As Luke continues to tell the story of the early church advance, he brings us to the town of Philippi. In Philippi, we are introduced to three converts to the gospel. First, Lydia, a wealthy woman from Asia, a worshiper of God, who hears the message of Jesus and believes. We then are introduced to a slave girl, being used for her ability to tell the future because she is indwelt by a demon, the "spirit of Python." Paul casts the demon out and the assumption seems to be that she becomes a follower of Jesus. The third individual we meet is a blue-collar, Roman worker - the Philippian jailor. He turns to Jesus after the  earthquake and miraculous release of all the prisoners in the jail. Despite a miriad of difficulties in Philippi, including legal, political, social and cultural issues, God faithfully guides this mission team. The same is true for us today, God is faithfully leading and building his church!

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen us to be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!