Podcast appearances and mentions of christ acts

SUNDAY SERMON-PASTOR NATHANThis Lord's Day we will continue our series of messages from the book of Acts. Today's message is titled: "The Ascension of Christ" Acts 1:9-11

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Mark 16:9-13 New King James Version   9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

From Sunday 20 April 2025 Pastor Jason Clark has an Easter sermon from the book of Acts. Today's message is “Let All Know for Certain that God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ” Acts 2:14-41fbcmw.org

Scripture References: Philippians 3:1-11; Acts 9:15-16; 1 Peter 3:18; John 17:3; Ephesians 2:13; Revelation 21:1-3Intro:Context: Philippians 3, Paul writing from prison.Focus on Paul's radical transformation: From Saul, the zealous persecutor who jailed/oversaw the killing of Christians, to Paul, the apostle jailed for Christ.What could cause such a complete reversal? (Think: converting core beliefs/loyalties). Paul had a direct encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9). His conversion wasn't just religious affiliation; it was a fundamental shift.Key Points:Conversion 1: From the Ladder of Legalism to the Cross of Christ (Phil 3:4-9)Paul lists his "blue-chip" credentials (circumcised, Israelite, Benjamin, Hebrew, Pharisee, zealous persecutor, legally righteous). He had maximum "confidence in the flesh."He counts all this previous "gain" as "loss" and "rubbish" compared to the value of knowing Christ.Contrast: The "Ladder" mentality (perform well = acceptance; fail = rejection - exemplified by the coach clip/ "American way") vs. The "Cross" reality (righteousness comes not from our works/law, but through faith in Christ's work for us).This Gospel truth needs constant repetition ("It's safe for you," v. 1) because we naturally revert to the ladder.Conversion 2: From Life FOR/FROM God to Life WITH God (Phil 3:8, 10-11)Paul's driving desire wasn't just duty for God or benefits from God, but intimacy with God: "that I may know him," "gain Christ," "be found in him."What the Gospel achieves (forgiveness, eternal life) are vital, but they are means to the ultimate end: knowing and being with God Himself.Forgiveness isn't just wiping a slate; it cleanses to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). Eternal life is knowing God (John 17:3).Analogy: Seeking spousal forgiveness – the true goal is restoring connection/relationship, not just easing guilt or getting perks.The ultimate question shifts from "Who wants benefits?" to "Who wants God?"God's Desire: Life WITH YouGod's primary goal isn't just making us morally better, but bringing us relationally closer (Eph 2:13). He desires communion.Consider God's attractiveness: Humble (Incarnation), Serving, Loving (sacrificially), Redemptive (meaning in suffering), Powerful (Resurrection).Does God want me, even knowing my failures? The Cross is the definitive YES. He takes us "as is," confident in His power to heal and restore. He sees, knows, loves, moves towards you.All history points toward God dwelling with His people (Rev 21:3).Conclusion:These conversions—rejecting legalism for grace, shifting from performance/benefits to relationship—aren't one-time decisions but ongoing processes.We continually need to recognize the "ladder" in our hearts and choose the Cross, choose life with Him.Call to Action:Acknowledge the need for these conversions again today.Consciously choose the Cross over the ladder.Seek life with God, not just for Him or from Him. Recognize His desire for you.Remain in His love (Jude 21) – that relational space is where you truly belong, wherever you go. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Acts 4:1-22

The episode of “Strong Dads,” hosted by Merrill Hutchinson and Carl Andry, discusses the profound and multifaceted concept of grace, particularly within the context of Christian faith. The hosts share personal experiences and insights to illustrate how the understanding of grace can transform one's relationship with God and oneself. They emphasize that grace is what separates Christianity from other belief systems, challenging the prevalent works-based mentality.The Nature of Grace•Preconceived Notions: Carl begins by discussing the preconceived ideas that hinder an authentic understanding of grace. •Works vs. Grace: The hosts note that many Christians mistakenly believe they must earn God's favor through good deeds. Personal Experiences with Grace•Transformative Moments: Carl shares a pivotal moment when he realized the depth of God's grace, describing it as one of the best months of his life. •Church Dynamics: He conducted informal surveys within his church to gauge members' understanding of grace, discovering that many, like him, had misconceptions. Biblical Foundations of Grace•Law and Sin: The introduction of the law through Moses is discussed as a means to make humanity aware of sin. •Righteousness through Faith: They emphasize that righteousness comes from faith in Christ rather than adherence to the law. Contrasting Perspectives•Comparison and Judgment: The discussion touches on the human tendency to compare oneself to others, which breeds a toxic environment in churches and personal lives. •The Prodigal Son: They reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting the contrast between the grace extended to the wayward son and the resentment of the elder brother. Living in Grace•Doubt and Assurance: believers may struggle with doubts and feelings of unworthiness even after understanding grace. •The Role of Works: Carl argues that while works should naturally flow from a heart transformed by grace, they are not a means to earn salvation. Instead, good works become an expression of gratitude for what has already been received.Scriptures: Sin not imputed: 2Cor. 5:19, Romans 12-21, Romans 5:13-14Saved by faith and not by Law (works): Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 4:13-15, Heb. 8:7,Romans 5:6 Gal. 5:4Dead to the Law: Romans 7:1-11, Romans 6:14, Gal. 3:23-25 (*18,19,21) Christreleased man from bondage to the Law.Law condemned: Romans 3:19-20, 4:15, 5:20, 7:8, 7:21-25, 1Cor. 15:56, Gal. 3:10-13, Heb. 7:19, 10:1No condemnation for those under Christ: Romans 6:14 and 8:1-2Law made no man righteous: Gal. 2:16, 2:21, 3:11Law was a curse: Gal. 3:10-13We are made righteous through Christ: Acts 13:39, Romans 3:21-24, 10:4, Gal. 2:16The Law never applied to Gentiles: 1Cor. 9:21, Gal. 5:18, Eph. 1:12,15, 2:15, 1Tim.1:7-10Don't leave your first Love (grace): Gal. 3:1-5, 5:1, 5:4, 5:18Galatians 3:9-12 and 5:16-17, Romans 5:8-9, Romans 11:6, Romans 8:8-13, 2Cor5:19, Romans 14:23, 1Cor 15:56, 2Cor 3:6-9, 1John 4:18, Hebrews 7:16-19 and 8:7-13 and 10:35hhtps://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

POWER FOR TODAY is intended to equip the believers with the supernatural dimension of God, through the teaching of the unadulterated word of God

Leviticus chapters 11-15 deal with the laws of uncleanness. Chapter deals with regulations telling of “clean” and “unclean” animals (ceremonially speaking). Verses 1-23 of Leviticus 11 tell of uncleanness in relation to eating; verses 2-8 beasts of the earth; verses 9-12 creatures of the waters; verses 13-19 fowls of the air; verses 20-23 insects. Verses 24-40 speak of defilement by contact with dead bodies; verses 24-38 Defilement by the dead bodies of unclean animals. (Eight species of unclean animals that are especially defiling and whose bodies defile not only individuals but also inanimate objects on which they fall). Verses 39-40 describe the defilement of the dead bodies of the clean animals. Verses 41-47 provide a summary and an appeal for holiness. Psalm 110 is one of the greatest of the Messianic Psalms in the Psalter. It was written by David, who acted en the part of a protracted parable about the Messiah. This parable is recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 6-8. The events spoken of in 2 Samuel 8 are recorded out of chronological order. Samuel has presented the story of the Messiah's elevation to the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens; his return to earth and the subjecting of the earth during Messiah's kingdom rule. In Psalm 110 David, by the Holy Spirit, tells of these events, which were in part experienced by David. Brother Stephen Palmer spoke at the Rathmines Bible School about this Psalm. Brother Stephen showed how remarkable is the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures. Every word from the Psalm is quoted in the New Testament in a variety of contexts. The Lord Jesus uses the opening words from the Psalm to prove that he is the divine Son of God (Matthew 22 verses 41-45). Peter uses the same verses in his Pentecost address to show the authority that God has invested in His Son (Acts 2 verses 32-36). The Psalm implies that Messiah would be rejected at the hands of the Jewish leaders, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power” (co. John 1verses 10-12). The Psalm tells of the Son awaiting the Father's command to return to the Earth, “until I make thy foes thy footstool” (a fulfilling of the Abrahamic promise Genesis 22 verse 17 compare. Romans 4 verse 13). The word “UNTIL” becomes the lynchpin of the Apostolic preaching about the second coming of the Christ (Acts 3 verses 19-26). The writer to the Hebrews picks up many of these themes in their Book eg. Hebrews 1 verses 1-4. The Psalm then deals with the returned Jesus, as Judah's conquering lion, subduing the earth. One of his first great victories will be over the northern confederacy invading Israel. The word translated “head” (verse 7) is a proper noun – Rosh (speaking of Russia soon to invade Israel s the head of a mighty confederacy) – in the Hebrew language. Jesus will be a King-Priest upon his throne; after the order and type presented in Genesis 14; 2 Samuel 6-8; and Hebrews chapters 5-7. Ponder these matters and be instructed. Psalm 111 deals with the greatness of the LORD's deeds. Note verse 1 that the writer is wholehearted in his praise for the Almighty; as are all of the faithful. The LORD's deeds are splendid and a cause of wonder. Highlighted in verses 3 and 4 are His righteousness and His mercy (Romans 11 verses 22-23). Yahweh's care and His kindness are celebrated in verses 5-6. His redemptive work for His people are spoken of in Vv7-9. And the sun total of the advice for the devout faithful is told in verses 10. Read aloud slowly. Pause and ponder together with Proverbs 1 verses 2-7. Psalm 112 addresses the theme that the righteous will never be moved. The Psalm is linked to 111 as it begins where the previous Psalm finishes. Prioritise your reverence for your Sovereign. Verses 2-9 outline the benefits that flow for the faithful. It is not what we deserve, but is graciously given by God, because of who He is. And the righteous reciprocate God's love in generous acts as verse 5 tells. The Apostle Paul alludes to this verse in 2 Corinthians 8. Only the faithful will flourish; and finally the wicked will perish (Psalm 37). In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul tells of God's great work in him as an administrator of the new covenant in our Lord Jesus Christ. Unlike the Mosaic covenant that was written upon stone tablets, the new covenant is engraved on the fleshy tables of the heart. The mediator of the former covenant had to wear a veil over his face so that Israel would not perceive the transient nature of the glory which glowed every time he went in before the LORD and began fading soon after. But as believers we behold the open and glorious face of our Lord Jesus Christ and are being transformed from one level of glory to another. The transforming power of the Gospel is further developed in chapter 4. The message is unmistakable to those having ears to hear; but unintelligible to the hard hearted. The Almighty chose to reveal His power – of salvation to those who believe the gospel – through He reveals it in flawed human vessels. God does this so the transforming power is seen as His, and not from us: Romans 1 verses 16-17. The illustration Paul presents is based on the story of Gideon in Judges 7 verses 19-23. What a contrast exists between our transient light affliction and the great weight of glory reserved for believers – the Greek word for weight is identical to that of glory. Read verses Read v17-18 aloud. Pause and Ponder.

Why be bold for Jesus in a world of opposition?" This sermon explores Acts 4:1-22, highlighting how boldness for Jesus is rewarded despite opposition, empowered in times of persecution, and unimpeded by threats.For the study resources and manuscript go to VBVF.ORG

God's unmatchable power sustains His people through opposition, empowering them to respond with steadfast obedience, bold proclamation of the gospel, and joyful endurance for the sake of Christ. Speaker: Barry Usher

Title: Understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit Series: Living in the Spirit
Focus Scripture: Acts 2 Introduction * Acts 2 marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, empowering believers for ministry and revealing the person and work of the Spirit profoundly. This chapter serves as a foundation for understanding the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the church and the believer. * Objective:
To explore the Holy Spirit's identity, nature, and mission as revealed in Acts 2 and how this understanding transforms our daily walk with God. I. The Identity of the Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit as God:     * Acts 2:4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..."
The Spirit's divine nature is evident in His ability to fill believers and empower them with supernatural gifts.     * The gifts of the Holy Spirit are an extension of the person of the Holy Spirit present within us.     * The Holy Spirit is not a force but a person of the Trinity with intellect, will, and emotions - 2. The Promise of the Father:     * Acts 2:33 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.     * The Spirit fulfills the Old Testament promises     * (Joel 2:28-29) - 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. II. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 1. Empowering Believers:     * Acts 2:3-4: 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.     * The gift of diverse tongues and interpretation manifested because people of many nations/languages were gathered.     * Application: The Spirit equips us for ministry and mission, giving gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12). 2. Revealing God's Glory:     * Acts 2:11: "We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"     * The Spirit's work is always centered on glorifying God and revealing His nature to the world. 3. Convicting and Drawing People to Christ:     * Acts 2:37:  Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”     * The Spirit convicts hearts, leading people to repentance and faith (John 16:8). 4. Building Unity in the Church:     * Acts 2:44-47: 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.     * The Spirit creates a community of believers through generosity, worship, and fellowship.     * The Spirit binds believers together in one body (Ephesians 4:3) -  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. III. Living in the Spirit Today 1. Continual Filling:     * The Spirit's presence in Acts 2 wasn't a one-time event but the beginning of ongoing empowerment (Ephesians 5:18). 18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,     * Daily surrender and openness to the Spirit are essential. God's mercies are fresh and new every day. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we need fresh manna daily, 2. Boldness in Witnessing:     * Acts 2:14-41: Peter's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel came from the Spirit's power.     * Application: The Spirit emboldens us to share our faith in love and truth. 3. Transformation of Lives:     * Acts 2:42-47: 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper[a]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day, the Lord added those who were being saved to their fellowship.     * The Spirit transforms believers, resulting in worship, generosity, and a communal lifestyle.     * Personal Reflection: How is the person of the Holy Spirit transforming our hearts, habits, and relationships? Conclusion * Call to Action:     * Let's reflect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Are we yielding to His leading, seeking His filling, and walking in His power?     * Let's pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives, just as in Acts 2. * Encouragement:     * The same Spirit who moved powerfully at Pentecost is alive and at work today. He longs to empower, guide, and transform each of us into the likeness of Christ.

Acts 1:9-11 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why […] The post The Ascension of Christ (Acts 1:9-11) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

     Almost anyone can be used by the Lord to communicate divine revelation. Even a jackass can be the mouthpiece of God (Num 22:28-30). Biblically, Christians are directed to “teach and admonish one another” (Col 3:16), which shows that all believers can teach and counsel one another with the Word of God. Of course, this assumes they've been “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine” (1 Tim 4:6), are spiritually mature in their walk with the Lord (Heb 5:14), and can “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Tit 2:1). New believers are to “long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet 2:2).      Throughout Scripture, God has used various persons to communicate His Word to others for their instruction and edification. God used mothers and fathers (Deut 6:6-7; Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 1:5; 3:15),[1] wise men (Prov 13:14), noble women (Prov 31:26), older mature women (Tit 2:3), prophets (Deut 4:1; 4:5; Eph 4:11), ruling officials and Levites (2 Ch 17:7-9; Neh 8:7-8), and priests (Lev 10:11; Mal 2:7; Ezra 7:10). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul listed several communication gifts that Christ gave to His church, saying, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (Eph 4:11). This is a list of gifted men who are tasked by the Lord to provide education to Christians. Jesus gave these men to His church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature person, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). Christ gave these gifted men to His church to help Christians advance spiritually so that they, in turn, can serve others in their walk with the Lord.      In the New Testament, the apostles were entrusted not only with preaching and evangelism but also with instructing the early church in doctrine and Christian living. For example, the apostle Paul explicitly refers to himself as “a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (1 Tim 2:7). Paul's ministry involved extensive teaching, as he wrote letters to churches (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians) explaining theological doctrines, correcting misunderstandings, and guiding the believers on how to live in accordance with God's will. According to Hoehner: "The apostles include the Twelve, who had the office of apostleship by virtue of being with Christ (Acts 1:21–22) and having been appointed by Him (which would also include Paul; 1 Cor 15:8–9; Gal 1:1; 2:6–9). But “apostles” also included others who were recognized as apostles, such as James (1 Cor 15:7; Gal 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor 9:6), Andronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7), possibly Silas and Timothy (1 Th 1:1; 2:7), and Apollos (1 Cor 4:6, 9). This latter group had the gift of apostleship but not the apostolic “office” as did the Twelve and Paul. Apostles, then, were those who carried the gospel message with God's authority. “Apostle” means “one sent as an authoritative delegate.”[2]      In the New Testament, prophets were not only those who received direct revelation from God but also served as teachers of His Word. Their role involved both the foretelling of future events (Acts 11:27-28; 21:10-11) and the forth-telling or proclamation of God's truth, which included explaining and applying existing Scripture. This dual function meant that prophets acted as teachers in the early church, helping believers understand doctrine and the teachings of Christ. The role of prophets as teachers is seen in passages like 1 Corinthians, where Paul said, “One who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Cor 14:3), which were all aspects of instruction and spiritual growth. According to Chafer, “The message of the New Testament prophet is more one of forthtelling than of foretelling. He declares the message of God with exhortation and unto edification and comfort.”[3]      Prophets, by God's guidance, helped to build up the church, teaching what had already been revealed in Scripture while also giving inspired messages. Their role was critical before the completion of the New Testament, as they served as communicators of God's will and truth, similar to how teachers expound upon Scripture today. Hoehner notes, “New Testament prophets were gifts to the church to provide edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). They probably revealed God's will to the church when the biblical canon was incomplete. Since the apostles and prophets were foundational, they did not exist after the first generation of believers.”[4] Wiersbe states: "A New Testament prophet is one who proclaims the Word of God (Acts 11:28; Eph 3:5). Believers in the New Testament churches did not possess Bibles, nor was the New Testament written and completed. How, then, would these local assemblies discover God's will? His Spirit would share God's truth with those possessing the gift of prophecy. Paul suggests that the gift of prophecy had to do with understanding “all mysteries and all knowledge” (1 Cor 13:2), meaning, of course, spiritual truths. The purpose of prophecy is “edification, encouragement, and consolation” (1 Cor 14:3). Christians today do not get their spiritual knowledge immediately from the Holy Spirit, but mediately through the Spirit teaching the Word. With the Apostles, the prophets had a foundational ministry in the early church and they are not needed today (Eph 2:20)."[5]      Evangelists in the Bible were primarily focused on proclaiming the gospel and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, but their role also included teaching. Evangelists were responsible for bringing the message of salvation to unbelievers and helping new converts understand the basics of the Christian faith. In Ephesians 4:11, evangelists are among the list of communication gifts—or gifted persons—God has provided to His church. This shows that their role, like the others listed, was to build up and strengthen the church (Eph 4:12). Evangelists did not just preach a simple message of salvation; they would have needed to teach the foundational truths of the gospel and explain what it meant to live as a disciple of Christ. Philip the evangelist is a good example. In Acts 8, he not only preached the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch but also explained the meaning of Isaiah 53 and taught about Jesus (Acts 8:26-34). When the eunuch asked Philip about Isaiah 53:7-8, we're told, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him” (Acts 8:35). Philip's role in that encounter included teaching, since he had to guide the eunuch in understanding Scripture.      Pastors and teachers, as listed in Ephesians 4:11, likely refer to one person who functions in two ways.[6] Hoehner believes “they refer to two characteristics of the same person who is pastoring believers (by comforting and guiding) while at the same time instructing them in God's ways (overseers or elders are to be able to teach; 1 Tim 3:2; Tit 1:9).”[7] Daniel Wallace is correct when he states that “all pastors were to be teachers, though not all teachers were to be pastors.”[8] Concerning pastors, Wiersbe states: "Pastor means “shepherd,” indicating that the local church is a flock of sheep (Acts 20:28), and it is his responsibility to feed and lead the flock (1 Pet 5:1–4, where “elder” is another name for “pastor”). He does this by means of the Word of God, the food that nourishes the sheep. The Word is the staff that guides and disciplines the sheep. The Word of God is the local church's protection and provision, and no amount of entertainment, good fellowship, or other religious substitutes can take its place."[9] Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] The Mosaic Law instructed the parents, saying, “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up (Deut 6:6-7). The phrase, teach them diligently, translates the Hebrew verb שָׁנָן shanan, which means to engrave or chisel on stone. The verb is in the Piel stem, which makes it intensive (i.e., teach diligently). Here, the tongue of the parents is likened to a chisel they keep applying to their children's minds in order to engrave God's Word into their thinking (cf. Prov 6:20-23). Where and when was this activity of training to take place? Moses says, you “shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deut 6:7b). Sitting suggests times of rest, and walking speaks of activity. When you lie down suggests evening time, and when you rise up suggests the morning hours. These form a double merism which encompass of all of life. In this way, Deuteronomy is aimed at subsequent generations, that they might learn God's will and faithfully transmit it to their children, who will pass it along to their children, and so on. [2] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 634–635. [3] Lewis Sperry Chafer, The Ephesian Letter (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1935), 131. [4] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 635. [5] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 38. [6] The Granville Sharp rule, which is a Greek grammatical rule, states that when two singular nouns are joined by “kai” and share one article, they refer to the same person or thing. It is not likely that the Granville Sharp rule applies to this passage, since the nouns “pastors” (ποιμένας) and “teachers” (διδασκάλους) are both plural. However, it's possible that the “kai” (and) in Ephesians 4:11 could function as a hendiadys, which is a rhetorical device where two terms are used to express a single idea or a closely connected concept. In this case, “pastors and teachers” (ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους) could be understood as describing one group of people with dual functions. If this is the case, “pastors” and “teachers” would be expressing two aspects of the same role. This interpretation aligns with the idea that the primary responsibility of pastors (or shepherds) involves teaching and instructing the flock. This is reinforced by passages such as 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that an overseer (which would include a pastoral role) must be “able to teach” (διδακτικός), and Titus 1:9, which says that an elder must hold “fast the faithful word” so that he can “exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict.” [7] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 635. [8] Daniel B. Wallace, Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996), 284. [9] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2, 38.

Acts 17:1–15 paints two powerful scenes that beautifully illustrate the centrality of Scripture in the life of every believer. The first shows Paul modeling how to engage others with God's Word—reasoning, explaining, proving, and persuading. The second shows the response of people examining, receiving, and believing the Word of God. Together, these scenes teach us that delighting in God and in his Word are essential for growing in the Christian faith. The example of these early believers invites us to follow their lead and: 1. Share Christ from Scripture, 2. See Christ in Scripture, and 3. Savor Christ in All Things.

Title: Understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit Series: Living in the Spirit
Focus Scripture: Acts 2 Introduction * Acts 2 marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, empowering believers for ministry and revealing the person and work of the Spirit profoundly. This chapter serves as a foundation for understanding the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the church and the believer. * Objective:
To explore the Holy Spirit's identity, nature, and mission as revealed in Acts 2 and how this understanding transforms our daily walk with God. I. The Identity of the Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit as God:     * Acts 2:4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..."
The Spirit's divine nature is evident in His ability to fill believers and empower them with supernatural gifts.     * The gifts of the Holy Spirit are an extension of the person of the Holy Spirit present within us.     * The Holy Spirit is not a force but a person of the Trinity with intellect, will, and emotions - 2. The Promise of the Father:     * Acts 2:33 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.     * The Spirit fulfills the Old Testament promises     * (Joel 2:28-29) - 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. II. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 1. Empowering Believers:     * Acts 2:3-4: 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.     * The gift of diverse tongues and interpretation manifested because people of many nations/languages were gathered.     * Application: The Spirit equips us for ministry and mission, giving gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12). 2. Revealing God's Glory:     * Acts 2:11: "We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"     * The Spirit's work is always centered on glorifying God and revealing His nature to the world. 3. Convicting and Drawing People to Christ:     * Acts 2:37:  Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”     * The Spirit convicts hearts, leading people to repentance and faith (John 16:8). 4. Building Unity in the Church:     * Acts 2:44-47: 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.     * The Spirit creates a community of believers marked by generosity, worship, and fellowship.     * The Spirit binds believers together in one body (Ephesians 4:3) -  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. III. Living in the Spirit Today 1. Continual Filling:     * The Spirit's presence in Acts 2 wasn't a one-time event but the beginning of ongoing empowerment (Ephesians 5:18). 18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,     * Daily surrender and openness to the Spirit are essential. God's mercies are fresh and new every day. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we need fresh manna daily, 2. Boldness in Witnessing:     * Acts 2:14-41: Peter's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel came from the Spirit's power.     * Application: The Spirit emboldens us to share our faith in love and truth. 3. Transformation of Lives:     * Acts 2:42-47: 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper[a]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.     * The Spirit transforms believers, resulting in worship, generosity, and a communal lifestyle.     * Personal Reflection: How is the person of the Holy Spirit transforming our hearts, habits, and relationships? Conclusion * Call to Action:     * Let's reflect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Are we yielding to His leading, seeking His filling, and walking in His power?     * Let's pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives, just as in Acts 2.     * The same Spirit who moved powerfully at Pentecost is alive and at work today. He longs to empower, guide, and transform each of us into the likeness of Christ. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy,  Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights  Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com praisetabernacle.church  (609) 927-4560(w)

Paul’s practice pertaining to this question led to at least one political leader’s coming to Christ (Acts 17:34)!Support a Local Ministry!: https://capmin.org/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Presented by Lisa Bishop Today let's examine community. Are you a part of a Christian community? Specifically, do you regularly attend a local church? If not, you could be missing out on growing in compassion. The writer of Hebrews encourages community when he says, And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25). Community is vital to your spiritual journey. It provides the support, accountability, and encouragement to live out your faith wholistically. When we isolate ourselves, we miss the opportunity to learn from each other, share our burdens, and lift one another up. Compassion flourishes in connection. Compassion thrives in the context of relationships. When we engage with one another, we become aware of each other's struggles and needs. Without community, we become disconnected from the realities of people's lives. We may miss the chance to support a friend in crisis or comfort someone who's grieving. Compassion requires intimacy, and intimacy can only flourish when we are present and engaged. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul describes the church as a body, emphasizing that if one part suffers, every part suffers with it. When we isolate ourselves, we can easily become indifferent and insensitive to the pain of others. But when we are part of a community, we share in each other's joys and sorrows. This shared experience fosters empathy and compassion, reminding us that we are all interconnected in the body of Christ. In community, we can confront our biases and fears that hinder our compassion. The early church exemplified what it meant to live in community. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Their love for one another was evident, and it drew others to Christ (Acts 2:42-47). If you are not part of a local Christian community, can I encourage you to find a church near you that is committed to the truth of God's word and growing in the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Lack of community can hinder compassion but when we intentionally engage with one another, we grow in love and empathy, allowing us to better reflect Christ's heart to the world.

Register free at https://brightu.com to watch the full Healing for the AGES - EMFs & Earthing Virtual Solution Summit 2024 stream - The Jews killed Christ and mocked him in death - Jews demanded #censorship of the very NAME of Christ (Acts 4:16) - Nothing has changed in 2000+ years since, as Jews still demand mass censorship today - Israel is the Antichrist - Christian pastors push deception and lies to prop up antichrist Israel - Israel deliberately engineers mass famine in Gaza - Famine, pestilence and war in the End Times - The sixth seal is a massive comet impact that strikes Israel - Seven Trumpets, Bowls and Seals - God lays out how it all ends - God judges the Jews who murdered His Son and who embraced satanism, death and wickedness - The seventh Trumpet ends humanity, and all face judgment before God For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

When we know who we are in Christ, it empowers us to put off our old selves and become the new creations that God has redeemed us to be. But what does it look like to walk this out practically, day by day?

The thimble-sized passage of Acts 13:38–39 holds an ocean of gospel truth. This passage announces what the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have made possible, while also promising salvation to all who believe upon Christ. Our brief sermon will be organized under two main headings, examining each verse individually: 1. A Glorious Proclamation, 2. A Gospel Invitation.

a) Saul Meets Christ (Acts 9:1-9)b) Ananias Takes Care of Saul (Acts 9:10-19a)c) Saul Preaches about Christ (Acts 9:19b-25)d) Saul Visits Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-31)

Welcome back to the Mowing in the Dark LAWN CARE Podcast! In today's Coffee & Bible Dialy episode Aaron gets into Acts chapter 14. We see Paul get stoned by some Jews and Gentiles and yet he still gets up and goes back into the city in which these people are from.    Thanks for listening. Please give the podcast a 5 star rating and review in Apple Podcasts.   I would love to hear your feedback. Send me an email with your feedback at lansinglawnservice@gmail.com Message Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.sutter.9     Follow your host Aaron Sutter on… Instagram @lansinglawnservice Youtube: www.youtube.com/lansinglawnservicellc and check out my business websites: www.lansinglawnservice.com www.gravelblasters.com , www.sutterbrotherslawncare.com   Check out My Favorite Lawn Care Gear: Werner, AC78, Quickclick Stabilizer, Aluminum https://amzn.to/2OTOfMf Wonder Grip WG318L Liquid-Proof Double-Coated/Dipped Natural Latex Rubber Work Gloves 13-Gauge Seamless Nylon, Large, Large https://amzn.to/2Ytjml6 Hodenn Zero Turn Lawn Mower Hitch - Fits Ariens & Gravely ZT-X: https://amzn.to/3jJmEua ECHO Black Diamond Trimmer Line: https://amzn.to/2GBEL7d   #lawncare #landscaping #mowinginthedark #lawnservice #lawncarebusiness #lawncarepodcast #greenindustry #mowing #lawnmowing #landscapingpodcast #lawnpodcast #greenindustrypodcast #fullertonunfiltered #greengrindpodcast

Jesus and His cousin John the Baptist came on the public scene at about the same time. John showed up first with a spectacular ministry of preaching down by the Jordan River in a wilderness area not far from the north end of the Dead Sea. Thousands of people came to see him and upon hearing him they repented of their sins and were baptized by him. It was there that Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John.   John's voice rang out, and its echoes filled the Promised Land. The people of Israel were under the rule and oppression of the Romans and lived in expectation of the coming of the Messiah to deliver them. I can imagine that over the past thirty years the stories of the birth of Jesus by the shepherds, the appearance of the wise men, Herod killing all the boys under two years of age in Bethlehem, and the appearance of Jesus at the temple astounding the religious leaders, had spread across the land and when John showed up preaching, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:1-2), must have caused that expectation of the Messiah's coming to rise even higher!   Luke tells in verses 15, that the people “were in expectation” and some people were confused by his crusade and wondered if maybe he was the Messiah. No doubt, the authorities were afraid of his influence with the multitudes, who believed him to be a prophet. Although he performed no miracles, his voice had an Elijah-like ring and his message had an unmistakable authority. As the days passed, more and more people even speculated that he might be the very Messiah Himself. In verses 16-18, John did his best to put a stop to their thinking this as he described the difference between his ministry and the ministry of Jesus.   John said, “He indeed baptized with water”, because it was the seal of repentance that he required of his converts. But there was more to it than mere baptism in water. That was all well and good for a ministry of repentance. But he was there to announce the coming of One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (3:16).   Between John and Jesus was a great gulf. John was a voice; Jesus was the Word. John had come in the spirit and power of Elijah; Jesus would come in the spirit and power of Jehovah. John's baptism related to repentance; Jesus' baptism related to regeneration (John 3:3-7).   Had the nation responded to the ministry of John and the Messiahship of Jesus, then the baptism of the Holy Spirit would have been for Israel. As it was, that side of things was postponed for some two thousand years, and the Gentiles came into the blessing that the Jews had spurned.   The baptism that John foretold took place on the Day of Pentecost when a small nucleus of believers were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the church, the mystical body of Christ (Acts 1:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; especially v. 13). John, of course, like all of the Old Testament prophets, knew nothing of the mystical body of Christ which we know as the church. All he discerned was that if Israel missed the baptism of the Spirit, they would be faced with a baptism of fire, which would be a judgment of fire.   John made this clear in verse 17: “His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire." Yes, my friend, Jesus and His angels will gather “the wheat”, the genuine believer, into His dwelling place in heaven one day as He promised in John 14:2-3: “In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” But if you reject Jesus and His salvation, like the “chaff” you will face the judgement of “unquenchable fire”!   To reject or receive Jesus is your choice! May the Lord help you to make the right one today!   God bless!

Welcome back to the Mowing in the Dark LAWN CARE Podcast! In today's Coffe & Bible Daily episode Aaron looks at Saul on the road to Damascus and the story of Saul's conversion from persecuting the Church to spreading the Gospel of Christ to all who would listen.    Thanks for listening. Please give the podcast a 5 star rating and review in Apple Podcasts.   I would love to hear your feedback. Send me an email with your feedback at lansinglawnservice@gmail.com Podcast Website: https://www.mowinginthedarkpodcast.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/314205064501496   Follow your host Aaron Sutter on… Instagram @lansinglawnservice Youtube: www.youtube.com/lansinglawnservicellc and check out my business websites: www.lansinglawnservice.com www.gravelblasters.com , www.sutterbrotherslawncare.com   Check out My Favorite Lawn Care Gear: Werner, AC78, Quickclick Stabilizer, Aluminum https://amzn.to/2OTOfMf Wonder Grip WG318L Liquid-Proof Double-Coated/Dipped Natural Latex Rubber Work Gloves 13-Gauge Seamless Nylon, Large, Large https://amzn.to/2Ytjml6 Hodenn Zero Turn Lawn Mower Hitch - Fits Ariens & Gravely ZT-X: https://amzn.to/3jJmEua ECHO Black Diamond Trimmer Line: https://amzn.to/2GBEL7d   #lawncare #landscaping #mowinginthedark #lawnservice #lawncarebusiness #lawncarepodcast #greenindustry #mowing #lawnmowing #landscapingpodcast #lawnpodcast #greenindustrypodcast #fullertonunfiltered #greengrindpodcast

Sunday Morning

An introduction to Acts 4 that delves into persecution and suffering in the early, Messianic assembly. How does this relate to us in the modern age?

Polishing the Pulpit 2024 - BransonLindley Mark - Studies in Acts - Ready to Die for Christ - Acts 21:8-14Please note this is a partial audio clip.

Have you ever struggled to have confidence in your life as a Christian? Can you struggle to believe that God would want use you to further his mission? Join us this Sunday, as we continue our series in Acts by looking at two miraculous stories that show us where our true source of confidence lies.

Polishing the Pulpit 2024 - Branson Lindley Mark - Studies in Acts - What Happened When Peter Preached Christ - Acts 3:12-26

Jesus is the Supreme Example we all are to follow. His pastors & deacons should be next in line. “Consider their faith” - Hebrews 13:7 The Head of the Church is the greatest example for the Church in every way. Jesus is the Model Shepherd; The Model Servant; The Model Evangelist; The Model Discipler; and The Model Missionary (He set the strategy from day one) I. God's New Testament Pastors: 1. Their Calling, Character, & Content 2. Their Heart, Soul, Mind, & Motive - 3. Their personal, church, home life - 4. Their Watching (oversight), Working (serving), and Worshipping (believing & bowing) • ABLE TO TEACH - The Word of God (II Timothy 2:15: 3:16-17; 4:1-4) • REPUTATION WITH OUTSIDERS - II. God's Pastors: Community Contact 1. Those “outside” of Christ matter 2. There is to be a focus on those outside of Christ (Acts 2:42-47)3. Other Scriptures focus on those outside of Christ - Paul & Peter 4. I Corinthians 5:12-13a 5. Ephesians 5:15-16 6. Philippians 2:14-16 7. Colossians 4:5-6 8.

As far as we know the Apostle Paul never visited the church in Colossae. By the time of Paul the city was no longer a strategic hub. However, God still had big plans for Colossae. During his time as a prisoner in Rome Paul learns of the church there from the guy who likely planted it—Epaphras—and writes a letter to them. In it he encourages them to look for fullness not in the false teachings, philosophies, or rituals that appeared to be prevalent among them but in Jesus Christ. Verses 1:15-20 contain one of the best and most suscient theologies of Jesus Christ ever written. Paul emphasizes Jesus's preeminence and full deity throughout the letter, encouraging the Colossians to put off their old self with his sinful deeds and put on the new self, walking with Christ by faith (just as they received him). Jesus is supreme and sufficient, so cling to him and pursue him in all things.

A new MP3 sermon from Bible Believers Fellowship is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 104 Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31-34) 2 of 2 Subtitle: Expository Study: Acts Speaker: Gregory A. Miller Broadcaster: Bible Believers Fellowship Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 5/26/2024 Bible: Acts 16:31-34; Ephesians 1:12-13 Length: 28 min.

You can watch this message here.

Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14 | Acts 2:1-21 | John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 | Psalm 104:25-35, 37. Preached for the Feast of Pentecost (2024-05-19).

If the OT promises concerning a new Israel and new temple are being fulfilled now in the church, there is no need to look for a for a future Millennial fulfillment of Israel amongst only ethnic Jewish believers (apart from Gentiles believers) or a future brick-and-mortar temple, since the new Israel and new temple is being fulfilled in the church in Christ. You can watch this message here.

This message (from March, 2021) gives an overview of Acts 1-11 regarding the inclusion of the Gentiles as Gentiles in the renewed Israel (the Church) by faith in Christ alone. It touches on why the ceremonial cleanliness laws served a purpose for ethnic Israel in the Old Testament, but no longer bind Christians today, who are Abraham's true offspring in Christ. You can watch this message here.

Sunday Morning - April 14, 2024

In some of His last words to His disciples, Jesus spoke of His longing for them to love each other as God the Father loved Him, God the Son. He told them that the world would know they belonged to Him by their love for one another. This is the high standard set for us who are believers. Outsiders should know we are Christians by our love for each other. Yet, being sinful, we often fall far short of that ideal. Continue reading Episode 132 - United in Christ - Acts 4:23-37 at Sweet Selah Ministries.

This morning, Zach finished our Acts series by preaching through the end of Acts 28. The book ends with Paul arguing with the Jews one last time. He isn't trying to outsmart them or make them feel dumb- Paul wants to persuade them to true hope. He wants them to put their faith in Jesus. The Church is built on the completed work of Christ. Originally March 17th, 2024. Zachary Nelson. Covenant Church. Tuscaloosa, AL.

Welcome back to Faith Friday. Today we are getting into Acts chapter 7 and the story of the first martyr for Jesus Christ, Stephen. Let's get into it.    Thanks for listening. Please give the podcast a 5 star rating and review in Apple Podcasts.   I would love to hear your feedback. Send me an email with your feedback at lansinglawnservice@gmail.com Podcast Website: https://www.mowinginthedarkpodcast.com/ https://anchor.fm/mowinginthelight   Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/314205064501496   12 Month Contract Template Editable Download https://www.mowinginthedarkpodcast.com/product-page/12-month-contract-for-lawn-snow-combined-100-editable   Follow your host Aaron Sutter on… Instagram @lansinglawnservice Youtube: www.youtube.com/lansinglawnservicellc and check out my business website: www.lansinglawnservice.com   Want to be on our Sticker Wall? Send your stickers to: Lansing Lawn Service LLC P.O. Box 454 Potterville, MI 48876   Check out My Favorite Lawn Care Gear: Werner, AC78, Quickclick Stabilizer, Aluminum https://amzn.to/2OTOfMf Wonder Grip WG318L Liquid-Proof Double-Coated/Dipped Natural Latex Rubber Work Gloves 13-Gauge Seamless Nylon, Large, Large https://amzn.to/2Ytjml6 Hodenn Zero Turn Lawn Mower Hitch - Fits Ariens & Gravely ZT-X: https://amzn.to/3jJmEua ECHO Black Diamond Trimmer Line: https://amzn.to/2GBEL7d   #lawncare #landscaping #mowinginthedark #lawnservice #lawncarebusiness #lawncarepodcast #greenindustry #mowing #lawnmowing #landscapingpodcast #lawnpodcast #greenindustrypodcast #fullertonunfiltered #greengrindpodcast

Mark spoke in the upper school chapel today at Westminster Christian Academy on how we can "shine" in culture before unbelievers. Shine by working out your salvation (v 12-13) How? By relying on God's active work in you. Shine by not grumbling or disputing (v 14-15) Numbers 14:27, “How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me.” Shine by being content and joyful (v 17-18) He's currently in jail in Rome (1:12-23) He is willing to be poured out and even die for others with joy (v 17-18) Paul's joy in suffering helped lead the jailer (and his family) to Christ (Acts 16) Shine by holding fast to the Word of Life (v 15b-16) Do not buy the lie that in college the way to evangelize others is to dim your light as much as possible or to act as much like the world as you possibly can! No, be joyfully different and unashamed of God's word!