The Ephesian Experience

Dennis McCallum

Acts 18:22-19:41

Paul enters Ephesus, and by reasoning and persuading, many believe, are baptized, and the growth of Christians multiplies, not just in Ephesus but throughout this Roman region referred to as Asia (see the letters to the seven churches in Revelation). This growth is accomplished by groups of Christians meeting in houses because it was illegal at this time to have a Christian church building.\r\n

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.

The Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

Acts 2:42-47

The key and essential aspects of authentic body life which causes the never duplicated explosive growth of the body of Christ.

Committed Christianity

James Rochford

Acts 2:41-47

The early church was the most dynamic group ever! Luke explains the seven traits that made this group of people vibrant and that the church today can have this too.

A Thumbnail of the Early Church

Conrad Hilario

Acts 5:3

The early Church was devoted to the truth, fellowship, and prayer. They were generous unified and grateful to God. The Biblical Church description is not too radical; it is healthy compared to cultural norms and priorities.

Regret or Godly Sorrow

Ryan Lowery

2 Corinthians 7:2-11

Paul demonstrates good, Godly correction, and shows how Godly sorrow leads to real change. We are called to represent God well in our culture, and that involves taking the risk of speaking the truth in love to others. We must be willing to direct others toward truth, and we must be willing to accept correction in our own lives.

Love Therapy - A Little Known Approach to Counselling

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 5:46

Biblical love can be defined as a commitment to give of oneself in every area for the good of another, and it is a giving of this love that can truly be therapeutic in the believer's life. This love can further be separated into four categories: sacrificial, forgiving, emotional, and disciplining. As we examine these categories, we see how deep our call to love is. As we assess love defects and relational continuums, we can gauge our own position and learn how to become more effective love givers.

Ministry Houses - Building Loving Communties

Kate Mizelle

1 Corinthians 9:26

Many college-aged and young single people in Xenos choose to live in community with one another in ministry houses. These houses hold high standards and prioritize fellowship, discipleship, and spiritual growth. They also help facilitate an environment in which committed followers of Christ can prioritize a lifestyle of love as is described in the New Testament.

Taking the Measure of New Testament Love

Dennis McCallum

Acts 2:42-47

The New Testament teaches believers to love one another, but how much love should we give is sometimes confusing. By looking at insights that are emphasized in the New Testament, we can see how much love one should give. These sources show that one should love in a way that is: 1) visible to non-Christian observers, 2) growing a sense of belonging in community, 3) building significant trust, and 4) committed to each other's character development.