Trials in Caesarea

Scott Risley
Acts 23:11-26:32

Paul seizes his moment on trial in Caesarea to give his testimony and reason from the scriptures to many high power individuals. We see how people respond to the Gospel differently but most importantly we see Pauls' dedication to the truth and perseverance through a long imprisonment in Caesarea.

Back to Jerusalem

Dennis McCallum
Acts 21:1-22:29

Paul embarks on his return journey to Jerusalem and encounters believers praying for him and concerned for his safety, knowing he will encounter opposition in Jerusalem. However, Paul knows that the Holy Spirit is leading him back, and is willing to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.

Ephesus

Scott Risley
Romans 8:9

Whenever believers in Christ go out into the world preaching the Gospel they will be met with opposition. Pauls' time in Ephesus was met with opposition in such a way and our lives should be no different. We learn about the reality of spiritual warfare and why we must be united in the Holy Spirit and ready with our defense from Scripture.

Lessons from Corinth

Dennis McCallum
Acts 18:1-22

Paul arrives in Corinth by himself, but was led to Aquila and Priscilla, Jews exiled from Rome, and stayed with them making tents and persuading Jews and Greeks when not working his trade. When the Jews blasphemed Paul, he devoted his ministry to the Gentiles. When Paul became discouraged and feared for his life, he was encouraged by Jesus in a vision to not be afraid because He was with Paul.

Counterattacks

Dennis McCallum
Acts 5:12-6:7

The Apostles demonstrate how to counter Satan's tactics of persecution and division by depending on God, resulting in the growth of the church.

Persecution and Division

James Rochford
Acts 5:14-6:7

Crisis, perseverance, and growth is the pattern seen in the early church. Philip and Stephen along with the other apostles experience external and internal attack through persecution and division. With God, they are able to overcome these. God doesn't grow His church despite crises, but actually through them.

Releasing the Power of God

Ryan Lowery
2 Corinthians 3:18-4:18

Paul has seen church after church be distracted by false teachers and turn against him, just like the church in Corinth. How is he able to persevere despite apparent failure after failure? He relies on God's power. We must be willing to fail at following God, because that is how God will teach us to rely on Him, and that is how we will grow.

Patience (Part 2) - Patience with Sin

Ajith Fernando
Romans 13:1

Patience is an often sought-after virtue, but it is not achieved in the Christian life without trials. As we encounter sin, we are faced with an opportunity to be refined. Even in times when we have been greatly hurt by others, we can forgive by the power of Christ and learn to endure patiently, without having to take vengeance on our own shoulders. This fruit of patience brings relief and freedom into our lives.

The Life of Watchman Nee

Mike Sullivan
Romans 13:1

The life of Watchman Nee is an extraordinary account of Christian dedication. This workshop explores his background and the church planting movement that he began in China during the twentieth century. Through examining his movement, we can extract both pitfalls to avoid and qualities to implement in our own churches. Xenos, in this way, does have Nee to thank for some of the reasoning behind its own home church structure.