A debate arises in the early church in Acts 15:1-11 over whether the new Gentile believers should be circumcised and follow Jewish law. As we explore how they settled the issue, we turn to the Old Testament to see the answer in a striking parallel between Joseph and Jesus, which gives us great insight into salvation by grace through faith.

As they continue their first missionary journey in Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas encounter extraordinary opportunities but also fierce opposition from a group of Jews who continually stir up trouble. But despite these violent uprisings – and even a near-death experience for Paul – they continued performing miracles, preaching the Gospel, and strengthening the faith of the new believers who accepted Jesus as their Savior.

After Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for gods, Paul addresses the fervent crowd in Acts 14:11-19 to redirect their worship to the one true God. As Paul boldly explains the folly of idolatry and points to how God reveals Himself through creation, his words once again incite hostility, culminating in a violent uprising against him.

Paul and Barnabas embark on their first missionary journey in Acts 13, encountering both fierce opposition and incredible opportunities. Along the way, they face resistance from a hostile sorcerer and Paul’s first sermon angers the Jews yet blesses the Gentiles who eagerly receive the Word of the Lord.

In Acts 13:36-39, Paul makes a powerful declaration that we can only find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. But what does this actually mean for us? As we study, we learn why forgiveness is necessary, the benefits of confession, repentance, and salvation, and why Jesus Christ is our only access to these things.

Following Peter’s vision concerning the Gentiles, the church continues growing, and the Gospel spreads rapidly in Acts 11-12. However, the explosion of Christianity sparks persecution from Herod, who kills James and imprisons Peter. Yet we still see that God is in control as Peter is miraculously freed through the power of prayer and angelic intervention while Herod meets a ghastly demise.

The Gospel reaches the prominent but wicked city of Antioch in Acts 11:19-21, and many people become believers as a result. Similarly, we desire to impact the city of Portland, Oregon, and shine the light of Jesus Christ within our dark community. In this special message, Pastor Brett shares plans to reach the Portland metro area with the Good News of Jesus Christ as we officially launch the PDX Crusade 2025. Billy Graham Crusade footage (1957 New York City, NY, and 1992 Portland, OR) courtesy of BGEA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.billygraham.org

God orchestrates an extraordinary scenario in Acts 10, leading to the salvation of Gentiles and their inclusion into the Church. As we watch the story unfold, we meet a diverse cast of characters who all played a unique role, see how God combined vision and confirmation to accomplish His purpose, and hear the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ preached to the Gentiles in Caesarea.

While praying on a rooftop, Peter receives a vision in Acts 10:9-20 that would interestingly impact the early church and Christianity to this day. As we study Peter’s vision and its implications, we examine how the Lord can still give us dreams and visions as we seek Him and how we can have confirmation that they are from Him.

Things take a significant turn for the early church in Acts 9:20-43 as Saul, once their primary persecutor, converts to Christianity and exits the scene to prepare for his future ministry. Meanwhile, we catch up with Peter, who continues to follow Jesus' example while boldly sharing the Gospel throughout the region.

Saul of Tarsus is on his way to threaten and murder the Christians in Damascus when he has a life-changing encounter with God in Acts 9:1-19. In this dramatic account of his conversion, we see God knock Saul down to show him the error of his ways and extend his free gift of salvation to even the most unlikely person.