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If the Apostle Paul walked into any church service on a Sunday morning, it's likely that service would grind to an immediate halt. But would that be what Paul would want? What does Paul say about his relationship to the church… to you and I? And what does that prompt us to do in our spiritual family meetings? We'll look at that in this study. Galatians 1:1-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maybe you're a fixer. If you see a problem, your inner self wants to jump in and improve the situation. In our study today, we're going to ask if we are subtly trying to “fix” Christianity by finding ways we can make it more “accessible.” Paul wrote a letter to a church who was doing this. Let's see how that letter lands for us. Galatians 1:1-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're looking at how God does not give up on us. This passage provides ten promises that demonstrate that enduring love. But what are the implications of that persistent love in our efforts to face challenges? Is it possible for us to fail so massively that we cannot be restored? How do we glean hope out of the rubble of what we've done? The prophet has good news for us. Zechariah 8:1-23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Winning is great! We love to celebrate winning. But is it even better to be a gracious winner? This is just one of the questions we'll be asking in an attempt to reframe our perspective on what it means to keep the peace. Judges 8:1-35 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A prophet looks ahead. A prophet of hope anticipates good things ahead. If we've failed miserably, can we still anticipate good things ahead? Is it possible to fail so miserably that we're outside the realm of hope? Our objective is to gain a perspective of how our failure measures up to God's promises and love. Zechariah 8:1-23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The prophet has lowered the gavel for those who have violated God's law, those who are not holy. He has pointed out that we need to be reconciled with God. And then, in a move of pure hope, he points out how this understanding of our condition sets us up for a significant dose of good news. We'll look at that good news in this study. Zechariah 5:1-4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maybe you've felt it. It's not uncommon. We're convinced our current struggles are the consequences of things we've done in our past. We trudge along while others appear to be flying high. We see clearly all is not rosy in our worlds. Are we cursed? Are we living in shadows of the past? Or are we missing out on understanding who we actually are in God? Zechariah 5:1-4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Power is important, and vital to change, right? Might is the best way to impact the world. And wouldn't it be great if we all had special powers to make amazing things happen all at once? But is power always the solution? Our study today explores this question. Zechariah 4:1-14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It makes a great movie plot, loaded with “feel good” moments. All is lost, but then suddenly, the least likely character, the outsider, the excluded one, the misfit… jumps in and saves the day. Ever consider your potential to save the day, given the power source available to you? We'll do that in this study. Zechariah 4:1-14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yes, there are challenges that believers face in today's culture. But Scripture does tell us that peacemakers are blessed. So, what does peace look like for the believer today? And more importantly, what does it cost? Judges 8:1-35 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One truth, two reactions. “God sees you.” How we react to that truth is very telling. In this study, we'll look at how to make sure you're on the comfortable reaction side of that equation. Zechariah 1:7-17 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever feel like being angry at injustice is a full-time job? What if you got some help with that? In fact, what if God promises to take care of all of that for us? How would that change your day? We'll look at what God has to say about those who appear to be ignoring Him. Zechariah 1:7-17 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's easy to do, often without even thinking about it. You look at a potential connection, a friendship, a relationship, being “friended” on social media, and quickly run the numbers. “What can this relationship get me?” In today's study, we're going to look unflinchingly at the how we may be doing that… with God. Zechariah 1:1-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having a tough week? How about reading from a prophet who lived thousands of years ago? Is that a long shot, or will Scripture once again be found applicable to our very specific and very modern situations today? Let's find out by heading into the Old Testament book of Zechariah. Zechariah 1:1-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a scale from 1 to 100, how much faith do you have? Or is that the wrong question to ask? Ever felt like you need more faith? What if the amount of faith is not the most important metric? Today's study celebrates the value of “tiny faith.” Acts 12:1-25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's fair to say that if you watched someone jump into a swimming pool, and one leg stayed behind, perched on the edge all by itself, that would be a disturbing experience. But do we do that spiritually? What does “taking the plunge” really look like? We'll dive… into that question today. Judges 7:9-25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've seen it hundreds of times. When news breaks about a product having problems, the marketing department responsible for selling that product often times goes silent. Should the church be just the opposite? Should the message of the Gospel be given extra support during times of crisis? What do you do when things go wrong? We'll explore this question in our study today. Acts 12:1-25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two options: First, describe a mountain peak based on looking out a window at it. Second, describe that same peak having just climbed it. When we're asked about our faith, do we stumble into the former, completely missing out on the power of the latter? How do we combine our experience with known truth? We'll look at these questions today. Acts 11:1-18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories of turmoil are typically easier to deal with when they're on the “other side of the fence.” But can it be that when the troubles are elsewhere, the power of God is not as intimately known? Can we know the power of God without going through the fire? We'll look at these questions in this study. Acts 9:1-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“How to overcome exclusion and division in 30 seconds or less.” Clearly not going to happen, unless we know the true source of unity. In this study, we look at the life of a Bible character who was excluded in many ways, and yet ended up in joyful victory. Acts 8:26-40 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In modern times, we've become accustomed to being bombarded on a daily basis with scam attempts. Would it surprise you to know these date back to Bible times as well? We'll expose one such scam artist with the objective of learning the difference between “Feeling Good” and “Feeling God.” Acts 8:9-25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prudence, wisdom, discretion, patience… all laudable qualities. But is there a case to be made for “jumping in head-first?” Our study today compares the “plungers” to the “toe dippers” and looks to help us understand how God directs. Judges 7:9-25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In your own quiet honesty, where would you place yourself on a scale from “Top of the World” to “Top of Crash and Burn?” In our study today, we'll look at one life that could be described as “ending badly” but in reality, is pivotal to our faith today. Is our assessment of failure always reliable? This important question is addressed today. Acts 6:8 - 7:60 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perhaps you've seen them. Just do a search for “Flowers Growing in Concrete.” Amazing, beautiful plants in what appears to be the worst possible conditions! Is it possible that your situation is so bad that growth is completely ruled out? In today's study will look at ways growth can happen in spite of harsh conditions. Acts 6:1-7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“God knows best.” Easy to say, but sometimes really hard to live with. If we're sick, we want to get better. We “know” that's what's best for us. How do we deal with God appearing to have a “better best” for us? We'll wrestle with this question today. Acts 5:12-16 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sickness comes in many shapes and sizes, perhaps first physically, but also emotionally, and even financially. So how does Scripture reach out to those who are sick? What are realistic expectations regarding healing? And is healing only limited to the miraculous? We'll look at those questions today. Acts 5:12-16 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Tell me something about your church.” If someone walked up to you and asked that question, what would your first thought be? Would it be something positive? Or would it be that one thing that continually gets under your skin? How would Barnabas respond, and what are the implications for us today? We'll look at these questions in this study. Acts 4:32-37 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does a growing faith mean that we are quicker to “think outside the box?” If you were tasked with going to battle, “more soldiers” would be a logical response. So how do we grow our faith so that “less soldiers and God” becomes the primary response? We'll follow along as Gideon is taught this lesson. Judges 6:33 - 7:8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shaken any buildings lately? Our study looks at a passage where prayer made the building shake. Is this particular type of prayer specific to that period of time? Or should we look at why our prayers today may not feel that powerful? The early church is again our focus. Acts 4:23-31 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a question that may be in the back of our minds as we interact with society. How bold can I be regarding my faith before I become a target? And how do I respond when I cross that threshold and find myself under attack for what I believe? We'll explore these questions in our study today. Acts 4:5-22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Never waste a good crisis.” Likely your prime energy is to avoid any form of crisis. Certainly, a wise goal. But the arrival of crisis is often out of our control. So how do we rise above fear? How do we advance the kingdom in times of trouble? Far from theoretical, this study will use the book of Acts to look at a recent, real crisis. Acts 3:1 - 4:4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To the casual observer, the one may look just like the other. The “Temple of Man” is big and grand, and in the book of Acts, the “Community of Jesus” was as well. But the differences are far more important than the similarities, and we'll look at both in this study. Acts 2:42-47 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever participated in a warm, embracing, affirming conversation with a group of church members about the role of the Holy Spirit, or is the topic avoided? Our study will look at a passage that tells us a good bit about the Holy Spirit and His intended presence amongst us today. Acts 2:1-13 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wouldn't it be great if we could pull a Gideon and use a fleece to get direct guidance from God on the more challenging questions we face? Or does the fleece actually reveal a weakness in Gideon, one that we should work to avoid? We'll take a look at how to frame the fleece in this study. Judges 6:33 - 7:8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Christianity part of a well-rounded life, something that makes our time here richer? Or is there a more intrinsic reason, something that should be woven into our 24/7, giving us purpose? The question of “why” is front and center in this study. Acts 1:1-11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if we changed the way we thought about the book of Acts? Perhaps you think of Acts as accounts of historical events from which we can learn and be inspired. In today's study, we're going to be challenged to pull away from a “then” mindset, and adopt a “now” mindset, maybe even finding ourselves in the middle of the action. Acts 1:1-11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You've seen it. Crossing the finish line, the racer is looking around to see where the others are. Life can be like that. As we get closer to the end, we're looking around to see how we've done in our version of “living well.” Is there a different way to look at finishing for those who long to serve God? We'll explore the idea of finishing well in today's study. Psalm 134 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I want to be just like…. (fill in the blank). Is being like those around me the same as unity? If we all dress alike, does that make us unified? And if appearance is not at the core of unity, what is? We'll look at these questions today. Psalm 133 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What comes to mind when you hear the word “church”? Do you have positive thoughts? Do you look forward to getting together with other believers? Church is just one of the places where God's people should… be experiencing unity. And further, that unity should be joyful! We'll explore these ideas in our study today. Psalm 133 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may have memories of Sunday School and singing the admonition to not “be a doubting Thomas.” Doubt is bad! Or is it? Could it be that doubt can be the beginning of a journey? Could it be that doubt is when we start asking the really important questions? We'll explore the beneficial path to overcoming doubt in our study. Judges 6:1-32 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anticipation is a powerful force. This can be even more so when you anticipate something for years. But when what is anticipated doesn't happen, how do we manage that disappointment? Even more so, what if what we're lacking appears to have been promised by God? We'll look at those questions today. Psalm 132 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is there a link between humility and maturity? Does one “grow up” to be great? Or, perhaps, is a humble spirit a bigger indication of maturity? What does an attitude of “others-ness” tell us about ourselves? These questions will be explored in today's study. Psalm 131 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Humility, and How I Achieved It” …a title that would only realistically be found in the humor section. So, how do we authentically aspire to do great things for the kingdom without believing our own press? How do we excel at humility? We'll explore this topic today. Psalm 131 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've ever found yourself in front of a judge, being “let off with a warning” is a good thing. But what if, in addition to letting you go without consequences, the judge hands you a very generous gift? Turning to our study, do we undervalue the freedom from guilt offered to us? Let's explore that question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You've seen it, right? Someone trying to push a beach ball under the water? Regardless of how much effort is put into it, that beach ball will find its way back up. Could it be that we do the same thing with guilt? And is there such a thing as good guilt? We'll wrestle with these questions in this study. Psalm 130 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When creating a superhero for your blockbuster script, Item #1 on your “to do” list is to give that hero a fatal flaw. It's harder to relate to characters, heroes or otherwise, who have no weaknesses at all. Our study today helps us relate to a longstanding hero of the Old Testament, and in doing so, aims to encourage us. Judges 6:1-32 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So very simple, and yet so very hard! Want to be free from your past wounds? Forgive the one who wounded you. Easy, right? Not likely. But as we'll explore in this study, doable and certainly worth the effort. Psalm 129 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We live in a world that energetically encourages us to “define,” whether it's ourselves, our situation, or perhaps our destiny. Has that mindset crept into our view of God? Do we base our “understanding” of God on our past? Can a Biblical view of God help us overcome past wounds? Tough questions are addressed in this study. Psalm 129 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When was the last time you daydreamed about your church? Not a typical activity, right? But if we read in Scripture that God loves his church, calling it the bride of Christ, wouldn't it make sense to picture its growth and effectiveness? This study will challenge us to “imagine.” Act 2:42 - 47 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What kind of anticipation, if any, do you feel when you wake up Sunday morning? Has church attendance fallen into a routine for you? Perhaps not as exciting as you'd like it to be? Let's take a look at how we might reignite our church experience. Act 2:42 - 47 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Options. Having choices is a good thing, right? But will society's hunger for options completely kill off traditional views of marriage and family? And what would be the consequences of this shift? We'll explore these very relevant questions in this study. Psalm 128 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices