Podcasts about acts chapter

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 12 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

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Pastor Dodge gives us the 5th "P" from his list of "p's from last Sunday's message.  If you would like to look at that message, "God ACTS! Chapter 4" go here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now (scroll to that title). This message was a study of Acts 4:1-22. In this class we look at Acts 4:23-31.   Here's the list he shared surrounding chapter 4: Prophecy Power Proclamation Passion And the 5th one? Prayer  The believers gather together for prayer. As they pray they include a part of David's prophetic prayer that he had written a thousand years earlier. Acts 4:25-26  "You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.'" (The italicized words in the prayer are quoted from David's writings in Psalm 2:1-2) Pastor points out the words "anointed one" are one word in the original Greek text - Χριστός - it's the word "Christos" meaning "the anointed one" as we see it translated here in the NIV. It also means "Messiah." The word used for "his anointed" in the original Hebrew text for Psalm 2:1-2 is - מָשִׁיחַ - it is the word "Meshiach" meaning "anointed" as we see it translated in Psalm 2 in the NIV. It also means "Messiah." As we continue to read the next verses we see that what David had foretold in Psalm 2, we see happening/fulfilled in this story in Acts. In the next verses (29-30) we read the rest of their prayer: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."   Again we see "the Name" which Pastor explored on Sunday's message, "God ACTS! Chapter 4" here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now (scroll to that title) The group of believers did not retreat in terror, they asked the Lord for the ability to proclaim Jesus' name with boldness and request the Lord does healings, signs and wonders. They redouble their commitment to God. The result? Their prayer is answered! Acts 4:31 concludes: "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." They are refilled with the Holy Spirit!  And they share, preach, teach and speak of God boldly! Their prayer is a summation of all the points Peter and John had spoken and the actions they displayed before the Sanhedrin. Now in this prayer by the believers, Peter and John's words and actions are agreed upon, prayed upon and acted upon by these believers in Jerusalem.  Their prayer is for proclaiming the prophetic Scriptures and Good News of Jesus' death and resurrection, and for welcoming the power of the Holy Spirit to make them bold to share. We see their passion in their life-time commitments to follow Him no matter the cost, no matter what, until He returns.     And that's where we need to be as well. May we act and pray as they did!      Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 10 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...

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Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 11 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 9 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 8 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

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Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 7 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

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Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 6 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

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Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 5 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

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Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 4 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Pastor digs deeper into the question "where was the temple gate that was called the 'Beautiful Gate' located?"   In Acts 3:1-2 we see that there was a lame man begging for alms at the Beautiful Gate. Pastor opens with stating that we are not sure exactly where it was located, but that there are several theories on its location.   Several locations have been proposed:   One of the earliest proposed locations is that it may have been the Eastern Gate or the Sushan Gate. However, surviving literature says this gate was not used by the people to go in and out of the Temple Complex, but was used for the religious practices like taking sacrifices out. Without the coming and going of people the lame man would not have been begging there. Another proposal is the Nicanor Gate made of bronze. It was one of the gates in a secondary wall that surrounded the Sanctuary area within the Temple Complex, but there is a good deal of evidence that it was not a practice to allow the lame into the inner court area.  The third proposal has been suggested by many as the gate the lame man would have used.  It is a gate located at the southern end of the Complex and known as the Double Gate,  the main gate through which the people would have entered the Temple Complex. Pastor Dodge references a book by archeologist and architect, Leen Ritmeyer, entitled "The Quest: Revealing the Temple Mount in Jerusalem." Ritmeyer suggests that the Double Gate is where the lame man would have been. Pastor shares recent archeological work exposing the massive pilgrim route from the Pool of Saloam up to the Double Gate entrance of the Temple Complex. Some of the "Southern Steps" leading up to the Double Gate from Jesus' day and before, can still be seen today.    While we do not know exactly where the lame man was that day, what we do know is that he was changed. In the hours after the lame man's miraculous healing remarkable things followed and that's what we will look at in our exploration of Acts chapter 4 of our study "God ACTS! Then and Now." ( https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now )     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams       Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

In this episode, Co-Lead Minister Jason Coker continues "The Spirit of Action" teaching series with a deep dive into Acts 2:42-47. Jason challenges the modern tendency to treat the Holy Spirit like a "genie in a lamp" used to conjure power, wealth, or personal wishes. Instead, he highlights the true miracle of the early church: the Spirit's power to bring people together to form a radically caring community where everyone's physical and spiritual needs were met. Jason also shares a bit of his own journey, touching on liberation theology, and asks the challenging question: what does it truly mean to care? Learn more about us at oceansidesanctuary.org Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to Oceanside Sanctuary Church Podcast(00:00:38) - Acts 2: The Spirit of Action(00:02:46) - Acts Chapter 2(00:11:38) - Acts 2: The Spirit came upon the Jews(00:21:33) - The Spirit of God

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 2 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Acts Chapter 3: The Setting - Acts 3:1-5. The chapter takes place in the late afternoon at 3 pm, the time of the evening sacrifice. Peter and John are headed to the temple for prayer and worship and on the way they see a lame man who has been lame since birth collecting alms at the Beautiful gate. He asks Peter and John for money and Peter and John respond. What we learn from this setting is that prayer and worship were important. We also see their attentiveness to the hurting as an example for ourselves.   The Miracle - Acts 3:6-11. Peter responds to the lame man, "silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Peter takes the lame man's hand and helps him up. Right away the man's feet and ankles became strong and he jumps to his feet and walks. He goes with them into the Temple courts jumping and praising God. People see the lame man walking and are filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. They all begin to gather at Solomon's Colonnade. The word that's translated "jumping" is the very word in the book of Isaiah about what will happen when the Savior comes. See Isaiah 35:6.    What do we learn from the miracle? We see humility before God from Peter and John and they took no credit for the healing. They also spoke healing in the name of Jesus. Additionally, we see the power of Jesus' name. Jesus' name has the power to restore the broken and bitter, to break the chains of bondage, to transform minds and hearts. Jesus' name is powerful then and now.   The Message - Act 3:12-26. Peter tells the crowd it was not by their own power or godliness that made the man walk but that it was Jesus. He tells them how they had disowned Jesus, plotted to murder Him and then crucified Him. Peter goes on to tell of Jesus' resurrection and how they were witnesses. Peter also tells of Jesus' authority.  Peter goes on to tell them that he understands that they acted against Jesus in ignorance and that it is how God fulfilled what He had foretold through the prophets - in saying that the Messiah would suffer. Then Peter calls them to repent and turn to God so that their sins would be forgiven.  He calls them to turn to Jesus and prepare for the Second Coming, and calls them to a life-defining moment because God desires a change of heart.   What do we learn from Peter's message? We learn again of John and Peter's humility before God - taking no credit for the healing. They proclaimed Jesus to the crowd and the importance of knowing why He came and what He did for each one of us. Peter shares what the Scriptures tell us and how they point to Jesus as the fulfillment. Lastly, we see the call to repentance. Repentance is not a one time event, we are called to live a repentant life and to daily turn our hearts over to God.   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:   Acts chapter 3 (if you want to read ahead, read chapter 4 as well)     Join the conversation around this teaching. Download our Awake Us Now APP, then join the conversation.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 1 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Welcome to Time in the Word, a Bible teaching ministry of A Love Outreach. In this episode, Pastor Dave will walk us through Acts chapter 3 with a practical, verse-by-verse reading and discussion. This is a simple Spirit-led time in God's Word—reading the Scriptures and pausing along the way to reflect, explain, and apply what we see. Whether you are new to the Bible or have walked with the Lord for years, our prayer is that this time in the Word would draw you closer to Jesus, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of His truth.

Pastor digs deeper into being "Devoted."   Acts 2:42 "They DEVOTED themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."   They understood that the message of Jesus and the biblical faith is not an "add on" in our lives. It is the heart and center of our lives and influences how we look at God, others and the world.   God broke in, in person, in the Person of Jesus Christ through His life, death, resurrection and pouring out of the Holy Spirit. And they realized this changes everything. And so they devoted themselves to: The apostles' teachings - We still have those teachings - The New Testament! And it still speaks to us today. It is why we need to be in God's word. Fellowship - with those with whom they had things in common. Believers together, sharing a common faith, caring for each other, a bond, unity through faith, in the family of God.  Breaking of bread - Met together in homes and eat together and shared the "Lord's Supper" together. Prayer - prayerful worship of God. They prayer for God's will, for the world to know God and for all nations to come to God.   When we are changed and live out devotion it changes others.   The result of their devotion was that the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.    God moved mighty. God is moving mightily today.  God desires to move mightily in and through each of us today.     Let's be like those early believers. Let's be devoted and change the world!     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pentecost & The Outpouring of The Holy Spirit: Acts Chapter 2 (Shavuot 2026) by Shawn Ozbun

Our Current Situation Jonathan Parnell Download Acts 1:1-11,In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”Acts 2:1-4,When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.Today, on Pentecost Sunday, it has seemed good to the elders to have a sermon that addresses our current moment. Now, if you've been around for the past few months, you know that we've not ignored our situation — we have tried to ‘keep our eyes on the base' ahead of us, and every now and then we've said things behind this pulpit, and I've written things, to try to guide us through these days. But what makes today different is that I want to address everything a little more ‘on the nose,' as it were. My hope is to be as clear as possible. I want to tell you three realities about our current moment: Where we areWhat we're facingHow we respond And if you're a guest with us this morning, I need to explain that we normally do what's called expositional preaching. It's the central part of our worship, which is the heartbeat of our church. Every Sunday, we open the Bible and preach through a passage of Scripture. My goal as a preacher is to simply tell you what God says. We do that by conviction, because we believe what we most need, and the power to change our lives, is the word of God. And we're in the word today, here in Acts 2, but we're just gonna spend most of our time, not on exposition, but on application. You'll see what I mean. Let's get started.The first reality of our current moment … I want to tell you …1. Where we areRight away, it's this: we are currently in the promised age of the Spirit.We are in the part of redemptive history when the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the people of God. The gospel is advancing. Jesus is building his church — And that's what I tell my grandfather every summer when I seem him on our family trip to North Carolina.Twenty-three years ago, when I believed God was calling me to be a pastor, my grandfather was one of the first persons I told. He is a godly man who has had a deep influence on me, and I try to see him at least once a year. And every summer that I've seen him for the last decade, he always asks me, “Son, how's the church?” And for several years now, the first thing I say is: “Grandaddy, the gospel is advancing. Jesus is building his church.” And he just smiles.Well, this morning, from Acts 2, I wanna tell you the short story of why that's true.The Story of PentecostThis is where the Day of Pentecost comes in. Pentecost is the foundational event in the Book of Acts, and Luke wants us to see the connection between Pentecost and the ministry of Jesus. Look at Acts 1, verse 4. Luke writes, And while staying with them he [Jesus] ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me…”Notice that when Jesus gives his disciples instructions for receiving the Spirit, he starts it by saying “you've heard me talk about this.” Jesus has taught on the Holy Spirit before, and we've heard this teaching! The Holy Spirit is the big topic in the Farewell Discourse, in the Gospel of John. We've heard Jesus say:John 14:16, “… I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth …”John 15:25, “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”So as we come into the Book of Acts, we already have an expectation: the Spirit proceeds from the Father — he is the promise of the Father and Jesus will ask and receive from the Father to give the Spirit to us. And so we are ready for this. Now jump over to Acts Chapter 2.Acts 2, verse 1 — it is the Day of Pentecost — 50 days after Jesus's resurrection, about a week and a half after Jesus's ascension. And the disciples have done what Jesus instructed; they had been waiting in Jerusalem; they were altogether, and then verse 2: … suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.The promised Spirit has come!And it leaves the onlookers amazed and perplexed, so Peter ‘stands up' among the disciples to explain what's going on. This is significant: Because Peter had fallen — which we saw last week: in his worst moment he denied Jesus — but he is now restored and standing among his brothers. And, filled with the Holy Spirit, he preaches the best sermon ever. He says that Jesus, who had been crucified, is now raised up, and, verse 33:Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.Notice how this ties it altogether. We know the behind-the-scenes here, because Jesus told us: Jesus has asked the Father for the Spirit, to give him to us. Jesus has received the Spirit from the Father, and now, on this Day of Pentecost, Jesus has poured out the Spirit on his people. This is so significant that it marks the official transition from the old covenant to the new. This moment commences what the apostle Paul calls the “day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). That's another way to talk about the ‘promised age of the Spirit' or the ‘messianic age of salvation.'Witness and OpportunityThis age means at least two things:First, it means that we are Jesus's witnesses.The Spirit who bears witness to Jesus, bears witness to Jesus through us. We've talked about this recently: the work of Jesus in this world has not ended, but it's continued now by his Spirit through his people. We are not of the world, but Jesus has sent us into the world, and he tells us in Acts 1:8, “you will be my witnesses.”We are here to be life and light to a dead and dark world by pointing to Jesus.And secondly, this age of the Spirit means what Peter says in Chapter 2, verse 21 … that right now, because the Spirit is poured out, “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from; your background, your mistakes, your name — none of it matters. If you call on the name of Jesus Christ — if you ask Jesus to save you, he will save you. This is more amazing than we can begin to comprehend! It is the real headline today — just like it was the real headline yesterday. In fact, this has been the real headline everyday for the past two thousand years! Ever since Acts Chapter 2, the real daily headline is: TRUST CHRIST AND BE SAVED!That is where we are. That is the truest situation we're in. The grace of God is abounding all over this world! And so get in on the grace while you still can. That's where we are. Now, #2 … what we're facing …2. What we're facingIn a word, what we're facing is opposition — which is not strange.First, it's not strange because opposition is a kind of trial — and trials of various kinds are a means that God uses to produces in us steadfastness (James 1:2–4). This is part of the way that God shapes our character and deepens our hope (Romans 5:2–5). This is how he brings to completion the good work he began in us (Philippians 1:6).Another reason opposition is not strange is that, in light of churches throughout history and churches all around the world, countless local churches face opposition. It's just how it is! From the moment the Spirit is poured out in Acts 2, the church advances through both power and resistance.If anything, the opposition and challenges we're facing make us more at home with world Christianity — and more at home with the Book of Acts — than we ever were before.And so, ultimately, church, we're gonna be okay. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and we will see his face one day, and until then our Heavenly Father watches over us in such a way that not a hair can fall from our heads apart from his will, and in fact, all things must work together for our salvation. Hey, we're blessed! And we need to remind ourselves of this everyday, over and over again. And the Holy Spirit helps us to do that! He ministers hope to us through this Book!And at the same time, as we live in this hope, we should not downplay the opposition set against us, especially not the parts that are unlawful, harmful to our families and children, and that put other churches at risk.I think about a good friend in college … he spent a whole summer in West Africa, in the bush, doing a missions project, and one of the individuals on his team was so eager to suffer for Jesus that they decided not to the bring a toothbrush for the entire four months. And this person experienced all the things you might imagine you would if you don't brush your teeth for a long time. And one of the lessons my friend learned is that “Jesus is most likely okay with a toothbrush.”The lesson is that although suffering for Jesus is normal — and the Bible teaches us to expect it — that doesn't mean that we seek it out or accept it without any concern.For example: God has instituted earthly authorities, known as government, as a means to create and guard ordered societies. According to Romans 13, we should expect our government to punish wrongdoing.What happened to us on January 18 was wrong, period.And much of what continues to go on out here on Sunday mornings is also wrong.And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, then great. Keep it like that. There are ways to get into this space without having to walk past these people who hate us. I'd encourage you: avail yourselves to those ways.But to be clear: out front, over the past few months we have experienced, and have evidence of, chargeable offenses. People have said things and behaved toward our church members with the intent to cause harm and induce reasonable fear. They want to make our coming to worship as uncomfortable as possible so that we would stop coming. (Their goal is to shut us down, just like the people who desecrated our worship service on January 18.) But, the more serious issue is that, so far, our city and state officials are doing nothing about it. And that's the bigger problem. The world hating us is expected — Jesus told us they would. But our local government should enforce the law equally, for all people, including for Baptists … including for Evangelical Christians … but they're not doing that.So that's what we're facing, here in our little slice of the world, in the Twin Cities, in this promised age of the Spirit poured out.Now #3, I want to tell you …3. How we respondNow before I say anything here about our response, I first want to commend you and thank you for your response so far.And I want to give a special thanks to our security team. These men have done so much over the past several months to protect us from physical harm and to promote safety, and I thank God for them. I encourage you, when you get a chance, express your gratitude to these men. And for our entire church, corporately, look, your response has been remarkable. Over and over again the fruit of the Spirit has been manifested in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.I've seen it in you! So thanks be to God, and may this fruit abound more and more!Now, as we look forward to a new season, and the opposition drags on, I want to tell you about a three-part strategy that's trying to taking everything into account. With God's help, these are three actions that we can take in these days.1. We will pursue wise and lawful means to hold our opponents accountable for wrongdoing. We are continuing to document everything, and we're doing our best to work with the St. Paul Police and city officials to get the law enforced. This means that we, as your pastors, gotta be a little persistent. We have to kindly bother them, and that's what I plan to do.I hope to have an audience with Mayor Her, and I want to appeal to her. And I would say:Mayor Her, on April 20th this year, in your address on the state of St. Paul, you said that you are committed to listening and to acting and to lifting St. Paul higher to its full potential, but I wonder: Do you include Evangelical Christians in that commitment? Or, do you only care about people you agree with? You have left us to wonder this. These are serious questions that we need to ask. That's one part of our response.Here's the second:2. We will increase our fervent prayer.I know many of us have been praying, and many other churches have been praying for us, and I want to encourage us to keep on, and even pray more. Look, we know, Ephesians 6:12, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Our opposition is fundamentally spiritual, and therefore our response must be fundamentally spiritual. We put on the armor of the Lord, which includes praying at all times in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).And so the plan is to equip our greeters and security with some guided prayer points to carry with them as they're serving, and I would like to build a small team of prayer warriors to pray as our people are coming to worship. I will send more communications about this, but just know it's coming. We're gonna pray more. I'm reminded of the quote, goes back to Oswald Chamber. He says:“Prayer does not equip us for greater works — prayer is the greater work.”3. We will remember the real headline. Now I've already told you the real headline, but it's probably not one that you're gonna find in your feeds. The real headline today — and everyday until Jesus comes back — is that THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS BEEN POURED OUT!TRUST CHRIST AND BE SAVED!Church, Jesus is real. Jesus is alive — and he is not anxious about anything. He's not worried about our future. Right now he's reigning from the Father's right hand. He has all authority in heaven and on earth, and he has many in these cities who are his people. We are in the promised age of the Spirit, the age of salvation. And that means that anybody from anywhere — it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from or what you're past is — if you call on the name of the Lord you will be saved!And because this is true, church, be filled with the Holy Spirit and take the next step on mission — Have that gospel conversation with your neighbor or coworker. Invite people to church! — hey, if you think people are not gonna wanna come because of the opposition, just test that out. Invite people to come see for themselves who we truly are.In these days when our opponents want to shut us down, I pray that God doubles our size. I pray that he multiplies us! I pray that he sends us out! We don't want less mission — we want more. More prayer. More courage. More witness. More disciples made.More of the glory of Jesus overcoming us and overflowing through us! The promised Spirit is here! And he is at work. In a couple of months, God willing, I'm going to see my grandfather in North Carolina. And he's been following what's going on. He keeps up on us. But when I see him, he's gonna ask me, “Son, how's the church?” And I'm gonna say, “Granddaddy, the gospel is advancing! Jesus is building his church!”And he's gonna smile because he knows it's true. This is the time in which we live. May God be glorified through us!And that's what brings us to the Table. The TableAt this table each week, we enter into a ritual that Jesus gave to his church. It's for Christians.So if you're here and you're not a Christian, if you have not put your faith in Jesus, this is an opportunity to do that. On this day, in this moment, I invite you: call on the name of Jesus, put your faith in him, and be saved. Now, for Cities Church and all who trust in Christ, let us remember him — let's remember his death and resurrection for us, and let's remember the hope we have in him.

Luke writes the story of the ascension twice. The main elements of the two match up, but differ in some of the details., but why? We explore the stories and how the perspective may change depending upon the audience. This message is brought to us by Pastor Jason. The Gosple comes from Luke, Chapter 24, versess 44 - 53, and is compared to the story of ascension from Acts Chapter 1 Verses 6 -11.

The book of Acts has so much to say not only about our past but also about today and how followers of Jesus are called to live.  This book also speaks to those who don't yet know Jesus as Savior, those on the fence, seekers, doubters and those questioning or interested.   Chapter 2 Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a soundalike the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." This chapter starts out with the Jewish Festival of Shavuot or Pentecost. And the disciples and others gathered in a house. There would have been 10's of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Jerusalem and at the Temple for this festival.    Acts 2:3-4 "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them."  Rushing wind! Tongues of fire!    Acts 2:5ff The group has moved into the streets and Jews from every nation who had come to Jerusalem for the festival, heard the sound of the wind and gathered in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken by those with the tongues of fire. The crowds were amazed to hear the disciples with the tongues of fire declaring the wonders of God in their own languages.    In verse 13 we hear the disciples being made fun of as they speak in tongues. Some people saying they are drunk. But in the following verses Peter speaks to the crowd.    Then   and   Now   Holy Spirit is Predicted by Joel (Acts 16-21) Then: Peter speaks the prophetic words from God given to Joel "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Peter ends with "and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." They were witnessing what was predicted/prophesied hundreds of years earlier. This book (often referred to as The Acts of the Holy Spirit) shows us the remarkable ways God was moving. Now: Pentecost ushered in a new era in human history. In our day God's spirit is still moving. The gospel of Jesus is spreading around the world like never before. It is everywhere. God continues to move and pour out His spirit and change people's lives. The Risen Christ is Proven by God (Acts 2:22-24) Then: Jesus' miracles and teachings were seen and witnessed. Jesus was crucified on a cross but God raised Him from the dead.  They had living proof. Now: No human life has ever made so powerful an impact than did the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It has changed the world. And we have the recorded history of those who did witness Jesus works, death and resurrection. Messiah was Predicted by David (Acts 2:25-31) Then: Peter quotes David who believed that there was One who would come and not see decay and would be One who would save.  Peter continues by saying this One David talked about was none other than Jesus Christ. Now: God continues to be at work today and the things that Jesus spoke of that would come and those things He predicted are being fulfilled today. Jesus Ascended and was Exalted by God (Acts 2:32-35) Then: Peter tells them how God raised Jesus from the grave and has poured out the Holy Spirit and that they were witnesses to that. Peter tells them that Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship! Now: this is true for us today. Jesus is risen! He continues to pour out His Holy Spirit! Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship! Accountability because You crucified Him (Acts 2:36-37) Then: Peter gets personal, telling them that "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." And "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" The message of Jesus demands a response.  We are collectively guilty of crucifying Jesus. We all have sinned. Now: The message of Jesus still demands a response. It is our sin that put Jesus on the cross. And still today, when people hear and internalize the message of Jesus Christ it changes them. Forgiveness brings New Life in Christ (Acts 2:38-41) Then: Peter called them to repentance and baptism Now: have you heeded the call to come to faith in Jesus. This is still the desire of God, that we come to Him through faith in Jesus, that we repent, are baptized and give our lives to Him.   Pastor closes with a look at the recently discovered Pool of Siloam and its archeological impact on what the Bible says.   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:   Acts chapter 2 (if you want to read ahead, read chapter 3 as well)     Join the conversation around this teaching. Download our Awake Us Now APP, then join the conversation.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com 

James teaches on Acts Chapter 2 and Romans 8 as he examines what it means to learn to pray in such a way as to be connected to the Holy Spirit. We Don't Pray Alone - The Spirit James Dieter

He Can Answer At Midnight  ( Acts Chapter 16 )

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Pastor digs deeper into "Who was Theophilus?" He is mentioned 2 times in the New Testament: Luke 1:3-4 "With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Theophilus evidently had come to know Jesus. "Most excellent" possibly denotes a position of significance or of high authority. Acts 1:1 "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…"   Theophilus means:  Lover of God Friend of God Loved God Theophilus was a common name.   Some Suggested Identities given for Theophilus Ageneric name for every believer - but this is not an accepted idea Unknown high ranking Roman  Civic leader in Antioch Paul's defense attorney  Jewish High Priest (37-41 A.D,) This suggestion has been gaining popularity over the past few years. It is possible that perhaps Theophilus was an individual who was part of the ruling elite as a high priest and that he became so dissatisfied by what he was seeing and so overwhelmed by what he was seeing in Jesus that he actually became a follower of Jesus and thus removed from high office as a result. There is no proof of this, but what a story if this is true, that one of the people instrumental in Jesus' crucifixion, actually saw the Light and came to faith.   God changes hearts! God does the impossible! God turns lives around through faith in the risen Savior.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer  FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "God Acts!" https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Weekly Message from Maranatha Church of Jacksonville. Find out more at maranathajax.com

Acts is a book filled with dramatic events, amazing characters and has great application for the Christian life. It is a powerful book showing the acts of God through the Holy Spirit and how He acts in the lives of those He calls!   This study will take us through the book of Acts one chapter at a time with a specific look at Then - things that really happened.  It's not a storybook but a history book of what really happened. And Now - it is dramatic application for today.  It's a record of what really happened long ago but these things are still happening today and it shows us what God wants in the lives of His followers today.   Chapter 1  In verses 1-2, Luke is identified as the author of the Book of Acts. In volume, Luke wrote 27.5% of the New Testament. He was a physician and accompanied Paul on some of his mission trips.   Then   and   Now Proofs then - verse 3 - the disciples and others saw Jesus after His resurrection.  Proofs now - historical, archeological, scientific and documentary evidences. What has happened in the last 100 years shows evidence for the biblical message.  There have been many pieces showing that early believers really did believe Jesus was alive. They were bold and courageous in sharing that news. More and more confirmation comes through archeology as we are finding the very places where these events took place. And unearthing little things that show that what Luke wrote really is accurate. Power then -  verse 8 the disciples were to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift that God the Father had promised to give them - the Holy Spirit - who would give them power. Power now - we today receive the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live the Christian life and to be effective witnesses for God. Purpose then - verse 8 - Jesus told them to be His witnesses Purpose now - we are to testify by our life example, words and actions that Jesus is alive, risen and the Messiah and Savior. We are to bring Jesus to family, friends, neighbors, and to the ends of the earth - We have the same mission - it is still our purpose today. Promise then - verse 11 - Jesus ascended to heaven and then the angels promised His return. Promise now - the second coming of Christ is the heart of the New Testament teaching and the heart of a believer's witness.  Jesus is returning! Prayer then - the theme of prayer is found throughout the book of Acts. Verse 14 - tells us they were constant in prayer. Prayer now - we are to pray for God's will to be done. We are to put into practice praying as this is what Jesus taught and gave example to.  Provision then - verses 23 and 26. A disciple was needed for replacing Judas and Matthias was added to eleven apostles. Provision now - God never runs out of resources. God provides for His children!   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:   Acts chapter 1     Join the conversation around this teaching. Download our Awake Us Now APP, then join the conversation. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction.