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Paul is dragged in front of the Sanhedrin, struck on the mouth for speaking the truth, and within hours learns forty men have sworn an oath not to eat or drink until he's dead. This message asks a simple question out of that chaos: what is courage, actually? Not the absence of fear — the absence of self-preservation. And Paul's story in Acts 22-23 hands us four concrete reasons we can have it. He takes the initiative instead of waiting to be invited to speak. He trusts that the Holy Spirit will give him the words in the moment, even mid-trial. He knows Jesus is physically present with him, guiding his circumstances down to which nephew happens to overhear a murder plot. And he watches God provide — an entire military escort, a horse, a letter of favor — exactly what he needs to fulfill what God wants. None of it was an accident, and none of it required Paul to be someone extraordinary. That's the whole point. This courage isn't reserved for spiritual elites. It's available to ordinary people who ask for it and keep showing up. So here's the question this message leaves you with: which of these four — initiative, the Spirit's words, Jesus's presence, or God's provision — do you need most right now? Whatever your comfort level is today, you won't be in the same place three months from now if you take the step. KEY TAKEAWAYS Courage isn't the absence of fear — it's the absence of self-preservation.Take the initiative as a witness for Jesus; don't wait for the perfect, risk-free opportunity to speak.Ask the Holy Spirit what to say, and then actually wait long enough to listen for the answer.Jesus is present with you in every hard moment, orchestrating circumstances you can't always see.God provides what you need to fulfill His mission — your job is to be faithful and ask for His help. CONTACT INFO Branch Church | https://branchchurchmn.org Want to grow in this with others? Find a branch home or a men's or women's Bible study — this is exactly what we dig into together. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and Turning to Acts 22-23 (02:00) What Is Courage, Really? (04:00) Four Reasons We Can Take Courage (04:30) Reason 1: Take the Initiative (07:00) Paul's Bold Response to the High Priest (09:00) How Comfortable Are You Taking Initiative? (11:00) Reason 2: The Holy Spirit Will Tell You What to Say (12:00) Paul Divides the Sanhedrin (16:00) Asking and Waiting: The Two-Part Condition (17:00) The Faucet Story: Why We Need the Right Tools (19:00) Reason 3: Jesus Is With You and Will Guide You (21:00) The Plot Against Paul and His Nephew's Warning (24:00) What Would You Do If You Knew Jesus Was Behind You? (25:00) Reason 4: God Will Provide for You (27:00) The Military Escort and the Letter to Governor Felix (29:00) God Provides for What He Wants (32:00) Which Reason Do You Need Most? (33:00) Coming to the Table: Examination and Freedom KEYWORDS Acts 22, Acts 23, Take Courage, Paul before the Sanhedrin, Ananias the high priest, Pharisees and Sadducees, Holy Spirit guidance, Isaiah 54:17, 2 Peter 3:9, being a witness, evangelism, Branch Church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, book of Acts sermon series, communion, courage in faith

Paul is standing on the barracks steps in front of a mob that just tried to kill him, and he asks for one thing: the chance to speak. What follows isn't a theological defense — it's a testimony. He simply tells his story: who he was before Jesus, how Jesus found him on the road to Damascus, and how his life changed after that. This message uses Paul's moment to ask every person at Branch the same question: if someone asked you today what brought you to believe, would you be ready? The answer isn't about being comfortable — it's about being prepared. Everyone has a faith story, whether it feels dramatic or not, whether it's finished or still being written. The message walks through four simple questions Branch uses to help people find and tell their own story: what was your life like before Jesus, how did He draw you closer, what led to your decision to follow Him, and how is your life different now. And it names the real reason so many of us hold back — not because we lack a story, but because we're afraid of the result, of what happens after we speak. That fear is the whole point. The result was never ours to carry — it belongs to God. Our job is just to be faithful and let Him do what only He can do with it. So here's the invitation: don't wait for comfort. Pray this week for an opportunity to share your story, and if you're not sure what that story even is, sit down with those four questions and find out. KEY TAKEAWAYS Everyone has a faith story — even an unfinished one, even one that feels ordinary, because God has already been at work in it.Share your past honestly without glorifying it or beating yourself up over it — the goal is common ground, not a performance.Use four simple questions to find your story: life before Jesus, the journey closer to Him, the decision to follow, and how life is different now.The result of sharing your testimony is not up to you — it belongs to God, so be faithful and let Him handle what comes next.Being ready isn't about feeling comfortable. It's about being prepared before the moment comes, so pray for the opportunity now. CONTACT INFO Branch Church | https://branchchurchmn.org Want help finding your own story, or want to land in a Branch home where people share theirs? We'd love to walk with you. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and Setting the Scene (02:00) The Question That Stops a Room (03:00) Are You Ready? Are You Praying for It? (04:00) Paul Before the Commander in Jerusalem (06:00) What a Testimony Actually Is (07:00) The Word Behind "Witness" (08:00) Everyone Has a Faith Story (08:30) The Four Questions Branch Uses to Tell Our Stories (10:00) Why We Share Stories in Branch Homes (11:00) Paul's Life Before Jesus (14:00) Misconception: "I Don't Have a Faith Story" (15:00) Misconception: "I Don't Want to Share My Story" (19:00) The Damascus Road: Paul's Encounter With Jesus (21:00) Misconception: "My Story Is Too Boring" (22:00) How Paul's Life Changed After Jesus (24:00) Misconception: "My Story Is Already Finished" (24:30) The Result Isn't Ours to Control (26:00) Facing the "What Ifs" of Sharing Your Faith (28:00) Closing Challenge: Pray This Week, Answer the Four Questions KEYWORDS Acts 21, Acts 22, Paul's testimony, Paul before the commander, Damascus road, 1 Peter 3:15, faith story, sharing your testimony, being a witness, Branch homes, Branch Church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, book of Acts sermon series, evangelism, boldness, trusting God with the result

How resolved are we to follow Jesus, no matter the cost? In Acts 21, Paul continues toward Jerusalem even as fellow believers plead with him not to go. He knows hardship awaits him, but he remains committed to the mission Jesus has given him. Through Paul's example, we see that following Jesus requires more than good intentions. It calls for a willingness to surrender our own way and trust God's direction, even when the road ahead is difficult. This message explores the cost of discipleship, the importance of deciding ahead of time to remain faithful to Jesus, and the kind of Christian community that seeks God's will above everything else. Paul’s friends deeply love him and want to protect him, yet they ultimately entrust the situation to God, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.” At Branch Church Minnewashta, we're reminded that church is more than gathering for an hour on Sunday. We're a community on mission, helping one another follow Jesus, grow in faith, and share his love with people who don't yet know him. Following Jesus may cost us comfort, reputation, relationships, or our own plans, but what we gain in him is worth everything. Key Takeaways Following Jesus comes with a cost. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and choose his way over our own. Seek God's will above everything else. Like Paul's friends, we can care deeply for one another while ultimately trusting God with the outcome. Be willing to sacrifice for the mission. Paul was willing to set aside his own preferences to help others encounter Jesus. Our love for people should shape how we serve them. The cost of following Jesus comes with an eternal reward. We surrender our own way not to earn God's love, but because Jesus has already given himself for us and offers us life with him. Take a next step toward community. Joining a Branch home or serving on a team can help turn Sunday connections into meaningful friendships rooted in Christ. Contact Info Branch Church Minnewashta Learn more about Branch Church, find a Branch home, and discover ways to get connected: branchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome and Introduction to Acts 21(02:00) How Resolved Are We to Follow Jesus?(03:00) Paul's Journey Toward Jerusalem(04:00) Paul's Resolve in the Face of Hardship(05:00) The Deep Love of Christian Community(06:00) A Church United by a Shared Mission(07:00) Sending and Planting Churches(08:00) Do You Have This Kind of Community?(09:00) Understanding the Holy Spirit's Warnings(10:00) Seeking God's Will Above Everything Else(11:00) False Reports and Opposition Against Paul(12:00) Navigating Conflict with Wisdom(13:00) Paul's Willingness to Sacrifice for the Mission(14:00) Paul Enters the Temple(15:00) A Crowd Turns Against Paul(16:00) Spiritual Conflict and the Uproar in Jerusalem(17:00) Applying Paul's Story to Our Lives(18:00) Following Jesus Comes with a Cost(19:00) What We Gain When We Surrender(20:00) Identifying What Holds Us Back(21:00) The Challenge of Choosing God's Way Over Comfort(22:00) Resolve to Remain Faithful to Jesus(23:00) Decide Ahead of Time to Follow Jesus(24:00) A Community That Seeks God's Will(25:00) Encouraging One Another in Faith(26:00) Finding Community at Branch Church(27:00) The Cost and Reward of Following Jesus(28:00) Prayer and Worship Keywords Branch Church Minnewashta, Branch Church, Acts 21, Book of Acts, Paul the Apostle, following Jesus, cost of discipleship, take up your cross, Christian faith, Christian community, God's will, Holy Spirit, faithfulness to Jesus, Christian sacrifice, spiritual growth, obedience to God, Christian mission, church planting, Branch homes, serving at church, Christian fellowship, sharing the gospel, trusting God, surrender to Jesus, Matthew 16:24–25, Christian podcast, Minnesota church

Overview In Acts 20, Paul continues his journey, encouraging believers, teaching about Jesus, and preparing the leaders of the church for the work ahead. From the raising of Eutychus to Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, this chapter gives us a picture of a life fully devoted to Jesus and the people He has called us to serve. Paul's example challenges us to consider how we respond when life gets difficult, whether we're willing to make room for God to work beyond our plans, and what is ultimately driving our lives. Rather than pursuing comfort or personal security above all else, Paul is determined to finish the race and complete the assignment Jesus has given him: testifying to the good news of God's grace. This message also speaks to the bittersweet reality of sending people out to serve Jesus in new places. As Branch Church celebrates the launch of its Waconia congregation, we're reminded that the mission remains the same wherever God sends us: to give ourselves fully to Jesus and share His grace with the people around us. Key Takeaways Be an encourager, even in chaos. Like Paul, we can rely on God's provision to encourage others, even when we're facing difficult circumstances ourselves. Make room for transformation. Following Jesus requires more than hearing His Word; it means giving Him our time, attention, and willingness to change us. Don't rush past what God is doing. Be willing to pause your plans and linger in moments when God is at work in you and your community. Serve with humility and courage. Paul's ministry was marked by tears, trials, and a willingness to proclaim the whole truth of the gospel. Finish the race God has given you. Our ultimate goal isn't comfort, security, or making a name for ourselves, but faithfully completing the assignment Jesus has entrusted to us. Contact Info Branch Churchbranchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome & Introduction to Acts 20(03:00) Encouraging Others After the Uproar(04:00) Responding to Chaos with Encouragement(05:00) Living from God's Abundance(06:00) Breaking Bread and Remembering Jesus(08:00) Intentionality and Devotion to God's Word(09:00) Making Space for Spiritual Transformation(11:00) Eutychus and the Power of the Holy Spirit(12:00) Lingering in the Presence of God(14:00) Making Room for God to Move(15:00) Paul's Journey to Jerusalem(16:00) Paul's Example of Humble Service(18:00) Holding Nothing Back in Proclaiming Jesus(19:00) Finishing the Race and Completing Our Assignment(20:00) Faithfulness Right Where God Has Placed You(21:00) Shepherding and Protecting the Church(22:00) The Cost of Saying Goodbye(23:00) When God Calls Us into a New Season(25:00) Sending the Church to Share God's Grace(26:00) Jesus Gave Everything for Us(27:00) Responding with Full Surrender(28:00) An Invitation to Follow Jesus(29:00) Worship & Response Keywords Acts 20, Book of Acts, Paul the Apostle, Eutychus, early church, Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, devotion to Scripture, Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship, humility, perseverance, finishing the race, God's calling, sharing the gospel, good news of God's grace, church leadership, shepherding the church, Christian community, surrender to Jesus, following Jesus, faithfulness, church planting, sending church, Branch Church Waconia, Branch Church, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

Overview In Acts 19, the gospel creates a confrontation in Ephesus. As people turn toward Jesus, the idols and systems that once shaped the city are threatened. Demetrius and the silversmiths respond with anger because the gospel challenges what they value, worship, and trust. This passage invites us to look beyond the conflict in Ephesus and examine our own hearts. What do we value? What have we allowed to take the place of God? The gospel confronts anything that keeps us from Jesus, but it does so with an invitation to experience the overwhelming grace, mercy, and fullness of life found in Him. Acts 19 also reminds us that resistance should not surprise us as followers of Jesus. We are called to be faithful witnesses, but that does not mean we always need to engage, react, or force an outcome. Sometimes God calls us to step forward, and sometimes He calls us to wait and let Him work. As we follow Jesus, we can trust that God's way is always better than what we could accomplish in our own strength. Key Takeaways The gospel confronts what keeps us from Jesus. Following Jesus means allowing Him to reshape what we value and prioritize. We are made to worship. The question isn't whether we will worship, but what will receive our ultimate trust, devotion, and desire. Examine your attachments. Ask God to reveal anything that has taken an unhealthy place in your heart. Let God handle it His way. God may be working behind the scenes in ways we cannot see, using people and circumstances we would never expect. Run to the cross. When Jesus reveals something that needs to be laid down, we can respond with confidence because we are met with grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. Contact Info Branch Churchbranchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome to Branch Church(01:00) Serving Our Community in Shorewood(02:00) The Gospel and Confrontation(03:00) What the Gospel Confronts(05:00) What Do You Value?(06:00) Where Your Treasure Is(07:00) Idols and the Human Heart(08:00) When We Look for Something to Worship(10:00) Spiritual Conflict and Unhealthy Attachments(11:00) Nothing Takes the Place of Jesus(12:00) Jesus' Intention for Your Life(14:00) As Jesus' Witnesses, Expect Resistance(15:00) The Chaos in Ephesus(16:00) Sometimes It's Best Not to Engage(17:00) God at Work in Ghana(20:00) Let God Handle It His Way(21:00) God's Unexpected Ways of Working(23:00) When Should We Engage?(24:00) Learning to Pause and Listen(25:00) Waiting on the Lord(26:00) Preparing for Resistance(27:00) Laying Down Our Idols(28:00) Communion and Self-Examination(29:00) Prayer and the Table of Grace(30:00) Closing Prayer Keywords Acts 19, Acts 19:23-41, Book of Acts, Paul, Ephesus, Demetrius, Artemis, gospel, Jesus Christ, idols, idolatry, worship, spiritual warfare, spiritual conflict, Christian witness, sharing your faith, resistance, persecution, waiting on God, trusting God, God's timing, obedience, surrender, self-examination, communion, repentance, grace, mercy, forgiveness, Christian discipleship, Holy Spirit, Branch Church, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

Overview In Acts 19, Paul spends nearly three years in Ephesus, and through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, the gospel begins to shape an entire city. People come to faith, disciples are strengthened, extraordinary things happen, and the influence of the church spreads throughout the region. Acts 19 gives us a picture of what can happen when Jesus' witnesses are present and engaged, dependent on God's power, and willing to resist the forces of darkness. But the question isn't simply what happened in Ephesus. It's where God has placed us. Wherever we live, work, go to school, and build relationships is not an accident. God calls us to be faithful witnesses right where we are—to ask good questions, build relationships over time, speak boldly about Jesus, and trust Him with the results. Acts 19 also reminds us that following Jesus means recognizing spiritual conflict and relying on Jesus alone for true spiritual authority. As we consider our own “Ephesus,” we're invited to ask: Where has God sent me, and what is He calling me to do there? Key Takeaways Where you are is not an accident. God has placed you where you are and wants to use you as a witness for Jesus in your neighborhood, workplace, school, and community. Presence matters. Paul stayed in Ephesus for years, demonstrating that God often works through long-term faithfulness rather than immediate results. Be faithful with the opportunities God gives you. Paul spoke boldly, worked with his hands, and used the windows of opportunity in his daily life to share the gospel. Jesus alone is our source of spiritual authority. The story of the seven sons of Sceva reminds us that spiritual power isn't something we can borrow, manipulate, or combine with other beliefs. It comes through knowing and trusting Jesus. Faithfulness can shape a city. When ordinary followers of Jesus live with courage, persistence, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, God can use them to bring lasting change to the places where He has sent them. Contact Info Branch Churchbranchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome to Branch Church(02:00) Paul in Ephesus(03:00) Where Are You Invested?(05:00) What Does It Mean to Be a Witness?(06:00) A Well-Placed Question(08:00) Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus(09:00) The Power of Spiritual Questions(10:00) “Who Is Jesus to You?”(12:00) Baptism & Going Public With Your Faith(13:00) The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit(14:00) The Impact of Presence(16:00) The Power of Long-Term Faithfulness(18:00) Finding Opportunities to Share Jesus(20:00) Where Is Your Ephesus?(21:00) Serving Our Community(22:00) Expect Spiritual Conflict(24:00) Understanding Spiritual Warfare(25:00) Spiritual Authority Through Jesus(27:00) Jesus Plus Nothing(28:00) Repentance & the Power of the Gospel(29:00) Knowing When God Is Calling You Somewhere Else(30:00) Faithful Witnesses Right Where We Are(31:00) Where Is God Sending You?(32:00) Prayer & Living as a Witness Keywords Acts 19, Book of Acts, Paul, Ephesus, Holy Spirit, spiritual warfare, spiritual authority, sharing your faith, evangelism, Christian witness, discipleship, baptism, repentance, gospel, Jesus Christ, knowing Jesus, spiritual growth, Christian community, long-term faithfulness, God's calling, neighborhood ministry, workplace ministry, city transformation, serving your community, Branch Church, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

In Acts 18, we see God weaving together the stories of ordinary people to advance the story of the gospel. Paul arrives in Corinth tired and discouraged, but God meets him through Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who had been displaced from Rome and were faithfully building a life and community in a new city. Later, we meet Apollos, an eloquent teacher whose understanding of the gospel was incomplete, and who was strengthened through the quiet investment of Priscilla and Aquila. This chapter reminds us that none of us are the main character—Jesus is. But every one of us has a thread that God can weave into His larger story. Sometimes faithfulness means going, sometimes it means staying, sometimes it means opening our homes, and sometimes it means continuing to speak when we are afraid. As Branch Church enters a new season, Acts 18 invites us to trust that God is already at work in the people and places He is sending us to. We don't have to know how everything will turn out. We are called to show up, serve faithfully, open our lives to others, and trust Jesus with the story He is telling. Key Takeaways Jesus is the central character. Our lives matter, but they are part of a much bigger story centered on Jesus. God uses ordinary faithfulness. Paul worked as a tentmaker, opened himself to relationships, and simply showed up. God can work through our everyday lives and work. You don't have to have everything figured out. God can use us even when we're tired, afraid, or unsure of what comes next. Some are called to go, and others are called to stay. Staying, serving, opening your home, and investing in people is not a lesser calling. It can become the foundation for what God does next. Contact Info Branch Churchbranchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome & A New Season(02:00) The Power of a Braided Story(04:00) Jesus Is the Central Thread(05:00) Reading Acts 18(09:00) Paul Arrives in Corinth(11:00) Showing Up in Ordinary Places(12:00) The Gospel Doesn't Require a Platform(14:00) Faithfulness When You're Worn Out(15:00) We Need People Around Us(16:00) Priscilla & Aquila(18:00) The Calling to Stay(19:00) The Faithfulness of Minnewashta(21:00) Heaven Keeps a Different Archive(22:00) Apollos & the Power of Private Investment(24:00) The Ministry Nobody Is Watching(25:00) Paul's Fear & God's Encouragement(26:00) Do Not Be Afraid. Keep Speaking.(27:00) Trusting God With the Results(28:00) Preparing for Branch Church Waconia(29:00) Letting Our Stories Be Woven Together(30:00) Closing Prayer & A New Chapter(31:00) Jesus Is the Central Thread Keywords Acts 18, Book of Acts, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, Corinth, Ephesus, tentmaker, Christian community, hospitality, discipleship, spiritual formation, ordinary faithfulness, calling, serving, courage, fear, evangelism, sharing your faith, gospel, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, church planting, Branch Church, Branch Church Waconia, Minnewashta, Waconia church, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

Paul walks into Athens and finds a city full of idols — literally an altar dedicated "To an Unknown God." Instead of getting angry and walking away, he uses it. He stands up at the Areopagus, the intellectual center of the ancient world, and shows a room full of philosophers exactly who that unknown god actually is. This message pulls four principles out of that moment for anyone who's ever felt nervous about sharing their faith: look for opportunities, use a soft startup, make it about Him, and trust God for the result. This Sunday also marked something bigger than a sermon — Branch Church commissioned the Swanson family and the whole Waconia launch team, sending them out the same way the early church did in Acts 13: through prayer, confirmation, and the whole community laying hands on those who go. So here's the invitation. Pick one person in your life this week. Get curious about them. Look for the soft opening. And trust God with what happens after that. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Get curious about the people around you before you speak — knowing their world is how you find your way in. - Keep every gospel conversation centered on Jesus, not on your own performance or fear of getting it wrong. - Being sent out for God's mission starts with prayer, is carried by prayer, and depends on Him to finish what He starts. CONTACT INFO Branch Church | https://branchchurchmn.org New here, or want to be part of what God's doing next — in Minnewashta or in the new Waconia launch? We'd love to help you find your next step. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and a Landmark Day at Branch (01:00) Turning to Acts 17: Paul at the Areopagus (02:00) Acts 1:8 and the Call to Be Witnesses (04:00) Principle 1: Look for Opportunities (06:00) Paul's Burden Becomes Fury (08:00) Know Your Audience: Epicureans and Stoics (11:00) Principle 2: Use a Soft Startup (13:00) Principle 3: Make It All About Him (16:00) Trust the Word, Not Yourself (18:00) Principle 4: Trust God for the Result (19:00) Three Responses: Sneered, Curious, Believed (21:00) Why We Plant Churches — and Why Waconia (23:00) The Practice of Commissioning (24:00) Choosing Your Location and Holding Off on Visits (26:00) The Call to Serve at Waconia and Minnewashta (28:00) Commissioning the Swanson Family to Waconia KEYWORDS Acts 17, Areopagus, Mars Hill, Paul in Athens, unknown god, Epicureans, Stoics, being a witness, evangelism, soft startup, Colossians 4:6, trust God for the result, church planting, Waconia launch, commissioning, Branch Church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, Book of Acts sermon series, Swanson family

Acts 17 drops Paul into two cities and gets two completely different reactions. In Thessalonica, he reasons from the Scriptures for three straight Sabbaths, people believe, and jealousy turns a crowd into a mob that riots in the streets. In Berea, the same message lands differently — people examine the Scriptures daily to test what Paul is saying, and many believe. Same gospel, same messenger, two opposite responses. That contrast isn't just ancient history. It's still happening today, in Waconia, in Shorewood, in every branch home and every conversation with a curious neighbor. Some people meet Jesus with resistance. Others meet him with a hunger to know if it's true. The difference often comes down to whether someone is anchored to something solid — God's Word — or just reacting to whatever's in front of them. This message lands on three simple moves: be a Berean and test everything against Scripture, stay alert because God is already at work in the people around you, and don't do any of it alone. Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo sport. So here's the challenge — pick one. Open your Bible this week like the Bereans did. Watch for the conversation God's already setting up. And get in a room with other believers who'll walk it with you. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Test everything you hear — even from trusted voices — against the truth of Scripture, the way the Bereans did. - Jealousy left unchecked doesn't stay quiet. It brews into toxicity and eventually into open conflict. - The gospel is for everyone. No bloodline, status, or background puts someone outside its reach. - Stay alert. God is often preparing someone's heart long before you ever have the conversation with them. - You weren't meant to follow Jesus alone. Community isn't optional — it's how faith survives pressure. CONTACT INFO Branch Church | https://branchchurchmn.org New around here? We'd love to have you at a Sunday gathering or help you find your next step into a branch home. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and Celebrating What God Is Doing (01:00) The Waconia Launch: October 11th (02:00) The Call to Serve: Volunteer Needs at Waconia and Shorewood (03:00) Branch Homes: Discipleship That Fills Up in an Hour (04:00) Into Acts 17: Two Cities, Two Responses (05:00) Paul in Thessalonica: Reasoning from the Scriptures (08:00) Jesus Is for All People (09:00) When Jealousy Turns to Riot (11:00) Jason's Costly Hospitality (12:00) A Baptism Story from Hopkins (15:00) Sent to Berea: A Different Reception (16:00) The Bereans: Noble Character, Daily Examination (18:00) Why We Stay Tethered to Scripture (19:00) A Salvation Story at the 8:15 Service (21:00) Bible Doing, Not Just Bible Study (23:00) Agitators Follow Paul to Berea (24:00) Why Silas and Timothy Stayed Behind (27:00) Three Responses: Be a Berean, Stay Alert, Stand Firm in Community (30:00) Communion: Remembering What Jesus Has Done KEYWORDS Acts 17, Thessalonica, Berea, Bereans, Paul and Silas, Timothy, be a Berean, examining Scripture, gospel for all people, discipleship, Branch Homes, Waconia launch, Branch Church, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, community, communion, salvation testimony, book of Acts sermon series, standing firm in faith, gospel and jealousy

In this special message from the book of Acts, Branch Church looks ahead to a significant new chapter: the planting of a second church location in Waconia. Reflecting on five years of God’s faithfulness, Pastor Brian Suter reminds us that God has consistently done “immeasurably more” than the church could ask or imagine. Using three passages from Acts, we see a biblical picture of church planting: the church is built up and strengthened, matures in order to be sent, and strengthens other churches through multiplication. Church growth is not ultimately about filling more seats in one building, but about forming disciples who are ready to be sent into new communities. The message also calls every person at Branch to consider their role in what God is doing next. As Branch prepares to launch Branch Church Waconia, the invitation is simple: pray, serve, and trust God for the immeasurably more He has ahead. Key Takeaways God is faithful to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.A healthy church is built up and strengthened so that it can multiply.The measure of a church is not just its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.The work ahead requires laborers who are willing to serve.Contact Info For more information about Branch Church and the new Waconia location, visit:branchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Looking Back at God’s Faithfulness(02:00) The Calling to Plant a Church(04:00) Five Years of “Immeasurably More”(07:00) Trusting God for What Comes Next(08:00) Church Planting Throughout the Book of Acts(09:00) Built Up, Strengthened, and Multiplied(12:00) The Church Matures in Order to Send(14:00) Sent Into the Communities Where We Live(15:30) Churches Strengthen One Another(17:00) The Vision for a New Branch Location(18:00) What Will It Take? Laborers and Servants(21:00) A Call for Everyone to Serve(23:00) Dependence on Jesus and the Holy Spirit(25:00) The Announcement: Branch Church Waconia(28:00) Building a New Church Community(30:00) Preparing to Launch and Serve(31:00) October 11 Launch Day(34:00) Trusting God for the Next Chapter(35:00) Commissioning Sunday & What’s Next(36:00) Jesus Is the Vine(37:00) Closing Prayer Keywords Branch Church Waconia, church planting, Acts, Book of Acts, church multiplication, church growth, church planting movement, Acts 9, Acts 13, Acts 15, Ephesians 3, John 15, immeasurably more, Christian service, serving the church, discipleship, sending, missions, Holy Spirit, Jesus is the vine, Branch Church, Minnewashta Church, Waconia Minnesota, Christian podcast, Minnesota church, biblical teaching

In this special message from the book of Acts, we pause our study of the early church to focus on what it means to pursue community for the purpose of discipleship and spiritual growth. As Branch Church begins another season of Branch Homes, we look at the patterns of community throughout Acts and ask what God wants His church to become. From the believers being “one in heart and mind” to gathering in the temple and from house to house, Scripture shows us that Christian community is more than friendship or social connection. It is the environment where disciples are formed, new believers are strengthened, leaders are developed, and people learn to follow Jesus together. This message challenges us to move beyond isolation and comfortable relationships, choosing instead to pursue authentic, multi-generational community. Branch Homes are designed to create that kind of space: people learning Scripture, sharing life, bearing burdens, confessing sin, encouraging one another, and becoming more like Jesus together. Key Takeaways We need both community and discipleship. Community without discipleship becomes social connection without transformation; discipleship without community becomes information without the relationships needed to live it out. The next generation belongs in the life of the church. Parents and the church community share the responsibility of teaching children to follow Jesus and live out biblical truth. Following Jesus is something we do together. A disciple is not simply someone who learns about Jesus, but someone who follows and apprentices themselves to His way of life. Contact Info For more information about Branch Church and Branch Homes, visit: branchchurchmn.org Chapters (00:00) Welcome & A Pause in the Acts Series(02:00) Celebrating What God Is Doing Through Branch Homes(05:30) Community for the Purpose of Discipleship(06:00) Acts 2: The Early Church’s Model of Community(09:00) Community Fosters Unity(12:00) The Importance of Multi-Generational Community(13:00) Community Has a Rhythm(15:00) The Church’s Response to Isolation and Individualism(17:00) Community Addresses Friction(19:00) Community Grows New Believers(21:00) Community Strengthens Disciples and Grows Leaders(23:00) Why Branch Homes? Community for Discipleship(24:00) Discipleship and the Next Generation(26:00) What Discipleship Looks Like in Real Life(28:00) What to Expect in a Branch Home(30:00) A Call to Get Into Community(32:00) Ephesians 3:20–21: Expecting God to Do More(34:00) Prayer for the Coming Season Keywords Acts, Book of Acts, Acts 2, Acts 4, Acts 5, Acts 6, Acts 11, Acts 14, Christian community, discipleship, Branch Homes, Branch Church, spiritual growth, church community, small groups, multi-generational church, Christian fellowship, making disciples, disciples who make disciples, church leadership, biblical community, Christian relationships, next generation, Ephesians 3, prayer, Minnesota church, Christian podcast

Continuing through Acts 16, the sermon contrasts Lydia’s conversion with the gospel reaching a Philippian jailer, showing Jesus is for all people. Paul delivers a slave girl from a demonic spirit, and when her owners lose profit, they falsely accuse Paul and Silas, leading to an unjust public beating and imprisonment. At midnight, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns as other prisoners listen, and an earthquake opens the doors and loosens chains; Paul prevents the jailer’s suicide, and the jailer asks how to be saved. Paul answers, “Believe in the Lord Jesus,” and the jailer’s household believes, is baptized, and cares for Paul and Silas. Paul later insists the magistrates acknowledge their illegal treatment as Roman citizens, then encourages believers at Lydia’s house. CONTACT INFO Branch Church Website: ⁠https://branchchurchmn.org⁠ If this message stirred something in you — whether you're carrying something that needs God's healing power or you're ready to give your life to Jesus for the first time — we'd love to pray with you. Visit our website to connect with our prayer team or take your next step. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and Setup (02:12) Why This Passage Matters (03:26) Prayer and Scripture Reading (07:28) Slave Girl Delivered (11:30) Gospel Confronts Exploitation (13:45) Beaten and Imprisoned (16:36) Honesty and Freedom (19:34) Midnight Worship Witness (23:58) Earthquake and Jailer Saved (27:27) Justice and Church Protected (29:11) Closing Challenge and Prayer Keywords: Acts 16, Lydia, slave girl, demonic spirit, injustice, persecution, Paul and Silas, worship in suffering, earthquake, Philippian jailer, salvation, belief in Jesus, baptism, church encouragement.

We continue the church’s yearlong journey through Acts, explaining how the Jerusalem Council affirmed salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone for both Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 15:36–41, Paul and Barnabas sharply disagree over bringing John Mark and separate into two teams, showing that conflict among godly people doesn’t always have a clear villain and that God can multiply ministry through mess. In Acts 16:1–5, Paul recruits the young Timothy and circumcises him as a missionary strategy to remove barriers with Jewish audiences, distinguishing godly flexibility from gospel compromise as the churches strengthen and grow. In Acts 16:6–10, the Holy Spirit blocks preaching in Asia and redirects the team to Macedonia, teaching that closed doors can be God’s steering. In Acts 16:11–15, Lydia’s heart is opened by the Lord, she and her household are baptized, and her hospitality models gospel fruit, prompting application questions about conflict, redirection, evangelism, and hospitality. CONTACT INFO Branch Church Website: ⁠https://branchchurchmn.org⁠ If this message stirred something in you — whether you're carrying something that needs God's healing power or you're ready to give your life to Jesus for the first time — we'd love to pray with you. Visit our website to connect with our prayer team or take your next step. Chapters (00:00) Welcome and Setup (02:02) Jerusalem Council Recap (04:29) Pray and Read Acts 15 (05:58) Paul and Barnabas Split (10:57) Timothy Joins the Team (16:21) Flexibility Not Compromise (18:18) Spirit Redirects to Macedonia (20:26) Closed Doors Personal Story (26:32) Philippi and Lydia Converted (31:29) Hospitality and Final Challenge Keywords: Acts 15, Acts 16, Jerusalem Council, salvation by faith, Paul, Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Timothy, circumcision, godly flexibility, gospel compromise, Holy Spirit, closed doors, Macedonia, Philippi, Lydia, baptism, hospitality

Continuing a sermon series in Acts, the speaker teaches from Acts 15 where conflict arises as Jewish believers insist Gentile Christians must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved. Using a football-game metaphor, he shows how clarity can resolve friction and forge unity so the church’s mission can continue. Peter anchors the debate by recalling God’s mission, God’s knowledge of the heart, the shared gift of the Holy Spirit, purification by faith, the impossibility of bearing the Law’s yoke, and salvation by grace through faith. James concludes the church should not make it difficult for Gentiles turning to God, instead asking them to avoid practices that would hinder community. The message calls believers to avoid adding barriers, resist judgmentalism, and come to communion renewed in God’s mercy. CONTACT INFO Branch Church Website: ⁠https://branchchurchmn.org⁠ If this message stirred something in you — whether you're carrying something that needs God's healing power or you're ready to give your life to Jesus for the first time — we'd love to pray with you. Visit our website to connect with our prayer team or take your next step. Chapters (00:00) Welcome and Setup (01:11) Side Yard Football Metaphor (02:44) Acts 15 Conflict Explained (08:05) Modern Barriers to Faith (11:54) Jerusalem Council Begins (12:56) Peter Anchors in Grace (19:13) James Says Dont Hinder (22:26) Why the Four Requests (25:34) Unity Discernment and Joy (28:27) Communion Mercy Battery (32:01) Prayer and Sending

Every one of us is being shaped by some kind of power, whether we notice it or not. In this message, we walk through Acts 14 to ask a simple but searching question: what power is actually driving your life? Paul and Barnabas encounter three very different kinds of power in this chapter — the power of institutions trying to protect themselves, the power of a crowd swept up in the wrong story, and the power of the Holy Spirit working through weakness. Most of us assume power is a simple battle between good and evil. Acts 14 shows something messier and more honest: a wide middle ground of human, institutional, and cultural power that we're all swimming in every day. This message challenges us to get honest about what's actually steering our decisions, our fears, and our sense of worth. Is it what other people think? Is it a system or structure that's slow to move? Is it a cultural narrative that sounds true but leads away from Jesus? Or is it the Holy Spirit? Wherever you land, this is an invitation to draw from the power that's already living in you if you've said yes to Jesus. KEY TAKEAWAYS - God's kingdom power consistently works through weakness, not strength. - We are called to recognize the difference between kingdom power, enemy power, and human institutional power in our own lives. - Institutions aren't evil, but they will resist anything that threatens their control, even good things. - True worship flows from love, not from fear of getting it wrong. - Following Jesus means the road will be hard, but the Holy Spirit never leaves you to walk it alone. CONTACT INFO Branch Church Website: https://branchchurchmn.org If this message stirred something in you — whether you're carrying something that needs God's healing power or you're ready to give your life to Jesus for the first time — we'd love to pray with you. Visit our website to connect with our prayer team or take your next step. CHAPTERS (00:00) Welcome and a Branch West Update (02:15) Standing in Front of Great Power (02:45) A Rushing River in the Beartooth Mountains (03:45) The Rodeo of Champions and Uncontrolled Power (05:00) The Real Struggle Behind All Power (06:15) What Power Is Driving Your Life? (06:45) Reading Acts 14 Together (10:30) A Framework for Three Kinds of Power (11:00) Kingdom Power: Strength Made Perfect in Weakness (12:30) Enemy Power: Naming What Opposes the Kingdom (13:30) Human and Institutional Power: Not Evil, Not Neutral (15:00) Example One: Institutional Power Turns the Crowd (17:00) Example Two: The Lame Man Healed in Lystra (19:00) A Pause to Pray for Healing (21:00) Example Three: Mistaken for Gods (25:00) Eight Cultural Narratives That Lead Us Astray (28:00) Stoned, Left for Dead, and Getting Back Up (29:30) Many Hardships on the Way to the Kingdom (31:00) The Beatitudes and the Upside-Down Kingdom (33:00) Eugene Peterson on Faith and Suffering (34:00) From Acts 14 to the Letter to the Galatians (36:00) The Closing Question: What Power Is Driving You? (37:00) A Prayer to Give Your Life to Jesus KEYWORDS Acts 14, Kingdom of God, Holy Spirit power, power in the Bible, Paul and Barnabas, Lystra, Iconium, Derbe, Galatians, healing prayer, institutional power, cultural narratives, moral therapeutic deism, postmodernism, weakness and strength, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Sermon on the Mount, Beatitudes, Eugene Peterson, spiritual formation, discipleship, Branch Church, Branch West, Christian podcast, Minnesota church,