Unlikely Christians

  • November 3, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Acts 11:19–30; 12:25–13:3   What happens when the Gospel reaches the least expected? Unlikely people become world changers through Christ.   Unlikely Diversity The Gospel embraces the unlikely.   Unlikely Unity The Gospel unites the unlikely.   Unlikely Ministry The Gospel pursues the unlikely.   Takeaway: The Gospel is for every unlikely one of us. … [Read More…] Unlikely Christians

All in the Family

  • October 27, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Acts 10:1–11:18   Who can be in God’s family? Anyone saved by Jesus and sealed by His Spirit is welcomed by grace.   The Setup God is setting up a meeting between Cornelius and Peter, proactively dismantling Old Covenant barriers.   The Surprise The Gentiles are sealed by the Spirit in the New Covenant through … [Read More…] All in the Family

Work in Progress

  • October 20, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Acts 9:32–43   We’re all works in progress living in a world under construction—yet Jesus is still working, healing, and bringing resurrection hope.   Expansion ∙ Jesus’ work is reaching further   Extension ∙ Jesus’ work is multiplying wider   Expectation ∙ Jesus’ work is pointing higher   Takeaway: “I am sure of this, that … [Read More…] Work in Progress

Faith Over Fear

  • October 14, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

1 Kings 18:30–39   Though fear grips tight, faith can take root. What threatens to undo us can become the ground where trust in God grows strong.   Elijah’s experience with fear provides several lessons for the church today on how to endure anxieties and setbacks. Discover how our Father in heaven responds to our … [Read More…] Faith Over Fear

The Power of the Gospel

  • October 6, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Acts 9:1–31   In a striking reversal, the persecutor became the persecuted, displaying the Gospel’s power. Only the risen Christ could turn an enemy into an ambassador.    Saul’s Conversion • The Gospel confronts and consoles.   Saul’s Community • The Gospel changes and challenges.   Saul’s Commission • The Gospel compels and confounds.   … [Read More…] The Power of the Gospel

An Unexpected Journey

  • September 29, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Acts 8:26–40   Ever feel too broken or unworthy for God? In Jesus, the outsider is embraced, the cut-off are welcomed, and joy overflows.    A Divine Appointment • God is going out of His way in pursuit of the Ethiopian Eunuch through Philip.   A Spiritual Pilgrimage • This Ethiopian Eunuch’s longing for hope is riddled with pain. … [Read More…] An Unexpected Journey

The Lord of the Church

  • September 22, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

Acts 8:1–25   When chaos scatters God’s people, does evil win? In Jesus’ hands, persecution spreads the Gospel, reconciles people, and cultivates humility.   The Redeemer • Persecution in Jesus’ hands becomes Gospel-propulsion.   The Healer • Estrangement in Jesus’ hands becomes Gospel-reconciliation.   The Teacher • Ego in Jesus’ hands becomes Gospel-humility.   Takeaways: … [Read More…] The Lord of the Church

The First Martyr

  • September 15, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

In the darkest persecution, Jesus stands with those who stand for Him. Stephen’s witness and martyrdom revealed God’s glory, sparking unstoppable faith.   THE FIRST MARTYR Acts 6:8–7:60   Stephen’s Charges Blasphemy against Moses, God, Temple, and Law.   His Defense The real blasphemy is rejection of Jesus Messiah.   His Witness Stephen sees and shines Jesus as … [Read More…] The First Martyr

Growing Pains

  • September 8, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses
What if conflict strengthened the church? The early church’s growing pains led to Spirit-filled unity that empowered diverse leaders and multiplied impact. The Problem The Problem: Distortion & Distraction   The Solution The Solution: Integrity & Intentionality   The Result The Results: Mutuality & Multiplication   Takeaway: The more we become what we believe, the … [Read More...] Growing Pains

God’s Ways And Our Prayers

  • September 2, 2025
  • BY Sydney Bylsma
  • no responses

A Weird Prologue The story begins with the sons of the prophets, a humble community serving the Lord. When a borrowed iron axe head falls into the Jordan, Elisha miraculously makes it float. Though small and strange, this miracle shows that God cares deeply for the problems of ordinary people—even when those problems don’t affect … [Read More…] God’s Ways And Our Prayers