“Paul (#11): Partnering in the Gospel”Text: Acts 18:1-28The Kingdom of God really is a partnership… a team event.  It’s not just about Paul being a “Lone Ranger,” but about Paul playing his part on God’s team.  And in this case, God tells Paul that His team is even bigger than Paul can see.  And that…

“Paul (#10): Greatly Distressed”Text: Acts 17:16-34The phrase “greatly distressed” is used quite a few times in scripture–often indicating a distress at sin, idolatry, or a situation that seemed beyond hope.  And yet, sometimes we get “greatly distressed” about things that probably shouldn’t receive that much of our attention.  Even as Paul is “greatly distressed” at…

“Homecoming: Zebedee’s Fishing Company”Text: Matthew 4:12-25Former Pastor Jeff Barker offers this Homecoming message about “Zebedee’s Fishing Company.”  Instead of following the call of James and John, Pastor Jeff explores what it may have been like for their father Zebedee.  What does faithfulness look like when we’re called to stay at home–casting the nets, catching the…

“Paul (#8): Set Free”Text: Acts 16:16-34Pastor Jon juxtaposes Psalm 22 against the familiar story of Paul and Silas in prison, suggesting the importance of being “Set Free” from our circumstances by praising God even in the midst of them.  Even as Paul continues to learn about the boundless reach of the Gospel (this time, even…

“Paul (#7): Lydia”Text: Acts 16:6-15If God can use David and Solomon, and Peter and Paul, and John Mark and Timothy, then He can certainly use you.  And He can certainly use the leading lady in today’s story (Acts 16:16-34).  Pastor Jon suggests that this may be the lesson that Paul needed to learn, as the…

“Paul (#6): Christian Unity”Text: Acts 15:36-16:5Pastor Jon takes a look at the “Sharp Disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas at the end of Acts chapter 15.  As we trace the story, we learn not only that God can use our brokenness, but that reconciliation continues to be possible, even for relationships that seem broken beyond all…

“Paul (#5): No Other Name”Text: Acts 14:8-20Paul is always very careful to make sure that people don’t worship him, but the God that he serves.  Pastor Jon takes a look at some of Paul’s teachings on this–and an event which was probably quite formative in Paul’s early ministry.  Together, we learn that there is no…

“Paul (#3): So Send I You”Sermon Text: Acts 11:19-30; 12:25-13:3Despite Paul’s miraculous conversion, despite his incredible intellect and training, and despite his ability to preach, teach, and argue a point, Paul didn’t immediately become the church leader, missionary, and author that he eventually grew into.  This week, Pastor Jon explores the period of waiting prior…

Paul (#2): Joining the Underdogs Text: Acts 9:19b-31As we continue our journey with Paul, we discover it was not all a bed of roses. We might expect that life got easy for Paul after he joined the right team, but it’s simply not the case. If anything, life suddenly became extremely difficult. For while God…

“Paul (#4): To the Jews and then to the Gentiles”Text: Acts 13:13-52Like a wildfire spreading uncontrollably in the forest, Paul’s missionary work begins to spread–and not just to the Jews.  Instead, it begins popping up in the least expected places: among the gentiles.  Despite persecution and opposition, Paul and Barnabus continue to take the Name…