It is important to understand the culture and identity of who we are as a church. At Living Hope Family Church in Marana, we understand that salvation isn't earned. We are a people who are saved by grace through faith.Bởi Joseph Kobel

Jesus' death was necessary for our salvation. Through it, we have our sins forgiven. But it was His resurrection that provided the solution to mankind's problems. We aren't just forgiven but still broken people. We have been made new in Him!Bởi Wayne Griffith

While Saul had a plan in mind, there was a divine plan that changed the course of his life. Thinking that he was doing the work of God, his life was redirected by an encounter with the resurrected Lord Jesus. He immediately joins "the Way" which he had been violently opposed to. What an amazing example of how radically life changing Jesus is. This …

We continue to follow Philip as he is commanded by God to head towards Gaza to continue preaching the gospel, where we see the well-known story of him and the Ethiopian eunuch and leads him to the Lord! I hope this story encourages all of us to share the Gospel with others.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Today we briefly follow Phillip, one of the men was helping to serve the Hellenist widows and then went to Samaria preaching the gospel. While there, he was performing signs and wonders amongst them. And after Samaria receives the word of God, the apostles hear and sent Peter and John to minister to them and pray that they might receive the Holy Sp…

Stephen's speech infuriates the stubborn Sanhedrin, which results in the first Christian martyr. The persecution which then erupts causes the Church to begin fulfilling the Great Commission. Philip, one of the seven chosen "servers" goes to a city in Samaria and sees great success evidenced by miracles. There is much joy as a result, and the advent…

Stephen is accused of speaking against "this holy place and the law" as well as saying that Jesus will destroy the temple and change the customs Moses gave to the Israelites. Today we look at how Stephen finishes his response when asked if these things were so.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Stephen is accused of speaking against "this holy place and the law" as well as saying that Jesus will destroy the temple and change the customs Moses gave to the Israelites. Stephen begins his response when asked if these things were so.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Since the failed attempt to discredit the Church through Ananias and his wife didn't work, now a legitimate complaint arises over neglect of the Hellenistic widows. The Apostles understand their role is to pray and minister the Word of God, so they ask the congregation to choose reputable men from among themselves to oversee the daily distributions…

The early church is off to an amazing start. Multitudes of people getting saved every day, and God was moving powerfully with signs and wonders. And this was even with all the opposition that Peter and John were facing. However, in spite of this opposition, they continued preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, inciting the religious leaders t…

Amazing signs and wonders are being performed through the Apostle's hands and the church is growing. But today, we deal with one of the more difficult stories in the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira.Bởi Wayne Griffith

After being threatened by the authorities not to mention Jesus Peter and John return to their friends and give a report. This prompts a prayer meeting with the result that they all receive another infilling of the Holy Spirit. This not only gave them a renewed boldness but melted down selfishness and united them in a genuine Christian community. Th…

An amazing miracle has just taken place as the man who had been lame since birth for 40 years has now been healed. The crowds gathered around wanting to know what has happened, and you’ll remember from last week, Peter begins to preach. But wherever the gospel is preached, the church is growing, and Jesus’ name is lifted up and He is making an impa…

The New Testament Church is established through the power of the Holy Spirit moving among the believers. They spent time with one another, caring and sharing with gladness and generosity. They continued with instruction from the apostles, fellowship and prayer and worship. Signs and wonders displayed God's stamp of approval. Chapter 3 highlights on…

Some say we only celebrate Christmas because Christians of old tried to appropriate pagan holidays. But do we find evidence of celebrating Jesus' birth in the bible?Bởi Wayne Griffith

The Holy Spirit had just come upon the house where the disciples were as a mighty, rushing wind. A crowd showed up to see what was going on and began to hear the disciples speaking in their own languages. Peter stands to tell them what was going on.Bởi Wayne Griffith

The fulfillment of Jesus's promised "enduement with power" began on the Jewish Festival of Weeks, known as "Pentecost", which is simply the Greek for fiftieth. This eyewitness account makes special note that there were devout men from all over the known world who were astonished at the event. They heard what was spoken in their own languages. What …

Today, we get into some fresh story. The end of Christ’s ministry on earth is the beginning of the disciple's ministry in His behalf. They were just instructed to wait for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, so they head up to an upper room and spend time in Prayer. This is where Peter leads them in filling the vacancy in the 12 apostles ranks after Ju…

The Book of Acts is unique among those of the Testament. It helps bridge the gap between the gospels and the rest of the books. We start today with our verse-by-verse study of it. I am excited because we can learn so much from the early church!Bởi Wayne Griffith

Last week we looked at compassion and this week we will explore a little of mercy. Both attributes of God are expressed in action. Based on His extending it to us, we are to, "Go and do likewise". Thank God that we have received a new nature which enables us to extend mercy properly!Bởi Joseph Kobel

Jesus touched many people's lives but still noticed that they were "harassed" and scattered like sheep without a shepherd, just like today where we are bombarded by turmoil. His solution is wrapped up in compassion. The harvest needs laborers who will express that care everywhere we can.Bởi Joseph Kobel

We live in a world where so many seem so unsatisfied with what they have. So many claim they are mistreated, mishandled, and are victims of every sort of terrible atrocity. But as Christians we should recognize the gifts and blessings of God all around us and be thankful!Bởi Wayne Griffith

God says one thing, but the world says another. The question for us as Christians is who are we going to believe?Bởi Wayne Griffith

For those who don't know, God's grace is inexhaustible. Because of His nature, as a concerned Father our need for reconciliation is met by God's amazing grace. It's available as a gift but isn't automatically bestowed. It must be received.Bởi Joseph Kobel

The most common and effective attack of the enemy will be to question who you are. When he asks, "Who are you," what will you say?Bởi Wayne Griffith

We are very blessed to welcome our guest speaker, Pastor Ron Simpkins, who has a wonderful, encouraging message about running the race and fighting the good fight of faith.Bởi Wayne Griffith

In studying several Biblical instances where the word "but" is found we see tremendous evidence of God's hand in people's lives. We serve a good God should be encouraged by the promise of His faithfulness.Bởi Joseph Kobel

What is hope? The dictionary says it is the "feeling" that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. However, biblical hope is different. Instead of a feeling, it is a knowing. And it is because of Christ!Bởi Wayne Griffith

All too often, we limit who God is by our experiences. We think that God will be like our natural father, or we think God behave like what we see on TV or in the movies. We limit what we think God can do by what “we” think is possible. But His ways are not our ways. He may well, and often does, do things in ways that are totally different to how we…

As amazing as it sounds when we gave our lives to Jesus, we were given a new nature. That's a genuine divine nature, but we need to remain humble so that "in all things He may have the preeminence." We would be wise to stay away from philosophical questions and simply focus on God's amazing grace whereby He has "qualified us." All we need to do is …

The story of the prodigal son has something for everyone. It speaks to and clears up some misconceptions for those who have run away from God and for those who have been continually faithful.Bởi Wayne Griffith

The bible is filled with examples of men and women worshiping God without restraint, but all too often we hold back. We should push back the fear, shame, uncomfortableness, or whatever it is, and worship with abandon.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Everyone gives their attention to something and unless we focus on God we will be frustrated in the end. God's holiness should be the most impressive and awe-inspiring object we ever look to. It's the cure for all that ails us. God really is good.Bởi Joseph Kobel

Life provides no shortage of opportunities for us to feel anxiety. But the Holy Bible provides many scriptures that can guide us in overcoming that, allowing us to believe in a real reason for peace. Our God is an almighty Father who loves us, and knows exactly what we need.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Forgiveness is a central part of the Christian faith. How we respond to others is a direct response to the great forgiveness that has been extended to us. God does not approve of our short comings, yet he forgave us anyway. We should forgive as He did.Bởi Wayne Griffith

The world is getting darker every day, but that is when light is the most visible. We are to be salt and light to the world. When people look at you, what do they see?Bởi Wayne Griffith

There are many standards in life which must be adhered to in order for society to function for the benefit of everyone. But who sets the standards and who enforces the rules? How this is implemented determines the outcome. However, God's ways are higher than ours and that results in our falling short in our own efforts. It's not that we shouldn't t…

Thank God we don’t only get one shot. It we screw up or fall or fail, it is not over. There is only one way to fail as a Christian, and that is to stay down. But much like a boxer, if you get back up, the fight goes on. However, staying down is what the enemy wants you to do. But you are victorious in Christ and the only way you lose is if you don’…

We are tempted when the enemy frames the thing that we are tempted by in an extremely attractive light. He makes it look like the best thing one could imagine. However, if we succumb, we are overcome with feelings of guilt and shame. Or we deal with serious repercussions. The very thing that was “supposed” to make us happy ends up destroying us. Bu…

John relates some more post-resurrection information in this last chapter. Jesus is still serving his disciples in Galilee where he instructed them to wait. Making good use of the time, Peter and 6 other disciples go fishing but catch nothing. Obeying Jesus' instructions (while not realizing it's Him) they catch plenty. After they, eat Jesus restor…

Last week, Jesus made an appearance to Mary, and we know from the other gospels, before the events we will study today, Jesus walked with a pair of disciples on the road to Emmaus (although, they didn’t realize it was Him until the very end of their journey). Even though the ladies told them they had seen angels, and even spoken to Jesus, they didn…

Last week Jesus died on the cross. It seemed like all was lost, and the disciples had lost all hope. But this was not the end of the story. The tomb would be rolled away, and it would be empty. Jesus had risen.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Jesus gives up His life on the cross and proclaims, "It is finished!" He completed the task for which He came to earth, namely, to pay for the evil deeds of all mankind. His friends then buried His body, not realizing it was only temporary.Bởi Joseph Kobel

This week, we will continue to see Pilate desperately trying to find some way not to kill Jesus, but it is to no avail. He wouldn’t follow through with his convictions and is persuaded by the crowd. So instead, He delivers Jesus to be crucified, which is where we will end today with Jesus still on the cross.…

Today, we find ourselves still in the house of Annas, the high priests' father-in-law, for a short time as we see Peter continue to deny Jesus, and then finally, Jesus is sent to the Pilate’s headquarters so they could get Him to pronounce judgement and kill Jesus.Bởi Wayne Griffith

Jesus gets arrested in the garden and taken to a mock trial. John goes with Him and Peter, too. After getting brought into the courtyard, Peter denies Jesus. Jesus willingly allowed all the events of the Passion for our sake.Bởi Joseph Kobel

For Mother's Day, we are taking a look through some of the extraordinary cases of mothers throughout scripture, and the relentless, never-ending love that God has instilled into them. We want to thank all of the wonderful mothers out there, and thank God for blessing us with them!Bởi Wayne Griffith

After the teaching and instructions after the last supper in the upper room, we come to what many refer to as the High Priestly Prayer. Now He begins to pray first for Himself, then for His apostles, and finally for those who would believe on Him in the future.Bởi Wayne Griffith