Watching 'Round the Cross Pt 1

"...they reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened, for the nations, a doorway of faith." Acts 14: 27 (lit.)

What a blessed thing our Scriptures describe for us this morning: God pouring His Word and His Good News out into the non-Jewish world! If that had never happened, where would we be today! But it did happen dear ones! That door was flung wide open for you too! All you have to do is go through it! 

Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA 

From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God

"...they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead, however..." Acts 14: 19

There are two kinds of people in this world:  those who are blown and bent by the wind and those who stand up to it. Which one are you? This morning in Acts 14, my what a contrast we see! Those fickle, changeable Lystrians and the constant, faithful Paul! Let's take a look. 

Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA 

From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of God

"...that you should turn from these useless things to the Living God." Acts 14: 15

That day when Paul preached in the city of Lystra, one man was truly listening. Though a crowd was there with him, we cannot speak for the others. So ingrained they were with the "useless things" of their culture that they seem not to have heard a word! And that makes the Lystrians an awful lot like Americans today! 

Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA

From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God.

"Now, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them forth..." Acts 13:3

Here in the Book of Acts, we find the early church to be a mighty cross-cultural powerhouse! Powerfully gifted to serve a needy world, and powerfully enabled to proclaim the Good News to the lost. May the same be said of our church today! 

Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA

From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God

"...he examined the guards and commanded that they be put to death..." Acts 12: 19

Let's face it People are frail, and not even Christians are an exception. No, not even that wonderful exemplary New Testament Church! When God answers their prayers and sets Peter free, they just  can't believe it! They call the messenger 'crazy'! What an exhortation to us all! Let's take a look. 

Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA

“...they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord...”   Acts 12:10 NKJV

How bleak and depressing the world looked that day for Peter and his church. His dear friend James had been run through with a sword, with crowds of evil people cheering it all on. The wicked King Herod now lays hands on Peter. Tomorrow is his ‘doomsday’. But hold on! Someone is praying!

Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA

From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts, Dear Lovers of God

"Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church." Acts 12:1

Wherever the Kingdom of God advances, you can be sure that opposition will arise. This morning, Herod the 'People Pleaser', seeing that his murder of James has thrilled the populace, now lays hold of Peter. Oh, but, things don't work out too well for him this time. 

Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA 

From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: God's Church the Right Way

"In those days, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch..." Acts 11: 27

Today, the Christian church is flooded with self-proclaimed "prophets" who make reckless proclamations that never come true. So...are they truly "prophets"? What is a "prophet"? What is his purpose? And how can we know if a person truly is one? Oh, very important questions. Let's all learn this well today, because the very integrity of God's Word is at stake! 

Message by Pastor Dave Johnson. Calvary Chapel Old Towne

"...the disciples were first called 'Christians' in Antioch." Acts 11: 26

It may be a word that world despises. It may a name that the forces of evil rise up against; but there is no greater title than the one first given to the believers in Antioch. 'Christian'! The word literally means 'belonging to Christ', implying loyalty and allegiance. Never be ashamed of it, dear faithful follower! 

Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Doing Church the Right Way

"When they heard these things, they became silent, and they glorified God saying 'Then God has also granted the Gentiles repentance to life.'" Acts 11: 18

Peter was heavily criticized for befriending and consorting with the 'foreigners' in their day. It was a violation of age-old standards. But nothing can silence the critics more swiftly or thoroughly than changed lives! And that's what the Gospel always does!

Message  by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA

From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Church Done Right