In Acts 11 we find Peter facing some critics of his communing and dining with sinners – which is a bit of an understatement of the enormity of this shift God had gently urged Peter into through and with Cornelius in Chapter 10. Peter offers us a brief case study of dealing with conflict. He never tried to prove himself or set himself up as “right – he didn’t argue or put down those coming after him. He humbly (which might be the operative word) and simply presented the facts, took it to God and let His word (Scripture) stand (or not stand) for itself with the statement, “Who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”

But rather than go into it all, here’s a link to our chat:

And this week, we circled back to Peter as he leaned into his front row seat not only to see, but to experience even more freedom for which he (we!) had (have) been set free. Through Aeneas, Tabitha & Cornelius God reveals his power to breathe life into bodies and souls. He hears our prayers, sees our need, meets our needs (even those we didn’t know we had) and displays his faithfulness in ways exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. Which He continues to do today – every day.

She walked us through the beautiful background and story of Paul then his conversion as we see up close and personal God’s sovereignty (over all things seen and unseen) and faithfulness.

In Acts 1, Jesus told the disciples, ““It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

In chapters 7 and 8, we’re getting to watch it play out. From Stephen’s brilliant testimony in Acts 7 to Philip’s sharing in Samaria and the beginning of the ends of the earth as the Ethiopian eunuch learns that the answer to his questions is Jesus – Redeemer, Savior.

But rather than go into it all, here’s a link to our chat:

We continue right where we left off last week. Steven, facing the Sanhedrin and charges manufactured against him, sets forth in sharing a beautiful story. Beginning with Abraham in Genesis , he weaves his way through a familiar landscape for his “brothers and fathers (v.1) that offers more to the story than they had ever seen before – mainly a common theme woven throughout, manifested in Christ: eternal redemption and salvation.

Rather than go into it all, here’s a link to our chat:

Another terrific discussion this week as Candy led us through Acts 6. We talked about wisdom, about God’s word (that cannot be bound) about giftedness, leadership, calling and resting in Truth – knowing that God is beyond our understanding and always F A I T H F U L.

We had a lively and thought-provoking discussion of a Ananias & Sapphira’s difficult story followed by great inspiration of Peter and the disciples determination in the face of persecution.

Candy’s leads us through Acts 4:1-31 – the amazing defense presented by Peter to the religious leader that were confused & concerned by the miracle performed in Acts 2:42-3:26.

A contemplation of peace, freedom Christ’s continued work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. From this passage we see that Jesus is Holy, Righteous One, God’s servant, Author of Life; that God is ruler and authority over every dominion seen & unseen; that the Holy Spirit is P O W E R – to heal, to make strong, over life and death.

… and more. Here’s the link:

Such a beautiful morning, taking up where we left off last week at an event that changes everything – Pentecost, the staggering gifting of the Holy Spirit to his people. The Holy Spirit – a distinct character, separate character in the Trinity – a person who is our helper, intercessor, strength, power, rescuer and so much more, including Jesus in us. Wow.

Candy seamlessly guides us through Acts 2, the Gospel of John, Psalms and 1 Peter 1:3-5 …

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

And the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians: “But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness^[in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.”

But rather than go into everything, here’s a link to the lesson: