The Life of Jesus, A.D.

As we begin our journey through the Book of Acts, Pastor Ken magnifies the meaning of revival in a fallen, broken world. Acts 1 reveals an awakening to the truth of the Gospel, lighting the spark of a holy movement that will change the world. 

The most mysterious and misunderstood character of the entire Bible is undoubtedly The Holy Spirit. This promised Helper was given to the early church during an astonishing moment recorded in Acts 2, though its purpose and impact was not fully known. Teaching Pastor Dan Slagle helps us understand the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the extraordinary purpose for which it is given.

To be filled with the Holy Spirit is as profound as it is confusing. Typically, the notion of "being filled by the Spirit" prompts a variety of thoughts and questions: what does it mean? When does it happen? How do I know? As we continue in the Life of Jesus, A.D., Founding Pastor Ken Werlein opens Acts 2 to examine what being filled with the Holy Spirit truly means.

A miraculous story of healing recorded in Acts 3 demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit while affirming the truth of the Gospel message. But can healing miracles still happen today? Founding Pastor Ken Werlein continues our new series, The Life of Jesus, A.D.

We speak often about the importance of "community" – but what is it, really? And how do we grow in our faith through community? Bible Teacher Clay Scroggins casts the vision for biblical, authentic community experienced through worshiping, serving, and growing together.

All of us have a life system upon which we have built. Whether it's our career, education, a relationship, our finances, or our faith...we each possess a "cornerstone" that provides the foundation of our identity. Which cornerstone, however, can support the totality of our life? 

On Super Sunday, Founding Pastor Ken Werlein opens Acts 4 as we look to our ultimate Cornerstone, Jesus Christ.

Everyone has been gifted to step in and do their part! No one is exempt from a specific spiritual gifting that God has placed in their life. Bible Teacher, Dan Slagle, dives into how we can discover that very way we've been equipped!

What's happening on the campus of Asbury Seminary, and what does it mean? Guest Teacher and former Dean of Chapel at Asbury, J.D. Walt, shares firsthand his powerful account of the Holy Spirit at work through this sudden - and global - awakening.

The biblical topic of Spiritual Gifts prompts many questions, even amongst mature believers. What are they, where do they come from, and what is their purpose? Founding Pastor Ken Werlein takes a close look at the spiritual gifts found in Scripture and shares how we can discover our place in the body of Christ.

Life will shake us - so what is holding you up when it does? Bible Teacher, Clay Scroggins, takes us into Acts 4 to see Peter and John's reaction to a similar situation!

The Holy Spirit is bringing people to life! Bible Teacher, Duffy Robbins, takes us into Acts 4 to see how.

We often say that church is a place where "it's ok to not be ok". But all of us have been tempted to put on a happy face while hiding the pain, hurt, or brokenness that lies underneath the surface. However, the Bible teaches that deception is the real threat to experiencing freedom found in the Gospel of Jesus.

As Easter approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the motions of the traditions of the holiday. But what is Easter truly about, and how are we to respond to who Jesus is and the work He has done? Bible Teacher Duffy Robbins opens Acts 5 as we continue in The Life of Jesus, A.D.

There is a difference between being "skeptical" and being "cynical". When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, some of us can find ourselves in a place of skepticism. Founding Pastor, Ken Werlein, introduces us to a man in scripture named Thomas - who wrestled with this very thing!

Humans complain. It’s what we do! However, did you know there are actually things that we SHOULD complain about? There's even a right way to do it. Bible Teacher, Clay Scroggins, takes us into Acts 6 to point to this very idea!

Forgiveness is a solo sport. Reconciliation involves multiple people, but choosing to forgive someone comes down to an individual responsibility. Bible Teacher, Steve Carter, takes us into Acts chapter 7 to look at the final actions of a man named Stephen.

In Acts chapter 8, Simon “The Magician” learns the hard way that the power of God is not a means to an end. Through community and prayer we can keep God enthroned as King of our Life.

In Acts 8, Philip was an ordinary man who had a seemingly ordinary encounter and a seemingly ordinary conversation that eventually led to extraordinary, history-changing blessings — all because he was obedient to the Holy Spirit. Like Philip, God wants to use you because you know the only One who can change and heal and save to the uttermost: Jesus.

Pastor Ken takes us back to Acts where Saul, after arresting and murdering Christians, has an encounter with Jesus, changes his ways—and his name—to become a leader to the very people he used to persecute.

Hector Ramirez shows us that we don't have to go on a mission trip to live a missional lifestyle. We must always be ready to preach the Good News, whether we are in a different country or in our own neighborhood.

Founding pastor Ken Werlein exhorts our graduating seniors to seek out Christian community and to be that community for others. Just as the faithful Barnabas encouraged Saul, we all need people who cheer us on from the “balcony” of life. Whether you are 18 or 88, Jesus calls you to FIND a Barnabas and empowers you to BE a Barnabas.

Worship Pastor Lizi Bailey reminds us of God's radical love for outsiders through the story of Cornelius and Peter. In Acts 10, we see God making his message to the Gentiles abundantly clear: "Yes, I want you in my family!" As followers of Jesus, we are God's welcoming committee; are we doing a good job? Lizi calls us to expand our hearts for the unsaved, treating everyone like an image-bearer and potential family member.

Pastor Dan Slagle reminds us that when God asks us to do something we don't want to do, He is never asking us to do it alone. In Acts 11, God asks Peter to step way outside of his comfort zone. Pastor Dan shows us how we can learn from Peter’s experience enable us to say "yes" to the hard things God asks us to do.

Pastor Scot Pollock brings a powerful word from Acts 11, showing us that when we experience suffering, what we believe about God matters more than ever. If we will remain faithful during troubled times, suffering can become our Pulpit: the place from which we share our testimony. It can become our Passport: giving us access to people and communities we would otherwise be unable to reach. And finally, Scot explains that suffering can become our Path to Christ-likeness: something that the Christians in Acts practiced as they faced brutal persecution for their faith.

Bible Teacher, Clay Scroggins brings us a word on prayer. In Acts 12, an angel frees Peter from jail; when he rushes back to his community, the incredulous Jesus-followers can't believe that God has answered their prayers. Clay encourage us to pray with a faith that expects miracles. At the same time, we must recognize that prayer ultimately "works" when it makes us more like Jesus.

Bible Teacher Clay Scroggins teaches out of Acts 12 today, sharing a valuable lesson from the death of Herod. It was Herod's weak sense of identity that led to his downfall - and Clay puts a tough question to everyone: "Who has the power to tell you you're enough?" Answer that, and you will know who has power in your life! Are we connecting our identity to successes, failures, or rejections - or are we willing to give God the final word? Clay calls us to believe that what God says about us is the most true and the only safe place to anchor our identity.

Pastor Scot teaches out of Acts, calling us to see how God has demonstrated his love for us through history. Paul's sermon, recorded in Acts 13, reminds us that God's plan has always been redemption. Then and now Jesus brings freedom from insecurity, shame, and fear. What is holding you back from accepting this amazing love?

Duffy Robbins shares out of Acts 14. Paul and Barnabas shared the Gospel so well that many Greeks converted. Our witness is always more effective when we engage a person on their own terms. Duffy encourages us to understand other perspectives in order to share Christ more clearly.

Bible Teacher Duffy Robbins continued our series "Life of Jesus, A.D." with a message out of Acts 15. Paul encounters Judaisers who preached a "Jesus +" Gospel: Jesus PLUS good behavior, Jesus PLUS good works. It's easy for us to adopt this mindset today. Duffy reminds us that the key to our salvation is grace alone.

At the end of Acts 16, Barnabas and Paul disagree and part ways for the benefit of their ministries. Author and Bible Teacher Gary Thomas warns us that the devil can't steal our faith, but he can render us ineffective. Holiness isn't just avoiding sin; it's living a fruitful life. Jesus gives us many examples of such discernment. He walks away from toxic people who would distract from His ultimate mission. We can and should do the same!

Founding Pastor Ken Werlein explores the theme of God's will in Acts 16. If you've ever struggled to know God's will - take comfort. Even Paul got it wrong sometimes! And obedience can be difficult - but it's not usually complicated. God will not show us our next step until we obey what He has already revealed. Through prayer, you can find the strength you need to move forward today!

In Acts 16, God uses an earthquake to allow Paul and Silas to show their jailer what true, life-giving, soul-restoring, Christian community looks like. In the modern era where we are increasingly isolated, life-changing community isn’t just a perk of the Christian faith, it is an essential part of being a follower of Christ.

Paul doesn't mock the worldview of the unbelievers at Mars Hill. Instead he begins by seeing the good in them. By following his example, we can show unbelievers that the cross make sense of their pain and struggles. In this way, we can reach our family, neighbors, and city with the Good News of Jesus!

Disillusionment is one way that God refines His children. If we are willing to take an honest journey and cling to Jesus, disillusionment will lead us somewhere beautiful. Peter's life shows us that wholeness in Christ integrates both knowing and feeling the truth of the gospel. It only comes after we shed our illusions about who Jesus is. He is committed to proving our faith genuine.

Dan Slagle taught out of Acts 18. Priscilla and Aquila give us a good example of a marriage where the husband and wife are on mission together. Even though we don't have any words of Priscilla and Aquila recorded, their actions reveal that God was the primary focus of their lives. By prioritizing their relationship with God, with one another, and service to others they set an example that we can still learn from today. 

Founding Pastor Ken Werlein challenges us to submit all areas of life to Jesus. In a message from Acts 19, we saw that while in Ephesus, Paul did more than teach and preach. As the Spirit of God moved, the people turned from evil and occult practices. Just as they burned their evil possessions, we must be willing to completely eradicate anything that stands between us and Jesus. Ken reminds us no matter the sin, Jesus can lead us to freedom and victory.

Bible Teacher Clay Scroggins calls us to recognize the idols in our lives. He does not encourage us to love our children, jobs, and friends less - but to love Jesus more. We all have idols in our lives: any good thing that we make the ultimate thing is an idol. Only remarkable sacrifice can destroy an idol. And only Jesus can ultimately satisfy. His death on the cross is the path to freedom and victory.

The greatest gift we can give any human is an introduction to the God who loves them. We are each surrounded by people who don't know the Lord - and it's easy to be intimidated at the idea of sharing our faith. Steve reminds us that the Gospel frees us and covers us. And so many others need that same good news.

In a message from Acts 26, pastor Dan Slagle looks at Paul’s evangelical account before King Agrippa and how Paul goes about sharing Jesus with him. The scriptures show us that God is opening doors for sharing the Gospel with others and how our own personal story is powerful in sharing who Jesus is and what He’s done for us on the cross. When God has done something so transformative for us, how can we not share that with others?!

This Sunday Clay taught out of Acts 27, exploring a question that everyone wrestles with. Why does God allow us to go through storms in life? Seasons of testing are one way that God teaches us to cling to him above all else. God does not let us walk through these times alone; He is with us. The outcome that he is after is a heart that trusts Him more than ever.