Highlight Paul writes to the church of Ephesus and praises them for their faith in Jesus and their love for God’s people (v.15). In his prayer, he asks for the Lord to give them more wisdom and understanding of who He is. Paul goes on to ask God “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you know…his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead…” (vv. 18-20). He is reminding the church of this truth and it still rings true for today. Take comfort knowing that the power of God - the same that raised Jesus from the dead - lives inside of you because of the Holy Spirit.   Read More

Highlight The book of Romans was a letter written by Paul to the Christians in Rome. When writing, he split his letter into two sections. The first section sets up the foundation of the Christian faith, what to believe - talking about the sinfulness of humanity, forgiveness through Christ, freedom from sin, and Israel's past, present and future. The second section is focused on how to behave - the practical response to what we believe.  Read More

Welcome Welcome to Week 3 of the 2023 Praying Through Change Reading Plan. This reading plan is designed to partner with Compassion Christian Church’s sermon series of the same name, which you can find information about right here. This is a series all about how we are called to pray continuously and in all seasons (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Prayer is especially important in times of change and uncertainty. Everyone responds to change differently. A few people love change and embrace it with open arms, whereas others would like things to never change. The reality is God is the only thing that stays the same. Everything else is in constant change. So how do we handle that change? It is simple to say pray through it, but in reality, it takes training to trust God, silence and solitude to hear Him, and time spent reflecting on His faithfulness. This is a spiritual practice and we are here to walk alongside you as you learn to deepen your prayer life.  Read More

Highlight As we have seen this week all throughout Acts, the church was devoted to meeting together. The church in Antioch is no different. There were prophets and teachers, worship, fasting, and listening to the Holy Spirit. In this passage, praying and listening to the Holy Spirit go hand and hand. It was when they were worshiping that the Holy Spirit spoke to set apart Barnabas and Saul (v.2). Then it was after they prayed that the Holy Spirit led them to Cyprus (v.3-4).  Read More

Highlight Have you ever prayed for something and God answered, yet you still did not believe it happened?  Read More

Highlight Stephen’s final prayer of “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (vv 59-60) resemble the final words of Jesus that are recorded in Luke 23:34, 46. Jesus’ character of commitment and forgiveness was also present in the life of His followers. It’s also worth noting that while Jesus directed his prayers to the Father, Stephen is directing his prayers to Jesus. It is clear that Jesus’ followers saw him as fully God and this is just one instance of that belief playing out in the life of one of Jesus’ followers. Stephen was committed to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to the point where while being killed, he relied on praying to God to be his strength.  Read More