Podcasts about book of acts

We have seen Christ moving all throughout the gospels in the book of Acts. But now, how is He operating in the church? Christ is moving through the power of His Holy Spirit through the lives of believers. The Lord has specifically set up an authority structure in order to keep the church organized. Jesus is the Great Shepherd watching over the church but He's also set up under-shepherds in order to look over and feed His flock. Submit to your leaders, recognizing Christ put them in this place.

In today's episode, we're sharing a real-time update on what God is currently teaching us in our marriages. We're definitely not experts—we're just a couple girls in the first decade of marriage learning as we go. From navigating exhaustion and learning how to love our husbands in the small ways, to honoring their voices, creating space for each other to recharge, and keeping fun alive in the middle of busy family life—this conversation is honest, funny, and full of the little lessons shaping our relationships right now. We also talk about serving together, learning deeper dependence on our spouses in new seasons, and why prayer for your husband might be one of the most powerful things you can do in marriage. If you're married, dating, or dreaming about marriage someday, we hope this episode encourages you that growth in marriage often comes through the everyday moments. And truly—God is using it all. In This Episode [02:00] The Power of Small Moments of Appreciation [04:07] Learning Each Other's Love Languages [07:56] Letting Your Spouse's Voice Matter Most [14:40] Giving Your Spouse Freedom to Recharge [21:58] Why Serving Together Strengthens Marriage [25:00] Growing in Dependence on Each Other [28:00] Keeping Fun Alive in the Middle of Life's Logistics [31:05] When to Pause Arguments Instead of Pushing Through [34:30] Learning to Pray for Your Spouse Delight Ministries Looking for a Delight Chapter near you? Check out⁠⁠⁠ Delightministries.com⁠⁠⁠ to find one. If there's not one near you, and you want to help start one, ⁠⁠⁠let us know⁠⁠⁠! We would love to talk. ⁠⁠⁠ORDER OUR NEW STUDY!⁠⁠⁠⁠ This seven-week, verse-by-verse study through the book of Acts invites you to embrace the unpredictable, sometimes challenging adventure of Spirit-led living that characterized the early church. Thanks to Our Sponsors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Winshape⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more or submit your application today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠ If you'd like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form! Follow us!

What should care and correction in the church look like? How should followers of Jesus care for widows in their church body? In this episode, Watermark elder Todd Anders joins Emma Dotter to discuss Acts 6:1-7 and what it means to be a shepherding church, the five aspects of a shepherd, and the “one another” commands in Scripture. Then, faithful Watermark member Melanie Graber describes her experience in being cared for by the church and offers practical advice on caring for widows. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Exodus 17: 11; 18: 21-22; Ephesians 4: 15; 2 Peter 3: 9; Psalm 23 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  S4:265 – Acts 5-6 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-265-acts-5-6/id1600151923?i=1000735373170) // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman: (https://a.co/d/035b4DsL) Aging with Purpose: 7 Essentials for Finishing Well by Dr. Hal Habecker (https://a.co/d/0fP6bqSu) Read Melanie Graber's story: (https://www.watermark.org/blog/ordinary-obedience) Watermark Community Church ministries mentioned: Christ-Centered Recovery (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery) Marriage Enrichment (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/re-engage) International Student Ministry (https://www.watermark.org/outreach/international-students ) Women's Bible Study (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study)  Newly Married Women (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/to-have-and-to-host)  Men and Women 60+ (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/legacy)  // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:  Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org  

We have seen Christ moving all throughout the gospels in the book of Acts. But now, how is He operating in the church? Christ is moving through the power of His Holy Spirit through the lives of believers. The Lord has specifically set up an authority structure in order to keep the church organized. Jesus is the Great Shepherd watching over the church but He's also set up under-shepherds in order to look over and feed His flock. Submit to your leaders, recognizing Christ put them in this place.

Patrick Miller preaches from Acts 17, inviting us to examine our lives and consider what it looks like to trust the Bible as our ultimate authority. This sermon is part of our 2026 sermon series, "Acts 13-17: Revival & Resistance." Who is Jesus? What does he care about? How should his followers interact with the world around them? The book of Acts carries on the story of life with God, illustrating what it means to build his church and experience him through his people.  Want a refresher on Acts 1-12? Check out The Crossing's 2023 sermon series: "Acts: Belonging to a Mission". Interested in more content to help you experience God in 2026? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter. Every Friday, you'll get new resources to help you grow in your faith and a first look at what to expect on Sunday, delivered right to your inbox. Get connected at The Crossing! When you sign up for Crossing Update, you'll get a text message every Sunday morning with the new ways to get involved at the church. You can also find the latest information about events on The Crossing's website. 

In this message, Noel explores the final chapters of the Book of Acts, where the Apostle Paul remains in custody despite his proven innocence. Rather than seeking the easiest exit from his legal troubles, Paul strategically leverages his situation to share his message with high-ranking officials and eventually Caesar himself.Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

Join Greg, Emily, and Rachel this time as they discuss the book of Acts the changes to the law.Transcript: https://haltingtowardzion.substack.com/publish/post/189326031?r=1mbq24&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Pastor Ricky will be finishing up his series on loving. He will be emphasizing the importance of loving the community that Christ died for. As the body of Christ, we need to keep our priorities in order. Our biggest priority should be to reach the lost and make disciples. A great way to reach our community is to look at the example of the apostles in the book of Acts. The apostles were led by the Holy Spirit to make disciples and then plant churches. Get involved in furthering God's kingdom.

This teaching opens with thanksgiving for answered prayer and fellowship, celebrating God's healing power and faithfulness, then transitions into a biblical exhortation rooted in Book of Revelation 2, focusing on the church in Thyatira—a small, working-class city facing intense pressure to compromise faith for economic survival through pagan trade guilds—while drawing illustrative parallels from Book of Acts 12 (Peter's miraculous release from prison), Book of Acts 16–17 (Lydia of Thyatira, a faithful seller of purple who responded to the gospel), and the resulting witness seen in the church addressed in Epistle to the Philippians, emphasizing that although Thyatira was culturally insignificant, Christ addressed it with the longest letter to warn against tolerated sin, false teaching (symbolized by “Jezebel”), and moral compromise, while calling believers to perseverance, holiness, and unwavering loyalty to Him despite social, financial, and spiritual cost. 

Audio Transcript Are glad you’re with us today. I just didn’t know what today would look like with the weather. And I know some were not able to come in because of the weather, but I’m glad that you’re, you’re here today. So if you have a Bible with you, if you’d open up to the Gospel of Luke and continue our study of Luke today, the text from chapter 7, verses 11 through 17. So Luke 7, 11:17, which is on page 503 on the Pew Bibles. If you didn’t have a Bible with you this morning, if you want to grab one of those, page 503. And so let me read the sacred text and then I’ll pray, ask for the Lord’s blessing on this time, and then we’ll get to work. So Luke 7, starting verse 11 through 17, please hear the words of our God. Luke wrote this. Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain and Disciples, and a great crowd went with him. And he drew near to the gate of the town. Behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother. And she was a widow. And a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, do not weep. Then he came up and touched the briar, and the bearers stood still. And he said, young man, I say to you, arise. And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorify God, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has visited his people. And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. So that’s God’s word for us this morning. Would you please pray with me? Lord, it is good to be here. And Lord, we’re here this morning on this cold, wintry day because we want to hear from you in your word. And so, God, I pray for the glory of Christ that you would indeed speak through the folly of my preaching and ways that you just fill our hearts with Christ. And I pray song in Jesus name. Amen. Okay, so perhaps my favorite passage in the Gospel of Luke is actually found at the end of the gospel account. So this is one that came after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, where I read a story of two men on a road to Emmaus who are trying to figure out all the things that just took place concerning Jesus Christ and specifically his death and then resurrection from the dead. And if you’ve Read through Luke before you may remember that these two men are having this discussion, you know, trying to process these events, trying to process reports that were circling around that the risen Christ actually showed up and he entered into their conversation with the two men at the beginning of the story, actually not able to recognize the Lord. Then after some back and forth between Jesus and the two men, Jesus actually rebuked them for being foolish, for not understanding and believing that which was taught in the Old Testament through the prophets concerning the Christ and the suffering that was to come on him to rebuke. Starting with the old test teachings from Moses, which are the first five books of the Bible, and then continuing through the rest of the Old Testament Scripture and the various prophets, Jesus interpret for these two men how all the scriptures are about him, to show them that he is indeed the fulfillment of the Scriptures as God’s word in the end is about Him. It points us to him. Then, after doing this incredible Bible study with these two men, appears that the Lord celebrated the Lord’s supper with them as he broke bread, as he celebrated the meal. Finally the man’s eyes were open, and they’re open in ways they were able to recognize Jesus as the one they were talking to over as their eyes were open. From there, Jesus actually vanishes from their sight, where he went off to appear to some of his disciples. But after he vanished in the story that I love, the two men started to process all that Jesus had told them, how he opened up their eyes to the Scripture, where they’re in dismay, how they didn’t recognize the Lord at first, primarily because of how their hearts burned within hearts burned of the truth of Scripture that Jesus taught to them. Truth of scripture that is mentioned points us to him. Now I tell you that story, it’s a story that we eventually get to in our study of Luke and the months to come. Not simply because it’s actually one of my favorite stories in the Gospel account, but I wonder how important this story of Jesus testifying to all the Old Testament is about him, how important that story was actually to Luke, the author of this gospel that we’ve been studying. Where I’ve wondered, as Luke was going around interviewing eyewitnesses to the life, the death, resurrection of Jesus Christ as he was told this story of the two men on the road to Emmaus, which I have wondered, maybe told directly from them. I’ve wondered how Luke’s heart was like burning inside as he heard the story, as he was starting to see more and more how the scriptures in the End are about Christ. The Scriptures became even more alive to him when he understood them in light of Jesus Christ. I wonder how the truth of Moses, the truth of all the prophets, ultimately speaking about Jesus became so important to Luke that as he wrote this orderly account, that he desired to do so in such ways that he would share stories to help his readers, including us, see how indeed all of the Old Testament is there to point us to Christ, including our text today, which is a text where we’ll continue to see the power and the authority of Jesus Christ on display. So this is something that we’ve seen multiple times in multiple passages that we’ve looked at recent, as Jesus has power and authority even over demons and sickness. Now today we’ll see that the power and authority of Jesus is even over death. So that’s one of the things we’ve seen in the text. Addition, our text today, perhaps even more primary to the passage, is we’re actually going to see the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ, where Jesus used his power, his authority, in direct correlation to his compassion, where we see his good heart towards his people who are suffering. And in the text, we’re going to see how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, which I think to me is clear that Luke is wanting us to see how we’re to see that two of the more important characters of the Old Testament, two of the greatest prophets, Elijah and Elisha, ultimately were there to point us to Christ, as they were types of Christ to come, who is the great and true prophet. Now, before we dive back into text, just a quick reminder where we left off last week so you may remember. Jesus just finished one of his most famous sermons recorded in Scripture. Sermon mentioned many times, referred to as a sermon on the plain. And after Jesus dismissed that congregation from the plain, he himself left the plane and headed towards a city called Capernaum, which is a place that he previously ministered at, at least on two occasions, where he did some incredible acts of ministry. In fact, Capernaum actually seemed to be Jesus like, almost like his home base during his earthly ministry. So in our text last week, if Jesus returned to that city, we learned that there was a wealthy, influential Roman military officer, a centurion, who sent for Jesus. And. And he sent for Jesus because he wanted Jesus to come heal his favorite servant who was at the point of death. In our story last week, the centurion sent a delegation of Jewish elders to go get Jesus, doing so with the belief that he was worthy of Jesus coming to do this for him to heal his servant because of the authority that he carried. However, as Jesus responded to this request by starting to make his way to the house, somewhere in the short time between sending for Jesus and Jesus drawing near to the house, somewhere in that short period of time, the centurion has like a major change of heart and a tone towards the Lord Jesus. Or for me, I think the centurion actually was converted. Because as Jesus Christ came near the house, the centurion sent a second group of delegates, some of his friends, to tell Jesus to come no further. Because the centurion now understood he actually was not, not worthy of Jesus Christ, even though he was a man of great wealth and authority. As Jesus came near, the man understood and he testified that he actually was a man under authority, specifically the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. And upon hearing the centurion make this declaration, which the man who I should mention was a Gentile, Jesus had his own declaration in response, saying that nowhere in all of Israel did he find such faith, a faith that rightly understands the lordship of Christ over all of our lives. But I should mention here that some actually connect this story of the centurion to a famous Old Testament story of a different gentleman who had power, remember Naaman, who had leprosy on the end of that story, professed faith in God. So some connect that story of centurion to him. And finally, where we ended our text last week, after Jesus making the declaration about the centurion, the second group of delegates then returning back home and they found the sick servant healed, where Jesus healed a man, where he continued to show power, authority over sickness. Now today, as we continue in our study with Luke, we actually come to an even greater healing, even greater then the healing of the centurion. Who’s the point of death where text today is mentioned, Jesus actually raises a young man from the dead. And this morning I hope that this increases the burning in our hearts as Jesus puts his power and authority and compassion on display as he proves that all the scriptures are about him. So that is the intro if you want to look back with me, starting in verse 11. So if you’re visiting with us. So what we do here is I’m just going to walk us back through the text verse by verse. So if you have your Bible open, please keep them open. So starting verse 11. So we read these words so soon after this refers to the interaction that Jesus had with the centurion, which is the start of chapter seven. So soon after that we see that Jesus was back on the move and we See that he traveled maybe 25 or 30 miles or so to the south, you know, a good day’s walk. And he now came to a town called Nain. Now when it comes to this town, this is actually the only time it’s mentioned in scripture. But where we gather through archaeology, this town seems at one point to be a town that had some size to it, but perhaps maybe to like a change in economy, something like that by the time of Christ. This is now a smaller, more insignificant town that’s located in the southern part of Galilee, which is where Jesus spent much of his public ministry. Now what’s interesting about N is that this little town was really close to a more familiar town in scripture. A town to seem to be the location like a large cemetery of like tombs and caves that served this area. A town called Endor. No, for Star wars fans, not that Endor, but if you’ve read the Old Testament, maybe this town is familiar to you. There’s a very famous yet very odd story about a witch who was from Endor who practiced divination which where in this odd Old Testament story, Saul, who was the king of Israel, began to understand that his like kingdom was slipping out of his hands because of his own sinful practices where like he rejected the Lord and his authority over him. I mean unlike the gentile centurion, Saul was not a man under authority. And as Saul rightly understood, the king was slipping away. In his desperation he came to this witch in Endor, asking her to speak to the dead on his behalf, specifically to speak to the former prophet and priest who anointed Saul as king, a man named Samuel. As Saul wanted to get some advice from him. Now in this odd story, really much to the surprise of the witch, when she called upon Samuel, he responded to her, communicating to her, communicating to Saul through her that soon the kingdom will be taken from him. Now we don’t have time to work through that story, but various scholars I read this week do wonder how this story in Luke perhaps has that story of the witch and Endor like kind of running in the background in subtle ways in the text here. So Jesus entered into Nain, it appears that he is about to run into those who are headed towards endorphins. So not sure if that should be running in the background as we think through this passage, but is it interesting to consider back to verse 11 of our text. As Jesus went to Nain, we say he did not make this 20 file 25 mile walk alone. Rather we see that his disciples are with him. Along with a great crowd, which this really had to be an interesting sight to see for those who are along the route from Capernaum to Nain. You know, just think like, maybe like out working your field and you look up and you see a large caravan people headed towards this little insignificant town, which didn’t seem to be part of any like major traveling route for this time period. Rather seemed like this little town was like fairly isolated, fairly removed from much of the world around it. However, we see it’s not isolated or removed from the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 12. As Jesus and his great crowd drew near to the gate of the town, this time they’re about to end, we see that they were met at the gate by a considerable crowd who’s about to head out of the city, headed seemingly towards Endor. As this crowd that Jesus met was part of a funeral procession. And in this procession there would have been people there that we assumed would be there, like family and friends. But culturally, during this time this procession also probably included like hired mourners as well as hired musicians, making this like a huge crowd which as these two crowds, the crowd of Jesus and crowd of mourners, they meet here. This would have made a huge group like converging at the gate, perhaps well into the hundreds, all at the city gate. Verse 12. See that this procession of mourners was there because of a man, a man who was being carried out, a young man who died, who was the only son of his mother, who now was, or who also was a widow. Okay, now just a few things on this just to interest you. So first, for this woman, I mean, this would have been awful, a really awful thing for her to endure and have to process through hard enough to have your only son die and all the pain associated with death. But culturally this would have put her in like the most vulnerable of places where culturally women would have been dependent upon either her husband or her sons like, to provide and support and protect. But now for this woman who was a widow, she’s now culturally void of those realities. So for those who read the Old Testament book of Ruth and the story of Naomi, remember how she like, basically considered herself like, good as dead when her husband’s, her husband and sons died. That’s the woman here in this text. All of the pain, all of the hurt of losing her only son, as well as all the fear, all the concern, all the worry on what was before her, to have no husband or son, provide, support, protect her. This woman was in desperate need of grace and Mercy. She was desperate for someone to show her some compassion. Second, a widow losing a son. This is actually where her mind should be taken back to the great prophets Elijah and Elisha. So you may remember this. In the ministry of Elijah in First Kings 17, there’s a widow from a town called Zarephath who had a son who died, who God brought back to life through the prayers of Elijah, who laid upon the boy three times as he prayed that God would give back his Life. Then in second Kings 4, there’s another young boy who died, who Elisha also prayed for doing so with laying on top of his dead body. And in both these stories, not only did the Lord give back to life, each of these boys as the sons were brought back from the from the dead to the land of living. The prophets then brought the sons back to their moms. Which we’re going to see in just a bit is our text in verse 15. But for now, just know the story of Jesus here in Luke 7. This is tied with like strong allusions to Elijah and Elisha and the stories that’s mentioned, particularly the one of Elijah in 1st Kings 17. Third, I also want to just mention here something I read in one of the commentaries that I thought was actually pretty insightful. This came from the John Phillips commentary where Phillips wrote concerning verse 12, concerning two different crowds, two different processions that met at the city gates. Philip wrote, one was being led by the angel of death, but the other by the Lord of life. And that reality of being led by the angel of death or the Lord of life was not just true of the scene here, but that reality is true of all of us where either we all are dead in our sin being led by the angel of death, or we are walking by faith in Christ as he leads us as the Lord of life, as he leads us into eternal life that is to come. So by the way, just kind of on this, I just do have to ask, as you walked in this morning, what procession are you following right now? Keep going. Verse 13. As the true processions met each other, as this large crowd was forming at the city gate, we see that the eyes of Jesus found the one in the crowd who was hurting the most as his eyes were taken to the mother who was mentioned again would be carrying like overwhelming pain with the loss, incredible stress on what would be for her coming next. And as the eyes of Jesus fell upon this woman, we see that his eyes were filled with compassion towards her, which is important for us to see in this passage as well in our own lives. So, yes, Jesus is the Lord. He’s the one filled with all power, all authority, where all things exist by him and for him. And in his power and in his authority, he will justly judge all things. But within those truths, what we see in the text, we see throughout Scripture, is that towards his people, Jesus sees them with eyes filled with compassion, where he sees his hurting people, our pain is not absent from Him. And as the Lord sees our pain, he sees us with his tender heart. One of my favorite passages in Scripture, a bruised reed he will not break, a smoking flax he will not quench. And that is so true in this passage here. For this mom, who is hurting, who is grieving, Jesus did not come to her to break her, to quench her. Rather, text, with his eyes and heart filled with compassion, we see Jesus, like, walked up to the woman to console her with the words, woman, do not weep, saying this because he knew he’s about to dry her tears in the most incredible ways, which, by the way, is what he promised to do for all his people as they enter into eternal life, where Jesus will dry every tear that we shed with kindness, with compassion, we heal, dry our tears in such a way that we actually will never cry painful tears ever again, as he removes all pain and hurt and tears from his people forever. In text, verse 14, after consoling the woman, see, Jesus went to the brier, which is a frame that a coffin or a deceased body is laid upon. As the body being carried to the tomb, as he approached the dead body of the young man, we see that it stopped the bears, you know, the ones carrying the briar, and stopped them in their tracks. And they stood still before the Lord, you know, just waiting to see what he was going to do. As the bear stood still, assuming everyone else, and both parties at the gates stood still silent before the Lord. We see in the story that Jesus spoke up in the text, young man, I say to you, arise. Which is notice here. Jesus is speaking to the dead man with all of his power, all of his authority, doing so in such a way that Jesus knew that the dead man would hear him. Which is a stark contrast to the witch of Endor as mentioned, was shocked with her divination. As Samuel responded from the dead, Jesus spoke up to this man. Jesus knew that his word would not return to him void, but he knew that the dead man would hear and respond to his sovereign voice. So in verse 15, as the word of Jesus went forth, we see the dead man head no choice, but he had to Respond. And he sat up and began to speak. Alive, risen. And this had been an incredible sight to behold for those at the scene. But even more for this young man, this scene, as the first thing he sees after his resurrection is Jesus. Just a couple things on this. So Pillar commentary points out that this face of Jesus would have been most likely unfamiliar to this young man. Most likely. He probably did not meet Jesus prior to this. But as he saw the face of Jesus as he rose again, he saw the face to which he belonged. Second, while this story is unique in scripture, there’s not many who were raised from the dead. In fact, in the ministry of Jesus, we only see three such occurrences. So there’s this one, there’s his friend Lazarus we can read about in John 11. And then there’s a daughter of a man named Jairus we’re actually gonna get to when we get to Luke chapter 8. So while this reality of being raised from the dead to see Jesus is unique in this life. But for those who are in Christ, friends, this will be your reality, where one day, yes, you will come to your last breath, where to this life you will be dead. But the promise of scripture, for all those who have faith in Jesus Christ, as we die to this life, our eyes will be open to the eternal life that is to come. And the first thing that we’re going to see is Jesus. So for us right now, yes, we have to imagine what this must have been like for this young man. But for those who are in Christ, one day, you will not have to imagine what this was like because you’re going to experience it yourself. You will see Jesus face to face, the very one to whom you belong. Keep on the text with more compassion, more kindness from our Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus resurrected this man we see, he now turns back to the mother to give her her son. As mentioned earlier, this action is very similar to what Elijah did in 1st Kings 17. For us. Once again, with imagination, we can only imagine the joy this had to be for the mother to have Jesus return to her her only son. However, one day, because of eternal life that Jesus offers friends, we don’t have to imagine what that would be like either, to be reunited with a loved one who had died. For all who are in Christ, not only will we see Jesus with our eyes, but we will see each other as we will live with Christ and each other throughout all eternity. Keep going. Verse 7 or 16. For those that have seen, they didn’t have to imagine what this all looked like because they were there to Experience. And as he experienced the power and the authority of Jesus to raise the dead, as well as he experienced the kindness, the compassion of Jesus to care for this woman who was in deep pain. In the text we see that they were like seized by fear. And this fear here is not like fear of danger. It’s not like a fear tied to some type of worry or anxiety. Rather, this is a fear that’s filled with like awe. As both crowds that met at the gate stood almost dumbfounded with awe by that which they just witnessed. You know, for the crowd to arrive at Jesus of the gate. Yeah, most likely they would have witnessed some incredible things beforehand. You know, various hearings that Jesus did, casting out of demons, but now raising the dead, that’s next level for the crowd who was there as part of the funeral procession. Right. This would have been the last thing they would expect as they’re proceeding out to the graveyard, as they headed to Andor, they’re expecting to place the body in the tomb, not seeing the body raised up from the dead. Going into the theme of imagination for us does not take a lot of imagination, our part to see and understand why the crowd stood seized with fear, with awe and the text as this awe filled crowd, as they witness all this that Jesus did, we see they did the only thing that they could do in response to the Lord and what he did. And they began to worship and they began glorifying God in the text, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has very visited his people. Now, just a couple things and these two phrases said by the crowd. The first phrase, the declaration, the great prophet has risen among us sends a crowd like understanding that indeed Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is written about him. In the Old Testament there’s a few passages speaking towards a great prophet who was to come that you’re connecting now here to Christ. One they probably most likely had in mind is Deuteronomy 18, where Moses wrote this says, the Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers. It is him you shall listen. I also wonder, perhaps you’re thinking about Malachi 4, which says this. So behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes, you will turn the hearts and fathers of their children, and the hearts of their children, and children in the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest they come and strike the land with a decree and utter destruction. Which that passage of Elijah to come we do see is first pointing to John the Baptist, who is a forerunner Christ. But I do think that both Elijah as well as John the Baptist are there for us to see Jesus as the great and true prophet. As mentioned our text, as a crowd stood seized with awe, it seemed like they were understanding. Their hearts were burning inside as they were recognizing that Jesus indeed is the prophet. Promised from old then the second phrase that people declared, the phrase God has visited his people. And for us this is such a rich and such an encouraging reality when it comes to our God. Most religions worldviews, their deity is like just distant, pretty aloof to what’s going on in the world around them. So for many, they’re just hoping to do enough good things to somehow capture the attention of their false God. They might feel compelled like to entertain them with his presence. But this understanding, this type of religion, this is so far different from the truth that we see in Scripture concerning the one true and living God. But He’s a God who’s near, who’s present, who’s active in the world around us, including in our own hearts. He is a God who indeed visits his people. In fact, we’ve learned in our study of Luke, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God visits His people in such a way that he actually lived among us, Emmanuel, God with us. Furthermore, we see in Scripture, particularly in the book of Acts, which is volume two of this work of Luke, in the person of the Holy Spirit, God continues to visit his people in such a way that he lives and he dwells in the hearts of his people. Meaning for his people, God could not be more near than he is, as he promises that he will forever be near to us, as he will never leave us, never forsake us. And finally, we’re going to end in our passage today, verse 17, as his entire crowd came to this conclusion, as he understood the worship that Jesus deserves, we see the groups went their different ways. And as they left the scene, we see that reports about Jesus raising the young man from the dead started spread throughout the whole region of Judea, along with all the surrounding country, which no doubt only added to the buzz and excitement and the interest of the growing conversation of Jesus and Nazareth, if indeed he was the Messiah, which He is now. As I close this time here, I just want to give you just a few kind of summary statements from what we see in the text and then we’ll be done. So first, as we think through this text, so let the power, or the authority and power of Jesus, let that burn deeply within your heart and this Power, this authority, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we continue to see throughout Luke, throughout the public ministry of Jesus Christ that Luke records for us or his ministry is not like one of a charlatan, like he didn’t minister in weakness. Jesus didn’t minister with like false promises where he like oversell but then vastly under deliver. Rather the ministry of Jesus was filled with real authority, with real power where Jesus was able to do that only God’s Eternal Son can do in text today. This authority, this power is found in the greatest miracle of Jesus that he performed to this day. Where according to this authority, to this power, Jesus raises the dead. And friends, let that authority, let that power burn in your hearts knowing that only did Jesus raise the dead in this text along as with the others that I mentioned earlier, but he has the authority, the power to raise all of his people from the dead so for all time they can dwell with him in eternity. You know, there’s plenty of things in this life that appear to have some type of authority, some type of power. Friends, let your heart burneth in burneth hope that in the end there’s only one authority. There’s only one power that’s gonna win out. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection. Second, let the compassion of Jesus also burn deeply within your heart. Yes, Jesus has all power, he has all authority, but he also has all compassion. Where it’s mentioned in the end of time, as his people enter into eternal life, he’s gonna meet us with his compassion, where he’s gonna dry every tear that we have ever shed, including our most painful and grief filled tears. He’s gonna dry them with all of his compassion for us today. While no doubt the resurrection power and authority of Jesus is very present in the text, but I think even more what Luke wants us to see in this passage is the compassion, the tender heartedness of Jesus Christ who is filled with compassion towards this moment, who just lost her only son, this mom who is at the point of desperation, who needed someone to show her compassion, which in the text Jesus does with his grace upon grace. And friends, I do hope that the compassion that Jesus has for his people does burn in your hearts where it burns in ways that we feel it, particularly in our times of need. We’re in our times of need. We trust that Jesus is not aloof to your pain, to your reality. Rather he is present. He’s present in ways that he is there to visit you in your pain. As your great High Priest who ministers with compassion and Kindness and grace upon grace. Which by the way, I do wonder if maybe that’s true for some of you here this morning, that you did come in carrying just pain and grief. Jesus is here to minister to you with his compassion. Third, let Jesus fulfilling the Scripture, let that reality also burn deeply within your heart. Just back to the passage I started to share from the end of Luke, where in the end, all of scripture, all of it, is there to point us to Christ. So as you read God’s holy word, let me encourage you to do so in ways where you’re like actively engaging your mind and heart, where you’re reading, in ways you’re like actually studying it, where you’re meditating upon it, memorizing it, where you’re asking the Lord through the power of his spirit to help you see whatever you’re reading, how that is to lead you to Jesus, whether it be through promises, through types, through failures, through prophecy, or wherever it may be. May we read Scripture in ways that it’s leading us to see how all of God’s yes and Amen are all taking us to Jesus, the One who sets our hearts on fire. Back to our text, I do think it’s worth considering the odd story of the witch in Endor and her false divination, which just shows us like the sin and folly of mankind, how they’re there or that story is meant to stand in contrast to this story here in the truth and the wisdom found in Christ. Clearly in our text today, as we read about the great prophets Elijah and Elisha, as yes, we see the great things that the Lord did through them, but ultimately they’re types, pointers to the one true great prophet, the Lord Jesus, the one who raised the dead. So for us it would read God’s sacred word. May we read them in ways that they’re seen. We’re seeing how they take us to the truth that is Christ and may that truth burn deeply in our hearts in ways that we worship him, which actually leads to the next thing. Let your burning heart lead you to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, where your heart is set on fire in ways that you’re seized with awe of who Jesus is, where all that you do is done as an act of worship of him, as you pour out your life as a living sacrifice that’s holy and acceptable to him, where you’re pouring out your life in ways that shows worship of love towards him, love towards others, starting with others. Here in the church, we’re in this worship. You’re giving your time and your Treasure and your talents to prove that indeed Jesus is the Lord of your life, the great treasure of your soul. One more Let your burning heart lead you to spread reports about Jesus. So another favorite passage in Scripture comes from a different prophet. Different prophet is also there to point us to Christ Prophet named Jeremiah. Jeremiah wrote this. If I say I will not mention him speaking of God or speak any more in his name. There is in my heart as if it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in and cannot. And church. May that be true of us as well, that our hearts burn in the worship of Jesus Christ with a burning that’s so intense, so white hot, that we can’t help but share reports about him, starting with a report of his gospel found in his death, which Jesus, God’s only son, died on a cross, which he did out of great love, according to his great kindness and compassion and mercy, which he did in accordance with the scriptures that he came to fulfill as he, Jesus took on the punishment of our sin in our place where he died. But unlike the Son in the text who was stopped before he reached the tomb, Jesus actually was buried outside of the city gates where he lay dead for three days. However, as we know, Jesus did not stay dead, but in accordance with his great authority and power, which is authority, power even over death, in accordance with the Scripture, according to the sign of the great prophet Jonah that was given to us in the Old Testament, on the third day, in his greatest of all miracles, the Lord Jesus picked back up his own life as he rose again from the dead, where he now lives eternally. And this report of Jesus crucified and risen, that has been passed down to us is a truth that is meant to seize our hearts, to seize in ways that penetrates like every fiber of our being, where our hearts are now burning so intensely inside that we cannot help but share the report in ways that we pass it down to others for us, sharing with others throughout the whole of Madison and then to the surrounding country and not stopping until we reach all the way to the ends of the earth. And by the way, if you’re looking for like a very real practical way to satisfy this burning in your heart, the sharing a report of him we know in a few weeks it’s Easter, where we’ll be even more intentionally remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So if I can encourage us, let’s invite others to come join us at that service. And who knows how on that Sunday, those who might walk in dead, dead in sin on that Sunday, maybe they hear the voice of Jesus in ways that they have no choice but respond to him, so that by faith he would believe in him. That they be risen, having their hearts set on fire for the Lord of life. By the way, I actually did wonder this morning if this may actually be true. Maybe if some of us here, or even this morning, perhaps you walked in dead to Jesus, dead in sin for sure, you might know things about him, but you’ve never met Him. He’s not the vision of your life. I do wonder that maybe today, maybe even this moment, for the first time, you would actually trust in Jesus so that through the eyes of faith you would see him. That you be raised to life with him, the new and eternal life that he offers. My friend, if that is actually true of you today, just know we would love to rejoice with you in that truth. So please share that report with us. Knowing that reports like this, that you trusted in Jesus for the first time, that only adds to the fire in our own hearts. So, yes, Redville Church, may the truth of God found in his Word, the truth that leads us to Christ, may that set our hearts on fire today and always, that all of our days are filled with the joyful worship of him and the sharing of the reports about him. That by the grace of God, others might have their hearts burned within as well. Let’s pray. Lord, I do pray that you would do a great work in our hearts. That even in this time, in this moment, that you would fan the flame within. Lord, I pray for those here who may have not yet trusted in you. That today, through your sovereign voice, that you would call them to yourself, that you would open up their eyes, that they may see the Lord Jesus Christ, the very one who died for them, to take on the punishment of their sin, only to rise again from the dead so they may have life in you. Life abundantly, both now and throughout all eternity. And Lord, we need your help to be faithful, to eagerly spread the news of reports of Christ crucified and risen. Lord, far too often our hearts are cold to share this report. Far too often we make excuse on why we are slow to share. So, God, not only do I pray you forgive us for falling short, but particularly the next few weeks, that you would just help us to be faithful witnesses. That we’d faithfully share the report. And Lord, our deep prayer is that you would use our little church to draw many to faith in Christ. And we pray that you would do that even within the next few weeks. And lastly, Lord, I just do want to pray if there’s any here that are that walked in just carrying the weight of grief, that in this moment that today you would meet them with your compassion and your kindness. That indeed you would prove to be their great high priest, who can sympathize with them in all weakness yet without sin. And that you would minister to them in their time of need with your grace upon grace. Pray song Jesus name, Amen. The post Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son – Luke 7: 11-17 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Join us as Dr. Justin Dancer continues to take us through our study of the book of Acts, looking at Acts 3:17 - 4:22.

From Sunday 15 March 2026 Dr. Tim Beougher continues the sermon series from The Book of Acts with a message titled “Can I Get a Witness?” Acts 1:6-11fbcmw.org

Text: Acts 18:1-3  A sermon from our Sunday night series through the book of Acts

We're in Chapter 3 today in the Book of Acts, and following the preaching ministry of the Apostle Peter.

Of all the occurrences in the book of Acts, what happens in chapter ten is among the most significant. The Gentiles are hearing the gospel message for the first time. Now, as you might imagine, some of the Jews were not happy about this. They thought the gospel was for them only. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111

Comparison is sneaky, and if we're honest, it's something none of us ever fully graduate from. In today's episode, we're having a real conversation about how comparison shows up in our lives—even in adulthood, friendships, motherhood, and ministry. We share some vulnerable stories from our own friendship and from building Delight together, including moments when comparison tried to creep in and steal our joy. But here's the good news: we truly believe freedom from comparison is possible. We walk through seven practical ways to combat comparison—from calling it out and checking your lane to celebrating others and committing to gratitude. These aren't just theories; they're lessons we've had to learn (and relearn) over the years. If you've ever found yourself spiraling after scrolling social media, questioning your gifts, or feeling like someone else is doing life “better,” this episode is for you. Our prayer is that you walk away feeling lighter, freer, and more confident in the unique way God designed you.

Bright City Church gathers Sundays at 9am, 10:45am and 5pm. Join us for pre-service prayer every Sunday at 8:30am. We are located in Charleston, SC.-Learn more about Bright City Church: ⁠https://www.brightcity.church/⁠-Follow Bright City Church on Instagram for weekly updates: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brightcitychurch⁠-Fill out this connection card to receive our newsletter and general updates: ⁠https://brightcity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/617531⁠-Give to our church: ⁠https://www.brightcity.church/giving⁠-Check out upcoming events: ⁠https://www.brightcity.church/events⁠-At Bright City Church, we believe God sent his Son, Jesus to die for our salvation. We are a community of people who seek to love and sacrificially serve all people according to the heart of the Father.-Follow us on Spotify to receive alerts for new sermon uploads.

What happened to the apostles after Luke set down his pen? In this message, Dr. John picks up where Part 1 left off, tracing the spread of the gospel across the ancient world, the fall of Jerusalem, and the final years of John — the last living eyewitness — whose writing from a Roman prison island brought the New Testament to its close. A sweeping and inspiring conclusion to the series through Acts.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

Does Romans 10:9 mean baptism is unnecessary?In this clip from Episode 218 of The Hacka Podcast, Simeon Costa and I respond to one of the most common arguments in the baptism conversation: “All you have to do is confess and believe.”Together, they unpack the context of Romans 10:9, why it was written to the church, how it connects with the Book of Acts, and why confession, belief, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Spirit should not be pitted against each other.This isn't about ignoring Paul. It's about reading Paul consistently with Peter, Acts 2, and the broader message of Scripture.If you've ever wondered how Romans 10:9, Acts 2:38, and Mark 16:16 fit together, this conversation will help.------------Order Hacka Merch - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-hacka-podcast.myspreadshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The book of Acts ends, but the story doesn't. In this message, Dr. John traces what happened to Paul and the early church after Luke sets down his pen — from the four letters written during Paul's Roman imprisonment, to his release, continued travels, and ultimate martyrdom. A fascinating look behind the scenes of the New Testament that brings the apostolic era to life.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

“And a vision appearedto Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over toMacedonia and help us." (Acts 16:9) Todaywe want to talk about the vision that changed the world. As we look atone of the most fascinating moments in the book of Acts of the Apostles, wefind a moment that literally led to the founding of the church at Philippi andbrought the gospel to the continent of Europe. We see this story in Actschapter 16. TheApostle Paul was on his second missionary journey with Silas. There at Lystrahe met a young man named Timothy, who would join them for the rest of thisjourney. So the three of them were traveling through what we would call Turkeytoday, revisiting the cities where they had founded churches during their firstmissionary journey several years earlier.  Read Acts16:4-12 that describes what happened:  Itall began with a vision. But first it really began with the Holy Spiritforbidding Paul and his companions to preach the word in certain other placesin Asia. You can imagine how frustrating that might have been for Paul, becausehis plans were to preach the gospel in those areas. Yet God kept stopping him. Finallythey arrived at a place called Troas. They could not go any farther. They wereliterally at the edge of the land, with only the Aegean Sea in front of them. Butit was there at Troas that they met someone named Luke, a physician. Lukejoined their journey at that point. You can actually see it in the text. Up tothat point in Acts chapter 16, the narrative says “they.” But beginning inverse 10, it says, “Immediately we sought to go.” Luke had nowjoined the team. Of course, Luke is the writer of the Gospel of Luke and the Bookof Acts, which makes up one-fourth of the contents of the New Testament.Amazing!!!!! Allof this reminds us that sometimes God has different plans for us than the planswe have for ourselves.Acouple of my favorite verses in the book of Book of Proverbs speak to this verytruth. Proverbs 16:3 says:“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Aswe make our plans, we commit what we are doing to the Lord, and He establishesour thoughts and directs our plans. Proverbs 16:9 says:“A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Andanother verse I often think about is Proverbs 20:24: “A man's steps are ofthe Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?” NowPaul has clear direction because he sees a vision—a vision that would changethe world. God knows that sometimes we need that kind of clear direction. Hesays, “Don't go that way. Go this way.” And when Paul saw that vision, heimmediately set out to follow the direction God had given him. Have you everexperienced something like that in your life? A moment when God clearly spoketo your heart… when He led you, directed you, or placed you somewhere you neverwould have planned to go yourself? Sometimes God stops us. Sometimes He closesdoors. But when God closes a door, He opens another one. Thesignificance of this moment is truly amazing. Through this vision, the Gospelentered Europe. It began influencing cultures, shaping history, and eventuallyreaching countless people—including many of our own ancestors. We need toremember that God's guidance often surprises us. His plans are bigger and wiserthan our own. So today we should pray, “Oh God, we need You to direct oursteps.” Let's make sure we are listening to the voice of the Spirit. And, whoknows, we might pick up a Luke along the way. Whoknows what God might do when we obey the heavenly direction He gives us? Yes! Godwill direct our steps to the very people He wants to hear the Gospel. Godbless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Would first‑century Christians even recognize what we call "church" today? In this episode, J. Warner Wallace uses a simple "alien thought experiment" to examine how closely (or how poorly) our modern church models resemble the church described in the book of Acts. Drawing from his own journey—from walking into a megachurch as a 35‑year‑old skeptic, to serving in a mid‑sized church, to planting a home church—Jim explores where we may have drifted from the New Testament pattern and how we can realign our communities with the biblical design for gathering, mission, and discipleship. This conversation will challenge how you think about Sunday services, church size, programs, and what it really means to live as the people of God in the world today.​ If this episode was helpful, please subscribe to the Cold-Case Christianity podcast so you never miss a new show, and take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform—your review helps more people discover the truth of the Christian worldview.

Acts is a book of action - divine action! Christ continues to work in this world through His Holy Spirit in the life of New Testament believers. This record is not just the history of the early church; it is the beginning of our story. If you want to dive deeper into the Book of Acts be sure to study through Scott's verse-by-verse study. Find ALL Acts content HERE. Journey through Acts 1-7: Jerusalem  Journey through Acts 8-9: Judea/Samaria Journey through Acts 10-28: The Uttermost Parts of the Earth  To learn more about sharing your faith, watch How To Tell Others About Jesus   Join our study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/ Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Join us as Dr. Justin Dancer continues to take us through our study of the book of Acts, looking at Acts 3:17 - 4:22.

For thousands of years Christians have gathered around the world once a week to remember and celebrate Jesus together. However, is what we call “church” what it was intended to be? This movement that we have been swept up in began with a handful of people who were not terribly sure of what they were doing. In fact, they were mostly unsure and confused in their nature.But by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit empowered them to establish and lead a revolutionary vision creating witnesses of the love and grace of Jesus that has continued even to this day. We are here today because of the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES through the Holy Spirit just weeks after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This study of the book of Acts should bring us back to purpose of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit.--- While the enemy has been unsuccessful attacking the early church from the outside, he turns his attention to the inside. 

A man in chains, in a rented room, at the center of the most powerful city in the ancient world — and the gospel goes forth anyway. In this message, Dr. John brings the book of Acts to a close, walking through Paul's remarkable all-day exposition of Scripture to Rome's Jewish leaders and what it reveals about the unstoppable nature of the Word of God.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

Saved From Judgments (1) (audio) David Eells – 3/11/26 I'm going to share some older prophecies with you about the judgments God is sending on the rebellious apostates. We often receive scriptures in our morning prayer meetings of these warnings.   Judgments on America and Its Ministries Shirley Hinkle - 11/07/2007 (David's notes in red) Thank you for your website. It has been a wealth of insight and revelation into the Word of God for me and my friends with whom I share your site. I have never shared these or other dreams that I have had in the past with any website/ministry, but only with five close friends. One of the prayer warriors in our church, whom I shared the dreams with this last week, said, “You must send it to Brother David Eells. You see, I was in prayer Sunday morning and God spoke to my heart and said, “Remember the dreams of the five judgments? IT'S NOW! It's not only the false, sinful church leadership that is under judgment, but judgment on this nation, America, that you are seeing fulfilled.” (In the dreams below God used individuals to represent this apostate leadership. These judgments on them will also judge America. This is judgment is on the secular and religious harlot. Update 3/11/26 - God is now raising up new leadership with power.) Because of the nature of the dreams, I took out the name of the pastor and the people associated with the church where we went for five years. (Shirley is typed as a prophetess and the true church in some of these dreams.) Dream - First of 5 Judgments - 07/03/2005 I dreamed that our former pastor walked into the room where a group of us were standing. I wondered to myself, what is he doing here? I thought, maybe we are to pray for him, so I walked over to him and laid my hand on his head. I said to him, “You are full of lust and pornography”. (I once saw the statistics of how many ministers were into this, and I was shocked.) As I said these words, his head turned to mush under my hand (a mind corrupted by sin). I pulled my hand back, revolted, and turned to walk away, and as I did, he leered and sneered at me. I started to wake up and that is when I saw he was a shell of a man full of demonic spirits. (This represents a generation of apostates, meaning back-slidden, ministers as in the rest of the dreams.) God spoke into my heart and said, “Romans chapters 1 & 3. As he stole from My people, I am taking his mind from him; He is given over to those spirits. (Update 3/11/26 – This has been happening) This is the first of 5 judgments I have shown you”. Dream - Judgment # 2 of 5 - 07/11/2005 All of these people were in booths at a restaurant (Churches where spiritual food, as in the Word, is supposed to be fed). I walked in and it was the congregation of a former church. I began to go from table to table under the anointing and exposing all of the lies of the teachings and sins in the lives of the people. Some people looked at me like, “What are you doing?” They had no comprehension at all. Others said, “Yes, we see it,” and then others were getting very mad, angry at me for telling and exposing all the lies. I looked behind me, and there were 3 of the prayer warriors who had left the church at the same time, as one person, and they were represented as who they are in real life. I raised my right arm to heaven and began to pray in the spirit with a loud voice and with authority. Then, as I was walking out, I turned to the people and said, “The associate pastor was never supposed to leave his wife for the other woman. He played the harlot. He sold his body to prostitution. HE LEFT HER!” (Another common problem among apostate pastors.) Then the next scene in my dream, my husband and I are walking down a hallway away from the restaurant (I.e. away from their teachings). We could hear the former pastor from the other side yelling. We knew he was mad at me for exposing him. He was yelling really loud as he came around the corner, but the weird thing was, he was walking on his knees. His legs were twisted up behind him, and he was being led by his head usher. (I.e. Spiritually crippled and unable to walk with the Lord.) For a split second, I felt pity for this man who was all disfigured, and then I saw his face as he was yelling. My husband and I just stood there quietly watching at first. This pastor was so mad and yelling so loudly. His hair was all matted and snarled, with his face all contorted. Then all of a sudden I looked at him and said, “Everything you have stolen from My people (which is their walk with the Lord), I have taken from you. Judgment has come to your house”. I then brought my right hand down like a gavel was in it. This pastor was nothing but blackness and darkness. This was judgment # 2 of 5 that God had shown me. Dream - Judgment 3 & 4 of 5 - 08/08/2005 I dreamed last night of a lady (the true church) in a church with a lot of people she knew. Some of them walked up to her and asked if she would like to go on a road trip with them; she said yes and got in the car. As the others were getting in, they were snickering and laughing behind her back (mocking her). When they got down the road, they took out a needle and injected it into the woman (filled her with false doctrine) to alter her mind. They took her to a house (apostate church) and it was full of children (of God). The woman was then tormented in many ways. She kept trying to hide the children in different parts of the house so that they would not be harmed. (Trying to save them from the false doctrine) She knew that the ultimate goal of these people was to kill her and the children (spiritually) after they had their fun and sport with her. A man walked into the house. The woman went up to him and said, “We have to save the children. These people are going to kill us”. He just started laughing at her. It was then that she knew he was one of them. She then hid the children in different parts of the house again. Now, instead of me seeing this lady, I am her (the true church), and I am walking down a hallway. I come to an elderly woman (the apostate church showing signs of years under the curse) and I say to her with a loud voice, “The Lord says unto you, you are now forever separated from the presence of God; you will no longer experience the presence of God”. My right hand came down like a gavel, and I said, “This is the Judgment of God on you”. (Update 3/11/26 – These churches are dead now)  She turned from me and walked away; then turned to come back, and I saw it was the pastor's sister-in-law. She was like a mad woman, all crazy. I turned and walked away from her, and as I did, I said, “Lord, what was that all about?” He spoke to me and said, “That is the Church that holds the Truth in unrighteousness (truth they refuse to walk in) and turns my grace into lasciviousness (which is a license to sin).” As I am walking away, I come to a young lady who is not one of the children because they are hidden in different parts of the house. I say to her, “The Lord says unto you, I will never again look upon you with favor or content. You will toil and labor hard all the rest of your days (the curse in Gen.3:19). This is the judgment unto you”. My right hand then came down like a gavel. As the girl turned to walk away from me, I saw it was a teenager in the congregation, the daughter of the church secretary. As I was waking up from this dream, the Lord spoke into my heart, “This is the judgment #3 & 4 of the 5 that I showed you”. I asked the Lord, “What did the teenager represent?” and He quickly answered, “Rebellion; the rebellious ones”. The lady in the beginning is the true church, and the enemy is trying to steal the mind of God's people, by altering their thinking and doping them with falsehoods. (that please the flesh) They are laughing and mocking the True Church of the Living God. The children represent the innocent that God has hidden under his wings, till the storm passes by. (God has hidden some innocents in the apostate church, which He will deliver. Isa 26:20  Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. ) Dream - Judgment # 5 of 5 - 09/30/2005 I dreamt last night that we were at our former church. They were having a camp meeting. I was volunteering in the kitchen (where the spiritual food of teaching is prepared), and the pastor's wife (representing the apostate church) walked up to me and said that someone was very mad at me for being here. She said, “You are not supposed to be here”. I said that all I was trying to do was to help. She never said to stay or even tried to defend me. As I was sitting there, a woman walked up to the pastor's wife (the apostate church) and said to her... “It's beginning to rain, You are a flower that will die, Where your petals fall, There they will lie”. (great falling away) My friends who were standing with me started weeping, went over and hugged her goodbye; I stayed, watching and weeping. I tried to warn, to explain, but there was nothing to say. The pastor's wife looked at me with sadness and a knowing. I said to her, “All I know is that I love God with all of my heart, and I know you do too”. She then began to weep. (The church who loves God in their born-again spirit but does not love Him enough to obey so that their soul is born again will die. Rom.8:13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Joh.14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. 1Pe.1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: 23 having been begotten [born] again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. 24 For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: 25 But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. As was said in the prophetic poem, the flower, a symbol of all that is beautiful about the flesh, will fall. What people think is beautiful about their fleshly religion will die.) As we were leaving and driving away from the Church, it began to rain, on both sides of the road, the flowers were dead and the animals too. I looked at my husband and started weeping so hard (The grace of life will be taken away from the apostate church in their idolatry with the flesh.). He said to me, “My brother (representing the apostate church) is dying, so it must still be before February”. I said, “I know”. (My husband's brother had died the year before, in February from bladder cancer.) This is Judgment #5. The first 5 judgment dreams on apostate ministries are coming to pass now. As the Lord said, “IT'S NOW!” This was said in 2005. The apostate ministries are losing their minds and walking as cripples more every day because this is what they have done to God's people. Since history or “His-story” always repeats, very soon this will be spoken of them as it was of their forefathers: Mat.13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And unto them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. (As in Jesus' day, these same ones will persecute the true church of the “called out ones”.) Here are a few more dreams Shirley sent us: Dream - 10/20/2007 - Baby Boy - First Tribulation Judgment I walked into a church filled with people. I recognized people from our former church, all standing around talking and carrying on with their programs. As I walked down the hall, I saw a small baby boy in the trash. I picked him up and said, “You don't belong here in the trash”. (This shows the apostate church's disregard for the fruit of Christ revealed in the man-child body in their midst. It also represents their hatred for the first-fruits Man-child ministry [Rev.12:5,6] that is to lead this church into that fruit, just as their forefathers did in Jesus' day.) As I was taking him out of the trash, the pastor's wife was there and was so mad at me. She said to me, “You think you are going to get away with this? You are going to pay!” (They hate those who value the fruit of Christ just as they did in the Book of Acts. Those who come out from among them will take the fruit of Christ with them.) I took him outside the church and walked over to my husband to show him the baby. The baby was playing and cooing in my arms. I was so upset that he had been thrown away like that, discarded in the trash. As I was playing with the baby and taking care of him and loving on him, my husband said, “You have to take him back”. I said it wasn't right that they put him in the trash, but my husband said, “He has to go back”. (Those who love the fruit will see Him in their lives. Like the Shulamite bride in Song of Solomon, they will take Him back to their mother church.) SoS.3:3 The watchmen that go about the city found me; [To whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, When I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, Until I had brought him into my mother's house, And into the chamber of her that conceived me. As I was walking back to the church, I had to cross a street; the cars were flying past me on both sides. I was in the middle of the intersection and was almost getting run over by each car that passed (those on the broad road will not appreciate the greatness in their midst). I held the baby close and kept trying to get across. As I walked back into the church to take the baby back, I was so sad. Nobody saw me or acknowledged that the baby had been returned and saved from the trash. They continued with their programs they were all doing. (The return of the man-child or His fruit in the bride's heart will not be appreciated by most when He returns to give a witness to them as Jesus did. This will be the first judgment of the tribulation in Revelation 6:1,2 -- the White Horse Rider, which brings all of the other riders upon the earth. This will be as when Moses came to set Israel free from bondage to the Egyptians. He brought all the judgments to accomplish this.) Josh and the baby boy represent both the fruit of Christ in their midst that they have rejected and the first-fruits Man-child ministry who is to lead them through the wilderness tribulation. As the Lord said, this is a “judgment on this nation, America,” for the apostate church has not represented Christ to them in being the salt needed to preserve them. This false church is leading America to destruction. Dream - 09/28/2007 - America's Judgment I walked into a large convention center full of young people. They were in groups all over the building. Some were standing and talking, others were bowed in groups in prayer. God spoke to my heart and said that His Holy Spirit is searching the heart of America. His Holy Spirit is going throughout this nation searching out those who are seeking His face in this time of turmoil. Searching this generation, for it is the last generation... And it shall not pass until we see the fulfillment of His Word. As I walked among them, I could hear them talking to each other and saying, “What do you think? Who will you vote for?” and others were giving their opinion on the matters of our world. God then spoke to me and said they are going by human reasoning; they are not looking to Me, the Author and Finisher of their Faith; they are searching out man's ways and not My ways. As I was walking among them, Hillary Clinton walked into the building and started walking among them also. God spoke into my heart and said, “This is Romans 1 being fulfilled in your sight. This is the first judgment coming into being on this nation in its FULLNESS. This nation is being given over.” God showed me that Clinton also was getting a feel of where they stood and what they were thinking and talking about. That we as a people in this nation are being marked, and we will be known for what we stand for in these final days. The ones who are weeping and mourning, standing in Truth and Righteousness, will be separated and marked as in Ezekiel 9. I then walked up to her and said, “You will be put in office, but it will bring this country down.”  I knew that she represented in the spirit this nation's final apostasy against God in its fullness. (This was a warning! Although she served herself in many offices, including first political lady [ Link! ], the highest office was denied her because of urgent prayers for mercy.)   Abandonment of a previous loyalty, the woman, this nation leaving her natural affection for God, her family, her children, given over to her lusts and vile affections. I then said, “This is our judgment!” I said this very loudly and pleading, knowing we are in judgment... I then said, “Tell America to REPENT!” But she just looked past me like I wasn't there and hadn't said anything to her. She walked away with a smirk on her face. God spoke into my heart and said, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them”. (Rom.1:32) Dream - 10/01/2007 - Blow the Trumpet, Sound the Alarm, Our Judgment Has Come. My husband and I were standing by the riverbank; it was flowing over the top like a waterfall, so pretty. I knew that it was America in her false sense of security and prosperity -- everything flowing along so smoothly. I said with a loud voice, “It is getting ready to overflow (the U.S. leaving her God-given natural boundaries) like never before and bring destruction. It will destroy everything. (In Jeremiah 25, Babylon, which is called the great eagle [U.S.] in Ezekiel 17, brought the cup of wrath to all nations and then they brought it to her. “When the enemy comes in like a flood”. After the Man-child is anointed in Rev 6:2 comes World War. Rev.6:4 And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.) Everything that the people have put their trust in, in one moment it is going to be completely swept away before their eyes. God said, “Blow the trumpet in Zion. Sound the alarm!” I turned to my right and said, “Blow the trumpet”. My husband then picked up a trumpet and put it to his mouth, and started to blow. God is asking the men of God to once again put the trumpet to their mouths and blow, sound the alarm, proclaim the Truth. To warn the people to get their eyes off of this world and all that it holds, for it (that is, peace, security and prosperity) is all getting ready to be taken from them. God then said again, “Warn the people, it will destroy everything. Blow the trumpet!” Again, I turned to my right and said, “Blow the trumpet, warn the people”. My husband continued to blow the trumpet. God spoke to my heart and said, “Don't stop warning, don't stop telling, don't stop!” People were walking around like nothing was going to happen. Some were getting very angry with me for yelling in a loud voice. I recognized some of the people. My husband continued to blow the trumpet. Again, God spoke to my heart, “Even if the people whom you know don't like it and get angry with you, you must never stop blowing the trumpet! You must always proclaim Truth, no matter what happens”. I then knew that this was the fulfillment of the judgment that God had told me... He spoke to me and said, “A nation that forgets God is given over and this is the judgment... Deuteronomy 28 (which is the curse on the rebellious)... Your houses, your land, your children, your possessions, your freedom, your very lives will be taken from you in judgment.”   Flood of Judgment G.C.- 04/16/2008 (David's notes in red) I had one of the most vivid and real dreams in recent memory. In this dream, I was told by God that a great flood would destroy the world. He told me this before it even happened. As the days went by, after I had received His message, water started covering the Earth. The source of the water did not seem to be rainwater but came from the ground. (I recall that in the flood account of Noah, some of the water came from the fountains of the deep and this is what was happening in my dream.) It seemed like for weeks the water covered the world and after each passing day, the people had to abandon homes and buildings and move toward higher ground. I was just in awe of what was happening and tried my best to warn the people that this was God's judgment and that they needed to repent to be saved. I recall that I was never scared or frightened because of the fact that I had been warned before this started to happen, which gave me comfort. I spent the last days pleading with people about repentance but very few took heed. The last thing I remember is that I was at one of the highest points of land, and the water kept rising. I woke up before I could find out the outcome of the dream. I know that another great flood will not occur, but I do feel this was symbolic. Spiritually, a flood of judgment will cover the earth; it will come out of the earth from hell. The demons will administer the legal curse of the waters of the Word on the unrepentant. In the natural, we have seen mass flooding, fires, hurricanes, and large earthquakes all around the world, some man made, and the Tribulation hasn't even arrived.   Refuge from Judgment Sister R. from CA - 11/15/2010 (David's notes in red) I was outside (I am not sure of the place). I looked up at the heavens and noticed that suddenly the clouds turned dark. They were storm clouds. (Observing coming bad events from heaven, judgments, tribulations, and trials are near, and we can see them coming.) Then one opened up and the water gushed out, as if someone had poured a bucket of water out of it. (Sudden destructions from heaven whether through man or nature.) Then suddenly, the clouds of this water turned into this huge tidal wave. (Huge destructive events from heaven.) I realized that I could not outrun it. So, I ran into this building (I believe it was a hotel). (By our own strength we cannot escape. The hotel is the house of God. As with a hotel, we are individual buildings that are “builded together” to make up one building, His house [Ephesians 2:19-22]. Symbolizing revival. Many people find their way into the Kingdom as a refuge, an ark, from the wave, which represents the judgment on this world. 1Co.4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place.) I was with a group of people and we all went to the upper floors of the building. (A spiritual place of safety in heavenly places in Christ. Psa.94:22 But the LORD hath been my high tower, And my God the rock of my refuge.) The water came into the building, and we had to go to higher floors for safety. (Waters of judgment will drive God's people higher in the refuge of Christ as Psalm 91 shows.) At one point, the water flooded onto the same floor where I was with this group of people. (We will see and share the experiences and overcome through faith.) I thought I was going to die, but I had peace because I knew that I was going to be with the Lord. (Trusting the Lord with life and death. Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.) But the floor we were on (the side of this building where we were) had an elevator and a place where we could reach safety. (The elevator is the rest. You don't have to attempt to save yourselves by your own works; just get closer to God by grace through faith in Him.) When the floods came into this floor, not only could I see this elevator, but there was higher ground on this floor where we could step up to reach safety. (Praise the Lord! He provides a place of refuge every step of the way as in Psa.91.) We had working cell phones and light in the hotel. One person, I don't know who, received a phone call. (We have the ability to pray and abide in the Light of the Scriptures. “Working” cell phones mean effective communication with each other and the Lord.) I thought it was strange that we always had light because normally, if that situation had really happened, the electricity would go out. (There was light in Goshen when the rest of Egypt had none. The Lord will not withdraw His light or power in judgment situations. Do not fear, no matter what form it takes. The Lord will give great assurance.) During the entire dream, I had peace.   Impending Judgment on America From a prophet friend in East Florida: (I do not doubt that some of these judgments below will be lessened or done away with.) Vision 1: The Lord took me to the streets of America, and I saw the cities on fire. We have many millions of Muslims in America, and when the war breaks out in the Holy Land, and when America gets involved, they will burn America to the ground. I saw Muslim women coming into America and in their inner body parts, vials of anthrax and bio chemicals. I saw 180 million Americans die in a 72-hour period, then I saw New York, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and California nuked; we will be invaded. Russia and China will do it. (From other dreams I believe this will be close to the end of the tribulation. From famous visions and dreams, such as Washington's, Dumitru Duduman's, A.A. Allens, on our site, we know the righteous will overcome and have victory.) Vision 2: The Lord took me in the spirit to outer space, and I saw very dim stars. Then the lights came on, and I saw a huge asteroid, brown in color coming to planet earth, the asteroid turning over and over like tumbling. Vision 3: The Lord took me in the spirit, and I drove down the east coast of Florida and up the west coast, and when I was in Orlando, Florida - the Lord cut Florida in half, and I said, “Lord, have mercy.” and He said, “No more mercy.” And the second time I said, “Lord, have mercy.” He said, “No more mercy.” I asked the Lord why He is doing this, and He said, “Death of the innocents”. I saw from Kissimmee, Florida, to Miami underwater, then the Lord showed me portable buildings stacked like a train, all connected together. The buildings were full of people with legs and arms missing. I ran into the buildings, and there was no end to the buildings. Vision 4: I saw an asteroid race right by Florida and go north; what a horrible sound, and it hit us. Then I saw helicopters with men carrying guns, and when they came to me, I disappeared. Later, I was somewhere else, and I put out my hand, and an apple was there and I ate it. The Lord will take care of his true servants, don't worry. Vision 5: I was in a red suit and riding in a red car, and something was holding me from passing and going to the sea. (Covered in the red blood we are protected from the peoples, tribes, nations, and tongues.) Then they moved away, and I got to the sea; I dropped my cell phone, and I went into the sea and entered a building that was very strong and safe. (Spiritual Mount Zion is a place of safety in the midst of tribulation.) Interpretation: I have a great call on my life, Isaiah 63, 64, and 65. Red is the blood of Christ and power; the seas are the people for the harvest. The building is Christ and the cell phone is a connection to this world. We are to be led by the spirit and hearing God's voice and not be sold out to the world. God's Kingdom is not of this world. I died 17 years ago when I received the Holy Ghost and I'm a new creation in Christ Jesus. We must all go that way and we will do exploits for the end time harvest. Jesus said we will do greater things than He because He will send the Holy Ghost - Mark 16:17. Be one of them and give God all the glory. So, with all these judgments the Lord is bringing, we can have complete peace, rest, protection, and His provision as we believe and confess the Gospel.   The Real, Free Gospel David Eells God cannot fail, but we can hinder His works with our own. Jesus told his disciples, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Mat.16:6). They understood this to mean their teaching (verse 12). Their teaching that was so dangerous was salvation by self-works (Gal.2:16; 5:1-6). In explaining this in Mat.16:9,10 Jesus said, “Do you not perceive, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets (12) you took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets (7) you took up?” Notice that the more loaves they provided of their own supply, the fewer were fed, and there were less baskets of leftovers. Jesus' obvious point was that the more you work, the less God works. Salvation in any form is by grace, which is unmerited or unearned. “For by grace have ye been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, that no man should glory”. (Epe.2:8-9). The word “saved” here is translated from the Greek word “sozo” and is used in Luk.7:50 for the saving of the soul. In Luk.8:48, it is translated “made thee whole” for healing of the body. In Luk.8:36, it is translated “made whole” for deliverance from demons. In Mat.8:25, it is translated “save” for protection from danger. You see, “saved” covers every curse, and it is not of our works. Jesus “became a curse for us” so that we might have “the blessing of Abraham” (Gal.3:13,14). The all-inclusive curse in Deu.28 was put upon him. I remind you that Epe.2:8 says in the original Greek: “by grace have ye been saved”, meaning it happened at the cross. The wilderness is a completely safe and secure place for the “believer” because everything has already been provided there. Our faith in the promises is the very substance that the desired need is made from. (Heb.11:1) Now faith is assurance (or substance) of [things] hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. The reason Jesus said, “All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive (Greek: “received”) them, and ye shall have them” (Mar.11:24), is because all of our provision was accomplished at the cross. Notice in the following verses that all things have been received and that the only thing left is for us to believe it. Also notice the past tense of our sacrificial provision in the following verses: (Epe.2:8) for by grace have ye been saved through faith; (1Pe.2:24) who his own self bare our sins in his body ... by whose stripes we were healed; (Col.1:13) who delivered us out of the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (2Co.5:18) ... who reconciled us to himself; (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ, and it's no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; (Gal. 3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse; (1Pe.1:3) ... the Father ... begat us again ... by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; (Heb.10:10) We ... have been sanctified ...; (14) He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified; (Epe.1:3) ... who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing, and God in (2Pe.1:3) hath granted unto us all things. Jesus told us in His day which, of course was accomplished in the past that “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out” (Joh.12:31); “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Joh.16:33); “It is finished” (Joh.19:30). This is why we are to believe we have received. The devil and the curse were conquered. We were saved, healed, delivered, and provided for. That is why Paul said, “my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phl.4:19). Redemption from the curse and provision for life are truly accomplished at the cross! In fact, God's “works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Heb.4:3), when He spoke the plan into existence. The only thing left is for the true sons of God to enter into those works by faith, believing they have received. Since the works are finished, we should believe and rest from our own works to save, heal, provide, and deliver ourselves. This is rest in the wilderness on the grounds of God's promises. (Heb.4:3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest. That is a spiritual Sabbath rest. (Heb.4:9) There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest (Greek: sabbatismos, “keeping of rest”) for the people of God. This constant “keeping of rest” every day through the past tense promises is our New Testament spiritual Sabbath. (10) For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. This rest is to believe these past tense promises. (Heb.4:1) Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. (2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. Judgments coming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk4RZrPCSmI  

Are you wondering if the "power" of the Holy Spirit is limited to miraculous signs and wonders? This episode explores how the true result of Pentecost wasn't just the gift of unknown languages, but also the supernatural courage to share your faith and live in a radical, supportive community. Check out our original Line by Line conversation on the book of Acts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTXTb-ULMZrO-r2psoaDN7Zx7FQkZ_98   Connect with us! Email: mediahub@shreveport.com Website: www.THPshreveport.com Address: 8957 Kingston Road, Shreveport, Louisiana Service Times: Sunday at 10:00 AM, Wednesday at 6:30 PM Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Was Pentecost all about fire and wonderful signs? 01:19 – A summary of the miraculous events and Peter's sermon in Acts 2. 02:06 – Is Pentecost about more than just signs and wonders? 03:13 – The true purpose of "waiting": Receiving power to be witnesses. 03:43 – Redemption of Babel: How the gift of tongues restored what pride destroyed. 05:04 – Beyond the miracle: Why the power to present the Gospel is the real focus. 07:11 – The transformation of Peter from a man in hiding to a bold preacher. 08:31 – Addressing the "pendulum swing" and the focus on baptism in the Holy Spirit. 10:08 – Why the Holy Spirit and His gifts remain unchanged by human distortion. 13:45 – Taking personal responsibility for faith in the power of the Spirit. 14:12 – The supernatural nature of practical community and shared living. 16:18 – The most underappreciated words of Acts 2: Gladness and Simplicity. 18:40 – Final thoughts: It is the Spirit, not our eloquence, that draws people to Jesus. 21:48 – How to connect with The Healing Place in Shreveport

Understanding the background of Philippi will help us appreciatethe message that Paul writes to this church in this letter. Philippiwas located in the region of Macedonia, which today would be in northernGreece. The city was set on a fertile plain near the Aegean Sea and waspositioned along one of the most important highways in the ancient world—thefamous Roman road called the Via Egnatia. This highway connected the easternpart of the Roman Empire to the western part, stretching all the way from theAegean Sea across to Rome itself. Because of its location on this major traderoute, Philippi became a very important commercial and military city. Originally,the town was known by another name. But in 356 B.C., a man named Philip II, thefather of Alexander the Great, conquered the city for Greece and renamed itPhilippi after himself. Later,when the Romans conquered the region, Philippi became an even more significantcity in Roman history. In 42 B.C., one of the most decisive battles in Romanhistory took place near the city. The armies of Mark Antony and Octaviandefeated the forces of Brutus and Cassius—the men who had been involved in theassassination of Julius Caesar. That battle helped bring an end to the RomanRepublic and paved the way for the Roman Empire. After that battle, many Romansoldiers were settled in Philippi, and the city was given the status of a Romancolony. Nowthis is very important to understand. A Roman colony was considered anextension of Rome itself. The citizens enjoyed many special privileges. Theywere Roman citizens, which meant they were exempt from certain taxes. Theyfollowed Roman laws and customs. Latin was the official language, Roman dresswas common, and Roman pride ran deep among the people. In many ways, Philippiwas a little piece of Rome located in Macedonia. Thisbackground helps us better understand something Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20:“For our conversation is in heaven…”. The word conversation thereactually means citizenship. Paul was reminding the believers in Philippithat although they were proud Roman citizens, their true citizenship was inheaven. They belonged to another kingdom. I'm proud to be an American. But myfriend, my real citizenship is in heaven. Anyone who trusts Jesus Christ astheir personal Lord and Savior has their true citizenship in heaven. Anotherinteresting thing about Philippi is that there does not appear to have been asynagogue in the city when Paul visited, as recorded in Acts of the Apostleschapter 16. If you remember, in most of the cities Paul visited he began hisministry by first going to the synagogue. As you read through the book of Acts,that pattern becomes very obvious. But he did not go to a synagogue inPhilippi. Why? Possibly because there was not one there. A synagogue requiredat least ten Jewish men in the community, and apparently there were not enoughJews in Philippi to meet that requirement. Instead,there was a small group of people who gathered outside the city by a river topray. And it was there that the gospel would first take root in this Romancity. From this unlikely beginning, God would plant the first church in Europe.This reminds us of something very important about the work of God: God oftenbegins great works in very small and unexpected ways. I could tell you manystories about how I have seen that happen in ministry over the past fiftyyears. A small prayer meeting…a few people gathered quietly…and yet God beginsto do something powerful. Thereby the riverside in Philippi sat a woman named Lydia, sitting bythe river, ready to hear the gospel. God's plan was unfolding. That littlegathering became the starting point for something that would eventually impactthe entire continent of Europe. From that small beginning came the church thatPaul would later write to with such love and affection in the book ofPhilippians.

What do we do when faithfulness brings legal pressure? // How should we respond when we're criticized for our faith? Why is Gamaliel important? Who was Polycarp? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 5:17-42, the legal pressure the apostles faced, and how God used a Jewish official named Gamaliel to protect the gospel. Then she tells the story of Polycarp, a disciple of John who refused to deny Jesus and was martyred for his faith. When we face public criticism for the gospel, we can be bold and courageous in a way that honors God. Image 1: 11 Luther nails up the 95 Theses" by fz1844 is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. Image 2: Mishnah Berurah, first edition, Warsaw" by Charlie Smith FDTB is marked with CC0 1.0. Image 3: Saint Polycarpe au bûcher" by Octave 444 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Acts 22:3 John 16:13 Colossians 3:23-24 Romans 1:16 Ephesians 6:19-20 Ephesians 3:20 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  S4:265 – Acts 5-6 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-265-acts-5-6/id1600151923?i=1000735373170) // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:  // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:  Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org  

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app Or try Online Bible College here: https://5lxiiva.pushpress.com/open/interested In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 16:25–40, one of the most powerful scenes in the Book of Acts. Paul and Silas are beaten, imprisoned, and placed in stocks — yet at midnight they are praying and singing hymns to God. What happens next changes everything. In this teaching, we explore: Why gratitude and praise must become a lifestyle — not just a reaction The power of worship in the middle of suffering How God uses faithful praise to impact others The dramatic conversion of the Philippian jailer “What must I do to be saved?” — the simplicity of the gospel Why Paul confronted the magistrates about their unlawful beating What this passage teaches about how Christians should respond to political authority and injustice If you're walking through difficulty, wrestling with injustice, or wondering how your faith impacts those around you, this passage is for you. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible commentary. #Acts16 #BibleStudy #PraiseInHardTimes #Gratitude #ChristianLiving #PaulAndSilas #Salvation #BiblicalWorldview #ChristianPodcast

This message is from our "Acts" series.The book of Acts tells the story of the gospel advancing from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. As we walk through this missional narrative together, our prayer is that God would breathe fresh wind into our sails—motivating and inspiring us to join Him in the work He's still doing today.Crosspoint City is one church in multiple locations and we exist to relentlessly pursue those far from God to help them know and follow Jesus. To help support this mission and work, visit https://mycpcc.com/giveSTAY CONNECTED:Facebook: https://mycpcc.com/facebookInstagram: https://mycpcc.com/instagramTiktok: https://mycpcc.com/tiktok

After years of hindrances, false accusations, shipwrecks, and chains, Paul finally arrives in Rome — not as a free man, but as a prisoner of Christ. In this message, Dr. John shows how God's purposes are never derailed by difficult circumstances, and how Paul wastes no time before beginning his mission in the heart of the empire. A stirring look at what it means to trust Christ more than your circumstances.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

This week, we considered the importance of gathering together, along with other practices of the New Testament church in the book of Acts.  Please visit: https://linktr.ee/aoxnow for scripture guides and more resources. 

Prayer is more than a moment.It's more than a routine.Prayer is how the church lives.In this message, “What Happens When You're Serious About Prayer,” we walk through the book of Acts and see how the early church made prayer central to everything they did. From the very beginning, believers gathered with one heart and one voice, seeking God together and depending on Him in every circumstance.The early church didn't treat prayer as an afterthought. It was the place where their unity was strengthened, where they continually received power from God, and where they found courage to keep proclaiming Jesus even in the face of opposition.In this sermon, you'll hear about:How prayer unified the early believersWhy prayer was the source of their power and boldnessWhat it looks like when prayer becomes our first responseHow the church prayed in uncertainty, suffering, prison, and even deathThis message challenges us to reconsider the role prayer plays in our lives—and asks a searching question:Is prayer our last resort, or our first response?Because the early church didn't just believe in prayer.They built their lives around it.

In Acts 16:16-40, Dave Cover explains why knowing the true God equips us to recognize and resist the influence of the cultural gods that surround us. This sermon is part of our 2026 sermon series, "Acts 13-17: Revival & Resistance." Who is Jesus? What does he care about? How should his followers interact with the world around them? The book of Acts carries on the story of life with God, illustrating what it means to build his church and experience him through his people.  Want a refresher on Acts 1-12? Check out The Crossing's 2023 sermon series: "Acts: Belonging to a Mission". Interested in more content to help you experience God in 2026? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter. Every Friday, you'll get new resources to help you grow in your faith and a first look at what to expect on Sunday, delivered right to your inbox. Get connected at The Crossing! When you sign up for Crossing Update, you'll get a text message every Sunday morning with the new ways to get involved at the church. You can also find the latest information about events on The Crossing's website. 

Ron and Nick talk about Ron's granddaughter getting her "ears" turned on, continue and fill out more about Brief Intervention Therapy sessions, answer a question about divorce and continue their bible study through the book of Acts.Join Us EVERY DAYDaily 7A The Movement Launch Meeting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Launch Code⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (click here to join zoom meeting)5 minutes to light the fuseHear from GodRemember who we areReceive blessingGo change the world

Life rarely unfolds the way we plan — and Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta is proof of that. In this message, Dr. John traces how Paul, freshly washed ashore as a survivor, immediately began looking for ways to serve and share the gospel. A convicting look at what it means to see the hand of God in every unexpected twist — and seize it.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

Church shouldn't be boring. And, the book of the Acts is proof of that. In every generation of the church, people have rediscovered the story of the early church as it's told in the book of Acts—and it has set the church on fire. In a cultural moment where the church is in decline, we want to read the book of Acts page by page and highlight moments that have the potential to renew the church in our time. We don't just want to read stories from Acts, we want to live them. If that's what you want and you're just curious about faith, join us for Season 4 of Highlights from Acts.

2/22/26 - The Book of Acts Pt 32: Learning to Live with God - Pastor Jim Baker by Zion Christian Fellowship

In this sermon, Pastor Scott preached from Acts 3:11-26. After a man who had been lame from birth is miraculously healed, a crowd gathers in amazement and begins looking at Peter and John like they are the heroes. But Peter quickly redirects their attention and makes it clear that the miracle isn't about them, but about Jesus. This passage reminds us that EVERYTHING, not just this story or the book of Acts, or even the Bible, is ultimately about Jesus. Check out this sermon to learn more.

The Book of Acts invites us into the incredible story of how Jesus began building His church through ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Riots & Revivals, we'll follow their journey from fear to bold faith—where miracles happen, lives are changed, and the message of Jesus turns the world upside down.

In this episode, we explore a powerful moment from the Book of Acts where the Apostle Paul shows what it means to choose love over outrage. Through persecution, false accusations, and conflict, Paul demonstrates how followers of Jesus can respond with grace, courage, and truth in a divided world.

Pastor James continues our series, Gather to Go, walking through the book of Acts. This week we looked at Acts 2:1-13 and saw that God sent His Spirit so that we could have His presence to be His people living out His purposes in all places.

This week, Pastor Jeff continues a series in the book of Acts named ACTS: The Mission of God is Our Mission. The next message in the series is based in Acts 16:11-40 and is entitled "Conversion." The main idea of the sermon is: As the gospel is courageously proclaimed in Phillipi, conversions take place and the church is established.———————— Connect with Us: Website: parkwoodonline.org Facebook: facebook.com/parkwoodonline Instagram: instagram.com/parkwoodonline.org Check out more resources and sermons online at: parkwoodonline.org

From Sunday 8 March 2026 Dr. Tim Beougher continues the sermon series from The Book of Acts with a message titled "The Sequel" Acts 1:1-5fbcmw.org

Text: Acts 18:1-3  A sermon from our Sunday night series through the book of Acts

In today's episode, we're getting real about what it actually looks like to live on mission with your spouse — not just talk about it, but truly build a marriage centered on the Kingdom of God. But before we dive deep, we're starting with some hilarious (and slightly dramatic) marriage fight stories — because let's be honest… marriage isn't always easy.

What are the different views about signs and wonders? Do miraculous gifts still exist today? Can the Church disagree about this and still be unified? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 5:12-16 and explains the spectrum of convictions within the Church about the miraculous gifts (healing, tongues, prophecy), from cessationism to continuationism. Then, Executive Director of Watermark Health, Christy Chermak, joins to discuss how followers of Jesus can have a good theology of healing. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 1 Corinthians 12-14; 2 Corinthians 12: 12; Hebrews 2: 3-4; 1 Corinthians 13: 8-10; Acts 2: 16-21; James 5: 14-16; 1 Corinthians 14: 1; 1 Thessalonians 5: 21; Revelation 21: 4; Romans 8: 19-24 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  S4:265 – Acts 5-6 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-265-acts-5-6/id1600151923?i=1000735373170) S4:283 – 1 Corinthians 12-16 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-283-1-corinthians-12-16/id1600151923?i=1000738504112) // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: How to remain unified when others in the Church believe differently? (https://www.watermark.org/blog/agree-to-disagree-how-to-handle-essentials-convictions-opinions) Watermark message about the miraculous gifts: (https://www.watermark.org/message/10670-the-gifts-of-tongues-prophecy-and-healing-1-corinthians-14)  // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:  Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org 

Can We Derive Doctrine from Bible Stories?Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. BernardNearly 60 percent of the Bible is written in narrative form. Instead of presenting theology in systematic outlines, Scripture often teaches through stories, especially in books such as Acts. But can doctrine be established from these narratives?In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a foundational question of biblical interpretation: How do we distinguish between what is merely descriptive in Scripture and what is prescriptive for the church today?Referencing his book Understanding God's Word, Dr. Bernard challenges the common Western assumption that the propositional teaching of the Epistles carries more theological authority than the examples recorded in Acts. He explains why narrative passages are not secondary theology and why the practices of the early church matter for doctrine.With biblical clarity, Dr. Bernard explores how to properly interpret Scripture and why the example of the early church remains essential for believers today.This episode is a thoughtful and practical guide for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of hermeneutics, apostolic doctrine, and the authority of Scripture.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.