acts: The Gift of the Spirit

Acts 2

Scott tells the story from Acts 2 of the birth of the Church. The place where the disciples were meeting shook, the Spirit came like a mighty rushing wind, and tongues of fire rested on each of them. Scott highlights that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not given to just apostles or pastors but to all. The promise of the Spirit extends to all Christians everywhere in every generation.

Acts: Wait for the Promise

Acts 1

Pastor Scott starts off a new series in Acts 1. This passage begins with the disciples waiting for the promise from Jesus about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Scott encourages us to urgently seek God until He moves, until the Holy Spirit falls afresh on His people and brings what He promised.