July 26, 2014 - Church at Worship

Sermon:
Part 5 - The Rookie Church: From First Base to Home: Long Fly Ball, Fair or Foul? - Stew Harty

Pastoral Welcome - Randy Speyer

Child Dedication - Ciel Jolie Turner

Baptism - Seth Richard Escara Malaguit, Kyl Puchero Mopera, Kyle Austin Escara Malaguit

Scripture: Acts 15:1, 2, 7-11, TNIV

Sermon Notes:
This week we conclude “The Rookie Church” series by focusing on Acts 15. This chapter tells the story of the rapidly growing Church facing perhaps its greatest threat. What made this particular challenge so great is that it came from sincere members within and not from enemies outside the church. 

I love the book of Acts because it is a real adventure story of what life can be like when we focus on Jesus and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. In fact, the entire book is the story of a new movement focused on Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, tasked with sharing present truth to the world. This ancient paradigm seems very relevant to me and, I expect, at least familiar to many who have grown up as Seventh-day Adventists. 

In the midst of all the amazing things described in Acts that the Holy Spirit is doing through people, we clearly see that things were not perfect, and chapter 15 is a great example. Some Jewish converts decided to go up to Antioch where incredible ministry was taking place. While there, these particular converts felt they needed to share what they believed to be “truth” that was “vital” to the church. Instead, it threatened to undo everything. 

Rather than moving forward, the church was at risk of changing direction and moving backward. Fortunately, by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit guided this new movement into a new understanding. I look forward to exploring with you just how the Holy Spirit led God’s people to grow a movement that continues to profoundly impact our world today.

Stew Harty
Associate Pastor
Media Director