Pastor Brent opens with the inspirational story of Adoniram Judson, the influential missionary to Burma/Myanmar in the 19th century. Judson faced deep-seated opposition from spiritual darkness and a hostile government. We see the same things experienced by Paul and Silas in Philippi as recorded in today’s passage from Acts 16. All three of these pioneering missionaries placed their trust in God as they patiently endured, and their response led to immeasurable fruit for the kingdom of God!
Conflict Between the Missionaries (Acts 15:36-16:15)
A few days after returning from a three-week adventure to study Calvin’s company of pastors in Geneva while hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, Pastor Brent weaves 16th century church history with Acts 15:36-16:15. Just as Pastor Brent walked the city and hiked the mountains where the Lord led John Calvin during early years of the Reformation, the Lord let Paul and Silas through a land route in bringing the gospel all the way to Philippi, recruiting a young disciple named Timothy along the way. God Himself is the main character in the Book of Acts, and this passage celebrates His centrality and purposes once again!
Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35)
Director of Discipleship Paul Arneberg outlines three important features in his sermon on Acts 15: 1) definition of the gospel; 2) focus on what unites us as Christ-followers; and 3) demonstration how we should live together as fellow believers.
The Gospel Expands (Acts 14:1-28)
Pastor Ken Warwick of Faribault EFC in Minnesota serves as our guest preacher as we continue our series in the Book of Acts. Pastor Ken lays out three main points in the expansion of the gospel both during the 1st century and today: 1) it is the sovereign work of God; 2) it is for all people; and 3) it results in redeemed individuals and a gospel community.
Opposition and Acceptance (Acts 12:25-13:52)
Mark Revell is a New Life EFC member, missionary to Hungary, and EFCA Director of Training and Development for ReachGlobal. Mark opens by defining the church as “a community of people following Jesus together,” and he highlights four attributes of the church in his sermon on Acts 13.
Joys and Struggles (Acts 11:19-12:24)
The work of the Kingdom of God comes with joys and struggles. It is not the easy path, but it is the path that glorifies God and points others to the salvation that only comes through Jesus Christ. Pastor Brent describes the joys and struggles of the early church as the gospel begins to spread “to the ends of the earth” in fulfillment of Acts 1:8.
The Gentile Inclusion (Acts 9:32-11:18)
Pastor Brent explains the central turning point in the book of Acts that opens the door to the gospel spreading “to the ends of the earth”. Peter enters the house of a Roman Centurion named Cornelius, showing that the gospel is for all people, and revealing that anyone who repents and believes can be in the family of God.
Saul's Conversion (Acts 9:1-31)
Pastor Brent shows us that gospel is good news for all who are proud and self-righteous. This passage describes the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee of Pharisees. He had sought to prove that he was worthy of God through earning and achieving a works-based piety, only to realize he also was empty and needed Christ.
Philip in Judea (Acts 8:26-40)
Pastor Brent continues the account of Philip the evangelist who went into the province of Judea and met a wealthy government official from the ancient region of Ethiopia. This man from North Africa was on a desperate search for God and Philip shared the gospel with him as they intently studied the Scriptures together. This is an amazing account of personal evangelism, and an inspiration for all who are desperately searching.
Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:4-25)
Pastor Brent looks at the first time when the gospel spread beyond the walls of Jerusalem, fulfilling the next step in Jesus’ commission from Acts 1:8. This passage reveals that “the gospel must capture your heart.”
Stephen's Speech (Acts 6:8-8:3)
Guest speaker Mark Revell walks us through the story of Stephen, the first martyr of the church. Mark’s experience as a missionary and pastor helps provide insight into this dramatic account as we consider boldly witnessing about the gospel of Jesus Christ in our day.
The Seven (Acts 6:1-7)
Pastor Brent examines a new problem in the early church, something that has the potential to derail and destroy the brand new community of faith in Jerusalem: complaining and competition. There is a pattern of grumbling and murmuring in the Bible that is now redeemed as the early church addresses this potential division in a gospel-centered way.
Miracles and Persecution (Acts 5:12-42)
Pastor Brent explains how this passage is an answer to the specific prayer from Acts 4 for boldness and for signs and wonders. This account is a powerful reminder that God is at work, He is the center of the story, and His purposes through the church to spread the gospel will not fail.
Pure-Hearted Devotion (Acts 4:32-5:11)
Pastor Brent shares about the importance of generosity, truth, and integrity in the church. These qualities flow from the gospel and are foundations of the church. This passages make it is clear that selfishness, lies, and deception are not welcome in the church of the living God. The gospel of Jesus Christ opens the opportunity for us to be open-handed with our material things, to be honest, and to have integrity. Freely we have received, freely we give. Freely we are forgiven, freely we have integrity to tell the truth.
Witnesses in Word and Deed (Acts 3:1-4:31)
Pastor Brent continues our series in the book of Acts. This passage emphasizes the authority and power of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We see the phrase “in the name of Jesus” repeated: healed in Jesus’ name, faith in Jesus’ name, salvation in Jesus’ name, and mission in Jesus’ name.
Devoted Community of Faith (Acts 2:42-47)
Listen as Paul Arneberg brings a message for the first time at New Life! We learn about the pillars of devotion and fruits of devotion as the early Christ-followers begin meeting together immediately after Pentecost. Hear this encouraging message from Acts 2:42-47.
Easter - Cut to the Heart (Acts 2:1-41)
Are you thirsty for God? Pastor Brent teaches about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, focusing on Peter’s sermon about the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The Spirit of God touched the hearts of thousands of people as they were called to repentance and faith.
Good Friday (Isaiah 53:4-6)
Pastor Brent shows how the Song of the Suffering Servant from Isaiah 53 foreshadowed the great exchange that took place at the cross of Christ. Good Friday is when we remember that Jesus Christ died in our place, the perfect substitute and sacrifice, so that we could have peace with God.
The Mission (Acts 1:1-26)
Pastor Brent begins a new series in the book of Acts called “To the Ends of the Earth”. We will be studying the book of Acts for the next 6 months, seeing the launch of the church and the incredible ways the gospel spread throughout the world. This opening chapter is like a mission briefing as Jesus commissions his disciples to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Biblical Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-12)
Pastor Brent concludes our series on Biblical Church Leadership with a message on Deacons. Deacons serve the practical ministry needs of the church by organizing and mobilizing the Body of Christ to serve one another and achieve the mission God has called us to.