Scripture Reading — Acts 8:1-8On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. — Acts 8:1We see Jesus’ words to his disciples fulfilled, in part

Scripture Reading — Acts 6:1-7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly. . . . — Acts 6:7As we saw earlier in the book of Acts, Jesus promised his followers that the Holy Spirit would empower them to bec

Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. — 1 Thessalonians 1:8Last year, my favorite baseball team came within inches of winn

Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. — 1 Thessalonians 1:8Old Testament scholars will tell us that in Hebrew writing, the

Scripture Reading — Acts 1:4-11“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8Picture someone striking a large gong with a mallet, maybe as part of an orchestra or a marching band

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:6-13“My word . . . will not return to me empty, but will . . . achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11On this day of worship let’s return to the words of Isaiah 55 and reflect on the power of the

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 1:18-25The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. — 1 Corinthians 1:18One of the leaders in our mission organization visited a wom