Podcasts about acts

On today’s edition of SUFTT, we review what it means to be a Berean, as outlined in Acts 17. When Paul was preaching Christ to the Thessalonian Jews, he also had the attention of the Greeks in attendance at the synagogue. Greeks often attended in those early days of the church because they weren’t interested in the rampant paganism, but opted instead to hear about the Jewish Messiah. While the Jews weren’t interested in having their traditional boat rocked, the Greeks of Berea were considered more noble because they were critical thinkers and sought to search the Old Testament daily to see if what Paul said was true, and many got saved. Today we use that context to talk about the ways the church must be Bereans as well – critical thinkers – when it comes to understanding and believing God about Israel and about prophecy. Churches that don’t teach prophecy, which permeates both old and New Testament, are not being Bereans. The challenge to filter everything we hear, every day by the Word of God may require time and diligence but it is of the utmost importance.

Acts 11:1-30

1 KINGS 18:1-46 | ACTS 11:1-30 | PSALM 135:1-21 | PROVERBS 17:12-13Support the podcast here:

Does your ex seem cold, distant or like they don't care anymore? What if their behavior isn't telling the whole story?In this episode, I explain the psychology behind why some exes act cold after a breakup and what it may actually mean.Get coaching!Download Silenzio App:  iPhone OR AndroidRead No Contact Secrets BookInstagram#getexback #exback #nocontact #nocontactrule #avoidantex

2 Ezra 1-3; Psalms 136, 137; Proverbs 29:19·23; Acts 2:22·472 Ezra 1-3; Psalms 136, 137; Proverbs 29:19–23; Acts 2:22–47

As Christians, we have been given a mission. Jesus gave us guiding instructions on how we are to live and what we are to do. But I wonder if we have come to believe the mission to make disciples is for others, and not for us.Main Points:1.  Today it seems as if maybe we have forgotten our mission. Those who follow Christ, those who have been saved and forgiven have received a mission from their savior. We are told to “go and make disciples.” Have we forgotten this is our calling? Have we forgotten this is our individual responsibility?2. Obedience to Christ's command to make disciples is fulfilled not through church programs, but as individuals invest their lives into others. It's people who reach people for Christ. We then spend time with them to help them grow and become disciples, who would then make other disciples.3. Jesus said we are to “make disciples.” This means we must take the initiative to do something. We must speak up. We must invest our lives in building relationships with those who don't know Jesus. We must give our time to share Christ and to help them grow into disciples.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 28:19-20 - “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

NEW #BIYE w @OliveTreeBible DAY 168 - 1 Kings 18:1-46 Acts 11:1-30 Psalms 135:1-21 Proverbs 17:12-13

In this episode of The Pursuit, James Griffin, Carlos Fernandez, and Ansley Huckaby open in Acts 8, where a man named Simon watched the Holy Spirit show up in power and immediately reached for his wallet to buy it. The team unpacks how easily we do the same thing in subtler ways, coming to God wanting His gifts more than we want Him. The conversation digs into what genuine faith actually looks like, the difference between seeking God's hand and seeking His face, and why the worst form of idolatry might be using God to get more of your idol.From there it gets personal. Carlos shares the season of singleness that rearranged his heart and taught him to want the Giver more than the gift. James walks through why the Christian life is not just hard without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible, and unpacks the truth that changed everything for him: the Spirit is a person to be known, not a power to be used. If He has felt distant lately, the team offers a reframe on why, and it probably is not what you think. If your prayer life has felt dry or far away, this is the conversation you have been needing.Subscribe for more messages and conversations that will help you know and follow Jesus.Episode GuideThese guides are packed with key insights and scripture to help you know and follow Jesus: https://mycpcc.com/guideTo submit a question, send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook.Crosspoint City Church exists to relentlessly pursue those far from God to help them know and follow Jesus.To help support this mission and work, visit https://www.mycpcc.com/giveTo learn more about all of our locations or what is coming up at Crosspoint City, check out https://www.crosspointcity.com/ or follow us on your favorite social platform @CrosspointCity

Jesus has risen, the disciples have him back, and the first thing he tells them is to wait, which may be the hardest command in the book. Then he is taken up, and two angels gently ask why they are still staring at the sky. Most of the Christian life is lived in that in-between space, after the promise and before the fulfillment. This first episode sets the table for everything that follows and speaks to anyone weary of waiting on God.  The Rev. John David Duke, Jr., pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 1:1-26.  To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembuffalo.com. The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Spiritual growth often comes with pain—which is why many of us instinctively avoid it. Yet James gives a surprising command: consider trials “pure joy” because God uses them to test faith, produce perseverance, and form maturity that lacks nothing (James 1:2–4). In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that biblical joy is different from worldly happiness: it can exist inside suffering, not just after it. You'll also hear how the apostle Paul learned the secret of joy under pressure. Paul endured criticism, imprisonment, and life-threatening danger—but he kept his eyes fixed on Christ rather than his circumstances. When Paul's situation in Jerusalem became so volatile the Romans had to shelter him in the barracks, the Lord personally strengthened him with a direct word: “Take courage!” (Acts 23:11). Dr. Youssef reminds you that God's encouragement to Paul is meant for believers today as well—especially when you're tempted to assume God is silent or has forgotten you. Even when you can't see what God is doing, He is still working—masterfully weaving His purposes through every valley and victory. As you trust His sovereign hand, Christ-centered focus will produce the same fruit in you that it produced in Paul: contentment in every season, courage for every assignment, and joy that remains steady even when life is hard. Prayer: Lord, may I find comfort in You and Your sovereignty as You place me in situations that test and grow my faith. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Looking Up When Life's Got You Down, The Hand of Providence: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

1 Kings 18:1-46, Acts 11:1-30, Ps 135:1-21, Pr 17:12-13

What are the marks of a true revival? Enormous amounts of people baptized on the same day? Kevin and Josh tackle a listener question on what to make of the cool, tattooed mega-church pastor who's drawing crowds and emptying small congregations. They turn to Acts 2 and church history to ask what real revival actually looks like.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Paul's reminder about encouraging those with material resources not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches.  Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Timothy 1:1-2;  Acts 16:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:3-6; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:1-19; Matthew 6:21 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com   Support the show

Just because God called you to do it doesn't mean you won't take a few hits while following your calling. We have a real enemy who doesn't want you to succeed. So, when you experience dumps in the road of calling, don't give up. Allow Holy Spirit to guide you around or through the dumps in the road.      __________ Acts 16:9-10, 16-19, 22-26, 36-37, 39 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

Acts 10:24-48

Episode: Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast — Episode 379 Release Date: June 16, 2026 Guest: John Rinehart, Author & Founder of Gospel Patrons The Generosity Revolution: Rediscovering the DNA of Gospel Patrons What if the most powerful force for global Kingdom impact isn't in the pulpit—it's in the marketplace? Host Justin Forman sits down with John Rinehart, author and founder of Gospel Patrons, to trace the remarkable thread of God-fueled generosity that runs from the early church all the way to modern entrepreneurs. From William Tyndale's cloth merchant patron to the couple who funded the Jesus Film and went bankrupt the very next year, this conversation unearths the stories that prove one thing: when you give to the Kingdom of God, losing is impossible. John shares his own journey—from a 25-year-old businessman asking "what's all this for?" to circling the globe for 132 days to discover what it means to be a gospel patron. Together, he and Justin wrestle with the three enemies of Christian generosity, expose the subtle lies of the world's definition of wealth, and reveal how focused, intentional giving is the quickest path to joy there is. Key Topics: The three villains of Christian generosity: the world, the flesh, and the devil — and how to fight them with generosity, humility, and integrity Why "radical generosity is normal Christianity" — what the early church in Acts 2 and Acts 4 can teach entrepreneurs today The jaw-dropping stories of gospel patrons throughout history: William Tyndale's cloth merchant, the patron behind Amazing Grace, and Bunker & Caroline Hunt funding the Jesus Film Why focused, intentional giving produces more joy and Kingdom impact than scattered, reactive giving The three marks of a true gospel patron: financially invested, personally involved, and advancing the gospel Notable Quotes: "Radical generosity is normal Christianity."  — John Rinehart "I think when we give to the kingdom of God, losing is impossible."  — John Rinehart "Generosity is the quickest path to joy there is."  — John Rinehart Guest Background: John Rinehart is the founder of Gospel Patrons and the author of multiple books documenting the stories of business and professional leaders who have partnered with ministry to fuel great movements of God throughout history. After careers in business and seminary, John and his wife took a 132-day trip around the world to become global Christians. His newest book, 31 Gospel Patrons, profiles 31 modern-day business and professional leaders living out the gospel patron calling today.

1 KINGS 15:25-17:24 | ACTS 10:24-48 | PSALM 134:1-3 | PROVERBS 17:9-11Support the podcast here:

1 Ezra 8:70-9:55; Psalm 135:16·26; Proverbs 29:13·18; Acts 2:1·211 Ezra 8:70-9:55; Psalm 135:16–26; Proverbs 29:13–18; Acts 2:1–21

(02:33) Launching the topic: caring for widows and widowers in the church(03:33) Key biblical texts: Psalm 68:5, James 1:27, 1 Timothy 5, Job(04:30) Acts 6, the poor–orphan–widow triad, and modern neglect of widows(07:17) Why widows seem less vulnerable today (social safety nets, insurance, work)(09:49) First-century context, global poverty, and defining widow/widower(12:51) Physical needs, deacon ministry, and keeping a clear list of widows(15:43) Relational needs: loneliness, identity shifts, remarriage questions(20:20) Widowers' unique vulnerabilities and differences from widows(23:08) Equipping members, interns, and stay-at-home moms to visit widows(31:19) Spiritual care: public prayer, private visitation, Scripture, and prayer(34:41) Final reflections on the joy of pastoring widows and closing prayer

Join the Challenge ⁠⁠⁠⁠and share with a friend! My experience with getting later into summer is that the quiet, laziness of the days has finally sunk in. The frantic activity of May has passed and the first of the summer trips are over. Our Summer Faith Challenge is a fun one this week. It's a choose-your-own-adventure. Either invite someone over for a meal orMake cookie dough and freeze balls of it to have on hand in the freezer.  Discipleship is done so well over food. As soon as I start baking my kids gather around to see what's happening, or as soon as they smell cookies going into the oven, the smell lures them out to talk.  We are called to “Go make disciples.” Jesus famously discipled in combination with food. It's a good recipe for discipleship success! We hear stories of the feeding of five thousand, wedding feasts, and the last supper. The early church copied that, and we see in Acts 2:42&46 that “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” I think this interview with Sally Clarkson will inspire you in your discipleship goals! Enjoy!

Acts 2 records the dramatic birth of the church as the Holy Spirit came upon all believers gathered together. With wind, fire, and Spirit-given speech, God empowered His people for the mission Jesus had given them. This episode reminds us that the Spirit is not reserved for a select few, but given to every believer who belongs to Christ.

NEW #BIYE w @OliveTreeBible DAY 167 - 1 Kings 15:25-17:24 Acts 10:24-48 Psalms 134:1-3 Proverbs 17:9-11

1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Acts 10:24-48, Ps 134:1-3, Pr 17:9-11

Acts 17:30The return of Jesus Christ is met with mixed emotions. For those who are ready there is a sense of comfort and anticipation. But for those who are not there is a mixture of confusion, intimidation, and—for a few—even fear.

Send Us Your Questions/CommentsEach week Pastor Mark takes time to go deeper and talk about the week's message!  If you have questions you'd like him to answer or hear more about please send those in by texting us at the link in the show notes!You can also view video of this podcast and our Sunday sermons by visiting our YouTube channel!https://www.youtube.com/@lifehousemot A crippled man asks for spare change and walks away with new legs, a new future, and a crowd demanding answers. That scene from Acts 3 is more than a dramatic miracle story; it's a spotlight on Jesus Christ of Nazareth and a test of what we really believe about him. We talk through why Peter refuses credit, why the healing is immediate and public, and how God often uses ordinary faithfulness like showing up to pray to put us in the right place at the right time. We also pull back the curtain on our week away representing our church at the Southern Baptist Convention and why we see denominational partnership as a voluntary, mission-focused affiliation. From the Cooperative Program to the commissioning of missionaries sent to unreached and even hostile places, we share why “we can do more together” is not a slogan but a practical strategy for global missions, North American church planting, and relief efforts that meet real needs. The heart of the conversation turns to clarity: not every use of the word “Jesus” points to the same Jesus. We unpack Peter's bold claims about Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One and the Author of Life, why adding to Scripture or subtracting from Christ changes the gospel, and why fence-sitting is still a decision. We end with the beauty of repentance, the promise of sins being blotted out, and the deeper hope of salvation that holds steady even when circumstances don't change. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review.New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.comJoin us Sundays at 9 & 11 AMIntro music by Joey Blair

Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. God wants your heart. Meditate on Acts 13:22. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the early twentieth century, as variety shows flooded Canadian stages, new forms of blackface, inspired by modern forms of amusements, changed the theatre. In this era marked by progressive social reforms, the stage embodied the modern ethos of imitation, mimicry, and change. Staging Blackface in Canada: Public Amusements, Variety Shows, and Racial Acts in an Age of Imitation, 1898-1919 (Wilfrid Laurier Press, 2026) covers a moment when Canadians did not produce professional theatre, but they built amusement parks, wrote songs, and produced records. As the stage (drama), and its variants (burlesque, light opera) adapted elements from the new stages (amusement parks, social dance, and film), the modern culture popularized forms of blackface that impacted white, Anglo-Protestant, and English-speaking audiences, and drew theatrical criticism. This book explores a twenty-year period in Canada's history when there was no media regulation, and no mandate to promote Canadian culture. Through an examination of theatrical reviews, images, and textual records, Staging Blackface in Canada locates how the Canadian stage became a playground for ethnic jokes, racial caricature, and women's emancipation. It also locates some of the first Black musicals and operas to appear on Canadian stages. This episode also mentions a previous Additions to the Archive episode with assistant curator of New York City's Poster House museum, Es-pranza Humphrey, and her exhibition “Act Black: Posters From Black American Stage & Screen.” You can find Cheryl at her website, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn And check out her previous appearances on the Additions to the Archive podcast and Substack. Subscribe, like, follow, and rate Additions to the Archive with Sullivan Summer on Instagram, Substack, and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Acts 10:24-48, Ps 134:1-3, Pr 17:9-11

Read with us: Acts 8:26-40 Check out our website: https://faithcommunityma.com/

In Week 9 of our welcomed. series, we encounter a surprising moment in the life of the early church. As Paul and Barnabas prepare for their next missionary journey, a sharp disagreement leads them to part ways. Rather than hindering the mission of God, however, this conflict becomes another example of how Jesus builds and advances His Church.Acts 15:36–41 reminds us that faithful Christians can hold differing convictions while remaining united around a common mission. Through different personalities, perspectives, passions, priorities, and even problems, Jesus continues to accomplish His purposes. The church was never meant to be a collection of identical people—it is a diverse family brought together by the gospel and sent out for the glory of Christ.Join us as we explore how the welcome of Jesus enables us to pursue unity without demanding uniformity and to remain committed to the mission of God even when we disagree.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/

This week we talk birds, beaches, Word Cup soccer, and of course, Acts 16:6-40. The big idea for this week is how God works to bring different people together through faith in the Lord Jesus.

Psalm 74:10-17, 1 Kings 1-2:12, Acts 10:23b-11:18. Jesus was opposed: ‘They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen' (10:39–40) Contrastingly, the most wonderful privilege any human being can have is to be a follower of Jesus of Nazareth whom ‘God anointed… with the Holy Spirit and power' (10:38)

The opening chapter of Acts presents us with one of the most powerful transitions in all of Scripture: the passing of the baton from Jesus to His church. Just as Olympic relay runners must execute a flawless handoff at full speed, Christ transfers the ministry of the gospel to ordinary, broken people filled with the Holy Spirit. This passage reveals three foundational truths that anchor our faith journey: we can trust God's timing, even when He calls us to wait; we can trust God's power, because the Christian life isn't about trying harder but about receiving divine strength; and we can trust God's plan, which involves using imperfect people like us as witnesses. The disciples stood gazing into heaven after Jesus ascended, perhaps hoping He would return immediately, but the angels redirected them with a clear message: get your head in the game. The mission field is out there, not up there. We are called to be mobilized, carrying the gospel from our Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This isn't about white-knuckling our way through life or becoming motivational speakers for Christianity. It's about allowing God to change our hearts in ways only He can, stepping into obedience even when it seems impossible, and trusting that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us today.

Psalm 74:12-17, 1 Kings 1:32-34, 2:1-3, Acts 10:25-47, 11:1-17. Jesus was opposed: ‘They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen' (10:39–40) Contrastingly, the most wonderful privilege any human being can have is to be a follower of Jesus of Nazareth whom ‘God anointed… with the Holy Spirit and power' (10:38)

Send us a message!We read Acts 13 and watch the mission of Paul and Barnabas take center stage as the Holy Spirit sends them out and opens doors for the gospel. We also wrestle with the jealousy that erupts when God's grace reaches people we did not expect, and we ask what that reveals in our own hearts. • Antioch's leaders worshipping, fasting, praying, and listening for the Holy Spirit • Barnabas and Saul set apart and sent for missionary work • A confrontation with Elymas the magician and the proconsul's response • Paul's synagogue message tracing Israel's story to Jesus' resurrection • Forgiveness of sins and justification through belief in Jesus • Crowds, jealousy, persecution, and the turn toward the Gentiles • A personal heart check on envy, contentment, and celebrating God's generosity  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Acts 10:24-48, Ps 134:1-3, Pr 17:9-11

Jesus is still building His Church through ordinary believers like you and me. He has not left us alone but has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His witnesses in every moment of life. Join us as we see how the book of Acts shows that His mission continues through empowered, faithful people today.PRAYERText (904) 770-3037 if you would like a member of our prayer team to pray with or for you.NEXT STEPSAre you ready to learn more about what it means to walk with Christ, get baptized, or get connected within the church body? Click here to complete our digital connect card: https://fathom.churchcenter.com/people/forms/31883GOT QUESTIONS?Learn more about Fathom Church at http://fathom.church/WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!If you are looking for more encouragement and biblical teaching throughout the week, we hope you'll follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or download the Churchcenter app: https://churchcenter.com/setupMORE WAYS TO LISTEN:Fathom Beyond Sunday Podcast - Conversations with a biblical worldview and real life application - listen in on an engaging chat between leaders at Fathom discussing faith, life, and how we can carry the truth of the word taught on Sunday into our week Monday through Saturday.Fathom Family Podcast - Real talk on how to build a Godly marriage that is in it for the long haul while leading your kids toward their God-given potential and purpose in Christ.See all the ways to listen here:  http://fathom.church/category/listen/

WARNING: FULL SPOILERS AHEAD!Martha Wells has done it again. Or has she? Zach and Jim aren't not entirely on the same page here.In this episode, Zach and I dive deep into a FULL SPOIL discussion of Platform Decay, the newest entry in The Murderbot Diaries. From Murderbot's continuing evolution as a character to the ever-entertaining dynamic with ART, from the action sequences to the emotional moments, we're breaking down everything that stood out to us in this latest adventure.What worked best? Which characters stole the show? How does this novel compare to the previous books in the series? And perhaps most importantly, what might this ending mean for the future of Murderbot?If you've finished Platform Decay and are looking for fellow fans to process everything that happened, pull up a chair and join the conversation.What did YOU think of Platform Decay? Where does it rank among the Murderbot books for you? Let us know in the comments!⸻Fantasy for the Ages is your home for fantasy, science fiction, horror, book reviews, author discussions, rankings, recommendations, and plenty of nerdy conversations between a father and son.If you enjoy the channel, please consider:

1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Acts 10:24-48, Ps 134:1-3, Pr 17:9-11

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, June 7, 2026, Second Sunday after Pentecost. “We Know Who We Are”series. Texts: Romans 12:1-2, 9-13; Acts 2:41-47   Last week we reflected on grace. We remembered that God's grace comes before we ever think about God, before we ever do anything right, before we ever earn anything. Grace comes first. Grace comes last. Grace is always the ground beneath our feet. This week the question is: If grace comes first, how does grace actually change us?   I grew up before car seats were common. Heck—I regularly rode in the back of my dad's or grandpa's pickup truck to get ice cream or drive out to the lake. Looking back, it feels like I was raised in the Wild West!?  As a teenager, I'd been driving a year or so when a new law was passed that required seatbelts. We started hearing about studies showing how seatbelts saved lives. There were those crash-test dummy commercials—remember those? But putting on a seatbelt wasn't something I thought about.  And so every time I got into the car, I had to remind myself: Put on your seatbelt. Sometimes I'd forget. Sometimes I'd remember halfway down the road. But I kept doing it. And then one day I noticed something. I was driving somewhere and realized I already had my seatbelt on. I hadn't thought about it. I hadn't reminded myself. I had just done it. What had once felt awkward and inconvenient had become a habit. It had become instinct. I had practiced and learned a new thing.   Most of us understand this when it comes to driving. Or learning an instrument. Or speaking a language. Or playing a sport. Or exercising.   A friend once told me, “Nobody likes running when they first start. You have to just do it. After a while you'll reap the benefits.” I never forgot the wisdom. You may not start out loving the practice. But you practice because of what the practice is shaping you to become.   And I've been thinking this week that much of the Christian life works the same way. Many of us want to become more loving, more patient, more generous, more courageous. We want to respond to conflict with grace. We want to be less fearful and more trusting. We want our lives to reflect the love of Christ. But how does that happen?   John Wesley believed that the goal of the Christian life was what he called “Christian perfection.” Unfortunately, that phrase has caused confusion for generations. Wesley wasn't talking about becoming flawless. He wasn't talking about never making mistakes. He wasn't talking about acting like we've got it all together. He was talking about becoming so filled with the love of God that God's love begins to overflow from our lives.   I often picture it like a pitcher being filled with water. As we open ourselves to receive God's love and mercy—God's grace!—we are filled. And just as a pitcher overflows once it becomes full, so God's love begins to overflow in our lives. Love spills over. Mercy spills over. Compassion spills over. Generosity spills over. Wesley believed that this could happen. In fact, he believed it was the goal of those who would follow Christ.   Or as the hymn puts it: “Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.” I love that phrase. The impulse of thy love. Because it suggests a life in which love becomes our first instinct. A life in which generosity and mercy become as natural as breathing. A life in which our hands move at the impulse of God's love. Wouldn't that be something?   The question is: How do we become those people? And Wesley's answer was surprisingly practical. We practice. We train. We place ourselves again and again in the flow of God's grace. Wesley called these practices “means of grace.” Prayer. Scripture. Worship. Holy Communion. Christian conversation and accountability. Small groups. Acts of mercy and service.   And this week, I want to invite you to choose one. Not all of them. Just one. Spend a few minutes each day reading scripture. Or pray each morning before you reach for your phone. Or read a daily devotion. Or intentionally perform one act of kindness or service each day. Choose one way to place yourself in the flow of God's grace and practice it every day this week.   These are means of grace not because they are things that earn God's love or make God love us more. They are not means of grace because checking enough religious boxes gets us into heaven. But because these practices place us where God's transforming grace can reach us. God's grace is always present—whether we're practicing the means of grace or not. But these practices have been shown over the centuries to place us in the flow of God's grace in a very concentrated way.   There is a distinction between trying and training. Anyone can try to run a marathon. But only someone who trains will actually finish one. The same is true of the Christian life. Anybody can try to be more loving. Anybody can try to be more patient. Anybody can try to forgive. But becoming Christlike requires more than trying. It requires training in grace.   This is why Methodists became Methodists. John Wesley was nothing if not methodical. The early Methodists became known for their methods—the practices and habits that helped them grow in love of God and neighbor. And that brings us to Romans 12.   After eleven chapters proclaiming the mercy and grace of God, Paul writes: “I appeal to you therefore...on the basis of God's mercy...” Paul doesn't begin with an appeal based on obligation or guilt or fear, but rather an appeal on the basis of God's mercy. Grace comes first. Then Paul says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Notice that he doesn't say, “Present your beliefs.” He says, “Present your bodies.” The Christian life isn't simply a set of ideas we agree with. It is a way of life. It is embodied. It is practiced.   Then Paul says: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” This is such a perennial call—true in every age! It is easy to become conformed to the things of this world. All of us are being formed by something. The news forms us. Social media forms us. Fear forms us. Our families, culture, and education form us. The question is not whether we are being formed. The question is: By what?   Paul doesn't tell us to transform ourselves. He says, “Be transformed.” God is the one doing the transforming. Our work is to place ourselves where God's grace can do its work. And then Paul immediately shows us what a transformed life looks like: Let love be genuine. Love one another. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in suffering. Persevere in prayer. Practice hospitality.   These things are not feelings. They are practices. They are things we do again and again until they begin to shape who we are. Nobody wakes up one day naturally hospitable. Nobody wakes up instinctively patient. Nobody wakes up automatically generous. These things are formed through grace and practice.   And then our reading from Acts shows us what that formation looks like in community. The Spirit comes at Pentecost. Thousands are baptized. A movement is born. And what do they do next?   Luke says: “They devoted themselves.” That may be the most important phrase in the whole passage. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. They devoted themselves. Not occasionally or when it was convenient or when they felt inspired. They devoted themselves. They showed up again and again. They listened to the story of Jesus. They prayed together. They shared meals. They worshiped together. They cared for one another. And over time something happened. They became a different kind of people.   Their possessions became less important than their neighbors' needs. Their tables became larger. Their hearts became more generous. Their lives became more joyful. Their witness became more compelling. The Pentecost miracle of Acts 2 is not only that the Spirit came in a wondrous way and moved previously fearful disciples to do wondrous things. The miracle is also that people kept showing up. They devoted themselves to practices that opened them to God's grace. And God's grace formed them into a community that looked different from the world around them. They were not conformed to their age, but were transformed by the saving grace and love of God in Christ Jesus.   Friends, this is part of who we are as United Methodists. We have practices. We have rhythms. We have a path: prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness, and all the means of grace handed down through generations. They're not handed down because God needs them, but because we do. Not because they earn us salvation, but because they help open us to receive the grace that is already being offered.   And over time, through worship and prayer, through scripture and communion, through service and generosity, God does what only God can do. God transforms us. God fills us. And little by little, sometimes so gradually we hardly notice, our lives begin to move at a different impulse. The impulse of love. The impulse of mercy. The impulse of grace.   “Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.” That is the goal. It's not about perfectionism. The goal is perfect love—lives so shaped by God's grace that one day we discover we are no longer merely trying to love. By the grace of God, we have begun to move at the impulse of God's love. This week, choose one way to place yourself in the flow of God's grace. Not because God needs it. Because you do.  

In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Dr. Rick Morton, SVP of Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 12:1-25.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify 

JUNE 16- TODAY'S READING IN THE ONE YEAR BIBLE – 1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11    Commentary written and read by Pastor David K. MacAdam Like and subscribe to the One Year Bible Tour Guide this year and sign up to receive the written commentary to follow along with at www.newlife.org

Paul moves from what he inherited to what he personally achieved. Listento what he says: "As to the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecutingthe church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Thesewere not things that were given to Paul. These were things he worked hard toattain. If anyone could have earned a right standing before God throughreligion, dedication, and moral effort, it was Saul of Tarsus. First,notice that Paul said, "As to the law, a Pharisee." ThePharisees were the strictest religious group in Judaism. There were not many ofthem compared to the population of Israel, but they were highly respected fortheir devotion to the Law. The word Pharisee actually means "separatedone." They separated themselves from anything they believed would makethem spiritually unclean. They carefully studied the Scriptures, observedreligious traditions, and sought to obey every detail of the Law. SoPaul was not merely a religious man. He was a religious leader. In Acts 23:6,he boldly declared, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee." Hehad studied under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel according to Acts 22:3. Hepossessed the finest religious education available in his day. Yet with allthat learning and all that religious devotion, it could not save him. It ispossible to know the Bible intellectually and still not know Jesus Christpersonally. Many people today know Bible stories, memorize verses, and attendchurch regularly, yet they have never experienced the transforming grace ofGod. Knowledge alone cannot save. Secondly,Paul said, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church." Thismight seem shocking to us. How could persecuting Christians be considered acredential? But before his conversion, Paul believed Christians were theenemies of God. He thought he was serving God by trying to destroy the church. Acts8:3 tells us that Saul made havoc of the church, entering houses and draggingmen and women off to prison. In Acts 9, he was on his way to Damascus withauthority to arrest believers when he met the risen Christ. In Acts 26:9-11,when he gave his testimony before Agrippa, he said: “I punished them oftenin every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme. Being exceedingly enragedagainst them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities." Paulwas sincere. He was passionate. He was committed. But he was sincerely wrong. Thisreminds us that sincerity alone is not enough because a person can be sincereand still be lost. A person can be passionate and still be mistaken. The mostimportant question is not how sincere we are. The important question is whetherour faith is based on the truth of Jesus Christ. Today, many people are zealousabout religion, politics, causes, traditions, or philosophies. But zeal withouttruth can lead us far from God. Paul had zeal, but he still needed a Savior. Third,Paul said, "Concerning the righteousness which is in the law,blameless." Notice he did not say sinless. He said blameless. In theeyes of the people around him, Paul lived an exemplary life. No one could pointto some scandalous sin and accuse him of hypocrisy. Outwardly, he appeared tobe everything a religious person should be. If Saul of Tarsus had lived in ourcommunity today, many churches would probably have wanted him to be a deacon, aSunday school teacher, an elder, or a ministry leader. Yet despite all hismorality and religious discipline, he was still lost. Thisis one of the most sobering truths in Scripture. Aperson can be religious and still need salvation. Remember, Jesus said inMatthew 7 that many will come to Him in that day and say, "Lord, Lord,have we not done many wonderful works in Your name?" And Jesus willsay to them, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity. I never knewyou." That is sobering. Are you sure—really sure—that you have beenborn again? We need the grace of God and salvation through Christ alone. 

Adan Overcash | 06.14.26

ALC recommends: Father's Day this Sunday!“Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!”  - Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

1 Kings 14:1-15:24, Acts 10:1-23, Ps 133:1-3, Pr 17:7-8

H.W. Brands explains how, following the massacre in Poland, Roosevelt sought to modify the Neutrality Acts—laws passed in the mid-1930s specifically to prevent the types of economic and travel entanglements that had drawn the U.S.into World War I. Roosevelt argued that providing weapons to Britain and France would allow them to defend themselves, thereby keeping American troops out of the conflict. Lindbergh and anti-interventionist Senators like Burton Wheeler and Robert Borah remained deeply skeptical, believing Roosevelt was being "transactional" and dishonest about his true intent to lead the U.S. into a new European order. Roosevelt countered by attacking his critics early, using the word "isolation" like a "plague" and characterizing their views as well-meaning but ignorant. While some suggested Lindbergh as a potential 1940 Republican presidential candidate, he refused to enter politics, preferring to challenge the president through the airwaves. Roosevelt carefully shaped public opinion, fearing the type of backlash Woodrow Wilson faced for getting too far ahead of the populace. When France fell in just six weeks to the German Blitzkrieg in 1940, Lindbergh felt vindicated, arguing that American troops would have merely been trapped on the beaches. Meanwhile, Winston Churchill manipulated Roosevelt with warnings that a falling British government might surrender its fleet to Germany, successfully pressuring the president to send American destroyers to Britain. (3)1927

Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension were never meant to be the end of the story. In To Be Continued, Pastor Mike walks through Acts 2 and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, reminding us that God empowers ordinary people to continue the work Jesus began. We discover that the Holy Spirit uniquely equips each of us, unites us as one body, guides us with peace, and sends us out on mission every day. The church isn't built by extraordinary people, but by ordinary people who are willing to be filled and led by the Spirit.

Have you ever felt stuck in the same cycle, making the same mistakes, or carrying the same struggles no matter how hard you try to change? In week eight of our Acts series, Here for Good, Pastor Dwan Hill explores Peter’s message following the miraculous healing of a man who had never walked before. While the crowd focused on the miracle, Peter pointed them to something even deeper: the power of Jesus to heal what’s broken beneath the surface. Acts 3 reminds us that God created the world good, but sin has distorted what He intended. Left on our own, we often find ourselves trapped in cycles of striving, shame, and self-reliance. But through Jesus, there is another way. Peter’s invitation to “repent and turn to God” isn’t about punishment or guilt. It’s an invitation to freedom, refreshing, healing, and restoration. Whether you’re carrying hidden struggles, searching for a fresh start, or wondering if real change is possible, this message offers hope that God can meet you exactly where you are and begin transforming your life from the inside out. What is one area of your life where God may be inviting you to turn toward Him today? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Join our Acts study: crosspoint.tv/acts

Acts 10:1-23