The Apostle Paul next to Jesus, is probably the most influential man that has ever lived. His church planting, teaching and writings legacy continue to change the world today. Early church father John Chrysostom said this of the Apostle Paul “Put the whole world on one side of the scale and you will see that the soul of Paul outweighs it.” Yet like many of the early Christians who encountered God the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended to heaven, we can learn quite a bit about how ordinary people are changed by an extraordinary God. This case study allows us to explore how the grace and wonder of our God transforms even the most toughest of men. Will this true story fuel us with faith to share the gospel that changed us - the greatest gift possible?

The miraculous story of the growth of the early church in the book of Acts happens through conversions. The stories of these conversions of thousands of people isn’t known individually. But Luke in Acts gives us some details of a few. They are extraordinary windows into how people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. What we learn is that the gospel comes with wisdom and power. That it is ‘joy news’ not just good advice. That is it is much bigger than we often make it. That it is a nation shaper, person transformer, community builder, and joy bringer!

Why? Because ultimately is not about a set of values or a list of ‘do its’. Its about a relationship….a friendship…a trust…with Christ. Bottom line - its all about Jesus!

The book of Acts tells us a handful of details about Stephen’s life and focuses more on the moments before his death. We can learn much from him and his courageous stand for Jesus.

Under normal circumstances, opposition from authorities may lead to surrender, However, in the case of the early church, it lead to growth of the church and spread of the Gospel. Just as the authorities were trying to silence the apostles (sometimes resorting to violence), it becomes clear that no door can be closed to God.

In the midst of great breakthrough, growth and the miraculous spreading of the Christian faith, we come to a point in Acts where there is ‘a complaint’! The apostles and the disciples had to handle the reality of real people forming family and community together  - a setting for conflict, grumbles and disagreement!

As we celebrate new babies in Jubilee at our dedication service Gavin unpacks one of the most famous stories in the bible and how, like Zacchaeus we all have a decision to make. Are you going to climb the tree to get a better glimpse of Jesus or will you blend in to the crowd?

Following the day of Pentecost, as 3000 people were added to those who were following the Lord, a new community was beginning to form which was centred around Jesus, motivated by love and united in it’s purpose.

This is the story of Easter! This is the power that is changing the world!

The word revival is back on the lips again of people in Newfrontiers and beyond! There’s a deep sense of faith, a call to prayer and a longing that God's compassion and power is released in the land. Our prayer meetings and preaching are lining up with the expectations that God is going to move again with power across this nation.

Luke was keen to ensure that those reading his account of the early church knew that Jesus’ healing power did not end when he was taken to heaven. From the healing of the man outside the temple, we see that Peter and John are motivated by compassion, have their faith in Jesus and declare his advancing kingdom!

As we begin our Newest sermon series Gavin introduces the book of Acts to us, who was the author? Why did he write it? And who was his intended audience? - Gavin also introduces the Theme of ‘Spirit Break Out’ how does the Holy Spirit effect our lives and what is our response to being baptised in the spirit?’

In the Gospels and Acts more ‘action’ takes place in the marketplace (workplace) than anywhere else. Your workplace is your calling from God. How does your work fit into God’s provision for humanity and how can you honour Jesus in your working day?

In Romans, Paul exhorts the church that 'in view of God’s mercy, to offer [their] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God'. He described this as their 'true and proper worship'. Worshipping God is a huge theme in the bible and a foundational aspect of our Christian Walk. But what is the bible big view of extravagant worship? What does a life of worship look like? How does it change our life? How does it declare the Gospel of grace? Check out Andy Colclough, worship leader at Jubilee Church Teesside, as he unpacks this fundamental privilege!

Phil & Sally Hillsdon from King's Church Darlington, join us this morning, to share about living faithfully in every season of life. The apostle Paul encourages the readers of Hebrews to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus...'