Stephen McDonald

The Gospel of Grace Revelled In and Reviled (Acts 13:13-52)

What are we on about? What is our message for the world? You’ll find churches that are about religious observance, teaching people to carry out ceremonies and traditions. You’ll find churches that are about self-actualization, teaching people to enjoy life. You’ll find churches that are about moral improvement, teaching people to live better. But noneContinue reading “The Gospel of Grace Revelled In and Reviled (Acts 13:13-52)”

A Righteous Rebuke (Acts 13:1-12)

Does the Church have any responsibility for the spread of the Gospel? Isn’t that the work of missionaries? You know, those super-spiritual Christians who can give up everything to follow Jesus, isn’t it up to them to get tell the world about Jesus? Jesus told the Church in Acts 1:8 that we would be HisContinue reading “A Righteous Rebuke (Acts 13:1-12)”

Danger! Glory (Acts 12:20-25)

In the middle of the Albury CBD is Volt Lane. It runs along the back of Dean Street, giving access to many shops and arcades along the main street. Volt Lane gets its name from the electricity substation at its eastern end. In 2010, a 21-year-old man was seriously burned after falling into the substationContinue reading “Danger! Glory (Acts 12:20-25)”

When Prayer Works (Acts 12:1-19)

Last week we saw what God expects of us as His Church. We are not what He calls us to be unless we are faithful: faithful to engage and evangelise (11:19-21), faithful to embrace (v22-24), faithful to edify (v25-26), and faithful to impart (v27-30). There, the emphasis is on us, and what we must be.Continue reading “When Prayer Works (Acts 12:1-19)”

What’s a Faithful Church? (Acts 11:19-30)

In the opening chapters of the Book of Acts, we’re confronted by Luke’s descriptions of the first followers of Jesus. It isn’t notable for its influence in society. Its strength isn’t its property. And even though its mission isn’t to get ‘more bums on seats’, it keeps growing and spreading. The Church is misunderstood atContinue reading “What’s a Faithful Church? (Acts 11:19-30)”