Summary: The message of grace comes to Iconium with both grace and power, challenging human tradition and creating a divide in the city. And yet, the church thrives. What type of culture enables a church to thrive in hostile settings? Reflection Questions: 1. Does the gospel of Jesus still push against your status quo? 2. Have you ever encountered resistance or hostility because of the gospel? What was going on in your mind and heart? What did you take away from that experience? 3. What does it mean to welcome the message of grace? How can we do that together? Why is the cross offensive (Gal 5:11)? 4. What are ways we can stand ready, together, for hostility against our faith in Jesus?

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From Series: "Church In Action"

In Acts, the story follows the gospel expansion from city to city as Paul and his coworkers obey the Spirit’s call. As they proclaim the gospel, the word of the Lord spreads throughout Gentile lands and many become disciples. And something more. God establishes His church among various people and places. The churches are local, diverse, communal, and caught up in God’s saving mission. We see the gospel on the move – moving into cities, neighborhoods, lives. Settling in and turning the world upside down. The same God has the same good news. Through this series, we’ll look at the church now & then, here & there. What can we learn from its different receptions and different responses? In our time and place, what changes and what remains the same?