Ken

Faith does not require knowing how the story ends. It requires knowing the One who holds the story.

When I became a senior pastor at the age of 21, I had far more enthusiasm than experience. I was serving a small church in San Diego, and to be honest, I didn't always know what I was doing. At board meetings there was one gentleman, John, who seemed to oppose nearly every idea I brought forward. I found it frustrating. One day, an older pastor named Bob Prestwood invited me to lunch. He listened, offered some wise counsel, and suggested a different approach for the next meeting. I followed his advice. Everything changed. At the time, I thought Bob was a genius. Looking back, I realize he was simply doing what mature disciples do—investing in someone who was still learning. That's exactly what Paul models in Acts 20. The greatest leaders are people who first become faithful disciples. Your Life Speaks Before Your Words Do Acts 20 records Paul's…

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to change? Every January, millions of people make resolutions. We start diets, commit to exercising, promise to be more patient, or determine to break an old habit. Sometimes we make progress. Sometimes we don't. Which raises a deeper question: Why do some people experience real, lasting change while others seem to stay the same? Acts 19 gives us a compelling answer. Discipleship is allowing Jesus to transform every area of our lives. Real Transformation Begins with Truth When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he didn't look for quick wins or emotional experiences. Instead, he devoted himself to teaching. For three months he taught in the synagogue. When opposition arose, he moved to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he continued teaching every day for two years (Acts 19:8-10). Why so much teaching? Because people don't change simply because someone gives them good advice.…

Think back to the people who shaped your faith. I can think of several without whom I wouldn't be where I am today. Sarah Mays, my Wednesday night Bible teacher, helped me understand Scripture. Brad Carman baptized me and invested in me as a young believer. Barry Packer encouraged me to stay in ministry during seasons when I wondered if I should quit. The kingdom of God has always worked that way. None of us becomes who we are spiritually by ourselves. That's exactly what we discover in Acts 18. The Mission of Jesus Is Always a Team Effort When Acts 18 opens, Paul arrives in Corinth after leaving Athens. Corinth was one of the most influential cities in the Roman Empire. Paul walks into a city where he knows no one. Humanly speaking, he's starting over. Then Luke quietly introduces two people who will become some of Paul's closest…

Wouldn't it be nice if God handed us a five-year plan? Where you'll live. Where you'll work. Every major decision already mapped out. Even better, we'd know how the story ends. But that's rarely how God works. Throughout the book of Acts, we discover something different. God usually reveals His direction one step of obedience at a time. When God Says "No" In Acts 16, the Apostle Paul is traveling, making plans, and looking for opportunities to share the gospel. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit blocks him from going where he intended. Not once. Twice. Paul wasn't running from God like Jonah. He was trying to serve Him faithfully. Yet every door seemed to close. We often assume: An open door means we're in God's will. A closed door means we've failed. But what if some of God's greatest acts of guidance sound like the word "No"? Perhaps you've experienced that.…