Podcasts about in acts

Unlock the power of speaking in tongues. In Acts chapter 2, the apostles spoke in tongues, declaring the wonderful works of God and revealing divine mysteries. Speaking in tongues allows our spirit to pray, communicating truths that go beyond human understanding.In episode nine of “The Holy Spirit,” Duane Sheriff teaches the scriptural basis for speaking in tongues, emphasizing its role in spiritual edification, divine communication, and expressing God's glory. By addressing common misconceptions, we discover the importance of tongues alongside other spiritual gifts—especially prophecy. When we pray in tongues, our spirit connects directly with God, bypassing the limits of the natural mind to receive His infinite wisdom.Click for FREE offer ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-holy-spirit/

How can a church know it's truly fulfilling God's mission? In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas give us a pattern every church should follow — preaching the Gospel, strengthening believers, and persevering through trials. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace as he reveals the first keys to a thriving, biblical church.

Saul knew the Scriptures, honored tradition, and believed he was doing God's will yet he was spiritually blind. In Acts 9, Jesus meets Saul on the road to Damascus, using physical blindness to reveal a deeper spiritual reality. This week's message reminds us that God had great plans to use Saul, plans that came to pass even when, by human standards, Saul would have seemed disqualified.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a fierce enemy of faith into its greatest advocate? In Acts 9, we witness this extraordinary metamorphosis as Saul—Christianity's most notorious persecutor—encounters the living Christ. Pastor Jeff masterfully unpacks how this dramatic conversion showcases God's power to change even the most hardened hearts. Through vivid storytelling and biblical insight, he reveals how true transformation demands full surrender, genuine submission, and bold proclamation of faith. Whether you're questioning your own journey or seeking to understand God's transformative power, this message offers hope and practical wisdom for authentic spiritual change. Don't miss this compelling exploration of how God can radically redirect any life that surrenders to Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In Acts 8, God shows us how He works through ordinary obedience to accomplish extraordinary gospel impact. As Philip follows the leading of the Holy Spirit, obeys immediately, and faithfully points someone to Scripture, the good news of Jesus reaches a searching heart. This passage reminds us that missional living is not about creativity or convenience, but about being Spirit-led, obedient, and committed to doing things God's way.

In Acts 20:1–16: Discover the five activities of a spiritual leader. See how Paul models how to build up the church, feed the sheep, and mentor the next generation.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org

Christmas joy can easily get crowded out by busyness, distractions, and pressure, but the joy God offers is deeper and lasting. In Acts 16, we see how Paul and Silas carried joy even in prison, praying and worshiping God despite their circumstances. Their joy was rooted not in comfort or freedom, but in faith and trust in Jesus. Pastor Kory reminds us that joy is often tested when our focus is pulled away from God. The enemy works subtly through busyness, materialism, and distraction, but prayer and worship keep our hearts aligned with the Lord. As Paul and Silas remained faithful, their joy became a powerful witness that led to salvation for the jailer and his household. True joy is found in believing in Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Him, our lives are transformed, chains are broken, and joy overflows. This Advent, God invites us to awaken to the joy that comes from salvation, devotion to prayer and worship, and a life centered on Jesus. Is your joy rooted in circumstances, or in your faith in Christ?

Join us as we conclude the book of Job and continue in the book of Acts. In Job 42, we witness Job's final response to the Lord and the restoration that follows humility and repentance. In Acts 4, we see the boldness of the early church as Peter and John stand firm in their witness, declaring obedience to God above all else.Connect with us on social:Telegram: @beholdisraelchannelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amir.tsarfati/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beholdisrael/X: https://x.com/beholdisraelYouTube: https://youtube.com/@beholdisrael

These verses are vitallyimportant to the unity of the church, to the growth of the believer, and to thewitness of the church in the community. That's why we're taking so longcontinuing to look at this passage of Scripture. Remember the leaders of thechurch are told to lead and teach the people to grow in their Christianmaturity, to grow in faith, and to understand how that as a body of believersthat are diverse, that have different opinions, have different ideas, maybeeven different cultural backgrounds, that it is vitally important that they loveone another, and care for one another.  Readthe New Testament. Read the book of First John. Read all the Epistles. Almostall of them speak about this love for one another. Jesus, in His last words inthe upper room were that His disciples might be one. His prayer was that theywould be one (John 17). That they would be one in Christ, one in unity, one inlove, caring for one another. Then they would be a witness to the world aroundthem. That's why this passage in Ephesians 4 is so important. Now,one of the things that will happen whenever God's at work, you can rest assuredthat the devil is also at work and he has his angels, agents of false teachersto lead people astray. Today, my friend, the internet and churches are full offalse teachers who would cause people to follow after them with false doctrines.That's why Paul, Peter and others writers of the New Testament wrote aboutthese people. Even in the first century church, Jude wrote about them. John, warnedof them in his epistles of 1st and 2nd John. Almost everyNew Testament Apostle, teacher, leader warned about these false teachers. Evenhere in Ephesians 4, where Paul is saying to build up the people in the unityof the faith he goes on to say in verse 14 that we should “no longer bechildren tossed to and fro”. Tossed to and fro by what? Because we would be“carried about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men and cunningcraftiness of deceitful plotting”, by the false teachers. In Acts 20:28-31,Paul in his last visit to the church at Ephesus, warned the elders: “Thereforetake heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit hasmade you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with Hisown blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come inamong you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up,speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.  In2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter warned the believers he's writing to about these false teachers:“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will befalse teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, evendenying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. Andmany will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth willbe blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…”.  Like Paul, he is warning us not to be deceivedby false teachers with their false doctrine. Acharacteristic of a Christlike Christian is that he is not only bathed in thetruth, living in the truth, walking in the truth, but he is stable. He issteadfast. He's not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Everybody thatcomes along with some new teaching about this or that or especially about theLord Jesus Christ and who He is. My friend, you must be careful what you'relistening to and make sure you look at everything in light of the context ofthe entire word of God. Then listen to faithful teachers and preachers who havestayed the course over many many years. Again,these are very important words because the devil is at work to destroy theunity of the church with false teachers. We must be aware of them. They'reeverywhere. So be aware, don't be children about this danger. Grow up, listento the truth, and walk in the truth. 

In Acts 24, Fr. Mike notes how Felix remained unmoved by Paul's teaching despite being compelled by it initially, showing us that unless we act on what we believe, there is no change. As we begin reading St.Paul's letter to the Galatians today, Fr. Mike highlights Paul's explanation of the role of Jewish law in the Age of the Church, clarifying that through baptism, we are all one in Christ and heirs to the promises of the Father regardless of our backgrounds. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In Acts 22, Paul's testimony falls on hostile Roman ears, and he narrowly escapes scourging by way of his Roman citizenship. Reflecting on this incident, Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses Paul's past to further his ministry, and that God does the same with each of us, today. Commenting on today's readings from 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike highlights that we are called to be cheerful givers and disciplined thinkers. He also points out that, as Paul reminds us, the most important ministry credential is to be called by God and equipped by his grace. Today's readings are Acts 22, 2 Corinthians 9-11, and Proverbs 29:5-7. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

How far can the gospel reach—and what happens when it does? In Acts 8:4–25, persecution scatters the early believers, but instead of hiding, they boldly proclaim Christ wherever they go. Philip travels to Samaria—enemy territory for the Jews—and through the power of the Holy Spirit, people are delivered, healed, and filled with joy as the good news takes root.This passage reveals the unstoppable reach of the gospel: enemies can be reconciled, hearts can change, and even spiritual imposters are exposed by the truth of God's Word and the work of the Spirit.

✨ The Bible in 365 Days — Day 169 | When God Meets You in the Breaking Point ✨Today's reading guides us through some of the most comforting and awe-inspiring truths in Scripture — reminders that God sees you when you're exhausted, protects you when enemies rise against you, and surrounds your life with mercy that never ends.In 1 Kings 19, we meet Elijah at his breaking point — weary, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. But God doesn't rebuke him. Instead, He meets Elijah with rest, gentle care, and a whisper that restores his soul. Even the strongest believers have moments when the weight becomes too much… and yet God never leaves them there.In Acts 12, we witness God's miraculous power to deliver His people when everything looks impossible. Chains break. Prison doors open. Prayers are answered. What seemed hopeless becomes a testimony of God's power. Nothing — absolutely nothing — can hinder the purposes of God.Psalm 136 repeats a truth our souls crave:“His love endures forever.”This love carried generations before us, and it carries you today.Proverbs 17:14–15 reminds us of the wisdom in guarding peace, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and walking in righteousness. God calls us to be people who choose discernment over division.Together, these passages whisper a steady truth to your heart:When you are tired, God restores.When you are bound, God delivers.When you feel forgotten, God remembers.And when life feels heavy, His love endures forever.If you're feeling weary today, let this episode be a gentle reminder that God meets you right where you are — even in the quiet, even in the breaking point.Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7C8pUYkgVnZKsusbuPgDjU?si=f7e0e2f6531c470aApple Podcast → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/walk-with-him/id1617943038https://www.youtube.com/@walkwithhim1234https://buymeacoffee.com/walkwithhiyhttps://walkwithhimstore.etsy.com

In Acts 28:11–16, Pastor Jared Proctor explores Paul's weary arrival in Rome and his longing for encouragement from fellow believers. Through Paul's example, we learn that even the hardships that feel like prisons can become places of spiritual formation when we seek the Lord within them. This sermon reminds us that every circumstance—praise or prison—can draw us deeper into God's presence.

Todaywe continue to look at Ephesians 4:7-11. Weneed to understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the unity of the church isvitally important to sharing this great message of the Gospel of Christ to theworld around us. God has chosen the church today to do this. The New Testament churchcan best be describes as a local body of baptized believers, under thediscipline of the Word of God, being led by the Holy Spirit, exercising thegifts of the Spirit, organized under spiritual leadership for the purpose ofworship, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and ministry, and fulfilling theordinances of the church—the Lord's Supper and baptism. That is the localchurch. Inthat church God has placed people with various spiritual gifts to make surethat body functions properly in such a way that they are able to fulfill,complete, and carry out God's great commission. That is the purpose of thespiritual gifts. We see that specifically as we look at the passage here inEphesians chapter 4, verses 7-11.It says in verse 11, “And He Himself gavesome to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors andteachers.” Interesting,as you look at all three passages in the New Testament speaking specificallyabout spiritual gifts, you will find that in Romans 12, and also 1 Corinthians12-14, that Paul lists many gifts. Some people estimate up to 18 differentspiritual gifts were given to the church initially. But here in Ephesians 4:7,it appears that Paul is talking not so much about the gifts of the Spirit as heis talking about some of the offices that are being fulfilled because of thegift of the Spirit that were given to particular people in his day. Thefirst one Paul mentions was the Apostles. “He gave some to be apostles”.The word apostle means one who is sent with a commission. Jesus had manydisciples—even one time 70 disciples are mentioned—but we know that He onlyselected 12 apostles (Matthew 10:1-4). The disciple is a learner, a follower.But an apostle is a divinely appointed representative. For someone to be anapostle, he had to have witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts1:21-22). In Acts 1, when they were replacing Judas as one of the twelveapostles, they prayed about it, sought God's will about it, and particularlychose one person, Matthias, to become that twelfth Apostle (Acts 1:26). Today,there are no apostles in the strictest New Testament sense. These apostles laidthe foundation of the church along with the prophets as we are told in Ephesians2:19-20, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, butfellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, havingbeen built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himselfbeing the chief corner stone.”  Oncethe foundation of the church, the New Testament church, was laid, there was nolonger a need for apostles. Today when I hear someone saying, “I'm an apostle,”I hope they mean that they are one who is sent with a commission. Because allof us as believers are sent. As Jesus said to the disciples and to theapostles, “As the Father has sent Me, even so send I you.” Every believer inthat sense is sent. We are sent with a commission to share the good news ofJesus Christ. Butthere were only twelve who laid the foundation of the church in the NewTestament. That is very important to know. Today we should not claim to be anapostle. We should claim to be a follower, a disciple of Jesus Christ. We havebeen sent even as an Apostle was sent, but we are not apostles because we didnot physically witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That was thequalification given in Acts 1. Aswe study these four offices of the church that are mentioned by Paul here, theyshould encourage us to be what God wants us to be with our spiritual gift inthe church so the body of Christ can function as it should. Godbless!

Scripture: Acts 9:23–25 This message reminds us that prayer must lead to obedience. Prayer is powerful, but it becomes effective when we take action in the things God tells us to do. In Acts 9, Paul was facing certain death, yet unnamed disciples lowered him over a wall in a basket. God used ordinary people to save a life and advance His kingdom. People today are trying to escape spiritual, emotional, and physical death. There is an identity crisis in our world, and many have reached the end of their own ability. Every person carries an inner emptiness that only Jesus can fill. Success, possessions, and temporary comforts cannot satisfy. What people trust in becomes their god, yet only the living water can quench the thirst of the soul. God has given each of us a responsibility to hold onto the rope. He has placed us in specific places at the right time to help, to speak life, and to lift up those who are hurting. Being a rope holder is not about recognition. Some do it for attention, but true rope holders do it for the glory of God so that Jesus is lifted up and people are drawn to Him. Holding the rope is often inconvenient, just as it was for those who helped Paul in the night. It can be risky, costly, and tiring. Discipleship can feel heavy, and spiritual warfare can affect us if we are not mindful. Yet revival is worth it. People are worth it. We must stay sensitive to the Holy Ghost, willing to be inconvenienced, and ready to hold the rope for those who have stumbled, fallen, or are just beginning their walk with God. To whom much is given, much is required. We are called to feed, support, intercede, and stand in the gap so others can be saved, healed, and delivered.

What if God wants to do it again—moving in power just as He did in the early church? In Acts 19:9–10 we read that “all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” What began in a lecture hall in Ephesus spread across an entire region. Revival did not stay small. It multiplied. In this message, Pastor Dustin calls us to believe for that same move of God in our generation. This message connects Scripture, prophetic invitation, and the biblical vision of unity—from ancient Asia Minor (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) to what God is doing in the church today. WHY THIS MATTERS Unity does not erase differences; it dignifies them. Unity is not everyone doing the same thing; it is everyone moving in the same direction. When the church aligns with the heart of Jesus, revival becomes unstoppable. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES • Acts 19:9–10 — The gospel spreading across Asia • John 17:20–21 — Jesus' prayer for unity • Acts 2:1 — One place, one purpose, one Spirit

In Acts 7 we see that Stephen spoke the Truth with boldness. See how and what we can do as Patrick Dennis shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

In Acts 7 we see that Stephen spoke the Truth with boldness. See how and what we can do as Patrick Dennis shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Daily Dose of Hope November 26, 2025   Scripture - Acts 6   Prayer:  Almighty God, As we move into our Wednesday, we pray that today will be a day that we see glimpses of your glory.  We need you, we yearn for you.  Lord, help us set aside our distractions and settle our scattered thoughts so we can focus on you and you alone.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers... In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently walking through the book of Acts.  Today, we working through all of chapter 6.   In Acts 6, we see the choosing of the first deacons to serve the widows from both the Greek and Jewish communities.  The apostles felt strongly they needed to keep preaching and teaching but they knew someone needed to be in charge of serving those in need.  There was a conflict that had to be dealt with – the Greek Jews felt that their widows weren't being cared for in the same way as the Hebrew Jews when it came to food distribution.  It wasn't insurmountable issue at all, but it could certainly create battle lines if not addressed promptly.  Stephen is chosen to lead the group who would ensure all of the early believers are fed fairly.  This is such a great model for solving a problem in the church.  They had an issue, they came together and discussed it civilly, and a solution is chosen.  No drama.   I should also note this is the first time we see a differentiation in the roles in the church.  Deacons are caring for the physical needs of the people.  The apostles, serving more like elders, are preaching and teaching.  There are many people in one body with many different gifts.  It takes all of us for Jesus' church to be effective and fruitful.  This will get clearer as the church develops.    Later in the chapter, things take a turn for the worse.  Stephen is being targeted by the Sanhedrin.  They don't like how the Gospel is spreading.  I wonder if the Jewish leaders are beginning to feel like things are getting out of control.  They see the church growing and they don't have a way to stop it.  Stephen is exhibiting extraordinary wisdom.  How do you fight against that?  Well, you cheat and lie.  And that's exactly what they did.  They have people say that he is speaking blasphemy against Moses.  They are willing to do whatever they need to do to slander Stephen.  They are abandoning Torah in favor of keeping political control.    More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Acts 5:1-11 | Greg Opean Packinghouse's Sunday morning worship service from November 23, 2025. In Acts 5 we step into the only church on earth—a massive newborn body full of joy, generosity, and danger from within. After Barnabas' sincere gift, Ananias and Sapphira chase image over reality, lying about their generosity to win applause, and Peter exposes it as a lie to the Holy Spirit—not about amounts, but about pretending. God subtracts their hypocrisy so He can multiply the church, because that one-upmanship, Hollywood-style image game would have killed a community meant to live by great grace. The lesson lands close: drop the mask, walk in the light, tell the truth about where you're really at, and let Jesus give you the real thing—fellowship, cleansing, rest. Enjoy what God gives, give freely as He leads, and refuse the pressure to look “more spiritual” than you are; there's one name worthy in the church, and it's Jesus. - Greg Opean - Sunday, November 23, 2025

Acts 5:1-11 | Greg Opean Packinghouse's Sunday morning worship service from November 23, 2025. In Acts 5 we step into the only church on earth—a massive newborn body full of joy, generosity, and danger from within. After Barnabas' sincere gift, Ananias and Sapphira chase image over reality, lying about their generosity to win applause, and Peter exposes it as a lie to the Holy Spirit—not about amounts, but about pretending. God subtracts their hypocrisy so He can multiply the church, because that one-upmanship, Hollywood-style image game would have killed a community meant to live by great grace. The lesson lands close: drop the mask, walk in the light, tell the truth about where you're really at, and let Jesus give you the real thing—fellowship, cleansing, rest. Enjoy what God gives, give freely as He leads, and refuse the pressure to look “more spiritual” than you are; there's one name worthy in the church, and it's Jesus. - Greg Opean - Sunday, November 23, 2025

Have you ever been in a high-pressure situation—maybe facing a tight deadline at work or having to make an unexpected, high-stakes decision? It's often in those moments that we discover who we truly are.Last week, we met Stephen, a leader in the Jerusalem church. He was chosen to help care for widows and preserve unity within the church. In Acts 6:8–7:60, Luke tells us more of Stephen's story. Like other church leaders of his day, he is falsely accused, arrested, and put on trial. When questioned, he courageously stands firm in his convictions, even though doing so only intensifies the danger around him.The situation escalates quickly, and a furious mob stones Stephen. Talk about a high-pressure moment.

Taking up from where we left off last lesson, our teacher, Dr. Mitchell continues with Matt.22:23-33.The enemies of the Lord Jesus try again to trap Jesus. Only this time, they are Sadducees. In Acts 23:8 Luke writes that the Sadducees ‘say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all'. As Dr. Mitchell says, these were the rationalists of their day. They are the anti-super-naturalists of this day.So why do they appeal to the Scriptures? Only to try and trap our Savior. There are those who use the Scriptures, they don't really believe in, to confront the Christian with hypothetical questions in order to suppress the truth about God, His creation, His Messiah and His eternal salvation and His soon coming for us.Here is Dr. Mitchell, Matt.22:23 on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Lloyd will continue his series through Acts today with a stop in chapter eighteen.  If you have someone in your life who lives by their convictions, you know what a unique trait that really is. You may be such a person yourself. Too many people today say one thing and live their lives another way. In Acts chapter eighteen, Paul finds himself in Corinth, and addresses the issue of Christians living by their convictions.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:11–14, 18–20 • Acts 4:29–35 • Genesis 11:1–6 • Proverbs 29:18 • Mark 8:22–26 This message focuses on the power of unity in the body of Christ. Scripture shows that although we are many members, we are placed by God into one body with one Spirit and one purpose. In Acts, the early church walked in one heart and one soul, and their unity produced boldness, miracles, and great grace. Genesis 11 shows that even unbelievers who are unified can accomplish anything they imagine. How much more can the church do when our vision, speech, and goals are aligned with God. A dream stays a dream until it is written down and becomes a goal. God calls His people to walk with one vision that is centered on Jesus. We should make the vision clear, speak life, and stay focused. Vision that comes from the flesh will fail, but vision from God brings clarity like the blind man in Mark 8 who received his sight and then saw clearly after Jesus prayed for him again. Unity in speech and unity in purpose opens the door for revival. Love covers a multitude of sins, and when we come together with a common vision, we move toward the promises God has set before us.

This week, we finish our Why Church? series in the book of Acts. In Acts 6:8-15, we see Stephen seized and brought before the Sanhedrin. We also take a quick jump forward to Acts 7:51-60 to the stoning of Stephen, highlighting his faithfulness to the Lord through trial and hardship. Pastor Eric shares three points from the text: 1) Expect trial and hardship to test faithfulness. 2) Seek the Lord for lasting faithfulness. 3) Faithfully worship the Lord through trial and hardship.

Ever feel like you were headed one way and life blew you somewhere else? In Acts 27–28, Paul is promised Rome, then runs into hurricane winds, a shipwreck, and a snakebite. Yet God keeps His word in the middle of the storm. Jesus had already said Paul would testify in Rome, and even as the waves rise an angel reaffirms the promise. Our call is to trust what God has said more than what we can see and to obey Him while the seas are still rough.    When the ship breaks, everyone reaches shore safely and a “detour” named Malta becomes a three-month ministry assignment. By the end, Paul is in Rome preaching “without hindrance.” The route changed; the promise held; the mission advanced.     Here’s a couple key takeaways • When your plans break, hold to God’s promises. He keeps His word even in the storm.   • Detours are often assignments. Serve where you land and watch God work • Chains cannot chain the gospel. The mission continues “without hindrance.” SUBSCRIBE for weekly sermons, stories, and other resources: https://www.youtube.com/@GracePointNWA?sub_confirmation=1 ============================= Connect with Grace Point Church: ============================= Instagram: https://instagram.com/gracepointnwa Facebook: https://facebook.com/gracepointnwa Website: https://gracepointchurch.net #Sermon #GracePointChurch #NorthwestArkansas

John 11:45-53,Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.We live in times, sadly, in which it's not hard to imagine public officials seeking their own benefit. Covering their own interests. Talking arrogantly and rudely. Pursuing political expediency in which seemingly righteous ends are said to justify grossly unrighteous means.Unfortunately, it's not hard to imagine leaders like Caiaphas. As we hear about Caiaphas, we have lessons to learn by way of contrast. And there are marvels to see here about our God and his Son and the wonder of the grace of his gospel.Jesus on the RiseLast Sunday we heard how Jesus's sovereign, omnipotent word raised the dead man, four days in the tomb. John 11:43-44,“‘Lazarus, come out!' The man who had died came out…”Jesus continues as the ascendency, and now, having raised a well-known dead man, so near Jerusalem, he's turning the city upside down. Many believe (v. 45), but others go to the Pharisees and stir up trouble (v. 46). They gather the high court, “the council,” called the Sanhedrin, made up of 70 priests and elders and scribes, with the high priest presiding. And they say,“What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.”Indeed he does: water into wine (2:11), cleansing the temple (2:15), restoring a dead son to life (4:53), healing the sick of all kinds (6:2), multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed thousands (6:14), giving sight to a blind man (9:16), and now, raising a dead man who had been in the grave four days (11:44).Yes, he has done many signs. But instead of asking, like many common people are, “Could this be the long-promised Christ?” the leaders as a whole are tragically more concerned with preserving their own place and privilege. They are more oriented on political concerns with the unbelieving Romans than with spiritual concerns in their Scriptures. “If we let [Jesus] go on like this,” they say, “everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (v. 48).Which bring us to the fateful moment, in verses 49–52.God Versus High PriestAt the council, Caiaphas, the high priest, speaks the decisive word. It comes from his mouth; it comes out of his heart. It is fully his. He is fully responsible for it. And John tells us in verse 51, “He did not say this of his own accord.” Who's accord, then, was it? God's accord. Jesus has talked over and over in this Gospel of his coming and his acting as “not of his own accord” but his Father's. This is God's accord, God's plan.So what we have in verse 50 is two visions of the coming death of Jesus: Caiaphas's and God's. Caiaphas perceives the situation, considers his own interest, and issues his counsel, which carries the day. And God is not caught off guard; he doesn't rush in to fix things and “turn” them for good. No, before Caiaphas willed it, God willed it. Before Caiaphas said it, God planned it. God superintends these evil words, from Caiaphas's evil heart, for God's good purposes and the salvation of his people from sin and death.And strange as this sounds in our ears, this is not new in the Bible. This is how the first book of the Bible ends. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph says to his brothers who sold him into slavery,“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”He doesn't say God used it or that God turned it. Sinners meant evil; God meant it (same evil) for good. Same evil, two intentions. And we see something similar near the end of the Bible in Revelation 17:17,“God has put it into their hearts [wicked earthly rulers] to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled…”So, as the council meets, God is not wringing his hands, saying, “Oh no, the high priest is giving the decisive word to put my Son to death.” No, God has planned it. He has orchestrated every detail. In Acts 4:28, early Christians would praise God for bringing to pass at the cross “whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” Oh Caiaphas means evil against Jesus, but God means it for good, to bring it about that many people should be saved.So, let's meditate on this double meaning in the words of Caiaphas in three parts.1. Two Visions of the PeopleWhat does Caiaphas mean when he says the people? Look at verse 50:“…it is better for you [Sanhedrin] that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”For Caiaphas, “the people” and “the whole nation” are ethnic Jews. Caiaphas wants to preserve his own ethnicity, and as we'll see, he has very selfish reasons for doing so. So, by “people” and “nation” Caiaphas means ethnic Jews.What does God mean? Verses 51-52:[Caiaphas] did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.So, for God, “the people” means “the children of God” which is not every ethnic Jew, nor is it limited only to ethnic Jews. The “children of God” are all who believe in Jesus — many believers in Jesus are among the Jews, as we've already seen, and now comes a stunning expansion, like we saw in John 10:16: Jesus has “other sheep” who are not of the Jewish fold — that is, Gentiles!God's chosen children are not limited to Israel; nor is every ethnic Israelite included. From the beginning, God chose ethnic Israel historically as a channel to bring his eternal salvation to all the nations. Now, at last, Messiah has come. And now, by surprise, Messiah goes to a sacrificial death — and through him the gates swing wide to all who believe, all believing Jews and all believing Gentiles. The chosen sheep, scattered among the nations, are “the children of God,” which will come to be called “the church.”And here's the scandal of Jesus's sacrificial achievement in gathering God's children from all nations: in Christ, fellow believers in faraway places, of different nations and ethnicities, are closer by far than fellows in ethnicity, place, and mere human nation. And so today, if you are in Christ, you have something far more important in common with a Christian in China or Russia, than you do with your unbelieving American neighbor who just happens to prefer the same political party you do.So, first, two visions of the people: Caiaphas means ethnic Jews. God means a new-covenant spiritual people from every nation, scattered abroad, and called the church.2. Two Visions of SubstitutionCaiaphas's proposal is for substitution. A people are in danger of destruction. So substitute one man on behalf of the people, and kill him, so that the people do not perish. A political scapegoat. Verse 50 again:“…it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”For Caiaphas, one man, Jesus, should perish, so that the Messianic fervor dissipates, the Jesus movement fades, and almighty Rome remains undisturbed and doesn't come and destroy Jerusalem and the temple. And amazingly, in the superintending providence of God, Caiaphas words this in sacrificial language. One man, he says, will die “for the people” — literally, on behalf of the people. Of course, Caiaphas means it politically. This is pure politics, not spiritual leadership. This is vintage political expediency. And par for the course in world politics. Perhaps you've heard it called the end justifies the means. The end goal is seen to be good, and so the means used to get there are compromised. And mark this: this is evil. Normal and justifiable as it may seem, this is evil in God's eyes. And this, normal politics as it might be, carries the day not in Rome but in Jerusalem among the council of 70 priests and elders and Pharisees, from the mouth of Israel's high priest. More on that in a minute.What about for God? What does he mean by this substitution? Verses 51-52 again:[Caiaphas] did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.For God, his own Son, the eternal second person of the Godhead, fully divine, now fully human as man — Jesus dies on behalf of the children of God. And oh the irony of the sacrificial language — uttered by Israel's high priest for political expedience, and totally unaware that in his very words he formulates, in the sacrificial terms of Israel's religion, the very mechanism God uses to bring that sacrificial system and first covenant to its long-awaited apex and conclusion. This sacrifice of Jesus is the very Sacrifice that for centuries all the animal sacrifices have anticipated — all the endless blood of bulls and goats and lambs that has flowed and flowed for centuries has pointed to this one man's flow of blood at the cross.Which brings us right to the heart of the good news of Jesus, and amazingly, in God's sovereignty, the words of Caiaphas, meant for evil, have us here, as God means them for good.Christians have long called this “penal substitution.”Penal means that a penalty is due for human sin. Sin is an affront to an infinitely worthy God. He made us, and in our sin we have turned our backs on him. And the New Testament makes it clear that the payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). We all deserve the penalty of death, and eternal separation from God, because of our sin against him. Penal means there's a just penalty for our sin that must be paid.And the good news is that Jesus, in his death on the cross, is our substitute. We deserve death for our sin, but Jesus puts himself forward to die in our place, “on our behalf.” This sacrificial language of substitution runs all the way back to Leviticus — Jesus offers himself as the substitute, in our place, to receive our penalty of death (as animals did only temporarily in the old covenant), that he might then rise, and with him we too might be released to life.So, God's vision is penal substitution: Jesus is our substitute sin-bearer. He took the penalty of death we deserve for our sin, by substituting himself in our place at the cross, that all the children of God, scattered abroad, could be joined to him by faith and live.3. Two Visions of High PriesthoodCaiaphas is Israel's official high priest. There is no other high priest, only one. There are whole chapters of Scripture (Exodus 28–29; Leviticus 8, 16) that deal with his clothes and how to consecrate him for office, and what he does on the Day of Atonement, which is the one day each year when the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to offer the climactic annual sacrifice on behalf of the people. So, who was Israel's high priest that year? John tells us three times. Don't miss this, and don't miss the scandal of it.Verse 49: one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all…”Verse 51: [Caiaphas] did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation…And John 18:13-14: once the soldiers arrested and bound Jesus, “First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.”So, it is Israel's high priest who gives the decisive word that puts Israel's long-awaited Messiah to death. The last act of Israel's final high priest is to give the word to kill Israel's Messiah.Oh the failure of the mere human and hereditary high priesthood! It failed from the very beginning:Think of Aaron, Moses's brother, the first high priest. What was his infamous first public act? He made and led the people in worshiping the golden calf. Then his sons, Nadab and Abihu “offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord” (Leviticus 10:1-2).Next we think of negligent Eli and his worthless sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1 Sam 2).And more broadly, over and over again, Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel and Malachi condemn the greed and corruption and idolatry and neglect of Israel's priests.The history of Israel, from beginning to end, makes the lesson plain: mere humanity and heredity cannot provide the needed high priest to mediate between God and man.And Caiaphas sees that Israel's high priesthood goes out with a bang. This is so tragic: politics and its expediency have captured the high priest! He's ordained as the nation's spiritual leader and playing at politics! As Don Carson observes: “the nation perished anyway [in 70 AD], not because of Jesus' activity but because of the constant mad search for political solutions where there was little spiritual renewal.”O God, give your church spiritual renewal and free us from any “constant mad search for political solutions.”Lessons by ContrastWe see the kind of guy Caiaphas is by the first thing out of his mouth: “You know nothing at all.” That's how he talks. That's his tone: you guys are stupid. You're fools. What are you trying to do, solve this problem righteously? You're trying to fix this trouble without resorting to evil? Let me show you fools how to do it.And then, with the same mouth, and as with the mouth of Satan himself, he speaks the decisive word to put the nation's Messiah to death: “it is better for you that one man should die for the people.” Don't miss that “for you” in verse 50. He does not say it's better for the nation but “for you,” for you priests and elders and scribes in the room. It's better for you, Sanhedrin. This is wicked leadership.So, beware: fathers and mothers, teachers, business people, fellow pastors. Beware a tone that treats others like fools. It may seem small (“fight the world on the world's terms”). It's not small. Where is it coming from? From the heart. Your careless, socially conditioned, socially permissible words are coming from your own heart. And where are they going? It may be a first indicator that expediency is taking root in your heart. Beware the spirit of expediency that would say (or usually not even say it but just live it): my good ends justify these shady means. You are, in effect, saying, “Sin is okay, evil is okay, deception is okay, injustice is okay, if it serves the purpose for something I really want and would make my life a lot easier.”And in leadership beware the spirit of self-service (rather than self-sacrifice). Let me tell you what's really easy to do in a room of decision makers: decide on what's easiest for the room. What's best for the people here. Whether it's a Sanhedrin of 70 or an elder table of 8, the natural pull, apart from the help of God's Spirit, is for a room of sinners to work toward decisions that are easiest and best for the room.As your pastors, we are aware of this pull, and we pray and we resolve and we keep each other accountable that we not make decisions that are best for the room. Rather, as your pastors we take it as our call to ask for God's help and work toward decisions that are best for this church — and are often more costly for us personally. More work to do. More conversations to have. More calls to make, letters to write, topics to research, tasks to compete. This is how good leadership often works: more, not less, is required of the leaders to care well for their people. (A critical parenting lesson, especially in discipline!)Our Great High PriestI end with this, as we come to the Table: Did you realize there are two high priests in this passage? I didn't see this at first. Yes, there is Caiaphas, and as the high priesthood in Israel fails, and comes to its appointed end with one last and greatest failure of all, the one who emerges is not only our sacrifice and substitute but, as Hebrews calls him, our great high priest. I know priesthood can seem obscure and distant to us in the 21st century. Perhaps here's one way to get your bearings more around what it means to have Jesus as our great high priest: he is not like Caiaphas. Caiaphas was one of many and the last in Israel. Jesus is the first, and one and only, in the new covenant. Caiaphas's office was temporary. Jesus's is forever, and of an entirely different order. Caiaphas was evil, rude, self-serving. Jesus, our great high priest is…holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those [other] high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. (Hebrews 7:26-27)Brothers and sisters in Christ, “we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 8:1). “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

When God's people face opposition, fear can silence their witness—but the early church shows a better way. In Acts 4:23–31, believers gather in bold, unified prayer, asking God not for safety but for courage to proclaim Christ. In this message, Pastor Ben Palka highlights how the Spirit empowers His people when they pray, filling them with renewed boldness and unwavering trust in God's mission.

What do we do when opposition to Jesus comes our way? In Acts 4, the disciples face their first opposition to the Gospel and respond with incredible boldness. In this sermon, Pastor David Horner examines 6 things that made them bold, and how we too can become bold for Jesus in the face of opposition.

In Acts 3, Peter used God's gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in the world and all great miracles are attributed to the name of Jesus. Fr. Mike also tells us why our suffering matters, and how God wastes nothing. Today's readings are Acts 3, Romans 4-5, and Proverbs 27:1-3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In Acts 16, we see grace reach Paul, flow through Paul, and ultimately break through the hardened heart of the jailer. This message reminds us that grace received always leads to grace extended — even when it's undeserved. Be encouraged as you learn how God's grace can anchor your mind, heal your heart, and open doors for the gospel in your everyday life.   Thank you for listening to the Truth for Today Podcast! For more content from Pastor Terry Fant, click the links below! www.youtube.com/@terryfant885 www.facebook.com/terry.fant.14 www.instagram.com/pastorterryfant

Conflict happens. It is a part of all human relationships. Thriving marriages, booming businesses, and close friendships all experience conflict. Churches aren't any different.In Acts 6:1–7, we see the first recorded church conflict. And no—it wasn't about the color of the carpet or whether deviled eggs are appropriate for a church fellowship meal.So what happened?The church had been generously giving to meet needs, including providing food for widows. But a problem arose: the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, while the Aramaic-speaking widows were receiving their food. What seems like a simple oversight that could easily be remedied began to grow into a much larger issue.How did the early church respond? And what can we learn from their example about handling conflict within the body of Christ?

It's Monday, November 17th, A.D. 2025. 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 Adam McManus Catholic cathedral bombed in Bangladesh On November 7, a Catholic cathedral and school in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were bombed hours before a worship event that drew bishops from across the country, reports International Christian Concern. A suspect on a motorbike threw two homemade bombs at the church — one exploded near the gate, and another landed near the property, failing to detonate. Thankfully, no one was injured in the attack.  The incident did not deter 500 Catholics from attending the worship event the following morning at St. Mary's Cathedral, nor did it deter students from returning to school at St. Joseph School the following Monday.  Police investigators arrested a suspect and identified him as a member of a banned student political party. They have been initiating violent protests against the government, but more recently, their attacks have shifted toward churchgoers as they prepare for the February 2026 election.  St. Mary's Cathedral plans to take legal action and punish the perpetrator.  One churchgoer said, “Anxiety grips many of us while going to church.” And Bulbul Rebeiro with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, said, “We are peace-loving people, but these incidents are frightening us.”  Bangladesh ranks 24th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of the countries most dangerous for Christians. Gen Z protests in Mexico City, storming presidential palace AUDIO: Sounds of rioting against police Those are the sounds of rioters who stormed the barricades outside the presidential palace in Mexico City on Saturday as an anti-cartel protest descended into chaos, reports The Daily Mail. Mobs of frustrated, mostly Gen Z Mexican protestors traded blows with cops and screamed slogans about how corruption and cartel killings have spiraled out of control in their country. Thousands of people filled the streets of the nation's capital and marched to the palace, which is the official residence of President Claudia Sheinbaum, the liberal politician who took office last October. The demonstration, largely organized by young activists and supported by older supporters of opposition movements, was the culmination of citizens' frustration with the government's inability to stop violence and provide economic opportunity. Pablo Vazquez, Mexico City's chief of police, said 20 people were arrested and are set to be charged with battery, assault and robbery, reports Bloomberg. Vazquez added that 60 of his police officers were injured, 40 of whom had to be sent to the hospital for treatment.  Trump supports Christian foster parents against pro-LGBT states President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at “modernizing” the child welfare system in the United States, including a guarantee to side with foster families discriminated against by states for their religious convictions, reports LifeSiteNews.com. For example, Heath and Lydia Marvin, a Christians couple in Massachusetts who have fostered eight children under the age of four since 2020, lost their license to foster children because they refused to sign an agreement to “affirm” the alleged LGBT status of any children placed in their care.  LYDIA MARVIN: “We have been an active foster family in Massachusetts for the past four and a half years, and lost our license earlier this year due to new discriminatory policies against Christian families in Massachusetts. So grateful to be here and have the [Trump] administration's support for foster care, but also specifically for Christian families and faith-based organizations to continue caring for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.” Her husband Heath offered his support for the Trump administration as well. HEATH MARVIN: “It's so neat to hear the President and First Lady talking about both foster care and just the need that exists across the country for that, but also specifically, how Christians are twice as likely to be a part of foster care and to adopt.  They recognize that there are states that are putting policies in place that actually drive Christians out of foster care.” In Leviticus 18:22,  the Bible affirms heterosexuality, saying, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination." High school Worldview listener upset no reference to Veterans Day Last Tuesday was Veterans Day. Genevieve, a high school listener to The Worldview, was disappointed that we failed to acknowledge that special day. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation. He noted, “The story of America is written with the courage, honor, and dedicated service of our veterans.  Through their sacrifice, the fires of freedom burn brightly, our Republic secured, and our way of life made possible.  “For nearly 250 years, their unyielding spirit has carried our Nation through every trial and triumph, ensuring that liberty endures for all time.  This Veterans Day, we show our gratitude and recommit to honor their service, uphold their legacy, and give every veteran the loyalty, respect, and support they have earned and so dearly deserve.” Genevieve, we apologize for the oversight. Michelle Obama: America not ready for female president Former First Lady Michelle Obama has shut down the idea she might one day run for president. While speaking to actress Tracee Ross this month at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Obama insisted the United States is “not ready for a woman” to lead, reports TheWrap.com. Listen. ROSS: “Think that that impacts the room that we've made for a woman to be President.” OBAMA: “Well, as we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain't ready. That's why I'm like, ‘Don't even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You're not ready for a woman. (cheers) You are not. So, don't waste my time. “You know, we got a lot of growing up to do. And there's, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it. What was the question?” (laughter) Perhaps America was not ready for Kamala Harris to be president. Mercy Ships surgeon saves baby's life by removing gigantic tumor And finally, a British surgeon removed a life-threatening tumor from a baby's neck that was as big as her entire face, reports GoodNewsNetwork.org. The lump has been growing since she was just five months old, but when her mother, Aminata, took her to the local hospital in Sierra Leone, West Africa, doctors told her she was too young for surgery. By the time Memunatu was ten months old, her family began to fear the worst until her mother bumped into a volunteer who works for Mercy Ships, a healthcare charity that operates hospitals aboard ships. Providentially, the Global Mercy ship was docked in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. When the staff saw how the tumor would eventually suffocate her, they immediately agreed to perform surgery aboard their ship for free. Earlier this year, she was admitted and prepped for the meticulous four-hour surgery performed by Royal London Hospital's Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr. Leo Cheng. He successfully removed the tumor, effectively saving Memunatu's life. In Acts 20:35, Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you'd like to make a donation to help the ongoing work of Mercy Ships, look for the special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, November 17th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Welcome to Christ Community's Online Service! In Acts 23, the apostle Paul faces danger, injustice, and uncertainty, yet stands firm with conviction rooted in Jesus. In this message, we unpack five practical ways to grow courage and confidence in our everyday lives through integrity, self-respect, wisdom, God's presence, and His providence. If you've ever struggled with fear, hesitation, or knowing what to do, this message is for you. For prayer and to stay connected, please visit: https://www.cccgreeley.org For Giving: https://www.cccgreeley.org/give/ Discussion guide: https://cccgreeley.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Nov-15-16-Group-Discussion-Questions.pdf Could You Use a Parents' Night Out?? https://mailchi.mp/cccgreeley/weekly-digital-newsletter-16048145 Christ Community Church – Greeley, CO 

Life can feel like a storm sometimes — and it's easy to wonder if we'll ever make it through. In Acts 27, Paul shows us how to trust God in the midst of life's storms, even when the waves are crashing, hope seems lost, and others don't take your warnings seriously.Join us today as Pastor Jon Eastlick touches on the topics of finding peace, gratitude, and hope in the middle of life's storms, praying for those around us, even when they don't listen, and staying faithful and courageous in overwhelming circumstances.

In Acts 7 we see that Stephen spoke the Truth with boldness. See how and what we can do as Patrick Dennis shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

This week, we continue our Why Church? series. In Acts 6:1-7, the Apostles lead out in choosing seven men to minister to the widows among them, ensuring that all who were in need were taken care of and the word of God would continue to spread. Pastor Eric shares three points from the text: 1) The ministry of service. 2) The ministry of prayer. 3) The ministry of the Word.

What if the question we're asking isn't the one God wants to answer? In Acts 1:6-11, we find the disciples asking Jesus when He will restore the kingdom—essentially, when will everything be fixed? But Jesus redirects them entirely. Instead of revealing His timeline, He reveals their mission: to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This passage isn't about waiting passively for Jesus to return; it's about living actively on mission until He does. We discover four powerful truths here: the heart of missions is bearing witness to what we know about Jesus—simply telling others that He died, rose again, and offers forgiveness. The scope of missions is comprehensive—here where we live, near in surrounding communities, and far to the ends of the earth. The power for missions comes through the Holy Spirit, creating an explosive spiritual dynamic where what we know intellectually collides with what we experience personally, transforming us from the inside out. And the motivation for missions is the return of Christ and the conviction that Jesus deserves to receive the reward of His suffering. This isn't just about professional missionaries; it's about every believer recognizing that we're either on the saved list or the lost list, and those who are saved have one primary responsibility: to witness to those who are lost. The challenge before us is simple yet profound: can we say 'Here am I, send me' and sign our blank page over to God?

In Acts 27 St. Paul goes through the storms and it looks like all is lost. But God Always Wins. On the Island of Malta they are rescued and establish the base to save Christianity 1500 years later.

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas face a community divided between faith and unbelief. Some respond with worship, some with hostility. This sermon explores the irrationality of unbelief—how people can reject clear evidence of God's power—and contrasts it with the enduring witness of God, who patiently displays His truth and mercy through His servants. We reflect on what it means to trust a God who is faithful even when the world resists Him, and how we can stand as witnesses of His grace in a skeptical world.Time:MorningMinister:Rev. Taylor KernTexts:Acts 14:1–23Series:Acts: The Church on Fire

There are a lot of things we can be devoted to in this life, a thousand things we can give our time, energy and commitments to. In Acts 2 we see the very first Christians in history devoting themselves to 3 main things. They were continually: Devoted to Gods Word. Devoted to Gods people. Devoted to worshipping God. This created a community that put the love of Jesus on display for one another and the world around them.

Have you ever wondered what ignites ordinary people to become extraordinary witnesses for Christ? In Acts 1, Jesus reveals the transformative secret—the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Blake unpacks how this divine power source activates every spiritual rhythm in our lives, from Sabbath to service. Through compelling parallels between Christmas gifts and spiritual power, he illuminates why we can't sustain faith on willpower alone. Whether you're running on empty or seeking fresh passion, this message reveals how to tap into supernatural empowerment for authentic witness. Don't miss this vital conclusion to the Rhythms series—discover how to move beyond ritual into Spirit-filled living that naturally draws others to Jesus.

In Acts chapter eight we find the Church expanding after the death of Stephen. It's in the eighth chapter of Acts that we meet one of the most significant men in the bible - a man named Saul. When you consider that after his conversion to Christianity he wrote a significant amount of the New Testament, it is striking to see the terrible man he was prior to his conversion. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111

Are modern faith healers the real deal—or are they deceiving people? In Acts 9, Peter healed a paralyzed man and even raised a woman from the dead, proving the power came from Christ alone. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace for part one of Are Faith Healers Fake Healers?

Welcome to Christ Community's Online Service! When it comes to relationships, conflict is unavoidable—but how we respond makes all the difference. In Acts 21–22, the Apostle Paul faces intense relational tension and shows us both what damages relationships and what can restore them. In this message, Pastor Alan unpacks four ways we often hurt the people around us—avoidance, assumptions, accusations, and judgments—and four ways to move toward peace and reconciliation. Listen to discover how following Jesus can transform the way we navigate conflict and become true peacemakers. For prayer and to stay connected, please visit: https://www.cccgreeley.org For Giving: https://www.cccgreeley.org/give/ Discussion guide: https://cccgreeley.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Nov-8-9-Group-Discussion-Questions.pdf Find Family at our Engage Lunch!

It's Friday, November 7th, A.D. 2025. 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 Adam McManus Indian Christians rally for rights The Christian Community in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh has planned to organize a public rally in protest of the ongoing discrimination against Christians there, reports International Christian Concern. The Civil Rights Rally is being organized by Rashtriya Christian Morcha, a nation-wide civil rights advocacy group, in association with the Christian community in Kanker. They seek to uphold justice, equality, and the values of the Indian Constitution. No date has been set. Numerous Hindu villages in the Kanker district previously erected billboards banning the entry of pastors and “converted Christians,” creating fear among members of the Christian minority. The warnings declared these villages off-limits to Christian missionaries and evangelists, citing provisions of a 1996 law. In Acts 4:18, Jesus' disciples faced similar restrictions. “Then [the Sanhedrin] called them in again and commanded [the disciples of Christ] not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Senator Cruz: Democratic victories were “an electoral blowout” Appearing on Sean Hannity's Fox TV talk show on Wednesday, the day after the Democrats won the races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey as well as for New York City mayor, Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas sounded the alarm. CRUZ:  “Last night was a disaster. It was an electoral blowout. The results in New Jersey were disastrous. The results in Virginia were terrible. The results in in New York: Comrade [Zohran] Mamdani is the face of the Democrat Party. “We have an actual communist jihadist. And it's important to note, Mamdani is not a socialist. He is a full-on communist. He is called for seizing the means of production in our economy. He is a Marxist. That is profoundly dangerous. “And look, I know there's some Republicans who are saying, ‘Well, gosh, this will be good politically, because they'll be the face of the Democrat Party.'  I think it's terrible for America. New York is the largest city in America. It is the financial capital of the world; it's the media capital of the world. This is a lunatic who wants to abolish the police. This is a jihadist who cheers on the radicals and the terrorists who chant ‘Globalize the Intifada.'” Senator Cruz explained that the Democrats are fired up and if Republicans don't wake up, they could lose the Congress in the 2026 mid-term election. CRUZ: “Last night should be a warning sign. It should be a warning sign to Republicans across this country. The left. They're energized. They're angry. Democrats are out raising Republicans right now, 3-1, 4-1. “I think, on our side, the Republicans, and they're just people who are common sense in the middle, who I fear are feeling potentially complacent. That is really, really dangerous. The left showed up in big numbers last night, and common sense conservatives did not if that happens a year from now, we face disaster in the midterms.” Most major US airports are among 40 targeted for shutdown flight cuts Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are among 40 of the busiest across America where flights will be cut starting Friday due to the government shutdown, reports The Associated Press. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday it would reduce air traffic by 10% across “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers go unpaid and exhibit signs of strain during the shutdown. The affected airports in more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the U.S., including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi retires at 85 Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the House and one of the most powerful women in modern American politics, will retire from Congress next year, reports Politico.com. The San Francisco liberal Democrat, who announced her decision Thursday, had come under increasing pressure to step aside amid her party's widening generational divide. Now 85, she defied political observers in 2023 when she ran for a 20th congressional term despite Democrats losing the House and her speakership the year before. But next year, she faced a tougher-than-expected group of primary challengers. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America gave Pelosi a grade of “F” on the life issue.  Most recently, she opposed protecting babies who are born alive after an attempted abortion and she supported using taxpayer dollars under the Biden-Harris administration to pay for a female soldier to travel to get an abortion. Pelosi also faced personal struggles in recent years that fueled speculation about her political future. Just before the 2022 midterms, David DePape broke into the Pelosi's San Francisco mansion and attacked Paul Pelosi, her husband, with a hammer. He was sentenced to life in prison. And last year, she underwent hip replacement surgery after suffering an injury while traveling. Singer alleges Gold's Gym terminated membership after complaint about man in women's locker room A Los Angeles-based singer is calling for a boycott of Gold's Gym after claiming her membership was terminated for raising concerns about a man, who was pretending to be a woman, who was allowed in the women's locker room, reports The Christian Post. In a video shared on social media on November 2, Tish Hyman, age 42, was seen confronting a man named Grant Freeman, who goes by the name “Alexis,” wearing earrings and a necklace in the women's locker room of a Gold's Gym location at Beverly Center.  Hyman said the gym “had me escorted out by officers afterwards. It was EMBARRASSING! I left but not before making sure everyone KNEW that they were allowing MEN in the [women's] locker room!” In response to Hyman's viral videos, women's advocate and former swimmer Riley Gaines cheered on her protest in a November 3 post. The swimmer wrote, “If we saw boldness like this back in 2020, this insanity would've never been allowed to fester like it has. God bless you for speaking the truth loudly.” Genesis 1:27 says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female He created them.” 1,200-pound polar bear gleefully eats 1,400-pound giant pumpkin And finally, it's not everyday that Henry, the polar bear, sees something that weighs more than he does. At 1,200-pounds, the polar bear was initially defensive when he saw a giant 1,400-pound pumpkin sitting in his enclosure at The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat in Ontario, Canada, a sanctuary for polar bears in need of human care, reports GoodNewsNetwork.org. Henry eventually dug into the sweet, crunchy flesh of the mammoth yellow pumpkin. The photos will steal a chuckle out of anyone. The polar bear habitat often receive presents for their bears around Polar Bear Awareness Week. One amusing photo shows Henry, the Polar Bear, in something of a food coma after eating about a third of the pumpkin in one sitting.  Sounds like our post-Thanksgiving sprawl on the couch after too much turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, November 7th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

What are some things you are devoted to? Family? Career? A sports team? In Acts 2, we find Luke telling us what the earliest followers of Jesus were devoted to. Can those areas of devotion inform our living today as well? It's a Discover the Word study that asks us to reflect on the question "what am I devoted to?"WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

In Acts 3, Peter used God's gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in the world and all great miracles are attributed to the name of Jesus. Fr. Mike also tells us why our suffering matters, and how God wastes nothing. Today's readings are Acts 3, Romans 4-5, and Proverbs 27:1-3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.