Gathering 232: “Then What?” // Service of Worship // Rev. Tony Minear, Ph.D.

Following the death and resurrection of Jesus, the early church experienced substantial growth, but also persecution. How did a handful of followers grow into 30 million in just 300 years, and into the largest religion in the world today?  

Join us as Pastor Tony begins a new sermon series: "Then What?" Accounts of Jesus’ appearance following his resurrection predicated a movement within the Jewish community that marked his followers as “different.” Listen as we take a look at the Apostle Paul’s conversion from that of persecutor to believer. Why would Paul persecute his own people? Are we hardwired to equate “different” with threatening? Science tells us that “different” triggers an emotional response such as fear or aggression resulting in a defensive posture (think “Us vs. Them”). But don’t we have a choice? Can we chose to rise above our physiologic response simply by having an awareness of this fact? Are you open to growth? Discover how you can overcome discrimination and judgement by asking yourself one simple question. The choice is yours. 

Recorded live at Beatitudes Church in Phoenix, AZ on 05/01/22  

Preaching: Rev. Tony Minear, Ph.D. 

Scripture: Galations 1:11-14 

Scripture Reader: Janelle Tapphorn  

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