Always With The Lord

Always With The Lord

Though there is much debate concerning the timing of the rapture, Paul’s purpose in this passage is less concerned with when it will take place but far more concerned that his words be comforting & assuring to a grief stricken church. Though we will experience immense grief and pain with the loss of a loved one, our grief is anchored in the beautiful reminder that upon his return, Jesus will gather all of his children with him – we will live forever with Jesus and those we’ve lost in the Lord.

The Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord

From the beginning, the Church has awaited Jesus’ return; that glorious day when he will gather His people to himself and usher them into the new heavens & the new earth. Sadly, the church in Thessalonica had been duped into thinking they’d missed out and that they’d been left behind – something that Jesus would never allow to happen. Paul goes on to explain the events that must take place before Christ returns & exhorts them to be on guard against the deception of the enemy.

The Gospel vs Tradition

The Gospel vs Tradition

The Jewish leaders continue to walk through new territory after hearing more reports of Gentiles receiving the word of God. They are tested to see whether they will prioritise the gospel going out OR their tradition, culture and personal preference. Like them, we face the same opportunity and test to either prioritise the gospel going out or our own traditions, and culture and preferences.

A Global Gospel

A Global Gospel

As we follow God’s redemptive story from Old Testament to New, we see that He has been progressively unveiling His plan to include all nations into his family. Acts chapter 10 brings us to that incredible moment in history when God poured out the New Covenant blessing of the Holy Spirit on the gentiles; commencing a new chapter where Jews and gentiles are reconciled & made into one.

God's People - The Meeting Place

God's People - The Meeting Place

All of humanity feels the longing for what is transcendent. We long for the one who is above to come down and be close. In the OT, God comes to dwell with his people in the Temple. The wonder of the book of Acts, is that God comes to dwell IN his people through the Holy Spirit. During this message, we look at this incredible shift and what it looks like for God's people to be the meeting place between heaven and earth.