Risen Church Nc

After Peter takes a step into the unknown in the previous chapter, Acts 11 opens the doors on a brand new future for the Church. However, not all of the Jewish Church leaders are comfortable with this reality. Peter realizes that they stand at the precipice of a watershed moment for the Church, and doesn't back down at the rampant criticism that comes his way. He refuses to allow religion and nationalism to thwart this potential growth. Recounting his experience, which saw him overcome his own prejudice, arrogance and indifference, Peter passionately proclaims that he would never stand in God's way. The Church's health and growth was contingent on their obedience to the Great Commission, especially in how they loved and engaged those that seemed the farthest away from God. From here on, the Church would look and operate much differently than before, with a priority on reaching and welcoming people of all kinds, backgrounds and cultures. May we take Peter's words to heart, and ask ourselves the same questio

In our series on Prayer, God has invited us to find true life in His pathway and plans, through surrendering to, trusting in and following Jesus. The capstone of the Lord's Prayer confirms why this is the obvious posture we should posses ever day - For to God belongs the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory. All things are from Him, all things are for Him, and all things flow to Him. How blessed we are to be able to live for and contribute to His Kingdom, Power and Glory! No matter what gets us down, tempts us to go astray, or overshadows our path, we remember and are strengthened by this: Jesus is bigger, better and brighter. In Him is hope, help and light. In this message, we consider the example of Solomon who showed us how life is best when lived this way, while also showing us what happens when we chose an inferior way.

It’s safe to assume the Church had zero intentions of larger expansion post-Acts 8. With Saul's conversion and commission in Acts 9, this is even further implied. God needed an emissary to the Gentiles, and the Twelve show little interest. Yet, God wanted the whole Church on board so Acts 9 swings back to Peter... Peter picks up where he left off in Acts 5, but then finds himself in Joppa (!!!) and on the cusp of a revolutionary moment in history. They weren’t going to the Gentiles, but God was about to bring them to the Church. Enter Cornelius Truth be told, the issue was that the church questioned if Gentiles could be saved, but if they *should* be saved. They knew Jesus was irresistible and His grace powerful. Like Jonah before him, Peter wasn’t doubting God’s grace, he was frustrated by it. (Jonah 3:19-4:3) Perhaps their negligence of Gentles wasn’t malicious, but the point of this text is that we have no excuse to not be reaching and engaging all people, especially those different than us. Peter confe

Who/what leads you into temptation? Do you ever lead yourself into temptation? We all give into temptation and we often try to hide or even dismiss the ramifications of our choices. If we’re being honest though, we become more disappointed in ourselves and less satisfied with life every time we give in. Thankfully, following Jesus *leads us not* into temptation. Following Jesus means that we are choosing a Better Way. He calls us to a self-denying, cross-bearing Way, leading us to a life of love. A life of love is the opposite of a life of temptation, as it looks for ways to honor God and submit to others, before temptation gives us an inferior path to take. If we succumb to temptation, we cross the threshold to loss. But, following Jesus is the threshold to life. By following Him, we have abundant and full life, that shows us how we can do the greatest good for the greatest number of people and the Greater Kingdom of God. Committing to follow Jesus, allows us to avoid temptation and escape the danger that

The focus in Acts shifts back to the Apostle Peter, who rejoins the mission field after a brief time corroborating with Mark on the story of Jesus. Peter is filled with the second wind of momentum that is sweeping through the Church, and God performs great signs and wonders through his ministry. However, Peter is not prepared to take the Gospel where God intends it go. More importantly, Peter is not ready to take the Gospel to whom God intends it to go. Filled with God's Spirit and zealous as he was, Peter's heart was actually harboring a great sin. In Peter's miracles we witness God removing obstacles that were keeping people from life. However, these were merely building up to the moment when God would show Peter the greater obstacle in his heart, and offer to remove it. In this message, we witness Peter wrestle with this Gospel-inhibiting sin, and come to a place of repentance and surrender. Witness Peter go from skeptical to surprised of what God was able to do, of who God was able to save...

In this conclusion to our Jeremiah study, we take a look at God's final word through Jeremiah to his generation. While the people of Israel, refuse to heed God's Word, God reminds them that He will continue to work towards His redemption plan. We observe how God is always at work in history and amongst the nations. What may seem inexplicable, is given clarity when we understand that all things transpire to spread the Gospel and prepare the Kingdom. God is always working to exalt His plan of salvation and bring justice to the whole world. His promises are true, and He is faithful beyond end.

In this message, we breakdown Paul's conversion and commission in Damascus. His transformation in Christ sets up the Church for a second wave of momentum, which will lead to the globalization of the Gospel. This chapter gives us a detailed look at the confidence God instills in Paul upon his conversion. We also are given two great examples to follow in how we should treat and respond to those who are coming to Christ.

The middle of The Lord's Prayer is all about what we should ask for. Jesus tells us that we should ask for two very specific things, for gifts that God wants to give us. In this message we talk about how we should pray and trust God for both provisions and pardon. However, Jesus tells us to pray for just enough of this world's goods, while understanding that God's grace is so unlimited that we must extend it to others. At the heart of this template of prayer is a challenge to our flesh and natural instincts. By nature, we pray for God to give us unlimited supplies, while giving us limited to little accountability to others. Jesus turns this on its head, because our nature is trying to get in the way of us and God in the long run. This is meant to remind us that we need just enough of this world’s good to survive, but we need all of God’s goodness to thrive. So may we pray less for stuff, and trust God for just enough. May we more so pray that we might treasure the Greater Gift and that we might share it wi

Jesus' Disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, after observing His unique, deep, and intimate connection with God. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us how not to pray first, before giving us a template for approaching God. Jesus gives greater emphasis to how and to whom we pray, before even getting around to what we should pray for. We learn that prayer is more about concentrating on who God is and who we are in Him than it is bringing our works or wishes to Him. At the heart of prayer is an act of surrender. We come before Him seeking His Will and His Kingdom. Only in surrender will we ever obtain the freedom available to us in Christ.

If you've ever wondered if you can really trust God, Easter above all else, answers this question. Easter gives us multiple reasons as to why God is unquestionably trustworthy. Though we weren't owed anything, Jesus has demonstrated God's grace towards us. In His sacrifice, He was judged FOR us, In His death, He experienced separation WITH us. In His Resurrection, we can receive victory THROUGH Him. We can reap the promise and power of Resurrection Life because of His death and resurrection. No matter our sin, sorrows, or sufferings, we can find help and hope because Christ endured the worst and came out victorious.

Promised and previewed long before, Good Friday provides the exclusive remedy for our sin. One cup was removed, and another was put in its place. What God supplied on the Cross can be applied to every heart that trusts in Christ. Enjoy this message about the Cross and a song about God's faithfulness ever since.

Before Jesus would die on the Cross, He spent a few days with the Religious Leaders of Israel drawing a line in the sand. His actions in the Temple and conversations with its officials made it clear that Jesus came to end Religion and start something brand new. Monday through Wednesday of Passion Week highlights and contrasts the difference between Judaism (and all Religion) and Christianity. Mark 11 - 14 gives us a clear view of the failing Temple establishment and the rising Church community. In this message, we witness the Religious Leaders and even Jesus' disciples miss the point of Jesus' message and ministry, while we get a powerful look at four relatively unknown figures who got it absolutely right.

The Triumphal entry is rightly known for attributing glory and honor to Jesus, but it should also be remembered for what it offers to us. In Jesus' choice of the cross instead of a throne, He opens the door for us to find victory over sin and death. In His death and resurrection, He would initiate a greater kingdom, and all are invited to enter in. One day, a greater Triumphal Entry will take place, and Jesus will return to do what many expected Him to do in His first coming. In faith, we can look forward to this coming day with hope and confidence. Our triumph now is certain, and our victory to come is even more glorious.

Why did God become a man? If everything that ever has or ever will transpire is ultimately for God's Glory, then one would think that Palm Sunday answers this question. Of course God in flesh would come to rule and reign as King. However, Jesus' deference to the opportunity put before Him that day, shows that God's plans are so much purer and higher than ours. Yes, Jesus would be adorned with robe and crown later that week, but He would ascend to a cross not a throne. It was through this work, that Jesus would reveal God's loving heart to us. Jesus' entire ministry was all about revealing God as our Father, and making a way for us to live as His children. In this message, we talk about what it means to know God as Father, and to be restored to His image. Marvel with us as we consider what it means to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

Throughout Jesus' three year ministry, it became clear that He indeed was from God. He demonstrated His power over the fallen world, and exerted His authority over the false hopes of the world. Many began to believe that He was the long awaited Messiah. His followers were convinced that the Messiah would set up an earthly kingdom that would bring them power and prosperity. When Jesus began His journey towards Jerusalem, they believed that this Kingdom was at hand... Along the way, Jesus' actions and sermons made His closest followers a bit uncomfortable. He began challenging their expectations about why He came and for what reason He was going to Jerusalem. Finally, Jesus decides to address His disciples, clarifying His purpose and correcting their motives. He was absolutely building a Kingdom. He was absolutely establishing a brand new Way of life for the world. However, this would not go how they expected it. Jesus came for something greater, and in Mark 10 He redefines what it means to be Great in the K

As we continue to ask, "Why?", this week we consider the subject of suffering, trials and hardships. In one of the earliest narratives of the Bible, Job reveals to us a perspective on suffering that remains the most inspired and insightful. All of the New Testament teachings use Job's beliefs and experience as the basis for how we should understand suffering. Job believed that God was using his trial for something yet unseen. He had a patient faith in God's plan, in the end of his story. In this message, we talk about God's sovereignty over our trials and His goodness throughout them. We learn that God does indeed have a Redemptive Purpose for all suffering. Until He chooses to remove the pain, He plans to use it. Ultimately, this will be for our good and for His glory.

Acts features no shortage of miracles, from the Holy Spirt breaking language barriers to disabled people being healed to prison walls falling down. However, the greatest miracle may very well take place in Acts 9. Luke introduces us to Saul of Tarsus as the one spearheading the persecution against the Church. In Acts 9, we see that he isn't about to allow the Church to regain momentum as it spreads beyond Judea. He is determined to follow the growth and put an end to the movement. Saul embodies the heart within every human, deceived by sin and dominated by a sinful nature. His only desire was to destroy the Church, out of what he thought was a service to God. He proved himself depraved at heart, worthy of condemnation. But God had other plans for Saul of Tarsus... We see what happens when the Light of Heaven shines on even the darkest heart. We see how even the greatest obstacle, the human will, can be overcome by the power of the Gospel. In this message, we have a theological conversation about just

The Church in Acts has entered a new phase, becoming boundless and working towards a global stage. From Acts chapter 8 to 12, we see the Gospel impact people from all corners of the earth, showing the true power of the Gospel. Featured in Acts 8:26-40 is an Ethiopian Eunuch, who came to Jerusalem searching for hope but left disappointed. Thanks to Philip's readiness and faithfulness, the Eunuch receives Good News in the most unexpected of places. The Eunuch had been told he had no place in the family of God, that he would forever be separated. Ultimately, God's grace would find him and change everything.

Why did God make us? As in, all of us. We believe we are each made for His glory, but are our lives meant to intersect? Currently there are some 7 billion humans on the planet, inhabiting nearly 200 nations, belonging to one of several hundred ethnic groups. The Bible teaches that all of us were made in God's image. Together we paint the full picture of God. His desire is that we all love Him, know Him and follow Him. This may sound impossible, but we can all make Him known. His commandment over us is that we validate and authenticate our love for Him by loving one another. The drift of humanity is to love only those near us or those like us. Our world today is more tribal and divided than ever, especially pertaining to race and ethnicity. Jesus Christ died to destroy this barrier, to cover us in His blood and make us one blood. Everyone is invited, and God's call over us is that we seek to be unity, cooperation and harmony with one another - For their Souls and for His Glory.

Having been defeated and exiled, all seemed grim for the nation of Israel. However, Jeremiah 29-33 reveals that God is not done with Israel yet. The Old Covenant's inability to save has been proven, and a New and Better Covenant is promised. In Jeremiah 30, we hear how important the nation of Israel has been to God's plan to redeem and restore Creation. Out of Zion, salvation has come. Out of Zion, the Kingdom of God will rise.