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This message follows Paul's journey in Acts 21–23, showing that God sometimes warns us to prepare—not to avoid the pitfalls. Despite opposition and imprisonment, Paul boldly shares his story, and receives divine encouragement. When obedience is costly, God is still guiding, strengthening, and advancing His plan. Trust the process.
Courage (With a Conscience) explores how Paul's journey in Acts 21–23 shows that real courage is rooted in a clear conscience, strong relationships, and obedience to God. Pastor Joe Jr. gives practical examples of how to share your story and live by example as simple ways to advance the gospel.
The story moves from miracles to misunderstanding—and that tension is where the deepest formation happens. We step into Acts 21 as Paul is accused, seized, and carried away under the shout of death, and we unpack why long obedience often collides with confusion before it bears any visible fruit. No instant vindication arrives, yet something more resilient takes root: steadiness under pressure and the quiet strength of composure.We walk through how assumptions harden into certainty, how sacred space and identity fuel the crowd's fury, and why Luke refuses to polish the scene. Paul's choice to remain present in Jerusalem—among his own people, with shared Scripture and story—reveals a costly kind of faithfulness. Renewal within established communities is rarely smooth; it is frequently misunderstood before it is received. Still, Paul does not withdraw. Even in chains, he asks to address the crowd, trusting that God can turn interruption into direction and confinement into opportunity.Across the episode, we explore the hard but hopeful truth that obedience does not guarantee clarity. You can do the right thing and still be misread. Yet the mission of God is not dependent on favorable conditions. Sometimes it advances through restraint, through hearings and custody rather than open roads and fast wins. We reflect on Paul's transformed past, his enduring love for Jew and Gentile, and the way grace forms patience for slow, contested spaces. The takeaway is simple and strong: faithfulness is measured by endurance, not applause—and endurance is sustained by presence. If you're facing noise, delay, or misunderstanding, this conversation offers a path to stay rooted in grace and steady on the long way forward.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage for a slow road, and leave a rating to help others find it.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.
As Paul's group says farewell to the Ephesians, a Judean prophet predicts that Paul will be taken into custody if he goes to Jerusalem, but Paul is still determined to go. Though he and other fellow believers try to show the Jews that Paul is not a blasphemer, it seems to be of little use. A riot ensues and Paul is attacked. The local officials step in to help, finding out later that Paul is a Roman citizen. When Paul is taken into custody by the state, a mob forms and secretly plots to kill him. The plot is discovered in a way that the mob couldn't have predicted, revealing that God is rescuing Paul from death and preserving him for further ministry and teaching.Acts 21 – 1:12 . Acts 22 – 8:40 . Acts 23 – 14:10 . Acts 24 – 20:53 . Proverbs 14 – 25:34 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
acts 21
Pastor Mike Ascher
FAITH ON TRIAL - Week 2 - Acts 21:27-36 - Matt Skrabec by FBC Benicia
Pastor Matt Horsfall
"The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit" | Acts 21:1-16 In our study of the book of Acts this week, the apostle Paul is getting closer and closer to Jerusalem. His days as a free minister of the gospel will soon come to an end. Before long, Paul will be calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. In Acts 21:1-16, we are told repeatedly that the Holy Spirit is warning the people that if Paul goes to Jerusalem, he will be imprisoned for the gospel. Paul's friends plead with him not to go. Yet, Paul is resolved to go to Jerusalem even though he knows that he will be arrested. What is the point of the warnings of the Holy Spirit if they aren't to protect Paul from being arrested? As we study God's Word this week, we will see that warnings are not always meant to keep us from suffering. Rather, warnings prepare to suffer in ways that honor God and advance the gospel. This is helpful to us when we read warning passages in the Bible. What do we do with the warnings of the Holy Spirit? Thank God the Holy Spirit warns us of the dangers of following Jesus faithfully so that we will keep following faithfully. He does so to equip us to follow with hope and encouragement. As we study The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit. Let's pray that the end result would be that each of us would have a stronger and clearer resolve to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Looking forward to worshipping King Jesus with you all. Invite your friends.
2/15/26 Sunday School message
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 23-24, Psalm 24, and Acts 21. Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In this episode for February 14th, 2025, Hunter invites us into a gentle, reflective journey through the scriptures. It's day 45 of the annual Bible reading adventure, and today's passages include Leviticus 23-24, Psalm 24, and Acts 21. Hunter reminds us that the heart of this daily practice isn't just reading words on a page, but experiencing the transforming love of God—a love found in the Living Word, Jesus, who walks with us through every season. In this episode, you'll hear about the ancient festivals of Israel, the greatness of God in Psalm 24, and Paul's courage and faith amidst challenges in Acts. The episode closes with heartfelt prayer, thoughtful encouragement for facing life's ups and downs, and a reminder that even in the grit and grind of February, there's beauty to be found if we look for it. Join Hunter as he helps us keep our eyes and hearts open, walking in faith, hope, and the assurance that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: This life of faith requires two feet to walk. We live in this tension. On one hand, we go through things and we want to be healed and delivered. We want things to work out, and at times God is delighted to do just that—to provide, to heal, to deliver. So one step of faith is asking for and seeking these things from God. But with the other foot, the other step that we must take is to understand that this light and momentary affliction is working out for us something of eternal importance. The life of faith often entails learning to walk amidst those two very real tensions, where we hold firm to the promise that God is indeed our healer, our deliverer, redeemer. He will indeed do all that he has promised. And yet at the same time, there very well may be something that he wants to teach us through it. Maybe he will choose to heal you today, and maybe he won't. But we also know that we will indeed be healed. All of creation will be restored in him, and that day is coming. In the meantime, whatever the affliction that you're suffering through, it is momentary, and in the scales of eternity, Paul says they are light. It may not feel like that right here, right now, but faith in God's goodness helps us to see beyond the right here and the right now. And faith is an invitation to enter into the presence of God. His healing, His deliverance, His redemption isn't just designated for some distant time. We can begin to experience those things in part even today. God has something he wants to teach us all, and we need to trust him and walk with him through all that life brings us. He'll prove himself strong in our weakness. He will be your comforter and your strength. Walk this way of faith with both feet and trust him each step of the way. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
The Book of Acts reveals the birth and explosive growth of the early Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. Written by Luke, this book follows the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth as ordinary believers are empowered to live out the Great Commission. Join Jerry Dirmann each day as he walks through Acts, bringing Scripture to life through teaching, encouragement, and practical application. Be inspired by the bold faith of the apostles, the miracles of God, and the unstoppable advancement of His Kingdom. Grab your Bible and grow daily in God's Word with The New Testament Daily. FREE MEDIA LIBRARY https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library SOLID LIVES https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/ SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/
FAITH ON TRIAL - Week 1 - Acts 21:17-26 - Matt Skrabec by FBC Benicia
Pastor Caleb Kudlo
2/8/26 Sunday School message
Pastor Ken continues teaching through the book of Acts.
Pastor Bill Taylor
Tim Keller once said a true friend is someone who “lets you in” and doesn't “let you down.” As we continue our journey through Acts, we see just how much the apostle Paul depended on friends who were willing to stand with him when following Jesus became dangerous. In Acts 20:1–16, a real assassination plot forces Paul to change his plans—but what stands out is not fear, it's faithfulness. Friends step up. They stay close. They share the risk. Our sermon this week, “Friends That Stick,” reminds us that we all need relationships that hold fast when life gets messy—and in Christ, we are called to be those kinds of friends for one another. Acts shows us a diverse people united in one mission, bearing the load together for the sake of the gospel. J Join us on Sundays 9 & 11am - Find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Need prayer? Go to Waterbrooke.church. We would love to pray for you!
2/2/26 Sunday School message
Is your witness the "fragrance of death"? We discuss why rejection isn't failure and how God is glorified even when the world hates the message.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Acts 21:37-22:29: Courage Under Pressure, Paul faces a riotous crowd. From the Fortress of Antonia, he uses Roman citizenship to stay faithful to the gospel mission.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Through the ESV New Testament in 90 Days with David Cochran Heath
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Acts21-23 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Sunday Service - January 25,2026Matt RowanCTKGibsons.com
Listen along as we continue through Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 21:37-22:29 Matthew 5:9-11, 5:43-46 ”Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says “Love your enemies,” he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies– or else? The chain reaction of evil–hate begetting hate, wars producing wars–must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Romans 9:1-5 1 Peter 3:8-17
Paul is the biblical Die Hard! From riots in Jerusalem to chains in Rome, we explore how the Apostle's suffering opened doors for the gospel.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Genesis22;Matthew21;Nehemiah11;Acts21 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Thanks for tuning in. Renew Church OC is a church for imperfect people only. Come visit us at: 1 Civic Center Cir Brea, CA 92821 Renew Has 2 Main Service Times: 9AM and 10:45AM 9AM: Children, Youth and Main Service 10:45: Main Service, Sunday School and Childcare For more information: www.renewchurchoc.com For tax deductible giving to Renew: Www.renewchurchoc.com/give For more resources: Roy Kim developed a video series to help Sexual Addiction Sobriety Groups. www.newlegacycounseling.com/self-guided…iety-group/ Roy and I host a 3 part series on Sexual Addiction in our podcast. Here is the first one; I would love to have you listen and give us some feedback. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-…i=1000610037470 Pastor Wilson and Roy Kim MFT podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-…i=1000578749653 Pastor Wilson and Nina's children's books series and adulting journal www.calledtobeproject.com
Notes - https://www.generationword.com/notes/Framework_NOTES_2025/32-Acts_20-28-Years_57-62_AD.pdf
Listen along as we continue our series through Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 21:1-36 The same forebodings marked Jesus' journey—the same strong resolve on Jesus' part, the same misgivings on the part of his disciples. In the Gospels Jesus' predictions of his coming passion provide the ominous tone. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus' journey is particularly marked by sayings regarding Jerusalem as the place of rejection for God's messengers. In Jerusalem Jesus was arrested and executed. In Jerusalem Paul also was arrested and his life put in extreme jeopardy - John Polhill Map “The primary reality of which we have to take account in seeking for a Christian impact on public life is the Christian congregation. How is it possible that the gospel should be credible that people should come to believe that the power which has the last word in human affairs is represented by a man hanging on a cross? . . . The only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel, is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live by it.” Leslie Newbigin It will be a community of praise in a world of doubt and skepticism. It will be a community of truth in a pluralist society that overwhelms and produces relativism. It will be a selfless community that does not live for itself but is deeply involved in the concerns of its neighborhood in a selfish world. It will be a community prepared to live out the gospel in public life in a world that privatizes all religious claims. It will be a community of mutual responsibility in a world of individualism. It will be a community of hope in a world of pessimism and despair about the future. “Are we to blame Paul for his obstinacy or admire him for his unshakeable resolve?” John Stott 1 Cor 9:19-23 “We can only thank God for the generosity of spirit displayed by both James and Paul. They were already agreed doctrinally (that salvation was by grace in Christ through faith) and ethically (that Christians must obey the moral law). The issue between them concerned culture, ceremony and tradition. The solution to which they came was not a compromise, in the sense of sacrificing a doctrinal or moral principle, but a concession in the area of practice.” - John Stott The church is beautiful because the lens through which Christ regards her is his cross – the focal point of blood, righteousness, forgiveness, union, justification, regeneration, and grace. God could have chosen to make his beauty known exclusively through breathtaking landscapes, undulating oceans, and sublime sunsets. Instead, he has decided to display his radiance within the hearts of the crown of his creation, humanity. - Dustin Benge
Pastor Mike Ascher
Acts 21:17–36: Should you yield for the sake of unity? Explore Paul's choice to sacrifice personal freedom and submit to the elders to win Jews to Christ.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
In this episode of Footnotes, Adam and Tony discuss Paul's unyielding courage in choosing suffering over safety, and how Christians can disagree yet stay united.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Acts 21:37-22:21 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?" 39 Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: 22 "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you." 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' 17 "When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.' 21 And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" Key Words: Defense, Persecute, Light, Lord, Sight, Witness, Righteous One, Baptize, Sins Keystone Verses: For you will be a witness for Him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name. (Acts 22:15-16) Download Bulletin
Acts 21:17-40 | Arrested in the Temple | January 11, 2026
24 Jeremiah 2-3; 19 Psalms 22-23; 44 Acts 21
Acts 21:1-16 | Prophecy and Wisdom | January 4, 2026
Pastor Mike Ascher
The Capturing of Paul in Jerusalem Part 2 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111
The Capturing of Paul in Jerusalem Part 1 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111
Paul's Arrival to Jerusalem Part 3 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111
Paul's Arrival to Jerusalem Part 2 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1331/29?v=20251111
Bruised and bloodied by an angry mob, the Apostle Paul is given permission to speak to this angry crowd. Paul no doubt weakened by the brutal beating he received, bravely shares his story going back to his conversion, where his eyes were opened and he met the Messiah, and his life changed forever. From that moment on, Paul could not remain silent about who Jesus is and that He came to save all people from their sin. We have a mandate to share our God story and like Paul, we should not remain silent but courageously and joyously share with others what Jesus came to do, redeem all of humankind. By Dave Bartlett