How Does God’s Kingdom Grow?

Chris Holm | NOV 8, 2026

Series: Acts

Categories: The Kingdom of God, Evangelism and Witness, Work and Calling

Sermon summary

How does the kingdom of God move forward, and what part do we get to play? In Acts 12 through 14, Luke gives us a case study, and it looks nothing like the programs and platforms we often picture. While Herod was killing James and jailing Peter, the church had a prayer meeting, and God answered it. Then the church in Antioch sent Barnabas and Saul out, and the word of God kept spreading.

Four things stand out. The kingdom moves when people simply tell others about Jesus, and many around us are more tired and afraid than we realize. It moves through ordinary people, like the unnamed men from Cyprus and Cyrene in Acts 11. It moves through leaders like Barnabas who make room for others and call out what God has placed in them. And it moves through hardship, even when we are sore from the stones.

Like Moses with a staff, we can ask what is in our hand. A classroom, a kitchen, a hospital floor, or a delivery route can all become places where God works. We can wake up hungry for what God will do today, and ask him what he has for us.

Scripture covered in this message includes Acts 11, 12, 13, and 14, Romans 8, Matthew 11, and Exodus 4. Watch the full message, share it with a friend, or join us for a service this Sunday.

Discussion questions

What’s something you cooked or fixed once that turned out better than you expected?

What stood out to you most from today’s message on how God’s kingdom moves forward through ordinary people?

What’s one way you could point someone toward Jesus or encourage them in an ordinary moment this week, whether at work, at home, or around the neighborhood?