Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Main Scripture:  Acts 8:1-25

Supporting Scripture:  Acts 1:8, Deuteronomy 29:16-19

Acts 8 reveals that God often advances the gospel through disruption, not comfort—and that the greatest danger is not open rebellion against God, but a heart that stays near Jesus while remaining fundamentally unchanged. The gospel doesn’t just relocate us; it reorders us from the inside out.

“Back in Acts” Opening: Reintroduces the book of Acts as the ongoing story of ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit to change the world. Connects Acts 1:8 directly to the spread of the gospel into Judea and Samaria.

Stephen’s Death & Saul’s Rampage: The church’s first great persecution scatters believers, but instead of silencing the gospel, it spreads it. Powerful imagery: God turns persecution into “planting season.”

Scattered but Still Preaching: Ordinary believers—not just apostles—carry the gospel everywhere they go. Strong challenge: “Has truth and grace infiltrated the spaces you occupy?”

Philip in Samaria: Explores the deep hostility between Jews and Samaritans and highlights the shocking beauty of the gospel breaking centuries-old division. “There was great joy in that city.”

Simon the Sorcerer: Simon is not portrayed as cartoonishly evil, but deeply self-oriented. His attempt to buy the Spirit exposes a heart still organized around power, control, and self-advancement.

The Real Issue Is the Heart: Peter’s diagnosis—“Your heart is not right before God”—becomes the emotional and spiritual center of the sermon. The message presses listeners to examine what actually organizes their lives.

Communion Invitation: Communion becomes the opposite of transaction. You cannot earn, leverage, or purchase grace—you can only receive it with surrendered hands and an open heart.

Talk it over:

What “scattering” or disruption in your life might God actually be using to plant something new?

Peter told Simon, “Your heart is not right before God.” What are some subtle ways a person can stay near faith while remaining unchanged by it?

If truth and grace have changed you, how should that affect the atmosphere of your home, workplace, or relationships?

 What is one area of your life that feels hardest to truly surrender to Jesus right now—and why?

Wednesday // June 17, 2026 12-1pm

Foster and Adoptive Parent Support Group

Are you a foster or adoptive parent looking for community and encouragement? You’re not alone. McCook Christian Church is launching a monthly support group designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for parents to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of foster and adoptive parenting.

Starting Monday June 22- Thursday June 25, 2026 // 5:30pm-8:15pm

Summer Jam: Illumination Station

At Illumination Station, kids will be challenged to answer Jesus' important question to His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" As they explore all the ways light brightens, illuminates, reflects, and reveals, kids will discover that Jesus is the light who brings hope to a dark world. 

Summer Jam is June 22-25 for children entering kindergarten through 6th grade (just completed 5th grade).

Friday, July 3, 2026 // Starting at 6pm

Southwest Nebraska Freedom Festival

Bring your family and friends to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds on Friday, July 3 starting at 6pm for an evening full of free, family-friendly activities like bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, photo booth, carnival games, and food vendors. End the night with live entertainment provided by Jarrod Turner with fireworks at dark*.

*Firework show will be dependent on state fire ban

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 // 3-6pm

Back to School Resource Fair

The annual Back to School Resource Fair is back! Families with students in preschool-8th grade are invited to attend the resource fair to receive school supplies and visit with local resource providers and community partners.

Life is better together. Small groups are where you’ll find real conversations, lasting friendships, and a space to grow deeper in your faith.

To join an Small Group, browse the groups below, find the right group for you, and apply!

Faith is a journey, not a one-time decision. Each step forward strengthens your connection to God, builds community, and helps you discover purpose in His plan.

No matter where you are, there’s a step you can take today.

God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. We dream of becoming a church marked by radical generosity and invite you to partner with Jesus in this mission!

Let’s start with a simple conversation over a cup of coffee. We’d love to help you discover your next step and how God might be inviting you to be part of something greater.

Welcome to McCook Christian Church! We're glad you're here. Our team would love to serve you and help you get connected.

Prayer changes everything, starting with us. Every prayer shared together strengthens our steps forward.