Paul now moves into Ephesus, a place of magic and cultish worship, and goes to work like he usually does, proclaiming to the Jews that the New Covenant is now in effect. Also as usual, when darkness is confronted with the Light, it causes a stir.
Peter leaves Jerusalem to check up on new believers, and along the way he has opportunities to see Jesus at work through him.
Guest Preacher Brooks Simpson (Grace Community Church, North Liberty, IA) joins us with a message from Mark 11 on how Jesus is not the king we all want, but he is the king we need.
Acts 5:12-42 – A memorable event had just happened in the life of the new Church in Jerusalem, with the news of Ananias and Sapphira's "untimely" death. So people weren't sure what all this new group of believers was all about. But the Lord kept bringing people to faith, and the apostles continued to do miracles, healings, casting out demons, and it led to jealousy from the Sanhedrin. Pastor Steve Hall turns our attention to our own hearts, and how jealousy can very easily take root in us.
Peter, John and the healed man end up spending a night in jail and then being put on trial before the Sanhedrin. But it’s not only in the miraculous where the Holy Spirit is evident. Peter stands up to speak, and he is filled with the Holy Spirit to boldly confront these religious leaders with their sin. What will their response be?
Two of the apostles are headed to the temple for worship when they encounter a crippled man panhandling at the temple gate. A miracle of healing gives opportunity for a gospel presentatio
With one act of compassion, Jesus shows that the kingdom of heaven isn't coming with an army, heavy artillery strikes, etc to Make Israel Great Again... the kingdom is already here as Jesus takes things that seem insignificant and gives them massive significance.
Jesus’ ministry is now quite large. People from all over Israel are coming to hear him, to be healed, and have demons removed from them. Sounds amazing right? Well, not everyone thinks so.
Jesus tells a fisherman to do the impossible, touches a leper, and forgives the sin of a cripple who didn’t ask. The kingdom is here!
