If I asked you where to get your favorite pizza, you could probably name two or three places without thinking very hard. You would not need to do research. The answer would come naturally because it is part of your experience. But if someone asked, “Why are you a Christian?” many of us would freeze. Even pastors can make that question more complicated than it needs to be. Where do I start? How much theology do I need to explain? What if sharing your faith begins with something you already know—your own story? That is exactly what we see in Acts 26. Our story isn’t ultimately about us. It’s about what Jesus has done for us. Our Story Begins With Our Past For much of the second half of Acts, Paul travels throughout the Roman world telling people about Jesus. Eventually he returns to Jerusalem, where he is falsely accused…

Have you noticed how much easier it is to do something difficult when you are not doing it alone? A child walking into a dark room feels differently when a parent is holding their hand. A college freshman walking onto an unfamiliar campus feels differently when one familiar face is waiting there. What makes the difference? Often, it is simply knowing who is with you. That is what Paul experiences in Acts 23. His circumstances are not about to get easier. In fact, they are about to get worse. But in the middle of the chaos, Jesus gives Paul exactly what he needs. The presence of Jesus gives us the courage to take our next step of obedience. Obedience Does Not Always Make Life Easier Paul had returned to Jerusalem after years away, knowing the trip would be difficult. He was falsely accused, surrounded by an angry crowd, and rescued…

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.…