Genesis Church Phoenix

Pastor Ryan gives an update on Genesis Church's financial situation and a challenge to greater generosity/

Acts 10:17-33 As Peter and Cornelius come together, their prejudice of each other are set aside for the sake of Jesus’ message. Within the Kingdom of God there is no place for prejudice based on class, race, gender, or otherwise. We, like Peter, must repent of any prejudice in our lives in an effort to bring all people—regardless of their status in life—to the family of God.

Acts 10:1-16 Two stories collide at the start of Acts 10—the story of Cornelius and the story of Peter. Each are given a vision. Each are told to connect with each other. But, there are some major differences about the two. Cornelius is a Roman Centurion who is seeking God while Peter is a devout Jewish Christian who is given a vision to eliminate the barriers that could keep people from Jesus. The good news of Jesus intends to break down the religious, political, and social barriers of every generation.

Acts 9:32-42 Following Luke’s report of Saul’s collision with Jesus, he returns to Peter who happens to be in the towns of Lydda and Joppa. Both were small towns on the outskirts of Judea, west of Jerusalem. Luke’s shift in story from this unbelievable transformation of Saul to the quiet witness and miracles of Peter in Lydda and Joppa indicates the importance of God’s work in the shadows of society. The healing of Aeneas and the raising of Dorcas are sure signs that God is at work through Peter and the first followers in large ways and small.

Acts - Live Fearlessly by Genesis Church

Acts 9:10-19a The story of Ananias and Saul shows the incredible value placed on loving your enemies in the church. Saul was Ananias’ greatest earthly enemy and now he is asked to take him into his home and care for him. As difficult as it can be, we are called to love our enemies—no matter who they may be. Doing so, may just very well open their eyes to the love of Jesus like it did for Saul.

Acts 9:1-9 In the most dramatic turn events in all of Acts, Saul (later named Paul) comes face-to-face with Jesus. Saul is the church’s greatest critic and persecutor at the time. But, because of his encounter with Jesus, everything changes. The event proves it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done—when a person encounters Jesus their life can be changed.

Acts 8:26-40 The Gospel message is going out everywhere now—including an Ethiopian Eunuch. But, why not the queen of Ethiopia? Because, the Gospel is most powerful on the fringes of society. The Gospel moves forward through the oppressed, marginalized, and overlooked. How are we spreading the Gospel to the fringes of our society?

Acts 8:9-25 Unlike those who were genuinely giving their lives to Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit, Simon the Sorcerer attempts to purchase it for himself. The power of the Spirit cannot be purchased though. It’s personal—connected to the person and work of Jesus Christ. All we must do is receive the gift of salvation, pursue the person of Jesus, and the power will follow.

Acts 8:1b-8 Following Stephen’s speech and stoning, the church is forced from the city of Jerusalem by the religious leaders—including a man named Saul. However, the scattering of the church may have been the best thing that ever happened to it. The church is called to gather, yes. But, it is called to scatter as well. The scattered church goes into the world, freeing people from evil and sin, healing those who are hurting, and bringing joy to those in despair.

Continuing in the narrative of the Old Testament, Stephen moves on to the person of Moses. Ultimately, this is why Stephen is standing before the high council and he wants to display his understanding of the importance of Moses and his foundation for the coming of Jesus. There is no story told more often than the story of Moses and the Exodus. It is the defining moment of God fulfilling His covenant with His people. Now a follower of Jesus, Stephen is redefining the role of Moses and the Exodus, placing Jesus as the great rescuer for Israel and all people.

Stephen’s defense goes all the way back to the beginning. He wants the council to know how he has come to the decision to follow Jesus. He paints a picture of the way in which God has orchestrated His salvation since the very beginning and is continuing to do so through Jesus. Stephen’s telling of this story serves as a reminder that we, too, need to often go back to go forward.

For some reason, Stephen—a newly appointed administrator in the church—becomes the newest target of the religious elite. Like Stephen, we have a target on our backs. Satan will do anything—including false witness—to shake our faith and bring us down. If our faith is strong, we will be able to endure the attacks. If not, our faith may be shattered.

Compassion On The Road (DJ Uithoven) by Genesis Church

The Greatest Mystery In History (Duane Cross) by Genesis Church

Go And Make Disciples (Joe Groenwald) by Genesis Church

Early on, the church isn’t exempt from discontent and trouble. Because of their growth, the demand to care fro people is outgrowing their systems and structures. Instead of pointing fingers, the community comes together and solves the issue. Not much has changed. The local church will always run into problems and challenges. But, when we come together—using our gifts and abilities—to solve the issues, we become better and allow for greater growth.

In their struggle for control, the high council wants to kill the apostles in an attempt to end this new community of Jesus followers. One of the most respected rabbis of the time, Gamaliel, encourages the council to allow the apostles to carry on. If it isn’t from God, it will die out like all of the movements of the past. If it is from God, though, beware. Ironically, Gamaliel’s instruction is helpful even to us. If God’s movement isn’t in something, it will die off. If God’s movement is in something, look out.

We all have bad days—sometimes bad months or years. But, in the midst of our struggle and suffering, we can be reassured that God is always there. Despite David’s difficult circumstances, he recognizes hope can only be found in God. When we are in similar situations, may we look to the One who can provide hope eternally.

Like the love we have for one another, the love we have for God ought to be more than just lip-service to Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” In other words, love towards God is an action more than it is a feeling. And, His love compels us to not just say we love him, but show our love for him.