Series: Rise
July 20, 2025 | Nick Steinloski
Passage: Acts 11:19-30
Pastor Nick shares a personal story from when he was 16, vacationing in Hawaii with his mentor John, highlighting an unexpected and painful moment while learning to surf. His humorous yet humbling experience sets the stage for a deeper reflection on how life’s disruptions often reveal God’s greater purpose. He then draws a parallel to Acts 11, where the early church faced persecution that scattered believers across regions. Rather than hiding, these early Christians boldly shared the gospel in unfamiliar and risky places, leading to the birth of a new kind of faith community in Antioch. This wasn’t a polished or strategic movement but one led by the Spirit, marked by humility, generosity, and collaboration. Nick emphasizes that revival often comes not from control, but from surrender—when plans fall apart and people remain open to God's leading. He challenges the congregation to examine their openness: Are their hearts, eyes, and hands ready for what God wants to do next? The message calls for reflection on whether we, like the believers in Antioch, are available and willing to be used in God's expanding mission. Ultimately, the church is invited to become a Spirit-led community that embodies courage, inclusivity, and sacrificial love.
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