Podcast appearances and mentions of christ acts

IntroductionStephen's trial draws to a conclusion. We are confronted with the hardship of living in a sin-cursed world. Stephen is doing everything right. He is faithful to the Lord. He speaks the truth. He boldly proclaims Christ. The apostles' faithfulness has been rewarded with thousands of converts. One would think that this is going to be the trend. Stephen tells us otherwise. Stephen is faithful, and his reward is rejection, being dragged outside the city, and killed.We are moved to a question: What do we do with a gospel like this? We might second-guess and ask, should Stephen have backed off? Should he have softened his message? Should he have simply swept Christ under the carpet so that he could preserve his life?This narrative forces us to question: Is Jesus really essential to the Christian life, or is he something we can make optional when following him becomes difficult? We see in Acts 7 that Christ is not optional. We need Christ because our own righteousness will never be enough. And what we discover in Stephen's death is that earthly suffering does not mean Christ has abandoned his people. In fact, Christ is standing in heaven. He is not taking a passive stance, but an active stance in advancing his gospel despite this setback.The Contrasted Perspectives: Stephen and the MobThe first thing we see is the contrast between Stephen and the crowd. Stephen has just laid out the history of God's covenant interaction with Israel. His summary is that God is faithful and his people have been unfaithful. The crowd is furious. They are shouting, grinding their teeth, covering their ears, and eventually rushing him as a group. Stephen has called them "uncircumcised in heart and ears." The crowd only confirms his indictment. They cover their ears, they refuse to listen, and they refuse to evaluate their own history. They are physically demonstrating fruits that prove Stephen's accusation. They have decided that they know the truth, they know their theology, they know their system, and they are not going to listen to anything that challenges it. We are reminded to be careful when we are so certain.How do we know when to be certain and when to repent? The real issue is Christ. Stephen is not saying that Moses was unimportant or that God's covenant dealings with Israel were meaningless. He is showing that all of these things were pointing beyond themselves to Christ. The law reveals the holiness of God, and it exposes our inability to meet that holiness by our own efforts. The administration given through Moses points us toward the greater reality that comes in Jesus Christ. If we think we can stand before God on the basis of our own accomplishments, we will end up aligned with the crowd. We need Christ. Christ is not optional. We need to take his yoke upon us because there is no other way to life. He is the proper successor to Moses.The ultimate contrast is that as the crowd accuses Stephen, he receives vindication. Luke tells us, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looks up and sees heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. The very Christ whom they rejected, the Christ whom they killed, is standing in glory. Stephen sees the risen and vindicated messiah advocating on his behalf.A Contradictory Profession of FaithThis leads us to the second thing we see: Stephen's profession of faith stands in direct contradiction to the profession of the mob. Political wisdom might have told Stephen to keep his mouth shut. Sometimes silence is golden. They are already angry, and Stephen has every reason to know that saying more is not going to make things better. But Stephen is overwhelmed by the Spirit, and he says, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."Stephen's testimony is very important. Stephen is identifying Jesus as the Son of Man, the Messiah, the one Daniel 7 points us toward. The very man whom they had rejected and killed is now standing in the glory of heaven. And notice that Christ is standing. Normally we think of Christ seated at the right hand of God (Psalm 110), enthroned in glory. But here he stands. The picture is not of a passive Savior who has gone to heaven and simply watches what happens to his people. Christ is active. He is ruling. He sees Stephen. He knows what is happening. Stephen may look abandoned from an earthly perspective, but heaven tells us that Christ is active in his rule.The crowd thinks they are judging Stephen, but Stephen has already been vindicated by Christ. They want to put down a dangerous heretic, but Stephen bears witness to the reality that they did kill the messiah. This communicates the complexity of a fallen world. We might think that our current circumstances mean we are bearing the weight of our sin. However, we might be part of the bigger picture. We need to see that our hope is not found in our circumstances, our reputation, or our earthly success. Our hope is found in the risen Christ who stands at the right hand of God. We might not always understand why history unravels the way it does, but we know that Christ is standing as our shepherd-king.The Contrasted VictoriesThe world will view Stephen's death as an absolute failure. Stephen is dragged outside the city and executed. The crowd gets what it wants. The Sanhedrin does not stop them. A man who faithfully preached Christ is dead. If we were simply looking at the circumstances, we might ask, "Where is the victory?"But Luke is showing us something much bigger. Stephen's death identifies him with Christ. Stephen is now experiencing exactly what Christ said would happen. He is cast outside the city, just as Christ was rejected and cast out (Luke 4:29). And even in his death, Stephen echoes the posture of his Savior. He asks the Lord not to hold this sin against them, and he entrusts his spirit to Christ (Acts 7:59-60; cf. Luke 23:34, 46). There is no bitterness here. There is confidence. Stephen knows that death does not have the final word. He is passing from this life into the presence of the Lord who is standing at the right hand of God.And then Luke gives us another remarkable detail: Saul is there. Stephen's outer garment is laid at Saul's feet. This tells us that Saul has authority and could stop it. He might not give the order, but he approves of this execution. This is the man who goes to ravage the church.The Lord's victory still shines through. The persecution drives the gospel to Samaria. Saul will become one of the most aggressive missionaries in the early church. Ironically, this man will have a passion to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. We see that Christ is still ruling in the midst of what appears to be a setback.That is the irony of the Christian life. The Lord does not promise that faithfulness will always produce earthly comfort. Sometimes obedience hurts. Sometimes faithfulness costs us something. Sometimes the church appears to be losing. But Christ is not passive. He is standing and ruling over history. The gospel advances despite what appears to be a huge setback.ConclusionShould Stephen have watered down Christ's significance? Should he have made Christ less central? Should he have treated Jesus as something optional?No. Because Christ is Lord. Stephen sees him standing in heaven. And that is what gives Stephen confidence in the middle of suffering. The world may say that Stephen is the loser, that he was a fool for being so committed to Christ, that he should have kept his mouth shut. But Stephen knows something the mob does not know. His life is not ultimately defined by what happens to him in this age. His life is defined by Jesus Christ, and his certainty is guaranteed in Christ.And that is our hope as well. We live in a sinful world, and God's redemptive purposes often work themselves out in ways that are not pretty or comfortable. But Christ is not passive. He is standing in the glory of heaven. He is ruling, defending, protecting, and advancing his church. And even when we cannot see how he is doing it, Christ is still at work.Stephen's confidence was not in Stephen. It was in Christ. His hope was not that this life would turn out in victory. His hope was that Christ would shepherd him through this life and into the life to come. And so when we find ourselves facing suffering, opposition, disappointment, or things that simply do not make sense, we remember where our hope is. It is not in ourselves. It is in Jesus Christ. We are assured that taking the yoke of Christ is not tyranny. It is life. And because Christ has made us his own, we can press forward with confidence in his power.Our life is found in Christ. Therefore, let us press forward, trusting him, even when faithfulness is costly, because Christ Jesus has made us his own.

Text: Acts 8:25-40 After an incredible evangelistic moment, God calls Philip to go to a desert road. This is a surprising move, but Philip is obedient. On that road, Philip meets an Ethiopian Eunuch, a man who ran the royal treasury. This is a fascinating moment in the history of the church. What is most notable is that, despite being an outsider, the man also seemed to be a devoted believer. As we see how God works through Philip, it is clear that God is the one who calls, redeems, and makes new the new believer. Philip is simply being obedient to God in this. This is incredibly encouraging for us.

Living as a disciple (true believer) of Jesus Christ means we must live on purpose and with intention to fulfill the mission He has given us. Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Acts 1:8; Romans 12:20)!

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Acts | Encountered the Risen Christ | Acts 9In today's sermon, pastor Joanne DiLeo discusses the conversion of Saul and how the Spirit of Christ stirred his spirit to get to know God. He was regenerated in the spirit. 

Against the Demonic Domestication of Christ (Acts 16:16-24) | 072626 by One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church

Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app/subscribe Shop "Cut to the Heart" apparel: https://cut2theheart.com In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse study through Acts 6–7, following the appointment of the seven servants, the powerful ministry of Stephen, and his bold defense before the Jewish council. Stephen's sermon traces Israel's history, revealing God's faithfulness and exposing the people's repeated rejection of His messengers—culminating in their rejection of Jesus Christ. In this study, we discuss: Why the seven servants were appointed to meet practical needs Stephen's wisdom, faith, and power in ministry The accusations brought against Stephen How Stephen uses Israel's history to point to Christ Israel's repeated rejection of God's prophets and deliverers Stephen's rebuke of hardened hearts resisting the Holy Spirit Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God The first Christian martyr and what his death teaches believers today Acts 6–7 reminds us that faithful obedience to Christ often brings opposition, but God's servants are called to proclaim the truth with courage regardless of the cost. Stephen's life and death challenge us to stand firm in the gospel, trust God's sovereign plan, and remain faithful even in the face of persecution. Watch, listen, and grow in your faith — and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, podcast discussions, and biblical commentary.

Jesus Christ, through Peter, heals Aeneas and raises Dorcas back to life. The miraculous power of Jesus points us toward His ultimate healing, of saving sinners to everlasting life. Jesus is alive, He is the Head of His Church, no one is too far gone from His healing power, and He is indeed making all things new. Christians are to share what Jesus has done in their life, so that others would turn to Him.

Introduction: The Great ReversalThe book of Acts shows us that God has a sense of humor. There are parts when you laugh, and then you weep at the same time. Here we find Peter and John. These are blue-collar fishermen with no formal rabbinic training. They are not trained in rhetoric or any fancy talk. They are called to stand before the rulers, or Israel's ruling council. These are men who know how to mend nets, not argue fine points of Torah. And yet the God who chose a stuttering shepherd to confront Pharaoh now places these ordinary men before the extraordinary powers of Jerusalem.The religious elite thought they had solved their Jesus problem by crucifying him. "Sacrifice the one, save the nation," Caiaphas had calculated. But now that "one" has risen, and his followers are standing in Solomon's Portico proclaiming Christ and healing people, they have to see that their plan failed. Luke reports that five thousand converts were saved that day. The Sanhedrin had a plan, but their plan did not rule the universe.The Arrest (When the Gospel Offends Everyone)The gospel is an equal opportunity offender. The Sadducees we could label as the religious liberals who denied the supernatural. They are offended because Peter proclaims resurrection.The Pharisees, whom we could classify as the religious conservatives obsessed with purity, are offended because this crucified criminal is being declared the Messiah.The gospel cuts across our categories. It challenges the conservative tendency to control God's work ("He must operate within our parameters") and the liberal tendency to domesticate God's work ("Surely he doesn't actually intervene in history").But notice the apostles' posture. Their goal is not to offend both sides. They're simply asking: "How do we glorify Christ?" When your gaze is fixed on Jesus, you become simultaneously more courageous and more humble. You speak clearly without being condescending, boldly without being arrogant. The preaching of the Gospel is a key that truly opens and closes the kingdom of God by God's power.The Defense (The Spirit's Apologetic)Peter opens his mouth, and something unexpected happens. This is the same Peter who choked in a servant girl's presence, and who denied Christ three times. In fact, Peter opened his mouth once, and Christ said, “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter is the last man you want holding the microphone when you are under pressure.But now, "filled with the Holy Spirit," he delivers a masterful defense that shocks the Jewish council.He doesn't hide behind theological nuances. He names "Jesus of Nazareth” as the messiah. Yes, the town of Nazareth is a humble town. The leaders do not see this as symbolizing Christ's humility, but as a way to discredit Christ's messianic credentials. After all, nothing good comes from Nazareth. (John 1:46)Peter identifies Jesus of Nazareth, but also accuses the leaders when he exclaims, "You crucified him." But he doesn't stop there. He proclaims the great reversal: God raised him. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The new Christian temple is built around and in Christ.This is the heart of Christian apologetics. It's about Spirit-empowered testimony to the person of Christ, "Apart from him, there is no salvation.” Jesus alone has defeated death. He alone can make the broken whole. He alone is the great healer.The Dilemma (When Evidence Isn't Enough)The Sanhedrin's response is almost tragically comical. They can't deny the miracle that has transpired. The crippled man is standing right there, "holding fast to Peter and John." Five thousand new believers aren't exactly subtle. So what do they do? They try to suppress the message. "Stop speaking in this name."Notice the logic: they assume the gospel's power depends on its messengers. Silence the apostles, and the movement dies. They fail to see that the message itself has power. Christ works through his message. They fail to see that what they sought to destroy God raised. We might think that Christ has abandoned his people. However, this is the living Christ, reigning from heaven, building his church through his Spirit. Clearly, Christ's promise in Luke 21:15 is confirmed, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom.”Peter's response is both respectful and unmovable: "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." The apostles will not and cannot deny who sent them. The gospel spreads not through political maneuvering but through ordinary people who have encountered the extraordinary grace of Jesus. The leaders should take on the yoke of Christ.Conclusion: Who Do You Say That He Is?The narrative leaves us with the same question Jesus once asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" The crippled beggar wasn't merely healed, but he was "saved.” He was made whole, completed in Christ. This is the offer: not just a better life, but a new life.The religious leaders saw Jesus as a problem to be managed. The apostles saw him as the Savior to be proclaimed and embraced. We are called to clearly see Christ and take his yoke upon us. Do you see him as your Lord? The same power that made the lame man walk is the same power to give us true life and communion with God. Take hold of Christ. Find your wholeness in him.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Ten and Verse Thirty Six

In this sermon, Pastor Jake unpacks Revelation 14:6–13 as a discipleship manual for life in a culture drunk on self-worship. Revelation, from the Greek apokalypsis—“unveiling” (Revelation 1:1)—is shown not merely as an end-times roadmap, but as God's revelation of heavenly reality breaking into everyday life.Walking through Revelation 13–14, this message contrasts the deceptive “unholy trinity” of dragon, sea beast, and land beast (Revelation 12–13) with the “eternal gospel” proclaimed by an angel in mid-heaven (Revelation 14:6–7; Matthew 24:14). You'll see how modern idols of autonomy, comfort, and success mirror the seductions of Babylon—a symbol for every culture that builds its own kingdom in defiance of God (Revelation 14:8; 17–18; Genesis 11:1–9; Jeremiah 51:6–8).Key themes include:The Eternal Gospel & Coming JudgmentThe angel's global call: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come” (Revelation 14:7; Acts 17:30–31; Hebrews 9:27).Judgment spoken as certain and imminent, underscoring God's mercy in warning (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16–18).Babylon's Wine & the Dragon's Wrath“The maddening wine of her adulteries” (Revelation 14:8; 17:2) as a picture of seductive passion (thumos) that is actually wrath in disguise (Revelation 12:12).How cultural norms around money, sex, power, and achievement quietly reshape our worship (Romans 1:21–25; 1 John 2:15–17).Allegiance, Worship, and Everyday LifeBabylon as a worship category, not an income bracket (Matthew 6:19–24; Luke 4:5–8).Redeemed success: the same “pearls and gold” that corrupt Babylon adorn the New Jerusalem when used for God's glory (Revelation 18; 21:18–21).Bold Witness in “Midair”The angel's visible, audible witness (Revelation 14:6) as a picture of the church as “a city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14–16; Philippians 2:14–16).Practical boldness: sharing your story, praying for others, and living publicly for Christ (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:29–31).Patient Endurance & Spirit-Empowered Faithfulness“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God” (Revelation 14:12; Revelation 1:9; 13:10).The blessing over those who “die in the Lord” and finish their race well (Revelation 14:13; 2 Timothy 4:7–8; Matthew 24:13).How simple, ongoing obedience opens our ears to the Spirit's voice (John 14:15–17; Galatians 5:16–25).The message closes with a clear invitation to transfer your allegiance from the doomed city of Babylon to the eternal kingdom of the Lamb (Revelation 17–19; 21–22), trusting the One who loved you and gave Himself for you (Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20).

Pastor Eric Parker

lincolnsquarepres.org

Christ United Sermon Series - Sanctuary May 24 - Seven Next Words of Christ Acts 1:6-11 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama 

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong May 24 - Seven Next Words of Christ Acts 1:6-11 ~ Rev. Rob Couch Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Christ United Sermon Series - Sanctuary May 24 - Seven Next Words of Christ Acts 1:6-11 ~ Rev. Brian Hasty Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama 

Christ United Sermon Series - NewSong May 24 - Seven Next Words of Christ Acts 1:6-11 ~ Rev. Rob Couch Christ United Church Mobile, Alabama

Main Idea: Give Christ the Nations as the Reward of His SufferingText: Genesis 11:1–9Outline:1. Mankind in Rebellion (vv. 1–4)2. God in Control (vv. 5–9)3. Nations in Christ (Acts 2:1–11)

Message from David Wojnicki on May 17, 2026

Sermon for The Ascension of Our Lord (A) Thursday, 14 May A+D 2026 Rev. Matthew D. Ruesch

Reading Acts 7:44-50 where Stephen tells his hearers that God is not contained in places built by human hands, so that they would see God had come in the person and work of Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

 Listen here.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Nine and Verse Twenty

Can God Use Someone With My Past? — Introducing the Book of EphesiansHave you ever felt like what you've done — or who you've been — puts you beyond the reach of God's purpose? This opening episode of our Ephesians series begins not with a doctrine, but with a life: Saul of Tarsus, the most dangerous enemy the early church ever faced, and the God who stopped him cold on the road to Damascus.In this episode, Pastor Roderick Webster covers:The education, zeal, and anti-Christian mission of Saul of TarsusThe Damascus road encounter that brought him face-to-face with the risen Christ (Acts 9 | KJV)Paul's desert season in Arabia and his ministry launch in AntiochHow Paul planted and pastored the church at Ephesus — and his tearful farewell to its elders (Acts 20 | KJV)A first look at Ephesians 1:1–5 (KJV) and the spiritual blessings every believer possesses in Christ

With the eyes of faith we see Jesus Christ keeping his promise, his people, and his plans even when the times are confusing and the opposition is real. We must not place our hopes on good circumstances, nor put our confidence in the acceptance of men. We trust in the keeping power and grace of Christ and press on by faith. He is trustworthy and good. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

The Spirit of Christ's word ministry is how we can continue to live boldly for Christ amid adversity.

New Life Haverhill

New Life Haverhill

January 25, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 19:27-30Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 1:1-21; Romans 14:1-23“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Has anyone ever made such a complete 180-degree turn in life as St. Paul? Writing to Pastor Timothy, St. Paul confesses, “formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” of the Christian faith (1 Timothy 1:13). He lists “persecutor of the church” as one of his bonafide to prove his zeal in the flesh (Philippians 3:6). He presided over the murder of the first martyr, St. Stephen (Acts 7:58). It took a miraculous appearance from the risen Lord Jesus Christ in His glory to convert Saul, to pick him up from the Damascus road, and turn him from the way of death to the way of life. Blinded by the light, Saul fasted and prayed until God sent him a minister to baptize him, absolve him, and feed him. No one converts themselves, after all. St. Saul didn't opt for a quiet life of faith. Following his conversion, the book of Acts says, “Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ” (Acts 9:22).St. Saul (later known as St. Paul) was the first to preach Jesus in many places during his several missionary journeys. But he also bears another peculiar distinction that explains his new zeal for preaching—he was the last eyewitness of the resurrection. After rattling off some other witnesses, he tells the Church at Corinth, “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:8). That's the way things run in the kingdom of God. “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Although St. Matthew wrote these words of Jesus, St. Paul personified them. “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:9-10a).Your conversion may not have been as noteworthy as St. Paul's; in fact, it may have just been a splash of water on your forehead with a few dozen people looking on. But God's grace is never in vain, and by His grace you are what you are: a child of God and a fellow saint with St. Paul.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Author: Rev. Jacob Ehrhard, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

What is the church really? Pastor Heath Lambert explains that the church isn't a building or a place - it's the blood-bought people of Jesus, both local and global, identified with Christ and accomplishing His purposes in the world. This foundational teaching clarifies what most Christians misunderstand.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:40 - Most Christians would stumble on this answer1:46 - The short answer begins with Jesus1:56 - Titus 2:14: Jesus purified a people for Himself2:42 - The church is the people of Jesus3:27 - The church as an organic group, not a building3:49 - 1 Corinthians 1:2: Two ways to talk about the church4:35 - The local church in a specific place4:59 - The global church in every place5:56 - The church is identified with Jesus6:12 - Acts 9:4: Persecuting the church is persecuting Jesus7:24 - The church as the body of Christ7:46 - Other metaphors: Bride, vine and branches8:24 - The church accomplishes Jesus's purposes8:42 - Ephesians 3:10: Making God's wisdom known9:16 - 1 Timothy 3:15: Pillar and buttress of truthKey Topics Covered- Common Misunderstandings - Why most Christians can't properly define the church- Jesus as Starting Point - Titus 2:14 and the foundation of the church- Blood-Bought People - Those redeemed from lawlessness who trust in Christ- Not a Building - Why the church is people, not places or structures- Two Dimensions - Local assemblies and the global body of believers- Local Church - Believers gathering in a specific geographic location- Global Church - All believers across the world in every place- Identified with Christ - Acts 9:4 showing Jesus's unity with His people- Body of Christ - The church as Christ's organism in the world- Bride of Christ - The marriage metaphor showing intimate unity- Vine and Branches - Jesus as source, church dependent on Him- Accomplishing His Purposes - How Jesus works through the church today- Pillar of Truth - The church as God's means of proclaiming truth to the worldScripture ReferencesTitus 2:14 - Jesus purified a people for His own possession1 Corinthians 1:2 - The church locally and globallyActs 9:4 - Saul persecuting Jesus by persecuting the churchEphesians 3:10 - God's wisdom made known through the church1 Timothy 3:15 - The church as pillar and buttress of truthAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsLike this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how understanding the church as people rather than a place changes your perspective.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

The Widening Witness of Christ (Acts 8:4-8; 26-40) | 011126 by One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church

Class 4 from this series was used in GCT Episode 381.

We see that our whole salvation and all its parts are found in Christ [Acts 4:12]. We should therefore take care not to derive it from anywhere else. If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is “of him” [1 Cor 1:30]. If we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, in his anointing. If we seek strength, in his power; if purity, in his conception; if gentleness, in his birth. If we seek redemption, it lies in his suffering and death; if acquittal, in his condemnation; if remission of the curse, in his cross [Gal 3:13]; if satisfaction, in his sacrifice; if purification, in his blood; if reconciliation, in his death; if killing of sin, in his tomb; if newness of life and immortality, in his resurrection; if inheritance of the Heavenly Kingdom, in his entrance into heaven; if protection, if security, if abundant supply of all blessings, in his Kingdom; if untroubled expectation of judgment, in the power given to him to judge. In short, since rich store of every kind of good abounds in him, let us drink our fill from this fountain, and from no other. (John Calvin, Institutes, 2.16.19)

Stephen was a man who glorified Christ in life and death. His martyrdom gives testimony to the power of Christ to change people and to set them on a path of faithfulness to the end. Today, as we consider the death of Stephen, let us consecrate our lives to Christ that he may be glorified in all things. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

Paul Arrested and Bound for the Cause of Christ | Acts 21:17-40 | 5 November 2025 - Wednesday Evening | Dr. Brad Weniger, Pastor

While awaiting a decision on his case, Paul was presented an opportunity when the governor, Felix, "sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ." (Acts 24:24) Luke records that Paul "reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come" (v. 25).

The preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ is met with both unbelief and belief. Unbelief in Jesus is more than indifference, it is opposition to him. Genuine belief in Jesus leads to faithfulness to him. Acts 4 exposes unbelief and calls for repentance. It also shows the kind of thinking and praying that keeps us boldly believing and proclaiming him. Grace Community Church exists to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. One of the ways that we pursue this mission is by gathering each Sunday for corporate worship, prayer, and biblical teaching. The corporate nature of this gathering is both edifying to the believer and a witness of God's grace to the world. Sermon speaker is Scott Patty unless otherwise noted.

Jonathan Latham

The Holy Spirit is more than a presence—He is an active helper, teacher, and guide in the life of every believer. In this episode, the preacher explores five powerful ways the Spirit transforms our walk with God. He teaches us, giving wisdom and understanding beyond our own ability (John 14:26; Mark 13:11). He reminds us of God's Word, bringing truth back to our hearts at just the right moment (John 14:26). He guides us, leading us along the right path and showing us where to go (Isaiah 30:20–21; Acts 16:6,9). He provides, meeting our needs and empowering us for God's work. And He convicts, aligning our hearts with truth and drawing us closer to Christ (Acts 2:3). This episode will encourage, equip, and inspire you to recognize and respond to the Spirit's leading in everyday life, deepening your faith and strengthening your journey with God.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Four and Verse Ten

Sunday Service (9/14/25) // In light of the Charlie Kirk Assassination // Acts 28: 30-31 (ESV) // 30 He (Paul) lived there two whole years at his own expense,[a] and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.Visit our website: https://mbchicago.orgFollow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & othersTo support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...#DanielBatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #BibleStudy #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #church #sermononline #chicago #scripture #verses #lessons #explained #sermon #sermons #newtestament #oldtestament #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #versebyverse #chapterbychapter #bookbybook #charliekirk #charlie

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Three and Verse Twenty

Morse was the son of a Protestant minister and a struggling painter of landscapes. In the 1820s, he made a meager living as a limner—“an itinerant painter” of colonial America. But his was a life God led in another direction. Morse also had an interest in science. He learned about electromagnets, conceiving an idea that would change the world. In 1832, Samuel F. B. Morse conceived the idea of an electric telegraph and later went on to make the first working telegraph. Probably the most dramatic biblical account of “career change” was that of Saul, who was “breathing out murderous threats” against believers in Christ (Acts 9:1). Jesus appeared to him in a great light (v. 3) saying that Saul was persecuting Him. Essentially, Saul was told to stop because he was under new orders now (v. 6). Saul did a U-turn in his life and assumed a new identity in Christ as the apostle who would eventually spread the gospel wherever he went. Sometimes what we think is our future really isn’t. God leads us in another direction. Perhaps He needs to call us out of our sin. Or maybe it’s a change of ministry or vocation. When God redirects our lives, we do well to stop what we’re doing and follow our new orders. And as our new path opens before us, we might just echo the joy of the first dot-and-dash message of Morse’s telegraph: “What hath God wrought!”

Big Idea: To live sent with our feet, we must first focus our eyes on Christ 1. Creation is focused on Christ (Col 1:15-16) 2. The Father's love is focused on Christ (Mk 1:9-11, Jn 3:35, 10:17, 17:22-26) 3. The Spirit's ministry is focused on Christ (Jn 14:26, 16:13-14) 4. The Bible's message is focused on Christ (Jn 5:39-40, Lk 24:26-27) 5. The founding and authority of the church is focused on Christ (Col 1:18, Eph 1:22-23, 2:19-21) 6. Our identity is focused on Christ (Rom 6:5-8, 2 Cor 5:16-17, Gal 2:20) 7. Our future is focused on Christ (Phil 3:20-21, Tit 2:11-13, 1 Th 4:15-18) 8. Our salvation is focused on Christ (Acts 4:11-12, Col 1:13-14, Rom 5:6-9)

Follow the order of worship below along with streamed service above. Feel free to view the order online or download it here. Live-streamed service available Sundays 9am until 12:30pm CST. If you're traveling or homebound and miss that window, you can email streaming@covenantchicago.org to get a link to the service. Pentecost_080325