Acts

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts ends without a resolution. No final verdict for Paul, no tidy conclusion. That might feel unsatisfying until you realize the story was never meant to end. The book of Acts is the story of the church, and the church is still here. We are not spectators reading ancient history. We are the next chapter, built on the foundation the apostles laid, with Christ as the cornerstone.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Life rarely goes according to plan, and neither did Paul's. Shipwrecked, stranded, and then snake-bitten the moment things seemed to be looking up, the Apostle Paul had every reason to despair. Yet in Acts 28, we discover three timeless truths for moving forward after the storm: God's promises outlast the chaos, His purposes are often found in life's detours, and He uses His people to carry us through.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"Those who have a why to live can bear almost any how." Acts 27 demonstrates this truth through Paul's shipwreck experience. Facing certain death, Paul didn't just survive, he led others through the crisis with supernatural calm. The difference? He knew he belonged to God. Challenges will either reveal the emptiness of self-reliance or deepen our trust in Christ's sufficiency.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"A storm reveals the strength of a tree's roots." Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27 becomes a masterclass in spiritual resilience. While experienced sailors panic, this prisoner-apostle brings calm to chaos. Why? Because he understood that whether we cause our storms or they're beyond our control, God's faithfulness remains constant. The answer to every storm isn't better circumstances, it's always Jesus.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Are you utterly convinced of something but potentially wrong? Paul was the most religious person of his day, yet he was 'sincerely wrong' until Jesus confronted him. True discipleship begins with humility, recognizing we didn't create truth and our feelings can mislead us. Where is God 'goading' you toward Him? Don't ignore His pull — He may be calling you to a life of true discipleship.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

What if patience isn't about waiting longer, but about trusting deeper? Paul's imprisonment teaches us that patience is the spirit-produced ability to endure difficult people and delayed outcomes without losing faith, love, or self-control. When we remember God's patience toward us, we discover the strength to honor Him even when circumstances don't change.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

How do you respond when the world becomes hostile to your faith? Paul faced false accusations and imprisonment, yet maintained integrity and truth. The real battle isn't external opposition—it's internal. When people reject Christ, they're wrestling with surrendering their own throne. Paul shows us that responding with character, not defensiveness, reveals Christ's power even in persecution.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Ever wonder if God truly sees you in your struggles? In Acts 23, we discover the beautiful truth of being "chosen" by God, the same transformative love that worked in Paul's life extends to you. Your adversity isn't evidence of God's absence; it might be the very place where His providence unfolds, orchestrating circumstances for His glory and your ultimate good.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Paul could have responded to his attackers with defensiveness or despair. Instead, he chose compassion, because he remembered where he once stood. Having been transformed from persecutor to proclaimer, Paul knew that sharing his encounter with Christ wasn't about impressing others with his story, but about revealing God's pursuing love that can transform any heart.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Everyone is being formed by something. The question is: what is shaping you? In Acts 21, Paul demonstrates how to exercise compassion without compromising truth, sometimes surrendering personal freedom for the gospel's sake. With humility toward Christ and hunger for His Word, we can honor God authentically while building bridges in our broken world.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

How do we live faithfully when God's will seems difficult? Paul's journey to Jerusalem teaches us to expect challenges as normal, not exceptional. His willingness to sacrifice amplified Christ's beauty and inspired the early church. When we transform our pain instead of transmitting it, we become living testimonies of Jesus' love.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"I do not count my life of any value nor as precious to myself," Paul declares in Acts 20. He discovered what many miss: finding your worth through God's love, not self-focus, leads to a life of purpose and influence. The more we know God's incredible love, the more we desire to honor Him with our lives.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Paul's journey teaches us that opposition doesn't mean God's absence, sometimes faithfulness requires changing plans without abandoning purpose. Through his example of investing rather than merely spending his life, we learn how intentional movement, meaningful relationships, and unwavering commitment to God's Word can create ripple effects that outlast our lifetime for His glory.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

What makes you most anxious? What consumes your time and energy? These questions reveal the idols we don't even realize we're serving. In Acts 19, the Ephesians burned their magic books because they found something infinitely better in Jesus. Victory isn't about becoming a better version of yourself, it's about discovering who you truly are in Christ.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Sometimes we think we need to wait until we're perfect to share Jesus with others. But Apollos teaches us differently. Though he knew only John's baptism, he boldly shared what he understood, until Priscilla and Aquila lovingly taught him more. God doesn't call us to be theological experts; He calls us to share what Christ has done in our lives, growing in knowledge as we go.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Have you ever felt like Paul in Corinth, beaten down by life's challenges, facing what seems impossible? In Acts 18, we discover that even the great apostle struggled with fear and discouragement. Yet God's response reveals three powerful truths: He provides people for community, speaks peace in our storms, and reveals purpose beyond ourselves when we rest in His sufficiency rather than our own strength.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

How do you engage a world filled with diverse beliefs without compromise? Paul found himself in Athens, a city of great intellects and countless idols. Rather than being intimidated by the philosophers and academics, he looked beyond himself to the greatness of God. When we stop trying to impress people with who we are and start introducing them to who God is, we discover our true calling as vessels of His grace.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

"These men have turned the world upside down!" That's how opponents described Paul and his companions in Acts 17. When you live for God's glory instead of people's approval, you'll face a choice: comfort or Christ. The early church discovered that suffering isn't opposed to joy—it's often God's means of accomplishing His purposes and revealing His sufficiency in our lives.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

What do you do when following God leads to unexpected struggles? In Acts 16, Paul faces adversity at every turn on his missionary journey—closed doors, beatings, imprisonment. Yet through it all, he discovers three powerful truths: God redeems adversity in unexpected ways, the gospel transforms lives, and we're called to live for His glory while trusting Him completely.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Paul became "all things to all people" for one reason: that some might be saved. Whether circumcising Timothy for ministry effectiveness or enduring persecution in Philippi, every decision served the gospel's advance. This challenges us to examine our own lives—what are we willing to do, change, or sacrifice so that others might encounter Jesus?

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 15 represents one of Christianity's most pivotal moments—a debate that could have split the church forever. When some demanded that Gentiles become Jewish to be saved, the apostles faced a choice: compromise the gospel or risk division. Their response reveals the DNA of every powerful church: anchored in grace, united by truth, and sent in freedom. The result? A revival that continues to this day.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Paul faced hostile crowds, cultural barriers, and even being stoned—yet he never gave up on his calling to share Christ. Why? Because his commitment wasn't to people's responses, but to glorifying God regardless of outcomes. In our rapidly changing world, we're called to the same faithful endurance as ambassadors of Christ.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Fear or faith—which will control your decisions this year? Acts 13 reveals how the early church moved from reactive to proactive ministry, sending Paul and Barnabas on their groundbreaking missionary journey. God wants to use you right where you are, through the connections He's given you. The question isn't whether you'll face challenges, but whose hands you're in.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 12 teaches that wisdom for life's challenges includes sleeping peacefully like Peter chained between guards the night before execution, because trust in God transcends circumstances. The angel's specific instructions to Peter—get up, get dressed, put on sandals, wrap your cloak—shows God cares about practical details even in miraculous deliverances. When Rhoda left Peter standing outside in her excitement, it illustrates how God's answers can be so unexpected that even faithful believers struggle to believe them.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 11:19-31 demonstrates that gospel hubs develop through three markers: cross-cultural evangelism that reaches overlooked people, encouraging leadership that sees potential in rejected servants like Saul, and practical love that sends relief to suffering believers. Antioch became the launching pad for world missions because unnamed believers dared to speak to Greeks, showing that movements start with ordinary people taking extraordinary steps of faith. When Barnabas saw God's grace and was glad rather than threatened, he modeled how established leaders should celebrate new works.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 10 teaches that God builds His church by challenging our prejudices and expanding our vision of who belongs in His family, as Peter learned that God shows no partiality. Cornelius's devotion and prayer didn't save him—he still needed the gospel—but God honored his seeking heart by sending Peter with the message of salvation. The Jewish believers' astonishment at Gentiles receiving the Spirit reveals how God's building plan often surprises even mature believers who think they understand His ways.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 9:32-43 demonstrates that the gospel works through us when we prioritize being present with people in their suffering, as Peter traveled strengthening believers before any miracles occurred. The transformation of Lydda and Sharon after Aeneas's healing, and Joppa after Dorcas's resurrection, shows that God uses individual encounters to spark community-wide movements. Peter staying with Simon the tanner—considered unclean by Jews—reveals another evidence: the gospel breaks down barriers we've built between ourselves and those God wants to reach.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 9:1-31 shows that moving from sinner to servant requires dying to our self-made identity and receiving God's chosen purpose, as Saul the Pharisee became Paul the apostle. Jesus's words "Why are you persecuting Me?" reveal that attacking the church means attacking Christ Himself—a truth that revolutionized Saul's theology. When Barnabas risked his reputation to vouch for Saul, he modeled how God uses courageous bridge-builders to integrate transformed lives into the community of faith.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 8:26-40 demonstrates that gospel movements flourish when believers prioritize divine appointments over human logic, as Philip left crowds for one seeking soul on a desert road. The Ethiopian official, returning from worship yet still searching, found answers when Philip explained how the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 was Jesus. This encounter sparked the gospel's spread to Africa, proving that investing in one person's spiritual journey can impact entire continents for generations.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 8:1-25 shows godly movements grow through faithful people willing to bloom where persecution plants them, as Philip transformed from serving tables to performing miracles in Samaria. Philip's encounter with Simon the magician shows that true spiritual power cannot be purchased or manipulated—it flows from hearts surrendered to Christ. When persecution intended to destroy the church instead multiplied it, God proved He uses opposition as fertilizer for growth.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 7 demonstrates through Stephen's final sermon that mature faith sees beyond immediate circumstances to God's eternal purposes, recognizing that spiritual blindness has always opposed God's work. Stephen faced his accusers not with self-defense but with biblical truth, showing how Israel repeatedly rejected God's messengers—from Joseph to Moses to Jesus. His prayer for his murderers while being stoned reveals the ultimate mark of Stephen-like faith: supernatural love that forgives even as stones fly.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 6 reveals that staying spiritually healthy during growth and challenges requires protecting priorities, empowering others, and maintaining unity in diversity. When the early church faced division over neglected widows, the apostles refused to abandon prayer and preaching to serve tables, instead appointing Spirit-filled leaders to address practical needs. This wisdom teaches that good things can become distractions from God things, and healthy churches multiply servants rather than consolidating power.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 5:12–42 shows that the mission of Jesus advances through Spirit-empowered believers who refuse to be silenced. Despite threats, imprisonment, and flogging, the apostles boldly proclaim Christ, rejoicing in suffering because they live for a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Their courage isn’t rooted in personality—it’s fueled by the Holy Spirit and anchored in eternal hope.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 5:1–11 reveals that the greatest threat to the church isn’t external persecution but internal deception. Ananias and Sapphira’s choice to appear generous while secretly withholding exposed a deeper issue—valuing reputation over reverence. Their sudden deaths weren’t about the severity of their sin but the sacredness of the moment, as God established the holiness of His church. This passage reminds us that God is sovereign and good, and that true faith isn’t about looking holy—it’s about walking humbly. When believers compromise integrity, they diminish God’s glory in their hearts and distort their identity in Christ. But when the church lives with deep reverence and authentic surrender, it becomes a powerful witness to a watching world.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 4:23-37 reveals that success in adversity comes not from waiting for trials to pass but from seeking the Lord, resting in His sovereignty, and praying for boldness even when afraid. When threatened by authorities, the early church didn't pray for comfort or revenge but for courage to continue speaking God's Word. Their faith was proven genuine through selfless living, biblical unity, and radical generosity—demonstrating that a ground-shaking God enables His people to remain unshakable.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 4 teaches that the gospel transforms cultures not through compromise but through believers who know who they are because they know who God is. When religious leaders arrested Peter and John for healing a lame man, they revealed the real issue wasn't truth but control. The apostles' boldness came not from arrogance but from an unshakeable foundation: a dead man was walking, proving Jesus's resurrection and validating their message that salvation exists in no other name.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 3 teaches that miracles in Scripture have both power and purpose—not as ends in themselves but as signs pointing to the Messiah and the greater miracle of transformed hearts. The lame man at the Beautiful Gate represents all of us: desiring nearness to God but unable to achieve it through our own efforts. When Peter says "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk," he demonstrates that we become conduits of God's power, not the source—pointing people to Christ, not ourselves.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 2:42-47 demonstrates that churches become impactful not by growing numbers but by growing healthy through collective devotion to Christ above all else. The early church's commitment to God's Word, genuine fellowship, remembering Christ's sacrifice, and prayer produced such radical generosity that even their enemies admitted Christians cared for everyone's poor. This devotion transforms closed fists clinging to earthly worth into open hands blessing others, because those filled with Christ overflow with grace toward a poverty-stricken world.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 2:14-41 shows Peter boldly proclaiming Christ to those who crucified Him, demonstrating there's no neutral ground—only God's grace or judgment. His sermon reveals that true transformation comes not through politics or returning evil for evil, but through surrendered hearts recognizing Jesus as both Lord and Savior. When 3,000 souls asked "What shall we do?", the answer was repent and receive the Spirit, proving that even our darkest days become emblems of celebration through the gospel's power.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 2:1-13 teaches that the church's power comes not from human effort but from the Holy Spirit's presence, fulfilling Joel's prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all people. The fire that once appeared in burning bushes and temple clouds now rests on each believer. True evidence of the Spirit's work shows in two ways: we make much of Jesus, and we bless others by sharing His transforming love.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 1 teaches us that seasons of waiting are not wasted but vital for spiritual preparation. The early church's first act after Christ's ascension was to obey His command to wait and pray, establishing godly leadership while refusing passivity. True leadership seeks towels not titles, following Christ who washed feet rather than demanding position, reminding us that influence for God's glory matters more than any earthly title.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 1 reminds us that Christianity is rooted not in ideas but in a Person—the resurrected Christ who promises His presence through the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit who empowered the early church to transform the known world in 30 years dwells in believers today. We're called to live as witnesses, recognizing that God's heart for people makes our mission urgent and eternal.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Explores the reconciliation of Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark, showing how God restores broken relationships for His glory. Through love, listening, and learning, we are called to reflect Christ in how we relate to others. Our relationships, when shaped by grace and truth, can become a powerful testimony of God’s redemptive work.

From the series: Standalone Messages

We’ve just concluded our series on the book of Romans, and we've seen how the Apostle Paul responded to God's calling. How does that compare with how Jonah responded to God?

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discover why Alpine Bible Church exists and the foundation our church is built upon.

From the series: Standalone Messages

In today's message we examine how the local church can impact their communities.

From the series: The Core

Discusses the fundamental importance of relationships in Christian life, emphasizing the role of community and fellowship. It explores how genuine relationships, guided by the teachings of Jesus about loving God and others, are central to a fulfilling spiritual life. It stresses that healthy relationships within the church community reflect and enhance one's relationship with God, underscoring the interconnectedness of worship, discipleship, and community in the Christian journey.

From the series: The Core

Discusses the concept of discipleship in Christianity, emphasizing its importance and roots in worship. It highlights the interconnectedness of worship, discipleship, and relationships, and how these aspects are integral to a believer's journey. It draws from biblical narratives to explain the role of discipleship in understanding and practicing faith, and underscores the need for genuine, transformational relationships with Christ.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Explores the concept of Christians as the physical representation of Christ on Earth. It emphasizes the importance of each individual's role in the church, akin to different body parts, and the necessity of working collectively for the unity and function of the church. Highlights the significance of living out Christian values and being an example of Christ's teachings in daily life.

From the series: Believe

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the key.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discusses the Apostle Paul's struggles and perseverance during his missionary journeys. It highlights Paul's experiences of rejection, hardship, and physical suffering in various cities. Despite these challenges, Paul continued to spread the Gospel, relying on God's strength in moments of weakness. Emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence and power in difficult times, drawing parallels between Paul's experiences and contemporary challenges faced by believers.

From the series: Joy in the Broken

Discusses how the grace of God operates amidst life's complexities and messes. Emphasizes that grace is present because our lives are inherently messy and broken, and God's grace is what brings transformation and redemption.

From the series: FAQs

Discusses living life to the fullest by aligning one's actions with God's desires, exemplified by Apostle Paul and the Ephesus church. It emphasizes surrender to God, proclaiming truth despite opposition, and prioritizing eternal over earthly values. True fulfillment comes from serving God and impacting others, rejecting superficial achievements for deeper spiritual success.

From the series: Live Free

Paul shares his transformation from a strict follower of Jewish traditions to a devoted servant of Christ. He highlights his initial dependence on religious rules and human approval, which robbed him of true joy and freedom in Christ. After encountering Jesus, Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval over man's, experiencing a supernatural change that shifted his focus from external religious practices to an internal relationship with Christ, driven by grace rather than works.

From the series: Ephesians

In Ephesians, believers are encouraged to reflect on their lives and seek God's will for the upcoming year. It highlights the importance of dreaming big within God's purposes and re-evaluating one's path to align with God's desires. The message underscores faithfulness to Jesus and the transformative power of understanding God's role in our lives. It calls for introspection and a renewed focus on living out God's plan with hope and trust.

From the series: Believe

Explores the theme of mission, emphasizing that Jesus came to save sinners and that His followers are sent on a mission to spread His love. The message highlights the importance of the church as the body of believers, each gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve others and carry out God's mission.

From the series: Jonah

Focusing on the prophet Jonah's journey and internal struggle with God's calling. Reflects on Jonah's reluctance to follow God's command to preach to Nineveh, a wicked city, and how Jonah's disobedience stemmed from pride and selfishness. Encourages believers to seek boldness in fulfilling God's will, even when it seems difficult or uncomfortable, and emphasizes the importance of trusting God in the face of challenging circumstances.

From the series: Jonah

Introduces the series on Jonah, highlighting how Jonah’s internal struggle with God’s calling reflects common challenges in personal faith journeys. Jonah, called to preach repentance to Nineveh, struggles to accept this mission due to the city's wickedness. Draws parallels between Jonah's resistance and modern reluctance to follow God’s plans when they seem difficult. Ultimately, it emphasizes obedience to God's will and the transformative power of trusting in Him, even in challenging circumstances.

We answer a hundred small questions a day. A look at the few that actually matter for eternity, starting with who Jesus is.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. What might change if we truly believed the words of Jesus and lived generously because of them?

There are countless books on prayer, but Scripture keeps it simple. Three practical ways to pray, drawn from how the Bible teaches us to pray.

In Acts 4, people marveled that ordinary men had been with Jesus. A look at what it means, and what it produces, to spend your life with him.

Anxious about finding your calling? Scripture talks about calling differently than we often do. Three steps toward the work God has for you.

Fear not is the most repeated command in the Bible. A look at courage in the face of giants and the God who keeps telling us not to be afraid.

The Bereans tested everything Paul said against Scripture. A devotion on Acts 17 and the noble habit of searching the word for yourself.

God is not served by human hands as if he needed anything. A devotion on Acts 17 and the freeing truth that God wants us though he never needs us.

Healthy relationships can be hard to keep healthy. Biblical help for working through the conflicts that strain the people we care about most.

Jesus became flesh, but what about God the Father? Was he ever flesh? The Bible tells us in John 4 that, "God is spirit." And in Luke 24:39 it says, "That a spirit has no flesh and bone." In fact,…

What does the phrase, "Son of God" mean? Does it mean that God the Father literally had a son? The answer that question is just plainly no. The phrase "son of" doesn't mean that someone literally has…

Believers hold very different views on the gift of tongues. A measured walk through 1 Corinthians 12 to 14 and how to treat one another along the way.