Trails Church

You ever meet a couple who just makes you want to follow Jesus more?Not because they’re flashy.Not because they’re famous.But because there’s just something deeply steady, wise, and faithful about them.In Acts 18, we meet a couple like that: Aquila and Priscilla. Ordinary Christians who quietly gave themselves to the long work of strengthening others with the Word of God — and God used their faithfulness in extraordinary ways.In a world obsessed with platforms, influence, and visibility, this text reminds us that some of the most important kingdom work happens quietly. Around dinner tables. In living rooms. In conversations after church. In opening the Bible with someone one-on-one.We will see how Jesus strengthens His people through His Word, His Spirit, and ordinary saints who are willing to faithfully invest in others.🤔Two things to think about:• Who has God used to strengthen your faith over the years?• And who might God be calling you to strengthen right now?🙏🏾Two things to pray about:• Pray that God would deepen our love for His Word.• Pray that God would use our church to raise up faithful men and women who strengthen others for generations to come.

Have you ever shared your faith and you thought it went well … only to find out later that it wasn’t received well?You got pulled aside by your boss, reprimanded, or maybe got a text that a said it wasn’t appreciated?Heartbreaking.Then, the next time you feel like you should share the gospel, you remember that last time … and think, “Maybe I don’t want to get into that again?”You’re not alone. In fact, that’s what our text is all about this week in Acts 18 as Paul feels that pressure. Opposition is rising, the cost is real… and it’s then where Jesus meets him and says:“Do not be afraid… keep speaking… don’t be silent… I am with you.”(Acts 18:9–10)This isn’t a call to be fearless — it’s a call to be faithful.Because Jesus hasn’t changed. He’s still with His people. Still building His Church. Still using ordinary lives to do it.Two Things to Think about:1) Where are you tempted to stay quiet right now?2) What would it look like to take one step of boldness?Two Ways to Pray in Preparation:1) That Jesus would steady your heart when fear creeps in.2) That He would use you to open doors for the gospel this week.

You and I aren’t neutral towards God …We are either worshipping Him or rebelling against Him. That’s the honest truth that Paul preaches to those in Athens in Acts 17:16–34. Athens, as we know, was as the intellectual capital of the world… thinkers, philosophers, culture-shapers everywhere. And when Paul arrived into this city, he:1) studies the culture.2) understands the people.3) And then drops truth right in the middle of it.Preaching:👉 You don’t actually know God.👉 You’re worshipping what you don’t understand.👉 And the God you’ve ignored? He’s now calling you to repent.Bold. Direct. Unapologetic.And here’s the tension we’re stepping into:We live in a culture just as “spiritual”… just as thoughtful… just as full of idols.So the main question we will be weeerlting with is: how do we speak about Jesus in that world?Things to think about:1) What are the “idols” people around me are already giving their lives to?2) Am I actually paying attention to my culture—or just reacting to it?Things to pray about:1) That God would open eyes to truly know Him—not just think about Him2) That we’d grow in clarity and courage to speak about Jesus in everyday conversationsThis one will sharpen you. 🔥

Ever had one of those moments where something finally clicks… and now you can’t unsee it?That’s exactly what happens in our text this weekend, Acts 17:1-15.As the gospel moves from city to city, a pattern begins to emerge. What once felt random suddenly has structure.And once you see it… you can’t unsee it.This Sunday, we’re going to see how Jesus actually builds His church:- the gospel is proclaimed- a people is formed- opposition comes…. and the mission keeps movingAnd here’s the thing—this isn’t just what happened then… it’s what we should expect now.Two things to think about:1️⃣ Have I embraced my role in proclaiming the gospel… or stayed silent?2️⃣ Do I interpret opposition as failure… or as part of God’s plan?Two things to pray about:1️⃣ Ask God to give you boldness to speak about Jesus this week

Three people. Nothing in common. One gospel that changes everything.That is what we will see as we dive back into Acts 16 this week and see how the church in Philippi was planted—not through strategy or similarity, but through the power of the gospel.And as we do, we meet three very different people1) a businesswoman2) a demon possessed slave girl3) a Roman jailer. From the outside perspective, they have nothing in common… and yet Jesus saves them, transforms them, and brings them together as one family.That’s the beauty of the gospel: Jesus saves the unlikeliest of people and makes them His church.And if you’re a Christian, you have this same story. Jesus found you, transformed you, joined you to a local church for your growth in godliness and so that you might use the gifts the Spirit has given you to be a vital member of that local church.So, as you prepare for this weekend, reflect on your own story—how God pursued you—and pray for those in your life who feel “too far gone.” Remembering: No one is beyond His reach.2 ways to pray this weekend:• For God to save those far from Him• For our church to grow in unity and love2 things to think through:• The story of your own salvation• How God knits you together with a local church to, together, show forth the mystery of salvation that binds together those who once had nothing in common.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the glorious reality that God has acted to save sinners—which we will see through baptisms as well as in our study of Acts 16: 6-15.As the gospel moves into new territory, we’re reminded:1) God providentially opens doors so the gospel is proclaimed.2) God graciously opens hearts so the gospel is received.If you’re already a Christian, this is a truth you already know. You are a Christian because someone shared Jesus with you and, as they did, God the Spirit gave you a new heart, a mind to comprehend the gospel, and ears to hear it. In short: God opened your heart to believe the gospel and to see the beauty of the Risen Savior.And if you’re exploring Christianity, this is the miracle we are praying God would work in your heart this weekend 🙌🏿As you prepare for Sunday, pray:– That the Lord would open our eyes afresh to the greatness of what He has done– That He would work miraculously in the lives of those that He is drawing to Himself this weekend– That He would strengthen those being baptized as they take this step of obedience.

Division is everywhere.Between friends.Between cultures.Even within the church.And if we’re honest… we’ve all felt it.Today, we’re stepping into a moment where even faithful, Spirit-filled leaders—Paul and Barnabas—find themselves in a sharp disagreement. At the same time, we’ll see another divide: confusion over the gospel itself—Are we saved by grace alone, or by grace plus something else?And yet, through it all, one truth stands firm:👉 The divisions of man cannot stop the mission of God.In fact, God uses them.From personal conflict to cultural tension, we’ll see how the Lord:• Expands His mission through disagreement• Strengthens His church through clarity• Advances His gospel through self-sacrificial loveAnd we’ll wrestle with what it looks like for us to live in that tension:• When do we set boundaries like Paul?• When do we extend grace like Barnabas?• When do we lay down our preferences for the sake of the gospel?Most importantly, we’ll see how Jesus Himself is the One who bridges the ultimate divide—between a holy God and sinful people—through His life, death, and resurrection. Two things to think about:• Where am I currently experiencing division—and how might God be at work in it?• Am I more prone to withdraw, draw hard lines, or humbly pursue unity for the sake of the gospel?Two things to pray about:• Pray for wisdom to know when to stand firm and when to sacrifice for the sake of others.• Pray that our church would be strengthened in faith and grow as we hold fast to the gospel of grace.

This Sunday we come to a watershed moment in the life of the early church—the Jerusalem Council.The issue on the table is not small. It’s not secondary.The very truth of the gospel is at stake.Are we saved by our works?Or are we saved by grace alone?Though the debate in Acts 15 centers on Jews and Gentiles, the heart of the issue is one we still wrestle with today. And in this passage, the apostles speak with clarity: we are saved by grace.As you prepare, read Acts 14:24–15:35.Then take time to read Galatians 2:1–14, where Paul gives his account of these same events. Even better—read all six chapters of Galatians and hear the urgency of guarding the gospel of grace.Two things to think through:• Where am I tempted to add to the gospel—subtly trusting in my own works?• Do I really believe that grace alone is enough to save and sustain me?Two things to pray for:• That we would cling tightly to the true gospel and not drift from it• That we would treasure the grace of God above any good thing we bringLet’s rejoice in the good news:we are saved by grace alone.

What if the hardest moments in the Christian life are actually where Jesus is most clearly at work?This week in Acts 14, Paul heals a crippled man… the crowd tries to worship him as a god… and then the same crowd stones him and leaves him for dead. Opposition. Confusion. Suffering.And yet the mission keeps moving forward.Why? Because the story of Acts isn’t about fearless missionaries — it’s about a faithful Jesus who perseveres His people.If you’ve ever wondered how Christians keep going when things get hard, this passage answers that.Two things to think about before Sunday:1️⃣ Where am I tempted to give up when following Jesus gets difficult?2️⃣ Am I trusting my own strength to persevere… or Jesus’ power?Two things to pray this weekend:🙏 Ask Jesus to strengthen our church to remain faithful through tribulation.🙏 Ask the Spirit to help you trust Christ — not yourself — to persevere in faith.📖 Acts 14

The best news in the Bible isn’t that God has a wonderful plan for your life.It’s that God has made a way to forgive your sins.That’s what we are diving into this weekend as we continue our journey through Acts 13 and come to Paul’s first recorded sermon.And his message is simple but world-changing:The entire story of the Bible has been pointing to Jesus.Through His life, death, and resurrection, forgiveness of sins is offered to everyone who believes. But when the gospel is preached, people always respond in one of two ways.Some receive it with joy.Others reject it.That same question still confronts us today:What will you do with Jesus?And for those who have repented and believed, we see how Paul and Barnabas risked everything to follow Jesus and are reminded that we aren’t just saved by Jesus, we are also sent by Him.- Into our families- Into our workplaces- Into our neighbourhoods- And into the nationsJoin us Sunday as we continue through Acts and see how God advances His mission through His people.Think about these things before you listen to this sermon:• What two things does the Good News of Jesus bring into our lives? (Hint: verses 38-39)• Who has God placed in your life to share Jesus with in this season? Who’s your “one”?Pray for these things as you go to listen:🙏 Hearts ready to believe the good news 🙏 Boldness to speak about Jesus

This Sunday, we step into one of the most intense chapters in the book of Acts.James is executed.Peter is imprisoned.Herod exalts himself like a god.And yet — Jesus is not threatened. He is reigning.Acts 12 smells like the battlefield. But what we discover is this: when you stand against Jesus, you lose — and when you belong to Jesus, you triumph, even through suffering.This chapter reminds us of two massive truths:• Nothing can stop Jesus’ kingdom from advancing.• Gospel advancement doesn’t come without significant cost.We will see both warning and hope. Judgment and rescue. Execution and deliverance. And above it all — a triumphant King.If you are exploring Christianity, or know those who are, this text lovingly but clearly presses a question onto your heart: What will you do with King Jesus?And for those who belong to Christ, this passage steadies us in a world that is increasingly uncomfortable with bold faith.⸻💭 Two Things to Think About1. What would it cost me to follow Jesus? Am I prepared for faith that is costly — or only faith that is convenient?2. Do I truly believe that nothing can stop Christ’s kingdom? Or do I panic when cultural winds shift and opposition rises?⸻🙏 Two Things to Pray About1. Pray for courage. Ask the Lord to make you steady, bold, and prayerful — not reactive or fearful.2. Pray for rescue — and readiness. Pray that Jesus would rescue the lost from judgment… and prepare His church to endure hardship with confidence in His triumph.⸻Also, this chapter ends with one of the most comforting summaries in Acts:“But the word of God increased and multiplied.” (Acts 12:24)Herod falls.The gospel rises.Jesus wins.Let’s gather ready to worship the triumphant King 🙌🏼

This Sunday, we step into one of the most intense chapters in the book of Acts.James is executed.Peter is imprisoned.Herod exalts himself like a god.And yet — Jesus is not threatened. He is reigning.Acts 12 smells like the battlefield. But what we discover is this: when you stand against Jesus, you lose — and when you belong to Jesus, you triumph, even through suffering.This chapter reminds us of two massive truths:• Nothing can stop Jesus’ kingdom from advancing.• Gospel advancement doesn’t come without significant cost.We will see both warning and hope. Judgment and rescue. Execution and deliverance. And above it all — a triumphant King.If you are exploring Christianity, or know those who are, this text lovingly but clearly presses a question onto your heart: What will you do with King Jesus?And for those who belong to Christ, this passage steadies us in a world that is increasingly uncomfortable with bold faith.⸻💭 Two Things to Think About1. What would it cost me to follow Jesus? Am I prepared for faith that is costly — or only faith that is convenient?2. Do I truly believe that nothing can stop Christ’s kingdom? Or do I panic when cultural winds shift and opposition rises?⸻🙏 Two Things to Pray About1. Pray for courage. Ask the Lord to make you steady, bold, and prayerful — not reactive or fearful.2. Pray for rescue — and readiness. Pray that Jesus would rescue the lost from judgment… and prepare His church to endure hardship with confidence in His triumph.⸻Also, this chapter ends with one of the most comforting summaries in Acts:“But the word of God increased and multiplied.” (Acts 12:24)Herod falls.The gospel rises.Jesus wins.Let’s gather ready to worship the triumphant King 🙌🏼

That name started in Antioch.Not in a cathedral.Not in comfort.Not in cultural power.But in the middle of persecution, scattering, bold preaching, deep discipleship, and radical generosity.This Sunday we’re in Acts 11:19–30.The gospel keeps moving.The church keeps growing.And for the first time, disciples are called Christians — people who belong to Christ.So here’s the question:If someone watched your life for a year…would they know who you belong to?⸻🤔 Two things to THINK about before you come:1.Does the gospel still move me?Not just something I believe — but something I love, speak about, and live from?2.Am I actually being shaped as a disciple? Who is walking with me? Who am I investing in?⸻🙏 Two things to PRAY about before you come:1.Pray that God would deepen your love for Christ.That the gospel wouldn’t feel familiar and dull — but alive and weighty again.2. Pray that the Spirit would make us a generous, courageous church.Marked by proclamation.Marked by discipleship.Marked by joyful obedience.See you Sunday, Trails Church.Let’s live like we belong to Him.

Acts 10:1–11:18This week’s text isn’t a side story.It’s a history-shifting moment.Like… one of the most important turns in the whole Bible.The question behind it all:What did it actually take for us to be accepted by God?Because we all have an answer to that —even if we’ve never said it out loud.Acts 10 blows it up.God doesn’t just save a few “religious types.”He throws the door wide open.Full acceptance.No second-class status.Even the apostles are like,“Wait… God did WHAT?!”That’s how massive this is.As you read Acts today before coming to our gathering, sit with that question:👉 What was required for me to be accepted by God?Bonus: read Ephesians 2:11–3:6 — Paul explains the theology behind this moment.Pray we’d actually feel the weight of this:God doesn’t just tolerate us.In Christ, we’re brought all the way in.See you soon.

This week we’re in Acts 9 and yes — it includes a woman named Dorcas 😌 but this passage is way deeper than a funny name.We’re watching Jesus do the impossible:a paralyzed man walks 🦵a dead woman lives again ❤️‍🔥But here’s the twist: the point isn’t “wow, miracles.”The point is WOW, JESUS.These stories are signposts. They show us that the risen Christ is still full of compassion, still powerful, and still building His Church — not through celebrities, but through:- ordinary faithfulness- long seasons of suffering- and simple obedienceJesus doesn’t waste our seasons of suffering. He uses them.💭 2 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE COMING1️⃣ Where do you feel “stuck” right now?Aeneas was stuck for 8 years. Jesus met him there. Your limitation, weakness, or frustrating season might be the very place where Christ wants to show His power.2️⃣ Do you underestimate your “small” faithfulness?Tabitha wasn’t preaching sermons. She was sewing clothes and caring for people. And God used her life to shake a whole city. Quiet obedience is never wasted in the Kingdom.🙏 2 THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT1️⃣ “Jesus, help me trust You in this season instead of just trying to escape it.”Ask for eyes to see how He might use even hard things for eternal good.2️⃣ “Make my life useful for Your Church.”Your words, your home, your gifts, your compassion — pray that Christ would use your everyday life to draw people to Himself.Come ready to see not just what Jesus did… but what the risen Jesus is still doing. See you soon

Acts 9:19b-31Last week, we saw how Saul met Jesus and heard from Jesus how Saul would be His chosen instrument to:1) preach about Jesus to his fellow Jews, to Kings, and to the Gentiles.2) to suffer on account of the name of Jesus.This week we’ll see how Saul’s life begins to demonstrate these words from Jesus as he begins preaching about Jesus in the same places where he once plotted the death of Christians.And, as he does, his old friends and colleagues begin scheming how they will kill him so that they can silence him. Throughout the rest of Acts, we will see this pattern continue in Saul’s life: how he preaches the name of Jesus and suffers on account of His Name. Through it all, we will see how Jesus builds His Church.

This Sunday, we are in Acts 9:1–19, one of the most gripping passages in the book of Acts—the story of how Jesus stops Saul in his tracks and turns a persecutor into a disciple.But as we’ll see, this isn’t a story about a man finding his way to God through effort, morality, or religious sincerity. As we see, Saul wasn’t searching for Jesus at all.Rather, it’s a story about Jesus—about His sovereign and gracious pursuit of His enemies, His power to interrupt rebellion, and the kind of grace He loves to show as He turns opponents into His people and sends them out on His mission.We can’t wait to dive into this text together!Two things to THINK about beforehand 💭👉 1. What does Saul’s story reveal about who Jesus is—not just what He does?This isn’t a story of human effort or religious improvement, but of a risen King who confronts, exposes, and saves His enemies.👉 2. How does Saul’s conversion challenge the idea that anyone is “too far gone”?Are there people in your life you’ve quietly written off as unreachable by grace?Two things to PRAY about beforehand 🙏👉 1. Ask God to help you see Jesus clearly in this text—His authority, His mercy, and His power to save.Pray that your heart would marvel again at grace you didn’t earn.👉 2. Pray for softened hearts—yours and others’.That Jesus would continue doing what He’s always done: turning enemies into brothers and sisters, and sending ordinary people out on His mission.Looking forward to gathering, opening God’s Word, and worshiping together this Sunday.

In our passage this week, Philip encounters a rather unique individual in the middle of the desert, one of the most powerful men from an African empire. He is a eunuch, but he is also a convert to the worship of the God of Israel.In this passage Philip shares the gospel with this man starting with a passage from Isaiah 53. As you prepare for the sermon, along with reading Acts 8:26-40, read Isaiah 53 as well. Meditate on this stunning prophetic portrayal of the sacrifice of Jesus. And consider God’s providence in the Spirit’s orchestration of this incredible encounter.Pray that we too would open our mouths to explain God’s word by the guidance of the Spirit with those we encounter. And may we see God’s goodness to bring near those who are far-off.

This Sunday we will consider the advance of the gospel into Samaria in Acts 8, showing how Christ brings joy, unity, and freedom even into a place long marked by division, idolatry, and spiritual darkness.Through Philip’s preaching, the Samaritans receive the good news, experience real transformation, and are welcomed fully into God’s people with no second-class status. Against this backdrop, Simon the sorcerer emerges as a warning example—someone who appears to believe but ultimately seeks to use God’s power for personal gain and self-advancement. The gospel continues to spread despite human failure, the passage invites us to reflect: whose name are we really seeking to make great—our own, or Jesus Christ’s?Pray that the Lord would give you a humble heart, willing to be examined by His Word, and ready to receive the gospel not as a tool for self-gain, but as the power of God for salvation.

Luke 2:22-35 this good news of great joy will continue to be revealed. There we learn that this good news is for more than just Israel; Jesus will be a light of revelation to the Gentiles.However, included with this prophecy of great news is a warning. The arrival of the long-awaited Messiah will be met with great opposition.However, we can be encouraged that the hearts of many will be revealed through him. This includes those with whom you share the light of Christ through your life!As you prepare for our time together, pray that we would be those who continue to share this “light of revelation” despite the opposition we may face for following Christ

Luke 2:15-2115 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:8–14The angels didn’t whisper the Christmas message — they announced it.This week, we’ll sit in the fields with the shepherds and hear the good news of great joy — news so good that heaven itself couldn’t stay silent. We’ll see why God sends this announcement to unexpected people, what it means that Jesus is Saviour, Christ, and Lord, and how this good news moves us upward in worship and outward in witness.🤔 Two things to think about:Why does God choose unexpected people to hear and share the best news first?What does it really mean for Jesus to be Saviour, Christ, and Lord in your everyday life?🙏 Two things to pray about:Ask God to replace fear, weariness, or distraction with real joy in the good news of Jesus.Ask God to show you who needs to hear this good news and to give you courage to share it.🕊️ “Glory to God in the highest… and on earth peace.”Good news of great joy — meant to be enjoyed and shared.

This Christmas Season, we’re fixing our eyes on The Fulfillment of God’s Promises — and this weekend, we’ll see how that Promise didn’t arrive in power, comfort, or control…but in humility.Here’s what we will be studying together: 📖 Luke 2:1–7 | Philippians 2:5–11Here we will see: A world ruled by proud kings.A decree from Caesar.And yet — God keeps His promise in a manger.And we will see how Jesus stepped down into our mess.And in doing so, He changed everything.👉 Two things to think about before coming:• What does it tell us about God that He chose humility over hype?• Where might we be clinging to control instead of trusting His purposes?🙏 Two things to pray about:• That we would see Christ clearly — the Promise embodied.• That His humility would shape the posture of our lives.Come ready to behold the King who came low so we could be lifted.

A quiet town.An unexpected girl.A messenger from God.A Messiah coming to fulfill the Promises.The announcement of Jesus isn’t just a Christmas moment — it’s the turning point of the whole story of Scripture.Every promise finds its “yes” in Him.Mary responds with humble faith:“Let it be to me according to Your word.”Join us this week as we dive into the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke and examine Luke 1:26-38 🫄🏽💭 Two Things to Think About Before Listening:1️⃣ Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises.From Abraham → David → the Prophets → right here in Nazareth.2️⃣ Faith involves submission to God’s Word.Trust isn’t having all the details — it’s trusting the One who does.🙏 Two Ways to Pray:• Ask God to give you a bigger view of Jesus — His identity, His mission, His kingdom.• Pray for a heart that says “Your Word, not my way” — not to earn His favor, but because His grace is enough.

🔥 When Egypt creeps back into your heart…This Sunday we step into one of the most powerful moments in the Book of Acts — Stephen’s sermon, his bold witness before the Sanhedrin, and the first Christian martyrdom.Stephen walks Israel’s entire history to show one massive truth:God is always faithful… and God’s people have always been tempted to turn their hearts back to Egypt.Back to old sins.Back to old gods.Back to self-rule instead of God’s rule.And Stephen’s life — and death — show us what Spirit-filled, ordinary Christian faithfulness really looks like:Jesus treasured above everything.A soft heart instead of a stiff neck.A life yielded to the Holy Spirit.A courage that speaks truth.A hope that endures all the way home.This passage comforts the humble, confronts the proud, and calls every one of us to examine the places where “Egypt” is still whispering to our hearts.🧠 Two Things to Think About Before Listening:1. Where is Egypt gaining ground in my heart?Are there old sins, old idols, or old habits that still call out to you — pulling you back toward self-rule instead of God’s rule? Where am I resisting God’s Word the way Israel resisted Moses and the prophets?2. What does ordinary, Spirit-filled faithfulness look like for me this week?Stephen wasn’t an apostle. He was an ordinary believer—full of the Spirit, steeped in Scripture, courageous, surrendered, and committed to Jesus above all. Where is God calling you to that same ordinary, steady obedience?🙏 Two Ways to Pray 1) “Lord, expose any drift in my heart.”Ask God to show where you may be stiff-necked, resistant, or closing your ears to Him. Pray for soft soil, quick repentance, and renewed love for Jesus.2) “Fill me with the Spirit to live faithfully in my ordinary life.”Ask God to make you courageous, gentle, Scripture-shaped, and ready to speak about Jesus wherever He places you.

What do you do when the needs around you are bigger than your capacity?As we come to Acts 6, we’re stepping into a moment where the early church hit a crisis — not of apathy, but of capacity.Widows were being unintentionally overlooked. Tension was growing. Unity was threatened.But instead of ignoring the problem or pretending they could just “do more,” the apostles did something stunning:✨ They acknowledged their limitations.✨ They invited the whole church into the solution.✨ They raised up Spirit-filled servants to meet real needs.And the result?The Word increased. Disciples multiplied. And the most unlikely of people came to saving faith in Jesus.This passage reminds us:The church doesn’t flourish when a few people do everything.It flourishes when every member steps in with the gifts God has given.Consider as you listen:🤔 Where might God be calling you to step in?🤔 Who around you might be unseen, overlooked, or carrying a weight they shouldn’t carry alone?🧠 Two Things to Think About Before Listening:1️⃣ Where are the “cracks” around me?Who in my church family might feel unseen, uncared for, or overwhelmed — and how might God be inviting me to notice and respond?2️⃣ What limits do I need to acknowledge?Like the apostles, what are the God-given limits I keep ignoring — and how might God want to meet needs through others, not just through me?🙏 Two Ways to Pray 1️⃣ “Lord, open my eyes.”Ask God to help you see the people who feel overlooked — whether in small groups, Sundays, relationships, or daily life. Pray for sensitivity and courage to step toward them.2️⃣ “Lord, raise up workers.”Pray that God would continue to raise up Spirit-filled, wise servants in our church who protect unity, shoulder burdens, and help our community flourish.

❓What do you value most? 💭Advancement? 📈 Image? 👤Relationships? 🤝Security? 🔐This Sunday, we’ll step into Acts 5 where the apostles face prison again but this time, they also get beaten for their faith in Jesus … shockingly, they leave this whole experience rejoicing. Why? Because they valued Jesus more than anything else they once held tightly. More than reputation. More than safety. More than comfort. More than life itself.Leading us to honestly assess this question: When following Jesus costs you something—your image, your opportunities, your relationships, your comfort—how do you respond?This text forces us to ask a tough but freeing question:Do I treasure Jesus more than everything else I cling to?Two things to think about before listening::1️⃣ What competes for my highest affection?Where do advancement, image, security, or relationships subtly outrank Jesus in my heart? 2️⃣ What would it look like to value Jesus above that thing? In my decisions, courage, conversations, or willingness to obey?🙏🏿 Two ways to pray:1) “Lord, reorder my values.”Ask God to expose places where old loves have crept back onto the throne and to help you treasure Christ above all. 2) “Give me boldness.”Pray for the same Spirit-wrought courage the apostles had—courage to obey God rather than men, even when it costs.

The early church was marked by wholehearted devotion — unity, generosity, honesty, and awe before a holy God.But the story of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us: God is not interested in partial obedience, spiritual performance, or selective surrender.God wants the whole heart — not the edited, filtered, Sunday-only version.Before you listen, take a moment to slow down and prepare:⸻🤔 TWO THINGS TO THINK ABOUT1️⃣ Where am I tempted to appear godly instead of being godly?Am I more concerned with what people see than what God sees?2️⃣ What would change if I truly believed that eternity is real and Christ is risen?Would it loosen my grip on comfort, money, reputation, or control?⸻🙏 TWO WAYS TO PRAY1️⃣ “Lord, expose any half-heartedness in me.”Ask God to reveal hidden pride, dishonesty, or divided loyalty — and to give you the grace to repent.2️⃣ “Make me wholehearted like Barnabas.”Pray for a heart that gladly sacrifices, gives, and serves because Christ is worth more than anything we’d keep back.⸻🔥 Come ready. Come humbled. Come hungry.God’s holiness is not casual — and His grace is not cheap.

📣 When the world pushes back, how do Christians push forward?In Acts 4, the early church doesn’t panic when threatened — they pray, they trust God’s sovereignty, and they ask for more boldness, not more comfort. 🔥🧠 Two Things to Think About:✅ Boldness isn’t a personality type — it’s a Spirit-given response to opposition.2.png3.png✅ What we pray for reveals what we value most: comfort or the mission of Jesus.💬 Two Questions to Ask Yourself Before Listening:When I face criticism, pressure, or hostility for my faith — is my first instinct fear, frustration, or prayer?Do I want God to make my life easier… or do I want Him to make me bolder?🔥 Come ready to be challenged.🙌 Come ready to pray dangerous prayers.💡 Come ready to rethink what “faithfulness” looks like when the pressure rises.

What would you do if you were told to stop talking about Jesus?In this Sermon, we’ll look at Peter and John standing on trial before the most powerful leaders in Israel. They boldly proclaim judgment — and then astonishingly offer grace and forgiveness through Jesus to the very men who orchestrated His death.The result: threats to stay silent.Their response:🔥 “We cannot help but speak of what we have seen and heard.” — Acts 4:20But their strength didn’t come from themselves — it came from the Holy Spirit.And this isn’t just a history lesson. The same Spirit who filled Peter still empowers us today to speak and live with courage for Christ.So, are you timid to share your faith?Worried you won’t know what to say?Afraid to take a stand?In this Sermon , we’ll see that true boldness doesn’t come from within — it comes from God Himself. 🙌🏼Two Things to Think About while you listen 🧠1️⃣ Where in your life are you tempted to stay silent about Jesus out of fear of what others might think?2️⃣ What would it look like this week for someone to recognize that you’ve been with Jesus?Two Things to Pray About in Response 🙏1️⃣ Ask the Spirit to give you boldness to speak the name of Jesus with love and courage — at home, at work, and in our city.2️⃣ Pray that our church would be known in Winnipeg as a people who have been with Jesus — humble, holy, and Spirit-filled witnesses.

Have you ever had a day that didn’t go as planned? 🚗💨Peter and John did — on their way to pray, God interrupted their plans and changed everything. A man was healed, the gospel was preached, and thousands met Jesus.In Acts 3:1–4:4, this sermon shows how God still works through our interruptions today — turning everyday moments into opportunities for His glory.Theme: God’s power in the ordinary, Spirit-led obedience, and faith that sees divine interruptions as invitations.

This sermon goes through Acts 2:42-47

Have you ever noticed that every birth story is different?Some babies come fast, some slow. Some are birthed at home, others in hospitals. Each one unique. Exciting. Life-altering.This Sunday, we are studying one of the greatest birth stories ever — the birth of Jesus’ Church.After weeks of waiting, the promised Spirit finally comes — and when He does, everything changes: God’s people are filled with His presence, empowered for His mission, and sent with good news to the ends of the earth, starting in Jerusalem.This weekend, we continue our study through the book of Acts, seeing that this passage isn’t a dry history lesson — no, if you’re a Christian, this is your lineage, your story.💭 Two Things to Think About Before Listening to our Sermon:1️⃣ God has placed you right where you are as a means of sharing your life and the Gospel with those around you … in other words, your address is your assignment. Do you treat your everyday location (house, work, the gym) as your assignment? Are you looking for opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel? 2️⃣ Are you expecting the Spirit’s power in the ordinary parts of your week — or are you trying to live on your own strength?🙏 Things to Pray For:🕊️ “Lord, fill me afresh with Your Spirit today — empower me to speak boldly and love faithfully.”🌍 “Father, use our church to bring gospel light into every home, every workplace, and every corner of Winnipeg.”✨ Join us next week as we gather weekly to celebrate this story that began in Jerusalem and continues right here at The Trails.

Waiting isn’t easy. Can I get an amen? Ha!Whether in line at Costco or in life’s hardest seasons, whether in waiting seasons with an end date or open-ended ones, how do you handle waiting?Waiting for a wedding date.Waiting for a prodigal kid to return.Waiting for a spouse to heal from hurt.In Acts 1:12–26, we see the early church waiting on Jesus’ promises and we see how Jesus continues to lead His Church through His Word and how He replaces Judas with Matthias.We also learn from the godly example of how the early church how they:➡️ Obeyed Jesus’ commands.➡️ Get into His Word.➡️ Trust their King.We will be talking about all of these things this weekend: seeing how Jesus continues to lead His people and how His people set a godly pattern of waiting, getting into God’s Word, and trusting Him to lead them.👀 2 Things to Think Through before gathering:1) Am I faithful in the “small things” of obedience—or only when it feels big and important?2) Do seasons of waiting in my life drive me deeper into God’s Word, or just into distraction?🙏 2 Things to Pray For:1) Ask God for a heart of unity and obedience, even in the small, unseen places of life.2) Pray that we would be a Word-driven, prayer-saturated church, trusting Jesus to lead us.✨ Join us as we see how Jesus leads His people and as we learn what it means to wait in every season.

How important is the Ascension of Jesus to your faith?In Acts 1:9–11, we read of Jesus being lifted up, taken into glory, and promised to return in the same way. The Ascension isn’t just a footnote in redemptive history—it’s a crucial moment that shows us:- Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted by the Father.- Jesus is reigning right now as King.- Jesus has poured out His Spirit to empower our mission.- Jesus will return in glory to vindicate His people.✨ Two Things to Think About:How does Jesus’ Ascension give you courage in a world that often opposes your faith?Where in your life do you need to rest in the reality that Jesus is reigning right now?🙏 Two Ways to Pray:Lord, strengthen my faith to live with courage, knowing Jesus is ascended and reigning.Lord, stir my heart with hope as I long for the day when Christ will return in glory.

This Sunday we launch into the book of Acts—our origin story as the Church. From a small group of 120 believers to a global movement, Acts shows us that the risen Jesus is still at work through His Spirit-empowered people.We’re praying big things as we dive into this book: that we would be renewed, reshaped, and bold in following Jesus and making Him known.🔎 Two Things to Think About:Where in your everyday life do you need the Spirit’s power instead of your own strength?Think about those in your home, family, neighbourhood and workplace that don’t know Jesus - how are you taking Jesus’ call to witness to them seriously? What needs to change? 🙏 Two Things to Pray For1️⃣ Pray for boldness—for yourself and our whole church—to live and speak as witnesses of the risen Christ.2️⃣ Pray that God would raise up more men and women from Trails to be sent—across our city, our nation, and even to the ends of the earth

Ever had drama with another believer that felt HUGE…but later you realized it was actually small?How we handle those moments matters. This Sunday, we’ll look at God’s roadmap to unity in Philippians 4:2–13.

When Listening to God Hurts📖 Psalm 119:89–96We’re thrilled to welcome @boazfadunfrom our partner church @citylightwinnipeg as he opens God’s Word. 🔥He’ll remind us that:• God’s Law is good—even when it hurts.• Christ is the fulfiller of the Law.• Christ took our hurt and God’s curse for our eternal joy.• So now, we can obey His Word with joy.⸻✨ Two Things to Think About:1. When life gets hard, where do you run—comfort & control, or God’s Word that never fails?2. God’s Word has no limits (Ps. 119:96). Where might you be settling for “just enough” instead of trusting Him for more?🙏 Two Ways to Pray as you listen:1. Lord, give me delight in Your Word so it sustains me even in affliction.2. Lord, give me courage to trust and obey, believing Jesus turns sorrow into blessing

How do you approach God when you have an urgent need?Do you find yourself “bargaining up” with your good works or “bargaining down” in unworthiness?This week, we will be in Luke 7:1–10 and seeing how a Roman centurion shows us another way—faith that rests entirely on the authority of Christ.This week, we’ll see how Jesus responds to faith that says, “Just say the word.”⸻Two Things to Think About as you listen::1) Where do you place your confidence when you pray?Do you lean on your good works, your service, or your feelings of worthiness? Or do you hesitate because you feel unworthy?2) What does this story teach about Jesus’ authority?Notice how the centurion recognized Jesus’ word had power over all creation. What might that mean for your prayers and faith today?⸻Two Things to Pray through as you listen::1) Pray for a humble, confident faith. Ask God to free you from trusting in your works or wallowing in your failures, and to place your trust fully in Christ’s authority.2) Pray for those carrying heavy burdens. Intercede for friends, family, or church members who need healing, help, or hope—asking God to work mightily because of who He is, not because of what we’ve done.

God’s glory revealed in a storm. That is the picture David paints for us in Psalm 29, sandwiched between scenes of heavenly worship. God’s power in the storm reveals to us his glory, calling all beings both earthly and heavenly to worship him. Read Psalm 29 and consider: do you see God’s glory revealed in the world he has made? Does it lead you to awestruck worship? Pray that our hearts would be reoriented by the glory of God and what that should produce in us.

This week we studied Psalm 28. David offers a lament to God and prays for justice against those who give no regard to the works of the Lord. In this sermon we dig into the concept of biblical lament and how it is a powerful tool God has given to his people to help us walk through suffering.Read this psalm and consider if you have ever prayed a prayer like this. Do you regularly bring your pain to God? Are you strengthened by the knowledge that he hears you?

Confidence… then uncertainty. Ever been there?One moment, you’re standing strong in faith … the next, you’re wondering if God even hears you.Welcome to Psalm 27.This Sunday, we’re walking with David through the emotional highs and lows—bold trust on one hand and honest fear on the other. We’ll see how he prays when his faith is strong, and how he clings to God when everything feels uncertain.In doing so, we’ll learn how to navigate seasons where both courage and fear are present in our lives - and learn how, in both, our confidence can rest in a faithful God who has promised never to forsake His people.📝 2 Things to Reflect On to Prepare Your Heart:1) When have you seen God’s faithfulness in the past? How did that bolster your confidence in Him when faced with other difficulties?2) What fear or uncertainty do you need to bring to Him today?🙏 2 Ways to Pray Before Gathering:1) Ask God to soften your heart—to hear both encouragement and conviction from His Word.2) Pray for those who are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain in their faith - ask that God might work in their hearts to produce confidence; that, today, they would know God as their Light, Salvation, and Stronghold.📍 Listen along as we open God’s Word and find strength, courage, and confidence—not in ourselves, but in the God who never leaves us.

False accusations sting … but they don’t have to sink you. Instead, they can be used to demonstrate our faith and deepen our trust in God as we wait for Him to vindicate us.That’s what we are going to see in Psalm 26 as David walks through false accusations and, instead of trying to prove himself innocent in the court of public opinion, he 1) leaves the matter with God to sort out and 2) prays that God would use this season of being misunderstood as the means by which he might grow in godliness. He then gives himself to walking in holiness as he waits for God’s vindication. Thus, Psalm 26 helps teach you and I how we can respond righteously when we walk through being falsely accused; helping us see 1) how to pray and 2) what to give ourselves to (holiness) as we wait for vindication.Here are two ways to prepare before listening to this sermon: 1️⃣ Read Psalm 26 and note: A) the things that David prays and B) the things David commits to.
2️⃣ Reflect on your last false‑accusation moment—how did you respond? Was it like David? How or how not?Then, spend some time praying:1️⃣ “Judge & vindicate me.” God - help me to not constantly live for the court of public approval; rather, let me learn to care about your approval and living righteously instead.2️⃣ “Refine me.” If you are currently walking through false accusations, ask the Spirit to burn away bitterness instead of letting it take root and ask that this situation might be used to refine you so that you might walk in holiness in every area of your life.

FORGIVEN ➞ GUIDANCE ➞ RESCUEDavid’s stuck. He can’t Google‑map his way out, so he asks God for two things on repeat:
1️⃣ “Wipe my mess.” 2️⃣ “Show me the path.”
Same for us—if we were wise enough, we’d already be free. 🤯So when we need rescue, how do we learn the way to go? And when we learn the right way, what do we gain when we obey it? Before You Listen 🚪There's a lot going on in this text so before gathering:Slow‑Read Psalm 25. Circle every line about forgiveness or guidance.Make note of the themes addressed in the passage.Pray Before 🙏Guidance for the Confused. “Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (vv.4‑5).Mercy Over Memory. “Remember Your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love … remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions …” (vv.6‑7).

In this sermon, we’re diving into Psalm 24 and the jaw-dropping reality of God’s kingly presence. Before you listen, we'd encourage you to carve out some quiet moments to prepare your heart for this sermon in the following ways:1️⃣ Read Psalm 24 slowly, noting how the entire psalm reflect's God's holiness and glory.
2️⃣ Read 1 Chronicles 15-16 for some historical backdrop that will be mentioned in our sermon.Then ask yourself honestly (Heart-Check): Do your desires, habits, and priorities actually show a longing for God’s presence, or just the appearance of it? Ask the Spirit to search and refine you.

God’s comforting presence never clocks out.Whereas we are bound by time and space; while we close our eyes in sleep and can only be in one place at one time, we must remember that God is not like us.No, He is always with us. Not only in the green fields and beside the calm waters; no, all the time - meaning that He is with us as we walk through the darkest of valleys, promising us comfort, vindication, and a future that is safe and secure as He promises to bring us safely to His home, where we will enjoy His presence forever. That’s what Psalm 23 teaches us to sing.It reminds us that we never walk alone, for the God who found us and called us to Himself will be the One who walks with us throughout this life and into the next one.Thus, Psalm 23 is this beautiful reminder that the God of all comfort never abandons His people. Before joining us tomorrow for our gathering, we’d encourage you to read Psalm 23 and reflect upon these things:1) How have you experienced God’s comforting presence in your life? In the good times, as He has provided all that you’ve needed, but also in the dark valleys? How has God drawn near to you as the Good Shepherd and provided for you?2) Are there fearful situations that you are currently walking through? Today, is it a fight to remember these words: “You are with me"? 3) Are you practically resting in the awareness that your Good Shepherd is caring for you? In what area of your life do you need to be reminded of this? And are there those around you that need to be reminded of this truth? 4) How does knowing that God’s presence never clocks out change your outlook for today? How about for tomorrow?Pray As You Prepare:🙏 Pray comfort for those hurting: Ask God to be the God of all comfort to those walking through dark valleys right now; that they might experience His nearness.
🙏 Awareness of His presence: Pray we might not forget Jesus’ presence with us individually and as a church.
🙏 Confidence in His care: Pray that we might have a growing confidence that God is always with us, protecting and providing for us as His people. Pray that we might rejoice that His eyes never close. 

In this sermon, we’ll be reflecting on Psalm 22 in a message titled “Forsaken by God.” We’ll walk through one of the most haunting cries in all of Scripture: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” words spoken both by David in anguish and by Jesus on the cross. This psalm helps us see that even in our deepest sorrow, God is at work. Christ was truly forsaken so that we, in Him, never will be. Come ready to explore how our suffering, rather than silencing our faith, can actually become the very means God uses to advance His kingdom.How to Pray and Prepare:    • Ask God to soften your heart and strengthen your faith amid trials.    • Pray that those struggling with sorrow or silence from God would find hope in Christ’s forsakenness for us.    •Read Psalm 22 in advance and meditate on how Christ fulfills it.Key Verse:“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Psalm 22:1

How do you respond when what you’ve been praying for finally comes to fruition?Are you someone who naturally moves on and thinks about the next situation or problem? Or are you someone who pauses, reflects, and spends time praising God for how He solved the situation and came through? Most Christians would like to say that we respond with pausing and reflecting … but we’d also admit that there have been tons of times in our lives when we’ve just moved on, forgetting to pause and thank God for what He’s done.Well, this week, we are studying Psalm 21 … which comes immediately after Psalm 20.We wanted to point that out not just because 21 comes after 20, but because there is this tight connection between the two Psalms. In Psalm 20, there are these prayers for deliverance.In Psalm 21, we see that God has provided.God has saved His King. He has answered the prayers of the King and the prayers of the congregation of the righteous. God has shown Himself as strong and mighty to save. The righteous have this incredible victory.Thus, in this week’s Psalm, we learn how David praised God for how he was delivered from the hands of his enemies and how his kingdom was established. However, we also know that this song is one that fits in the hymnbook of Israel long after David died. So, we might wonder, how did Israel sing this song after him, like in the exile when things looked bleak? And how does this Psalm point towards King Jesus? And how have Christians sung this song over the last 2,000 years?We will be exploring these things together in our gathering this week.So, here’s our ask: before coming to our gathering, spend some time reading Psalm 20 and Psalm 21. See how God answered the prayers of His King and His people. And spend some time reflecting upon the many ways that God has answered your prayers. Then, spend some time praying and thanking God for the ways He has provided in your life as He has responded to your prayers. Take delight in Him as you do so, recognizing His strength and provision.

As we prepared ourselves for our gathering (where we examined Psalm 20), we encouraged our church to spend some time reading over and trying to understand the main theme and rhythm of Psalm 18.Why? Well, the reason for doing so is that David, in Psalm 18, reflects upon how God has delivered him from all of his enemies. Then, in Psalm 20, David builds upon what he has already said and turns to ask God to deliver King Jesus in similar ways. Thus, the themes of these two Psalms are tied together under the banner of deliverance for the King, with David asking God to do for King Jesus (Psalm 20) what God did for him (Psalm 18). As such, Psalm 20 is often referred to as a Royal Psalm; sung about the coming promised King who would fulfill the promise of God given to David in 2 Samuel 7. Therefore, it is a song of faith on the day of trouble, remembering how God saved David and pointing to how Jesus would be delivered on His day of greatest trouble. Through it all, we see how God never fails to do all that He has promised.

It’s getting warmer outside.The flowers are bursting forth and filling our city with wonderful colours.We hear the old familiar sound of lawn mowers on Saturday mornings.And we have busy schedules around ballfields.Which means … Summer has arrived … well, almost, we are in Canada, after all 😂Around The Trails, this is the time of year when we dive back into our study of the Psalms, which is the hymnbook of the Bible. It’s here in this book of the Bible where we see how God’s people have responded to Him over the years as they examine creation, walk through suffering, experience great joys, and, through it all, pour over His Word and trust upon His promises.And our study for this weekend, we kicked things off with one of the most famous songs in the Psalter, Psalm 19. As you are reading, meditating upon, singing and praying this Psalm this week, spend some time thinking about how creation preaches to us of who God is. Also, spend some time thinking about how God’s Word enlivens, brings wisdom, makes us glad, and produces fear of the Lord within us as His people.