Ordinary People Do Extraordinary Things: When Faithfulness Meets Opportunity

What if the most influential church in history was started by people whose names we don't even know?

In this message from Acts 11, we discover the incredible story of the Church of Antioch—a church that would go on to plant churches across the Roman Empire, send Paul and Barnabas on multiple missionary journeys, and become the headquarters of Christianity in the first century. But here's what makes this story so powerful: it was started by unnamed, ordinary believers who were simply staying faithful to Jesus' call to make disciples.

As Bear Creek Community Church in Lavon, TXsteps into 2026 with a focus on "building what matters," this sermon delivers three critical goals: to encourage us in our church planting journey, inspire us for the hard work ahead, and propel us into the next gear of mission.

Through the lens of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's "Miracle on Ice," we're reminded that ordinary people do extraordinary things all the time. These weren't professional athletes—they were college players and amateurs who defeated the seemingly invincible Soviet Union team and won the gold medal. They were no-names who made a major impact.

But here's the shift: this isn't really about what ordinary people CAN do—it's about what God has ALREADY placed before us. The real question isn't "Can God use ordinary people?" The Bible proves that over and over. The real question is: "Will we step into the extraordinary things God's already placed before us?"

Three keys to stepping into God's extraordinary plan:

Stay the Course - When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he simply encouraged them to "remain true to the Lord with steadfast purpose." They were already doing what Jesus called them to do: making disciples. The encouragement was to keep going, to keep doing what matters.

Be Full of Faith - Church planting and starting something new is about hearing God's call and acting on it in faith. Not small faith that plays it safe, but big faith that believes God can do more than we ask, think, or imagine. Faith that puts action to direction.

Reap the Harvest - When ordinary people stay the course and step out in faith, God meets them there. Large numbers of people came to faith in Antioch—not because they had the perfect strategy or the best marketing plan, but because ordinary people were faithful and God's hand was upon them.

The harvest isn't just about getting people saved—it's about making disciples, teaching people to obey all that Jesus commanded, and experiencing life transformation. And in God's economy, "a great many" is simply one more person: one more friend, one more coworker, one more neighbor.

The most encouraging truth? You can do this. We can do this. The call of Jesus in Matthew 28 comes with a promise: "I will be with you to the end of the age." We don't need to be superstars or blue-checkmark celebrity Christians. We just need to be ordinary people who take God's call seriously and act on our faith.

Because extraordinary things lay before ordinary people who stay the course, walk in faith, and are willing to reap the harvest God has already prepared.

Perfect for: Church planters, ministry leaders, anyone who's ever felt "too ordinary" to be used by God, and every believer who wants to step into the mission Jesus has for them.

What if the divisions we've drawn in our hearts aren't as permanent as we think? In this sermon, Pastor explores Acts 10 and Peter's radical journey of learning that the Gospel transcends every boundary we create—whether cultural, social, political, or personal.

For the first decade of the early church, believers were convinced that following Jesus meant staying within the lines they'd drawn. But when Peter receives a vision and encounters Cornelius, a Roman centurion and Gentile outsider, everything changes. Through vivid storytelling and contemporary examples, this message shows how Peter's prejudices were dismantled when he encountered God's inclusive love.

This isn't just ancient history. In our most connected yet deeply divided world, this sermon challenges you to examine the boundaries you've constructed. Whether it's about political affiliation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or lifestyle choices, the Gospel has something to say: It crosses every line.

You'll discover three transformative truths: The Gospel is bigger than our prejudice, the Gospel levels the human condition, and the Gospel is a gift freely available to everyone. Most importantly, you'll understand what it means to be a carrier of this good news—someone who dismantles divisions rather than creates them.

If you've felt excluded, looked down upon, or written off by others, this message is for you. If you've been guilty of drawing those lines yourself, this is your invitation to something greater. The Gospel doesn't exclude anyone. Neither should we.

Key Takeaway: The Gospel makes a difference not only in our relationship with God but in our relationships with others.

Lear more about Bear Creek Community Church in Lavon, TX: https://www.bc3.church/

What if the person actively trying to destroy your movement suddenly became your greatest asset? In this sermon from the Unstoppable Church series, Pastor explores one of Scripture's most radical transformation stories: the conversion of Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul.

Saul was no ordinary opponent of the early church. He was a zealous, educated, powerful persecutor—a serial killer of Christians who saw himself as protecting his faith. He had authority, resources, and a mission: to hunt down believers and drag them to prison. Then, on the Damascus Road, everything changed in an instant when Saul encountered the risen Jesus face-to-face.

This sermon unpacks what happens when your story intersects with the Gospel story. Using Paul's dramatic transformation as a lens, Pastor reveals three life-changing truths that apply to you today:

Your Past Doesn't Define You – No matter what you've done, who you've been, or how far you've fallen, your past is no longer your identity. When you place your faith in Jesus, you're positionally sanctified—given the title of saint by God Himself. Your shame, guilt, and regrets lose their power over you. Like Paul, who called himself the "chief of sinners," you can move forward into a new creation.

You're Adopted Into His Family – The moment Ananias met the newly converted Saul, he didn't approach with fear or caution. Instead, he called him "brother." That's the scandal of the Gospel: you're not just pardoned from your sins—you're adopted into God's family with full rights and privileges. You're sealed by the Holy Spirit as an heir of God and co-heir with Christ. You belong.

You Are a Chosen Instrument – God didn't save Paul just to stop the persecution. He had a plan, a purpose, and a calling for his life. The same is true for you. You're not condemned—you're fit for use. Jesus sees potential where the enemy wants to slap a "condemned" sticker on your life. You're equipped and empowered to join God in His mission.

Throughout this sermon, Pastor weaves in personal stories, cultural illustrations, and practical application that will hit home whether you're wrestling with shame from your past, wondering if you truly belong, or questioning whether God could actually use you for anything meaningful. The message is clear: when you encounter Jesus, everything changes. Your story becomes a new story. Your future is no longer determined by your history.

Perfect for anyone in a life transition, struggling with identity, or ready to understand what it really means to be transformed by Christ. This sermon challenges you to remember what God has done in your life and to step into the calling He's already placed on you.

Discover more about the Unstoppable Church series and find resources to take your next step in faith at www.bc3.church

What if the depth you're searching for in your faith isn't found in another Bible study or prayer book, but on mission? Join Pastor David as he explores Acts 8 and unpacks why every follower of Jesus is called to share the Gospel. This sermon challenges the modern myth that evangelism is optional and reveals how God's primary directive—to seek and save the lost—transforms not just the world around us, but our own relationship with Jesus.

Through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, you'll discover how one act of obedience led to the spiritual awakening of an entire continent. But here's what's even more powerful: this same call isn't just for missionaries or mega-church pastors. It's for you. Right now. In your home, your workplace, your gym, your everyday spaces.

In this message, Pastor David introduces a practical, life-changing framework: the Who, What, When approach to Gospel outreach. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the idea of reaching "everyone," you'll learn how to identify the specific person God has placed in your life (your Who), understand what it takes to reach them (your What), and create a plan to invest in that relationship (your When). This isn't about changing everything—it's about redirecting your everyday life with eternal intentions.

Whether you're a seasoned Christian wondering how to live out your faith more authentically, or you're exploring what it means to follow Jesus, this sermon will reframe how you see your purpose. Discover how God can do immeasurably more through your obedience than you ever imagined possible. Your primary directive awaits.

Learn more about Bear Creek Community Church in Lavon, TX - https://linktr.ee/bc3.church

What are you truly afraid of?

We live in a culture obsessed with "canceling" things—but what if followers of Jesus canceled something that actually matters? What if we canceled fear?

In this message, Pastor [Name] explores Stephen's radical faith journey from Acts 6:8-7:60 and unpacks how we can experience the same fear-canceling power that made Stephen untouchable, even facing execution. Unlike Fear Factor—where contestants overcome fear through bravery and willpower—Stephen shows us something revolutionary: fear is canceled through faith, not fortitude.

Most of us wrestle with two kinds of fear. Some are irrational: clowns, dentists, running out of gas. But others are deeply real and rooted in genuine vulnerability—the kind that keeps us from living out God's calling on our lives:

• Sharing your faith: What if they reject you? What if it ruins the relationship?
• Starting something new for God: What if it fails? What if you're not equipped?
• Sacrificial giving and service: What if you don't have enough? What if it costs you too much?

These fears aren't silly. They're the ones that keep us from stepping into everything God has designed us to be.

Stephen wasn't reckless—he was faithful. His opposition didn't come despite his faithfulness; it came because of it. The Freedmen's Synagogue, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others opposed him because he challenged their attachment to the Temple and proclaimed that God's plan transcends physical structures and traditions.

Here's the principle: When you step out in faith for God's Kingdom, opposition often follows—and that opposition is frequently an affirmation that you're doing exactly what God called you to do.

Pastor [Name] shares three practical, actionable steps rooted in Scripture:

1. REJECT THE LIE (2 Timothy 1:7)Fear doesn't come from God. When fear whispers that you can't do what God is calling you to do, name it. Say it out loud. Reject it. "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."

2. REMEMBER GOD'S PRESENCE (Isaiah 41:10)Before you take that step of faith—before the conversation, the sacrifice, the risk—pause and pray. Remind yourself: "God said, 'I am with you.'" Stephen had a supernatural vision of Jesus standing (the only place in Scripture where Jesus is pictured standing, not sitting—a standing ovation for his faithfulness). That same presence through the Holy Spirit is available to you right now.

3. RESPOND WITH LOVE (1 John 4:18)God's perfect love for you is stronger than any fear. Jesus proved His love by dying for you while you were still a sinner. Make the call. Share your story. Give sacrificially. Serve boldly—not from fear of failure, but from the foundation of knowing you're loved by God.

Pastor [Name] doesn't pretend to have conquered fear perfectly. He shares honestly about planting a church in Lavon—the constant temptation to back out, the fear of failure, the doubt about whether he heard God correctly. His vulnerability invites us into our own journey: we're not alone in our fears, and we're not meant to face them alone.

As you leave today, listen for God's small, still voice encouraging you toward that invitation, that conversation, that gift, that risk. Whatever God is calling you to say "yes" to—cancel the fear and step out in faith.

Stephen couldn't be shaken because he'd already seen Jesus. That same vision of God's presence, power, and love is available to you. The question is: will you access it?

Listen in to discover how to cancel fear once and for all—not through willpower, but through unwavering faith in God.

The Real Fears We FaceWhen Opposition Affirms Your CallingThree Steps to Cancel FearA Pastor's VulnerabilityThe Challenge

In his sermon on Acts 5, Pastor David Watson addresses why the early church flourished under opposition while modern Christians often fold under similar circumstances. Through the story of the apostles being imprisoned, miraculously freed, and then continuing to preach despite being flogged, Watson illustrates that opposition doesn't indicate we're heading in the wrong direction—it often confirms we're on God's path.

Pastor Watson offers two key principles for maintaining forward progress when facing opposition: follow Peter's example of relentless obedience and take Gamaliel's advice that if something is from God, it cannot be stopped. He concludes that every believer will either be a threat or a tragedy to the enemy—either someone who perseveres through opposition to advance God's kingdom or someone who retreats to comfort when challenges arise. The difference isn't talent, education, or resources, but how we respond when opposition comes.

Stop Faking It - Why Authenticity Matters More Than Your Image - Pastor Bart Blair

We all struggle with the gap between who we really are and who we want people to think we are. This isn't just a modern problem—it's been around for at least 2,000 years.

In Acts 5:1-11, we encounter the shocking story of Ananias and Sapphira. As the early church was caring for one another, these two sold property and brought money to the apostles. But they kept back part of the proceeds while pretending they'd given everything. Peter confronted them: "Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?" Both dropped dead within three hours.

Here's what's puzzling: they were under no obligation to sell their land or give all the money. Peter even said, "Wasn't it yours while you possessed it?" But they wanted the applause that came with total sacrifice without actually making that sacrifice. They wanted to look more generous than they were.

Why did God judge them so severely? I don't believe it was simply for lying. They defiled God's dwelling place. Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern: Nadab and Abihu consumed by fire for bringing unauthorized fire into the temple. Uzzah struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant. King Uzziah struck with leprosy for burning incense reserved for priests. God always protects His sacred space.

The church is the new temple. God's presence moved from brick and mortar into the people who make up His ekklesia—the called-out ones. As 1 Peter 2:5 says, we are "living stones" being built into "a spiritual house." When we bring deception into the church, we corrupt God's holy dwelling place.

Ephesians 4:25 instructs us: "Put away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another." Authenticity is essential to maintaining the purity of God's dwelling place.

We started where Ananias and Sapphira finished—dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:3-5). But God made us alive in Christ. Now, as Ephesians 2:19-22 describes, we're "being built together for God's dwelling in the Spirit" with Christ as our cornerstone.

Performance Christianity corrupts God's holy dwelling. People aren't looking for fake Christians—they want real people. The goal isn't perfection; it's progress together.

Ask yourself: Where am I putting on a show? Where am I hiding something I need help with? Confess it to God and commit to authenticity. We're all broken sinners in need of a Savior, and the more honest we are with ourselves and one another, the closer we can get to Him.

Learn more about Bear Creek Community Church in Lavon, TX - https://www.bc3.church/

Pastor David Watson explores Acts chapter 4, examining how the early church responded to opposition with prayer for greater boldness rather than safety. He identifies four characteristics of bold faith that make the church unstoppable: bold faith starts in a committed community, is burdened for people far from God, depends entirely on the Holy Spirit, and remains filled with faith that God will do the saving work.

The sermon emphasizes that "boldness always drives movements," pointing out that the early disciples weren't content to huddle together but were compelled to speak boldly despite threats. Pastor David suggests that our culture is primed for revival, with an estimated 5.7 billion people worldwide who need to hear the gospel. He concludes by encouraging "baby steps" toward boldness, beginning with daily prayer for God to create in us a fearless confidence to share Jesus with others.

Learn more about Bear Creek Community Church in Lavon, TX ➡️ https://www.bc3.church/