Podcasts about ephesian

In this message from the Ephesian series, I come to the first blessing that Paul names for God’s people – To be chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. What was the basis of this choice? In this message, we look at this glorious truth. 09.20.26.Chosen.Tim.McCool

In this episode, Cherie dives into Ephesians 5:6-14, addressing the false teaching that pressed in on the early Ephesian church, both empty deception and legalistic rule-keeping that distorted the truth of the Gospel. She unpacks Paul's urgent warning not to be deceived and not to partner with those who twist God's Word, reminding listeners that we can (and should) test every teaching against Scripture itself. As believers, our lives should look noticeably different now that we're in Christ, bearing the good fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth as we walk in the light. Cherie closes by explaining the powerful "Arise, O Sleeper" call to wake up and shares why it inspired the name of her Ephesians study, Awake O Sleeper.WHAT IS NEUE THING?Neue Thing is a non-profit ministry, founded by Cherie Wagner, that exists to equip women with the Word of God. Cherie's life-long passion is two-fold: knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known. Author of Found On My Knees, Awake O Sleeper, Rest, Hope, Psalms for Life, and Knowing Your Name, Cherie writes Bible studies for women that will encourage them to know and believe God's Word, equip them to live it, and empower them to take it and transform this generation for Jesus Christ.CONNECT Website: https://neuething.org/Email Subscription link:https://neuething.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuethinginc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neuethingGive to Neue Thing: https://neuething.org/give/RESOURCESProverbs: The Wise, The Fool, The WickedKnowing Your NameFound On My Knees: The Journey from Brokenness to BlessingAwake O Sleeper: EphesiansRest: 30 Days of Exploring God's Invitation to RestHope: Tethered to an Unwavering GodPsalms for Life

How encouraging it must have been for the Ephesian churches to know that Paul was praying for them, especially when he told them what he was praying! Paul's prayer can help us know how to pray for one another too, as well as giving us excellent biblical goals toward which we can reach in confident faith. One of the church's key roles in the earth - expressing the heart of God for the world as we honor Him and love one another well - is worth contending for in prayer, and worth every investment!

In this episode, we discuss:- What was Timothy's role in the Ephesian churches?- How can Christian's apply this letter in their lives?- What is the difference between God-given desire and God-given design?

Brother Jim Shaw Ministries End Days Warning: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders and the Coming of Grievous Wolves Brother Jim Shaw preaches from Acts 20 on Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, warning that grievous wolves will enter the church, and calls listeners to repentance, watchfulness, and freedom from the idols of comfort, sports, and drink. Hold Fast in the End Days Brother Jim Shaw opens the broadcast urging listeners to hold fast, declaring that the end days are near. He marvels that modern technology, cell phones reaching anyone on the planet, GPS precise enough to find a golf ball on any course, is easily believed, yet people resist believing in Jesus. He tells the audience they were created for the glory of God but remain sinners, fallen and led by their own lusts, which want to make themselves God. Brother Jim insists there is no escape from this condition other than what happened at the cross, the blood sacrificed by the Lamb, calling every alternative, good works, any preacher, any religion, kindness itself, a deception outside of that blood. He explains that once a person accepts what Christ did at the cross and becomes reborn, fruit follows because the seed of God's word has been planted, but fruit without the blood of Christ is only deception and the respect of men. Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders Brother Jim Shaw turns to Acts chapter twenty, reading how Paul, hurrying toward Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, sends from Miletus for the elders of the church at Ephesus. He reads Paul's account of serving the Lord with humility, tears, and temptations while the Jews lay in wait to kill him, teaching publicly and house to house, testifying both to Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. Brother Jim stresses that Paul kept preaching even knowing he was hunted, and applies this directly to listeners, warning that anyone who wants to walk the walk of Christ will come under attack, whether through people, weather, thoughts, or temptations. He reminds the audience that repentance is not a one time event, comparing it to a righteous man falling seven times yet always getting back up, and urges listeners caught in bondage or facing recurring temptation to keep fighting rather than give in to discouragement. Bound in the Spirit, Undeterred by Chains Brother Jim Shaw continues reading Acts twenty, where Paul says he goes bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what awaits him except that the Holy Ghost testifies in every city that bonds and afflictions await him. He marvels that the Spirit sent Paul out to preach while warning him of coming suffering, and reads Paul's declaration that none of these things move him, that he does not count his own life dear so that he might finish his course with joy and complete the ministry received from the Lord Jesus. Brother Jim warns listeners that the end days are near and that conveniences like radio, YouTube, electricity, and gasoline, which he calls two massive golden calves society depends on, could vanish quickly, urging people to relish God's word today rather than assume anything is guaranteed. He notes that everyone was born naked and helpless, dependent entirely on others, and has already survived hopeless positions before. Feed Yourself First, Then the Flock Brother Jim Shaw reads Paul telling the Ephesian elders that they will see his face no more, and that he is pure from the blood of all men because he did not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. He reads Paul's charge to take heed first to themselves and then to the flock over which the Holy Ghost made them overseers, to feed the church of God purchased with his own blood. Brother Jim explains that believers must feed themselves the word of God before they can care for others, noting that Christ's sheep are found everywhere, in convenience store lines, at gas stations, drywalling, or repairing an electrical panel. He then reads Paul's grim prophecy that after his departure grievous wolves will enter in, not sparing the flock, and that even men from among the believers themselves will rise up speaking perverted things to draw disciples away, a warning Paul delivered with tears for three years. Repentance, Football, and the Golden Calf of Idols Brother Jim Shaw warns listeners not to get past the simplicity of Christ or slide into bondage of rituals and traditions, insisting that real rebirth always brings change. He shares a conversation with a man who noticed he could no longer watch football the way he used to, calling it evidence of repentance and the Lord tilling the soil, and clarifies that football and money are not evil in themselves but become idols once given power over a person's heart. Brother Jim recalls his own conversion, when he could not enter a restaurant with a bar for three years or watch football for five years without crying over stadiums full of people caring only about a first down. He says he has since found peace and can enter such places again without partaking, but describes alcohol bluntly as a pharmaceutical, noting that even the world calls liquor wine and spirits, and warns that a little leaven spoils the whole loaf. Paul's Example of Labor and Giving Brother Jim Shaw finishes his reading from Acts twenty, where Paul reminds the Ephesian elders that his own hands ministered to his needs and to those with him, working, by his account elsewhere, night and day so no one could accuse him of stealing their money. He reads Paul's instruction that by such labor believers ought to support the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive, framing Paul's refusal of gold, silver, or apparel as proof his message was pure truth rather than a bribe. The account closes with Paul kneeling down and praying with the elders before Brother Jim gives his own blessing, telling listeners to stay in Jesus and fight the good fight of faith. The broadcast ends with the announcer returning to give the ministry's website, a post office box in Vero Beach, Florida, a phone number, and a mention of Brother Jim's YouTube page for further sermons.

In this message on Acts 20, Pastor Kenny explores how the Holy Spirit moves within the Church to empower believers and advance God's mission. Anchoring his message in Acts 1:8, he emphasizes that every believer—not just a select group—is indwelt by the Spirit to serve as a witness, both by proclaiming the gospel and by daily dying to self.Pastor Kenny reflects on the concept of being "interim", reminding the congregation that all earthly roles—including pastorship—are seasonal stewardships entrusted to God's care. Walking through Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:27–38, he highlights three core leadership standards modeled by Paul: non-covetousness, dedicated labor, and open-handed generosity. As Pastor Kenny prepares to step into a new chapter, he charges the church to remain vigilant over their own hearts, maintain unity, and hold fast to the gospel.(00:00) - Introduction & Transitioning into a New Chapter (03:59) - The Mission and Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) (10:22) - Embracing Our Role as Interim Stewards (13:35) - Paul's Farewell Charge to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20) (17:58) - Guarding Against False Teachers and Internal Division (19:29) - Commending the Church to God and His Word (22:30) - Living Out Non-Covetousness, Labor, and Generosity (31:38) - Personal Spiritual Vigilance and Church Unity (34:11) - Preparation for Communion and Final Benediction

In this episode, we discuss:- What was Timothy's role in the Ephesian churches?- How can Christian's apply this letter in their lives?- What is the difference between God-given desire and God-given design?

This sermon examines the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, highlighting the critical danger of abandoning first love while maintaining doctrinal soundness. The message argues that although the Ephesian church was commended for its endurance and rejection of false teachers, Christ threatened to remove their lampstand because they had lost the tangible, practical love they once displayed toward one another. By contrasting Ephesus with the church at Thyatira and referencing Paul's earlier letters, the exposition clarifies that genuine Christian love must be evidenced in deeds and hospitality, not merely in intellectual agreement or zealous defense of truth. The preacher calls the audience to repent of this spiritual imbalance, urging them to recover their initial works of love and ensure that their witness to the world reflects the warmth of Christ's sacrifice rather than a cold, legalistic adherence to doctrine.

The sermon explores the theological tension in Joshua 13 between the remaining conquest of the land and God's promise to drive out the enemies, establishing that the work of finishing the job is ultimately God's responsibility. This realization is presented as a source of confidence for believers, decreasing pride while increasing the desire to serve as honored vessels of God's will. The message warns against complacency, using the example of Israel's failure to fully drive out certain nations and the Ephesian church's loss of first love as cautionary tales. It concludes by emphasizing that all labor should be directed toward God's glory rather than personal gain, citing the Levites' inheritance of the Lord Himself as the ultimate model of selfless devotion and praise.

This sermon examines the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, highlighting the critical danger of abandoning first love while maintaining doctrinal soundness. The message argues that although the Ephesian church was commended for its endurance and rejection of false teachers, Christ threatened to remove their lampstand because they had lost the tangible, practical love they once displayed toward one another. By contrasting Ephesus with the church at Thyatira and referencing Paul's earlier letters, the exposition clarifies that genuine Christian love must be evidenced in deeds and hospitality, not merely in intellectual agreement or zealous defense of truth. The preacher calls the audience to repent of this spiritual imbalance, urging them to recover their initial works of love and ensure that their witness to the world reflects the warmth of Christ's sacrifice rather than a cold, legalistic adherence to doctrine.

This sermon examines the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, highlighting the critical danger of abandoning first love while maintaining doctrinal soundness. The message argues that although the Ephesian church was commended for its endurance and rejection of false teachers, Christ threatened to remove their lampstand because they had lost the tangible, practical love they once displayed toward one another. By contrasting Ephesus with the church at Thyatira and referencing Paul's earlier letters, the exposition clarifies that genuine Christian love must be evidenced in deeds and hospitality, not merely in intellectual agreement or zealous defense of truth. The preacher calls the audience to repent of this spiritual imbalance, urging them to recover their initial works of love and ensure that their witness to the world reflects the warmth of Christ's sacrifice rather than a cold, legalistic adherence to doctrine.

Churches can feel sturdy right up until something underneath finally gives way. That tension is exactly why we return to Acts 20, where Paul gathers the Ephesian elders for a last, unfiltered set of words about what the Church of Jesus Christ is meant to be and how it stays healthy over time.We read Paul's charge closely and pull out two essential marks of an authentic church. First, the church appoints godly leaders. The New Testament uses overlapping terms like elders, overseers, pastors, and shepherds because the core task is spiritual care: guarding the flock, teaching God's Word, and watching for threats that harm people from the inside out. We also talk through why character matters more than talent, and how passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 shape a biblical view of church leadership.Second, we confront the heart-level question: who is the church for? Paul's ministry is centered on serving Jesus “with all humility and tears,” and that pushes us to examine our own motives, agendas, and attitudes. We connect Acts 20 with key themes from Philippians 2, Colossians 3, and the call to “help the weak,” building a church culture marked by compassion, forgiveness, unity, and generosity. We also keep the mission in view: Jesus came to seek and save the lost, so a gospel church cannot drift from evangelism and the good news of grace.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXo2niE1wt8

What some describe as loneliness is actually a lack of peace with God. It is a worldwide problem that often goes undiagnosed and is the most pervasive disease on the planet. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:17 titled “Peace With God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains Paul's words to the Ephesian church, primarily focusing on the necessity of peace with God. An important emphasis Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes is that Christ now preaches through the apostles what he was preaching in His own ministry: Jews and Gentiles alike are sinners and need peace with God. Jews in the New Testament made the fatal moralistic mistake of equating knowledge with obedience. Likewise, Gentiles fell short in that they chose to disobey the Lord with their sinful lifestyles. Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses vivid imagery to help listeners understand the reality of humanity's natural state of turmoil with God. He illustrates that the ocean is being pulled upon both by magnetic forces from the moon and the gravitational pull from the earth. This in turn causes massive turmoil and unrest in the ocean. This is similar to humanity's natural state. Humanity is not at rest; it is at war with God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones ends his sermon on an encouraging note: humans bear many burdens they need not bear simply because they have not brought them before the Lord. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps understand peace with God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

In Acts 20, Paul charges the Ephesian elders to pay careful attention to themselves and to the flock God has entrusted to them. Elders are called by the Holy Spirit to steward a church that belongs to Jesus, remaining qualified themselves while caring for and protecting his people. Whether or not you are called to the office of elder, the invitation is to pray for your elders, gladly receive their shepherding, and, through the transforming power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, grow into an elder-like follower of Jesus.

In Acts 20, Paul charges the Ephesian elders to pay careful attention to themselves and to the flock God has entrusted to them. Elders are called by the Holy Spirit to steward a church that belongs to Jesus, remaining qualified themselves while caring for and protecting his people. Whether or not you are called to the office of elder, the invitation is to pray for your elders, gladly receive their shepherding, and, through the transforming power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, grow into an elder-like follower of Jesus.

As Paul brings the gospel to Ephesus, lives are transformed, false gods lose their grip, and an entire city is stirred. In this message, we explore the events surrounding the formation of the Ephesian church and discover what can happen when the good news of Jesus reaches our hearts, confronts our idols, and begins reshaping the city we call home.

Ephesian 2:1-10 (HCSB), Romans 8:31-39 (HCSB)

Baptism is a sign of moving from spirtual death to spirtual life - all by the grace of Jesus

Pastor Jared Richard launches a new series through 1 Timothy by grounding the church in a simple but weighty truth drawn from 1 Timothy 3:15 — that the church is "the household of God, a pillar and buttress of the truth." The local church, he argues, is not merely a gathering of people who enjoy one another's company. It is the place where the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, protected, and passed on. That is what makes the church irreplaceable, and that is what must be guarded with diligence. To make his case, Pastor Jared walks through 1 Timothy 1:1-11, where Paul writes to Timothy about a serious crisis in the church at Ephesus — false teaching. The false teachers were internal, intriguing, and yet ultimately empty of any godly power. Paul had warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28-31 that "fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock," and from among their own leadership no less. Now that warning had come to pass, and Paul's apostolic solution was faithful leadership — leaving Timothy behind to evaluate and restore the eldership so that the church could once again be a faithful witness to the gospel. Pastor Jared closes by reminding Bay Leaf that the reason all of this matters is the gospel promise of transformed lives. The gospel is the only message to which God has attached his transforming power. False teaching, whether it comes from a pulpit or a worship song laced with prosperity gospel theology, puts the burden back on the people and distracts them from the completed work of Christ. The aim of the charge, as Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:5, is "love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, a sincere faith" — and that kind of love only grows in soil that has been cultivated by the faithful, Spirit-empowered proclamation of the gospel. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you. ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613 SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM) CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Everybody is talking about revival right now. But history shows the same pattern every time God moves, whether in Wales in 1904, on Azusa Street in 1906, or in Ephesus in Acts 19: the presence of God, the fear of the Lord, sin confessed, and idols dropped. You can't manufacture revival. You meet the conditions and God sends the fire.In this first week of a six-part look at Acts 19, we step into first-century Ephesus, a city where to belong was to worship Artemis. She was the goddess of security, health, wealth, and blessing, and the temple was the bank of Asia. When the Ephesian believers finally dragged their hidden scrolls of sorcery into the light and burned them, the word of God outpowered every other power in the city. These weren't new converts. They were established Christians who had kept old spells in the drawer just in case Jesus didn't come through. That's most of us. We don't throw out the old operating system; we install Jesus on top of it. Every hidden idol is a confession that we haven't trusted God with that part of our lives, and secrecy is the oxygen that keeps it alive.Pastor Darren names the idols of Southern California, including wellness, image, sexuality, entertainment, and money. The question isn't what to cut back on or put boundaries around. It's what God is asking you to burn. Name it, burn it, and fear the Lord.Part of our series Church on Fire: A Journey Through Acts. 

In Acts 20, Ryan explores what biblical leadership looks like as Paul prepares to leave the Ephesian church. Biblical leadership is from God and for God, given for the good of his people, and ultimately cruciform — shaped by the self-giving example of Jesus. Paul's life shows that leadership is not about platforms, prestige or power, but about serving others, laying down our lives and remaining faithful to God's mission. Whether we are leading or following, we are all called to help the church grow in health, maturity and mission.

What do occult books, expensive possessions, and following Jesus have in common?In Acts 19, the new believers in Ephesus did something that seems almost unbelievable. They publicly burned their occult scrolls, even though they were worth a fortune. Why? Because they realized that following Jesus required a clean break with their old way of life.Here we explore one of the most powerful principles in the book of Acts:A clean break establishes a solid foundation for the gospel.We'll look at:-Why the Ephesian believers destroyed their occult practices.-Why obedience often looks impractical.-The difference between legalism and genuine holiness.-Why some Christians never seem to mature in their faith.-How hidden compromise weakens our witness and our spiritual growth.-Practical questions to help you examine your own life.Following Jesus isn't about adding Him to our existing lifestyle. Sometimes it means decisively leaving things behind so we can wholeheartedly follow Him.Scripture: Acts 19:11-20If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.Discover more disciple-making resources at 12Church.net.#Acts19 #Discipleship #FollowJesus #PersonalEvangelism #Holiness #BibleStudy #DiscipleMakingLearn more at 12Church.net Take the Personal Evangelism Crash Course Here:https://www.twelvechurch.net/evangelism-crash-courseDiscover the Missional Living Map: https://missionalmap.comLearn more about 12Church: https://12church.netGet access to any tools and resources mentioned in this video here:https://www.12church.net/toolsThe 8 Essential Traits of a Disciple: https://www.twelvechurch.net/dnahttps://12church.net is about structuring your life around the call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who makes disciples. It's about learning HOW to make disciples in this time and place.

If today were your last chance to speak into someone you love, what would you say?In Acts 20, Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian elders knowing that hardship is waiting for him. He doesn't waste the moment. Instead, he reminds them what a life fully surrendered to Jesus looks like.Through Paul's example, we discover four life lessons for faithful followers of Jesus: **hold nothing back, pay the cost, guard what you've been given, and give freely.**True faithfulness obeys before it sees, spends itself on the mission, and guards what God has entrusted to it.The question isn't whether following Jesus will cost us something. The question is whether we believe He is worth the cost.

Before wrapping up Season 6, we're launching something new! As Woven's local ministry kicks off its Bible study on Ephesians, Whitney sets the stage for Paul's letter—connecting Jesus' post-resurrection words to the "blessed" life He calls us to today. Join us this fall for an incredible journey through Ephesians. Check the show notes to register for in-person groups or grab the study guide to follow along from anywhere!Show Notes: John 20:29-31Interested in participating in person with Woven's Bible study? Sign up here. Registration will close September 17th, 2026. If you'd like to follow along from a distance, you can purchase Lydia Brownback's Ephesian's resource here. 

Send us a message!We start Ephesians by tracing Paul's history with Ephesus and then reading chapters 1 and 2 as a focused picture of what God has done for us in Christ. We end by challenging ourselves to rethink peace as reconciliation and to take seriously what it means to be Jesus' body on earth.• the origin story of the Ephesian church in Acts 19 and the clash with Artemis worship and occult practices • Paul writing from house arrest in Rome and why the prison letters carry urgency and heart • how Ephesians is structured around what God has done and how we respond • spiritual blessings, adoption, redemption and the Holy Spirit as the seal of our inheritance • “by grace you are saved through faith” as the center of identity and assurance • Gentiles brought near, hostility killed and a new unified people formed in Christ • the church as Christ's body and why unity matters for mission • Jehovah Shalom and peace as God's declared end of conflict • reflection questions on living as a member of Jesus' body  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Every new season eventually leads to a moment nobody has faced before, and it comes with the same question every time: what now? Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 answers it with a pattern anyone can follow at the edge of the unknown: look back at what is true, look around at where God is leading, and look forward to what He has already promised

For many of us, autumn is a time for returning to routines that have faded over the summer as well as establishing new ones. As we move on from our summer in the Psalms of Ascents and prepare for a new sermon series next week, we'll take time this Sunday to focus on Paul's words to the Ephesian church to live wisely and make the most of our time. We'll also explore Jesus's parable of the Ten Bridesmaids and their oil lamps and consider some ways to establish enduring rhythms of wisdom and grace as we step together into the season ahead. Bring a friend and join us this Sunday as we lean in together to “Keep Our Lamps Burning in Good Times and Bad.”

The voices you trust will shape the life you live, but God's Word exposes every loyalty competing with Jesus.In The Word Got Out, Pastor Talaat McNeely walks through Acts 19:8-20 to show what happens when Scripture moves beyond our ears and begins transforming our loyalties. If you are navigating social media, spiritual counterfeits, the need for control, or habits you cannot seem to release, this message will help you identify which voice is forming you and what genuine surrender requires.In this episode, you'll discover:Why the voices you repeatedly trust eventually shape your decisions and identityHow daily Scripture challenges cultural norms and forms an everyday discipleWhy the authority of Jesus cannot be separated from allegiance to JesusWhat the Ephesian bonfire reveals about repentance that closes the door to an old lifePrimary Scripture: Acts 19:8-20 NLTPurpose City Church is a multiethnic, intergenerational, non-denominational church in Aurora, IL. Follow The Purpose City Church Podcast and plan your visit at https://www.purposecitychurch.com/.

Pastor Jason walks through Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, challenging believers to stop shrinking back from sharing the gospel. Living on mission means embracing a purpose greater than personal comfort and understanding we're accountable to God for carrying out the Great Commission. Every Christian has received a divine calling as a minister of reconciliation—not just saved from something, but saved for something.

August 9, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class This episode is a Bible-class-style teaching through Acts 18–19 that examines recurring challenges the church (and individual Christians) will always face. Using Paul's ministry in Corinth and episodes with Apollos and the Ephesian disciples, the lesson focuses on two major themes: overcoming fear and correcting mistaken ideas about salvation. The first section deconstructs the “halo effect” and reminds listeners that Paul was a very human leader who experienced fear—at times trembling in Corinth—despite his apostolic record. The teacher walks through Acts 18:1–11 alongside 1 Corinthians 2:3, Ephesians 6, Colossians 4, 2 Timothy, Psalm 56, Joshua 1:9, Romans 8:18 and other passages to show how Jesus' assurance ("Do not be afraid... I am with you") and the reality of faith-with-fear shaped Paul's response: keep speaking, rely on the divine presence, remember you are not alone, and choose to not be ruled by fear. The classroom discussion also applies this to congregational fears (budgets, membership, ministry change) and personal fears (evangelism, rejection, death, failure). The second section turns to correcting mistaken ideas about salvation, focusing on Acts 18:24–26 and Acts 19:1–7. The lesson contrasts Apollos' powerful but incomplete knowledge (he knew only John's baptism) with Priscilla and Aquila's gentle correction, and Paul's encounter with twelve Ephesian disciples who received John's baptism but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Key biblical distinctions between John's baptism and baptism in the name of Jesus are highlighted along with why the early church rebaptized some. The episode offers practical, pastoral guidance for talking with people who hold different or incomplete views: acknowledge what they do right, take conversations aside rather than publicly shame, open Scripture together and show the "way of the Lord" more accurately, ask good questions to learn what they truly believe, listen closely, put the matter between the person and the Bible (not denominational opinion), and leave the results with God. It also identifies unhelpful responses to avoid—demeaning language, name-calling, challenging sincerity, or staying silent—and emphasizes speaking the truth in love. There are no outside guests; the hour is driven by classroom teaching and group discussion. Listeners can expect Scripture-based exposition, practical evangelism tips, pastoral counsel for congregational leadership, and clear, actionable steps for addressing fear and doctrinal confusion in real-life ministry settings.   Duration 41:46

In this sermon, Curtis looks at the trouble Paul runs into in Ephesus

Paul continues to admonish the Ephesian church to live a new life in Christ, a life that is distinct from the rest of the world. The Christian ought not to partner with those who are disobedient. Instead of walking in their darkness, as we once all formerly walked, we should instead walk as children of light. To do this, we must pay attention to our daily walk, growing in our understanding of the Lord's will, giving thanks to God, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Continuing in this line of distinctive thinking, Paul goes on to say that a husband and his wife are to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church, as the husband should love his wife as himself and the wife should respect her husband. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In Acts 20, Paul gathers the Ephesian elders on a beach in Miletus for a painful farewell, knowing they will never see his face again. This scene offers a vivid portrait of true spiritual leadership—one that weeps, bleeds, and pours itself out for the flock. Like bank tellers trained to recognize counterfeit currency by mastering the genuine, we must first behold true shepherding to spot spiritual corruption. Paul's life moved in one direction: from Christ as the absolute source, and then outward to the church.Paul warns that "fierce wolves" will arise—not only from the outside, but from within their own congregations—speaking twisted things to draw believers after themselves and away from their “first love.” Wolves consume the flock to feed their own need for platform, power, or money. For anyone wounded by church leadership, Jesus was never confused by the disguise; He denounced spiritual abuse before we had a name for it. The church does not belong to any human leader; it was obtained with the blood of God. Real shepherds attach the flock directly to Jesus, knowing that while leaders change, the Shepherd who bought us remains unshakable.Support the show

Acts 21:27-36 English Standard Version Paul Arrested in the Temple 27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” English Standard Version (ESV) The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.

If you're a part of a healthy church, you know that unity and fellowship is God's good gift to the saints, but that gift doesn't come without effort. Paul urges the Ephesian church to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This kind of work doesn't fall only to those who have titles within the church; the ascended Christ has blessed the whole church with gifts of varying kinds to strengthen and equip the entire church body for the work of ministry. In Christ, we are to put off the old self which is corrupted by deceitful desires, so that we can be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new self which is created in Christ's likeness. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Christ-centered living is not just a religious 'catch phrase.' Paul encourages the Ephesian church even while he himself is in prison, writing to them that he's been hearing about their faith and loving action. As he encourages them, he does so with Christ at the center. As he prays for them, Christ is central here too. And finally, he reminds them that their own identity as the body of Christ stems from Christ himself, the Risen One who is exalted over every other authority and power, as their head. Still today, we serve the same Jesus, have our own Christ-centered stories to live and to share, and a world around us to share them with!

Introduction: How to Have a Church Service, God's Way (1 Corinthians 14:26-40) BUILD UP believers. (1 Cor 14:26b) ELIMINATE the chaos. (1 Cor 14:27-33a) WOMEN don't preach. (1 Cor 14:33b-35) 1 Timothy 2:12-14 - I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. None of this is up for DEBATE . (1 Cor 14:36-40) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Questions and Answers: What Should a Worship Service Look Like? Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:36You know, just a few days ago, in this very room, it was complete chaos. It was so good. I mean, VBS, it was complete chaos, right? You're going to hear more about it later. We're going to show you a video. But just kids on top of kids, people screaming and throwing. There was slime dripping from the ceiling. Wasn't supposed to, but there was.01:06And it was just, it was chaos and it was beautiful. Which is fine for vacation Bible school, but chaos is not something that should describe Sunday morning. And that takes us to the passage we're looking at today. So I'm going to ask you to please pray for me.01:36Faithfully represent God's Word. That's all we try to do here at Harvest Bible Chapel. We're not preaching our opinion or scratching itchy ears. We just want to represent the Word of God. And I'm asking you to please pray for me to do that faithfully, and I will pray for you to receive what it is that the Lord has said in His Word. All right? Let's just take a moment and pray.02:09Father, when we open the Bible, the question is, is this from God?02:21Father, we have solidly come to that conclusion.02:25We believe that this is your word.02:28When it says things that we like, and when it says things that we maybe struggle to believe, It's your word. And I pray today, Father, for all of us. You eliminate any distractions or preconceived notions and allow us to receive what it is that your word actually says. We pray in Jesus' name. And all of God's people said, Amen. 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Chapters 11 through 14.03:04in 1 Corinthians is all about corporate worship. Right? And we've been talking through this series. We had a little break from Pastor Taylor's excellent message taking us back to the Old Testament. But in this section in particular where we find ourselves, we're talking about speaking in tongues. And you can go back and review those. But tongues, there was a legit miracle gift. And if you study your Bibles, Speaking in tongues was speaking a known language. All right. It was an existing language, but the speaker, they didn't know that language. They didn't study, but they would. It'd be like if I got up and started speaking Mandarin. I don't know Mandarin, but I started speaking Mandarin because there were Mandarin speaking people in the congregation. That's what the gift of tongues was about. We saw. Previously, the tongues was a sign of judgment.04:04Israel had rejected the Messiah. And tongues was God's way of saying, okay, you're going to hear a language you don't understand because you've rejected me. I'm moving on to other people. And it was for the season of transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. We saw in chapter 13, verse eight, he said, tongues will cease. It's going to come to an end. It was only for a season.04:34The Pagan Practice of Tongues. In many pagan religions, there would be this ecstatic screaming of sounds. They weren't real languages. It's just screaming this gibberish. And the Corinthians brought that into church. It's chaos. There's chaos. Look at verse 26, where we left off last time. Verse 26. Paul says, What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Stop right there. That's not a command, by the way. He's describing the chaos. He's like, here's what your church service is. Everybody shows up, and everybody is like, ooh, ooh, me, I want to teach. I want to speak in tongues. I'm going to sing. And everybody was doing it.05:33And it was just this circus. He says your worship services are just chaos. You have the gibberish. You have misusing the real gift of speaking in tongues. You have the debacle that you've made the Lord's Supper. You have women preaching. You have people showing off. Your services are a complete mess. And it'd be real easy for us to look.06:03and say, wow, yeah, glad we've matured from that. But sadly, many things that are called church services are still a real mess. What have we turned worshiping our Savior God, what have we turned that into? For some churches, it's putting on a concert and giving a pep talk.06:33heresy, screaming gibberish, holy laughter, holy barking, craziness, chaos. So much being done in the name of worshiping the Lord that is anything but actually worshiping the Lord. And you're like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on a second, hang on.07:01Who says what should happen in a church service anyways? Well, I would suggest to you God. The God that we worship has told us how we should worship. So very simply, in this passage we're looking at today, Paul is outlining here's what a worship service should be. That's what this passage is. What should happen in a church service? Paul's like, this is what should happen right here.07:31So, on your outline, how to have a church service God's way. Number one, first thing has to happen, absolutely has to happen. He says it first because this has to be the primary drive. Number one is build up believers. Build up believers. Look at the end of verse 26. He says, let all things be done.08:01For building up.08:07Here's a philosophical slash theological question for you.08:11Who is church service for?08:13Is it for believers or for unbelievers?08:19Biblically, church service is for believers.08:23Now listen, if you're here today and you're not a believer and somebody invited you, we're so glad that you're here.08:29But we're going to tell you to receive Christ. We're going to tell you to believe what the believers here believe. That we are, by nature and by birth, we are alienated sinners from God. And God reconciled us to himself through the death of his son, Jesus Christ. And he commands us. He commands us to turn from our sin and to believe in Jesus Christ. And when you do, you are saved. You are a child of God. That's the gospel.08:59The goal biblically in our worship service should be building up believers. Like, what parts of the service? Well, your Bible says the same thing that mine does. Let all things, all things be done for building up. It's teaching God's truth and teaching believers how to apply God's truth. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this because we have talked so much about this through 1 Corinthians chapter 14.09:29Church is where you go to give, not go to get. Over and over and over and over and over. Paul says edify, build up, edify, build up. It's just been the theme of this whole chapter. Paul says when you go to church, you should go to church ready to serve other people. That should be your mindset. I'm not here to get, I'm here to give. You're like, well, what about evangelism?10:01I'll study the book of Acts. When believers are built up, they are prepared to reach the lost in their lives. There's lost people in your life, in your sphere of friends, influence. You need to be built up here so you can go to them and share the gospel of Christ. The church is not what's in it for me, but.10:29Everything we do here has to have the mindset of what can we do to build up believers. That's what he says. So number one, how to have a church service God's way, build up believers. Number two, he says, eliminate the chaos. You've got to eliminate the chaos. Here he talks about two gifts. Just for that day that were not used appropriately in Corinth. Tongues, even the legit, They weren't doing that right. And prophesying. And understand again, the New Testament was being written during this day. So prophets were getting new revelation from God. We don't get that now that the Bible is complete. Right? Those blank pages in the back of your Bible aren't for you adding to Scripture. That's not what that's for.11:32But there were two gifts in that day that were being wildly misused, and it was contributing to the chaos. Tongues and prophecy. First, he addresses tongues. Okay? Legit gift of speaking in tongues. How do we do it? How do we do it? Look at verse 27. He says, and let someone interpret.12:02But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.12:10First of all, speaking in tongues.12:12They're assuming here, Paul's assuming, that someone is present in church who speaks a foreign language.12:19And you see his guidelines.12:20He goes, okay, two or three of you, not everyone, and take turns and you have to have an interpreter for the sake of the people there that don't speak that language. Right? If somebody's here that speaks Mandarin and I got up and spoke Mandarin, like the rest of you are like, what's going on? You need an interpreter to say, here is what is being said. That's how the gift works. Again, we studied all that several weeks ago. But then he says, if you don't have an interpreter, just sit there and pray silently.12:59So let me ask you.13:01If you've been to or seen a Pentecostal or Charismatic church service, is that how it's done?13:07Is that typically how speaking in tongues happens?13:12You're afraid to say, aren't you?13:15All right.13:16No, that's not how people do it.13:20It's chaos.13:22And that's what Paul's saying.13:23Are you going to knock that chaos off?13:25Right? Then he talks about prophesying. Look at verses 29 through 31. Prophesying. He goes, let two or three prophets speak. Let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one so that all may learn and all be encouraged.13:55Stop there. Again, prophesying. Prophesying. He's like, just again, two or three. Right? And let the others discern if what is being said is actually from God. Weigh it. Right? And again, some people were preaching already revealed information. Maybe preaching something from the Old Testament. And in this day, as the New Testament was being written and God was giving revelation, There'd be somebody sitting there in church that God would give a revelation to. And Paul says, if that guy has a revelation, the guy that's speaking the old information, have him sit down. Let new revelation guys speak. Right? Then look at verse 32. He says, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.14:55What in the world does that mean? It means this. The church was chaos, right? So you pull a guy aside that is a... He just can't help it. He comes to church and he's belting it out. I'm going to prophesy. And he's contributing to the chaos. And it's like, you're not supposed to do that. Remember, two or three...15:25What's he gonna say? Here's what he's gonna say. He's gonna say, I can't help it. I can't help it. Oh, and the spirit comes on me. I just can't help it. I just it just comes out. I can't control myself. And and that's why, you know, you want me to be quiet, but I can't be quiet. Because when the spirit's on me, I just can't be quiet. And verse 32, Paul's like wrong. The spirit of prophets are subject to the prophets, meaning this.15:55He's saying, every spiritual gift is used under the complete control of the one who has the gift.16:03The Holy Spirit does not come upon a person and make that person lose control of themselves.16:10That does not happen.16:12Okay?16:13That does not happen.16:15Paul says, your gifts are under your control.16:20Right?16:21So the exact ways these two gifts were used were Corinth specific, but there's a principle that certainly holds for us today. And it's look at verse 33. The first part, he says, for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. Paul says a service to worship God should represent God's care.16:52God is a God of peace. He's not a God of confusion. He said, listen, church cannot be a free for all. So you have to eliminate any chaos. Worship has to be orderly because otherwise people will not get built up. And that is why we're here is to build each other up. So that's what he's saying here. Eliminate the chaos. You've got to eliminate the chaos.17:20So how to have a church service God's way, build up believers, eliminate the chaos. Number three, he says, women don't preach. Women don't preach. Look at what he says. Now, the second half of verse 33, it actually goes with this section, not the previous section, right? In my Bible, it's actually indented as a new paragraph, and that's appropriate.17:51He says, As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the law also says.18:08All the churches.18:10All the churches.18:11Do you notice that?18:13All the churches.18:14Was it just a problem in Corinth?18:17Apparently not.18:19All the churches.18:21Was it just a problem in the first century?18:25All the churches.18:26Today.18:27Today.18:29Look, I never.18:31I can't remember a period of my life.18:39Where we as a culture have been so messed up about gender issues.18:43I just don't understand that.18:46One of the first things little kids learn.18:50We're so confused about gender stuff, right? Look at our culture. Gender is fluid. I was born one way, but now I can be another way, right? We have people in prominent positions that can't define what a woman is. And some of the same people saying that men can get pregnant. We have trans men or trans women. I can't ever remember.19:18The man who's dressed like a woman playing woman's sports, whatever that is. We're just so mixed up over gender things. And we in the church are like, well, we're not mixed up over gender issues. We have a big one. Let's talk about it. You know, the big gender issue in the church, can women be pastors?19:49It's a hot button issue. But I want you to hear me. The Bible is clear and it has not changed. Women are not to preach in church. And listen, I want you to hear me out, okay? You put your church clothes on and you showed up. So can you just stay and hear me out? I am not anti-woman. I'm married to one.20:19Without a doubt, my absolute most favorite human on the planet is a woman. And there's not even a close second. Okay, I'm not anti-woman. I'm not anti-woman. My mother, rest her soul, my mother was a woman. My sister, also a woman. We have so many faithful servants of Christ here in this church.20:48at this church.20:49I am not anti-woman.20:51I am not anti-woman.20:55But I'm also very much pro-Bible.21:00And the Bible straightforwardly says that the role of pastor, elder, preacher, shepherd, all the same thing.21:10The Bible clearly says that role is for men.21:17It's not my opinion.21:19That wasn't the consensus of the elder think tank. That's what the Bible says. Now you said you'd hear me out. There are so many arguments for pro-women pastors. So many arguments. I'm just going to share a few of them. Some people argue pro-woman pastor. Some people say, hey, hey, hey, look, Women are equal.21:49All right.21:50That's awfully sexist of you.21:52Women are equal.21:53Yes.21:54Yes.21:56Women aren't equal, but equal does not mean the same.22:02Equal does not mean we all have the same roles.22:04Where you work, I'm sure that you're equal with your boss.22:09But you have different roles.22:11Okay.22:13So yes, equal.22:15Not same.22:18Here's another pro-woman-pastor argument I've heard several times. Like, I know this woman pastor and she's fantastic. I went to this church and they had this woman pastor. She's fantastic. It just doesn't matter how good of a speaker you thought she was. A woman pastor is not a thing. Study your Bibles. There is no teaching in the Old Testament.22:45for installing a woman as a priest. And there's no teaching in the New Testament on how to install a woman as a pastor. In fact, all of the instructions for priests in the Old Testament, for pastors, shepherds, elders in the New Testament, it's directed towards men. Titus 1.6 says that elders, pastors should be the husband of one wife. Assuming, Paul was assuming that this was a, role for men.23:18But as soon as you say that, as soon as you say, well, there's no example of women pastors in the Bible.23:25As soon as you say that, some of you might already be thinking it.23:31Somebody thinks they got the trump card on that.23:33They're like, ah, what about Deborah?23:39You heard that one?23:39What about Deborah?23:43Deborah?23:43If you're unfamiliar with the story, I'll paraphrase it for you. Judges chapters 4 and 5. God called a man named Barak to serve him in leading Israel, and he wussed out. And Deborah had to step up and lead, because the man that God called was a chicken.24:16Oh, by the way, this is in the book of Judges. Deborah wasn't a pastor. All right. She wasn't even a priest. She was a military leader. That's what a judge was. Oh, and by the way, if you're looking in your Bible for examples on how to faithfully love and serve and obey and follow the Lord, I would not suggest going to the book of Judges for examples of that. Have you read the book of Judges? It is the craziest book of the Bible. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes. The stuff that happens is just crazy. But somebody comes along and says, well, Deborah. Deborah wasn't a pastor. Deborah wasn't a pastor. But then our more New Testament minded people, say, oh, I know who, you say no woman pastors, but what about, what about, what about Tequila and Priscilla? And I'm like, well, it's Akila and Priscilla, but I know who you're talking about. Acts chapter 18. These two together taught Apollos the way of the Lord more excellently, but it doesn't say anything in that passage about Priscilla being a pastor. It just doesn't say that. It'd be like if a newer believer came to church today, all fired up, all fired up, and their theology is a little off. And I'm like, hey, why don't you go to lunch with the calls? And Matt and Lexi take this person to lunch and teach them the Word of God. That doesn't make Lexi a pastor, all right?26:13A disciple maker, yes, but not a pastor. Neither was Priscilla. But here by far is the biggest objection that you hear. You know it's coming. When you say, well, you shouldn't have women pastors. The Bible says you shouldn't have women pastors. You know what the number one objection is to that. Well, that was just cultural. You hear that one? That was just cultural.26:43back then. What you have to understand in the first century Corinth culture, the first century Ephesian culture, what you've got to understand about the first century culture is they really hated women back then. Look at what Paul told Timothy, 1 Timothy 2. We're not going to unpack all this, but I just want you to see one thing here. Paul says, I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man. Rather, she is to remain quiet. Exactly what he says here. 1 Corinthians 14. Look, for Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Now, we're not going to unpack all that, but just one thing I want you to note. Paul's reasoning. Paul's reasoning that the woman is not to teach, or preach in church? His reasoning, is it cultural or is it theological? What's his reason? It's theological. And I've had people come at me hard wanting to argue this, and I show them this passage, and their answer is, well, it looks theological, but, but, no, no, no, Corinthian culture. Like, no, no, no, but, look, his reasoning is theological. You can study that yourself. Look at verse 34 again.28:11Back in 1 Corinthians 14. Look at the last phrase here. He says, they are not permitted to speak, but look at this, but should be in submission as the law also says. As the law also says. Again, is his reasoning culture or theological? Like, well, what law? Authority was established at creation. Genesis 3, verse 16.28:43Women are not to be in authority over men, but in submission. And as soon as you say submission, people ready to throw down. Cash me outside, right? You're ready to fight. Because people think that when we say submission, what we mean is weakness. And we've preached this, we've taught this so many times, submission is not weakness.29:11Jesus Christ was in perfect submission to his father for every single thing that he did. You would not dare call him weak. Submission is strength. It takes strength to trust God by submitting to God's established authority. That takes strength. So we talk about women pastors, women not being pastors. We're not talking about issues of equality or talent or ability. We're just we're talking about roles. It's just roles.29:41God says, here's things that I want men to do, and here's things I want women to do. It's just that. And I got to tell you, church, I agree with the late, great John MacArthur, who many times I've heard him teach. The most obvious evidence that a church has abandoned the Word of God is when they have a woman pastor. He goes on. Look at verse 35.30:13He says, if there's anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home.30:19For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.30:26It's shameful for a woman to speak in church.30:28The word shameful means it's a blemish on the church.30:32Not what it says.30:33Speak in church.30:34Speak.30:36Look at the context of the passage.30:37That's why we study the Bible in its context.30:40When it says speak, It's not like a woman walks in the door here. Hi, hi, where's your bathroom? It's like, keep your mouth shut, woman! Take your pagan ways out of here! You are not to speak. Look at the context. What's he talking about? He's talking about teaching and preaching in the church service, right? That's the obvious context. Yes, women can teach women. The Bible says, Titus chapter 2. Children.31:11He's talking here that a woman should not be up here preaching to the whole congregation. You have questions? He says, don't just shout them out in church. Men, don't do that either, all right? If you have questions, ask them in small group, ask them in Bible study, ask them in precepts, ask them whatever. Just not during church service, right? He says, ask your husbands. So husbands, You may be ready to answer some questions, especially after this sermon. If you don't have a husband, if you don't have a husband, a brother, a parent, a small group leader, an elder, yeah, if you're not married, I'm sure any of our elders would be glad to take a phone call from you and answer a question. See, God has a plan for order.32:10roles in the church. Faith means I trust God by doing things His way. And I know, look, I know. I know I'm going to get some texts and I'm going to get some emails because people are going to want to argue this. Right? And in Paul's day, as he wrote this letter and sent it off, He knew that people were going to want to argue this. Which is why I can honestly say I'm so thankful for this last section. Number four, Paul says none of this is up for debate. He knows as soon as you say, look, women should not be pastors. Women should not be preaching in church. People want to fight. And Paul says it's not up for debate.33:09liberal, church-minded, charismatic, feminist objections. And he goes pretty hard in the paint in the end of this. All right? So brace yourself. Look at verse 36. He says, or was it from you that the Word of God came? Or are you the only ones that has reached? See, Paul knew there were people going to read this, and they're like, I really think we should all speak in tongues. And I really think women should be pastors. And Paul's like, oh, oh, are you the authority? Oh, I'm sorry. Did somebody die and make you the expert? That's what Paul's saying. No. Look at verse 37. He says, if anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a commandment.34:09of the Lord. Listen, if you're spiritual, if you're really mature in your faith, you're going to acknowledge that this is from God. It's not cultural. It's not man's opinion. It's not something to be argued. Paul says God is commanding all of this. Verse 38. Pretty straightforward verse. Look at verse 38. He says, if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.34:41Paul says, if you refuse to accept this, we refuse to accept you.34:50That's pretty straightforward.34:53Paul's saying, listen, a woman pastor is not a pastor.34:58And you're like, well, I think she is.34:59Paul's like, well, we don't recognize you.35:05Paul says, a church without order is not a church.35:08You can call yourself what you want.35:10But if you're calling yourself a church, but you're not having a worship service that follows an order and follows these biblical guidelines for teaching and for roles, because you're just not a church.35:27If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.35:30So, verse 39, so my brothers, Earnestly desire to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues. That's the call back to everything that we've talked about in this section. Prophecy, tongues, they were legit gifts in those days. The way that God used them. And that's what Paul's saying here. He goes, yeah, there's legit gifts here. Do them appropriately. Do it right. Do it right. And verse 40.36:04All of this was the introduction. Here's the sermon. Verse 40 is really the thesis of the whole passage. Paul says, but all things should be done decently and in order. Decently. The word decently means beautifully. It means in order. You're like, well, how are, What does that mean? You know, it would be like a man looking at his wife. Say, you know, you're put together perfectly. Everything is just in the right place. And you, everything is just, you're beautiful because there's just such an order and structure to you. Man, don't say that.37:05Everything just fits together on you. Maybe not, but you see the point. Everything fits together. Like, it's all working. It's all in harmony. It's so beautiful. That's what he's saying your worship service needs to be. Everything should fit together. Everything should be harmonious, beautiful. Your Bible might translate it decent.37:34It says, in order, in order, sequence, not chaos. Sequence, not chaos. God is beautiful. God has perfect harmony. And God rules the universe with clear order. So a worship service absolutely must reflect the God that we worship.38:04So our worship team makes their way up. I'd like you to bow your heads with me please. Father in heaven, sometimes your ways are hard to explain. But you haven't commanded us to explain you. You've commanded us to obey you. And your word is very clear.38:35that when we come together to worship, there are things that must happen, there are some things that must not happen.38:46And I'm sure as we go through this, I'm sure some point of this message, for every single one of us, probably each of us have experienced some point of tension.39:01Father help us to be like the Bereans look closely at your word are these things true and resolve that we're all called to submission ultimately Father we're called to submission to you and your word so I pray Father for Harvest Bible Chapel that as we gather for worship I pray Father that there is building up I pray that people are encouraged and edified.39:35And I pray, Father, that you look at all of this and you would regard it as beautiful.39:45You deserve everything we can give you.39:50You deserve so much more than that.39:53But let our hearts, Father, worship you in spirit and in truth.39:59We pray in Jesus' name.40:01Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 14:26-40What was your big take-away from this passage / message?All things must “be done for building up” (1 Cor 14:26). List some ways “building up” happens in church.What arguments have you heard for having a woman pastor? What does 1 Cor 14:33-35 say about women preaching in church?BreakoutPray for one another.

Psalm 115 warns that "those who make idols become like them." An idol is anything created that we ask to do the work of the Creator—anything we look to for security, identity, worth, or control. In Acts 19, as the gospel spreads through Ephesus, Paul confronts a city where the goddess Artemis is tied not just to private worship, but to money, business, civic pride, and systemic power. When Jesus steps into Ephesus, He doesn't just challenge private beliefs; He touches the economic and cultural systems people depend on for their livelihood and safety.Demetrius the silversmith stirs up a riot because the gospel directly threatens the silver shrine trade, revealing how idols hide behind reasonable concerns ("this is bad for business" becomes "this is bad for Artemis"). Every idol creates an economy—an orbit of habits, sacrifices, and cultural liturgies that promise life while quietly enslaving us. When threatened, these idols get loud and chaotic, as seen in the two-hour chant of the Ephesian crowd. Yet Jesus offers a radically different economy: grace instead of transaction, and open hands instead of clenched fists. At the cross, Jesus absorbs our false systems to free us from every economy that promises life but demands slavery.Support the show

What does it mean to truly belong to God before we ever do anything for him? That question sits at the heart of Ephesians chapter one, and the answer is more stunning than we might expect. This message takes us deep into the opening of Paul's letter to the Ephesian church, where he lays out the foundation of the gospel not as a list of things to accomplish, but as a declaration of who we already are. Before the world was even created, God set a plan in motion to redeem and unify us through Jesus Christ, not reluctantly, but with joy and pleasure. We explore the rich theological tension between predestination and free will, tracing how thinkers across church history have wrestled with passages like Ephesians 1 and Romans 9, and landing on a vision of God who laid down a track before time began, inviting every one of us to choose to get on. The result is a portrait of a God who does not merely tolerate us but lavishes grace on us. If you have ever wondered whether your standing with God depends on your performance, this is a message that will challenge and reframe everything. If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out! If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com

Today Joel talked about the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing His presence, using Acts 19 where Paul meets disciples in Ephesus who'd never even heard of the Holy Spirit. He walked through three movements—faith without presence, the sons of Sceva learning that presence can't be borrowed secondhand, and the Ephesian believers burning their magic scrolls once God's presence made hiding unbearable. His invitation was simple: stop trying to manufacture or wield God like a tool, and instead come with open hands each morning praying "Holy Spirit, I'm open—not the concept of you, but you."Support the show

On the return leg of his third apostolic journey, with his destination being Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul makes a stopover in Miletus to meet with the elders of the Ephesian church to give them instruction, warning and encouragement. This episode reveals Paul's three-point discourse to the church's leadership. He reviews his past three-year ministry in Ephesus, informs the men of his present situation and current ministry and journey to Jerusalem, and reminds the elders of their future responsibilities as the spiritual leaders of their flock. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/378-miletus/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HJmtBV9Y4GE Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-351-375/?attribute_pa_episode=378-paul-the-preacher-miletus-acts-2017-35 Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-paul-the-preacher/

Loving the world will result in losing our first love. When this happens, we begin to buy into the world's value systems, and eventually our lives do not reflect Christ. They will reflect the world.Main Points:1.  When we meet Christ, one thing that fundamentally changes is what we love. Before we met Jesus, our primary love was ourselves, but we also loved the things of this present world. But when we met Jesus, things began to change. We discovered a better love.2. Loving the world means being devoted to the world's treasures, philosophies, and priorities. God tells His children to set their priorities according to His eternal value system. We are to “seek first” God's kingdom and righteousness.3. The problem with loving the world is that it conflicts with what is to be our first love. Jesus is to be our first love. Why? He alone is worthy of such love and devotion. In Revelation chapter two, we learn the Ephesian church was commended for their hard work and perseverance, yet they were warned because they had lost their first love.Today's Scripture Verses:1 John 2:15 - “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.”Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Our 4th and final NT norm is the centrality of prayer in the life of the early church. Listen in as we share 4 "P" observations on prayer - It was a Priority; It Preceded the filling and work of the Spirit; It was the church's response to Persecution; and it was Personal and Persistent. 4 P's: 1-Priority. Begins the book of Acts—“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers" (1:14).  In Ch. 2, the church was praying when the Holy Spirit filled them.  Acts 2:42- he church was devoted to prayer. It was one of the first things that marked them out—alongside the apostle's teaching, breaking the bread, and fellowship. Acts 6: We see the priority of prayer even more strikingly when the apostles single out prayer alongside of the ministry of the Word as their primary responsibility. “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” “I stand here to confess frankly that from my inmost heart I attribute the large prosperity which God has given to this Church vastly more to the prayers of the people than to anything that God may have given to me. I know it is so.” - Charles Spurgeon 2-Precedes the filling and work of the Spirit.  Acts 2 begins with the believers all together in one place, praying. And we know what happened next—the sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind, filling the house where they were.  Acts 4- The believers are gathered together praying in the midst of persecution—praying specifically for boldness. “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness" (4:31). Acts 13- The prophets and teachers of the church in Antioch were gathered and they were worshipping the Lord and fasting. Just then the Holy Spirit calls out Barnabas and Saul. And after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.  These are pretty pivotal moments in the history of the gospel—especially in Chapters 2 and 13. And we see that God's people had been devoting themselves to prayer in the time leading up to these great events—these experiences of the Spirit's work. Prayer had paved the way for these people to respond when the Spirit showed up.  3-Persecution- Prayer was the church's consistent response to persecution. Acts 4- Peter and John have just been threatened by the high-priestly council. "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord. . .” (4:23-24). Their immediate reaction to the threat of violence from the ruling authorities was to pray. And hear what they prayed: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  Acts 12- Peter is in prison and miraculously rescued by an angel of the Lord. When he is rescued, it says “he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.” Again, the response of the church to the persecution of her people is to pray.  Acts 16- Paul and Silas in prison. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” In the midst of persecution, we find these two workers praying and singing hymns.  Prayer is what we do when we are persecuted. It is the response of God's church to the threats and persecutions. In each of these moments, God miraculously answered. 4-Personal and Persistent. In Acts, we don't get much details about the personal prayer lives of the apostles. Many references are to the church praying corporately. However in Paul's epistles, we find Paul talking about his own prayer life all over the place – way too many to reference, will just name a few- Eph. 1:16- "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…" and we see his personal prayer for the Ephesian believers.  Eph. 3:14-19. Paul's prayers were important enough for him to write out for them and for us. A few examples from 1st Thessalonians: 1 Thess. 1:2- "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thess. 5:17- "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. 5:25- "Brothers, pray for us."  Paul was not voicing prayers for believers every moment of every day. He was sometimes preaching the gospel; he was sometimes sleeping; he was sometimes eating or traveling. But he had such a habit of prayer that he described it as day and night, constant.  Eph. 6:10-20- Paul teaches us that we are in a spiritual battle and prayer is an essential weapon. Paul commands us to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. The Word, The Spirit, and constant prayer. As we've found these 4 NT norms, we have seen in a new way for us how intertwined they are. The Word bears fruit by the power of the Spirit. The Spirit honors and responds to the preaching of the Word and obedience to the Word and prayer. Prayer is what invites the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and there is no real prayer without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Prayer was seen as part of the work of the church. It was at the center of their ministry. We have a saying among our teams here that prayer is the greater work. We believe that because we ultimately believe that this work we're doing is His work. It doesn't move forward unless He moves and the Spirit grants repentance and life. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gives the growth.” Prayer is an admission of our helplessness and a plea for God to do what only He can do. That's why we see the early church devoting themselves to it. Prayer was necessary to them—it was just a part of their lives, and of their gathering together. If you are listening and feel like you're a terrible pray-er, don't give into discouragement or paralysis or accusations --- just start! Read a good book on prayer. Make sure you're spending daily time with God alone in the Word and in prayer. Use your drive or shower to pray. Post a prayer list by your bathroom mirror and pray as you brush your teeth. Set a timer for a certain time each day. 12:12, 3:10. And ask God for help!  This concludes our series on NT norms – daily ministry, the Word, the Spirit, and prayer.  

Gathered with the believers on the first day of the week, and leaving the next morning, Paul preaches late into the night. A young man named Eutychus, sitting in a third-story window, sinks into a deep sleep and falls to the ground below, and is picked up dead. Paul goes down, takes him in his arms, and life returns to him. Then Paul climbs back up, breaks bread, and talks until daybreak. The weight of the chapter comes later, at Miletus, where Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian elders he served for three years, warns them of wolves coming after he leaves, and tells them they will not see his face again.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, serving St. John Lutheran Church (AALC) in Pocahontas, MO joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 20:1-38.  The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

On This Week at Charlestown Road, Carson and Roger revisit Sunday morning’s sermon, “Staying the Course,” digging deeper into Paul’s final words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20.

As Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, he points to the pattern of his ministry: humility, tears, trials, truth, and faithful service to the Lord. This episode reminds us that Christian ministry is not about pleasing people, but serving Christ with integrity, endurance, and Spirit-empowered faithfulness.

What is really behind the global explosion of UFO sightings and encounters? Militaries, congresses, and whistleblowers say the UFOs are real. Cable shows push a narrative that they are our extraterrestrial “space brothers” here to help us. But, is their motive far more sinister?Drawing from documented cases, credible testimonies, science, and Scripture, Derrick Warfel—a Princeton graduate, a Dallas Seminary theologian, and an award-winning filmmaker— makes a carefully reasoned case that these are not extraterrestrials, but fallen supernatural powers the Bible warns us about in Ephesian 6:12. Join us for a riveting conversation.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.