Podcasts about Antioch

Prophet Jeremiah Johnson calls the Church back to the Antioch blueprint with Jesus as the foundation, prayer at the center, and a sending mandate for cities.

Send a textTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | In the latter part of Galatians chapter 2, beginning at verse 11 and continuing through the end of the chapter, Paul recounts a significant second encounter with the Apostle Peter in Antioch. During Peter's visit, he initially ate with Gentile Christians, recognizing that Old Testament dietary laws were no longer binding upon him. However, under pressure from certain individuals, Peter withdrew and began to only associate with these Jewish Christians and reverted to keeping the dietary laws.Recognizing the implications of this behavior, Paul confronted Peter directly, challenging the notion that adherence to the laws of Moses was necessary for salvation. This rebuke underscored the importance of maintaining doctrinal clarity regarding justification by faith alone. And the details of Paul's response to Peter are documented in Galatians chapter 2, providing valuable insight into this pivotal moment in early Christian history….Meet Me in the Word: A Daily DevotionalThoughtful reflections for Jesus-Followers Monday through Friday.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at: Jeremy McCandless | Substack Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906 To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit: Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

He was born sometime in the mid-fourth century on an island in the Aegean. For a time he lived successfully in the world, receiving a good education in Constantinople, then serving for a time for the Prefect of the Praetorium. But, becoming aware of the vanity of worldly things, he answered Christ's call, gave away all his goods to the poor and entered a monastery in Syria. After four years in obedience, he came to feel that the security of monastic life was inconsistent with the Gospel command to take no thought for the morrow; so he withdrew to the desert, taking with him only his garment and the Book of the Gospel. There he lived alone for seven years.   At the end of this period he set out on an apostolic mission to Mesopotamia, where he brought many to Christ: the city prefect Rabbula was converted after Alexander brought down fire from heaven, and a band of brigands who accosted the Saint on the road were transformed into a monastic community. He finally fled the city when the Christians there rose up demanding that he be made bishop. He once again took up a solitary life in the desert beyond the Euphrates, spending the day in prayer and part of the night sheltered in a barrel. There he remained for forty years. His holiness gradually attracted more than four hundred disciples, whom Alexander organized into a monastic community. Each disciple owned only one tunic, and was required to give away anything that they did not need for that day. Despite this threadbare life, the monastery was able to set up and run a hospice for the poor!   Alexander was perplexed as to how the admonition Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) could be fulfilled by frail human flesh, but after three years of fasting and prayer, God showed him a method. He organized his monks into four groups according to whether their native language was Greek, Latin, Syriac or Coptic, and the groups prayed in shifts throughout the day and night. Twenty-four divine services were appointed each day, and the monks would chant from the Psalter between services. The community henceforth came to be known as the Akoimetoi, the Unsleeping Ones. (Similar communities later sprang up in the West, practicing what was there called Laus Perennis; St Columban founded many of these.)   Always desiring to spread the holy Gospel, Saint Alexander sent companies of missionaries to the pagans of southern Egypt. He and a company of 150 disciples set out as a kind of traveling monastery, living entirely on the charity of the villages they visited. Eventually they settled in some abandoned baths in Antioch, setting up a there a monastery dedicated to the unceasing praise of God; but a jealous bishop drove them from the city. Making his way to Constantinople, he settled there with four monks. In a few days, more than four hundred monks had left their monasteries to join his community. The Saint organized them into three companies — Greeks, Latins and Syrians — and restored the program of unsleeping prayer that his community had practiced in Mesopotamia. Not surprisingly, his success aroused the envy and anger of the abbots whose monasteries had been nearly emptied; they managed to have him condemned as a Messalian at a council held in 426. (The Messalians were an over-spiritualizing sect who believed that the Christian life consisted exclusively of prayer.) Alexander was sent back to Syria, and most of his monks were imprisoned; but as soon as they were released, most fled the city to join him again. The Saint spent his last years traveling from place to place, founding monasteries, often persecuted, until he reposed in 430, 'to join the Angelic choirs which he had so well imitated on earth.' (Synaxarion)   The practice of unceasing praise, established by St Alexander, spread throughout the Empire. The Monastery of the Akoimetoi, founded by a St Marcellus, a successor of Alexander, was established in Constantinople and became a beacon to the Christian world. 'Even though it has not been retained in today's practice, the unceasing praise established by Saint Alexander was influential in the formation of the daily cycle of liturgical offices in the East and even more so in the West.' (Synaxarion)

Friends of the Rosary,Lent is a period of preparation for the central events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Christ, the Son of God in human nature, died on the cross on Good Friday because of the sins of the human race.By being obedient to his heavenly Father, Christ made atonement for all our disobediences and set us free from the slavery of Satan and of sin.In his resurrection, his human nature was glorified by God the Father, and if we follow Christ faithfully in this life, we will all be offered a share in an eternal life of glory.During the forty days of Lenten, we make a commitment to fasting or giving up certain things in our lives as an act of penitence.The number 40 is significant throughout Scripture; Noah was on the Ark for 40 days, Moses fasted 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments, and Jesus spent 40 days fasting in preparation for His work on earth.The celebration of Lent is not a commandment but an opportunity to renew our faith and edify our spirit.Today is the Optional Memorial of St. Polycarp of Smyrna (69-155), who was converted to Christianity by St. John the Evangelist. He was a disciple of the apostles and a friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He suffered martyrdom in 155 by burning at the stake in the amphitheater of Smyrna.Today's Gospel tells us that we must practice charity and perform works of mercy to all, without distinction, in the name of Christ. When our Blessed Lord comes to us in the Eucharist today, he will give us the joy of hearing his invitation to possess the kingdom prepared for us by his Father from the foundation of the world.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 23, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Ephesians 3:14-19For this reason I kneel before the Father,   from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,   so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,   may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,   and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Send a textWe tell the story of Saint Polycarp as a living link to the apostles and a fearless defender of the Eucharist whose courage in controversy and martyrdom still shapes how we believe, worship, and stay united. We invite you to deepen devotion, guard truth with charity, and let his witness steady your steps.• Early life in Smyrna and formation under Saint John• Defense of apostolic teaching against heresies• Eucharistic realism as the heart of his ministry• Meeting Pope Anicetus and modeling unity without compromise• Eyewitness details from the martyrdom letter• Links with Saints Ignatius of Antioch and Irenaeus• Quotes that call for steadfast love and courage• Practical invitation to pursue holiness and communityBe sure to click the link in the description for special news itemAnd since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offerVisit journeysoffaith.com website todayOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-app Journeys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here...

Is Jesus sovereign over creation, and even His own death? Pastor Derrick Lynch continues Part 3 of our Gospel of Luke series, "The Passion of Jesus", preaching from Luke 22:1-23. Notes in this sermon: Remember Christ's sovereignty and sacrifice. Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.

An early influential Christian of the late First century and early Second century, Saint Polycarp is regarded as a saint and Church Father in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Lutheranism, and Protestant Anglicanism. He lived in an age after the deaths of the apostles, when a variety of interpretations of the sayings of Jesus were being preached. His role was to authenticate orthodox teachings through his connection with the beloved apostle John, one of the four gospel writers, and according to tradition the last of Jesus’ disciples to die and the only one of the original twelve who did not die a martyr. Catholic Answers Live podcast at https://amzn.to/47IB5Y Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World podcast at https://amzn.to/3YJpTqZ Books by Jimmy Akin available at https://amzn.to/3shLkD8 Books about Polycarp at https://amzn.to/3OxaNDO ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Saint of the Day podcast with Mike Roberts-St. Polycarp, episode 300, 23feb2024; Catholic Answers Live podcast with Jimmy Akin, episode 12149; The Saint of the Day podcast-St. Polycarp of Smyrna, 23feb2024; Saint of the Day DEACON: Holy Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer, Bishop of Antioch (aka Catholic Saint Ignatius of Antioch) 20dec2025 (107); Traditional Catholic Daily Devotional, St. Polycarp, 26jan2026. Audio excerpts reproduced under a Creative Commons license and the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acts chapter 13 shows us faith in action in Antioch and in the lives and mission of Barnabas and Paul!

Sunday 22nd February 2026 - West and North SitesSpeaker - David PikeDavid continues our Keeping the Faith series from Paul's second letter to Timothy, taking a look at the importance of the scriptures, and encouraging us to follow in Paul and Timothy's footsteps in engaging regularly with God's Word.David refers to a message 'Shaped by the Word', given by Dave Kemp in January 2022 - you can listen by following either of the following links:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdevczteYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mvy7cu7c_______________2 Timothy 3 v 10-17 10) You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11) persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13) while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15) and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17) so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work._______________Recorded at the North Site - 22Feb2026

Full Text of Readings Monday of the First Week of Lent Lectionary: 224 The Saint of the day is Saint Polycarp Saint Polycarp's Story Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, disciple of Saint John the Apostle and friend of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, was a revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century. Saint Ignatius, on his way to Rome to be martyred, visited Saint Polycarp at Smyrna, and later at Troas wrote him a personal letter. The Asia Minor Churches recognized Polycarp's leadership by choosing him as a representative to discuss with Pope Anicetus the date of the Easter celebration in Rome—a major controversy in the early Church. Only one of the many letters written by Saint Polycarp has been preserved, the one he wrote to the Church of Philippi in Macedonia. At 86, Polycarp was led into the crowded Smyrna stadium to be burned alive. The flames did not harm him and he was finally killed by a dagger. The centurion ordered the saint's body burned. The “Acts” of Saint Polycarp's martyrdom are the earliest preserved, fully reliable account of a Christian martyr's death. He died in 155. Reflection Polycarp was recognized as a Christian leader by all Asia Minor Christians—a strong fortress of faith and loyalty to Jesus Christ. His own strength emerged from his trust in God, even when events contradicted this trust. Living among pagans and under a government opposed to the new religion, he led and fed his flock. Like the Good Shepherd, he laid down his life for his sheep and kept them from more persecution in Smyrna. He summarized his trust in God just before he died: “Father… I bless Thee, for having made me worthy of the day and the hour…” (Acts of Martyrdom, Chapter 14).Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The church in Antioch was a special kind of church. It was the kind of church we want to be. It was the kind of place where, “a great many people” believed, were added to the Lord, and were taught. These new believers were from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. What they had in common […]

Ephesians 4:10-13 God speaks thru prophets and apostles. Jesus loves you so much that he gave the church gifts. “The One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.” – Ephesians 4:10-13  The Message by Eugene Peterson “And he (Jesus) himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ's fullness.” – Ephesians 4:11-13  CSB 1. Prophets God speaks. Prophecy – speak on behalf of God before others Prophet – one who speaks inspired utterances on behalf of God “The name ‘prophets' (in Eph. 4:11) is given to those who, having received the Spirit of God, spoke beforehand of Christ and his advent. These were the prophets who “were until Christ.” But after he arrived, was there no reason for any further prophecy? What prophets does Paul speak of here? It is obviously those who being full of the Spirit spoke of God after his coming, continuing to expound the divine teaching.” – Marius Victorinus 280-363 Old Testament prophets spoke the message God gave them, and many pointed to Jesus Christ. “Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” – Matthew 1:22  CSB Some New Testament prophets: John the Baptist, Anna in Luke 2:36, Agabus in Acts 11:29, 21:10,  Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen in Acts 13:1-2, Silas & Judas Barsabbas in Acts 15:32, 4 daughters of Phillip in Acts 21:8-9,  John in Revelation “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – John Walvoord Training, Discernment, and Accountability:  “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. And the prophets' spirits are subject to the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:29–33   CSB  “many false prophets will appear and fool many people,” – Matthew 24:11    Elijah school of the prophets in 1 Kings 19:18, training people in understanding the Scripture, discerning God's voice, and speaking it. In 2 Kings 2 we see groups of prophets interacting with Elijah and Elisha. Paul & Barnabas – described as “prophets and teachers” then commissioned, sent in apostolic ministry “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.” – Acts 13:1-3  CSB 2. Apostle – an envoy of Jesus, a representative messenger sent, a “special” messenger (having been commissioned by Jesus Christ for a particular task or role, invested with the authority to speak on his behalf)   …borrowing and changing a Greek term for, emissaries, one who is to carry a message and is commissioned to extend the kingdom (military or naval) a commander of a naval expedition (generally restricted to the immediate followers of Jesus Christ, but also extended, as in the case of Paul, to other early Christians active in proclaiming the message of the gospel) – Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament “Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.” – Romans 1:1  (possible reference to a Jewish embassy in Rome that required travel by sea) Denotes God-given spiritual authority, mission and message, to be recognized by others (including leaders) Influence in more than one local church Alignment > Heirarchy  God speaks. God had spoken. God is speaking. God will speak. “This is a house set up and ordered by Jesus.… He does not do this in a casual manner. It is with the utmost discrimination and discretion: One is assigned to the rank of an apostle, one to the place of a prophet, others to look after the flock of Christ and to work at the divine instruction of others for those saints who are prepared to learn.” – Didymus the Blind a Biblical scholar 313-398 What are prophets & apostles? Gifts from Jesus to his church. Representatives and messengers. They speak when God has given them something to say. The church leaders recognize it and the church receives it. Each of the 4 Gifts function when recognized and received. What are prophets & apostles NOT? Free to do what they want, however they want. Not dictators. Not celebrities. Not gurus. What is the purpose of our interactions with the 4 Gifts? Sent to equip the church for ministry. Sent to build up the church. Sent to help the church learn about Jesus and become more like Jesus. Sent to help the church grow stronger spiritually, able to refute wrong thinking. Equipping – making, preparing, training, perfecting, making fully qualified for service, (in classical language the word was used to describe setting a bone during surgery – The Great Physician is now making all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be “out of joint”) What should we do? 1.       Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and 4:1-16. 2.       Pray, asking God for guidance. 3.       Think about what we are reading. 4.       Write down elements of God's purpose for us. 5.       Write down ways in which we should interact with the 4 Gifts. Extra notes: “the spirit of prophecy” – Revelation 19:10 Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19:10  CSB The word “testimony,” or witness, references someone who has seen or experienced something to be the case. John and his brothers are therefore witnesses and the bearers of testimony to the plan and purpose of God for redemption in Jesus. Consequently, God is the only appropriate object of worship. This is explained by the somewhat enigmatic statement, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Here the word “prophecy” (proph?teia), which arises from a combination of “speak” (ph?mi) and “before” (pro), an important use of the word essentially meaning “speak for God before.” Before what? is an appropriate question. One sense of the preposition (pro) would be to speak about an event before it happens. Another sense would be to speak before listeners of the purpose and acts of God. Likely in this case both of these senses are paramount. In any event, the meaning is actually reasonably clear: The spirit of both the proclamation and the telling of the future is bound up in the testimony of Jesus. Jesus the Lamb—and not just a chronology of last things—is the theme of the Revelation. As Walvoord succinctly declares, “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Patterson, P. (2012). Revelation (E. R. Clendenen, Ed.; Vol. 39, pp. 345–346). B&H. Evangelist – one who announces the Good News of Jesus (in particular a function rather than an office) …such as Philip in Acts 8:4, 12, 35, 40, 21:8 and Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5  1 Thessalonians 3:2  Philippians 2:22  and two women in Philippians 4:3  Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:18  Epaphras in Colossians 1:7  NT Evangelists – Paul/Phillip NT Church – 1 Tim 3:15, 5:1-2  1 Cor. 12:16-17 Note: not all evangelists were apostles, but all apostles were evangelists “Then he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'” – Jesus in Mark 16:15-16  CSB All disciples – “Make disciples,” – Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20  “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” – Romans 10:14-15  CSB Preachers: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Teachers will preach. Greek definition of the word “preach” ·       To publicly proclaim or announce news. ·       To proclaim as a herald.  Matthew 4:17; 10:7; 24:14; Acts 8:5; Acts 28:31  A person who had particular responsibilities. Someone sent to say something specific. ·       To announce good tidings or good news.  Luke 3:18; Luke 4:43; Luke 9:6; Acts 8:4; Rev 14:6  Euaggelizo – good news of the gospel ·       To teach or instruct.  Matthew 4:23; 13:36; John 6:59; I Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 2:12; Rom 2:20; Acts 13:1; Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 12:28; Mt 28:19;  Mk 16:15; Eph 4:1 ·       To cause people to learn.  Mt 11:29; 28:19; Acts 14:21  ·       To place beside, as in clear presentation.  Mt 13:24; Mk 8:6 ; Acts 16:34; 1 Cor 10:27; 2 Tim 4:3; Heb 5:12-14  Paratithemi – to place beside so you can pick up again ·       To interpret and make clear and simple.  Lk 24:27; 1 Cor 12;30; 14:5,13,27 ·       To bring out the hidden meanings.  Acts 11:4; 18:26; 28:23  Scripture has obvious and non-obvious meaning. Matthew 10:7              And as you go preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 24:14            And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, Colossians 1:28         Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:5         For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Timothy 2:15            Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Romans 10:14             How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Join us this final week in our series as we look at how to Christ calls us to respond - above the law.

The promise given to Abraham, the multitude envisioned in Revelation, the message proclaimed in Romans, and the Church commissioned in Acts all converge at this moment. The risen King sends. The Spirit empowers. The church goes. The book of Acts ends without a formal conclusion because the narrative is not complete. The movement did not stop in Jerusalem, Antioch, or Rome. It has continued through generations of believers, and it continues still. The question before the church is not whether God has a mission. It is whether His people will embrace their mandate—because the King reigns, the Spirit empowers, the gospel saves, and the movement continues.

In Acts 13, we witness a major turning point in the life of the early church. As the leaders in Antioch worshiped, fasted, and served faithfully, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for a new mission. What does a successful church look like? Not one that simply gathers — but one that prepares and sends. Acts 13 reminds us that the church must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and willing to send its very best for the sake of the gospel.

Acts 13:1-13 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the […] The post Visions and Realities of Ministry (Acts 13:1-13) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

The church at Antioch demonstrates the marks of a church on mission: effective disciple making, mercy ministry, and missionary support.

The sermon centers on the urgent call to unity within the church, rooted in 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, where the Apostle Paul confronts divisions over leadership, preferences, culture, and doctrine. It emphasizes that while truth inevitably creates division—separating the faithful from error—the church must remain united in core doctrine, especially the gospel of Christ's finished work, rejecting any allegiance to human leaders or cultural identities that fracture the body. Pastor Friesen warns against using personal preferences, such as dietary habits or holiday observances, as grounds for division, citing Romans 14 and 15, and underscores that unity is not uniformity but a shared commitment to Christ, where believers protect one another from stumbling blocks. Cultural and national divisions are condemned as hypocrisy, illustrated by Peter's hypocrisy in Antioch and the early church's appointment of deacons to address ethnic neglect, affirming that true unity transcends ethnicity and is built on mutual submission and love. Ultimately, the sermon calls for courageous obedience to Scripture, urging believers to step forward in faith, even at personal cost, to lead others into truth and to preserve the church's integrity as one body in Christ.

He was consecrated Bishop of Berea (Aleppo) in Syria, then of Antioch in 324. He took an active part in the Council of Nicea against the Arian heresy. His zeal for the Faith aroused the hatred of various heretics, who convened a council in Antioch where, by means of slanders and false witnesses, they were able to have the holy bishop deposed and exiled to Thrace, where he died a few years later.   The deposition of the Saint caused a schism in the Church of Antioch which was not healed until 414 (see St Meletius, Feb. 12). Saint John Chrysostom publicly praised Eustathius as a Martyr, and his relics were finally brought back to Antioch in 482. The Synaxarion says "The people then went in jubilation to meet him with lights and incense, and escorted him as he made a triumphal entry into his city, which thus recovered its unity in the Faith and in the veneration of this champion of Orthodoxy."

 In this teaching, James Jacob Prasch argues that the church first went wrong by exceeding what is written in Scripture and replacing apostolic authority with tradition, a pattern he traces to early post-apostolic developments and later institutional Christianity. Using passages such as 1 Corinthians 4:6, Isaiah 29, Mark 7, Matthew 15, Deuteronomy 4, Proverbs 30, and Revelation 22, he contends that adding to or subtracting from God's Word inevitably nullifies biblical truth and produces doctrinal error and moral corruption. He applies this framework to Roman Catholic theology and practice, criticizing sacramentalism, Marian doctrines, papal authority, and tradition-based teaching as examples of doctrines that require exceeding Scripture to exist. Jacob then identifies Ignatius of Antioch as a pivotal early figure who helped redirect the church away from the apostolic model by promoting the pursuit of martyrdom and the concept of mono-episcopacy (single-bishop rule), which he sees as the seedbed for later hierarchical and papal systems. The message concludes that patristic authority must never supersede Scripture, warning that whenever tradition usurps apostolic teaching, deception, division, and spiritual decline inevitably follow. This teaching was originally taught on RTN TV's "Word for the Weekend" on June 28, 2025 and can be found on RTN and Moriel's YouTube and ministry channels. Word for the Weekend streams live every Saturday. See RTNTV.org for more information

What did Jesus say about the end times? Was Jesus a true prophet? What did Jesus teach his disciples about the end of the world? Pastor Derrick Lynch continues Part 3 of our Gospel of Luke series, "The Passion of Jesus", preaching from Luke 21:5-38. Notes in this sermon: Live in confident expectation Live in sober preparation Visit www.bluevalleychurch.org for more information about Blue Valley Church in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas.

This episode continues our conversation with Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, who overcame childhood health challenges to achieving success in figure skating displays the value of resilience and perseverance. Scott shares his unique story as an adopted child, along with a humorous recollection of an early ice-skating mishap that nearly stopped his career before it even began.⁣⁣Scott is an Olympic Champion, cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, author, husband/father and eternal optimist! During his figure skating career, Hamilton's list of achievements includes his Olympic gold medal, over 70 titles, awards, and honors. In 1990, Hamilton was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and in that same year, he became a member of the World Figure Skating⁣ Hall of Fame.⁣⁣⁣Following his mother's passing and his own survival of stage 3 testicular cancer, Hamilton launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship) in 2014, with a mission to improve cancer patient survivorship by supporting world class cancer research and the highest quality patient treatment and care. The same year, he founded the⁣ Scott Hamilton Skating Academy, in partnership with the NHL's Nashville Predators, at Ford Ice Centers in Antioch, Bellevue and Clarksville, TN,⁣ to offer students programs to help them fall in love with ice skating.⁣⁣In a world full of complex cancer treatment decisions, understanding your choices is crucial. We stress the importance of being informed and seeking advice from multiple medical experts to understand the variety of options available. Our discussion touches on the holistic approach to health, including lifestyle changes and the life-changing impact of clean water. Discover how HealingStrong offers hope and support for those facing cancer, with strategies to rebuild the body, renew the soul, and refresh the spirit.  Embracing the idea of cancer as a blessing may seem counter-intuitive, yet can lead to resilience and a deepened faith. Find hope with your own empowering journey, and find your own path to healing and strength.⁣⁣Learn more about Scott HEREHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: Support Group Directory Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Support Our Mission - Donate Additional Health Resources Listen to Previous Episodes Website: healingstrong.org

Genesis 12:1-3The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you,and whoever curses you I will curse;and all peoples on earthwill be blessed through you.”Isaiah 37:30-32“This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah:“This year you will eat what grows by itself,and the second year what springs from that.But in the third year sow and reap,plant vineyards and eat their fruit.Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judahwill take root below and bear fruit above.For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant,and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this."

On this episode of Antioch MFA's LitCit, host Gina Rae Duran interviews acclaimed writer Bonnie Hearn Hill. Hill is author of sixteen suspense novels, most recently the Kit Doyle Crime Blogger series and the novel The River Below. Hearn Hill's work also appears in The White Picket Fence, an anthology from Flower Song Press edited by host Gina Rae Duran. Listen to Hearn Hill reflect on her career, her writing, her research process and how she approaches storytelling through the exploration of the theme of misfits. This episode was produced by Bo Thomas Newman and mastered by David Nguyen.

Join us as we look at the church in Antioch - how they walked in oneness and unity, how they were led by the Holy Spirit and how they quickly responded In obedience to God.

Galatians 2:11-14 NASB But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

Three teenagers. A remote island in Middle Tennessee. A Wednesday morning in the summer of '97. Brothers Heath and Hayes Holland and their friend Seth were doing what they always did, exploring Hole in the Wall Island on Percy Priest Lake, when they came face to face with something that defied explanation. Standing by a massive tree was an eight-foot creature with dark fur, horns, a wolf-like snout, snarling teeth, and glowing red eyes. It wasn't a Bigfoot. It wasn't quite a Goatman. And it was staring right at them.The Holland brothers join us live in studio with a story they've carried for nearly three decades. Hayes followed the creature through the brush for fifteen minutes while Heath ran for his life, and their dad wrote the whole thing off until locals started reporting similar sightings at the nearby boat dock. What was it? A cryptid? A demon? Something that doesn't have a name yet? Growing up in a conservative Southern church didn't prepare them for what they saw, but it might just be the lens that makes the most sense of it. Welcome to the horned creature of Antioch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie in Antioch, welcome to the Klash With Kenzie Hall of Fame. Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A revisit!!! The Olympics happening right now in Italy 2026 has encouraged us to share this two-part interview with you one more time, to give you a chance to hear it for the first time, listen again and share it with others.This episode features a conversation with Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, who overcame childhood health challenges to achieving success in figure skating displays the value of resilience and perseverance. Scott shares his unique story as an adopted child, along with a humorous recollection of an early ice-skating mishap that nearly stopped his career before it even began.⁣⁣Scott is an Olympic Champion, cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, author, husband/father and eternal optimist! During his figure skating career, Hamilton's list of achievements includes his Olympic gold medal, over 70 titles, awards, and honors. In 1990, Hamilton was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and in that same year, he became a member of the World Figure Skating⁣ Hall of Fame.⁣⁣⁣Following his mother's passing and his own survival of stage 3 testicular cancer, Hamilton launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship) in 2014, with a mission to improve cancer patient survivorship by supporting world class cancer research and the highest quality patient treatment and care. The same year, he founded the⁣ Scott Hamilton Skating Academy, in partnership with the NHL's Nashville Predators, at Ford Ice Centers in Antioch, Bellevue and Clarksville, TN,⁣ to offer students programs to help them fall in love with ice skating.⁣⁣Embracing the idea of cancer as a blessing may seem counter-intuitive, yet can lead to resilience and a deepened faith.⁣⁣Learn more about Scott HEREHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please take advantage of our FREE resources below to help you along your health and healing journey: Support Group Directory Holistic Curriculum - Participant Guide Support Our Mission - Donate Additional Health Resources Listen to Previous Episodes Website: healingstrong.org

Pastor Phelps preaches from Acts 13 on the birth of the mission movement in a church called Antioch. Message originally preached Sunday morning February 1, 2026.

Join Paul and Barnabas as they embark on a bold journey to unite Jews and Gentiles under Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission amidst persecution and trials.In this episode, Paul and Barnabas set out on their mission to spread the gospel, facing resistance and hardships but remaining steadfast in their calling. As they witness the growing movement of believers in Antioch, they prepare for greater challenges and an emerging role as leaders of the early church.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 28:19, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

The Official Corporate Podcast of Antioch, The Apostolic Church

Ted Esler and Matthew Ellison revisit the story of John Chau, seven years after his death on North Sentinel Island, through a conversation with Mary Ho, International Director of All Nations. Mary reflects on John's extraordinary preparation, his calling to an uncontacted people group, and why his story captured global attention, noting factors like his youth, his nationality, and modern anxieties about colonialism and risk. She also challenges listeners not to fixate solely on John's name, but to remember the countless unnamed believers worldwide who faithfully suffer, serve, and sometimes die in obscurity for the sake of the gospel.Drawing deeply from Acts 11 and Acts 13, Mary highlights the “no-namers” who helped birth the Antioch church and reminds listeners that the gospel has always advanced through ordinary, often forgotten men and women. She reframes risk as situational rather than conceptual, emphasizing that God calls specific people to specific risks at specific times, and that discernment must involve the individual, the sending church, and trusted leaders. Throughout the conversation, suffering is presented not as recklessness or failure, but as potential worship, a lived witness rooted in obedience and joy. The episode closes with a sobering yet hopeful call for believers to view witness not merely as something spoken, but as a whole-life testimony that may include sacrifice, suffering, and steadfast faithfulness to Christ.The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God's people to be a part of His mission.

Sapricius the priest and the layman Nicephorus lived in Antioch of Syria. Though they were the closest of friends, a disagreement between them led to estrangement and then to outright enmity. In time, Nicephorus came to himself and realized that reconciliation and love among brethren are precious in the sight of the Lord, and he sent to Sapricius to ask his forgiveness for Christ's sake. But his messengers were turned away, and Sapricius coldly refused any reconciliation. At the same time he violated the Lord's commandment by continuing to serve at the altar without seeking to make peace. Nicephorus finally went in person and threw himself at Sapricius' feet, but even this had no effect.   Soon, persecution of Christians broke out, and Sapricius was arrested. When he confessed Christ without fear or hesitation, and refused to make sacrifice to the idols even under torture, he was condemned to be beheaded. Nicephorus was distressed that Sapricius might give his life in Christ's name while still at enmity with a brother; and that he himself would lose his chance to make peace. As Sapricius was being led to the place of execution, Nicephorus went on his knees before him and cried 'Martyr of Christ, forgive me the offences for which you are angry with me!' Still, Sapricius coldly spurned his former friend's pleas. For this reason, as the executioner was raising his sword, and the crown of martyrdom was only seconds away, God withdrew his grace from the priest, who turned to the executioner and declared his readiness to adore the idols. Nicephorus, who was among the witnesses, begged him not to apostatise, but his words were of no effect. Nicephorus then turned to the executioner and shouted 'I am a Christian! I believe in our Lord Jesus Christ whom he has just denied. Let him go and put me to death in his place!'   The Governor agreed, and ordered the release of Sapricius and the execution of Nicephorus. The Martyr laid his neck on the block joyfully and claimed the crown that Sapricius had thrown away. The Synaxarion concludes:   'When he departed for heaven to receive the crown of glory, Saint Nicephorus left to us Christians a vivid illustration of these words uttered by the Holy Spirit: If I deliver my body to be burned but have no love, I gain nothing (1 Cor. 13:3). If you do not forgive men their trespasses neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses... For the measure you give will be the measure you get (Matt. 6:15; 7:2).'

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 7–9; Acts 15 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In this powerful episode, Heather invites us on a journey through Leviticus 7–9 and Acts 15, exploring the weighty requirements of Old Testament law and the freeing grace found in Jesus. As we gather from around the world, Heather reminds us that the Scriptures ultimately point us to Christ—the true source of life. Together, we witness the complex rituals and sacrifices that marked Israel's worship, and then pivot to the liberating message of Acts: salvation is not about meeting an impossible set of demands, but about receiving the undeserved grace of Jesus. Heather draws a beautiful distinction between the heavy yoke of the law and the easy yoke that Christ offers, challenging us to lay down the burdens we create for ourselves and rest in His completed work. This episode also includes a time for prayer, reflection, and encouragement for the journey ahead. Whether you carry the weight of ancient law or your own modern expectations, today's episode offers a fresh invitation to surrender to the love, peace, and freedom found in Jesus alone. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Did you feel the weight of it? The heavy yoke of Leviticus? The requirements of the law were elaborate and complex. The details were exacting, right down to putting blood on the right ear, thumb, and right big toe of the priest. It was a heavy yoke with staggering specificity. They put themselves in peril if they got it wrong. Yet in Acts today, Paul and Barnabas are preaching a different message. A gospel of good news, not a heavy yoke. All the demands of the Law of Moses are fulfilled in Jesus. He is the sacrificial lamb, the high priest, our advocate, and our temple. Jesus is the reality behind all the shadow play of the Law of Moses. The pressures of the law are lethal if they are misunderstood or misapplied. We are to trust in Jesus, who has made us right with God, not the heavy yoke of the Book of Leviticus, and not all our attempts at fulfilling the law's demands. This heavy yoke was more than anyone could carry, then or now. Essentially, Peter says in Acts, let's not put the book of Leviticus on the backs of these Gentile converts and tell them to fulfill it when neither we nor our ancestors could carry it. We know that the only one who has ever been able to bear the weight of it is the Lord Jesus himself. Salvation and being made right with God comes only by grace through the faith of Jesus. Jesus alone carried that heavy yoke. We can't do it. No one ever has. And God is proclaiming that gift of life and hope, the easy yoke, to Gentiles too. It's not Jesus plus circumcision, Jesus plus Levitical law, or Jesus plus Moses. It's just Jesus. His undeserved grace is it. That's how we are made right with God. By walking in His Spirit, we are released into the goodness of this good news. You and I may not have the Levitical laws around our neck. It's not the Levitical laws that make it hard for us to receive God's grace. When we read Leviticus, most of us probably think it's just a little weird. But we do create our own morally equivalent barriers that make it hard to live and experience God's grace and strength. We come up with things like: if I were just a better mom, made more money, got my temper under control, if I was more moral, read my Bible more, went to church more, gave more, then I'm sure God would love me more. It's not the Book of Leviticus you are trying to carry. It's the Book of Heather, or Carol, or Andrew, or Hunter. Just insert your name. We create our own morally equivalent books that make it hard for us to receive the good news of the gospel. When the church of Antioch got the letter delivered by Barsabbas and Silas, it brought the believers great joy as they read it. It said, "Take off your yoke." That's why they were joyous. They were freed from that burden that they could not carry. You don't have to shoulder the book of Leviticus, or the book that you have written for yourself. You can rejoice because Christ Jesus has done everything necessary for you to live the life that he intends for you to live, in the strength that he alone can p TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL