Current Message Series

The Passionate Church - A Study in the Book of Acts

     On March 30, 2008 we began a new series entitled, "The Passionate Church" from the Book of Acts in our morning worship service.  I wonder, have you ever thought about what makes a church passionate?  I am sure we could probably define a passionate church in many ways.  In fact, when you think about it, a church can be passionate about a lot of things.  But is it Biblical and honoring to the King?  According to Acts, a church is only truly passionate because of the work of Christ that is being done in and through it.  It is a matter of continuing to do and teach what Christ began.

     The church is not about manipulating God for its own glory and purposes, but rather Christ's work for building His Kingdom for His purposes and glory.  Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, "I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."  This means that Jesus Christ is about the business of building His church and nothing is going to keep Him from accomplishing His work in it.

     Instead of trying to do church "our way," we must do it God's way by submitting and allowing Him to work in and through our lives to expand His glorious Kingdom.  With or without us, He will build His church.  So, let's not just play church by putting God in a box and only pulling Him out when we feel we need Him.  But rather, we must be a church where Christ is the Head and we as His chosen vessels are ready and prepared for the Master's use.  Otherwise, we will find our church decaying and crumbling into the dust of God's Kingdom.

     This awesome book will challenge and remind us of our daily duty to carry on and serve with passion the living Christ; Who today is still doing His work in the church, to build it and expand His Kingdom.  There are four gospels, but there is only one Book of Acts.