The Book of Acts - Chapter 14-15

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 13, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 14-15. These chapters show the many conflicts that rose up during Paul’s first missionary journey and how he worked to manage them. Conflict rose up with non-believers and members within the church. How Paul worked to manage these conflicts gives us insight into managing conflict today and becoming true ministers of reconciliation.

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1. Acts 14:3 says that Paul and Barnabas “remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord.” Culture tells us to “dismiss or avoid people who don’t agree with us.” However, often God is calling us to just “remain.” Sometimes, it’s not the words we say, it’s the life we live out in front of them.

2. Do you know any unbelievers and are they open to a conversation about faith? Pray for discernment – for eyes to see. (Acts 14:9) Is their desire to debate with you or are they truly hungry for the message of faith? Is a conversation with them going to produce fruit or is this a case of “casting your pearls before swine”? (Mathew 7:6)

3. In Acts 14:19-28 we see Paul and Barnabas risk their lives to revisit all of the hostile cities on their trip home. Why? Verse 22 tells us it was to “strengthen the believers and remind them of tribulations.” Taking a risk of being persecuted communicates the value we place on others and the message of Christ we carry.

4. As messengers of faith in Christ, we must be careful to not elevate ourselves above the message. We must value others more than ourselves. When we do this, we remove any question about our motive. Christ did this for us! Romans 5:8 “But God showed His great love for us in that while we yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

5. When we encounter conflict with other believers we must look to a higher authority. (Pastoral or Biblical council) We are called to seek wisdom and the authority of God. We are to avoid issues that create division. We see this in Acts 15:7-21.

6. We are called to not elevate our preferences above others. If your conscience won’t allow you to let go of your preference, then we are to part ways with grace. We must also understand and accept that not all conflict is resolved. Sometimes we must move on.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 13

Pastor Lyell Walker | March 6th, 2022

In this message, Pastor Lyell teaches from Acts chapter 13. In this chapter, we read that Paul begins his first missionary journey. During his travels, he is confronted with several groups who oppose his teaching of the Gospel. What we learn from these encounters is that we, like Paul, must keep our eyes on Jesus when confronted by those who disagree with us or who oppose the Gospel. We must be those who are led by the Spirit and act out of love towards the Bar Jesus’ around us.

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Reflect

1. Barnabas and Saul were given direction, but not directions. Has there been a time when you heard the Holy Spirit speak and give you a direction but not directions? What is/was your response, move forward or wait on the Lord?

2. The Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Saul to Paphos, and there they encountered a false prophet named Bar-Jesus as they were meeting with the proconsul named Sergius Paulus. When Bar-Jesus opposed them and the gospel message, Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” spoke boldly and intently the truth. His motivation was not to be right but to speak the truth in love. When you encounter opposition because of the gospel message, how do you respond? Prayerfully or reactively? We have a choice to prayerfully respond or emotionally react.

3. Do you ask for wisdom of when to speak and what to say?

4. We, like Paul, have been sent out with the message of salvation and the ministry of reconciliation. How can you live in this way, sharing the message of Jesus and living as a reconciler?

5. We see from chapter 13 that Paul gained a following and was also met with opposition from those filled with jealousy. Reflecting on his response in verses 51-52, what can we learn from Paul and Barnabas in keeping our eyes on Jesus and the work that He has set out for us to do? Will we be distracted by opposition or fame or be diligent in keeping our eyes on Jesus? Are we prepared to respond like Paul if we gain a following or encounter persecution?

6. Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything that is distracting you from Jesus and walking in complete surrender and obedience to Him.

7. Did Paul get offended when people disagreed with him? Can we be a people who will hate evil and love our neighbors?

8. Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any ways you are creating division instead of living as a bridge builder for the gospel message of Jesus. Do you see your world as a mission field? The people around us need to hear the message of Jesus.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 11-12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 27, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 11-12. This chapter shows how individual, gospel transformation impacts local churches. When God changed Peter’s heart toward the gentiles, his testimony changed the heart of the entire circumcision party in Jerusalem. When God moved on Barnabas’ heart in generosity, the church in Antioch followed his lead. These chapters make it clear that healthy, vibrant disciples create healthy, vibrant churches.

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1. Healthy growing churches are filled with healthy and growing Christians. Does that describe you and your current walk with Jesus?

2. When Peter went up to Jerusalem, we see the circumcision party criticize him for entering the home of the uncircumcised. Reflecting on Peter’s response, does this represent your usual response when confronted by other people? Do you share what God has done in you or argue?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes if there are any ways you are more committed to church tradition, what people think, or anything more than you are committed to Jesus.

4. Earlier in Acts, Barnabas sold his property and gave his proceeds to the apostles. We see his generosity triggered the disciples in Antioch to be generous for the need in Judea. It wasn’t something they were asked to do. They watched Barnabas walk in obedience and generosity, that then was their natural response when a need arose. Is there anything the Holy Spirit is asking you to do or change? Your obedience affects the people around you.

5. Fire cannot be contained. What kind of fire are you creating? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to stir you up, draw you into Him, sanctify you and the way you walk and talk? Or are you stirring up strife, conflict, bitterness, human anger, gossip, greed? Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas you might need to repent and ask Him to cleanse you and give you strength to walk in His power and love.

6. Acts 12:5 says, “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” We then see God send an Angel to free Peter. May we sit and behold the beauty of how God works, how He uses His people through earnest prayer. Do you spend time in earnest prayer for specific requests? What specific requests has God answered for you? Will you take time this week to tell a friend? Share with a friend the ways God has answered your specific requests. It allows them to share in praise to our Jesus and grows their faith also.

7. Do you go to the world for answers, or do you go to Jesus? Do you rely on hearing the word of God one time per week, or do you abide in His word daily? Do your daily decisions reflect a devotion to Jesus or to something or someone else?

8. Healthy disciples make up healthy churches. Are you a healthy and growing disciple? Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in growing in a relationship with Him.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 20, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 10. This chapter shows how the gospel message spread to a Roman Centurion named Cornelius, his family, and many other gentiles. The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter and Cornelius in a vision. God confirmed His work through multiple people, and the message was clear — gentiles are welcome in God’s kingdom and receive the same full benefits as Jewish believers.

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Reflect

1. We see in Isaiah 56:6-7 God’s plan from the beginning of time is for His house to be a house of prayer for all people; we are all equal members. Meditate on this truth, that 700 years before what we read in Acts 10, this was God’s plan. God is always faithful.

2. Scripture describes Cornelius as a devout man who feared God and prayed continually. Do you have a regular time devoted to prayer and study of God’s word? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to make this a priority?

3. Reflecting on God’s timing to meet Cornelius at 3 pm during his prayer time, how does this change your view of ways God will meet you through obedience and submission to His ways?

4. This chapter in Acts tells us of the conversion of Cornelius and Peter’s transformation in heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden or obvious bitterness or bias you have towards other people. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to change your heart?

5. We see in this chapter both Peter and Cornelius have visions and an experience with an Angel of God. Read Acts 2:17-20 and John 14:12. Meditate on these passages and the truth that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh and we shall see visions and dream dreams. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to all of the ways He is speaking to you.

6. God spoke to both Peter and Cornelius, not just one of them. Reflecting on this, are there any instances God spoke to you and then confirmed it either through His word or another believer? How does this grow your faith to trust, surrender and obey when God speaks to you? Are you living in a community with other believers where God can confirm what He says to you through other witnesses?

7. God gives each believer different spiritual gifts to use for His kingdom and His glory. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the gifts He has given you and how He wants you to use them. (1 Corinthians 12)

8. In this chapter, we read about people receiving visions from God and new believers receiving the gifts of tongues. The kingdom of God does not make sense to the world; we serve a King who rose from the dead. Do you have any preconceived ideas or beliefs that may not align with God’s word? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach and transform your heart.

9. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to submit, surrender, and turn from the desires of this world to Jesus? Jesus will do everything; He will change you then change the world through you.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 13, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 9. This chapter shows how the gospel message impacted the people in the first century. The message resulted in transformed lives, healed bodies, and resurrection power. The message also challenged people to overcome prejudice, forgive their neighbors, and reconcile relationships. The gospel results are seen in our lives as well, and this chapter reminds us to quit working against God’s kingdom and submit to it.

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Reflect

1. Meditating on Saul’s experience in Acts 9, how is your heart encouraged for those in your life who do not yet believe in Jesus Christ? God’s power transforms the hearts and lives of those far away from God. I encourage you to write down the name of a loved one or friend who does not know Jesus and commit to pray for them by name.

2. What are some of the ways the gospel has changed your heart and life? May we never lose the awe of what God has done in us, the transformation from dead in our trespasses to now alive with Him.

3. Spend time reflecting on the contrast of Saul’s mission and God’s mission - are there any ways you are pursuing your mission instead of God’s? Jesus sent us to open the eyes of the blind.

4. How can you lead and challenge your family to get on your knees, seek God through prayer and walk in God’s mission for you and your family?

5. In Act 26, Jesus tells Saul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Goads were a stick used to prod cattle or donkeys in the direction they were to go. Reflecting on this message in prayer, is there anything you are kicking against the goad, not wanting to go in the way God is leading you?

6. In verse 17, we see Ananias address Saul as “Brother Saul” when laying hands on him. Contemplating how Saul persecuted followers of Jesus Christ, would “brother” be how you would address someone who had been coming against you, your family, and the family of believers? How might this change our hearts toward the people we have held grudges or ill will against?

7. Ananias was an ordinary disciple, like you and me, that the Spirit spoke to. How might this truth open your eyes to what God can do through a surrendered and obedient Christ follower?

8. The time frame between when Paul encountered Jesus on the Damascus’ road and when he began his missionary journeys was thirteen years. How might we learn from Paul’s devotion to studying God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to grow our knowledge in Jesus Christ?

9. In verse 31, we see the church multiply as they had peace, being built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit. May we walk fully in our calling to open the eyes of the blind.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 6, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 8. This chapter tells the story of Philip and the first missionary journey to Samaria. Philip was a young man, filled with the Holy Spirit, and God used him in miraculous ways. In the midst of early church persecution, Philip preached Jesus and people groups all over the world were impacted. His life is a reminder that titles, power, and prestige are not required for God to work in our lives.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 6-7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 30, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 6-7. These chapters tell the story of Stephen the martyr and his bold preaching before the Jewish High Council. Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached with such wisdom that he frustrated many leaders in Jerusalem synagogs. He was accused of blasphemy but preached a powerful sermon that further angered the religious leaders. The trial ended in his murder, but the gospel continued to spread.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 4-5

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 23, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall Ochs teaches from Acts 4-5. These chapters contrast the unity and generosity in the early church with the selfishness of Ananias and Sapphira. They also capture the persecution and defiance of the early church in their mission to obey God rather than men. The Holy Spirit was working in the early church in unprecedented ways, and it created a general fear and awe of God.

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