Podcasts about in acts

In Acts 4:8 Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit as he boldly speaks before the religious leaders. Pastor Derek looks at how the Spirit empowers believers to speak with courage and confidence when the opportunity to stand for Jesus comes.Purchase the book on Amazon : https://a.co/d/0fMXInF1Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

What do you do when you're tired of fighting?You can be following God, doing exactly what He's called you to do, and still face opposition. In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas experience both rejection and applause. People turn against them, crowds change their opinions, and Paul is eventually stoned and left for dead.But he gets back up.In Learning the Hard Way, Pastor Bobby Chandler teaches how difficult seasons reveal dangerous patterns, expose where we're getting our identity, and teach us to keep going when we feel knocked down.You can't control who talks about you. You can't control who praises you or who turns against you. But you can decide that no matter what happens, you're going to keep trusting God.You may get knocked down—but you're not destroyed.Don't stop the mission.The ending strongly supports that promise: Paul writes that believers can be pressed, perplexed, hunted and knocked down without being destroyed, followed by “That is why we never give up.”GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

Do you ever feel like you’re trying to figure out life by yourself? Our culture celebrates independence. We’re told to self-define, build our own lives and handle things ourselves. But what if the pressure to do everything alone is actually causing us to drift? As Christians, we may have a relationship with Christ, but following Jesus was never meant to be something we do alone. In Acts 9:19-31, Saul has a life-changing encounter with Jesus and immediately begins telling others about Him. But even with his new faith and passion for Christ, Saul still needs other people in his life; to support, encourage and assist. Following Jesus is personal, but it was never meant to be private. You need people who will help you grow. People who will show up when life gets hard. People who believe in what God is doing in you. People who tell you the truth and pray with you. What kind of person do you need most in your life right now? – – – – – – – – If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to know they don’t have to do life alone. Explore and study the book of Acts with us: crosspoint.tv/acts Find a Cross Point campus near you and discover a community where you can grow in your faith: crosspoint.tv/locations

In Acts 4:8 Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit as he boldly speaks before the religious leaders. Pastor Derek looks at how the Spirit empowers believers to speak with courage and confidence when the opportunity to stand for Jesus comes.Purchase the book on Amazon : https://a.co/d/0fMXInF1Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

What does it look like to actually live as the household of God? In Acts 2, we see a changed people become family—sharing their lives, homes, resources, and time because they had encountered the grace of God. Because Jesus first opened His hands for us, grace received becomes generosity released as we make whatever God has given us available for the good of others.Catch the sermon at bridge.tv/sermons or wherever you listen to podcasts.To support this ministry and help us continue our God given mission, click here: http://bit.ly/2NZkdrCSupport the show

In Acts 2:38–39, Peter declares that the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise of God are for everyone who responds to Jesus. Pastor Derek looks at the invitation of the Spirit and the promise that God has made available to us.

In Acts 2:32–33, Peter declares that the risen Christ has been exalted and has poured out the promised Holy Spirit. Pastor Derek looks at the connection between Jesus' resurrection, His exaltation, and the Spirit's presence with us.

In Acts 2:17, Peter declares the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh—sons and daughters, young and old. Pastor Derek looks at the promise of the Spirit and what it means for every generation.

What if the decisions you're making today aren't just impacting you, but your children, your family, and generations you may never meet?In Acts 16, we're introduced to Lydia, a successful businesswoman whose encounter with God didn't stop with her. Scripture tells us that after Lydia was baptized, her household was baptized too.That small detail has completely changed the way I've been thinking about legacy.In this episode, we're talking about what we're modeling through our faith, relationships, physical habits, and businesses. Because whether we realize it or not, the people coming behind us are watching how we handle hard things, how we treat people, how we care for ourselves, how we pursue God, and whether we're willing to take risks and finish what we start.I also share some personal examples of how I've seen this play out in my own family, including choices my parents made decades ago that are still impacting my family today.Your business can make money. But your life has the opportunity to make an impact that lasts far beyond you.What are you modeling for the generation coming behind you?

In Acts 2:1–4, the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples at Pentecost, filling ordinary people with the presence and power of God. Pastor Derek looks at what happens when the Spirit fills us and how God can work through ordinary people.

Have you ever wondered if someone is simply too far gone to change? Maybe it’s someone you love. Maybe it’s you. Maybe your past is so broken, your choices have caused so much damage or you’ve wandered so far from God that you wonder if there’s any way back. In Acts 9, we meet Saul, a man who wasn’t just skeptical of Jesus. He was actively persecuting and killing His followers. Then, on the road to Damascus, Saul has a collision with the risen Jesus that changes everything. The man who once wanted to destroy the church becomes one of the most influential instruments in building the church, a man God uses to help change the world.Acts 9 reminds us that nobody is too far gone for God’s grace. You can’t out-sin the cross. You can’t outrun the grace of God. But Saul’s story also reminds us that transformation isn’t meant to happen alone. What would change in your life if you really believed God’s grace could reach you? And who might God be asking you to move toward with courage and compassion?– – – – – – – What stood out to you from this message? Share your biggest takeaway in the comments. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that nobody is too far gone for God’s grace. Join us as we study through the book of Acts: crosspoint.tv/acts Find a Cross Point campus near you in Middle Tennessee: crosspoint.tv/locations

It's Tuesday, August 25th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Indonesian pastor sentenced for citing Mohammed's polygamy An Indonesian pastor has been sentenced to two years in prison for pointing out Mohammad's polygamy. At the time of his death, the founder of Islam had nine wives. Dedi Saputra was falsely accused of “hostility, hatred or incitement” with a “potential of causing unrest.”  Like Dedi, the Apostle Paul ran into troubles along the way as well.  In Acts 17:4-5, Luke writes, “And some of them [in Thessalonica] were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. “But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar.”     Surrogate mother speaks up for choosing life Baby Gabriel, the child in the middle of a massive rent-a-womb controversy, has survived his first heart surgery since being born two weeks ago. The child's surrogate mother, McKenna West, refused to abort him despite being sued by his biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. However, Baby Gabriel is now in the custody of the very parents who sought to have him killed!  In the New York Post, Miss West wrote, “No woman should be forced to kill the baby inside her. Most importantly, every child deserves a chance to live. As a cardiac nurse, I knew this little one had a great shot at survival if given the opportunity to receive the necessary treatment. “After I communicated to the contracting couple that I could not end this baby's life, their lawyer, and my own former lawyer, sent me letters threatening six-figure penalties if I didn't comply with their demand to terminate. The contracting couple cut off my payments, and I covered the rest of the pregnancy expenses myself.” Here's what Miss West told Lila Rose in the Live Action podcast.  WEST: “A diagnosis does not automatically mean that there is no hope or that somebody cannot live. But I knew that this baby boy that I was carrying, that I was feeling move, that he deserved that chance.” Listen to this word for our day from Exodus 22:22-24. “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.  If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.” America and Canada at a stalemate in trade war The United States and Canada are in another trade war. The White House has announced that the U.S. will impose 50% tariffs on certain Canadian products like vehicles and steel imports. And now, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will “hit back.”  Here's what Carney said in a press conference on Saturday: “You're at war when you're attacked, and we got attacked.” He added this. CARNEY: “We cannot accept what they've offered and we will not give what they've asked.”  (Read the transcript of Carney's remarks) Trump added this on Truth Social on Sunday: “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of tariffs. No more!!!” United States to buy back its own bonds to lower inflation U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the federal government will be buying back its own bonds in an effort to rein in inflation and reduce the interest on the bonds, reports CNBC. That means that the government will use its $1 trillion checking account -- which happens to be borrowed money to begin with -- to buy its long-term bonds, in an artificial attempt to reduce interest rates. U.S. debt topped $40 trillion The United States federal debt topped $40 trillion last week, reports CBS News. (Check out the eye-opening website www.USDebtClock.org) The market responded. According to Fortune Magazine, gold is back up to $4,650 an ounce and silver is scraping $70 an ounce. Condo prices sinking Condo prices are sinking like a rock in 33 major city markets including in Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, and Washington state.  Wolf Street estimates a 29% average drop since the 2022 peak. Add inflation into that and that's a 38% drop in condominium prices. Condo prices can signal housing stress before the rest of the market collapses.  Divorce rate up for those over 55 U.S. divorce rates are way up for people older than 55 years of age. In fact, they've doubled since 1990. And,  among those over 65, the divorce rate has increase five-fold since 1990.   A recent Bowling Green University study found that the 50+ crowd now accounts for nearly 40% of all people getting divorced. That was only 8% in 1990. 2032 is Social security depletion date The Social Security depletion date has moved up another three months, now targeted for 2032. The ratio of workers paying into Social Security per retiree has plummeted from more than 5-to-1 in 1960 to 2.9-to-1 today. Mel Gibson to release Resurrection movies in 2027 Film producer and director Mel Gibson is wrapping up a 10-year project — a production of the sequel for The Passion of the Christ. The project is slated to be released as a two-part series on the Resurrection sometime in March and May next year — Good Friday and Ascension Day on the Christian calendar. The films were shot in Rome. Spiderman: Brand New Day misuses God's name 16 times And finally, the blockbuster film, Spiderman: Brand New Day, is #1 at the box office for its fourth week -- now at $2.2 billion worldwide. That's a record for the franchise. But Focus on the Family's PluggedIn.com and Ted Baehr's MovieGuide.org both warn of foul language, the single most concerning drawback for families. God's name and Jesus' name are misused a total of 16 times in the movie.  Exodus 20:7 says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 25th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Extra Print Water systems, connected to internet, vulnerable to hackers. Water systems connected to the internet are vulnerable, as systems in many states across the country have been hacked, according to the FBI and Environmental Protection Agency.  CBS News reported that some water systems lost pressure, while others lost their remote-control capabilities. According to officials, no drinking water has been directly affected. Water hackers have been linked to Iran and China.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Pastor Derek looks at the Spirit's power in our lives and the call to be witnesses for Jesus wherever we go.

How do you know if the voice you're hearing is actually God?We're surrounded by voices telling us what to believe, how to live, who we are, and what we should do. But not every voice deserves influence in your life.In Acts 13, Saul and Barnabas encounter a sorcerer who attempts to keep a governor from hearing and believing the Word of God. It's a powerful picture of the spiritual battle that happens when the wrong voice tries to fight what God is about to change.In this message, Pastor Bobby Chandler teaches us how to recognize God's voice, test what we're hearing against Scripture, guard what we allow close to us, and replace the enemy's lies with the truth of God's Word.You can't always control the voices around you—but you can decide which voice you listen to.And when the wrong voice gets loud, remember: the answer isn't a louder you. It's more of Him.The sermon specifically teaches that the closer a voice is, the greater its influence, and that while we can't control every voice around us, we can control which voices we allow to remain close.GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

There is a battle being fought all around us, and whether we realize it or not, every one of us is in the middle of it. If you are a believer, you are under constant assault from the forces of darkness. In Episode 1 of "The Good Fight", Duane Sheriff explains why tribulation, persecution, and hardship often arise when believers choose to live under the rule and reign of Jesus.Tribulation and hardship are not random. They are a direct result of the kingdom of God living inside of us. In Acts 14, the Apostle Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet returned to strengthen the believers who watched it happen and encourage them to continue in the faith. Tribulation is not evidence that God has abandoned us, but a part of the spiritual resistance that accompanies lives fully surrendered to Christ.Jesus promised that we would face tribulation in this world, but He also assured us that He has overcome it. As a result, faith cannot remain passive. It must be active, steadfast, and prepared to resist the opposition that comes. The question is whether we are prepared to pay the cost. Discover how to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, stand firm against spiritual opposition, and fight the right fight, the right way, from a position of victory rather than defeat.

In Acts 1:4–5, Jesus tells His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father. Pastor Derek looks at what it means to wait on God, trust His timing, and not move until He comes.

Paul lands in Athens alone, walking a city drowning in idols, and what rises in him is a settled burning, the same grief God has over a place that has everything except him. In Acts 17 that burden turns into conversation. He doesn't open with Genesis. He finds an altar the Athenians built out of an old fear, quotes their own poets back to them, and tells the Epicureans and the Stoics where each of them is right before he shows them where they're wrong.We spend time on what that asks of us. Everyone has an Athens: an office, a campus, a group chat, a street. And every Athens has an altar, whether that's the pursuit of self, the pursuit of wealth, the phone we can't put down, or the wounds we've quietly built our lives around. We also look at the line between contextualizing the gospel and compromising it, because a Jesus who affirms everything and asks nothing of us is a Jesus who never called anyone to repent.Acts 17:16-34

Whose approval do you seek? In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabus experience a shift in the crowds, who go from praising their arrival to criticizing them and throwing them out of town. From this, we learn we can't control what others think about us or the message we bring, but we can show up well and point back to God. How can you lean in to knowing you're loved by God, pointing your heart back to Him and pointing your feet toward His work?MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49654298RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://www.canyonridge.org/blogs/

In Acts 12, Peter's miraculous rescue from prison reminds us that God is always at work, even when His answers do not look the way we expect. Through Jesus, we have been rescued from sin and death and given new life. And because Jesus rescues us, He also sends us out with a story to tell as the Gospel continues moving forward.    Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-19

In Acts 14, the crowd quickly begins worshiping the messengers instead of the God who brought the miracle. This story invites us to consider the people, power, success, or approval we sometimes look to for what only God can give. As Paul and Barnabas point the crowd back to the living God, we're reminded that following Jesus means turning from the things we trust to save us, welcoming His presence, and learning to keep going even when the road gets hard.

Do you ever wonder ig God sees you? Do you wonder whether you matter? Maybe you look successful on the outside but still carry the feeling that you're an outsider, that you lack purpose or that something in your past disqualifies you from being fully known and loved. In Acts 8:26-40, we read about a traveller who was searching for God. He had wealth, influence and success, but he was still asking a deeper question: “Do I belong?” Then Philip enters the story and unveils something incredible: the man thought he was seeking God, but God was actually seeking him. Pastor Kevin Queen walks through this powerful story and reminds us that Jesus came for the one. God sees the people others overlook, pursues the people who feel far away and gives us a place in His family. What has happened to you is not the end of your story. And if you've already been found by Jesus, the question becomes: Are you willing to take the next step and join Him in finding the one?– – – – – – – What stood out to you from this message? Share your thoughts in the comments.= If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to know they are seen and loved by God. Join our study through the book of Acts: crosspoint.tv/acts Find a Cross Point campus in Middle Tennessee: crosspoint.tv/locations

We've become a nation drowning in rules. There are so many laws on the books that legal scholars estimate the average American unknowingly commits multiple felonies every day. But the problem isn't just regulatory overload — it's that our relationship with rules has quietly infected the way we think about God, faith, and ourselves. How you perceive rules — whether you love them or hate them — shapes the trajectory and quality of your life more than you probably realize.The book of Galatians was written to a group of young churches in what is modern-day Turkey — people who had just encountered the freedom that Jesus offers and were already having it complicated by others. Paul's first response isn't a lecture on theology. It's a story. In Acts 14, in the city of Lystra, Paul and Barnabas healed a man who couldn't walk — and the crowd immediately declared them gods. Then the very same crowd, persuaded by Paul's opponents, stoned him and left him for dead. Love. Worship. Kill. In one afternoon.The swings the Galatians made were extreme, but the underlying dynamic is familiar: when faith gets filtered through an unhealthy relationship with rules, it becomes unstable. You're either following the rules to earn something or rebelling against them to prove something — and in either case, you're not actually free. That's where Galatians begins.Support the mission of the Salty Pastor ministry! Visit our donations page at https://pushpay.com/g/thesaltypastor to help us continue sharing truth with a world in need. Visit thesaltypastor.com to sign up for our weekly email, designed to coach, inspire, and encourage you to a mature faith.Discussion QuestionsHow would you describe your own relationship with rules — do you tend toward keeping them rigidly, resenting them, or something else? Where do you think that comes from?The Galatians went from worshipping Paul to stoning him in one afternoon. Have you ever seen faith — yours or someone else's — swing between extremes because it was built on rules rather than relationship?Paul's opponents tried to undermine his message by questioning his credentials. What kinds of things have made you doubt whether someone's message about God was legitimate?

How often do you go alone? In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabus show us how much better it is to go together. When they encounter challenges and painful adversity, they allow their minds to be shaped by God, remembering to go where they're welcome and stay in the fray to help people know Jesus. How can you show up for others, personally, technologically, and prayerfully?MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49651136RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://www.canyonridge.org/blogs/

In Acts 13, Paul tells the story of God's faithfulness from generations past all the way to Jesus. Along the way, we're reminded how easy it is to focus on what we have, what we're missing, or what others have and lose sight of the greatest gift we've already been given. Jesus invites us into a story bigger than our own, where we can receive His grace with joy and share it freely with others. What might change if we stopped trying to fit Jesus into our story and began seeing ourselves as part of His?

Pastor Alexander continues part 2 of the results of an encounter with God. In Acts 4:31, Luke records “after they prayed,…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and Spoke the Word of God with Boldness.” Whenever we encounter the manifold presence of God, we will not be the same! Our timidity will be replaced with empowered boldness to declare His message, and our hearts will be changed!

Pastor Alexander continues part 2 of the results of an encounter with God. In Acts 4:31, Luke records “after they prayed,…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and Spoke the Word of God with Boldness.” Whenever we encounter the manifold presence of God, we will not be the same! Our timidity will be replaced with empowered boldness to declare His message, and our hearts will be changed!

Pastor Alexander continues part 2 of the results of an encounter with God. In Acts 4:31, Luke records “after they prayed,…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and Spoke the Word of God with Boldness.” Whenever we encounter the manifold presence of God, we will not be the same! Our timidity will be replaced with empowered boldness to declare His message, and our hearts will be changed!

In Acts 15 the early church faces a deadly internal threat as sincere men demand circumcision and the law be added to faith in Christ—yet Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James stand firm that God has already cleansed Gentile hearts by faith alone and that salvation is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as it is for the Jews. In this message, we are confronted by every quiet addition we still make—performance, culture, secondary convictions, or religious ladders—and shows that the free gospel is the narrow pass that must be held at all costs if the nations are ever to hear it. You will see how Scripture, not experience or preference, has the final word, how wisdom protects unity without loading new burdens, and how clarity on grace produces deep joy and renewed mission. Will you fight to keep the gospel unmixed and free, or will you keep rebuilding the yoke Christ has already shattered at the cross?

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas move from bold preaching in Iconium to a stunning miracle in pagan Lystra, only to be stoned and left for dead—yet the living God raises Paul and sends him back to strengthen the very churches that cost him so much. This message confronts our modern hunger for an easy path and shows that the same sovereign Lord who opens doors of faith uses hardship, opposition, and scars to advance the gospel farther than comfort ever could. You will see how intentional discipleship, the appointment of elders, and the honest announcement of tribulation form the pattern for churches that endure. Watch and ask yourself: will you keep speaking the word of His grace, get back up after the stones fall, and follow Christ through the fire into the joy of His kingdom?

In Acts 15:8 we read: “God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.” This was God's confirmation that the Gentiles could receive salvation without first coming under the requirements of the Jewish law. The gift of the Holy Spirit was the evidence that God had accepted them. I hope you remember that. Peter goes on to say in verse 9: “He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith.” What a powerful statement. God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Salvation is not based on nationality, tradition, or keeping religious laws. It is received by faith alone. That is the very foundation of the Christian faith. Everything centres on the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection. The believers in the Old Testament were saved by looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah. Today, we are saved by looking back in faith to the finished work of Christ. The object of our faith is the same Saviour; only the direction in which we look has changed.

What happens when God places us in rooms filled with people who have little or no understanding of who Jesus is? In Acts 17, Paul finds himself in three very different cities, but Athens presents a unique challenge: a culture full of spiritual seekers, intellectuals, and people searching for something they cannot name. Join Jay Austin, Jonmark Ragsdale, and Wendell Mathis as they explore how God purposely positions us to reach people right where they are, point them toward the truth of Jesus, and invite them to respond.

In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. "Disciple" is the most used word in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus. It is used 261 times. The word "Christian" is used only 3 times in the New Testament. Brothers and sisters, believers, followers are also used but "disciples" is Jesus' favorite word to describe His followers.   Matthew 29:19-20 - the Great Commission - Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."   The other 2 uses of Christian: Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.   The New Testament word appears to be invented by the opposition, a derisive term patterned after the names of Roman political parties; Example those following Herod = Herodians, or followers of Pompe = Pompeians.   Christian = Christ followers. Or "Christ-ers."   Followers of Jesus accepted and reveled in the name.  In the writings of non-Christian people we see them embracing that term. "And the tribe of the Christians so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared." - Josephus, Antiquities, Book 18 (ca. 93A.D.)    Another example from an adamant unbeliever: "Consequently, to get rid of the reports, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilat…" Tacitus, The Annals, Book 15 (ca.118 A.D.)   Christian is all about the Messiah, the Christ of God, the Lord Jesus our Savior and the world's Savior.  It's also about our mission to bring others to Christ where there is healing, forgiveness, and hope of eternal life.     We are called to bear His Name with joy, confidence and power!!     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos     Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

What if following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey? In Acts 2, the early church didn't simply gather for a service—they created a community centered on Jesus. They shared life, worshiped together, prayed together, served one another, met practical needs, and helped each other grow. In this message, Pastor Ken Senchal explores why biblical community is essential to abiding in Jesus. Because the people God places around us can help us become more like Christ. But authentic community requires more than simply showing up at church. It requires us to move from attendance to belonging. Pastor Ken explores three obstacles that can keep us from experiencing the kind of community God designed: Pride and self-sufficiency — believing, "I've got this," when God created us to need one another. Busyness and misplaced priorities — allowing our schedules to make spiritual community optional. Past hurts and unresolved offenses — allowing what happened in unhealthy relationships to keep us from the healthy relationships God wants to bring into our lives. The answer isn't isolation. The answer to unhealthy community is healthy biblical community. Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that when one person falls, another can help them back up—and Scripture assumes that eventually, we all need someone. So the question isn't whether you'll need community. The question is: Will you allow yourself to be part of one?

What happens when God's work doesn't fit inside the boundaries we've created? In Acts 11:1–18, Peter finds himself explaining to the believers why he entered the home of a Gentile and witnessed God pour out His Spirit on people they never expected. The challenge wasn't simply accepting what God had done; it was being willing to change their perspective when God revealed something bigger than their traditions. In this message, we discover that sometimes God calls us to grow beyond the boundaries of our expectations, traditions, and comfort zones so we can see what He is doing in the lives of others. God's grace is bigger. His kingdom is wider. And His purposes are greater than our boundaries.

What do you do when God asks you to move—but you don't feel ready?In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision he doesn't understand and is told by the Holy Spirit to follow three strangers without hesitation. Peter didn't have all the answers. He didn't know what was coming next. He simply had to trust God and move by faith.In this message, Pastor Bobby Chandler reminds us that you don't have to feel ready for God to use you.God may tell you to move before He tells you how.He may ask you to step outside your comfort zone, change the way you see something, or trust Him with something completely outside your control.You may not feel ready—but God is already preparing what's next.Key Scriptures:Acts 9–10John 14:12Romans 12:2Matthew 7:16–20Isaiah 49:6Authentic Church 2010 Clement Blvd NW Hickory, NC 28601 GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

Guided Question Are you faithfully using the spiritual gifts God has given you to serve others in love, or have you allowed those gifts to remain unused or misunderstood? Summary This episode examines the purpose and use of spiritual gifts, with particular attention to the gift of tongues. Dr. Robert Lewis begins by explaining that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to equip every believer for ministry and service. The gifts are not given for personal recognition but to be given away for the benefit of the body of Christ. Because using a gift is an act of self-giving, love must be the motivation behind its use. Without love, spiritual gifts can either be misused or remain dormant.   Outline 1. Spiritual Gifts Equip Us for Ministry God gives every believer spiritual gifts so they can actively serve others. No gift is insignificant, and every gift contributes to the health of the body of Christ. 2. Love Must Motivate Our Gifts 1 Corinthians 13 shows that spiritual gifts must be exercised in love. Without love, gifts can be misused or left unused. 3. Understanding the Gift of Tongues Lewis turns to 1 Corinthians 14 and addresses the controversy surrounding tongues. Rather than beginning with modern debates, he encourages listeners to examine what Scripture teaches about the gift. 4. Acts as a Book of Spiritual Transition Lewis emphasizes that Acts records a unique period of spiritual transition as God moved from the Old Testament ministry of the Spirit to the New Testament ministry of the Spirit and established the church. Because of this, the experiences recorded in Acts should not automatically be treated as normative for believers today. 5. The Holy Spirit and the Believer Lewis argues that the New Testament presents the Holy Spirit as indwelling believers when they place their faith in Christ, rather than as an experience believers must seek at a later time. The unusual experiences recorded in Acts occurred within its unique transitional setting. 6. Tongues at Pentecost Acts 2 describes tongues as recognizable human languages spoken supernaturally by people who had never learned them. The gift served as a sign that attracted attention and enabled people from different nations to hear the disciples proclaiming the mighty works of God. Key Takeaways Spiritual gifts equip believers for ministry. God gives gifts so that believers can function as servants and build up one another. Gifts are meant to be given away. A spiritual gift is not primarily for personal benefit or recognition but for serving the body of Christ. Love must motivate spiritual gifts. Without love, gifts can be misused or left completely dormant. Acts records a unique spiritual transition. The book describes God's transition from the Old Testament ministry of the Spirit to the New Testament ministry of the Spirit and the establishment of the church. Acts should not automatically become today's doctrine. The unusual experiences surrounding the apostles must be understood within their transitional context. The Holy Spirit indwells believers at faith. Lewis argues that the rest of the New Testament presents receiving the Spirit as part of becoming a believer rather than as a later experience believers must seek. Tongues in Acts 2 were human languages. The disciples spoke languages they had never learned, and people from different nations understood them in their own languages. Tongues were supernatural. The ability was not learned or practiced beforehand; it was given by the Spirit. Spiritual gifts should point people toward God. In Acts 2, tongues helped gather attention so that people could hear the disciples proclaiming God's mighty works. Scripture References 1 Peter 4:10 — Use spiritual gifts to serve one another. 1 Corinthians 12 — The Spirit sovereignly gives different gifts, and every gift is important. 1 Corinthians 13 — Love provides the motivation for using spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 14 — Instructions concerning tongues, prophecy, and public worship. Acts 1:4–8 — Jesus promises the coming ministry of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1–11 — The Spirit comes at Pentecost, and the disciples speak in other languages. Acts 8 — The Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit in a unique transitional event. Acts 10 — Gentiles receive the Spirit and speak in tongues. Acts 19 — Disciples of John receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues and prophesy. John 14:16–17 — Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will permanently dwell in His followers. 1 Corinthians 12:13 — All believers are baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit. Recorded 10.24.82

Dr. Justin Dancer continues through the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 16:11-40.Worship is not reserved for good times. It is a choice we make regardless of our circumstances. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were beaten, shackled, and thrown into a Roman prison, yet at midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God. Their worship preceded the earthquake, the broken chains, and the jailer's salvation. Worship is a response to who God is and what He has already done, not what He might do in the future. When we fix our eyes on the greatness of God, our problems begin to look smaller. And when others see us praising God in the middle of pain, our worship becomes a powerful witness to the reality of our faith.

What does it look like when an unstoppable fire gets started? In Acts chapter 1, we are brought face to face with the origin story of the church, and it is a story that belongs to us just as much as it belonged to those first disciples. The passage opens with a risen Christ spending 40 days with his followers, not simply celebrating his victory over death, but reaffirming the mission he had always been building toward: the proclamation of the kingdom of God. We are reminded that from Genesis to Revelation, the entire arc of Scripture points to a God who relentlessly pursues his creation, determined to restore what sin had broken. The cross was not a detour. It was always the plan. And the resurrection was not the end of the story. It was the launching pad for a movement that would reach every corner of the earth. What makes this message so compelling is that the people God chose to carry it were ordinary. They were uncertain, they were asking the wrong questions about timing, and they were completely incapable of fulfilling the mission on their own strength. Yet God did not disqualify them. He equipped them. The promise of the Holy Spirit stands at the center of this passage as the answer to every excuse we might offer for why we cannot live on mission. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in every believer. That is not a small thing. That is everything we need.

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

Have you ever shared good news in a place you were welcomed in? In Acts 13, God made Paul and Barnabus the light to the Gentiles and many even became believers. So how can you share the gospel where you're welcomed?MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49647981RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://www.canyonridge.org/blogs/

What happens when people stop just attending church and start becoming the Church?In Acts 2, we see a picture of a community that was completely devoted to Jesus and to one another. They grew together, did life together, helped one another, and lived with a shared purpose.You can't go ALL IN with Jesus and stay disconnected from His people.In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols challenges us to move beyond simply being consumers of church and become people who are fully invested in community.We are people helping people live out their purpose in Jesus Christ.In this message, we discover three things the early church was devoted to:• Growing Together — God develops things in us through relationships with others.• Doing Life Together — You can be in a crowd and still not be in community.• Helping Each Other — Instead of asking, “What do I have?” we begin asking, “How can what I have help somebody else?”Since 2010, God has used Relevant Church to help thousands of people take steps toward Jesus:• 36,033 people have attended Relevant Church• 4,726 people have said YES to Jesus• 3,132 people have been baptized• 5,773 students have attended• 1,087 people serve weeklyEvery number has a name.Every name has a story.Every story matters to God.“I'm All In for the One who went All In for me.”Because people helping people changes people.

In Acts 16, Paul makes room for Timothy, showing us that Spirit-led leadership is not about building a platform but about recognizing, developing, and releasing people for Kingdom purposes. Thermostats: Part Two challenges us to become the kind of leaders who notice what God is already doing in others and intentionally help them become more like Jesus.

Greg talks about the huge difference that can be made when one person is equipped, then he answers questions about attending a church where the pastor is affiliated with Freemasonry, recognizing circular reasoning, “Father, forgive them,” and whether Jesus is physically present in Acts 23:11.   Topics: Commentary: When one person is equipped, thousands more are impacted. (00:00) Would you advise people not to attend a church where the pastor is still affiliated with Freemasonry, though not an active member? (08:00) Do you have any tips for recognizing circular reasoning? (26:00) What are the ramifications of Jesus saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”? (43:00) In Acts 23:11, was Jesus physically there, or was this a vision? (50:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Be One of the 100 Made in Our Image by Stephen Driscoll An Overview of Freemasonry – Greg's discussion with his brother Dave on a previous podcast Acts 19:18–20 – The account of converts to Christianity burning their books of magic Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Metamorphosis: The Beauty and Design of Butterflies DVD by Illustra Media The Design of Life DVD Collection: Volumes 1-3 by Illustra Media

In Acts 8:1-8, the early church faces unimaginable hardship. Stephen has been killed, persecution is intensifying and followers of Jesus are being scattered from their homes. Life is hard, and Scripture doesn't pretend otherwise. But what looks like the end of the story becomes the beginning of something God uses to move the gospel forward. The believers who were scattered didn't abandon their mission. Wherever they went, they shared the good news of Jesus. Philip, an ordinary follower of Jesus, went to Samaria and God worked through his obedience in extraordinary ways. That same invitation is available to us today. It's easy to look at someone else's life, compare our calling to theirs and imagine that life would be easier if our circumstances were different. But as Kevin reminds us, as long as we're fantasizing about somebody else's life, we're not living our own. God has placed you where you are for a purpose. He can move around you, but He would rather move through you. Where might God be calling you to live with greater purpose, courage and urgency today?

In Acts 16, a fortune telling girl follows Paul through Philippi shouting things that are technically true, and he silences her with the name of Jesus. We look at the kind of spirituality she represented, the Delphi brand that kings and business owners paid good money for, and how accurate words can still be arranged into a lie. Most of us listened to a dozen voices before we ever walked into church, so the question is whose voice gets the final say.From there we go back to Acts 1 and the bigger story. Luke tells us what Jesus began to do, and Acts is that same ministry continuing through the local church: preaching the kingdom, healing the sick, casting out demons. We talk about deliverance as daily rather than as a special event, about the difference between what needs a doctor or a counselor and what needs the authority of Jesus, and about how the only power the enemy has over a child of God is our agreement with his lies.

Weekend Scripture: Acts 3-4 Resilience is both strong and flexible. Carl Kuhl joins us to kick off our series on Resilience. We need the strength of resilience to resist temptation. In Acts 3 and 4, we see that resilient strength is ready at unpredictable times, grounded in Scripture, and unwavering in proclaiming the full truth of Jesus. Resilient strength is formed in the Church, so get in the Word, get in community, give, and serve.

What languages do you speak? In Acts chapter 13, we see that even over hundreds of years, the message of the Gospel never changed even when the language did. What does the Gospel sound like where you are?MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49644696RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://www.canyonridge.org/blogs/

It's Thursday, July 30th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Iranian Muslim authorities shut down oldest Protestant church Iranian officials recently shut down the oldest Protestant church in the country. Christians have held worship services at St. Peter's Evangelical Church in Tehran for 150 years. Authorities have now seized the property and banned church gatherings there. They also ordered 28 families living on the church compound to leave. Iran has been seizing Protestant church properties for years. Mansour Khajehpour previously served as an elder at St. Peter's Church. He told Christianity Today that the church in Iran grows despite persecution. He said, “This is the dynamic reality of the church. The church will not die. The church will grow, and we are a part of that church.” In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” United States launched strikes on Iran last night Speaking of Iran, the United States began launching strikes on Iran at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29th, according to the U.S. Central Command. The U.S. attacks were “a powerful response to [Tuesday's] attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East.” The attacks by Iran on U.S. forces did not get past U.S. defenses. And The Western Journal reports that foreign governments are taking part in the fighting now, where they hadn't before. For the first time, the Saudi Arabian military joined with the U.S. in striking Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, reports the Associated Press. Retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, a retired SEAL and former deputy CENTCOM commander, said, “You see the Lebanese government making an agreement with Israel to undermine and try to get rid of Hezbollah.” He added, “You're seeing the pressure build on Iran on all fronts.” Ukrainian refugees have planted 160 churches across Europe Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes since Russia invaded the country in 2022. Despite this, these refugees have planted churches across Europe.  European Christian Mission International reports displaced Ukrainians have started 160 churches in Europe in the last four years.   A report from the organization stated, “Increasingly, Ukrainian believers are refusing to see themselves only as refugees. Instead, many are embracing a different calling - missionaries sent by God into the nations of Europe.” Canadian labor board ruled in favor of COVID-shot rejecter LifeSiteNews reports that a Canadian labor board ruled in favor of a Christian man who objected to the COVID-shot mandate. The Canadian Revenue Agency suspended Steven Porter without pay after denying his religious exemption. The agency must now pay $5,000 in damages to Porter.  He wrote in his exemption request, “Christ is my supreme King and Lord and I am subject to His final authority alone in all matters of life, faith and conscience.” In Acts 5:29, the apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Senator questions CDC's billion-dollar COVID-shot contract to Pfizer The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $1.24 billion in COVID-shot contracts to Pfizer last month. Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin questioned this decision in a letter to Secretary of Health & Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  Johnson wrote, “The CDC's reported awarding of approximately $1.24 billion in new contracts to Pfizer for a vaccine linked to serious adverse events—including potentially the deaths of children—suggests [that the] CDC continues to fail to take its vaccine safety responsibilities seriously.” Pro-lifer Paul Vaughn got settlement over wrongful arrest Praise God! A pro-life, Christian father reached a $1 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The case involved his wrongful arrest under the Biden administration, reports Highlight Truth Ministries. Federal agents raided the Tennessee home of Paul Vaughn in 2022 and arrested him for his pro-life activism.  My family and I had the honor of meeting Paul Vaughn several years ago. He's an amazing Christian patriot. Steve Crampton, Senior Counsel at the Thomas More Society, said, “This settlement is not just about one family. It is a warning and a precedent. The weaponization of federal law enforcement against pro-lifers, against people of faith, against those who dare to stand for the unborn—that era is over.” Treasury has saved $99 million from going to dead recipients The U.S. Department of the Treasury implemented a new payment verification process.  The safeguard has already kept about $99 million from being sent to deceased individuals.  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “Treasury has delivered on a key promise of President Trump's mandate to stop improper payments and fraud before money leaves the Treasury, and strengthen the integrity of the federal payment system.” 70th anniversary of America's “In God We Trust” motto Today is the 70th anniversary of when “In God We Trust” became America's motto. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law on July 30, 1956. The resolution also required the motto to appear on all U.S. currency.   Democratic Representative Charles Bennett of Florida introduced the resolution. He said, “Nothing can be more certain than that our country was founded in a spiritual atmosphere and with a firm trust in God. ... In these days when imperialistic and materialistic communism seeks to attack and destroy freedom, we should continually look for ways to strengthen the foundations of our freedom.” Texan mother shares that her kids have contributed Here at The Worldview in 5 Minutes newscast, Leticia in Blum Texas wrote, “Adam, we are so thankful for your radio newscast. It is a great encouragement to us! We listen to it on the road or when we're at home. It is great to hear stories that I know wouldn't normally make it into traditional newscasts. “The Worldview is concise and informative! Thankful for the work you are doing!  Our four children -- Fletcher (15), Halen (12), Beck (10), and Murphy (7) -- contributed some of their money to our donation.” McVeda kids' mother in Montana contemplates why sponsor this newscast And Melissa McVeda, the mother of the four kids under the age of 11 in Great Falls, Montana who have raised hundreds of dollars for The Worldview selling chocolate chip cookies, iced tea and hand crocheted puppets on their dairy farm, weighed in with her thoughts. She wrote, “Adam, there are so many ministries that I would like to donate to: earnest missionaries and people hurting from natural disasters, among others. In light of those needs, it has been difficult for me to reconcile giving to The Worldview. And I imagine I'm not alone in that. “Because of my kids' fundraiser, which naturally has come to involve the entire family, I've spent time considering if The Worldview is worth the effort and funds we're putting into it. This is the primary answer I have seen:  “I would not KNOW about many of the other needs if it weren't for The Worldview in 5 Minutes! Your newscast is a connection point -- a bridge, if you will - between Christians and people in need around the world.  “Because of this ‘bridge,' I heard about the dear brother in Uganda who lost both of his hands to his Muslim family's persecution. And God stirred me to pray for his faith not to be shaken! Because of The Worldview, I heard about the steadfast pro-life sister in Britain who recently was killed. I rejoiced to hear how God used her faithfulness and I was stirred to consider if she has family who are grieving.  “The Worldview IS an important ministry. It is connecting those who have a supply to those who have needs as 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 articulates. It is also building the Body of Christ as brothers and sisters across the world hear about each other and pray for and encourage each other as a result.  “I remember when I first heard about The Worldview in 5 Minutes back in 2018. Kevin Swanson was sharing how he had personally invested $30,000/year of his own money to fund it when it started in 2015.  He had recently reached out to this man, Adam McManus, a talk show host down in San Antonio Texas, to see if Adam would voice the newscast. Kevin, obviously, had a vision for how God would use The Worldview. “One final note. Yesterday, when my kids and I heard you cite some of the large donations coming in, where people were giving one-time donations of $500 and $1,000, I realized that those donors were not just donating for the benefit that they, themselves, receive from The Worldview. They were also donating so that someone else could have the same benefits.  I praise God for the work He's doing through this newscast.” 11 Worldview listeners gave $1,775.96 And finally, by Wednesday night at 8:00pm Central, 11 Worldview listeners stepped up to the plate and invested their treasure to fund the 6-member team behind The Worldview for another year. Our thanks to Augustine in Auburn, California and Ben in Eureka, California – both of whom gave $20 as well as Carri in Oro Valley, Arizona who gave $25, and Bethany in Austin, Texas who gave $50. We're grateful to God for an anonymous donor in Oxford, New York and David in Houston, Texas – both of whom gave $100, and the McVeda Kids in Great Falls, Montana who gave another $160.96! We appreciate Steven in Ulster Park, New York and James in Lancaster, South Carolina – both of whom gave $200 as well as Leticia and her kids Fletcher, Halen, Beck, and Murphy in Blum, Texas who also gave $200. And we were touched by the generosity of Karl in Grand Rapids, Michigan who gave $700. Those 11 gifts add up to $1,775.96. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please. (drum roll sound effect) $ 81,119.96 (sound effect of people cheering) We need to raise $42,380.04 by midnight on Friday, July 31! That means in order to hit our final goal of $123,500 by tomorrow night, Friday, July 31st, God needs to prompt folks to give a seemingly impossible amount of $42,380.04 in order for the 6-member Worldview newscast team to be fully funded for another year. I see the finish line from here.  But, without God's help, we are not going to get across it! We still have matches open for the next 4 people who give a one-time gift of $500 because our friend in Naples, Florida will match your gift with another $2,000 of his own money. If those four donations come in, that would leave the difference of $38,380.  Listen. Could you be one of 38 people – just 38 -- to give a one-time gift of $1,000? Or, if that's not doable right now, would you consider a monthly pledge of $83.33? No gift is too big or too small.  We have received a $5 gift and a $2,400 gift.  If everyone does something, we can get there with the Lord's help. Just ask Him. “Lord, how has this newscast made a difference in my life?”  What is that worth to you?  We had a college student sacrificially give $500.  We've had Africans in Eswatini, who have very little funds, invest $10/month. And we've had kids raise hundreds of dollars through creative fundraisers selling cookies and hardboiled eggs and lemonade. Just go to TheWorldview.com, click on Give, select the dollar amount, and make sure to click on the “recurring” button if that's your wish.  This newscast team champions the truth and uses the Bible as our plumbline.  Don't forget: The Worldview in 5 Minutes is commercial free. We have no sponsors. Nor do we have a pay wall.  Anyone who wants to access this newscast can get it for free. So, all we have is you! What is God prompting you to do right now? Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, July 30th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In Acts 19, Paul's message about Jesus starts costing people cash, and the city of Ephesus erupts. A silversmith named Demetrius sees his business threatened and does what any of us can be tempted to do: he lets fear, lust, and pride drive his next move. In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through the riot in Ephesus and asks the question underneath the chaos: what feelings are actually determining the flow of your finances? For the Ephesians who put their faith in Jesus, everything changed. They stopped trying to manipulate the gods for their own gain and started giving generously to people who could never pay them back. Their faith didn't just shift what they believed. It shifted where their money went.  Key Verses // Acts 19 — With Passion City Online you can join us live every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurchdc.com — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurchdc.com/give — Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — Follow along with Passion City Church DC: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc — Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: https://www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_ — Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com

Today's episode is a special bonus from the On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse podcast, hosted by Kristy Graham. What does it look like to trust God when He calls you into some of the world's most difficult and dangerous places? In this powerful episode, Kristy experiences firsthand what Samaritan's Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team members endure as they prepare to serve during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bev Kauffeldt, who has served on the last two Ebola responses, led Kristy through the training. Kristy got into the many layers of personal protection equipment to experience the process our DART members go through in the field. This inspired Kristy as she experienced the discomfort our teams willingly step into as they fight this dangerous outbreak. It also helped her know how to pray for our teams more specifically. At the training, Bev talked with Kristy about a passage of Scripture that has been on her heart: “This verse—I shared it with the team today because it's so perfect. In Acts 20:24, Paul says my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus, the work of telling others of the good news about the wonderful grace of God.” — Bev Kauffeldt, paraphrasing Acts 20:24 As believers, we must have a posture of humility. Someone who speaks into this posture in this Ebola response is Dustin Martin, a water, sanitation and hygiene technical advisor who supports Samaritan's Purse field offices around the world. Dustin will likely go to the DRC soon. He shared how he is preparing both physically and spiritually to be deployed and why he desires to go serve in this dangerous situation. “I want to be able to go to the ends of the earth for people that I haven't even met before because that's what Christ did for me. He took on humility. He took on human form when He had no need to. And if He did that for me, there's just no appropriate response but to do that for others.” — Dustin Martin Once Kristy was out of the personal protective equipment, she met Kate Allen, an emergency doctor, who the Lord has called and sent to many DART responses, including Ukraine and Iraq. They spoke about putting on the armor of God, trusting that the Lord goes before us. We are not promised safety, but God does promise that He is with us always. “God doesn't say you're going to be absolutely fine … but He does promise that He goes with us. And He promises that He goes ahead. And He promises He hems us in from behind. So, we go with His Spirit, and we go knowing that He has a plan, and that He has already paid the ultimate price.” — Kate Allen If you'd like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse, please visit SamaritansPurse.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.