Podcasts about damascus road

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Numbers 3-4; Acts 25 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the February 18th, 2026 episode of the Daily Radio Bible! On today's journey, Hunter invites listeners to gather around the "fires of His presence" as we continue our daily exploration of the Scriptures. We find ourselves in Numbers chapters 3 and 4, where the unique roles of the Levites are highlighted and God's heart for worship and sacred service is revealed. The reading then moves to Acts 25, where we witness Paul boldly defend his faith before Roman and Jewish leaders, sparking profound questions about the difference between a dead religion and a living relationship with Christ. As you listen, you'll be encouraged to reflect—does faith make sense if it's just about rules and history, or is it only truly understood when we encounter the living Christ? Hunter offers prayers for God's guidance and peace over your day, gently reminding us that we are deeply known and loved. As winter gives way to brighter days and the season of Lent draws near, today's episode is an invitation to take every step with hope, prayer, and a heart open to God's transforming love. So grab a warm drink, maybe take a walk if you can, and join this global community in Scripture, prayer, and gratitude—always remembering, as Hunter beautifully says, that you are loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: It makes no sense. That's what Felix, the Roman official, thought as Paul stood before him on trial. The matter seemed confusing—"something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus who Paul insists is alive." Why would someone risk everything, suffer, even face death, for what looks like just a dead religion? It's not logical—unless you've met the Living Christ. Paul, too, once thought this Jesus movement made no sense. In fact, he did more than doubt; he saw it as a threat and fought to destroy it. But all that changed on the Damascus Road, when Paul encountered Jesus himself—alive, risen. His life was turned upside down, and everything that once seemed foolish suddenly became the very logic of his existence. It's the same for us. Unless we encounter the Risen Christ, faith can seem confusing and pointless, especially when life feels dark or when the world leads us into suffering or confusion. But when we meet the One who has conquered death, who knows us and loves us, it all begins to make sense. Life's suffering and confusion find meaning in Him. The invitation today is to stop hiding, to stop running, and simply be present with this Living Christ. You are known and loved. As you sit honestly before Him, let Him reveal His heart to you. Only then—when we open ourselves to truly know Him—do things begin to make sense. We see that life isn't about following a dead man, but about living in relationship with the Risen Lord. And when that happens, even the storms and sufferings of life, though still painful, become a part of a greater story—His story. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Simon Pranaitis examines how Paul's conversion testimony reveals three essential ways the gospel continues to work in believers' lives decades after salvation. Writing to Timothy thirty years after his Damascus Road encounter, Paul demonstrates that the gospel isn't just for new converts—it's the ongoing source of spiritual strength, evangelistic motivation, and worshipful joy. Simon walks through 1 Timothy 1:12-17, showing how Paul never forgot what God rescued him from. The gospel strengthens believers for service by keeping them grateful for God's deliberate choice to regard sinners as faithful. It motivates gospel proclamation by crystallizing the simple truth that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, with Paul identifying himself as foremost among them. And it draws Christians into deeper worship of the eternal, immortal, invisible King. Simon challenges listeners to write down their testimony, discuss it frequently with others, and rehearse gospel truths regularly—because no one outgrows their need for the gospel that transforms persecutors into apostles through God's perfect patience and super-abundant grace. ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for day 463 of our three-year journey through the Bible. In this study of Acts chapter 9, we explore the "pivot" of the book: the miraculous conversion of Saul of Tarsus. In this episode: The Road to Damascus: See how Jesus transforms a violent persecutor into a "chosen instrument" for the Gospel. Unmistakable Proof: Discuss how Saul's radical change serves as irrefutable evidence of the resurrection of Christ. Peter's Ministry: Observe Peter performing miracles that mirror the work of Jesus, from healing the paralyzed to raising the dead. The "Greater Work": Learn how the work of evangelism today continues the mission of the early apostles in bringing souls to life in Christ. "When Jesus is pleased to reveal himself to our souls, then we are saved".

Preparation in the Desert: The Unexpected Journey of Jeff Farmer In this episode, Pastor Jack King sits down with seasoned leader Reverend Jeff Farmer to discuss the difference between religious tradition and a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff opens up about his upbringing in a mainline denomination where he checked every religious box—baptism, youth leadership, and scouting—yet remained spiritually dead until a miraculous encounter shook his family. The heart of the conversation focuses on the "silent years"—an 18-year period where Jeff, despite feeling a clear call to ministry, found himself excelling in the secular business world. From managing credit at Sherwin-Williams to serving as president of a large nonprofit, Jeff explains how God uses "secular" skills like accounting, management, and real estate to prepare His servants for kingdom leadership. -- Jeff's transition from being "churched" to having a true "Damascus Road" encounter with Christ. -- The miracle of Dr. Larry Hammond: A terminal diagnosis turned into a hospital hallway celebration. -- The 18-year prophetic detour: Learning to trust God's timing when the "benches" feel permanent. -- How corporate experience at Sherwin-Williams and Ketch Industries served as "Egypt" for a modern-day Joseph. -- The importance of faithfulness in the marketplace as a prerequisite for vocational ministry. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Genesis 41:39-41 (The story of Joseph in Egypt) -- Acts 9:1-19 (The Damascus Road experience) This is episode 1261. ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Hosts Pastor Vincent Fernandez and Pastor Robert Baltodano Question Timestamps: Patsy, email (2:04) - What is your opinion on the "Everyday Life Bible" by Joyce Meyer? Scott, email (5:46) - Was Saul/Paul fasting and praying during the time between the Damascus Road and receiving his sight back? Jeff, SC (8:03) - Are the Pharisees that crucified Jesus, heard Peter at Pentecost, and stoned Stephen the same group of people? John, NJ (12:53) - Does Mark 16:19 mean that people were actually able to see into heaven? David, NJ (16:01) - When and where do dinosaurs and cavemen fit into the narrative of the Bible? Janella, CO (20:36) - Why don't you agree with Joyce Meyer's teachings? Tom, MA (26:06) - Can you explain gay revisionist theology? Lynnette, TX (33:33) - How do I explain The Trinity to my adult children? Mary, MA (38:17) - How did the calendar work before the time of Jesus? How did they mark time? Vanessa, SC (41:26) - Did Adam have another wife before Eve? Is there such a thing as "mother god?" Josh, NY (45:41) - How do I get closer to God? Would it be a sin to leave my dad to join a religious organization? Vicki, FL (53:08) - Is Our Daily Bread a reputable Christian organization? Ask Your Questions: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Send us a textWe trace Saul's fierce zeal, the shattering encounter with the risen Christ, and the slow, real work of conversion that turned a persecutor into a fearless apostle. Along the way we explore Ananias' courage, desert formation, and Paul's Eucharistic vision of unity and mission.• Saul's Pharisee roots and misdirected zeal• Damascus Road as history and theophany• The voice of Christ and the church's unity• Three days of blindness, fasting, and prayer• Ananias' obedience and healing reconciliation• Baptism, commissioning, and first preaching• Retreat in Arabia and hidden formation• Eucharistic unity, discernment, and mission• Practical summons to conversion and witnessNow it's your turnFamily, there is more to this post, so please see the lilink in the description for the rest of the articleBe sure to click the link in the description for special news itemAnd since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offerVisit journeysof.com website todaySaint Paul Media CollectionOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showDownload Journeys of Faith Free App link. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/journeys-of-faith/id6757635073 Journeys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! Buy Me a cup of Coffee...

Desire for Prayers and Direction Expressing a struggle to discern the Lord’s direction. Acknowledging uncertainty about the current path. Trusting in the Lord’s plan despite a lack of understanding. Requesting prayers for the morning service. Hoping for worship and spiritual awakening. Seeking guidance for those who are lost or not living right. Numbers 11:1-2 – Complaining and Moses’ Prayer Reading from Numbers 11:1-2 about the people’s complaints and God’s anger. Focusing on Moses’ intercession and the power of prayer. Highlighting the quenching of the fire through Moses’ prayer. Acknowledging dependence on the Lord’s help, power, and spirit. Trusting in God’s goodness and mercy for guidance. Seeking exaltation of God’s words and help for every soul. The Power of Prayer Emphasizing the power of prayer for salvation. Highlighting the need for sinners to cry out to God. Sharing a personal experience of feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence. Mentioning the calling out of number 16 and feeling the Lord’s confirmation. Expressing the importance of knowing that the Lord hears prayers. Reflecting on people who need prayer. Mentioning Valerie’s prayer requests for Joseph’s salvation. Sharing Brother Bobby Whitehead’s testimony of praying for his son for 15 years. The son was saved and talked about the Lord during a trip to Kentucky. Encouraging persistence in prayer. Highlighting that answers may not come immediately. Referencing praying for little Audrey for years before she got saved. Exodus 32 – Moses’ Intercession Referring to Exodus 32:8-14 about Moses interceding for the people after they worshipped a golden calf. God wanted to destroy them but Moses pleaded with God not to. Moses reminded God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. The Lord repented of the evil He thought to do. Questioning how often God’s people pray for the lost. Highlighting the power of the church. Asking how burdened the church is for the lost. Urging listeners to call out the names of their family members in prayer. Emphasizing the need for brokenhearted prayer. Reminding listeners that some people may die and end up in hell. The Importance of Prayer in Everyday Life Acknowledging personal guilt in getting busy and letting life get in the way. Stating that family’s salvation is the greatest need. Sharing Brother Bill’s testimony of praying for Paulette for 13-15 years before she was saved. Encouraging continued prayer for young people and the church. Highlighting the need to pray for those who are lost and may be playing games. Emphasizing prayer as a great tool and a powerful weapon. Highlighting the ability to pray anytime, anywhere. Acknowledging that prayers may not always be answered as desired. Examples of Prayer in Scripture Sharing the story of Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19. Hezekiah received a threatening letter and spread it out before the Lord in prayer. Hezekiah asked God for help. Acknowledging times of doing everything possible and then surrendering to God. Referencing Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. Abraham pleaded with God to spare Sodom if there were righteous people. God destroyed Sodom because they couldn’t find five righteous people. Emphasizing that praying for something does not always guarantee getting it. Reiterating the importance of acknowledging and thanking God when He answers prayers. The Battle Against the Enemy Highlighting the importance of acknowledging when God hears prayers. Emphasizing the need to return to a place of prayer. Acknowledging the battle against the enemy. The enemy tries to deceive, divide, and create conflict in the church. The enemy knows there are people who need to be saved or rededicate their lives. Acknowledging personal struggles with being consumed by the world. Highlighting the importance of others praying for those who are lost. Sharing a personal testimony of being lost and headed to hell. Expressing gratitude for those who interceded and encouraged a relationship with God. Repaying the Favor and Praying for Others Questioning whether the favor of being prayed for is being repaid. Urging listeners to ask God for their families and those among them. Asking God to visit and reveal Himself to children and those being revived. Acknowledging personal shortcomings in realizing those who are lost and dying. Recognizing the need to improve in praying for others. Challenging the excuse of being too busy. Emphasizing the importance of making time for prayer. Believing that dedication and sacrifice in prayer will lead to a closer relationship with God and the salvation of others. Reiterating the church’s purpose. The church is not just here to sit idly by. It is the church’s job to ensure people hear the word and know there is a place to escape from. Standing in the Gap and Making Intercession Emphasizing the job of bowing in prayer for family and the church. Highlighting that it is not just the pastor’s job, but everyone’s responsibility. Referencing the Roman soldier in Matthew 8:5. The soldier beseeched Jesus to heal his servant. The soldier had to ask for help. Emphasizing the need to stand in the gap and make up the hedge. Ensuring people know there are others praying for them. Caring enough to spend time in prayer. Highlighting the encouragement of receiving a message saying someone is praying for you. Emphasizing the job of praying for both the lost and the saved. Sharing the story of the poor friend who needed help. Highlighting the effort and determination to get their friend to Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is able to fix the problem. The Power of the Church in Prayer Expressing the belief that God is able to save others because He saved Elder Dustin. Emphasizing the need to help others get to Jesus. Acknowledging personal guilt in not encouraging and reaching out to others enough. Highlighting the need for help for everyone. Emphasizing that sometimes only the Holy Spirit can move and speak. Reiterating the importance of doing everything possible to get people to Jesus. Referencing Acts 12:5 about the church praying without ceasing for Peter. Peter was freed from prison. Emphasizing the need for the church to pray for the chains holding souls captive to be broken. Highlighting that only Jesus can save. Emphasizing the need to pray for every lost soul encountered. Personal Testimony and Burden for the Lost Sharing a personal testimony of God’s miracle in Shana’s life. Reflecting on God’s miracle in Elder Dustin’s life. God changed Elder Dustin’s life instantly. Listing examples of people God has done miracles for. Expressing the belief that God can do it for anyone. Asking the Lord to burden the heart with the lost. Acknowledging the problem of not having time to be burdened. Asking God to put a burden on them where they can’t escape it. Acknowledging that this is not popular or familiar. Highlighting the need for willingness and sacrifice. Understanding that serving God is not always convenient. Acknowledging the busyness of life with kids. Emphasizing that children should not come before God. Raising a Godly Generation Expressing thankfulness that children are understanding the importance of God. Highlighting the need for children to know that they are not more important than God. Emphasizing the importance of being present for children. Recognizing that children will be the ones standing in the future. Highlighting the job of raising young people who know the power of God. Emphasizing the need to pray for God to raise up a generation. Sharing a story about praying for kids to be missionaries. Acknowledging the difficulty of allowing a child to go to a foreign country. Emphasizing the need to not stand in God’s way. Recognizing that these things are not popular. Emphasizing that the world needs Jesus. Highlighting the need to pray for God to raise up people. Emphasizing the need for laborers to be sent into the harvest. Personal Conviction and Call to Action Sharing an observation about Tillman bringing young boys to the revival. Highlighting Tillman’s effort to bring his friends to Jesus. Acknowledging that Elder Dustin has not brought anyone all week. Admitting to not inviting anyone to the revival. Asking for prayer for Elder Dustin’s sisters. Asking the Lord to break them and get them to a place where they mean what they say. Expressing a desire to see families get things right. Emphasizing that people won’t come unless they are asked. Reiterating that the church made intercession for Peter. Emphasizing the job of the church to pray and do their best to get people to church. Acknowledging that they don’t get sayings because they don’t even ask for them. James 5 – Prayer and Healing Acknowledging not having the scripture studied out. Reading from James 5:13-20 about prayer and healing. Encouraging prayer for those who are afflicted, merry, or sick. Emphasizing the power of the prayer of faith. Encouraging confession of faults and praying for one another. Highlighting the effectiveness of fervent prayer. Defining “effectual fervent prayer” as active and continuous prayer. Emphasizing the need to keep praying until God tells them not to. Sharing Brother Robbie’s testimony of turning a family member over to the Lord. Highlighting that sometimes people get so far down the rabbit hole that only God can help them. Sharing the story of Elias praying for rain. Emphasizing the importance of prayer as the body of Christ. Highlighting the need for an active prayer life. Luke 22 – Praying for Faith Referencing Luke 22 about Jesus praying for Simon Peter. Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. Asking the Lord to stand on their behalf and pray for them. Acknowledging personal problems and the need for prayer. Emphasizing that they have not because they ask not. Reflecting on Paul on the Damascus Road. Paul fell to his face. Emphasizing the need to fall to their face and ask God for help. Acknowledging that they cannot tell others what to say. Sharing that all they remember saying was, “Lord, I’m sorry.” Believing that God heard them and saved them. Suggesting that some may be like Paul preaching to King Agrippa. King Agrippa was almost convinced. Wishing that everyone would be converted. Personal Testimony and Call to Salvation Suggesting that some may be sitting there knowing they are lost. Sharing a personal testimony of sitting for a month after Sammy got saved. Being scared of what everyone would think. Running from God. Highlighting that hell became real during that time. Sharing a vivid memory of waking up with numb hands and feeling like they were about to die. Receiving a call from Sam inviting them to his baptism. Sharing the story of a little woman asking everyone if they knew how it felt to be saved. Acknowledging that they didn’t say a word because they weren’t going to lie. Sharing that they came back the next Sunday because of Samuel’s baptism. Sharing that they found themselves on the altar and told God they were sorry. Sharing that they felt a peace and joy they had never felt before. Emphasizing that it took movement and action. Believing that if they hadn’t moved, they wouldn’t be where they are today. Believing they would have been in hell. Acknowledging that they never thought they were a bad person. Sharing that they liked to get together and have a little fun. The Negative Influence and the Need for Positive Impact Reflecting on their past actions and the people they involved. Sharing a story of a young man they influenced negatively. The young man was raised in church and had never done anything wrong. Elder Dustin introduced him to drinking and drugs. The young man became addicted and lost everything. Acknowledging the negative influence they had on people. Emphasizing the need to make up for that. Highlighting the need to have a positive impact on people. Emphasizing the need to do whatever it takes to ensure people get to Christ. Acknowledging that they cannot save anyone. Emphasizing that it will take brokenness and the Holy Spirit drawing them. Believing that God wants to save and help people. Emphasizing the need to call out to Him. Acknowledging that asking doesn’t guarantee getting. Promising that if they are lost and call upon Him, He will save them.

Share a commentFire tore through Rome and a rumor finished the job. As the city smoldered, Nero's propaganda machine named Christians as arsonists, and what had been scattered suspicion hardened into open hostility. Into that pressure cooker, Peter writes like a seasoned shepherd, urging believers to hold their confession without panic and to choose a defiant, settled joy that makes the world curious.We walk through why the shortest creed, “Jesus Christ,” is both the church's anchor and culture's stumbling block. Peter stakes the claim that Jesus is the anointed Messiah and God the Son, echoing Acts 4:12 and the earliest preaching of the apostles. We contrast the apostles' experience with Paul's sudden encounter on the Damascus Road, unpacking why he often says “Christ Jesus” and how that reinforces the same confession from a different angle. The thread running through it all is grace: not a cushion for comfort but solid ground that cannot be shaken by mockery, loss, or marginalization.To bring the theology to life, we zoom in on Peter himself. He's brave, impulsive, corrected often, and yet restored—exactly the kind of flawed follower grace can turn into a pillar. From the Mount of Transfiguration, where his words drift into nonsense, to Caesarea Philippi, where his insight nails the truth, we see how God shaped him to sign his letter, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,” with a steady hand. Along the way we get practical: why the end of casual Christianity can be good news, how joy functions as evangelism, and why a rooted local church is a lifeline for worship, teaching, prayer, and mission when the cost of faith rises.If you're sensing that cultural comfort and Christian conviction no longer fit together, you're not alone—and you're not without a map. Press play to learn how to stand firm in true grace, keep a clear confession, and live with a luminous joy when the lights go out. If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show.Get our magazine and daily devotional: https://www.wisdomonline.org/lp/magazineSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

Share a commentFire tore through Rome and a rumor finished the job. As the city smoldered, Nero's propaganda machine named Christians as arsonists, and what had been scattered suspicion hardened into open hostility. Into that pressure cooker, Peter writes like a seasoned shepherd, urging believers to hold their confession without panic and to choose a defiant, settled joy that makes the world curious.We walk through why the shortest creed, “Jesus Christ,” is both the church's anchor and culture's stumbling block. Peter stakes the claim that Jesus is the anointed Messiah and God the Son, echoing Acts 4:12 and the earliest preaching of the apostles. We contrast the apostles' experience with Paul's sudden encounter on the Damascus Road, unpacking why he often says “Christ Jesus” and how that reinforces the same confession from a different angle. The thread running through it all is grace: not a cushion for comfort but solid ground that cannot be shaken by mockery, loss, or marginalization.To bring the theology to life, we zoom in on Peter himself. He's brave, impulsive, corrected often, and yet restored—exactly the kind of flawed follower grace can turn into a pillar. From the Mount of Transfiguration, where his words drift into nonsense, to Caesarea Philippi, where his insight nails the truth, we see how God shaped him to sign his letter, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,” with a steady hand. Along the way we get practical: why the end of casual Christianity can be good news, how joy functions as evangelism, and why a rooted local church is a lifeline for worship, teaching, prayer, and mission when the cost of faith rises.If you're sensing that cultural comfort and Christian conviction no longer fit together, you're not alone—and you're not without a map. Press play to learn how to stand firm in true grace, keep a clear confession, and live with a luminous joy when the lights go out. If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show.Get our magazine and daily devotional: https://www.wisdomonline.org/lp/magazineSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback

We're now in Talk 4 of our series, TABLE TALKS: Community Recipes of Love– which unpacks who we are—our family identity, destiny, and strategy to reach that vision. Talk 4 is titled Damascus Road because it is on the road to Damascus where the apostle Paul, once a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, was converted to Jesus. The key message of Talk 4 is Everything is Grace.

This message takes us deep into one of the most profound mysteries of our faith: how God's grace extends to everyone, regardless of background or past actions. Drawing from Ephesians 3:1-6, we encounter the transformative story of Saul, a violent persecutor of Christians who became Paul, one of Christianity's greatest apostles. The mystery Paul reveals is twofold: first, that Gentiles—those outside the Jewish covenant—are fully included in God's family through Christ, and second, that this inclusion comes only through the gospel, not through heritage or religious performance. What makes this truly mysterious is that we cannot reason our way into understanding it. No amount of intellectual pursuit or puzzle-solving will unlock this truth. Instead, it requires the Holy Spirit's revelation and a childlike posture of trust. We see this illustrated powerfully in Paul's Damascus Road experience, where divine encounter, not human effort, changed everything. This challenges us to examine our own journey: Have we been trying to figure God out completely before surrendering to Him? Are we waiting for all the pieces to make sense? The message reminds us that faith begins when we stop relying on our understanding and simply receive what God reveals to our hearts.

Former NYPD officer Pastor Andrew Columbia spent years in the heart of New York's most violent streets, confronting crime, chaos, and what he now recognizes as intense spiritual warfare. But it wasn't a moment on duty that changed him forever—it was a desperate encounter with God on a Harlem rooftop at 3 a.m.Broken by trauma, anger, and buried childhood wounds, Pastor Columbia cried out for proof that God was real. What followed—a supernatural experience he likens to Paul's Damascus Road encounter—instantly shattered decades of pain, delivered him from deep oppression, and redirected his entire life toward ministry.In this powerful conversation, Pastor Columbia opens up about the manifestations of evil he witnessed as an officer, the difference between oppression and possession, why many Christians misunderstand deliverance, and how the authority of Christ brings real freedom. His testimony is raw, gripping, and a reminder that God can reach anyone, anywhere.** Your front-row seat to the #miraculous and mysterious continues in our newsletter. Join the Into the Supernatural community. Subscribe here: https://intothesupernatural.substack.com **#PastorAndrewColumbia #DeliveranceTestimony #SpiritualWarfare #SupernaturalEncounter #NYPDTestimony #GodIsReal #FreedomInChrist #ChristianTestimony #JesusSaves #BreakthroughStory #FaithOverFear #AuthorityInChrist #HolySpiritPower #SetFreeInJesus #OvercomingDarkness

When Saul met Jesus on the Damascus Road he asked two questions: “Who are you, Lord?” and “What will you have me do?” After Paul knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, the first action he took was to tell others. This is exactly what everyone who wants a vital spiritual life must do. We must know Jesus, and we must tell others. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Paul Persecuting to Proclaiming | His Word, His Plan, His People How does someone go from violently opposing Christianity to becoming one of its greatest ambassadors? This week, we walk through the story of Saul's radical transformation in Acts 9. We explore the divine contact that stopped him in his tracks, the deep conviction that followed, and the clear commission that launched his ministry. Saul's story is a reminder that no one is too far from God's reach—and that obedience often begins with simply taking the next step. Key Insights: 1. God initiates transformation even when we're not seeking Him. 2. Conviction isn't just guilt, it's clarity. 3. Surrender is the start of purpose. 4. Your past doesn't disqualify you from being used by God. 5. God often gives clarity after we move. Key Scripture: Acts 9 (https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.9.ESV) Speaker: Matt Petty Series: His Word, His Plan, His People Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube (https://youtu.be/TokOT6NyoX0) ° Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist/) ° Visit our website (https://www.burnthickory.com/)

What's the difference between being religious and being transformed? In this episode, we explore Paul's dramatic encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road and what it reveals about the difference between external credentials and internal transformation. If you've been wondering why doing all the "right things" doesn't feel like enough, this episode is for you.Main Scripture Passages Discussed:Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"Philippians 3:3-11 - The cornerstone of this episode1 Corinthians 15 - Why the resurrection matters for salvation1 Peter 1:3 - New birth through Christ's resurrection1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering as privilege, not painGalatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - Transformation into His imageLuke 14:26-27 - Cost of discipleshipJohn 15 - Abiding in the vineRomans 6:14 - Freedom from sin's mastery through graceKey Concepts Explained:Religious Performance vs. Authentic TransformationThe Role of Internal Fuel (Resurrection Power)Spiritual Formation as a Progressive JourneyThe Holy Spirit's Role in Reshaping CharacterMetamorphosis (Greek word for spiritual transformation)Regeneration and New Birth in ChristResources Mentioned:George Barna's "Maximum Faith" research on American ChristianityThe Book of Philippians (full series)Grand Point Church Connect GroupsReflection Questions:What "credentials" are you relying on instead of Christ?Are you running your spiritual race on full or empty?How can you experience the resurrection power of Jesus more fully this week?Where is God calling you to value His mission more than your comfort?

A lesson on the way that the Gospel redirects our life in Christ, transforming us from sinners into saints who desire above all to obey and glorify God in Christ Jesus. The sermon centers on the divine origin and unchangeable nature of the gospel, as defended by Paul in Galatians 1:11–24, emphasizing that the gospel is not a human invention but a revelation from Jesus Christ, authenticated by Paul's radical transformation from persecutor to apostle. It contrasts the true gospel—rooted in God's sovereign grace and received through divine revelation—with man-made religions and cults that distort salvation by adding human works, thereby undermining the sufficiency of Christ's atonement. Paul's testimony, from his zealous persecution of the church to his Damascus Road encounter and subsequent three-year preparation in Arabia, illustrates how genuine faith results in a complete inward transformation that inevitably produces outward obedience and a life devoted to glorifying God. The sermon underscores that salvation is entirely God's work—from election before creation to final glorification—highlighting the believer's identity not in past failures but in Christ's righteousness, and calls both unbelievers and believers to rest wholly in the gospel's power to redeem and transform.

Send us a textSuppose for a moment you were on a church committee, tasked with finding a new pastor. What would you look for? Most of us instinctively think of three things: ordination, maybe graduation from a Bible College, and a recommendation.Ordination indicates that other ministers have examined a man and found him to be in line with their doctrine. Graduation from a university or Bible college suggests he has academic ability. And then there are letters of recommendation, which usually prove one thing above all: that the man has friends willing to write good things about him!But do any of these really demonstrate the heart of a minister as described in the bible? Do they actually prove that that person has been called by the Holy Spirit and is trustworthy?That's the question the Corinthians were asking of Paul. He was ordained by none other than the risen Christ Himself on the Damascus Road. He studied under a Rabii called Gamaliel, one of Israel's most respected scholars. And he had believers across many churches who would gladly have written him glowing letters of recommendation.But when pressed, Paul didn't actually point to any of those things. Instead, he pointed to something else entirely—something living, breathing, and far more compelling than a certificate or a commendation. He pointed to the people themselves.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Jezebel Spirit and the State of the Church Brother Tillman reflects on reading about Jezebel in 2 Kings 9:33 while dove hunting. The passage describes Jezebel's death, where only her skull, feet, and palms remained after being thrown down and trampled. Brother Tillman connects this to the idea that Jezebel's thoughts, deeds, and walk were evil. Preachers and Sinful Living There is concern about preachers whose "deeds and faults and their walk is so evil" yet they still preach in churches. These preachers proclaim Jesus but live sinful lives. There is concern about preachers allowing others with sinful lifestyles to preach. The Presence of Satan in the Church If Satan isn't fighting in a church, the church is "dead." Satan fights hardest where there's something of value he wants to destroy. The church needs to pray about the "Jezebels" within and ask God to reveal them. Changing Jezebels and the Power of God It's impossible to change "Jezebels" without God's help. Salvation and witnessing are only possible through God's power. Reference to 2 Corinthians, discussing Paul's perspective on earthly achievements versus actions for God. Paul believed that earthly achievements are meaningless compared to serving God. Being ridiculed for faith is an honor. Paul's Transformation and New Life in Christ Paul's life changed on the Damascus Road. 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, and all things are become new." If someone claims to be saved but continues living the same sinful life, they haven't truly received Jesus. Salvation results in a changed life, leaving behind old habits and sins. The Deacon's Loss and the Deceptive Nature of Satan A deacon called, weeping, because his 19-year-old grandson died in an accident. The grandson had expressed feeling lost and struggled to commit to Jesus. Brother Tillman emphasizes that good deeds alone won't lead to salvation. Alcohol and Satan's Pretty Lies Alcohol is "raging" in Grand County, leading to negative consequences like drunk driving and death. Satan presents alcohol as appealing, but hides the resulting pain and destruction. Satan paints a pretty lie, while Jesus offers the painful truth. Wicked Times and the Hope in Jesus Christ The world is in a "wicked, woke" state. Cites examples of violence and persecution against Christians. Man shot for standing up for Jesus Christ. Woman stabbed to death in Charlotte, North Carolina. The only hope is Jesus Christ, not worldly solutions like drugs or alcohol. The missing "puzzle piece" in life is Jesus Christ. Psalms 118: It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Rejection of "New" Preaching and Compromise A preacher criticized Brother Tillman's "old" preaching style. The preacher claimed the Bible is outdated and that music leads people to the Lord. The preacher said people with addictions feel uncomfortable in church, so he meets them at bars to drink wine with them. Brother Tillman strongly disagrees, stating that God is not found in bars or at the bottom of a bottle. If people truly want Jesus, they will find Him in church and at the altar. Evil Deeds, Thoughts, and Walk Some preachers' "deeds is evil, their thoughts is evil, and their walk is evil." Brother Tillman expresses disgust at this behavior. Compares it to dogs eating their own vomit, referencing a biblical concept of returning to sin. The Cleansing Power of Christ and a New Life Relates washing pigs in FFA to Christians who return to their old sins after being cleansed. If someone keeps returning to the same sins, they haven't truly received Jesus. Salvation means becoming a new creature, with old things passing away. This includes old thoughts, language, and lifestyle.

To be a Christian, especially today, entails a considerable risk of life and limb. That is so the world over, and now it begins, in a real way, in our very own America. To be a Christian invites persecution, ridicule, rejection, to be ostracized from society and the world at large. A great theologian said that to come to Christ is to die. But we who believe knew that before we committed and became one with Him. It then became our lot in life to die to self, to sin, to the world.We knew what He did, we knew the horrendous story of the crucifixion, the persecution of Calvary. We saw no greater love than His as He laid down His life for His friends, for all mankind, for all humankind. We knew that to live for Him, to accept Him, would be to lay our all on the alter, including our bodies, willing to make them a living sacrifice. Charlie Kirk knew that, lived that, and died for that and more.And so did the Apostle Paul. Paul, then Saul, hated Christians and Christianity. It was his mission to persecute and kill the followers of Jesus Christ. No one hated or persecuted Christians more than Saul of Tarsus. He was a Roman citizen, a Pharisee of the Jews, a blood thirsty killer and persecutor of Christians and Christianity. Saul was a master of persecution. So many early Christians died at his hand, or were jailed, or persecuted in physical ways, and lost virtually everything they had.But then came the Damascus Road, where Saul met Jesus Christ and became Paul, and he was never the same. He turned from persecution to preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His conversion was instant, dramatic, and dynamic, change at work from head to toe. The Christ of Glory knew what Saul had done, his horrible persecutions, and He said that He would show Paul the sufferings, the considerable sufferings and persecutions he himself would endure. No Christian could forget the question the Lord asked:“SAUL, WHY DO YOU PERSECUTE ME?”Why, said the Christ of Glory, do you persecute and kill those who love and believe in me, why? There came no answer to that question, but only the beginning of a total commitment to his newfound Lord and master. Saul then became Paul, and he never knew the extent of the promise of Jesus Christ:I WILL SHOW THIS MAN HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR MY NAME.And suffer Paul did, big time. Paul described those sufferings in his own words in 2 Corinthians 11. He said,“I have labored extensively for Christ. I have been imprisoned many times. I haveendured beatings without number. I am always in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one. I was stoned three times. I was shipwrecked a night and a day. I have been in danger from rivers, from robbers, from my own countrymen, from the Gentiles, and from dangers in cities and desolate places. I have lived in danger from false brothers. I have endured many sleepless nights. I have endured starvation and thirst. I am often hungry and cold and without enough clothing. I am under constant pressure of concern and persecution for all the churches of Jesus Christ I have established.”Compared to those Pauline sufferings, so many of us Christians in America have had it easy, perhaps too easy.Paul eventually endured the ultimate suffering, the ultimate persecution. He was murdered. He was beheaded, a brutal way to die. He lost his life in a split second at the cut of a guillotine. Charlie Kirk, the Christian and Conservative, lost his life in a second from the bullet of an assassin's rifle.Paul gave his life for the Lord he loved and in whom he firmly believed with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind. So did Charlie Kirk.Violence and vengeance seem to be on the rise in America now more than ever. In many quarters, it is dangerous to be a Christian and a Conservative. And, if one is both Christian and Conservative, the danger is doubled. Charlie Kirk was both. The bullet of an assassin, a young, irrational killer, fame-seeking and revenge-minded, ended Charlie's life immediately. Charlie Kirk died for his country, and his Lord-Savior. The Apostle Paul died for his Lord Jesus Christ and as a Roman Citizen. They were great men, martyrs, heroes, missionaries, courageous, loving, an example to all of us who followed in so many ways. These two men laid down their lives for their fellow loved ones and families, and in fact all humankind. These two men showed the world that there was no greater love than that of a man, each of them, laying down his life for his friends, for all. And so did Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord. The Christ of Glory died young, 33. Charlie Kirk died young, 31. Paul lived longer, but suffered persecution longer. All three died brutal deaths, the Lord of Glory the most brutal, and violent, and painful, and suffered the most and longest of the three, for us, for you, for me. No greater love was ever shown to mankind than that of Calvary.We often wish for vengeance, retribution, and justice. But our Lord commands us to love our enemies, one of the most difficult things in all of life. He tells us that vengeance is none of our business, but that He, when and how He wishes, will be the instrument of vengeance. He requires us to turn the other cheek and promises He will make things right. Violence only begets more violence. Love, on the other hand, real love, never stops producing miracles. You could say that love in the face of violence and evil is the greatest weapon of all. The greatest vengeance, the greatest get-even is to pray for your enemy, do good to him or her, and show the love of Jesus Christ in every way. The only way you and I can do that is with the power, the courage, and the strength of our Lord.Like the Apostle Paul, Charlie Kirk knew that, believed that, and died for that.

Scripture Lesson - Acts 9:1-19a Rev. Kevin Long

Mike used to avoid me at neighborhood parties because he wasn't interested in spiritual things. But when Mike was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, I visited him and shared the Gospel, and he accepted Christ. Everything about Mike radically changed from that day. If you asked what happened to him, I could tell you in one word: conversion. But what in the world is conversion? It's a term you had better know and experience because Jesus said, “… unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, NKJV). So we need to ask ourselves, “Have I ever truly been converted, and what does ‘conversion' mean?” There's no greater story of complete conversion than the Apostle Paul's Damascus Road experience— the most famous conversion in history, explained three times in Acts and occupying more space in the New Testament than any event except Christ's crucifixion. While conversions aren't one-size-fits-all, there are three common marks found in everyone who is truly converted.

Subscribe for more Videos: http://www.youtube.com/c/PlantationSDAChurchTV Deeper Dive Theme: Pastor Rose explains why it's crucial for each us to have a personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus Episode Title: The Damascus Road Showdown Host: JWald Guest: Pastor N. Abraham Rose Date: August 13, 2025 Tags: #psdatv #conversion #Jesus #Saul #Paul #testimony #power #encounter #Damascus #name #life #change #transformation #dramatic #resurrection #180 #NewLife #HeIsLive #FightingGodIsFutile #ShameBeforeGlory For more life lessons and inspirational content, please visit us at http://www.plantationsda.tv. Church Copyright License (CCLI): 1659090 CCLI Streaming Plus License: 21338439Support the show: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANTBMV/envelope/startSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe for more Videos: http://www.youtube.com/c/PlantationSDAChurchTV Deeper Dive Theme: Pastor Rose explains why it's crucial for each us to have a personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus Episode Title: The Damascus Road Showdown Host: JWald Guest: Pastor N. Abraham Rose Date: August 13, 2025 Tags: #psdatv #conversion #Jesus #Saul #Paul #testimony #power #encounter #Damascus #name #life #change #transformation #dramatic #resurrection #180 #NewLife #HeIsLive #FightingGodIsFutile #ShameBeforeGlory For more life lessons and inspirational content, please visit us at http://www.plantationsda.tv. Church Copyright License (CCLI): 1659090 CCLI Streaming Plus License: 21338439Support the show: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANTBMV/envelope/startSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe for more Videos: http://www.youtube.com/c/PlantationSDAChurchTV Theme: The dramatic conversion of Saul serves as a powerful testimony of what can happen whenever one encounters the resurrected Jesus. Speaker: Pastor N. Abraham Rose Title: The Damascus Road Showdown Summary: The dramatic conversion of Saul serves as a powerful testimony of what can happen whenever one encounters the resurrected Jesus. This encounter not only resulted in a name change, it also shifted the trajectory of Saul's life. Even though every believer may not have such a dramatic experience, any encounter with the resurrected Jesus will prove to be life altering. Key text: https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.9.1-9.esv Bulletin/Notes: http://bible.com/events/49473267 Date: August 9, 2025 Tags: #psdatv #conversion #Jesus #Saul #Paul #testimony #power #encounter #Damascus #name #life #change #transformation #dramatic #resurrection #180 #NewLife #HeIsLive #FightingGodIsFutile #ShameBeforeGlory For more life lessons and inspirational content, please visit us at http://www.plantationsda.tv. Church Copyright License (CCLI): 1659090 CCLI Streaming Plus License: 21338439 Support the show: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANTBMV/envelope/startSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus. Acts 9:1-2 CSB I admit that I didn't always hold to this position, for a while I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might. Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers, I had no idea they were God's people!, into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution. I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem. Acts 26:9-11 MSGBeing passionately determined doesn't make you wrong, but doesn't make you right either! As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3-5 CSBReal repentance leads to incredible redemption and starts with the recognition that Jesus is Lord. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you'll be told what to do next. His companions stood there dumbstruck, they could hear the sound, but couldn't see anyone, while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. Acts 9:6-9 MSGYou may manage to minimize or even dismiss the evidentiary truth of God's word, but you will find difficult to quantify and impossible to dismiss the impact of a Divine encounter. “What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot. Acts 26:19 MSG Obedient surrender is the second step on our repentant journey to restoration and one that can't be overlooked! There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.” “Yes, Master?” he answered. “Get up and go over to Straight Street. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He's there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.” Acts 9:10-12 MSGYou do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:16-17 NLTYou can't earn, but you must turn, if you want to follow your way back to God's great plan for your life!So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”Acts 9:17-20 NLTGod has the miraculous ability to restore our sight and redeem and redirect our destiny and determination. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name. After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master's name. Acts 9:27-30 MSGFor I am the least of the apostles, not worthy 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. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 CSBThe redemptive impact God's love has on a truly repentant heart is the greatest of all life's miraculous wonders! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus. Acts 9:1-2 CSB I admit that I didn't always hold to this position, for a while I thought it was my duty to oppose this Jesus of Nazareth with all my might. Backed with the full authority of the high priests, I threw these believers, I had no idea they were God's people!, into the Jerusalem jail right and left, and whenever it came to a vote, I voted for their execution. I stormed through their meeting places, bullying them into cursing Jesus, a one-man terror obsessed with obliterating these people. And then I started on the towns outside Jerusalem. Acts 26:9-11 MSGBeing passionately determined doesn't make you wrong, but doesn't make you right either! As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3-5 CSBReal repentance leads to incredible redemption and starts with the recognition that Jesus is Lord. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you'll be told what to do next. His companions stood there dumbstruck, they could hear the sound, but couldn't see anyone, while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. Acts 9:6-9 MSGYou may manage to minimize or even dismiss the evidentiary truth of God's word, but you will find difficult to quantify and impossible to dismiss the impact of a Divine encounter. “What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot. Acts 26:19 MSG Obedient surrender is the second step on our repentant journey to restoration and one that can't be overlooked! There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.” “Yes, Master?” he answered. “Get up and go over to Straight Street. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He's there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.” Acts 9:10-12 MSGYou do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:16-17 NLTYou can't earn, but you must turn, if you want to follow your way back to God's great plan for your life!So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”Acts 9:17-20 NLTGod has the miraculous ability to restore our sight and redeem and redirect our destiny and determination. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name. After that he was accepted as one of them, going in and out of Jerusalem with no questions asked, uninhibited as he preached in the Master's name. Acts 9:27-30 MSGFor I am the least of the apostles, not worthy 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. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 CSBThe redemptive impact God's love has on a truly repentant heart is the greatest of all life's miraculous wonders! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

In Acts chapter nine, we have an example of what God will do to get someone's attention. The way God gets hold of our lives varies, because we are all different. Some are more dramatic than others. The Lord knows what we need, and He knew what Paul needed to see and hear. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

Today, Pastor Al will explore perhaps the most famous conversion in the history of the Church. In Acts chapter nine we read the account of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to Paul the Apostle. Every conversion is a miracle, but some seem more miraculous than others, or at least more surprising. You'll be encouraged as you read Saul's story - for if God can save Saul he can save anyone! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

In this 7/13/25 sermon, Michael Gowens considers the thrilling account of Saul's encounter with the risen Christ on Damascus Road, recorded in Acts 9:1-6. His two questions, "Who art Thou, Lord?" and "What would'st Thou have me to do?" are basic and fundamental to the life of Christian discipleship.

“Poetry is the prince of the literary arts to me. It's at the very top because it's language refined to its apex of memorability. I am interested in poetry as memorability and poetry as something you live by. These are the words you live by. These words stay in your brain and guide your life. That's what I am interested in. My memoir slash autofiction is called Borges and Me, and as you know, it's a story of my time in 1970 when my best friend Billy was drafted for the Vietnam War, and so was I. He went to Vietnam, and I went to Scotland to hide out and do my graduate work. I spent nearly seven years in Scotland, but I certainly spent the next five years definitely in Scotland. I was there before as an undergraduate for a bit, too. During that time, Billy was killed in Vietnam, and I was a nervous wreck. My memoir talks about my depression, my anxieties, and then, through my friend Alastair Reid, I met Borges, the great Argentine writer. We went on a little road trip through the Highlands, and this conversation with Borges really restored me back to myself and what was important in life. I felt that I owed a huge amount to that contact with Borges… I was lucky that suddenly, out of nowhere, came a wonderful director-producer named Mark Turtletaub. He had read my book and loved it, and he approached me. We had a conversation, and he said, ‘Look, I want to make this movie.' So off we went.”It's a real pleasure today to welcome a writer whose voice has been a guiding force in American letters for decades. Jay Pariniis the author of acclaimed biographies of literary giants like John Steinbeck, Robert Frost, William Faulkner, and Gore Vidal—as well as an illuminating portrait of Jesus in The Human Face of God. He's also a celebrated poet, novelist, essayist, and teacher whose work reflects a lifelong devotion to the arts, the humanities, and the power of language to tell the truth, gently. From his poetry to his prose, Jay's writing brings rare insight and deep compassion to the page. He doesn't just study his subjects—he inhabits them, helps us hear their voices, and see the world through their eyes. And of course, he's one of the few people who can say they've gotten into the heads of both Jesus and Gore Vidal...and lived to tell the tale.Episode Websitewww.creativeprocess.info/podInstagram:@creativeprocesspodcast

You often hear of someone having a “Damascus Road” moment, where something new is revealed to them and their whole life changes. The phrase comes from this passage in Acts (chapter 9), where a man named Saul, better known as Paul the Apostle—who at first seems like the main villain in the story—suddenly has his whole life change when Jesus interrupts his plans to stop the growth of the church dead in its tracks. It's a famous story. And it tells us a lot about what is taking place when someone chooses to begin following Jesus. In this message, Pastor Joel highlights four important elements to conversion, which are relevant not just for new followers of Jesus, but also for the seasoned saint to come back to again and again as they continue the journey begun in their own conversion.

Pastor Mike Nafziger  Sermon: Grace on the Damascus Road  Passage: Acts 9.1-18  Series: Acts: To the End of the Earth  June 8, 2025

Romans 1:1 — Just who was the apostle Paul and what right did he have to speak for God? In this sermon on Paul the apostle from Romans 1:1, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer these questions. While many question the credibility and authority of God's chosen author of Romans, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows Paul as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, and be separated unto the gospel of God. In order to be categorized as an apostle, one had to have been explicitly called and empowered by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Paul received this calling while travelling on the Damascus Road. As an apostle, he had the same knowledge, truth, and authority as all of Christ's twelve apostles. Paul was explicitly called to share this knowledge and truth of the gospel with the Gentiles. Seeing now the impact of Paul's ministry, one can question why God did not convert Paul at an earlier time. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the timing of God is one of the most fascinating things seen in Scripture. In time, the true fullness of God will come and as God has planned. In the same manner, God knew each of His children before the foundation of this world was formed, and His fullness will be revealed in His followers in His timing.

Romans 1:1 — Just who was the apostle Paul and what right did he have to speak for God? In this sermon on Paul the apostle from Romans 1:1, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer these questions. While many question the credibility and authority of God's chosen author of Romans, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows Paul as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, and be separated unto the gospel of God. In order to be categorized as an apostle, one had to have been explicitly called and empowered by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Paul received this calling while travelling on the Damascus Road. As an apostle, he had the same knowledge, truth, and authority as all of Christ's twelve apostles. Paul was explicitly called to share this knowledge and truth of the gospel with the Gentiles. Seeing now the impact of Paul's ministry, one can question why God did not convert Paul at an earlier time. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the timing of God is one of the most fascinating things seen in Scripture. In time, the true fullness of God will come and as God has planned. In the same manner, God knew each of His children before the foundation of this world was formed, and His fullness will be revealed in His followers in His timing. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Romans 1:1 — Just who was the apostle Paul and what right did he have to speak for God? In this sermon on Paul the apostle from Romans 1:1, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer these questions. While many question the credibility and authority of God's chosen author of Romans, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows Paul as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, and be separated unto the gospel of God. In order to be categorized as an apostle, one had to have been explicitly called and empowered by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Paul received this calling while travelling on the Damascus Road. As an apostle, he had the same knowledge, truth, and authority as all of Christ's twelve apostles. Paul was explicitly called to share this knowledge and truth of the gospel with the Gentiles. Seeing now the impact of Paul's ministry, one can question why God did not convert Paul at an earlier time. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the timing of God is one of the most fascinating things seen in Scripture. In time, the true fullness of God will come and as God has planned. In the same manner, God knew each of His children before the foundation of this world was formed, and His fullness will be revealed in His followers in His timing. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

In this episode I talk with Dr. Frank Thielman, Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, about his brand-new book Paul, Apostle of Grace, out now on Eerdmans. This book is a sweeping but readable biography of Paul that addresses his life, ministry, theology, letter writing, and more. We discuss the importance of Paul in the development of the early church, the historical reliability of Acts and his letters, his Jewish background as a Pharisee from Tarsus, the Damascus Road experience, his missionary journeys to the Gentiles, the purpose of his letters, and the impact Paul has on the modern church. If you want a one-podcast summary of the life of Paul, this is it! Media Referenced:Paul, Apostle of Grace: https://a.co/d/6jp0AAQFrank Thielman Academic Page: https://www.samford.edu/beeson-divinity/directory/Thielman-Frank The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com.  You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and YouTube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show's profile! Thanks!

Imagine the excitement and emotions of those who saw Jesus after He had risen. The Hero and the hope that he offers are not dead! Jesus truly was different from any other influential leader anyone could place their trust or faith in. He had defeated death and was alive! Was that all that made Him different, though? The answer is a resounding NO! While others would use this kind of power and influence to control and manipulate, Jesus chose to serve rather than be served! His heart of compassion was shown in His desire to be a Shepherd King rather than a tyrant ruler. Join us the Sunday at Damascus Road as we finish our Easter series and discover the Jesus who chose to rule as a different kind of Hero, a shepherd filled with compassion!

Part 26: The Assembly as One Body (1 Corinthians 12:12–31)Unity in Diversity Under the Lordship of MessiahIn this powerful teaching, we explore what it means to be one body with many members—each vital, each placed by God, and all under the headship of Yeshua. Paul uses the human body as a metaphor, reminding us that every believer has a role and function in the spiritual community.We reflect on Paul's Damascus Road encounter, where Yeshua said, “Why are you persecuting Me?”—revealing the intimate connection between the Messiah and His people.We also draw a profound connection to Passover, when Christ gave His life to unite us in Him. Just as Israel was delivered to become a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), we are redeemed to function together in love, service, and unity.Key Scriptures:1 Corinthians 12:12–31Exodus 19:6Colossians 1:18Acts 9:4 (Paul's encounter)John 17:20–21 (Messiah's prayer for unity)Themes Covered:Unity in diversityHonoring every part of the bodyServing under Yeshua's LordshipDangers of pride and comparisonLiving in covenant with one anotherLet this message stir your heart to walk in your calling, value others' gifts, and build up the Body of Messiah with humility and love.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more teachings that connect the Hebraic roots of our faith with the life-transforming power of Yeshua the Messiah.

We kick off a brand new series this weekend titled, "Room for One More," where we will be talking about how, at some point in our lives, we have all faced a task, challenge, or situation we felt was much larger than what we could handle on our own. Larger-than-life issues need solutions that are larger than this life. This is why we rely on the strength, wisdom, and power of Christ working in and through our lives.Over the past few weeks, we have been focused on answering the question: “Who's your one?” This Sunday at Damascus Road, we will be looking at how we can invite the Spirit of God into our lives to reach our one and face some of life's other challenges. Join us for what we anticipate great things to happen!

Terra Koslowski [Original airdate: 1/8/24 January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  Terra Koslowski, Education & Engagement Director for Damascus Road Project answers frequently asked questions about human trafficking in the U.S such as: What are some indicators to look for? Does trafficking happen at the Super Bowl? Is it happening in our local area? How can parents educate and protect their children? What fuels the demand?  How can the public/church get help?  Damasus Road Project, a faith-based, volunteer run 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the evil of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They are committed to bringing awareness through educating, restoring and empowering the abused, and advocating for the prevention and abolition of human trafficking. Damascus Road is 100% specially trained volunteer operated. For more information on Damascus Road, volunteer, donate, or to sign up to be a Scarlet Cord Prayer Sponsor, visit www.damscusroadproject.org. To report Human Trafficking tips: Emergency – 911, Non-Emergency- local police department. CyberTipline: www.report.cybertip.org.  Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888, www.humantraffickinghotline.org.  Text: 233733.  Soap Outreach (Theresa Flores) www.soapproject.org Other Local Agencies: Awaken Wisconsin (Green Bay, WI) www.awakenjustice.org 5-Stones (Appleton, WI): Student Film/school outreach www.5-stones.org Ephesians 5 Ministries: Pornography/sexual sin addiction www.eph5min.com

Terra Koslowski [Original airdate: 1/8/24 January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  Terra Koslowski, Education & Engagement Director for Damascus Road Project answers frequently asked questions about human trafficking in the U.S such as: What are some indicators to look for? Does trafficking happen at the Super Bowl? Is it happening in our local area? How can parents educate and protect their children? What fuels the demand?  How can the public/church get help?  Damasus Road Project, a faith-based, volunteer run 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fighting the evil of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They are committed to bringing awareness through educating, restoring and empowering the abused, and advocating for the prevention and abolition of human trafficking. Damascus Road is 100% specially trained volunteer operated. For more information on Damascus Road, volunteer, donate, or to sign up to be a Scarlet Cord Prayer Sponsor, visit www.damscusroadproject.org. To report Human Trafficking tips: Emergency – 911, Non-Emergency- local police department. CyberTipline: www.report.cybertip.org.  Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888, www.humantraffickinghotline.org.  Text: 233733.  Soap Outreach (Theresa Flores) www.soapproject.org Other Local Agencies: Awaken Wisconsin (Green Bay, WI) www.awakenjustice.org 5-Stones (Appleton, WI): Student Film/school outreach www.5-stones.org Ephesians 5 Ministries: Pornography/sexual sin addiction www.eph5min.com