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"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 13:13-52. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: that people would experience freedom through the gospel, that believers would not be discouraged in opposition, and that we would be led by the Spirit. If you want to begin steps towards experiencing freedom in Christ, check out Re:generation on Monday nights. Find out more information at https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"
Acts 13:14-52 - Paul's Gospel in Galatia - Pastor Dan PlourdeMESSAGE NOTES:http://www.calvaryword.com/Acts2026/a1461.pdf
Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
INCLUSION is a very powerful word in our world, isn’t it? Most people welcome the feeling of being INCLUDED and resist any group from whom they feel EXCLUDED. This time of year, many people are relocating to live in other places or changing jobs so the hunger to be INCLUDED or BELONG can sometimes be nearly desperate. Question: how long of a period of time and what is the process required for someone to feel INCLUDED in your church or social group? (Click here to see full text, images and links) Pastor Doug Anderson “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here
Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Hannah Myer, Landon Lacy, and Jacob Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 13. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. To download the digital version of the Acts devotional mentioned in this episode, head to passiondc.link/acts13-19. — With Passion City Online you can join us live every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurchdc.com — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurchdc.com/give — Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — Follow along with Passion City Church DC: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc — Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: https://www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_ — Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What does it mean to be “sent”? How was the Holy Spirit the one who sent Saul and Barnabas? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks what it means to be sent by the Holy Spirit and how we see this in the example of Saul and Barnabas as they embark on their first missionary journey in Acts 13:1-12. Then, Emma draws a connection between the passage and how we see the Holy Spirit send missionaries today, sharing about a missionary family from Watermark. // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES: S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137) // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY: Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org
Acts 13:1-8 New International Version 13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper. 6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
Acts 13:13-41 Bible studyEvery thread of the Bible points to Jesus.In Acts 13, Paul realized this truth and shared with the Jews a message on how everything points to Jesus. The result was predictable.As we study, we will consider how Jesus is still central to our lives today.In today's passage, we will learn the importance of seeking for God's will and listening to His voice.Acts 13 Bible study guide with companion discussion questions on our https://studyandobey.com/inductive-bible-study/acts/acts-13/Study and Obey's Bible study guides on Amazon -https://amzn.to/48SgPEN(As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)Study and Obey Free Weekly Podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/study-and-obey/id1571266150Our website of 800+ practical and free Bible studies - https://studyandobey.comSupport this ministry -https://studyandobey.com/support/25+ Bible study guides for individual or group study on many different books of the Bible - https://studyandobey.com/shop/Sign up for a weekly Bible study to your inbox. 20+ studies to choose from - https://studyandobey.com/weekly-bible-study/Support the show
Is magic real? Do magicians actually exist? In this episode, Emma Dotter talks about the magician who opposed Saul in Acts 13:1-12, addresses the reality of dark magic, and unpacks three things we learn about spiritual powers from the passage. While there are dark forces at work in the world aiming to lead people away from the truth, God's power is far greater, and he will always overcome. // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES: S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137) // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY: Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org
In Acts 13, we see a turning point in the story of the early church. While most people move through life trying to get something—more success, more comfort, more security—the followers of Jesus were sent to give the world the most important message it has ever heard. As the Holy Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas from Antioch, the Gospel begins moving toward the ends of the earth. Why? Because the gospel was never meant to stay still. In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart shares eight powerful attributes of the Gospel and shows us how God uses ordinary people are used to carry the hope of Jesus to a world in need. Whether you're searching for purpose, direction, or a deeper understanding of God's mission, Acts 13 reminds us that we are called not just to receive the Gospel, but to share it. Key Verses // Acts 13 — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: passiondc.link/give — Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages: www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — Follow along with Passion City Church DC: www.instagram.com/passioncitydc — Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_ — Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With season 1 and 2 complete we move into Acts: Season 3. The narrative shifts to Antioch and the focus is on Paul - previously called Saul - as he shares the gospel in Gentile areas. ___ As Paul & Barnabas continue their first missionary journey, John Mark makes the decision to leave and head home to Jerusalem (more on that later) but Paul and Barnabas carry on to Antioch in Pisidia - which is also in the region of Galatia. As is their custom, Paul and Barnabas begin in the Synagogue and Paul recognizes that the Jews had been hearing the same Scriptures and prophecies for generations but had missed Jesus. He gives a prophetic warning that we should heed as well - look to see the work of God not just in the past but in the present. He is still working.
Pastor Drew Zylstra preaches from Acts 13:13-52, “Salvation to the Ends of the Earth.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 13. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things:for the leaders of Watermark, for discernment against false teaching, and for courage to stand for the truth. If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"
In this message, we looked at the church in Antioch, one of the most influential churches in the first century, and the birthplace of foreign missions. As we examine what marked this church, we're reminded that it's the same God, the same gospel, the same Spirit, and the same mission today. Through four questions, we were challenged to be fully present, fully expectant, and eager to join God in what he wants to do in and through his church.
Acts 13:1-13 - The First Missionary Journey Begins - Pastor Dan PlourdeMESSAGE NOTES:http://www.calvaryword.com/Acts2026/a1460.pdf
In this message, we looked at the church in Antioch, one of the most influential churches in the first century, and the birthplace of foreign missions. As we examine what marked this church, we're reminded that it's the same God, the same gospel, the same Spirit, and the same mission today. Through four questions, we were challenged to be fully present, fully expectant, and eager to join God in what he wants to do in and through his church.
Garrett Kell, Pastor of Del Ray Baptist Church
Pastor David Smith leads a study on Acts 13:4-41. Join the pastors and people of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO, for weekly Bible study on Sunday mornings. Learn more about St. Paul's Des Peres at stpaulsdesperes.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org.
A Summers Journey Acts 13 by Beersheba Church
New Life Haverhill
Main Idea: Those who WORSHIP God hear GOD.Competing VoicesWe cannot hear God clearly when FEAR NARRATES.We cannot hear God clearly when RESENTMENT is SHOUTING in our souls.We cannot hear God clearly when the voice of ACCUSATION forces us into HIDING.Holy ListeningWe can hear God in spiritual FRIENDSHIPSWe can hear God in spiritual DIRECTION.We can hear God in spiritual GROUPS.TakeawayQUIET the noise, WORSHIP deeply, and stop WALKING alone.
This talk was given by Richard Portlock at St Jude's Church Southsea on 7 June 2026. The reading was Acts 13:1–12. The church in Antioch was worshipping and fasting, hearing the Holy Spirit's direction to send Barnabas and Paul, and beginning a new phase of mission in Cyprus. In Paphos they meet opposition from Elymas the sorcerer, and Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit—exposes the deceit at work. The proconsul Sergius Paulus then believes, struck by the teaching about the Lord. This talk explores corporate guidance, prayer and fasting, spiritual discernment, responding to opposition, and how the gospel reaches people we might not expect. With a historian's eye, Luke highlights a praying, diverse church that listens together and then obeys. The message challenges us to make space for God—individually and together—so we can hear and respond to his leading. It also reflects on how to handle resistance with humility, truth and love, relying on the Spirit rather than the world's methods. Finally, Sergius Paulus reminds us not to pre‑decide who might be open to Jesus. If you're exploring faith, a good next step is to read Luke's Gospel and consider who Jesus is and what his life, death and resurrection mean for you.
Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch - Acts 13:13-42 ESV, Rob Harlan, Pastor/Elder
New Life Haverhill
Lessons From Antioch; Acts 11: 19-30/ Acts 13: 1-3; Rev. Andrew Brown, Sunday 31st May 2026
Most people pair apostles with prophets, pastors with teachers. Acts 13 verse 1 puts prophets and teachers in the same room — and uses them together to change the history of the church. Pastor Scott Ethridge and Carlos Renfroe dig into why that combination matters more than we've been taught. --- Connect With The Healing Place Website: www.thpshreveport.com Questions or prayer requests: mediahub@thpshreveport.com Midweek Move is the podcast extension of The Healing Place, Shreveport, LA — where we examine the scriptures in context and ask: "What is happening here?" ___ 0:00 — Cold open: "Prophets and teachers together. Really?" 0:21 — Welcome + Acts 13 intro; why this chapter matters 1:12 — Acts 13:1–3 read aloud by Carlos; the unusual pairing of prophets and teachers 2:16 — Breaking down the leaders: Simeon called Niger, Lucius, Manaen (who grew up with Herod), Barnabas, Saul 3:36 — Manaen and Herod: same upbringing, completely different paths 4:05 — "They ministered to the Lord" — not to each other; what that distinction means 4:11 — Why prayer and fasting matters before major decisions 5:14 — Fasting as a denial of the flesh: "giving up something in the physical to receive something in the spiritual" 6:15 — The test that comes with fasting (the pork loin story) 7:40 — How a "no" during a fast becomes a supernatural response 8:01 — The church's posture toward the Holy Spirit's direction 9:07 — Acts 13:4–12: Barnabas and Saul sent out; they arrive at Salamis 9:43 — Sergius Paulus and Bar-Jesus (Elymas): a false prophet trying to block the true gospel 11:02 — Paul filled with the Spirit confronts Elymas — and why his response wasn't from the flesh 12:08 — Paul strikes Elymas blind; the proconsul believes 13:26 — "We never know who is listening" — the lesson from Paul's obedience 13:46 — Acts 13:13–52: preaching to the Jews first, then calling the Gentiles 14:21 — "Shaking the dust" — they're following Jesus, not the Law 14:40 — Persecution producing joy and the Holy Spirit 15:06 — The recurring theme: every attempt to stop the work of God multiplies it 15:50 — A real-world story from Nigeria: a non-believer refuses to denounce Christ after watching believers stand firm 16:36 — How God uses our response in difficulty, not just the difficulty itself 17:12 — Final thought: the Word of God grows and multiplies through what looks like opposition
Have you ever wondered where you fit in the grand sweep of history — or whether your life is part of something bigger than yourself? In this week's message from our "Welcomed." series, we walk through Paul's sweeping sermon in Acts 13 and discover that the welcome of Jesus is an invitation into God's greater story. From Israel's enslavement in Egypt to the resurrection of Jesus, we see a God who chooses broken people, meets them in their brokenness with faithfulness and patience, and provides them with a Savior sufficient for everything the Law could not accomplish. Jesus is the better David — uncorrupted — and the better Moses — completing what could never be finished by human effort. But this story doesn't just call for our admiration; it calls for a response. Will we keep investigating, reject it outright, or turn to Jesus in worship? For those who do turn to Him, the transformation is real — a new purpose, a secure identity, overflowing joy, and the power of the Holy Spirit. You were never meant to be a spectator. God wrote you into this story on purpose.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Acts 13:1-12 Bible studyHave you ever wondered why some believers seem to hear God's direction so clearly while others feel spiritually numb? In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit spoke while church leaders were worshiping and fasting. Not while scrolling. Not while being entertained. Maybe the problem isn't that God is silent. Maybe we're too distracted to listen.In today's passage, we will learn the importance of seeking for God's will and listening to His voice.Acts 13 Bible study guide with companion discussion questions on our https://studyandobey.com/inductive-bible-study/acts/acts-13/Study and Obey's Bible study guides on Amazon -https://amzn.to/48SgPEN(As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)Study and Obey Free Weekly Podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/study-and-obey/id1571266150Our website of 800+ practical and free Bible studies - https://studyandobey.comSupport this ministry -https://studyandobey.com/support/25+ Bible study guides for individual or group study on many different books of the Bible - https://studyandobey.com/shop/Sign up for a weekly Bible study to your inbox. 20+ studies to choose from - https://studyandobey.com/weekly-bible-study/Support the show
Severance, Threshold, and Return (Acts 13:42-14:7) | 052426 by One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church
This week we talk cotton candy, zoo elephants, Lions, witches and wardrobes, and of course, Acts 13. The main idea of our discussion is how rejection can be a redirection for effective mission.
In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches this main point: Rejection is a redirection for effective mission.
God's Promise Now Fulfilled (Acts 13:13-41) | 051726 by One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church
5/17/2026 - Acts 13:13-43 - The Gospel Story by Richard Schwartz
New Life Haverhill
New Life Haverhill
To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:1–3 - Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. [2] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” [3] Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.
Join as Pastor John challenges concerning fasting
Who actually builds the church — and what's our role in it? In this week's message from our "Welcomed." series, we dive into Acts 13:1-12 and the remarkable story of the church at Antioch becoming a launching pad for the gospel to the ends of the earth. The leadership team alone reads like an unlikely cast — a former church-ravager, a lifelong friend of a corrupt king, and men from across ethnic and cultural backgrounds — all brought together by the transforming power of the gospel. Jesus builds His church through gospel transformation, gospel mission, and gospel power. And in His grace, He builds it with people — changed people, people in teams, and people who are expectant and responsive to the Holy Spirit. Whether you're wondering where you fit, how to contribute, or what it even means to be the church, this message is a compelling invitation to show up, lean in, and trust that Jesus is doing something far bigger than any one of us. He could build it without us — but He's chosen not to.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.orgConnect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity!Instagram: @integrity_churchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Pastor Joe's Sunday morning sermon entitled, “Respond”. This sermon covers Acts 13:13-52.To learn more about CCPV, visit us on our…Website: www.ccpomonavalley.comInstagram: @calvarychapelpomonavalleyFacebook: @ccpomonavalleyYouTube: @CalvaryChapelPomonaValleyFind us on the Church Center App!
Pastor Allan McCullough
This week, Brian Owen — pastor of Grace City Church in Boston and founder of Pray Boston — brings a guest message from Acts 13:1–3 titled "Becoming a Movemental Church." Preaching to the Table Boston community, Brian unpacks what it looks like for a local church to refuse to stay still: to be a Spirit-directed community that worships deeply, listens carefully, and sends sacrificially, releasing its best people and resources outward for the advance of the Kingdom of God.Drawing from the Church of Antioch as his central case study, Brian walks through four marks of a movemental church. First, movemental churches make the necessary moves to prepare for movemental moments, like Barnabas, who read the temperature of the Spirit and went to retrieve Paul, trusting that God was up to something new. Second, movemental churches practice expectant devotion: not strategy sessions or marketing campaigns, but the kind of worship and fasting that positions a church to hear the Holy Spirit say, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul." Third, movemental moments happen from within the local church, not outside of it, and every believer has been given gifts by the Spirit. Withholding those gifts robs the community of what it needs to reach the city. Fourth, movemental churches risk to experience renewal. Just as Antioch released its two best leaders into dangerous, unknown territory, churches that fear the cost will, in the words of Welsh revivalist Evan Roberts, never see the victory.The theological anchor of this message is the conviction that expectant devotion, not distraction, is what positions a church for a move of God. Leaning heavily on C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters, Brian argues that the enemy's most effective weapon today is not blatant sin but distraction: the gradual, quiet edging of the soul away from prayer, fasting, and hunger for God. In a city like Boston, where intellectual pride and spiritual darkness run deep, the movemental church must be one that actively wars against passivity and chooses to press toward God rather than settle for busyness.The invitation of this message is simple and searching: stop playing it safe. Brian closes by calling the room to honest self-examination. Some are being called to step toward something they have been avoiding out of fear; others are being called to walk away from something that is quietly suffocating their spiritual potential. Whether the risk involves finances, serving, mission, or simply embracing the season God has you in, the movemental life begins with a yes. As Brian reminds the church, anything worthwhile involves risk, and a church willing to release its best people and resources will always find that God honors the sacrifice with something greater than it gave away.
When the word of the Lord is received with faith, there is great joy. The joy of knowing the grace of God in Christ remains in us and sustains us through the trials and temptations of life. Even in sorrow, the joy of the Lord is our strength. This passage exhorts us to follow the example of those who believe by being filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.