Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

New Church Struggles

Episode Summary

Acts 18:1-11 The challenge of starting a new church in Corinth The struggles a new church faces

Episode Notes

Recap from last week

Focus on the challenge to become more like Jesus – determination and how? Growing, stretching, and being challenged: 

1. Listening to Jesus and doing what he says John 10: 17 – not just our good ideas
2. Being kind to others, especially those who are not of the faith – Hebrews 10:23-25
3. Not forsaking the gathering together – how do you interpret that?

The focus on how the church started in Corinth

1. Meets refugees
2. Disciples them by working together – real Bible School!
3. When his support team arrives, he dedicates himself to full time ministry (who do we support?)
4.  Intercultural church and division
5. Not seeking separation but unity in the Gospel
6. Continued investment in others, reaching out into the community.

The challenge of a growing church.

1. The word of God grows – life begins at conception and continues for the Christian without end
2. The body of Christ will never die
3. Healing and life flow from the Father who loves all
4. The challenge is to be able to incorporate differences: Gentile and Jew
5. God doesn’t back down from challenges
6. The author of the church is Jesus and it is his responsibility: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18
7. Growth happens through relationships
8. The goal is encountering Jesus face to face: looking for his coming. This is our hope.

How will you grow in Jesus this year? Tune your ears and listen to his words. Trust him and obey him!