Word and Formation: Table of Life Church Sermons and Podcast

Acts 17:16-34 What if Jesus is What You Are Searching For?

Most people aren't looking for idols—they're looking for love, purpose, justice, peace, and a life that feels whole. The tragedy is that we often search for those things everywhere except in the One who can truly satisfy them. In Acts 17, Paul stands before the Areopagus, not to win an argument, but to begin a conversation. Instead of starting with condemnation, he listens. He names the Athenians' suspicions, uncovers the longings beneath their beliefs, exposes the idols that have captured those longings, and finally points them to the risen Jesus. This sermon offers a simple framework for sharing the gospel in a post-Christian culture: * Name the suspicion. Why does Jesus seem threatening? * Listen for the longing. What is this person really searching for? * Expose the idol. What have they trusted to satisfy that longing? * Proclaim the risen Christ. What if Jesus is the One they've been looking for all along? Rather than memorizing a script, learn a map for meaningful gospel conversations—one that begins with listening and ends with the hope of the resurrection. The good news isn't simply that Jesus forgives sins; it's that the risen King is making all things right, and every human longing ultimately finds its fulfillment in Him.

Acts 10: The People We Would Rather Avoid

When God sends His people to those they would rather not associate with, how will they respond? In Acts 10–11, Peter faces the same challenge Jonah faced centuries earlier: taking God's message to outsiders. This sermon explores how man-made rules can keep us from the people who need the gospel most, how God's grace frees us to move toward sinners without fear, and how believers can faithfully navigate difficult questions about engagement, holiness, and mission.

Acts 9: When Your Enemy Meets Jesus

Acts 9 challenges us to consider how we respond when those who oppose Christ—and even oppose us—are transformed by the gospel. Saul's conversion reminds us that only Jesus can change hearts, and that believers are called to embrace, forgive, and partner with those whom God redeems.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 The Great Surprise Party

Have you ever been convinced that all hope was gone—only to discover that something beautiful was happening behind the scenes? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11, Zach shares the story of one of the hardest birthdays of his life and the unforgettable surprise that changed everything. The Apostle Paul speaks to believers who feared death had the final word, reminding them that because Jesus rose from the dead, those who belong to Him will too. This isn't a sermon about predicting the end times. It's about finding hope in the middle of grief, suffering, and uncertainty. As we wait for Christ's return, we're called to encourage one another with one simple promise: "We will always be with the Lord." Whether you're grieving a loss, walking through disappointment, or simply needing encouragement today, this message points us to the hope that Jesus has already secured. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11

Acts 16: Why Suffer with Christ?

Acts 16 tells the story of the beginning of the church in Philippi. Throughout the story the Apostle Paul suffers. Each hardship is different but Paul does not struggle to be released from the pain, instead he willingly allows it to happen. Why? Because suffering with the crucified Jesus leads to the life of the resurrected Jesus.