This powerful message takes us deep into Acts 18, where we witness the Apostle Paul's transformative ministry in Corinth—one of the most morally corrupt cities of the ancient world. What stands out immediately is Paul's shift in approach: after attempting to impress the intellectual elite in Athens with sophisticated arguments, he arrives in Corinth determined to know nothing except 'Jesus Christ and him crucified.' This radical simplicity becomes the foundation for explosive spiritual growth. We're challenged to examine whether our own faith rests on human wisdom or the power of God. The message also explores the beautiful partnership between practical work and spiritual calling—Paul made tents with Priscilla and Aquila while simultaneously building God's kingdom. This reminds us that our workplaces aren't just where we earn income; they're mission fields where we spend roughly 90,000 hours of our lives. The Lord's encouragement to Paul—'Do not be afraid, for I am with you'—speaks directly to our own fears about sharing faith. When we feel that burning, anxious excitement in our chest, that's often the Holy Spirit prompting us to speak truth into someone's life. The transformation of Sosthenes from synagogue leader to beaten victim to faithful co-worker illustrates how God works through persecution to bring people to Himself. Ultimately, we're reminded that our calling isn't to be eloquent or successful by worldly standards—it's simply to be faithful in proclaiming Jesus, trusting that He will build His church.

Guest speaker Marty Anderson shares a message surrounding the idea; do we take lightly the riches of God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4)? He, dives deep into the unstoppable, grace-upon-grace power of God—its priority in Scripture, Jesus as its endless source, its purpose to bless and make us a blessing, a real-life example that chisels our flaws into beauty, and an encouragement to let it abound in every corner of your "all."From Paul's prison plea in 2 Timothy 2:1—"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"—we unpack why grace trumps vision, doctrine, family, or any other strength. It's God's relentless favor through Jesus, pouring out like Peter's prayer in 2 Peter 1:2: "Grace be multiplied to you!" We'll trace it from John's eyewitness awe in John 1:14-16 (Jesus, full of grace and truth, giving us grace upon grace), through Paul's everything-by-grace testimony (calling, ministry, sufferings—you name it), to Genesis 12's covenant promise: God shows, makes, blesses... so you be a blessing. Grace isn't hoarded; it's reflected in forgiving words, gracious speech (Ephesians 4:29), and seeing others as "beautiful gifts of God's favor." Remember that flawed marble block Michelangelo turned into David? That's you—fractured, rejected, but sculpted by the Master's hand into His poem (Ephesians 2:10). And here's the mic-drop: The Bible's very last words? Not "Come, Lord Jesus" (that's second-to-last)—but "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all" (Revelation 22:21). All your ups, downs, battles, joys—covered. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 declares, God makes all grace abound so you have abundance for every good work. If life's grit has you weary, this is your pillow of perseverance.

In this teaching out of Acts 16, we're reminded of God's intricate guidance in our lives. The story of Paul, Silas, and Timothy's journey teaches us about following the Holy Spirit's lead, even when doors seem closed. We see how God orchestrates events, leading them to Lydia - an unexpected first convert in Europe. This narrative challenges us to trust in God's higher ways, as Isaiah 55:8-9 beautifully illustrates. The message encourages us to be open to God's direction, understanding that His plans may unfold differently than we expect. As we reflect on Lydia's conversion, we're prompted to consider how our own response to God's grace can bless not just us, but our households and communities. This sermon invites us to embrace the adventure of faith, being under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and ready for the good works God has prepared for us.

In this sermon out of Acts 15, we delve into the early church's struggle with legalism and the true meaning of salvation by grace. The central conflict revolves around whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish customs to be saved. This debate mirrors our own struggles with adding human requirements to God's free gift of grace. We're reminded that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our works or adherence to religious traditions. The apostles' resolution to this conflict teaches us valuable lessons about unity, sensitivity to others' consciences, and the importance of basing our decisions on Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on this passage, we're challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we relying solely on God's grace, or are we unconsciously adding our own conditions to salvation? How can we better extend grace to others while remaining true to the gospel?