Podcasts about Aquila

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. TranscriptIf you will, grab a Bible and go to Acts chapter 17. It's our first week of our Give series. Recently, Starbucks released a barista cup and it's precious. That's it. That's the barista cup. There was an article about it in Forbes titled Starbucks Barista cup frenzy leaves big lessons for brands. So I just want to read the beginning of this article for you. It says the Starbucks barista cup caused a frenzy online and in stores. I don't exactly know what an online frenzy looks like, but that cup calls one. When Starbucks announced the release of limited edition holiday merchandise, including the bear shaped $29.95 glass cold cup, which you thought that the temperature of your cup was up to, you Incorrect. This is a cold cup. Actually, I think what it means is if you put hot coffee in it, you're going to burn your hand. So it's a cold cup. It says as part of their holiday menu, few people expected overnight queues in store brawls and a booming resale market. People camped out and fist fought each other. Then it says, beyond the surreal headlines, there are some valuable marketing lessons from the Starbucks bear cup drama. Starbucks barista cup has tapped into an undeniable human truth. I was on the edge of my seat reading this article. The barista cub has tapped into an undeniable human truth. And I had a lot of guesses, none of which prepared me for the answer. So here's the answer. People are obsessed with cuteness. Starbucks released 12 holiday items, but only one captured the public imagination. Cuteness is the primary explanation for the barista cup frenzy. Overnight cues, fist fights, cuteness, which makes a little bit of sense because you know you've seen like a baby so cute before that you punched its mother.I would argue that Forbes analysis is incomplete. Cuteness may have contributed, but I think there are other undeniable human truths at work here. You know, as a pastor, I'm going to float sin out there. I also think that one of the things that this indicates to us is the absolute human ability to, to get our priorities out of line, to misplace value in things. That if you're punching someone for a cup because of the cuteness, your value system is off. And it's a real danger that we're all in. I think when I read these, sometimes I think like I'll read and go, oh my goodness, laugh at it and think, that would never, I would never do that. But really what I'm saying is I would never do that for a bear shaped Starbucks cup. I just have other things I'm willing to punch you for. I have other things that I've misplaced value in. Like, it just should give us the undeniable human truth that we are able to get our priorities out of, out of line. We're able to misplace value. We're able to suddenly think that something is more important than it is and to spend our time and our energy and our money on it. And that that is one of the primary reasons that we have our Give season, our Give series every Christmas season is that we're going to be pushed and pulled in a million different directions and told repeatedly that certain things have value that do not. And we want to always take this time to consider what actually is valuable and are we sending our effort and our money in the right direction.So let's pray then we're going to start in on trying to figure this out together this morning. Lord, we ask for wisdom. We ask for discernment. We ask for the work of the Spirit to help us make correct valuations so that we do not waste our time and specifically for what we're talking about today, that we do not waste our money on things that have no real value. In Jesus name, Amen. Because of our ability to get this wrong, it's always very helpful for us when the Bible just tells us this has value, when it just steps in and explains to us this thing is valuable, it helps us know, okay, then that's something to pursue. That's something worth giving energy towards. I don't want to give away all of what we're doing in our Give series, but we're about to talk about Paul's missions efforts in the Book of Acts. So we're going to walk through. What we're going to do is walk through some of Paul's missionary journey, discuss it, see what's going on here, and then we're going to see something that's behind it, something that's at work in it that the passage doesn't talk about, but that we find out later as we read Paul's letter. So we're going to be in Acts chapter 17. We're going to watch Paul as he goes, who have just been in Philippi, in Acts 16, saw a few people converted to Christianity, got arrested and was beaten and then released. So he leaves. We're going to follow him as he goes to Thessalonica, Berea, and then on a boat down to Athens and then from Athens over to Corinth. And we're going to move pretty fast because It's a couple chapters of text, and we're just trying to follow along and see some of what's going on here.So. Acts, chapter 17, verse 1.> it says now, when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom. And on three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead, saying, this Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.So part of Paul's missionary strategy was when he went to a city, if there was a synagogue, he went to the synagogue because they were going to be studying the Scriptures. And so he would go and start showing them in the Scriptures that Jesus had fulfilled the promises of the Messiah. It's one of the things that we do around Christmas time. We read some of these passages like we read earlier, and we see that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises made to the Jewish people that he is their Messiah. And that's what he's doing. He's saying, the Christ has come. Jesus has fulfilled this. And he does this for three weeks every Sabbath day. And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous. And that's where it goes into. After that verse, it's going to talk to us about. As people start to believe, some of the people in the area begin to fight against Paul. They actually attack them. And Paul and Silas sneak out at night. And so they were only there for a couple of weeks. They're seeing people believe and they're run out of town. So let's pick back up in verse 10 as the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.> As the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.So the brothers being the people who have just believed, it's just the beginnings of a church. And they're like, hey, we live here, but y' all, don't they want to hurt you, not us. Y' all get out of here. And we're going to keep following, figuring this out. And when they arrived, this is in Berea, they went into the Jewish synagogue. So Paul was like, I know my strategy. We're going back. Didn't work well last time, but we're going to do it this time. And it did work in some ways, because people believed. He's like, this is working. Even though some people hated me and wanted to Kill me. So he keeps going.> Now, these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica. They received the word with all eagerness.I just love that that note was in there. Just like these people were better than the ones in Thessalonica. And that's in Scripture, and it's there forever, you guys. All right? Many of them therefore believed with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there, too, agitating and stirring up the crowd.So we don't exactly know how long he was in Berea, but. But he was there long enough for people to believe and for that to become such a thing that's happening there that they find out in Thessalonica. So they're like, oh, well, he's just going to keep at it. So they head over there to run him off out of Berea. Then it says, the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea. But Silas and Timothy remained there. And those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens. And after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.So Silas and Timothy stay. They sneak Paul out to a boat and ride him down to Athens. And then he says, when y' all get back, tell Silas and Timothy to come to me. And then he's hanging out in Athens by himself. While he's in Athens, he finds out that there's a place in Athens. There doesn't seem to. He does go to a Jewish synagogue. Then he also finds out that there's a place in Athens where they just gather and share news and anything new and debate new topics and new ideas. So he goes there and starts proclaiming the Gospel. And we're going to pick up in that.> The times of ignorance God overlooked. But now he commands all people everywhere to repent because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed. And of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.To Paul, as he's concluding, he says God overlooked ignorance, but not anymore. Now there's a man who's going to judge the whole world in righteousness. And he says, and God's proven this by raising him from the dead. So he's proclaiming the gospel that everyone everywhere needs to repent, which Just so you know, that's essential to the gospel, that everyone, everywhere needs to repent. Sometimes we'll pick specific isolated sins and someone will say, well, you think this is bad? And it's like, I don't know how to tell you this. We think everyone everywhere needs to repent, that you can't. If you just pick an isolated one, we're like, probably, yes, that's a sin. And that's a sin. And that's a sin. We believe that everyone has fallen short of the glory of God and needs Christ, that we aren't going to moral ourselves into this. We're not going to work our way into this. And this is what he's proclaiming to them. And he says that it's proven by. By the resurrection of Christ from the dead.> Now, when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, but others said, we will hear you again about this.So Paul went out from their midst, but some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. So several people believe he proclaims the Gospel. He goes to a new place, begins proclaiming the Gospel, and more people believe.Chapter 18. After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.> After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.So he jumped across out of. He was on Athens and then he jumped across Corinth, had to take a boat, and he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to them. And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.> When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.So now, instead of making tents, his occupation, what he's at work in now is proclaiming the Gospel. He's had enough room now to share it. And he's spending his time trying to articulate to them this. And he's studying with them and proclaiming it to them.> When the Jewish people opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, your blood be on your own heads. I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.And he left there, and he went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. I just appreciate that a whole lot. He's like, fine, I'm gonna go to the Gentiles. He walks out. He turns the corner. He walks in that house and is like, boom, Setting up shop. Here we go. So he's right next to the synagogue. He didn't go far away. He's like, I'm telling people about Jesus. I don't know. Right here next to y'. All. That's what he starts doing. Then it says, crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord. So he was next door. He was overseeing that. He just is like, I'm going to. And he heads over to the other house together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing Paul believed and were baptized. And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision.> Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.And he stayed a year and six months teaching the word of God among them. So he's been chased all along. He's in Corinth. Jesus shows up and says, stay here. Keep preaching. Because there are many people in this city who are mine, but not yet. So Paul is in a spot where Jesus says, there are people here who belong to me, but they don't know it yet. I know it. They don't know it. And you've got to stay and you've got to tell them. You've got to proclaim the gospel. You've got to explain what's happened, and then they will belong to me. To me, because they already belong to me. That's what he's saying. And that's one of the things that undergirds missions. One of the reasons we go, one of the reasons we plant churches, one of the reasons we send, one of the reasons we go to places where people have never heard. One of the reasons we go to places that are difficult is because all over the place, there are people who belong to Jesus. And we've got to go tell them. We've got to go tell him who he is. And the Spirit goes to work in their heart, and Jesus claims them it's not something that happens without their knowledge. They are going to come to genuine faith in Jesus that will be tangible and real in their life. But what Jesus is saying is that he sins at times and he puts somebody in a place at times because there are people there who belong to him. They just haven't heard about him yet. That ought to give us courage. We ought to begin to beg the Lord. Lord, are there people at work? There are people at my job. Are there people in this class? Are there people on the street who belong to you that I'm supposed to stay and proclaim the gospel to? And we ought to start praying over maps, and we ought to start going to places and saying, lord, there's gotta be people here who belong to you. Put me in the right spot, Send me to the right place. Help me to be there to proclaim the gospel.Now, there's something else that's happening in this text that I think we need to consider. Alfred Hitchcock was a director. He did movies like Psycho and the Birds, and he had a concept that he called the refrigerator test. He just said he wanted all of his movies that he made to pass the refrigerator test. The point was, you'd go see a movie, you're in it, soaking it up. It's great. You leave, you go home, you open your refrigerator to grab a snack before you go to bed, and suddenly you're like, wait a second. How did they get on the train in the first place? And you realize that the movie just skipped a thing. It didn't explain something to you, or there's a logical problem. You're like, why didn't the bad guys just shoot him? They shot his wife. Why'd they shoot her and then leave him alive? Were they running out of bullets? You open your refrigerator and you think, why don't they ever shoot at Captain America's legs? You know, I've played paintball before. I picked up a pallet one time. I got shot in the legs, like 45 times. Seems easy enough. And as we're reading this passage, there's a little hint at it in one place, but I think there's a thing that we should go. Hold on a second. How does Paul survive not just not get killed, but we've watched him travel around for years at this point. There was one moment where they said he went and made tents. And unless he sold the most extravagant, amazing tents, that he just did that for a couple of weeks, and then he was set for several years. It feels like there's something else going on here now, you could say, well, it's fair to assume that the people that are believing are starting to tend to him, they're going to feed him, they're going to help him have a place to stay. And it's like that. That's reasonable. But there's places where he shows up and there's nobody. That hasn't happened yet. And so this is one of those things where you go, well, how does. How is he doing this? Is he independently wealthy, like Bruce Wayne or something? What's going on? And then it doesn't talk about it in this text, but it does show up in Paul's letters. And so I want us to go to. It's mentioned in Corinthians, but it's talked about directly in Philippians. And I want y' all to see this. This is the end of Philippians chapter four. He's writing to the church in Philippi. So that was the first dot on our map. And he says, and you, Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the Gospel. So this is right when I first started, was proclaiming this.> When I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once and again.So he's writing to this church, and he's saying, y' all partnered with me from the very beginning you entered into partnership with me. Meaning that the work that Paul did, they had a hand in it. They had a share in it. Even though he's the one traveling around the church in Philippi is helping make sure that's possible. And y'. All. He says something crazy. Look at this. That's Philippi. The whole big section here is Macedonia. When he gets out of Macedonia, he's in Corinth. So he says, nobody helped me when I left Macedonia except for y'. All. So he's like, y' all helped provide for me while I was in Corinth. And that's why he mentions it to the Corinthians, because I didn't take anything from y'. All. He says, I worked. He mentioned that. And then he says, and the churches in Macedonia helped me. But he also says, when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help. That was right after he left Philippi. He went through two towns, and the next town that it says he was in for three weeks was Thessalonica, which means that the Philippians, as soon as they believed, started helping Paul be a missionary. As soon as it happened, what they said Was, oh, we want everybody to know this. And if you're gonna go and tell people, we want in on that. We want to be a part of making sure that everybody knows what we now know. And it started immediately with them.> Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.You know how that works, right? With your money, there are certain things where it's like your wallet magically appears in your hand that you're just willing to pay for. Usually people who get married to each other, those things are wildly different. So your spouse seems to have infinite money for this stupid category. When you know that you should never spend money on that. You should spend money on this brilliant category that you love. And that seems to be what happens. And what happens with the Philippians is as soon as they know about Christ and they find out that Paul's gonna go check, share it with other people, their wallet's just in their hands. They're just like, oh, yeah, we want this to happen. Make sure he has what he needs. And they do it the whole time. They find out he's in Corinth, and they're like, make sure he has what he needs so that he can tell more people about this. And Paul says that they've partnered with him. And then he says this. Not that I seek the gift, because they've just given him a gift. And he's telling him, thank you. That's what he was doing earlier. He says, not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. He says. So he was telling him, thank you. He said, I appreciate it. He said, but that's not what it's all about. What it's about is that you are doing something that's valuable and that you receive credit for doing this good thing. He's basically saying to the Philippians, this is something you ought to do. It's a good thing to do. And I'm glad that you're doing it. Which if you've ever talked to missionaries, they do have that weird. They're really thankful, but they're also trying, like, they don't trying to be about money. So they'll say like, thank you so much. We also are just trusting the Lord, but thank you. But also, it's good for you to give. But also it's not all about, like, they have these weird. If you read this section in Philippians, you can see Paul being like, you should do this. But I'm not super worried about it. Cause Jesus is gonna take care of me. But not being worried about it doesn't mean I'm not thankful. I'm very thankful. And he just is trying to articulate all these things at once. And he says, I have received full payment and more. I am well supplied having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.> A fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God, and my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus,so that they're getting to be stewards of God's provision for them by providing for Paul. And Paul says, God sees it, God knows it. It's a sacrifice pleasing to him. Now, I would argue that there are things we put money towards that do not fit the category of a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Not to say that everything we spend our money on is bad. And I think that there are things that are, you're perfectly fine to exist and pay your bills and do things. But I think that when we see that there are things that the Lord delights for us to participate in, that we get to join in partnership with missionaries, that we get to enjoy partaking in the endeavor that they're after, and that we get to do something that the Lord looks at and is pleased with than we ought to. When he sets our valuation of something, take him up on it. When he says this is good and valuable, take him up on it. And when Jesus is talking about this, at one point he says it's not about the amount. He just says not even a cup of cold water will be forgotten. That if you give anything to try to participate in this, if you give anything to care and to love and because you're a disciple and because they're a disciple and because they're going, he says, not a thing's forgotten. So every penny is remembered and every penny is worth it. But then he says this in Philippians 4:20, then this is why we do this to our God and Father. Be glory forever and ever. Amen.> To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.That's the point. That's the reason the Philippians want a partner. It's because they want everyone everywhere to give glory to God. To know who Christ is, to know what he's done, to know how good he is, to know how wonderful he is, to know how much he loves, to. To know the grace that he offers. When you ever consider how merciful and kind he's been to you, if you consider the weight of your sin, the weight of your failings, the weight of your shortcomings, the depth of the destruction that we deserve and how loving and good and wonderful he is, and that he's designed so that we would belong to him and so that he can lavish his riches and kindness on us for all eternity. And that that's offered to all who will call on him, then we want all to call on Him. That's why John Piper says that missions exist because worship doesn't. He says worship is the goal and fuel of missions. That's why we go, because we have tasted of the joy of worshiping Jesus and we want all the families of the earth in included.So while everything around you is going to push and pull you in a different direction and tell you, you need this, you need this, you should have one of these in order to be happy, you'll need this. My sons asked me, they said Halloween hadn't happened. Why are all the commercials, Christmas commercial? I said, oh, boy, they want money. Our whole economy runs off of you buying things you don't need. And we're trying to take a moment to just go, look, we want to celebrate well, we also want to pause and go, is my money going in the right direction? Do I have my priorities right? Is my value system correct? Do I look like a person who knows the delight and the goodness of Christ? Does that show up in how my money and my budget works? And that's what we want to pause and do every year in our gift series.So this year what we do. Not this year. I started the wrong sentence. I'll start that sentence in a second. What we do every year is we pick a project or two one time, three, I think, and we just say we want to give money to this. It's just an opportunity for our church to rally together and be generous. So we've done different things. Sometimes we do local things, sometimes we do further away things. This year we're going to partner, hopefully Lord willing, with two different organizations to do some foreign missions work. So I'm introducing the first project today. So this year we're going to do two. I'm introducing the first project today, we'll introduce the next one next week. And then over the next few weeks we'll try to raise money to support these agencies in the efforts that they're doing in foreign mission work. So the first one we're going to partner with is elam. It is a missions organization in Mexico. When we started praying about this and looking, we were like, we want to do something with foreign missions. We want to give some effort in this direction. Scott and Kit's Hill's son Scotty, also Isaac Hill, is one of our pastors. It's his uncle also Isaac Hill's wife Lydia, it's her uncle in law, works with Elam in Mexico. So we just called him up and started trying to talk to him about what would it look like if we partnered with you? What kind of work are you doing? What's the labor looking like right now in where you are? So this is a picture. One of the things, as we said, just start dreaming a little bit if we partner with you now. It's an EFCA organization. So the money's going towards an organization that is very transparent in how they handle their finances. ELAM is they pick that name because it's the name of Oasis mentioned in the book of Exodus and what they do. I'll read some of this specifically. I can find my notes here. Yeah. ELAM is a mission development and mobilization organization in Mexico that focuses on equipping and mobilizing local churches. They do this through trainings and through short term missions trips to indigenous communities. So one of the things they do is they'll partner with a local church in a harder area and they show up and help do missions trips to try to help that church serve the community and have an opportunity for evangelism, have an opportunity to build goodwill with the community as that church is trying to develop. So what they've been doing recently is, is medical mission, short term missions programs. And so they'll go to a community and do medical missions for a couple weeks to try to help a local in partnership with a local church in a community. So the core activities are they do general medical exams and treatment, dental care and hygiene education, vision screenings and the distribution of eyeglasses. And then throughout that they're doing church support and evangelism as a part of it.So they currently have a donated auto refractor which is a machine you put on your face and it tells you what your prescription is. And then someone donated to them 6,000 pairs of glasses. So they show up to places, stick an autorefactor on people's faces, find out what the prescription is, find it and give them a pair of glasses. And so they're able to go to these rural places and under resourced places and help people see. They also have two mobile dental machines and chairs. And then they're using all this on supplies on borrowed trucks and on the open bed trailer covered with tarps. They've been going to Sierra Mezateca where there's about 300,000 Mezatecos and only a few local churches. They've been in Partnership with a church called Amigos de Fe. And they've planted churches and trying to plant churches in eight communities. They've done five medical trips in that area with about 80 to 120 medical patients, 40 to 50 dental patients, and then they were given out 20 to 30 glasses. And then in the areas near Veracruz and hidalgo, there's about 490,000 people. They have two medical trips they've done this past year. They've got a third one scheduled. On their first two, they had about 100 to 150 medical patients, 60 to 100 dental patients, and they gave out 50 to 100 pairs of glasses, which I don't know if you've ever tried to live without glasses and then got glasses, but it's magical. Just ask third grade Chet. So for them to show up to places where people have not been able to see and just outfit them, they walk in and walk out with glasses is a wonderful thing.And so we just said, what would you need if we were going to give you money? What would you use it for? What would this look like? And so the biggest, they said the current biggest limitation is the logistics problem for them. They have an open bed trailer that they've just been throwing a tarp on. And so they said we'd love. Yeah, that. They said they have lost equipment due to rain. And some of the places that they go to, they end up having to park and hike up mountains. I mean, they're going to hard to reach places and difficult to resource places. And so they said they'd love to have an enclosed trailer. And so they sent us this sort of thing now just to help you all out. That 98,500 is pesos. So if you're like, nah, we're gonna have to smuggle in one of our trailers. We ain't paying that. That's in pesos. So don't stress out over that.So here's what we said. We just said, start telling us what you would need. And they gave us a list. We said, dream. We've learned as a church that we want to. We want to get some options. We want to get some things in front of us and we'll see what the Lord does and what we're able to do together. Like we said, our hope is to knock this out, to be able to do what they've asked and do another one. But we'll see. We're happy to get to partner together however we're able to. But this is what. This is how the money would work for this Group the trailer is about $6,000. So the first $6,000 we raise, they're going to go get a trailer. After that, they would use 1250 for insurance, taxes, maintenance of the trailer. So they said if we're able to give them about $7,000, 7,500, they'll get a trailer and they'll be taken care of for a year, and then they'll, you know, just continue to operate with it. But they would be blessed by that because they'd be able to load it up, they'd be able to lock it up, they'd be able to show up to the place, unload what they needed to unload, keep. Like they just said this would bless their souls and their ability to get in and out of places and. And not lose equipment. So we said that sounded smart to us. So we thought, yes, let's try to get them a trailer if we're able to keep giving. Here are other things. They were like, well, look, y' all give us money, we're going to spend it. So they would love another auto refractor, which helps them to do multiple trips or to be able to just handle more people when they're coming in, getting them glasses. A lensometer is actually what you use to shine through glasses to make sure it is the right prescription. So auto refractor goes on the face, lensometer goes on the glasses. A diagnostic kit and a retinoscope is just the ability to try to actually check eyes, see what's going on. If they could have a mobile dental X ray with a computer, that would be amazing so that they could actually do X rays right there, see what's going on inside. And then they said dental chairs and lights, 600 general dental tools and supplies, 1500 general medical equipment, 500, for a total of $22,250. We'd love to be able to raise that for them. We'd love to get to join in partnership in a way that we get to be a part of people in areas of Mexico we'll never step foot in being cared for, loved, and getting a tangible picture of the gospel. As a group of people is trying to plant churches to articulate the gospel.Just so y' all know, we don't do a whole lot as a church in partnership with any kind of foreign missions organization that isn't trying to plant churches and articulate the gospel. We think it is incomplete if we're just doing physical things, but we love to partner where they're doing some physical work, some. Some tangible help in connection with local church planting and church organization and these sort of things going forward. So as a church, every year we do every year at Christmas we partner with the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, which is, you see it on the tables and it's in your bulletin, which is a part of missions efforts for the Southern Baptist. We do that every year and then we pick a give project and then sometimes we pick as a give project a missions opportunity. And we've got two in front of us this year. This is the first one we're going to be able to get after we're excited to be able to partner in this specific way in Mexico for the sake of what they're doing and would love for you to begin praying about what does it look like for you to partner in helping see other people come to know Jesus and tangibly see what he does among a group people, let's pray.Father, we're thankful. We're thankful that you have met us in our need. We're thankful that you have redeemed us and called us into something eternal. We ask that your spirit would be at work so that our church might be a blessing to those who are out and doing international efforts. We pray, Lord, that you would stir in the hearts of our church family so that we might be able to send people and we pray that you would stir in our hearts that we might be able to send money to the people who are already there. But may we be a part of what you are doing around the world in the places where people belong to you. There just hasn't been someone who's told them about you yet. In Jesus name Amen. Band's gonna come up. We're gonna sing. If you desire to give, there are there is a drop down menu online that you can give directly to it already. You can also give via an envelope or just put on the check that it's for our gift project. But we ask you to begin to pray and hopefully, Lord willing will be able to begin to move on this and then get into some of the other stuff, see what the Lord does.

Lecturas textuales de La Santa Palabra de Dios, Elohim Adonai.“Ahora bien, en cuanto a la ofrenda para los santos, haced vosotros también como instruí a las iglesias de Galacia. Que el primer día de la semana, cada uno de vosotros aparte y guarde según haya prosperado, para que cuando yo vaya no se recojan entonces ofrendas. Y cuando yo llegue, enviaré con cartas a quienes vosotros hayáis designado, para que lleven vuestra contribución a Jerusalén. Y si es conveniente que yo también vaya, irán conmigo. Iré a vosotros cuando haya pasado por Macedonia (pues voy a pasar por Macedonia), y tal vez me quede con vosotros, o aun pase allí el invierno, para que me encaminéis adonde haya de ir. Pues no deseo veros ahora solo de paso, porque espero permanecer con vosotros por algún tiempo, si el Señor me lo permite. porque se me ha abierto una puerta grande para el servicio eficaz, y hay muchos adversarios. Si llega Timoteo, ved que esté con vosotros sin temor, pues él hace la obra del Señor como también yo. Por tanto, nadie lo desprecie. Más bien, enviadlo en paz para que venga a mí, porque lo espero con los hermanos. En cuanto a nuestro hermano Apolos, mucho lo animé a que fuera a vosotros con los hermanos, pero de ninguna manera tuvo el deseo de ir ahora; sin embargo, irá cuando tenga oportunidad. Estad alerta, permaneced firmes en la fe, portaos varonilmente, sed fuertes. Todas vuestras cosas sean hechas con amor. Os exhorto, hermanos (ya conocéis a los de la casa de Estéfanas, que fueron los primeros convertidos de Acaya, y que se han dedicado al servicio de los santos), que también vosotros estéis en sujeción a los que son como ellos, y a todo el que ayuda en la obra y trabaja. Y me regocijo por la venida de Estéfanas, de Fortunato y de Acaico, pues ellos han suplido lo que faltaba de vuestra parte. Porque ellos han recreado mi espíritu y el vuestro. Por tanto, reconoced a tales personas. Las iglesias de Asia os saludan. Aquila y Priscila, con la iglesia que está en su casa, os saludan muy afectuosamente en el Señor. Todos los hermanos os saludan. Saludaos los unos a los otros con beso santo. Este saludo es de mi puño y letra—Pablo. Si alguno no ama al Señor, que sea anatema. ¡Maranata! La gracia del Señor Jesús sea con vosotros. Mi amor sea con todos vosotros en Cristo Jesús. Amén.”‭‭1 Corintios‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬-‭7‬, ‭9‬-‭24‬ ‭LBLA‬‬https://bible.com/bible/89/1co.16.1-23.LBLA

Immer freitags analysieren wir in unserem „Wochen-Podcast“ aktuelle Entwicklungen in der deutschen Banken-, Fintech- und Payment-Branche. Diesmal haben sich unsere Redakteure Christian Kirchner und Bernd Neubacher den folgenden Themen gewidmet: #1: Die Volksbank Brawo ist eine Blackbox. Was man aber definitiv weiß: Sie war bei vielen ihrer Investments spätzyklisch unterwegs #2: Jetzt wartet der Genosektor auf den Konzernbericht. Aber womöglich wird auch der nicht das komplette Bild malen #3: Und jetzt auch noch Private Banking! Nimmt sich die Targobank auf ihrem Expansionskurs womöglich zu viel vor? #4: Apropos Targobank – warum die Aufsicht (auch wenn sie das nie so sagen würde) viele mittelgroße Banken recht knorke findet #5: Abschreibung bei Aquila, Anteilsverkauf bei Nixdorf – der Schlingerkurs im Asset Management der Commerzbank #6: Viel Zinsergebnis, wenig Provisionsgeschäft – ist die C24 Bank noch auf dem richtigen Weg? #7: War's das jetzt mit den US-Belastungen – oder immer noch nicht? Die Pfandbriefbank gibt mal wieder ein seltsames Bild ab == Fragen und Feedback zum Podcast: redaktion@finanz-szene.de oder (auch anonym) über Threema: TKUYV5Z6 Redaktion und Host: Christian Kirchner/Finanz-Szene.de Coverdesign: Elida Atelier, Hamburg Postproduction: Podstars Hamburg Musik: Liturgy of the street / Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

We are back with lots of OncoPharm updates: 1. The belantamab mafodotin REMS program details are available....and it's a lot. How will belantamab mafodin-regimens be used with the upcoming MAJESTIC-3 data of teclistamab-daratumumab? 2. The capecitabine label is updated and calls for pre-treatment DPYD testing 3. Daratumumab gets an FDA approval for high-risk smoldering myeloma based on the AQUILA study Critique of AQUILA: https://doi.org/10.1093/oncolo/oyaf216 4. A pertuzumab biosimilar (Poherdy) is approved 5. Epcoritamab nets regular approval and a new indication with lenalidomide/rituximab (RR) for Follicular Lymphoma 6. Ziftomenib, a new menin inhibitor, is approved for NPM1 relapsed/refractory AML 7. Sevabertinib, a new HER2 inhibiting TKI, is approved for ERBB2 mutated NSCLC, with evidence of activity in patients previously treated with HER2-antibody-drug conjugates 8. Expected FDA approvals for durvalumab + FLOT in preoperative gastric/GEJ cancer; neoadjuvant pembrolizumb + enforumab vedotin in bladder cancer (non-cisplatin eligible), and tarlatamab regular approval for small cell lung cancer 9. Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Ted Traylor shares a message about the people who host thanksgiving dinner, comparing those who are genuine in their faith & love to those who are just putting on a show. He compares two married couples: Ananias & Sapphira in Acts 5 and Aquila & Priscilla in Acts 18. 00:00 - Message Introduction 05:50 - Acts 5 08:47 - Con-Artists 14:38 - Acts 18 17:10 - Christian Artisans Visit olivebaptist.org for more information.

6 Kinds of Friends We Need Right Now: The Friend Who is a Partner in Purpose (Acts 18:1-3) - November 23, 2025 Sometimes strong friendships develop from a shared purpose, a mutual "mission," even between somewhat unlikely people. And it's a good thing because our churches are full of unlikely friends who've discovered they need each other on the journey toward Jesus, and they actually like each other, too. Come join us on Sunday as we look at the story of Paul, Priscila and Aquila, and the tables turn - Brenna and Bill get interviewed!

Today's Scripture passages are 1 Chronicles 4:24 - 6:15 | Acts 18:1-17 | 1 Corinthians 16.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

This week we're hiking to the tree of wisdom to discuss the benefits of the Terpenoid compounds found in Lions Mane mushrooms / Shoutout to Golden Door! / and how they can help repair the cellular death caused by PTSD. Terpenes/Terpenoids are found in so many living things and they seem to fit into our bodies like keys that either unlock or activate certain systems for the management of our health! I also go on a rant about the rapidly changing landscape of our society again lmao; every week I get hit with some new wild information about how fucked society is. The earth is fine and shall live past our fuckery; however it makes me sad that we can't all live in peace and harmony. It would be so easy with just a shift of the general consciousness. At the very end of this episode I feature a new song I've created titled Aquila. It features a Ram Dass sample; if you're from his estate please don't sue me. This track is special to me and captures a beautiful night in my life. Skip to 48:10 to check it out! Thank you all for the continued support as I return back to a cannabis free baseline. I hope to reintegrate it into my existence once I develop more resiliance toward the internal and external horrors that I exist with daily. With a stronger soul will come more enjoyment from one of my life's greatest passions: the cannabis plant. Beyond the culture of it all, this plant is so special to me. My dad taught me the skill of growing it when I was 18 and that changed my life forever. And before my mom died, I was able to connect with her on a human level through the plant. It dissolves the boundaries of the illusion of parent/child and showed me the reality of human/human.Support the show

Hoy en Plan de vida estudiaremos:Pablo predica en TesalónicaPblo y Silas en BereaPablo predica en AtenasPablo conoce a Priscila y a Aquila en CorintoPablo regresa a Antioquía de SiriaApolos recibe instrucción en Éfeso¡Únete a ⁠⁠⁠nuestra comunidad en Facebook⁠⁠⁠ donde podrás hacer preguntas mientras leemos la Biblia juntas y conocer a otras mujeres que también están usando el plan!Síguenos⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sitio web⁠⁠⁠Recursos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast semanal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Estudios bíblicos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Academia de Relaciones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠El plan en YouVersion

En una de las leyendas fundacionales más icónicas de América, un águila real (Aquila chrysaetos) devorando una serpiente sobre un nopal marcó el lugar donde los mexicas construirían Tenochtitlan, la capital del Imperio Azteca. Con el paso de los siglos, esa antigua metrópoli se transformó en lo que hoy conocemos como Ciudad de México. Aunque el águila mítica está presente en la bandera nacional, las águilas reales que aún habitan el país necesitan nuestra ayuda, a través de la investigación científica sobre conservación y la protección de su hábitat.Más información y transcripción en BirdNote.org.¿Quieres más BirdNote? Suscríbete a nuestro boletín semanal. Regístrese en BirdNote+ para escuchar música sin publicidad y otras ventajas.BirdNote es una organización sin fines de lucro. Su donación deducible de impuestos hace posible estos espectáculos. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Idea: Trees thrive together… and so do you.1 Corinthians 16:15-24I. Submit for harmony.1 Corinthians 16:15-18Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. I am delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people.II. Serve from the heart. 1 Corinthians 16:19-21The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send you greetings warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home. All the brothers and sisters send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.III. Stand with hope.1 Corinthians 16:22-24This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.Next Steps: Believe: Today, I surrender to Jesus.Become: I will strengthen someone who is struggling this week. Be Sent: I will show Jesus's love this week.Discussion Questions: Has this book grown your faith?  If so, how?In what ways can you actively demonstrate love and support to someone far from Jesus this week?Who can you encourage to grow stronger in the Lord this week?How does Stephanas inspire you to serve our church and community?What practical steps can you take to ensure that our church community embodies unity and love?How can you prepare your heart and mind to live out the urgency of Christ's return tomorrow?Pray for the opportunity to serve someone in need this week. 

We walk through Romans 16 and discover why a list of names reveals the beating heart of the church: a family formed by Jesus, gathered in homes and across classes, where every story and gift matters and shows why showing up still changes lives. We honor Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, Rufus, and many others as living proof that God turns strangers into family and service into joy.• why gathering matters beyond streaming• Phoebe's trusted leadership and teaching role• Priscilla and Aquila's costly hospitality and courage• firstfruits in Asia and the spread of the gospel• Andronicus and Junia's witness and suffering• approved through trials and faithfulness under pressure• households tied to power alongside slaves and former slaves• Rufus and the cross-bearer legacy• every testimony as resurrection, not comparison• all hands on deck, all worthy of honor, all welcomed as familyIf you don't have a church home this morning and you want to come be a part of this church family, I want you to know you will be welcomed as familyIf you don't know Jesus Christ personally, and this morning you say, I want to know that I know that he died for me, that he forgives my sins, you can come to know Christ even now, and you will be welcomed as family

Nuestra “Nube de Testigos”Cuando y era un sacerdote de apenas veintisiete años traje la Santa Comunión a Quintín Nieves. Quintín fue un hombre pobre que vivía en un Campo. Antes y después de yo orar con Quintín y darle el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Santa Comunión Quintín me dio muchos consejos. Me aconsejaba seguir puro y orar mucho. Tocó algo para mi con su pequeño mandolín. Quintín era una de muchas personas que Dios puso en mi vida para ayudarme crecer en la fe, la esperanza y a caridad como buen sacerdote Redentorista. Quintín para mí para este ya joven Padre Martín era uno de los que San Pablo llama mi nube de testigos. Quiere decir esto que Quintín para mí fue un instrumento de Dios para acercarme mas al corazón de Jesús.  Esto fue el motivo de yo leer ese trozo de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos. Porque Pablo nombra y saluda nueve personas que fueron personas que le ayudaron vivir y predicar la fe en Jesús: en a Prisca y a Aquila, Epéneto, María, Andrónico y a Junías, Ampliato, Eustaquio. Entonces Tercio que escribía la carta, Tercio saluda y nombra otros ocho personas Stachys, Apelles, la familia de Aristóbulo.,Herodion. La familia de Narcisso.  Tryphaena , Persis,  y Rufus,* A lo mejor tú que oye mis palabras tienes, al igual que yo, varias personas como era para mi Quintín Nieves allá en aquella loma dando me consejos que me han ayudado perseverar como hijo de Dios, como amado de Jesús y de nuestra madre común María. Les invito a que durante el día de hoy vayas pensando en todas las personas que te ayudan conocer, amar y seguir a Jesús vivir mejor su mensaje de esperanza. Dale gracias por tus propia nube de testigos.Si me quieren enviar comentarios:tdeely7352@hotmail.com

2 Chronicles 35 speaks of the Passover kept by Josiah - it was without equal so far as the observance required by the Law (see verse 18). Sadly, however, the people's hearts were not in what was done (this contrasts with Hezekiah's great Passover). After this king Josiah unwisely provokes a battle with Pharaoh Neco Egypt's king). Josiah is warned not to involve himself. Judah's young king rejects the advice and was slain in battle. Some scholars say that the Lamentations of Jeremiah are written as a eulogy for this wonderful king. Isaiah also adds his thoughts about the death of Josiah in chapter 57verses1-2. In Hosea 3 we have the story of Hosea redeeming his wife and separating her until she was purified from her harlotry. The lesson of course is parabolic of Yahweh's dealings with His people Israel, who will finally seek Him and be restored to fellowship with the Eternal - read aloud verse 5 and pause and ponder. Acts 18 tells of Paul's arrival in Corinth. He chooses to live with Priscilla and Aquila, who had recently arrived in Corinth because the Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome, accusing them of being troublesome. Paul lodges with Priscilla and Aquila because they, like himself, are tent makers. This fine couple are mentioned 6 times in the New Testament, and 3 times Aquila's name is given first-, and 3- times Priscilla's is mentioned first. This shows that they are partners who work together in everything - including the teaching of the gospel to private individuals. Some scholars believe that the letter to the Hebrews may have been written by Priscilla. Paul teaches in the synagogue at Corinth every sabbath day - that Jesus is the Christ (Israel's long promised Messiah). When the Apostle is fiercely opposed by the Jews Paul shakes the dust from his clothes as the Lord Jesus Christ had commanded in Matthew 10. Paul hires the house owned by Titus Justus, who accepts the gospel and lives next door to the synagogue. From this house Paul continues his preaching. This preaching results in the conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ of Crispus, who is the ruler of the synagogue, and many others including Crispus' family accept Christ. The atmosphere around the preaching is obviously tense and Paul becomes fearful and the Lord Jesus Christ appears in a night and saysverses "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people" (Vv9-10 ESV). For eighteen months the preaching continues successfully. During the Consulship of Gallio the Jews make a united attack on Paul bringing him before Gallio. Gallio summarily dismisses their claims and drives them from his presence. The Jews take out their frustration and anger on Sosthenes, the then newest ruler of the synagogue. This avails nothing as we see in 1 Corinthians 1verses1. Sosthenes accepts the gospel and becomes a baptised believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. After this Paul shaves his hair in Cenchrea and sails from Ephesus to Antioch in Syria to complete his Nazarite vow. After spending time with the brethren in Syria Paul resumes his preaching in Galatia. The chapter concludes with the conversion of Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian Jew - who had known only the baptism and preaching of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila instruct him in the gospel and baptise him into the Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes obvious from this chapter that any who have not been baptised without a complete understanding of the gospel require to be baptised into the "whole counsel of God"verses Acts 20verses18-27. Acts In Acts 19 Apollos comes to Corinth (this was obviously very shortly after his conversion to Christ). Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds there disciples who had only known the baptism and teaching of John the Baptist. Those disciples, 12 in all, are likewise taught the full truth about the salvation in Christ Jesus and are baptised into that understanding. For three months Paul boldly speaks in the synagogue, until sustained resistance from Jewish foes causes Paul to seek other rooms for preaching. The Apostle hires the rooms of a local philosopher - one Tyrannus. Preaching from Tyrannus' rooms continues for two years so that all who live in the province of Asia hear the gospel. God through Paul supports the preaching by many miracles. Seven sons of an itinerant Jew by the name of Sceva attempt an exorcism on a man who   attacks and wounds them - the sons of Sceva flee naked from the house where the attempted exorcism had occurred. God by that means shows Sceva's sons to be frauds. The testimony to the gospel causes many practisers of the dark arts (or magic) to forsake their craft and burn their books to the value of approximately $10,000,000. The chapter next says that craftsmen led by Demetrius, a silversmith himself, cause a riot - believing that Paul's preaching is endangering the sale of the miniature figurines of Diana (also known as Artemis) of the Ephesians. Some of Paul's companions are dragged into the arena by men wanting revenge. Paul attempts to go and answer them but is prevented from doing so by his friends. The riotous crowd take out their anger on a Jew named Alexander. The town clerk dismisses the rioters and disperses the crowd. The town clerk says that Rome may very well want to investigate the cause of the riot. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Message by Pastor Doug Bunnell, recorded live November 2, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by John Freal.Finish WellPaul ran well and finished well and he did it by asking for help.What does Paul mean by “being poured out like a drink offering”?What emotions or attitudes do you see in Paul as he reflects on his life and ministry?What is “the crown of righteousness” Paul mentions in verse 8?What does this section tell us about early Christian communities and relationships?If you knew your time was short, what would you want to say to those closest to you about your faith?2 Timothy 4:6-226 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. 15 You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.19 Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained in Corinth; Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Priscila y Aquila nos muestran como vivir asumiendo nuestro deber de mantener el pecado a raya en la vida de nuestra pareja.

After 36 weeks of deep theological teaching in Romans, Paul surprises readers by ending with something unexpected: a long list of names. Rather than concluding with more doctrine, he celebrates the real people who served faithfully behind the scenes, carried the gospel forward, and opened their homes for ministry. This final chapter provides a masterclass on championing others instead of seeking personal glory.Paul highlights remarkable individuals like Phoebe, a deacon who likely delivered this theologically rich letter to Rome, and the ministry couple Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for the gospel and turned their home into a church. He mentions faithful servants whose names we barely know but whose contributions were vital to the early church's growth. Paul also warns against division makers who serve their own appetites and use smooth talk to deceive, emphasizing the importance of protecting unity while building others up.The true mark of gospel transformation isn't just saving faith, but the humility that shares the spotlight with others. When grace changes your life, you stop trying to be the hero of your own story and start helping others discover their calling. Paul's example teaches us that mature believers don't just run their own race - they cheer others toward the finish line, recognizing that invisible service doesn't mean insignificant impact.

After 36 weeks of deep theological teaching in Romans, Paul surprises readers by ending with something unexpected: a long list of names. Rather than concluding with more doctrine, he celebrates the real people who served faithfully behind the scenes, carried the gospel forward, and opened their homes for ministry. This final chapter provides a masterclass on championing others instead of seeking personal glory.Paul highlights remarkable individuals like Phoebe, a deacon who likely delivered this theologically rich letter to Rome, and the ministry couple Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for the gospel and turned their home into a church. He mentions faithful servants whose names we barely know but whose contributions were vital to the early church's growth. Paul also warns against division makers who serve their own appetites and use smooth talk to deceive, emphasizing the importance of protecting unity while building others up.The true mark of gospel transformation isn't just saving faith, but the humility that shares the spotlight with others. When grace changes your life, you stop trying to be the hero of your own story and start helping others discover their calling. Paul's example teaches us that mature believers don't just run their own race - they cheer others toward the finish line, recognizing that invisible service doesn't mean insignificant impact.

This powerful exploration of Acts 18-19 takes us deep into the heart of what it means to grow in faith through humble correction and discipleship. We encounter two remarkable stories: Apollos, an eloquent and passionate teacher who only knew part of the gospel message, and a group of disciples in Ephesus who had never heard of the Holy Spirit. What makes these accounts so compelling is not just the gaps in their knowledge, but how correction was given and received. Priscilla and Aquila didn't publicly embarrass Apollos—they took him aside privately and explained the way of God more accurately. This respectful, honoring approach to correction becomes a model for us all. The result? Apollos went on to powerfully proclaim the complete gospel, and the Ephesian disciples were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. We're reminded that our faith journey requires ongoing strengthening and establishing—it's not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth. The passage challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we teachable? Do we humbly receive correction? And when we need to correct others, do we do so with love and respect? The dramatic encounter with the seven sons of Sceva serves as a sobering reminder that we need a personal relationship with Jesus—not just knowledge about Him. Finally, we're called to remove every avenue of demonic influence from our lives, just as the Ephesian believers burned their magic books. When we do this, the Word of the Lord grows mightily and prevails in our lives.

====================================================SUSCRIBETEhattps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1====================================================DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA ADOLESCENTES 2025“HABLEMOS CLARO”Narrado por: Mone MuñozDesde: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church===================|| www.drministries.org ||===================25 de OctubreUnidos en el servicio a Dios"Saluden a Priscila y a Aquila, mis compañeros de trabajo en Cristo Jesús" (Romanos 16:3).En la Biblia, encontramos a muchos personajes que desempeñaron un papel importante en el plan de Dios. Entre ellos están Priscila y Aquila, una pareja de esposos que se destacó por su dedicación y servicio a Cristo. A través de su ejemplo, podemos aprender valiosas lecciones sobre trabajar juntos en el servicio a Dios.El apóstol Pablo menciona a Priscila y Aquila en varias de sus cartas, resaltando su colaboración y apoyo en el ministerio. Eran compañeros fieles que trabajaban mano a mano con Pablo para difundir el evangelio y edificar la iglesia. Su testimonio nos enseña que el servicio a Dios no es solo para individuos, sino que también puede involucrar un gran trabajo en equipo.La colaboración de Priscila y Aquila se basaba en una profunda relación con Dios y un compromiso mutuo de servirle. Juntos, utilizaron sus talentos y recursos para impactar vidas y expandir el reino de Dios. Su ejemplo nos anima a unir nuestras fuerzas con otros creyentes, reconociendo que cada uno tiene dones y habilidades únicas para contribuir al cuerpo de Cristo.Al reflexionar sobre la vida de Priscila y Aquila, podemos hacer una pausa y evaluar nuestra propia disposición para servir a Dios en colaboración con otros. ¿Estamos dispuestos a trabajar en equipo, dejando de lado el egoísmo y buscando el beneficio común? ¿Estamos dispuestos a invertir en otros y ayudarlos a crecer en su fe?Priscila y Aquila nos enseñan que el servicio a Dios no es una tarea solitaria, sino una oportunidad para trabajar en equipo. Al unirnos con otros creyentes, podemos lograr más de lo que podríamos hacer individualmente. Que seamos inspirados por su ejemplo y busquemos oportunidades para colaborar en el servicio a Dios, llevando el mensaje de su amor y gracia a aquellos que nos rodean.Oración: Señor, ayúdame a reconocer los dones y talentos de otros y a apoyarnos mutuamente en amor y unidad. 

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 13-14; Acts 17-18 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, your daily companion on a journey through the Scriptures. In today's episode, host Hunter invites listeners from around the world to gather by the “fires of God's love” on this 23rd day of October. Together, we dive into Job chapters 13 and 14, where Job passionately argues his case before God, wrestling with suffering, justice, and hope. Next, we move into Acts chapters 17 and 18, following Paul and Silas as they face opposition and share the message of Jesus throughout Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Along the way, we encounter inspiring figures like Priscilla and Aquila, who gently guide Apollos into a deeper understanding of faith in Christ. Through thoughtful reflection, heartfelt prayer, and words of encouragement, Hunter reminds us that our true rest and identity is found in Jesus. So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's explore these powerful stories together—trusting that through it all, we are deeply loved and never alone. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Aquila and Priscilla and the Invitation to Rest Aquila and Priscilla went to help Apollos. And they want to help us too. They want to point us to our baptism into Christ. Apollos, we're told, only knew about the baptism of John, but Priscilla and Aquila point us beyond that—to our baptism into Christ, an even greater hope and assurance. This is the amazing, liberating news: that God has reconciled us to himself and drawn us into his life. Our identity is not wrapped up in our striving, our performance, or our attempts at holiness. Our identity is in Christ—deeply rooted in what He has done, not what we can do. Baptism, Priscilla and Aquila would remind us, signifies this new reality. Ours is not to strive after some unattainable perfection, but to rest in who Jesus says we are—trusting in His perfection, His holiness, and His love. In Christ, God assumed all of humanity into Himself, so that we might participate in the loving life that Jesus shares with the Father and the Spirit. This is what Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos to discover: not just a message about repentance, but the ongoing, participatory life in Christ, where we rest, and our joy and strength is found. And that is the invitation laid before us today—to rest in what Jesus has done, to find our strength and joy there. Let us not be anxious or strive in our own strength, but remember that Jesus has included us, adopted us, and called us His own. That's a prayer I hold for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family—for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer I have for you: may we rest in our true identity in Christ, and live each day from that grace-filled place. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

MARTES 21 DE OCTUBRE DE 2025 TU DOSIS DIARIA DE ESPERANZA "Llegó entonces a Éfeso un judío llamado Apolos, natural de Alejandría, varón elocuente, poderoso en las Escrituras. Este había sido instruido en el camino del Señor; y siendo de espíritu fervoroso, hablaba y enseñaba diligentemente lo concerniente al Señor, aunque solamente conocía el bautismo de Juan. Y comenzó a hablar con denuedo en la sinagoga; pero cuando le oyeron Priscila y Aquila, le tomaron aparte y le expusieron más exactamente el camino de Dios." (Hechos 18:24-26) La madurez espiritual de Aquila y Priscila la vemos en su encuentro con Apolos. Lejos de juzgarlo por sus errores doctrinales y comentarlo con los hermanos de a Iglesia, se acercaron a él para mostrarle lo que necesitaba corregir. Eran siervos sabios que supieron cómo acercarse a Apolos; pero, lo segundo fue que Apolos se dejó enseñar sin creerse juzgado, sino agradecido. Esa es una Iglesia unida; sin fracciones internas, la cual sirve de guía a los que lo necesiten. Así Apolos fue para Acaya, donde comenzó a dar frutos abundantes. (Gina Sánchez) ....... http://www.findnewhope.com/nueva-esperanza ....... www.facebook.com/PastoresRobertoyYamiley Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tu-dosis-diaria-de-esperanza-new-hope-en-espa%C3%B1ol/id1503374265 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dC8BmYXC77tIaReY6JI6y?si=adf3392aa15e45c7 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-tu-dosis-diaria-de-esperan-211298038/ ....... Pastores Roberto y Yamiley, De Dios Para Ti Hoy - New Hope en Español , Brandon, FL (813) 689-4161

Series: N/AService: Sunday AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Chase ByersTo download this video, go directly to the video page on Vimeo by clicking the in-video title above.Look for the download button below the video there.If you feel this was beneficial to you, please like and share this video.

This powerful message takes us deep into Acts 18, where we witness the Apostle Paul's transformative ministry in Corinth—one of the most morally corrupt cities of the ancient world. What stands out immediately is Paul's shift in approach: after attempting to impress the intellectual elite in Athens with sophisticated arguments, he arrives in Corinth determined to know nothing except 'Jesus Christ and him crucified.' This radical simplicity becomes the foundation for explosive spiritual growth. We're challenged to examine whether our own faith rests on human wisdom or the power of God. The message also explores the beautiful partnership between practical work and spiritual calling—Paul made tents with Priscilla and Aquila while simultaneously building God's kingdom. This reminds us that our workplaces aren't just where we earn income; they're mission fields where we spend roughly 90,000 hours of our lives. The Lord's encouragement to Paul—'Do not be afraid, for I am with you'—speaks directly to our own fears about sharing faith. When we feel that burning, anxious excitement in our chest, that's often the Holy Spirit prompting us to speak truth into someone's life. The transformation of Sosthenes from synagogue leader to beaten victim to faithful co-worker illustrates how God works through persecution to bring people to Himself. Ultimately, we're reminded that our calling isn't to be eloquent or successful by worldly standards—it's simply to be faithful in proclaiming Jesus, trusting that He will build His church.

Acts 18:24-19:7 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. 19 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.”4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.   Key Words: Scripture, Bold, Powerful, Way, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Baptism, Name Keystone Verse: He greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:27-28) DOWNLOAD BULLETIN

1 Corinthians 16:13-24 English Standard Version13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.Greetings19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.English Standard Version (ESV)The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.ESV Text Edition: 2025.

see link below https://pastorsteverhodes.com/2025/10/12/paul-and-aquila-instruct-apollos-acts-1823-28/

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Acts 18:1-23 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal.17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this. 18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.   Key Words: Reason, Persuade, Testify, Believe, Teach, Word, Vow, Strengthen Keystone Verse: And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9-10)   Download Bulletin

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Acts 17–18 trace Paul's second missionary journey as he preaches in diverse settings, facing both openness and opposition. In Thessalonica, some believe while others stir up hostility. The Bereans receive the Word eagerly, examining Scripture daily. In Athens, Paul boldly engages philosophers at the Areopagus, proclaiming the risen Christ in a culturally relevant way. In Corinth, despite resistance, he remains for 18 months, encouraged by God's promise of His presence. Along the way, Paul partners with Aquila and Priscilla, who later disciple Apollos into a powerful minister. These chapters remind us that the gospel belongs in every place, calls for faithfulness amid challenges, and grows through both bold proclamation and quiet discipleship.

     Concerning the permission of divorce, Jesus said the Pharisees, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way” (Matt 19:8). God's permissive will can be observed on a national level, as Paul said, “In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways” (Acts 14:16). This explains much of the poor behavior we see among the nations as we study world history. Though God desires righteousness among the nations (Prov 14:34), He allows them to pursue their own values and priorities. Yet He never relinquishes His sovereignty, and in time, He will hold every nation accountable for its actions (Ps 9:17; Rev 20:12-13).      God is always righteous and directs people to righteous living. However, God is no bully, as He does not force people to obey Him. When people turn negative to God, He permits them to pursue their sinful ways, though they are not free to choose the consequences of their actions. One who plays with fire will eventually get burned. Concerning those who “suppress God's truth in unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18), three times it is written that He “gave them over” to “the lusts of their hearts” (Rom 1:24), and “to degrading passions” (Rom 1:26), and “to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper” (Rom 1:28). Once God permits a person to operate by his/her sinful passions, they are given a measure of freedom to live as they want. These are described as “being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful” (Rom 1:29-31).      Fourth, there is God's overruling will, which refers to those occasions when He hinders His creatures from acting contrary to His sovereign purposes. Throughout Scripture we observe God intervening in the actions of fallen angels and people. After God permitted Adam and Eve to disobey Him, He then drove them from the Garden of Eden and overruled their ability to go back in and eat from the tree of life (Gen 3:22-24). After Abraham lied to Abimelech and told him that Sarah was his sister, Abimelech took her as his wife. However, in order to protect Sarah, God intervened and told Abimelech, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married” (Gen 20:3). Abimelech pleaded with God and claimed his innocence (Gen 20:4-5). God, being just, told Abimelech, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore, I did not let you touch her” (Gen 20:6). Jacob served his uncle Laban for twenty years, but during that time his uncle had mistreated him, and by the end, he saw his uncle “was not friendly toward him as formerly” (Gen 31:2). Realizing it was time for Jacob to leave his uncle, he told his two wives, Rachel and Leah, “your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me” (Gen 31:7). During the tribulation, there will be hostile unbelievers who will try to flee from God's wrath by seeking death. But God prevents them from this escape, as John writes, “in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them” (Rev 9:6).      When Satan wanted to attack Job, God granted him permission, saying, “Behold, all that he has is in your power” (Job 1:12a). But then God restrained Satan, saying, “do not put forth your hand on him” (Job 1:12b). When Satan came back a second time, God granted him permission to attack Job's body, saying, “he is in your power” (Job 2:6a), but then told him to “spare his life” (Job 2:6b). When Job's wife advised him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9), he responded, saying, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). During the seven-year tribulation, demons are released from an angelic prison and “power was given them” to hurt unbelievers (Rev 9:3). However, they were restrained, as God told them, “not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months” (Rev 9:4-5a). Satan is currently active in the world (1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 5:19) and will be during the tribulation. However, God intervenes at the end of the tribulation and has Satan arrested and “bound him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:2). God's arresting angel “threw Satan into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time” (Rev 20:3).      Fifth, there is God's providential will, which refers to the outworking of His sovereign will in such a way that He creates circumstances that direct our lives and destiny. Believers who understand this will make their human plans contingent on God's sovereign plans (1 Ch 13:2; Acts 18:21; Jam 4:15). As God's people, we know the Lord and His will for our lives because His written Word informs and guides us. The Bible is our divine pedagogical guide. In addition to Scripture, God directs us providentially as He controls the circumstances of our lives to His desired end. However, only the believer with a thorough knowledge of God's Word can properly interpret his/her circumstances and know what God is doing. Interpreting circumstances, or divine impressions on the heart, is never as clear as knowing God's Word. Charles Clough states: "There is a mystical element to Christianity in how the Lord leads you; and He impresses upon you different things. But you can never elevate that mystical part of your Christian life and make it equal to the revelation of Scripture, because the revelation of Scripture is the measuring stick so you can tell the difference between Christ in the heart and heart burn. How you do that is whether it fits the Scripture."[1] God's providence is His continual care over the creation He brought into existence. God continues to create and control circumstances in order to direct history according to His predetermined plan, all for His glory and the benefit of His people. People live in the flow of history, and are moved by the circumstances God controls. J. I. Packer states: "Providence is normally defined in Christian theology as the unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill (Psa 145:9 cf. Mt 5:45–48), he upholds his creatures in ordered existence (Acts 17:28; Col 1:17; Heb 1:3), guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of angels and men (cf. Psa 107; Job 1:12; 2:6; Gen 45:5–8), and directs everything to its appointed goal, for his own glory (cf. Eph 1:9–12)."[2]      God is holy and never creates evil, however, He can and does control those who do. Satan, and those who follow him, are ultimately under God's sovereign control, and even their evil plans and actions are used for His good purposes. For example, Joseph was mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery and taken to Egypt where he suffered greatly. Yet, later in his life, Joseph interpreted their behavior from the divine perspective, telling his brothers, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). And Joseph repeated himself a second time, saying, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:7-8a). And later, he told them a third time, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen 50:20). It was God's providence that drove Saul to chase after his father's donkeys, and then be led to the prophet Samuel and anointed king of Israel (1 Sam 9-10). It was God's providence that directed Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, so the baby Jesus would be born at the appointed time and place (Mic 5:2; Luke 2:4-6; Gal 4:4). Later, Joseph and Mary were compelled to go to Egypt, in order to preserve the baby Savior (Matt 2:13-15). It was God's providence that forced Aquila and Priscilla out of Rome by the emperor Claudius' decree, only to meet the apostle Paul in Corinth and join him in Christian ministry (Acts 18:1-3; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19). It was God's providence that put the Lord Jesus on the cross to be crucified by the hands of godless men. Peter, charging Israelites in Jerusalem concerning Jesus's death, said, “This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death” (Acts 2:23). And after being persecuted by the leaders in Jerusalem, Peter and John, along with others, said to God, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur” (Acts 4:27-28). In these verses we see people behaving sinfully, whether Joseph's brothers, or human rulers who abuse their power; yet God used their sinful choices to bring about a greater good. Because God is righteous, all His actions are just (Psa 119:137). Because He is loving (1 John 4:8), He directs all things for the benefit of His people. Because He is good (Psa 34:8; 100:5), He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).      Concerning Christian ministry, God providentially opens and closes doors of service. Throughout the New Testament, an “open door” refers to a divinely orchestrated opportunity for sharing the gospel and engaging in Christian ministry (Acts 14:25-27). On one occasion the Lord closed an opportunity for ministry (Acts 16:6-7), but then opened another (Acts 16:9-10). An “open door” for ministry can have opposition (1 Cor 16:7-9), does not remove everyday concerns about life (2 Cor 2:12-13), should be sought with prayer (Col 4:2-3), and once opened cannot be shut by people (Rev 3:8). As God's people, we do not create occasions for Christian ministry; we simply accept those provided for us by the Lord (Eph 2:10).    In summary, knowing and doing God's will is largely a matter of knowing His Word and walking in it. Those who are positive to God will desire His Word in order to obey it. From Scripture we know about the Lord Himself, His sovereign control over His creation, what He desires of us, His permission of sin, as well as His directing history providentially to the return and reign of Christ. Where Scripture is silent, we may try to ascertain His will through the circumstances of our life, but such understanding must always be subordinate to the clear revelation of Scripture. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Charles Clough, Lesson 21 - Moral Relativism; Justification & Procedures for Holy War, (2010, 17th minute). https://www.bibleframeworkapplied.org/multi-lesson-series/deuteronomy [2] J. I. Packer, “Providence” in New Bible Dictionary, ed. D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard and D. J. Wiseman, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 979-80.

This is Pastor Aquila Darimani's presentation of what God is doing in the Upper West Region of Ghana, West Africa.

Raising the next generation is not a top-down project. It lives or dies in the middle. From Acts 18, Pastor Adam shows how Aquila and Priscilla quietly took Apollos aside and turned raw zeal into sharp effectiveness. Along the way: Nokia vs. Toyota culture, Jethro's counsel to Moses (Exodus 18), the tragedy of Judges 2, Titus 1 order, and a USS Wisconsin illustration on “recommissioning” veterans to train the new crew. This sermon calls gifted Apolloses to be teachable and seasoned Aquilas/Priscillas to re-engage.Scriptures: Acts 18:24–28; Exodus 18:17–22; Acts 6:3–4; Romans 16:3–4; Judges 2:7–10; Titus 1:5; 1 Kings 12:8; Proverbs 20:5.00:00 Opening humor and setup01:24 Acts 18 and the Nokia vs. Toyota lesson05:16 Aquila & Priscilla take Apollos aside09:12 The role of middle management in ministry13:01 Obstacles: pride in Apollos, comfort in elders20:40 Judges 2 and the generational gap25:02 Teachability and drawing out counsel31:10 Wise correction and practical involvement34:46 USS Wisconsin illustration: recommission the veterans37:07 Testimony of Gus Carrillo & closing callShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369

Feel like you're just co-managing calendars and carpool schedules? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into what it means to live “on mission” as a married couple. We'll chat about how cultural norms can distract us from God's design for marriage.  We chat: Why a shared mission statement matters How praying together shifts your heart Why weekly marriage meetings are so transformative Looking at examples like Priscilla and Aquila and passages from Genesis and Ephesians, we're reminded that marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church... so why not aim for deeper purpose and eternal impact? If you're ready to move from cohabiting roommates to mission-minded partners, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

We're great at sitting, but Jesus told us to go. From his passion for the gospel, family hunting stories, and even a bar room encounter that changed everything, Willie Robertson shares how the call of Jesus moves us out of comfort and into the Great Commission. Matthew 28 is not theory, it is movement: make disciples, baptize, teach. In Acts 18 we see a church on the move as Priscilla and Aquila opened their home, Apollos was corrected and sent, Paul heard God say “Do not be afraid, I am with you,” and whole households believed. He challenges us to run three checks that push us forward: check your pulse, check yourself, and check your stories. This is not about watching a few people on mission but about all of us moving together. What is one move you will make this week to share the gospel with a real person by name?

In Acts 18, we see the Apostle Paul arrive in Corinth, partner with Priscilla and Aquila, and boldly proclaim the gospel despite opposition. God speaks to Paul in a vision, reminding him: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking, for I am with you.”This chapter reminds us that God strengthens His people in times of weakness, raises up faithful partners in ministry, and advances the gospel even in difficult places.Main scripture: Acts 18:1-4, 7-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Psalm 23

In this week's sermon from the series "To Be Continued," we explore Acts 18, where Paul transitions from Athens to the vibrant city of Corinth. Despite facing opposition and personal struggles, Paul finds strength through faithful partners like Aquila and Priscilla, the assurance of God's presence, and a teachable heart. Discover how these elements helped Paul persevere in his mission and how they can empower us to keep going and growing in our faith journey. Join us as we delve into the importance of community, trust in God, and openness to growth in our walk with Christ. For more information about our church, visit npfcc.org To help support the ongoing work of NPFCC and our mission partners around the globe, you can make a donation at npfcc.org/give

Tuesday September 2, 2025XII Week After PentecostIn today's episode, we see three powerful movements of faith and revelation. David pours out a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, humbled by God's promise to establish his house forever (2 Samuel 7:18-29). In Acts, Paul faces opposition yet the gospel continues to advance through bold preaching and the faithful encouragement of Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos (Acts 18:12-28). And in Mark, Jesus heals a blind man in stages and then confronts His disciples with the question that still echoes today: *“Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:22-33).

8. CompelApollos did not preach solely to dispense information. He passionately proclaimed the truth in order to convince his hearers and convert them to the way of God's truth:Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:24–28)9. DisciplePaul understood the continuing and cumulative effect of multiplication; so he heartily commended it to Timothy, the third of five generations up to that time (Christ, Paul, Timothy, faithful men, and others):And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2)10.TrembleIsaiah exemplified a humble believer who took God and his word very seriously (see Isa. 6:1–13):But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. (Isa. 66:2)This article is adapted from Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Biblical Truth edited by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue.For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 8:00am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on 94.1 The Voice in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, USA. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them. Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.comPodcast website: https://941thevoice.com/podcasts/gospel-for-life/

This week, Pastor Suzy Silk continued our Summer sermon series, The Fifth Act, with a sermon on Acts 18 and the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila in the Early Church. By studying their twenty year ministry journey with Paul and other disciples, God shows us that we are not meant to do life or ministry alone. We must ask God to help us be fruitful disciples that lay down our lives to see Him glorified, and faithfully carry the Gospel wherever we go. 

If you watch the stars on a dark night, it’s easy to think of the sky as a great dome. But as the night goes on, the dome rotates. New stars rise in the east, while others disappear in the west. So ancient skywatchers thought of the sky not as a dome, but a sphere that completely encircles us – the celestial sphere. To the Greeks, the sphere was real – a perfect crystalline surface, with the stars hanging from it like lanterns. Earth stood still at the middle of the sphere, which turned around it. Today, of course, we know that Earth is turning, and the stars are so far away that they appear to be fixed in place. Yet astronomers still use the celestial sphere. Their coordinate system is based on it. The system has lines of latitude and longitude, an equator, and north and south poles – all of which are projections of Earth’s coordinates. The celestial poles, for example, are based on the projection of Earth’s poles – the directions in which our planet’s axis is pointing. There’s also a celestial equator – an extension of Earth’s equator. As darkness falls tonight, it arcs from Aquarius, in the east; through Aquila, in the south; and down to Virgo, in the west. Only those who live near the equator can see the entire celestial sphere. For everyone else, it’s clipped. And at the poles, only half of the sphere is ever visible – a great dome showing the same stars all year long. Script by Damond Benningfield

Gene and cohost Tim Swartz present long-time UFO researcher and author Nigel Watson, who has researched and investigated historical and contemporary reports of UFO sightings. In collaboration with Granville Oldroyd and David Clarke, he has written several articles about phantom airships seen over Britain in 1909 and 1913. A wider survey of these historical reports is contained in his e-book titled, The Origin of UFOs: Phantom Airships 1807 to 1917, and he has produced another e-book titled The Flying Saucer Cinema. Watson is also the author of Portraits of Alien Encounters(1990), Supernatural Spielberg (with Darren Slade, 1992) and editor/writer of The Scareship Mystery: A Survey of Phantom Airship Scares, 1909- 1918 (2000). In all, he has written for numerous books, publications and websites, including How It Works, All About Space, All About History, Aquila, Fortean Times, Wired, Flipside, Strange Magazine, Beyond, Paranormal Magazine, History Today, Alien Worlds, Magonia, The Unexplained, Flying Saucer Review, UFO Matrix and UFO Magazine. Watson has also contributed for the books Alien Artifacts, Mimics: The Others Among us, and Weird Time - Exploring the Mysteries of Time and Space. As of the show date, Nigel's latest book is: Paranormal Perspectives: Portraits of Alien Encounters Revisited — UFOs and Unexplained Phenomena in Northern England.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-paracast-the-gold-standard-of-paranormal-radio--6203433/support.

ALTARS NOT PLATFORMS Stewards of the Kingdom 8.10.25 We live in a world that craves a platform, but the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to an altar. Clearing By Martha Postlethwaite Do not try to save the whole world or do anything grandiose. Instead, create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to this world so worthy of rescue. Romans 16:3–5 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. The Marks of Kingdom Stewards (from the life of Priscilla and Aquila) Radical hospitality Faithful partnership Quiet influence Sacrificial living Open-handed generosity Kingdom stewardship Kingdom stewardship is living in full submission to King Jesus, faithfully managing everything He has entrusted to us so that His purposes are fulfilled through our lives. Being good stewards in the kingdom of God: Jesus is the King. The King establishes how His people live. We can choose to accept or reject His rule. To follow His way is to live in His kingdom. To reject His way is to live outside His kingdom. As stewards, we carry His rule (kingdom) into every sphere of life. Why did Jesus talk about money and stewardship so much? Because money reveals the heart Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Because the love of money is a major stronghold 1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Basics of Kingdom Stewardship: Everything belongs to God. I'm a temporary manager of what He's entrusted to me. One day, I will give an account. Extravagant Generosity: when you become so overcome by grace and undeserved love, you lavishly reorient your life around giving and Kingdom impact

LADYHAWKE After escaping a dungeon, young thief Phillipe Gaston crosses paths with Capt. Navarre, a man bound by a strange curse. He and his beloved, Lady Isabeau, have been doomed by the wicked Bishop of Aquila to never be together except at twilight. With Gaston's help, they set out on a perilous mission to overthrow the Bishop and shatter the enchantment. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by birthday boy Alan to talk about being 56, a Comicpalooza recap, horrible scores and the movie “Ladyhawke' on this week's Matinee Birthday! Show Notes 1:17 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Comicpalooza and turning 56. 12:36 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Ladyhawke" 44:52 Recasting 1:12:39 Double Feature 1:14:54 Final Thoughts 1:22:35 A preview of next week's episode "Willow" Next week, we continue a month of fairytale movies with "Willow".

Romans Series: In Romans 16:1–16, Paul concludes his letter by personally commending and greeting a number of believers in the Roman church. He begins by recommending Phoebe, a respected servant of the church, and asks the community to receive her well. He then sends greetings to individuals and households who have labored for the gospel, shown hospitality, or suffered for Christ, such as Priscilla and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, and many others. This passage reflects the deep love, unity, and diversity within the early Christian community, highlighting both men and women who played vital roles in the life and mission of the Church. Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com