Genesis Church Phoenix

He is risen, and wants to raise US into new life.

King me or Kill me - Ryan Lunceford by Genesis Church

The story of God's radical love.

A story of God's radical love.

In one Jesus’ most famous parables, two sons and their father take center stage to reveal the radical love of God. The younger son, determined to move as far from his father’s house, demands his inheritance and runs to a distant land. The older son, having a sense of duty and honor, stays by his father’s side in attempt to earn his favor. Despite their differences, both are prodigals in their own right. The only question is: will they see it and return back to the father?

The actions and words of Peter and John get them in hot water with the religious elite. Though what they did was good, it threatened the social and religious structures of the day. Similarly, we have been called to perform good deeds in world—deeds that often threaten the social and religious structures of the world. As a result, tension and conflict are bound to arise. Instead of running from it, we can live peacefully in the tension.

As Peter seizes the opportunity to share about Jesus, he tells those gathered that the path to refreshment in their lives goes through repentance. Recognizing and turning from the sin in their lives and turning towards Jesus is the only path to true refreshment.

An audio guide through the Stations of the Cross for prayer and remembrance during the Easter season.

Following the healing the lame man, the crowds in Jerusalem swarm to Peter and John to see what has happened. Peter sees an opportunity to share the life change that can occur when a person has faith in Jesus. Peter and John’s obedience to follow the Spirit’s lead and heal the lame man leads to an opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise received. In the same way, when we are obedient with the Spirit’s leading in our own lives, we are given opportunities to be seized that wouldn’t receive otherwise.

Impact The World - Ryan Lunceford by Genesis Church

Invest in the Next Generation - Ryan Lunceford by Genesis Church

Follow - Ryan Lunceford by Genesis Church

Changed Lives Changing Lives - Ryan Lunceford by Genesis Church

With the passing of Pentecost and the fresh formation of the church, Peter and the Apostles are beginning to discover their role in being Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem. Approached by a crippled man at the Temple for money, Peter and John give only what they have—the power of Jesus within them. The end result is the full healing of the man. Like Peter and John, Jesus has given us everything we need to bring healing to a broken world.

The first followers grew from 120ish to more than 3,000 almost overnight. As a result, a whole new community was formed among them. And though they may be from different places—socially, economically, nationally, ethnically—they all shared a faith in Jesus. This prompted them to worship, take the Lord’s supper, be in community, and become generous in ways that would shape the church for thousands of years.

The extraordinary story of Jesus ALWAYS connects. As Curt Thompson says, “We are all looking for someone looking for us with delight.” Jesus is that someone. And, when a person realizes who Jesus really is, it changes them. When a person is awakened to the depth of love Jesus has for them and what He has done on their behalf, the only response is surrender.

Confused by the craze of the Spirit’s work in Jerusalem, onlookers start to wonder and have questions about what the first followers are talking about. Peter, bold as he is, steps up to the mic and shares the extraordinary story of Jesus. He pulls back the curtain on what so many missed who weren’t aware of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He declares Jesus to be what He always said He was—Lord and Messiah.

Into the midst of their waiting and wondering, the Spirit arrives with incredible power. At a time when Jews from all over the known world are gathering in Jerusalem, God sends His Spirit to ignite the mission Jesus spoke of in Acts 1. Ordinary people, powered by the Spirit of God, begin to tell the world about the good news of Jesus.

As the the first followers wait on the Holy Spirit’s arrival, they do so with purpose. Instead of seeing their waiting as an obstacle, they use it as an opportunity. It is an opportunity for them to grow closer to God and each through prayer, gathering, and addressing the gaps in their situation. Like the first followers, we can see our waiting as an opportunity to do the same.

The book of Acts starts begins with an unlikely instruction by Jesus. He tells His first followers to walk while they wait. Though great things are to come for the church, Jesus insists they wait for the Spirit's movement before they do anything.