Waynesburg Christian Church Jay Vanderbur

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
-A.W. Tozer
Some imagine God as a myth or a fairy tale. Others imagine God as distant or ready to pounce on their every mistake. Still others imagine God as the most beautiful, loving, benevolent being in the universe. How you and I imagine God matters because it influences us, for better or worse, more than anything else we can think about. It shapes how we view ourselves, others, and our very purpose for existing. When you think about Heaven, do you picture God as kind of a cosmic bouncer at the door, deciding who is in or out, or do you think of God as the central figure of heaven?

If we were honest, we may only picture heaven as an unending church service – a never-ending sing-along in the sky... one great song after another... forever... and ever... and ever... and ever... and our heart sinks. That’s it? That’s the good news? That actually sounds kind of boring! Heaven will be anything but boring, and because heaven is real we can have tremendous hope!

The last half of the book of Acts features the message and ministry of Jesus continuing to go forward through the missionary journeys of Paul. Paul has faced beatings, imprisonment, dangers, and hardships untold. He has preached the Good News of Jesus, planted churches, defended the faith, and written letters to the churches to continue to teach and instruct them in The Way of Jesus. As we conclude our time in Acts, there is one more lesson for us to learn from Paul – and that last lesson teaches us how to finish well.

Life with God begins with discovery, excitement, and anticipation. Life with God is SO GOOD! But inevitably, some sort of “storm” comes our way – we experience the brokenness of this world in a loss, a betrayal, a disappointment, etc. and we have a hard time getting our bearings. We want to avoid the storm, go around the storm, have God take us out of the storm, but the only way out is through. The storm hurts. The storm will bring tears. The storm raises some very uncomfortable questions. Do you find yourself in the midst of a storm today? The Apostle Paul has some wise words for you.

Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ triumph over death and the grave! Want peace? Look at Easter. Want hope? Look at Easter. Want to know that your shame, your mistakes, and even death itself doesn’t get the last word? Look at Easter! Jesus relentlessly pursues our hearts and dares us to trust in Him!

Looking into Acts 20 and hearing Kyle Cooper share about his own missionary journey with Hope2 to Uganda!