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He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
After Pentecost, the early church didn't just admire the idea of community—they committed their time to it, and that steady presence created transformation. At St. Peter's, we're living those same rhythms: worship, house church, shared meals, prayer, and service. Here, Rev. Lisha explores why membership matters for the mission, how the time we give to one another strengthens us for the time we give to the world, and invites us to move from the scarcity of chronos (clock time) into the sacred possibility of kairos (God's time)—where showing up becomes an act of love.
Prophecy isn't fortune telling or a Christian version of psychic readings. At its core, prophecy is simply hearing what God is saying and repeating it. We serve a God who speaks directly into the lives of his people and community through individuals who submit themselves to the authority of the Spirit and the community.In the Old Testament, prophets stood at the margins of power, speaking truth to kings and calling people back to faithfulness. In the New Testament, this prophetic function was distributed throughout the entire body of Christ. After Pentecost, the Spirit indwells all believers and distributes gifts as he determines. According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, prophecy functions for "edification, encouragement, and comfort," primarily building up the local church.We need both Word and Spirit. Scripture serves as our tuning fork, the measuring stick that tests whether what we're hearing aligns with the character of Jesus. When someone shares a prophetic word, we ask: Does it resonate with Scripture? Does it confirm what God is already speaking? Does the character of the person speaking give weight to their words?The Spirit speaks through pictures, words, phrases, impressions, and highlighted scriptures. We don't have to act immediately on every prophetic word. God opens doors, and our job is to walk through them when he makes the way clear. Sometimes people get it wrong, and that's okay. We extend grace, test everything against Scripture, and stay open to God's voice.We're invited to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, stay grounded in Scripture, remain submitted to community, and practice humility as we learn to hear from God together.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship
Acts 2.14-41. After the resurrection, restored by Jesus, Peter is a changed man. After Pentecost though, he is a new man. Peter is unrecognisable from all that came before once he is baptised in the Holy Spirit. How would you respond to Peter's first sermon if you were listening in that day? 19 October 2025.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
When Jesus said, “I will build my church” it would be safe to say that His followers at the time didn't know how he would build his church. After Pentecost they soon found out Jesus' strategy. One word to describe Jesus' strategy of building his church was (and still is) through “adventure”. We are in the middle of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.” Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 8:26-40 (NLT)
When Jesus said, “I will build my church” it would be safe to say that His followers at the time didn't know how he would build his church. After Pentecost they soon found out Jesus' strategy. One word to describe Jesus' strategy of building his church was (and still is) through “adventure”. We are in the middle of a series of sermons titled, “When Jesus builds his church.” Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Acts 8:26-40 (NLT)
When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, I wonder what his first followers imagined his ‘church' would look like. After Pentecost they didn't have to imagine what Jesus' ‘church' would look like – they got to experience it first-hand! Today is the second week of a series of sermons titled, ‘When Jesus builds his church.' Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Act 2:42-47 (NLT)
When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, I wonder what his first followers imagined his ‘church' would look like. After Pentecost they didn't have to imagine what Jesus' ‘church' would look like – they got to experience it first-hand! Today is the second week of a series of sermons titled, ‘When Jesus builds his church.' Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Readings: Act 2:42-47 (NLT)
Send us a textTitle: No More Excuses – Standing for Christ in a Culture of CompromiseWhat keeps us from boldly standing for Jesus? In this urgent and timely episode, we explore how fear, comfort, and the desire for control often become subtle—but powerful—excuses that lead us to compromise or deny our faith. From Peter's denial at the fire bin to modern believers navigating hostile cultural environments, the struggle remains the same.We revisit Peter's moment of weakness—choosing self-preservation when confronted by a servant girl—and draw direct parallels to how many Christians today remain silent about their beliefs in workplaces, classrooms, and even in churches that have strayed from biblical truth. The stakes are real: social ridicule, job risk, and accusations of intolerance. Yet Jesus' warning rings clear: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them...” (Luke 9:26).This episode doesn't sugarcoat the cultural battlelines, especially in educational institutions, where biblical values are increasingly replaced by ideologies that distort truth—particularly around gender, sexuality, and identity. Families, students, and educators face a critical question: Will we remain grounded in the truth of Christ, or drift with the currents of cultural approval?As one host soberly notes, “When we took God out of schools, we replaced it with guns.” It's a stark reminder that when we remove God's truth, something else always fills the void—and it's rarely life-giving.But the answer today is the same as it was in Peter's story: genuine transformation through the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, Peter no longer crumbled under pressure—he stood boldly, proclaiming the Gospel with courage that came from beyond himself. That same Spirit-filled boldness is still available to those willing to surrender fear, resist compromise, and walk in obedience.This episode calls believers to reject spiritual excuses and rise into faithful, fearless discipleship. Start by immersing yourself in the Word. Surround yourself with uncompromising believers. Choose the narrow road—because while it may be unpopular, it leads to life.The time is now. The world doesn't need more quiet Christians. It needs Spirit-empowered believers who know whom they serve and are unafraid to say so.Peter's denial devotional, Christian podcast about cultural compromise, Holy Spirit empowerment today, standing for Christ in public schools, Luke 9:26 explained, rejecting fear in faith, boldness through Pentecost, Christians in hostile environments, faith over fear podcast, Spirit-filled discipleship, biblical response to cultural pressure, how to stand firm in ChristSupport the showhttps://www.pastorbencooper.co.uk/https://www.rbchristianradio.net/
There's power in the name of Jesus.Jesus Storybook Bible: We have given out 197 Jesus storybook bibles at 4 schools, preaching the gospel. The gospel is presented as 'Jesus wants to be your friend'We have done 9 assembly's and schools now regularly come to the food bank! So we do jigsaw assembly's and the kids come to learn about the food bank and raise money. Ruth and the team gained trust and created healthy relationships with all the schools in our local area! That gave us this foundation to build on.We are going to all saints infant and junior school in matlock next month to give out 359 bibles. The school said “it would be really good for the children to meet Christian's and tell them what is a bible and why it is important to them”March 24th - me and Steve.ContextPeter and John have prayed for the 40 year old man who has been crippled from birth and the Jewish officials hate it and put them in prison.Remember they had been with Jesus, dejected when he was crucified, utterly changed when he is resurrected and filled with boldness when filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.Acts 4 v 1-31v18This is our evangelism strategy, it's 2000 years oldThe more I study Acts, the more I see the resurrection is what they preach. It's the life changer. Teach each other. Tell each other of the stories of what Jesus is doing now.We had a time at New Year to tell of the stories from the last year.It was moving, encouraging and powerful.After Pentecost, as Jews, they stayed with their culture. They went to the temple, did Jewish traditions but they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the scriptures – the Messiah, the Holy Spirit the fulfillment of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel.They had to know their bible. But the authorities demanded that they stop teaching and speaking about Jesus.I only ever heard “stop speaking.” Now I see it was even more like these days.Teach each other about Jesus. We don't want stunted Christians, we want you all to be changed and to know the life changing power of the resurrection. Sow seed.It doesn't matter if the soil is hard or soft. Sow the seed. Jesus does not tell us to sow in fertile ground. He says sow the seed. Be generous even if it falls on the path or in the weeds.I have a prophetic sense that where we have sown but seen not fruit, the day is coming to see a fruitfulness where we have sown before.Let us keep sowing in the community we live in. Jigsaw, schools work, our personal evangelism with friends and neighbours and work colleagues.If you want more opportunities and stories to tell, join Tony and Karen, join Jonny and Becca when they start Who Let the Dads Out again and a new venture called Creative Space.Pick up your bibles. Learn about Jesus and his resurrection power. Not just the mechanism of salvation.Acts 4 is of men who were seen as unschooled in the bible but they had been with Jesus who had taught them using scripture. Then they quote scripture; Joel at Pentecost, Genesis in Acts 3 and when they pray they use Psalm 2. The crucifixion Psalm.The audience might change but the message does not change. We have the same job. Sow the seed.The message of the crucified Jesus and the risen LordThere is only seed.Don't break up the soil. Sow the seed.I don't know what I'd do without Jesus.Tell new storiesQuestionsAsk each other for a recent story of what Jesus has done for you.For a bible study, look at the use of Psalm 2. Why did Peter use this?Please pray for the Children's Bible initiative that Sarah and Steve are runningPut yourselves in the place of the apostles in Acts 3 and 4 and see how being a friend of Jesus in person helped them declare the truth of His resurrection.Pray for boldness and pray for opportunities to see the power of the name of Jes
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
Friends of the Rosary, Today, November 30, the last day of Ordinary Time in the current Liturgical Year, the Church of Christ celebrates the Feast of St. Andrew, a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee, a former disciple of John the Baptist, and one of Jesus' closest apostles. St. Andrew's feast signals the beginning of Advent. St. Andrew the Apostle introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, saying, "We have found the Messiah." After Pentecost, he preached in Greece, where he was martyred on a cross as an "X." This type of cross has long been known as "St. Andrew's cross." Medieval artists suggested that Andrew was unworthy to die on a cross identical to our Lord's. St. Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and Patras. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!St. Andrew, Pray for Us! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • November 30, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
This week we will be studying Acts 2:42-47 under the theme “Dangerous Spirit.” After Pentecost, the Spirit of God worked mightily in the Early Church to produce a countercultural lifestyle amongst God's people as they graciously did life together. SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Acts 2:42-47 under the theme “Dangerous Spirit.” After Pentecost, the Spirit of God worked mightily in the Early Church to produce a countercultural lifestyle amongst God's people as they graciously did life together. SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
After Pentecost, the Church focuses on directing us to grow in holiness and our love for God. Because of our weakness, we need constant reminding not only of God's justice, but His infinite mercy, even in the face of suffering. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST JUNE 2, 2024 10:30 a.m.Today's sermon is given by our Rector The Reverend Hannah E. Atkins Romero.
Key Scripture: Acts 2:42-43 Opening: How would you respond if asked, “Are you living in awe of God?” AWE = is a combination of fear, terror and a sense of wonder. In Acts 2: After Pentecost the early church was continually devoting themselves to four areas: 1. The Apostle's teaching (The Word of God) 2. Fellowship 3. The Breaking of Bread 4. Prayer - Are you in awe when you open God's Word? - Are you in awe as you gather in God's house on Sunday to hear God's Word? - Are you in awe as you hear what God is doing in the lives of other believers? - Are you in awe as you have the privilege to approach God in prayer? Learn more about Gratis Church at gratischurch.com.
Following Pentecost, the birth of the church, the disciples and new followers of Jesus Christ began to experience great things as a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit came the power and boldness to share their faith, great unity, and a closeness to God. These were the defining qualities of these new believers in Jesus . . . AFTER PENTECOST.
Acts 2.1-12 To be a Christian is not so much having a certain set of beliefs that give meaning to our lives. Instead, to be a Christian is to be initiated into a community with practices and habits that actually transform our lives. Which is just another way of saying, we only ever learn what it means to be Christians by watching other Christians and doing what they do. To be Christian means being together. Which, of course, isn't easy. After Pentecost, the story of Acts tells of the great challenge of being the church. The church stand for, preaches, and speaks the language of the heart that runs completely counter to the language of the world. The world worships the first, the greatest, the found, the big, and the alive. God comes for the last, least, lost, little and dead. The world runs on deception and destruction. The Spirit conveys grace and mercy. The world is full to the brim with bad news. Jesus comes bringing Good News. On Pentecost, the Spirit is poured out on all flesh, the tall and the small, the sinners and the saints, the found and the forgotten. Not because we earned it or deserved it. But because we needed it. And we still do...
Living A Supernatural LifestyleActs 8:5-8 “ Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samar′ia and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.”I love the Book of Acts. I love several books of the Bible, but I am particularly drawn to Acts because of its supernatural aspect. After Pentecost the apostles moved forward into a supernatural lifestyle. Jesus had equipped them twice before to go out and spread the Gospel message using signs and wonders. However, now they had the Holy Spirit living inside of them and they were forever equipped for this mission. It became a part of them. For instance in Acts 3:1-10 “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”Peter and John were going about their life. They didn't make a big show or say a ton of words. They were simply walking by someone in need, and they stopped and healed him. It was so simple and so easy. The reason it was so easy is because they knew the power they had living inside of them. They didn't ask God to heal this man; they knew they had the Holy Spirit living inside of them, and they could call on this Holy Spirit to heal this man in the name of Jesus. They commanded the man to walk, and he did.You and I have this same power living inside of us. The biggest difference is that they knew the power they had. Can you see what amazing things we could be doing if we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt the power we have living inside of us? They didn't wonder if they could do it. They didn't wonder if God would show up and heal this person. They didn't wonder if it was God's will to heal that person. They simply knew that the person needed healing and that they could provide that for Him. I wish we could all live this type of lifestyle. I wish we all knew the power we have living inside of us.This is the reason I named this podcast Walk Boldly With Jesus. Peter and John were walking boldly with Jesus. We can too. Each one of us has the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. Yet, how often do we call upon that power? How often do we step forward confidently knowing we have that power? How often do we ask the Lord to do things that He has given us the ability to do?I am not saying we shouldn't ask the Lord for things; we definitely should. However, we should also step forward with confidence that He has equipped us to help ourselves as well. For instance, we definitely should pray to God for healing for our friends and family. However, we can also pray over them for healing as well. We can command the illness to leave, we can command bones to be healed and we can command spirits to leave. We are not powerless. We often say, “All we can do now is pray.” I get the sentiment and yet prayer is the most powerful thing we can do. It is not a last-ditch effort. It is the best way to see results. It is the best way to move mountains. There is so much power in prayer.Imagine what this world would look like if we all started living the supernatural life we were meant to live. Imagine if we all realized the power we have living inside of us. The power of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of you and inside of me. (Romans 8:11) Can you even believe that? That is so crazy to me that God would give us the Holy Spirit. I am not just talking about the supernatural power to heal people, although I do wish we could all realize we had that power. There are so many people dying of illnesses, and if more of us were operating with the confidence that Peter and John had that the power of the Holy Spirit would work through us, we could save more people. Not just from their physical illness, but we could bring them back to Jesus, which is the real reason for the signs and wonders.The Holy Spirit is our guide, he is our comforter, he is our counselor. The enemy wants us to think we are powerless to change anything in this world. However, this is not true. The power of prayer can change anything. I have seen so many miraculous answers to prayers. Answers that no one thought would come. Answers that seemed so far-fetched at the time. Our prayers are powerful. We all tend to think we are a slave to our wants and our desires. We say we have no willpower or that we are weak. This is a lie from the enemy. The power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you can help you overcome any perceived weaknesses. We just need to call upon it. We need to give the Holy Spirit permission to work in our lives. We need to understand what it means to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.The apostle Paul did not have an easy life after he started to follow Jesus. He was persecuted and spent a lot of time in jail. He wasn't scared though and he didn't feel hopeless because he knew the power he had living inside of him. He knew nothing could touch him without the Father's consent. He knew he had God by his side every step of the way. Do we know this? Are we confident in this? How would our life be different if we started realizing the power we had inside of us? How would our life be different if we started using that power?I want to go back to our verse for today as I just realized I didn't really talk about it too much. The verse says, “ Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samar′ia and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.” This verse gives us another reason we were given the Holy Spirit. It wasn't just to strengthen and guide us but it was also to do signs and wonders so that we can lead others to Jesus.The verse also gives us some more examples of the things we are capable of when we walk in our identity as sons and daughters of Christ with the Holy Spirit. Philip proclaimed Christ to them, commanded unclean spirits to come out of many people, and healed many who were paralyzed or lame. The last line of the verse is one that shows us another benefit to living our supernatural lifestyle. It says, “There was so much joy in that city.” Joy is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Joy is so great because it is something you can have despite your circumstances. Happiness tends to be based on your current circumstances. However, joy is something you can have even when you are not particularly happy. It is a blessing and a gift from the Holy Spirit. Wouldn't it be great to have a bit more joy in our lives?Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless each person listening to this episode. Lord, we ask that you help us to realize the power you have put inside of us. We ask that you show us how to step out in faith and live the supernatural lifestyle you want us to live. We ask for the courage and faith to live into the identity you have planned for us. We love you so much, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. Mentoring is tonight at 8 EST if you want to sign up, Click Here! You still have time. I look forward to seeing you tonight on mentoring or meeting you here tomorrow for another episode. Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in December 2023 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group or about these words please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is “My children, do not hold tightly to the things that are not going to bring you closer to me. I know your needs. I know what you need to live from day to day. I know your wants and your desires. They are all part of my plan for your life. But do not hold them so tightly to your heart that you don't have enough room to hold me closely to your heart.”
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 22, 2023 10:30 a.m. Today's sermon is given by The Right Reverend Héctor Monterroso, Bishop Assistant of Texas
THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 8, 2023 10:30 a.m. Today's sermon is given by our associate rector The Reverend Luz Cabrera Montes
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
After Pentecost, the new believers did many things day after day but it was God who added to their numbers. How can we apply this 2000 years later?
THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 1, 2023 12:30 p.m. Today's sermon is given by our rector The Reverend Hannah E. Atkins Romero
THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 12:30 p.m. Today's sermon is given by our rector The Reverend Hannah E. Atkins Romero.
The podcast is back, and we are dealing with some of the last verses of Galatians. We also head into a discussion about the Law, its uses, and how Lutheran preaching is challenged by using the Law in sermons.Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerHearer Submitted Question: -Why did we change how we count the Sundays from ‘After Pentecost' to ‘Trinity'?Submit Sermon Questions:Email | podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.
THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SEPTEMBER 17, 2023 10:30 a.m. Today's sermon is given by our rector The Reverend Hannah E. Atkins Romero
GENTILE REVIVAL BEGINS - AD 41 Acts 11:19-26 - 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen (AD 34-5) traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church (where?) and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. **God's Intention of the New Covenant = Jews & Gentiles**THE NEW COVENANT'S INTENTION - ONE NEW HOUSE/MAN•AD 41 – Still “speaking the word to no one except Jews” (Acts 11:19) – 11 years AFTER Pentecost!!! •A new name emerges – “Christian” – a new era/day, the full intent of Messiah's mission, in a new city (Antioch – center of “CHRISTIAN-ity”)•WHY PAUL? former Pharisee who had been “un-pharisee-ized”) – would have had his “leaven” removed. 3 years in “Damascus” (Essenes)Prophecy found amongst the Dead Sea ScrollTestament of Benjamin - “I will no longer be called a ravening wolf on account of your ravages, but a worker of the Lord, distributing food to them that work what is good. One will rise up from my seed in the latter times, beloved of the Lord, hearing His voice on the earth, enlightening with new knowledge all the Gentiles, bursting in on Israel for salvation with the light of knowledge, and tearing it away from them like a wolf, and giving it to the synagogue of the Gentiles. Until the consummation of the ages, he will be in the synagogues of the Gentiles, and among their rulers, as a strain of music in the mouth of all; and he will be inscribed in the holy books, both his work and his word, and he will be a chosen one of God forever; and because of him my father Jacob instructed me, saying, ‘He will fill up that which lacks from your tribe.'” Paul learned of his “Prophetic destiny” - Life & Ministry, Writings = Scripture, Gentile MissionTribe of Benjamin (Phil 3:5)/ “Apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11) - His Epistles – expound the new law, the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 – “…so fulfill the Law of Christ) = the Law of the New Covenant. Ephesians 2:12-21 - 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.NEW COVENANT'S INTENTION (continued) - UNDOING the Effects of the Tower of Babel and the 3rd Angelic FallGenesis 11:1-9 – Tower of Babel incident, God's judgment = disinheriting the nations (i.e. the Gentiles) - disinherited/divorces the nations (before this God was in covenant w/ ALL of Noah's descendants (Gen 9:1) – God's judgment. Gen 12 – calls Abram OUT OF MESOPOTAMIA.3RD ANGELIC FALL – the Fall of Sons of God put over the Nations – (Deut. 32/Psalm 82) Deuteronomy 32:8–9 - When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He divided mankind, He fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God/angels of God. 9 - But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage.“Deuteronomy 32:8–9 informs us that the act of judgment enacted on humanity at Babel resulted not only in dividing and scattering them but assigning them to members of Yahweh's heavenly host-council.”“In terms of a human perspective, while Yahweh's judgment was harsh, it was not final. When God chose to raise up a new human family (Israel) in the wake of Babel, he left room for the salvation of the forsaken nations in his covenant with Abram. It would be through Abram's descendants that all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen 12:1–3). The promise would, of course, be fulfilled in Christ (Gal 3:16: “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to off-springs,' referring to many, but referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,' who is Christ”). Prior to the coming of the Promised One, gentiles had to join themselves to Israel (i.e. proselytes/circumcision), forsaking other gods, to be in right relationship to the true God. Israel was to be a kingdom of priests bearing witness to the goodness of life with Yahweh as their God, but there was no overt attempt to evangelize the inhabitants of the nations. They were under judgment.” NEW COVENANT'S INTENTION - Dealing with the 3rd Angelic Fall Psalm 82:1-6, 8 – the corruption of those Gods! (Describes their fall!)1 God [elohim] has taken his place/stands in the divine council; in the midst of the gods [elohim] he holds judgment: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” 5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, “You are gods [elohim], sons of the Most High [beney elyon], all of you; 7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! (Through Messiah!)+Commentary - “The gods charged with the rule of the nations became corrupt administrators and, in so doing, sowed chaos in the heavenly realm as well. Yahweh created a world characterized by righteousness (ṣedāqâ) and well-being (šālôm). In Psalm 82, “The gods are condemned to death for their failure to carry out justice in the human realm.…”The concept that the nations of the world were allotted to lesser gods as a punishment at Babel and that those gods sowed chaos on earth and were hostile to Yahweh and his people can be seen in a variety of Second Temple [Jewish] texts.”God disinherited humanity (the Gentiles) at the Babel event, assigning the nations to ‘lesser gods' (angels/sons of God) who sowed chaos amongst their charge. “The notion that different nations were allotted to different gods or heavenly beings was widespread in the ancient world…The origin of this idea is to be sought in the ancient Near Eastern concept of the Divine Council.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW COVENANT1. New Covenant – for who? Displaces the Old Covenant, obsolete (AD70 – End of Temple Judaism) – Why the Apostle Paul? Jeremiah 31:31-34 - 31 “…I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant [Mosaic] that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke,…33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,… (Why it took them so long to get the “gentile part” of the memo?)Ephesians 2:15 - 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances – Now? Christ's commandments…“a new commandment I give you”Hebrews 8:13 - 13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one [Mosaic] obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. (AD 70 approaching)Hebrews 9:9-10 - 9 According to this arrangement [the Mosaic Covenant], gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.God thus shows that the ancient covenant [Mosaic] is temporary only, when He indicates its change. Also, when He promises that it will be followed by an eternal one [New Covenant]. …The epistle that we also allow to be the most decisive against Judaism, is that in which the apostle [Paul] instructs the Galatians. For we fully admit the abolition of the ancient Law. We hold that it actually proceeds from the dispensation of the Creator. ...Christ marks the period of the separation when He says, “The Law and the Prophets were until John.” [Lk. 16:16] He thus made the Baptist the boundary between the two dispensations of the old things that were then terminating and the new things that were then beginning. Tertullian (AD 207)**Not Replacement Theology – “One New House (Man) under the Priesthood and Law of Christ” Theology**2. Reversing the Tower of Babel Judgment on mankind – from disinheritance to remarrying the nations (the Gentiles)! - Testimony - “God wants to put a ring on your finger”3. Disempowerment of those “gods” over the nations – = our empowerment - prayer, EVANGELISM - preaching the Gospel (setting captives free), exorcism, healing, gifts of the Spirit, discernment, enforcing their original (pre-fallen) mandate (justice, etc.) - Where? in the 1st Heavens (on Earth)
Sermons By Antioch Community Church in Beverly, MA (Boston Area)
Keith Krass shares about our value of Courageous Generosity. Jesus modeled selfless generosity. After Pentecost, His disciples followed His lead as they shared resources with one another. His extravagant love continues to inspire us to work diligently, live simply, and give joyfully.
I will take any excuse to have my favorite Substack writer on the program and this is a great one! Chris Bray [subscribe to his Subtsack! https://chrisbray.substack.com/] tells us the real reason why Amazon, CVS and Humana are purchasing primary care medical clinics (hint: it's not because of their deep desire to help humans achieve better health and happiness. Chris writes: Incentives Create Trajectories, Corporate Model or, "let's start foregrounding the gleichschaltung"“You have to love ‘intense coding practices.' So the emerging model of primary care is a financial game that manipulates billing practices to capture more money from government. The business is resource extraction; the pretext is medical care.Why?The federal government spent about $2 trillion a year at the start of the Obama administration, and now spends close to $7 trillion a year. The growth of federal spending looks like this, in a chart from this statistics website, though it leaves off the last few extremely significant growth years:”Chris also tells us how California fell and offers some poignant, simple and beautiful parenting advice. What does God say? We are called to provide care for the body, which was then a new view for religious people. After Pentecost, one of the first jobs assigned to members of the church was to “care for the Greek widows.” The teachings of Jesus lead, in fact, to the first hospitals, founded by the Christian church.Acts 6:1-76 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”There is nothing wrong with doctors being paid--Luke was a Doctor--but, as in all things, the motive matters.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
He was the brother of the Apostle Peter, from Bethsaida on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Andrew left his fisherman's trade to become a disciple of St John the Baptist. Soon after the Forerunner had baptized Jesus, he said to Andrew and his other disciple John the Theologian, "Behold the Lamb of God!" At this, both disciples followed after Jesus. After conversing with Christ, Andrew hurried home and told his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah." For being the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ, St Andrew is called the First-Called. After Pentecost, Andrew was appointed to preach the Gospel around the Black Sea and in Thrace and Macedonia, traveling as far as Lazica in the Caucasus. According to Slavic tradition his travels took him even further, into the land that was later to be called Russia. In later travels the Apostle preached throughout Asia Minor with St John the Theologian, then traveled to Mesopotamia, then back to Sinope on the Black Sea, and finally to Patras in the Peloponnese, where he soon established a large community of Christians. One of his converts was Maximilla, the wife of Aegeates, the Proconsul of that region. Aegeates was so angered by his wife's conversion that he had the Apostle arrested and crucified head downwards on a cross in the shape of an "X." The holy Apostle rejoiced to be allowed to suffer the same death as his Master. The holy relics of St Andrew, after various travels, were returned to Patras in 1964, where they are now venerated. In the West, St Andrew is venerated as the patron of Scotland: in the Middle Ages, more than eight hundred churches in Scotland were dedicated to him.
Friends of the Rosary: On November 30th, Catholics worldwide celebrate the feast of St. Andrew, apostle and martyr. He was a fisherman from Bethsaida, a former disciple of John the Baptist, and the brother of Peter. He was the one who introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, saying, “We have found the Messiah.” Overshadowed by his brother, Andrew nevertheless appears in the Gospels as introducing souls to Christ. Today, St. Andrew's feast is a signal of the beginning of Advent. After Pentecost, Andrew took up the apostolate on a much wider scale, spreading Christianity in Russia and Asia minor. He was crucified by the Romans in Patras in southern Greece on an X-shaped cross, which is now his distinctive symbol as well as the symbol of Scotland, of which he is the patron. This type of cross has long been known as “St. Andrew's cross.” Ave Maria! Jesus, I Trust In You! St. Andrew, Pray for Us! + Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • November 30, 2021, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
One of the Twelve Apostles, he was a Galilean by birth. His name means "twin." The twentieth chapter of St John's Gospel describes how, when he doubted the appearance of the Risen Lord, Christ appeared to him again, saying "Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing," at which Thomas cried out "My Lord and my God!" Through this one event the Holy Scriptures attest that Christ is risen bodily, not merely as a spirit, as some heresies claim; and that He is in fact God. After Pentecost, St Thomas proclaimed the Gospel in the East, and established the Christian faith as far as India, where the small remnant of the ancient Church still traces its foundation to him. According to some accounts he met a martyr's end; according to others, he reposed in peace. St John Chrysostom mentions that his tomb was in Edessa in Syria; his relics may have been translated there from India in the fourth century.
After Pentecost, the early church exploded with growth for centuries. We explore how the radical love of Christians in those early years reflected the character of Jesus to people that were aching for hope. Speaker: Greg Holder