POPULARITY
Categories
“The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) A holy boldness is imparted to those who seek to speak the truth of God (Acts 4:31). The miracl... More...
Did you know that the cross of Christ was always God's plan from the very beginning? It wasn't a reaction to mankind's rejection of His Son, nor was it an accommodation to a Roman and Jewish miscarriage of justice. It was according to "the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). Today we will take a journey back and connect the dots of God's unfolding plan of the cross throughout the ages.
Did you know that the cross of Christ was always God's plan from the very beginning? It wasn't a reaction to mankind's rejection of His Son, nor was it an accommodation to a Roman and Jewish miscarriage of justice. It was according to "the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). Today we will take a journey back and connect the dots of God's unfolding plan of the cross throughout the ages.
We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Psalm 135. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Starr Meade. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter
Whatsapp/Call: +91 9480585042 Email: info@febaonline.org
Whatsapp/Call:+91 6364252164 Email: info@febaonline.org
View & Download NOTES This Sunday, May 11th, was Mother's Day. Interestingly, the background to our study in Acts 12 is that a prayer meeting is being held at the home of a mother - John Mark's mother. It reminds us that so often in life, somewhere in the background a mom has been praying, and women have been faithfully praying not only for their families but for the family of God. Acts 12 is a time of great persecution against the Christians in Jerusalem. One of the apostles, James, is executed by Herod Agrippa. Peter, the apostle, is arrested and faces the same threat. The Christians in Jerusalem are obviously rattled by these events. Yet, it's clear that God is not rattled at all. The God to whom we pray in times of deep crisis is clearly on the throne. His purposes are being advanced. He will build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Prayer is driven by an awareness that there is no event in our lives that is outside of the Father's providence and will not ultimately work for the glory of God and the good of His people. It's not the disciples who are at risk here but God's enemies. Prayer is meant to be a sanctuary for the people of God. It is a haven of rest in the storms of life where we are reminded that God has us and will not let us go. This Sunday's message is called, Our Unshakable God. Let's come and sing, celebrate, and recalibrate our hearts around the truth that in our darkest moments and uncertain times, God is unshakable. In Christ, Kevin Dibbley, Senior Pastor
Prepared by God (Acts 10:1-48) In Acts 10, we see that God sovereignly prepared the people, the preacher, the message, and the moment to demonstrate that salvation through Jesus Christ is for all who believe. Speaker: Barry Usher
Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4 speak of the divorce laws for the Israelites. Divorce was permitted on the grounds of a groom finding in his betrothed some evidence of indecency. The Septuagint Greek version uses the word “pornea” to describe this situation. This word speaks of all kinds of perversions as well as unfaithfulness prior to marriage. When the accused woman was sent away with an annulment of the marriage she was forbidden to remarry. This prohibition also meant that her former husband was not allowed to take her again as a wife. Divorce was to regulate behaviour within the nation of Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals this point to us in Matthew 19 verses 3-9. Divorce is abhorrent to the Lord GOD Almighty as Malachi 2 verses 13-16. Shows. Verses 5-22 speak of several miscellaneous laws. Verse 5 tells of a married man being exempted from warfare for one year after his marriage. Verse 6 is about care and compassion for the poor. Verse 7 prescribes death to be the penalty for kidnapping. Verses 8-9 instruct Israel to faithfully follow the Levitical rules relating to leprosy. Verses 10-15 speak of fair dealing among members of God's people. Every member of Israel were to show care and compassion – ie love for one's neighbour. The day labourer was to receive his wages on the same day as the work had been done. Verse 16 teaches the principle that we alone are answerable for our own sins. Ezekiel 18 clearly elaborates that principle. Verses 17-18 speak of the dispensing of justice to be free from bias and to be carried out with integrity. Verses 19-22 tells of the love of the widows and the fatherless children in a generosity of spirit that is seen in their harvesting practices: not stripping their fruit trees. Psalm 68 verses 1-6 and James 1verses 27 reinforce the message of the love and care to be shown to widows, and fatherless children. In so acting the Israelites were imitating their Heavenly Father. Verse 22 of Deuteronomy 24 states the premise for why they must behave as the LORD commanded. The people of the LORD were responding to the redeeming love that underlies their deliverance from Egypt. The entire chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon concerns the bridegroom's words to his beloved spouse. Verses 1-5 present a cascade of magnificent metaphors in which the groom describes the alluring beauty of his bride. In verses 6-7 he claims to be intoxicated by her love and his passionate desires for her love. Verse 8 expresses his desire to take her to the places where the wild scenery of the natural world causes romantic minds to become elevated in their feelings. Verses 9-15 present sparkling images of his intense desire to be with his captivating companion. The song closes in verse 16 with a wish for the fragrant north wind to stir up the aromatic fragrances of Solomon's spice garden. All of this speaks of the intense love of the groom for his bride, ie the Lord Jesus Christ's love of us. Acts 18 tells of Paul's arrival in Corinth. He chooses to live with Priscilla and Aquila, who had recently arrived in Corinth because the Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome, accusing them of being troublesome. Paul lodges with Priscilla and Aquila because they, like himself, are tent makers. This fine couple are mentioned 6 times in the New Testament, and 3 times Aquila's name is given first, and 3 times Priscilla's is mentioned first. This shows that they are partners who work together in everything – including the teaching of the gospel to private individuals. Some scholars believe that the letter to the Hebrews may have been written by Priscilla. Paul teaches in the synagogue at Corinth every sabbath day – that Jesus is the Christ (Israel's long promised Messiah). When the Apostle is fiercely opposed by the Jews Paul shakes the dust from his clothes as the Lord Jesus Christ had commanded in Matthew 10. Paul hires the house owned by Titus Justus, who accepts the gospel and lives next door to the synagogue. From this house Paul continues his preaching. This preaching results in the conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ of Crispus, who is the ruler of the synagogue, and many others including Crispus' family accept Christ. The atmosphere around the preaching is obviously tense and Paul becomes fearful and the Lord Jesus Christ appears in a night and says: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people” (Vv9-10 ESV). For eighteen months the preaching continues successfully. During the Consulship of Gallio the Jews make a united attack on Paul bringing him before Gallio. Gallio summarily dismisses their claims and drives them from his presence. The Jews take out their frustration and anger on Sosthenes, the then newest ruler of the synagogue. This avails nothing as we see in 1 Corinthians 1verse 1. Sosthenes accepts the gospel and becomes a baptised believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. After this Paul shaves his hair in Cenchrea and sails from Ephesus to Antioch in Syria to complete his Nazarite vow. After spending time with the brethren in Syria Paul resumes his preaching in Galatia. The chapter concludes with the conversion of Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian Jew – who had known only the baptism and preaching of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila instruct him in the gospel and baptise him into the Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes obvious from this chapter that any who have not been baptised without a complete understanding of the gospel require to be baptised into the “whole counsel of God”: Acts 20verses 18-27. Acts In Acts 19 Apollos comes to Corinth (this was obviously very shortly after his conversion to Christ). Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds there disciples who had only known the baptism and teaching of John the Baptist. Those disciples, 12 in all, are likewise taught the full truth about the salvation in Christ Jesus and are baptised into that understanding. For three months Paul boldly speaks in the synagogue, until sustained resistance from Jewish foes causes Paul to seek other rooms for preaching. The Apostle hires the rooms of a local philosopher – one Tyrannus. Preaching from Tyrannus' rooms continues for two years so that all who live in the province of Asia hear the gospel. God through Paul supports the preaching by many miracles. Seven sons of an itinerant Jew by the name of Sceva attempt an exorcism on a man who attacks and wounds them – the sons of Sceva flee naked from the house where the attempted exorcism had occurred. God by that means shows Sceva's sons to be frauds. The testimony to the gospel causes many practicers of the dark arts (or magic) to forsake their craft and burn their books to the value of approximately $10,000,000. The chapter next says that craftsmen led by Demetrius, a silversmith himself, cause a riot – believing that Paul's preaching is endangering the sale of the miniature figurines of Diana (also known as Artemis) of the Ephesians. Some of Paul's companions are dragged into the arena by men wanting revenge. Paul attempts to go and answer them but is prevented from doing so by his friends. The riotous crowd take out their anger on a Jew named Alexander. The town clerk dismisses the rioters and disperses the crowd. The town clerk says that Rome may very well want to investigate the cause of the riot. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
Topics: The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20, Pressure to Fulfill the Great Commission, Christ's Vine and Branch Relationship (John 15:5), Fruit Production Without Pressure (Galatians 5:22-23), Shaking Pressure-Filled Evangelism Teaching, Great Commission Contorted by Anti-Cross Theology, Mixing Old and New Covenants, Not Viewing Bible Through Finished Work of Jesus, Anxiety from Improper Great Commission Delivery, Saints Set Apart by God's Spirit (Hebrews 2:11), Holy Ones Sanctified From the World (Hebrews 10:10), Opening Eyes From Darkness to Light (Acts 26:18), Turning From Satan's Power to God (Acts 26:18), Receiving Forgiveness Through Faith in Jesus (Acts 26:18), A Place Among Those Sanctified by Faith (Acts 26:18), Set Apart From Sin and Death, Not Sinners Saved by Grace, Saints Crucified With Christ, Believers Always Addressed as Saints, Saints Who Forget Their Holy Identity, Sinning Not Our God-Given Identity, God's Permanent Home in Brand New Creations, Paul Describing His Past Life as Unbeliever (1 Timothy 1), Telling the Truth About God's Work in Saints, Great Commission as Expression of Saints, Organic Ambition of the Body of Believers, Fulfilling Command by Allowing God to Live Through Us, Confusing Jesus' Directives With Moses' Commandments, Jesus' Two New Covenant Commands: Believe and Love (1 John 3:23), Moses' Law Ended at the Cross for Believers (Romans 10:4), Law Exposing Unbeliever's Need for Grace (Romans 5:20), Discerning New Covenant Commands for Believers, All Authority in Heaven and Earth Given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), Go Make Disciples of All Nations (Matthew 28:19), Teaching Them to Observe Jesus' Commands, Jesus' Promise to Be With Them Always (Matthew 28:20)Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter
Kelly Day, Director of Coffee Break Bible Study
God is All-Sufficient. We can not add anything to God. God does not need anything or ultimately anyone beyond himself. But the good news is that though God does not need us; God wants us; God chose us. God chose to create us; God chose to redeem us; God chose us for service. And because God is all-sufficient we can depend upon God!
4/27/2025 - Acts 5:12-32 - Guest Pastor Mark ReschkeSermon Videohttps://youtu.be/Xaym7wxOHEsFull Worship Servicehttps://youtu.be/dySmP-SfC5oChildren's Message (Video)https://youtu.be/aJTCeNmo-v4~~Recent Videos:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/recent~~Prayer Requests:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/prayers~~Visit our web site to learn more about Faith Lutheran Church. Watch View past worship services, sermons, bible studies, and devotions.https://www.faithmoorpark.com/~~Support Faith Lutheran Church:Online Giving:https://www.faithmoorpark.com/giving~~Faith Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS) located in Moorpark, California.
In His Easter Resurrection, God acted with power, when there was no solution, humanly. Today, the Church is living her agonizing Passion. But preparing for God's divine action in her.
Pastor Skip examines the world-changing power of two small words… But God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/104/29
Pastor Skip shares a special Easter message showing you how Christ is God's ultimate message to us. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/104/29
King Herod proves the insanity of fighting God, who judges him and responds to the church's fervent prayers. The gospel cannot be stopped, and his word cannot be chained. The post The Insanity of Fighting God (Acts Sermon 27) appeared first on Two Journeys.
King Herod proves the insanity of fighting God, who judges him and responds to the church's fervent prayers. The gospel cannot be stopped, and his word cannot be chained. The post The Insanity of Fighting God (Acts Sermon 27) appeared first on Two Journeys.
King Herod proves the insanity of fighting God, who judges him and responds to the church's fervent prayers. The gospel cannot be stopped, and his word cannot be chained. The post The Insanity of Fighting God (Acts Sermon 27) appeared first on Two Journeys.
“Now David, having served his own generation by the counsel of God” (Acts 13:36a).This week we conclude the series titled, “The Backbone of the Church,” with speaking from brother Minoru Chen on the importance of the increase of the church in the United States for the Lord's ultimate move. This sharing was given during a gathering for working saints at the 2018 Thanksgiving Day conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.The original recording can be found at: livingtohim.com/2018/12/wsf-2018-tdc/
Sunday Evening Message, March 23, 2025 Pastor Bob Crain Acts 17:10-34
Listen to why, according to Scripture, how we use and what we do with our money matters to God. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:21
Garen Forsythe | 03-16-2025 | Guidance and the Will of God-Acts 16:1-12 by TABC
Sunday Morning March 16, 2025
The Mission of God through the People of God | Acts 8:1-8
Acts 2:42-47 (1) Devotion to Doctrine (2) Commitment to Community (3) Expectation of the Extraordinary
Acts
Pastor Geoff Bohleen
Destin continues our series through the book of Acts in Chapter 23, explaining how Christians can take courage by trusting and believing in the providence of God.Stream additional content at https://www.youtube.com/c/RockPointeChurchFM
Paul's story shows us that believing in Jesus is not simply about loving people and getting along better—it is about clinging to the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God.
Send us a textActs 11Last Monday night, we continued our series through the Book of Acts. In Acts 11, we see Peter make a defense of his actions by explaining his vision from God, which indicated that nothing God has made should be considered unclean. He describes how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles just as it did on the Jews, leading the apostles and believers in Jerusalem to praise God, acknowledging that He has granted Gentiles repentance to life. The chapter concludes with the church in Antioch growing as Barnabas and Saul teach a great number of people, and the disciples are first called Christians in Antioch. One of the main points that Josh focused on was how we, like Peter, can discern what is a true work of God.We also would like to invite anyone who lives in the Philadelphia area to worship and study God's word with us at our in-person meeting that takes place every-other Monday night at 7:30pm. Visit phillyyoungadults.com for additional information about our ministry.Feel free to message us on instagram (@phillyyoungadultscc) with any feedback, questions, or topics you want to hear about on the podcast or you can shoot an email to ya@ccphilly.org
To Be Continued...|Chris McGarvey
The Book of Acts teaches Christians how to be UNSTOPPABLE with the gospel. In this message, you will learn what the the consequences of resisting God are as seen in Acts 6:8-7:53.
11am Foundations (Series in Genesis) Genesis 6:1–8
Title: Understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit Series: Living in the Spirit Focus Scripture: Acts 2 Introduction * Acts 2 marks the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, empowering believers for ministry and revealing the person and work of the Spirit profoundly. This chapter serves as a foundation for understanding the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the church and the believer. * Objective: To explore the Holy Spirit's identity, nature, and mission as revealed in Acts 2 and how this understanding transforms our daily walk with God. I. The Identity of the Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit as God: * Acts 2:4: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..." The Spirit's divine nature is evident in His ability to fill believers and empower them with supernatural gifts. * The gifts of the Holy Spirit are an extension of the person of the Holy Spirit present within us. * The Holy Spirit is not a force but a person of the Trinity with intellect, will, and emotions - 2. The Promise of the Father: * Acts 2:33 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. * The Spirit fulfills the Old Testament promises * (Joel 2:28-29) - 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. II. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 1. Empowering Believers: * Acts 2:3-4: 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. * The gift of diverse tongues and interpretation manifested because people of many nations/languages were gathered. * Application: The Spirit equips us for ministry and mission, giving gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12). 2. Revealing God's Glory: * Acts 2:11: "We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" * The Spirit's work is always centered on glorifying God and revealing His nature to the world. 3. Convicting and Drawing People to Christ: * Acts 2:37: Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” * The Spirit convicts hearts, leading people to repentance and faith (John 16:8). 4. Building Unity in the Church: * Acts 2:44-47: 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[a]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. * The Spirit creates a community of believers through generosity, worship, and fellowship. * The Spirit binds believers together in one body (Ephesians 4:3) - Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. III. Living in the Spirit Today 1. Continual Filling: * The Spirit's presence in Acts 2 wasn't a one-time event but the beginning of ongoing empowerment (Ephesians 5:18). 18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, * Daily surrender and openness to the Spirit are essential. God's mercies are fresh and new every day. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we need fresh manna daily, 2. Boldness in Witnessing: * Acts 2:14-41: Peter's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel came from the Spirit's power. * Application: The Spirit emboldens us to share our faith in love and truth. 3. Transformation of Lives: * Acts 2:42-47: 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper[a]), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day, the Lord added those who were being saved to their fellowship. * The Spirit transforms believers, resulting in worship, generosity, and a communal lifestyle. * Personal Reflection: How is the person of the Holy Spirit transforming our hearts, habits, and relationships? Conclusion * Call to Action: * Let's reflect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Are we yielding to His leading, seeking His filling, and walking in His power? * Let's pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives, just as in Acts 2. * Encouragement: * The same Spirit who moved powerfully at Pentecost is alive and at work today. He longs to empower, guide, and transform each of us into the likeness of Christ.
Sunday Evening Message, January 26, 2025 Pastor Bob Crain Acts 13:13-43
Stories in this Episode: - There is Power in the Priesthood of God - Acts of Bravery - Heroes Gave Their All Sign up for FREE weekly stories here. Join my VIP Subscription and get access to all of my stories here. Contact me at Glenn@GlennRawsonStories.com
In Acts 17:16-34, the Apostle Paul is deeply provoked by the idolatry in Athens and boldly proclaims the truth of the risen Christ to a skeptical audience at Mars Hill. His message declares that the one true God has made Himself known in Jesus, calling all people to repent and believe. I'd like to use our headings this morning as prayers that we would pray for ourselves, those in our families, the pew next to us, and for our whole church. That the Lord might grant us: 1. A Heart for the Lost, 2. The Courage to Stand for the Gospel, and 3. Humility to Trust God for the Outcome.
Acts
Acts
What does it mean to seek God? In Athens, Paul meets a culture full of idols and introduces them to the “unknown God”—the Creator who gives life and breath to everything. Pastor Breaux shares how Paul met people where they were, inviting them to seek the God who is not far from any of us. Today, let's stand by the door, ready to guide others to the God who gives us life and hope. ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive
Acts
Acts
Acts