The Summit STL

"The church is full of hypocrites." It’s a common critique, but as we see in Acts 5, it’s one that God takes more seriously than anyone.In this message, we dive into the life-and-death stakes of spiritual integrity. Why does God protect the reputation of His Bride so fiercely? We discuss the difference between failing in faith and intentional deception, the "isms" that block the Holy Spirit’s work, and why the goal of the Christian life isn't just surviving judgment—it’s thriving in the presence of a Holy King.

The power of the Gospel is remarkable, and God’s power works through us by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our love for Christ fuels our desire to proclaim His resurrection and leads us to think less of ourselves and more about others. If we truly desire to be Christlike, which is God’s good for us, there is an emptying out of self that brings unity.

When we are confronted by fierce opposition to the Word, it is not uncommon to retreat out of fear. But the apostles in the early church in Acts were not frightened by threats; instead they turned their eyes heavenward and prayed for boldness. Their response, and God’s answer, lead us to proclaim Jesus boldly.

In Acts 4, Peter and John face opposition for proclaiming Jesus—and they respond with boldness, not fear. Why? Because their eyes were fixed on Christ.Suffering is inevitable, but we don’t have to face it alone or power through it on our own. When we abide in Jesus, our perspective changes. Acts 4:12 reminds us: “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”Real hope. Real power. One name—Jesus.

We all have our places—the spaces we return to again and again. For Peter and John, it was the temple at the hour of prayer. For a man lame from birth, it was the gate called Beautiful. For you, it might be a coffee shop, a soccer field, an office, or an airplane seat.In Acts 3, we see what happens when formed believers step back into their everyday places with open eyes. What begins as an ordinary walk to prayer becomes a divine appointment. A man broken for forty years is seen, dignified, and healed—not with silver or gold, but in the name of Jesus.Before Jesus restores this man’s legs, He restores his dignity. Before chaos gives way to order at the temple gate, healing had already begun at the cross.This message reminds us: the church is not a lake meant to collect, but a river meant to flow. We don’t grieve what we lack—we offer what we have. And what we have is Jesus.

How does the Holy Spirit reshape everyday life? The faith of the early church was exemplified through their awe at the work of the Spirit, and it drove them to become people of devotion. The result was exponential growth - individually and corporately. Listen to learn how the church is not an event, but a people of devotion.

The early church of Acts gives us a picture of how God brings new-creation power into broken human systems.
The Spirit is not reduced or diluted for modern believers, but the Spirit transforms ordinary, flawed people into bold witnesses. We need to look at what God can do through surrendered weakness.

What happens when we follow the early church’s example of “devoting” ourselves in prayer? When we understand that prayer means aligning our wills, desires, and purposes with God’s, He will act in power to transform us.

The early church of Acts shows us that the church begins not with activity, but with trust. Don’t stare at the sky or cling to the past - wait for power and prepare to be sent.

As we begin a new year, this message sets a clear and hopeful vision for Summit. Rooted in Ephesians 1:3–8 (NLT), Eyes Up, Summit! reminds us that our identity, freedom, and future are found in our union with Christ. When our eyes are lifted to Jesus, praise flows naturally, and joy and peace are shaped by who He is rather than by what we are facing.This sermon invites our church to avoid two unhealthy extremes: pushing down pain and pressing on in our own strength, or turning inward and becoming stuck in discouragement. Scripture offers a better way. With our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2), we can honestly face hardship while remaining rooted in hope and purpose.

Advent joy is defiant joy - it sings even in the dark. The shepherds were weary, forgotten people, yet the angel’s message came to them first: “Good news of great joy for all people.” Joy comes when we realize that even in our pain, we are not forgotten. Jesus’ arrival is the assurance that God is near, and His nearness turns despair into delight.

We often look for peace in control, comfort, or certainty, but true peace is found in the presence of Christ. Into the noise and chaos of the world, the angels declare, “peace on earth.” The Prince of Peace entered our unrest to still our hearts and reconcile us to God. Advent peace invites us to rest - not because everything is calm, but because He is with us.

In this Advent message, we’re reminded that hope doesn’t overlook our weariness — it shines through it. For centuries, God’s people waited in silence and darkness, clinging to a promise they couldn’t yet see. That same promise meets us in our own seasons of uncertainty. Advent hope is the trust that even when the night feels long, the dawn is already on its way. Jesus is the fulfillment of every longing and every promise — the Light who still breaks into our darkness and calls our weary hearts to hope again.

Living out the Beatitudes won’t always bring applause. Jesus reminds us that persecution comes with a promise: we are never alone, and our reward is eternal.

God calls us not just to keep the peace, but to make it - building bridges, resolving conflict, and bringing reconciliation. We are peacebreakers, peacefakers, or peacemakers. God wants us to deal with conflict with honesty and respect. Jesus challenges us in our motives and our methods as we pursue unity.

This text shows the cards for many themes of the sermon on the mount. We begin to understand our hearts, do whatever we can to get them clean toward God, and realize that it is futile - we are powerless to do that on our own. We need something that we can’t provide.

Guest speaker Tim Gray shares a heartfelt message about what it really means to receive and show mercy. Through a down-to-earth story and Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, he reminds us that God’s mercy meets us in our mess and moves us to forgive others. It’s an honest look at grace, healing, and how mercy can reshape the way we live and love.

What are you hungry for? This message examines our appetites and ambitions, encouraging a life deeply satisfied by pursuing God’s will, justice, and holiness. This also connects with Matthew 6:33, enabling us to satisfy our hunger with the food of God’s will.

Meekness isn’t weakness - it’s strength under control. A gentle and humble spirit brings influence, peace, and the favor of God in a world obsessed with power.

This beatitude speaks to those who grieve over sin, suffering, and brokenness - in their lives and the world. Underneath anger, resentment, problematic coping, and generational wounds lies an inability to grieve well. God draws near to the brokenhearted and offers deep, lasting comfort. This verse leaves the idea and solution broad enough to encompass all of life’s troubles.