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This past Sunday, Joey spoke to us on Acts chapter 10. In this chapter we see 2 visions take place. The first is God speaking to Cornelius, a gentile in the Italian Cohort. Cornelius is said to be a man who feared God. In the vision, Cornelius is told to send men to Joppa and ask for Peter. Once the vision ends he does as God said. The chapter goes on to say that the next day Peter also gets a vision, one in which God presents Peter with a sheet full of "all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air." In fact, he gets it 3 times because he tells God no at first due to the food being unclean. He does obey after God instructs him to not call unclean what God has made clean. It is after Peter obeys that the men Cornelius sent arrive and ask him to come to Cornelius'. Peter states that while it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with a gentile, he now sees that God does not want him to call any person unclean. Peter goes to Cornelius' home and from there Gentiles hear the gospel and the Holy Spirit pours out on them and they are baptized. While unpacking all of this Joey speaks to us about how through these 2 visions and what transpires after we are shown the lesson that God does not show partiality, but instead He makes clean what is unclean. Joey then asks us if we reflect God in this way or do people see us as people who show partiality?

This past Sunday, the Coquina family gathered to celebrate Easter and Joey spoke on Acts 9:32-43. In this section of scripture, we see Jesus' resurrecting power shown twice through the actions and faith of Peter. First, we see Aeneas, a man paralyzed for 8 years. Peter heals him in the name of Jesus, and it is said many look to the Lord. The second is the death of Tabitha (Dorcas), a good and charitable woman loved by the church. Peter found her dead and after praying and commanding her to rise, she sat up alive. While celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, Joey makes the following points; first is that the resurrected Christ is our healer, and second is that the resurrected life is your life. Jesus came to heal the sick, and He willingly does so repeatedly for each of us. In believing this, we can be like Tabitha and live a life that looks to the things above.

This past Sunday, Steve spoke to us in Acts 9:1-31. This is a well-known section of scripture, the conversion of Saul, and the beginning of his work in the church. In this section of scripture, we see Saul persecuting believers with the support of the high priest. While heading to Damascus we see Saul struck by a bright light and the voice of Jesus asking why Saul is persecuting Him. Saul leaves this experience blind. He is led to Damascus by his men where he spent 3 days without sight, food or drink. We also see Ananias being spoken to by God, and he is told to go visit Saul. Ananias initially pushes back for he knows what Saul has been doing to followers of Christ, but he eventually obeys as God tells him that Saul will be his instrument. Ananias speaks to Saul and shares the gospel. Upon receiving the power of the Holy Spirit Saul's sight is restored. From this point we see Saul become a believer preaching about Jesus. This confounded and also angered the Jews to the point they wanted to kill him, but he escapes to Jerusalem. Once in Jerusalem Saul is presented to the apostles by Barnabas, who vouches for his conversion. While unpacking all that transpires in these verses Steve gives 3 main points; the gospel forces us to make a choice about who we believe Jesus is, the gospel forces us to be in dangerous situations, and the gospel forces us to love others. 

This past Sunday, Justin spoke to us on Acts 8:26-40. In this section of scripture, Philip obeys God by walking the road between Gaza and Jerusalem. There he finds a eunuch from Ethiopia in a chariot on his way back home. The eunuch is a court official of the Ethiopian queen who had been worshipping in Jerusalem. Obeying God's call, Philip approaches the Eunuch and finds him reading Isaiah. Philip shares the gospel of Jesus and the eunuch believes. During this part of the story, Justin reminds us that Jewish law said someone like a eunuch could not be present in the assembly of God, but belief in Jesus does not exclude him. Upon coming to water the eunuch asks to be baptized. Once baptized the eunuch continues on his way rejoicing while Philip it seems teleports immediately to Azotus. He then continues preaching the gospel as he travels to Caesarea. In looking at this story Justin gives 3 important points. First, like Philip, we should listen and be obedient to God's call to proclaim the gospel. Second, we need to know the gospel like Philip did so we are prepared to share it. Third, if we hear and proclaim the gospel we are empowered to proclaim even more. 

This past Sunday, Steve spoke on Acts 8:4-25, where we see that the believers have scattered due to Saul's persecution but continue to share the gospel. We are introduced to Philip in Samaria, where it is said he was preaching and healing in the name of Christ. One of those said baptized is Simon the Magician. When Peter and John arrive they begin sharing the Holy Spirit with the new believers. Upon seeing this Simon tries to buy the power of giving the Holy Spirit from the apostles. Peter rebukes Simon instructing him to pray and repent.  Instead, Simon asks them to intercede on his behalf. In unpacking all this, Steve first highlights that Samaria was a place not liked by many. Philip going there is an example that we sometimes must willingly be uncomfortable or go where we would rather not for the gospel. The other point Steve makes is Simon's mistake, trying to not only buy the power of the Holy Spirit but also asking the apostles to pray on his behalf instead of going to God himself. Like Philip, we should not always choose the easiest path in spreading the gospel. Unlike Simon, we should seek God in prayer instead of looking to someone else, like church leadership to intercede for us. 

This past Sunday, Joey spoke to us on the man Stephen, who is introduced in the book of Acts. In the message, Joey references two sections of scripture that tell Stephen's story. Acts 6:7-15 is where we are first introduced to this man described as being full of grace and power. Then in Acts 7:51-8:3, we see Stephen's death as a martyr for the gospel. In unpacking all of this, Joey gives four points of Stephen's mentorship; despite being an ordinary man Stephen is full of grace and power, he walked with gospel clarity and conviction, he lived in the belief that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, and lastly, Stephen demonstrated that to live is Christ and to die is gain. We should consider deeply the example that Stephen gives us. 

This past Sunday, Steve spoke to us on what takes place in Acts 6:1-7. Noting that the early church faces strife immediately. In this section of scripture, we see that problems arose amongst the believers as Hellenists claim that their widows are being overlooked in distribution. The apostles decide that in order to address this seven men should be appointed based on their character to the duty of making this right. In speaking on this Steve makes the point that it is important that the church body is taken care of, but it is also important that servant leaders are put in place, as shown in this account so that the apostles can stay devoted to prayer and preaching. This is not because those preaching are "above" the others, but to try and handle all that is part of a healthy church while also trying to focus on prayer and preaching would take away from spreading the gospel. By unpacking all this Steve shows what a healthy church looks like with servant leadership. "And the word of God continued to increase..."

This past Sunday, Justin spoke to us on Acts 5:12-42, where we see the apostles again speaking of the gospel and being punished for it. The section starts with the Apostles speaking at Solomon's Portico though the rest of the believers dared not go. It is said the crowds held the apostles in high regard and many more were added to the number of believers. This angered the leaders. Twice the apostles are arrested, beaten, and ordered to not speak of Jesus again. Twice upon release, they rejoiced in their suffering for Christ and then went right back to preaching. Speaking of all this, Justin makes 3 points of what it is to follow Christ; we have to be around people, there will be opposition, and we must obey God. Of these things, we the church must boldly do.

This past Sunday, Joey spoke to us on Acts 4:32-5:11. In this section of scripture, we are given examples of how the members of the early church lived out the gospel together boldly and with fear of God. We are also given an example of the believers' generosity for one another by Barnabas selling land and giving proceeds to the church. On the flip side, we also see what happens when we sin and lie about generosity. The latter shows the harshness of sin in the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. While discussing all these things, Joey unpacked four points; the importance of Godly fear, the hate of sin, the mercy of God, and the strategic role of generosity.  As a final point, Joey emphasizes that "generosity is key in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth."

This past Sunday, Joey spoke on the events that take place in Acts 4:1-31. In this section of scripture, we see the religious leaders angry about Peter and John's gospel message. When confronted, Peter and John boldly speak of Jesus and remind the leaders of their hand in His crucifixion. Despite being threatened to stop sharing the gospel, Peter and John respond clearly that they will continue to share Jesus and tell of what they have heard and seen. We then see this boldness and courage continue as the believers are filled with the holy spirit while gathered in prayer. In unpacking all of this, Joey offers 4 reasons for the courage that is shown by Peter, John, and the other believers.

This past Sunday, Steve spoke to us on storytelling as he went through Acts chapter 3. In this section of scripture, we see Peter and John attending the temple. While entering the Beautiful Gate they come upon a lame beggar who daily sits outside asking for money. It is here in the story Steve starts speaking on the "3 acts". The first act is compassion, as the apostles acknowledge the beggar, then address his need for the gospel and to be healed of being lame. This leads to the second act, worship. Steve shares how the beggar's response is to follow them into the temple leaping and praising God. His behavior infects the crowd as they rush to hear the apostles. In the third act, Peter says it is in Jesus the beggar is healed as he shares the gospel of Jesus. In wrapping up, Steve reminds us that the gospel is the story, and we are the storytellers.

This past Sunday, Justin completed chapter 2 of Acts by discussing what happens in verses 42-47. In this section of scripture, we see a description of the early church as believers came together in community. While speaking to what is said of this early inception of the church, Justin highlights the importance of what the believers devoted themselves to; the teachings of the apostles, fellowshipping with one another, steadfast prayer, and generosity with one another. Looking at these ways of devotion Justin challenges us to examine how devoted we are to God and our church. Lastly, he encourages us with ways for us to show love.

This past Sunday, Joey spoke to us from Acts 2:14-41. In this section of scripture, we see Peter addressing the crowd just after all have witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit. As he speaks to all in attendance Peter shares the gospel of Jesus. While looking at Peter's message Joey unpacks 4 convictions for us; life-giving power of the bible, boldness is wisdom, power of the gospel to save, and it is the Lord is who causes growth. Along with these convictions he also reminds us that while God uses us to grow the kingdom, He is not dependent on us for it.

This past Sunday, Joey spoke on Acts 2:1-13, which is when we see the fulfillment of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. While the disciples are gathered with others in prayer God sends the Holy Spirit to them. The text tells us that this arrival is displayed in the sound of rushing wind and tongues of fire settling on each of them. With them all now filled with the Holy Spirit, they begin speaking in many different languages so that all in attendance are able to understand them. Some accused them of being drunk on wine, but scripture says that many were also in awe. While talking to us about the experience of Pentecost, Joey gives us 3 important points; a mighty work of providence in how God did all this on the day of Pentecost, the faithful gift of power in the Holy Spirit's coming, and a glorious fruit of praise in everyone hearing their own language spoken. 

This past Sunday,  Joey spoke on Acts 1:12-26. In this section of scripture, we find the disciples gathered together in the upper room for prayer after Jesus' ascension. Led by Peter's encouragement the disciples prayed over who would replace Judas in the twelve. Then they cast lots and Matthias was chosen.  In speaking to all that happens in the upper room, Joey gives us 3 points of encouragement; Peter's redemption, the trustworthiness of the Holy Spirit, and the Christ-centeredness of the Holy Spirit. Along with these points, Joey emphasizes the importance of the apostles gathering together and learning to pursue Christ in prayer. 

This past Sunday, Steve spoke to us about what happens in Acts1:1-11. In this section of scripture, we see Jesus speaking to the disciples about the Holy Spirit coming to be their help and comforter. He also gives them the mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then we see Jesus' ascension into heaven. While speaking on all of this Steve gives us 3 main points to look at with the Spirit's coming; the power of the Holy Spirit, a mission to preach to the ends of the earth, and the promise of His return. 

This past Sunday, we began the new year with a new study in the book of Acts. Joey introduces this study to us by speaking to why the elders have chosen to dive into this book. In doing so he presents 3 points that are present in Acts; the finishing of Jesus' finished work, the commissioning and empowering of the disciples, and the proclamation of the gospel. While unpacking these three points Joey also reminds us that we as believers are the continuation of this story.

This past Sunday, we observed the fourth and final Sunday of Advent and lit the Peace candle. Joey then spoke on where we can find peace in our lives amidst a world that seems to be so lacking in peace, Joey reminded us that in this season we are told that Jesus is the prince of peace. He also points out that Hebrews refers to God as a God of peace. He then goes on to explain how it is through reconciliation in Jesus that peace is given. From there Joey encourages us to go to God when we need peace. 

This past Sunday, we continued our observance of Advent with the third week's theme of Joy and lighting of the Joy candle. In this service, we also celebrated with our families in Baby Dedications, followed by Steve's message on the week's theme. Steve spoke to Joy for this season by describing Jesus's coming as "the supreme act of service". He also made the distinction between joy and happiness by speaking to how we know joy despite current circumstances. This is also the kind of joy he speaks to Mary had when given the good news, that she would bring the Messiah into the world. This we know in holiday tradition to be good news of great joy. Steve then ended the message with a charge to rediscover the joy we had at the moment of our salvation. 

This past Sunday, we observed the second Sunday of Advent with the lighting of the faith candle. Justin then spoke to us on faith by going through the first chapter of Luke, and the story of John the Baptist's birth. While discussing this section of scripture, Justin looks at Zechariah and Elizabeth's faith, which led to them being considered righteous. We likewise are asked to live out faith by believing in Christ's return, just like what we observe in the 4 weeks of advent as we wait on the Christmas birth.