Spring Valley Mennonite Church

06/01/2026

In Acts 23 Paul stands before the Jewish Sanhedrin, but after making a statement that he stands before God in good conscience is struck illegally. Knowing he will not get a fair hearing, he divides the group pitting Pharisees against Sadducees. The Romans have to rescue him again from violence. Not knowing what to do with him, Paul is imprisoned. Jesus appears to Paul that night assuring him that he will get to Rome. Through God's providence, a plot is discovered to ambush Paul and he is whisked away by night to appear before the Governor Felix in Caesarea. Sometimes God rescues through a miracle, but more often He orders natural circumstances to accomplish His will.

05/25/2026

One of the most important tools of a Christian in witnessing is your personal testimony. In Acts 22, Paul gives his personal testimony in three parts: before he came to faith, how he came to faith, and how God had changed his life after that decision. Our testimony is unique and, while people may not believe the Bible, they cannot dispute your personal story. Listen and learn how to put together this valuable tool.

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

How often have your plans changed? In Acts 21, Paul's plans to spend a few days in Jerusalem, then travel to Rome then to Spain drastically changed. He spent the next four years in prison. This is the story of how this happened, with hints on trusting God through the changes of life. We make plans but are to hold them lightly, knowing God is in control and often has a much better plan.

05/11/2026

Paul had repeatedly been warned that danger awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he pressed forward. He had the conviction that it was God's will and he had a clear purpose to go. That conviction gave him courage, even willing to die there. We battle every day the fear of the unknown but we can take courage to move forward, not worrying about what might happen. Paul's courage can help us live courageously and boldly knowing that God is our strength and shield.

05/04/2026

As Paul completed his third missionary Journey he traveled through Macedonia and Greece on a "goodbye tour" of encouragement. He was headed to Jerusalem carrying the relief offering gathered from all the churches. Accompanying him were Gentile representatives from those churches. Countering a murderous plot from the Jews, he rejoins his companions in Troas, then continued toward Jerusalem. He bypasses Ephesus, but calls the Elders of the church to meet on the coast. He delivers a final message commending them to the Lord and testifies that he had completed his mission to them. Paul was warned at every stop on this trip that trouble awaited him in Jerusalem, but he proceeded with confidence in God's will.

04/27/2026

At God's direction Paul spent three years planting a church in Ephesus. Despite opposition from the Jews, Satan, and man the church prospered. Through God's strategy of discipleship, the whole province of Asia heard the Gospel. We find the principles of laying a foundation of sound doctrine, strategic methodology, and handling opposition from man and Satan.

04/20/2026

In Acts 18, Paul returns to Antioch to report after visiting Jerusalem to burn his hair (to fulfill a vow!?) Aquila and Priscilla pass on Paul (and Jesus') strategy of discipleship to Apollo, demonstrating how Paul modeled how to change the world by building committed multipliers.

04/06/2026

Jesus is the "glue" of life.

Did you know there’s a protein in your body called laminin that helps hold your cells together?

It forms a kind of cross-like structure, acting as part of the foundation that keeps your body organized and intact.

Now think about that.

At the very core of our physical design, something that helps hold us together reflects the shape of the cross.

The Bible says in Colossians 1:17, “In Him all things hold together.”

It’s not just poetic—it’s powerful.

The same God who designed your body with order and structure is the same God who holds your life together when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

You’re not held together by accident.

You’re held together by Him.