Genesis Church Phoenix

1 Thes. 5:21 / 1 John 4:1 If you ever feel confused about what is true and what is not, you're not alone. In a world filled with so many superstitions and beliefs, it can often be difficult to determine what to believe. Fortunately, we have been given both the Scriptures and the Spirit to help us discern right from wrong, good from evil, and truth from falsities. Learning how to tap into both will enhance your ability to discern what to believe and what not to believe.

Acts 28:23-31 As the book of Acts comes to a close, it has what seems to be an unfinished ending. There isn't a "happily ever after," nor a tragic ending to Acts. However, it is intentional on Luke's part. Ultimately, the story of Acts is still going. We are now the characters and cast members of the mission of the church around the world. The question is: what part will we now write with our lives?

Acts 28:11-22 Upon his arrival in Rome, Paul is greeted by a group of Christians. Two years prior Paul had written them in his letter to the Romans. Seeing them must have been a reminder for Paul that God is working even he wasn't looking. His arrival to Rome reminds us that God is already at work in the places we go. God is always at work in our lives and in the world around us. We just need the awareness to see it when it greets us.

Acts 28:1-10 After the shipwreck on the island of Malta, Paul is suddenly bitten by a venomous snake. A symbol of evil, the locals believe it happened because of justice against Paul. But, since Paul never falls ill, it becomes an example that evil will not prevail. Instead, the Gospel spreads across the island and many are healed and saved. Evil may try, but, it will never have the last word. The Gospel has prevailed time and time again and won't stop now.

When heading towards a wreck, we need to flex our trust in God.

Big issues require immediate attention, but often get neglected. We dive into three big issues in one's spiritual life that require immediate attention, and discuss what it looks like to fix them.

Acts 27:1-26 As Paul sets sail for Italy on his way to Rome, his ship is caught in a terrible storm. While those on the ship become frantic and terrified, Paul remains steadfast and cool in the hope he has in Jesus and the promises his voice has given Him. As Christians, we are called to be "hope markers" for those caught in the everyday storms of life.

Acts 26:20-32 As Paul continues his defense before Festus and King Agrippa, he begins to press them with the message of Jesus. Their responses are typical when a person is confronted with the reality of the Gospel. Festus attacks and King Agrippa avoids. What is our response to the message of Jesus and various aspects of it? Do we tend to attack it, avoid it, or accept it? Only one response will bring change in our lives and in the world around us.

Acts 26:1-19 As Paul stands before King Agrippa, he makes the case that because of Jesus he has changed from a zealous Pharisee opposing the name of Jesus to a zealous follower of Jesus preaching the name of Jesus. His life has been dramatically changed because of Jesus and the good deeds that are coming from it are changing the lives of others. When a person places their faith in Jesus, life changes. And, through a changed life comes the power and courage to change the lives of others.

Acts 25:13-27 Paul gains an audience with King Agrippa and his sister Bernice. Before he does, though, Festus catches Agrippa up to speed on the situation and lets him know that nobody knows what to do with him. He's being accused of all sorts of things, but Paul's integrity is undisputed. What Paul has refined in private has become his primary mode of witness in public. Similarly, as Christians, what is refined in us privately is witnessed publicly.

Easter 2024 at Genesis Church

Pastor DJ Uithoven takes us into our next segment of Acts. Are you ready to follow Jesus and do what's right?

Acts 24:1-27 As Paul stands before Felix in Caesarea, it is clear that both the Jewish lawyer, Tertullus, and Felix, are increasingly uncomfortable with the message of the Gospel. Which is to be expected. The good news of Jesus, while gracious to us, challenges our current state of living. It is countercultural to how our society operates. Following Jesus, therefore, is a practice in becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Acts 23:12-35 In one of the rare moments recorded in the book of Acts, Jesus speaks to Paul. His message is clear: Jerusalem is not your last stop. Meanwhile, a conspiracy forms to kill Paul only to be eluded because of Paul's nephew intervening. Paul is moved to Caesarea safely and soundly. The message from Jesus is clear to Paul: "I am still with you. I have not abandoned you." When we experience suffering and difficult times, the same remains true. Jesus says, "I am still with you...always."

In an attempt to get a confession out Paul, the Roman officer first has him whipped followed by placed on trial by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Neither prove successful as Paul continues to stand firm on where his ultimate hope is found: in the resurrection. He knows that this truth is what has brought purpose to his life and ministry and he refuses to budge on the hope he has found within it. His position on the subject challenges us to ask ourselves the question: Where is our hope? Any answer other than in Jesus and the resurrection is a futile pursuit.

Acts 22:1-23 Paul's defense before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem is to simply tell them his story. Its the story of how Jesus completely changed his life--from Christian killer to Christian maker. It is, after all, Paul's most powerful teaching. And, even though the crowds reject Paul, they aren't able to reject or deny his story. You can never argue a person's story--so tell it. Tell how Jesus has changed your life.

Acts 21:27-40 Jesus never said that following Him would ever be easy. In fact, Jesus made it very clear that following Him would be costly. As Paul enters Jerusalem, his story and Jesus' merge. Like Jesus, Paul is arrested by those against him. And, like Jesus, the Jewish people of Jerusalem want him killed. It should never surprise us that following Jesus will lead us to similar places He has already been.

Acts 21:15-26 As soon as Paul lands in Jerusalem, he experiences immediate opposition. Jewish believers are unhappy with some of his unorthodox methods in reaching Gentiles and demand some show of support for the Jewish law. Paul is happy to comply--after all, following Jesus is not a matter of the law or no law. Paul is willing to do and become what is necessary that all people would know and follow Jesus (1 Cor. 9:19-23)

Acts 21:1-14 As Paul continues to make his way to Jerusalem, he is met with a number of concerned believers who discourage him from going. Despite their pleas and advice, Paul is clear on what he needs to do next. For Paul what's most important is to do the right thing, not the easy thing. Sometimes doing the right thing isn't always easy, but it's always right.

Acts 20:28-38 As Paul wraps up his time in Miletus and speaks with a variety of leaders from around the area, he takes time to emphasize both the importance and the responsibilities of a leader. Taking after Jesus, a Christian leader of any kind should seek to first be a servant to those he or she is leading. Whether it be as a parent, a boss, a coach, a teacher, or any other sort of leader, the servant leader is one who has a soft heart and thick skin, develops others, and increasingly more generous.