Podcasts about in acts

In Acts 7, Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin under intense pressure and opposition. Instead of defending himself, he tells the bigger story of what God has been doing all along. From Abraham to Joseph to Moses, Stephen reveals a vast panorama of God's grace and shows how every part of the story points to Jesus. In this message, we see that following Jesus does not remove pressure. Sometimes it increases it. But the invitation of the Spirit is to become the kind of people who keep their eyes on Jesus even in the middle of it. Stephen's life shows that God meets us in the trial, reveals His glory in the struggle, and empowers ordinary people to remain faithful no matter the cost.Even when the world pushes back, heaven is not closed. Jesus is near, the Spirit is present, and God is still writing a story of redemption that is far bigger than what we can see.

Today,as we continue to look at the introduction to the letter of Epistle to thePhilippians from the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, we discover somethingvery beautiful about the church at Philippi. Among all the churches that Paulhelped establish, the Philippian believers seemed to have a particularly closerelationship with him. There was a deep bond of love between Paul and thiscongregation. AsI think about what we're talking about today—the love this church had for theirpastor, the Apostle Paul, their founding pastor—it reminds me of something verypersonal in my own life. I've had the wonderful privilege of pastoring fourdifferent churches over the years. I can honestly say that every church made mefeel greatly loved. The congregations extended wonderful love to us on manyoccasions. Even after we had been gone from them for years, they continued toextend that love and grace to us. That's a wonderful, wonderful feeling andvery encouraging for a pastor.  In Philippians 1:3, Paul wrote, “Ithank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Can you imagine that? Everytime Paul thought about these believers, his heart was filled with gratitude toGod. Then he goes on to say in verse 5, “Always in every prayer of minemaking request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from thefirst day until now.” And then in verse 7 he says, “Because I have youin my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmationof the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” Inother words, this church had been partners with Paul in the ministry of thegospel from the very beginning. Their love was not just expressed in words.When Paul speaks about them being “partakers with me of grace,” it seems veryclear that they demonstrated their care in practical ways—especially throughtheir financial support of his ministry. Now remember, the Apostle Paul oftenworked to support himself. In Acts 18:3, when he was in Corinth, he worked as atentmaker. It was there that he met Aquila and Priscilla, who were alsotentmakers, and the Bible says they were of the same trade, and they worked together. Butthe church at Philippi was especially faithful in helping support his ministry.In Philippians 4:15, Paul says something remarkable. He reminds them that whenhe first left Macedonia—the northern region of Greece—no other church sharedwith him financially except them. He wrote, “Now you Philippians know alsothat in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no churchshared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.” Now this wasnot necessarily a wealthy church, but they gave generously to help Paulcontinue preaching the gospel. Evenwhile Paul was in prison, we read that a man named Epaphroditus brought aspecial gift to him from the church. In fact, part of the reason Paul wrotethis letter was to thank them for their generosity and kindness. But their giftrevealed something even deeper. It revealed their love for the apostle who hadfirst brought them the message of Jesus Christ. This reminds us that the gospelhas always been a partnership. Some people preach. Some go. Some send. Somesupport. But we should all pray and encourage one another. When God's peoplework together like that, the message of Christ spreads much farther than anyone person could take it alone. ThePhilippian church understood this principle very well. Their generosity andfaithfulness helped sustain Paul's ministry and encouraged him during one ofthe most difficult seasons of his life. That is why the book of Philippians isfilled with such warmth and affection. This is a grateful pastor writing to agenerous and faithful church—thanking them and encouraging them. Myfriend, I trust today that you will be part of a church like that yourself, andthat you will be generous in your giving and in your love for your pastor andthe leadership of your church.

There is someone somewhere waiting for someone to tell them aboutJesus. That is exactly what we see happening in Acts of the Apostleschapters 15 and 16. Herein Acts chapter 16, when the Apostle Paul arrives at Philippi with hiscompanions—Silas, Timothy and Luke—they begin looking for a place where peoplemight be praying. Remember we said earlier that there was probably no synagoguein the city. So they went outside the city to a river, where a group hadgathered to pray. There they met a woman named Lydia. Lydia was probably a successful businesswoman. Butmost importantly, Lydia was seeking God. The Bible tells us about her wonderfulconversion in Acts 16:14. It says, “Whose heart the Lord opened, that sheattended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” She believed themessage of the gospel. She was baptized.Soonafterward, Paul and his companions encountered a young slave girl who waspossessed by a spirit of divination. She made a great deal of money for hermasters by fortune-telling. For several days she followed Paul and hiscompanions, shouting, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, whoproclaim to us the way of salvation.” (Acts 16:17). After many days, Paulbecame troubled by this and turned to her and said, in the name of JesusChrist, for the demon to come out of her. Immediately she was delivered and setfree from that demonic power. Itappears that she too may have become another convert who came to know JesusChrist. However, this stirred up the local authorities. Her masters were angrybecause they had lost their source of income. So they seized Paul and Silas,had them beaten, and threw them into prison. I have often wondered about what thelocal jail there in Philippi was like—and I have also wondered where Luke andTimothy were when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison! But God was notfinished working. Insteadof complaining or feeling sorry for themselves because of their unjusttreatment, Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God at midnight.The other prisoners were listening to them. And apparently the jailer also. Thensuddenly, God sent a great earthquake. The prison shook, the doors opened, andeveryone's chains were loosened. The jailer rushed in and, thinking theprisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life. But Paul cried out andstopped him, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Thejailer then asked one of the most important questions anyone can ever ask: “Whatmust I do to be saved?” He must have been listening carefully as Paul hadbeen sharing the gospel. Paul then gave one of the clearest statements aboutsalvation in the entire New Testament. He said, “Believe on the LordJesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts16:31). Ohmy friend, what a wonderful question—and what a wonderful answer. So we seethat these three people helped form the early church at Philippi: a wealthybusinesswoman, a formerly demon-possessed slave girl, and a hardened Romanjailer. Three very different people—but the same gospel saved them all. Andhere is the point I want to emphasize. In Acts 15, while the church back inJerusalem was debating the question of circumcision with certain PharisaicalJudaizers who were trying to add something to salvation, there was a womansitting beside a river in a foreign country saying, in essence, “Please tell meabout Jesus.” My friend, I believe the same thing is true today. Thereis someone somewhere near you who is waiting for someone to tell them about thegospel of Jesus Christ. Their heart is ready. Their eyes are being opened. Theyare longing to hear the message that can release them from the power of sin andthe devil, set them free, and give them eternal life. That is the beauty of thegospel message. It reaches people from every culture, every background, andevery level of society.  Willyou be the “someone” who will tell “someone somewhere” about Jesus today?

In Acts 18, God speaks a powerful truth to the Apostle Paul:“I have many people in this city.”Paul was discouraged and ready to leave Corinth. Opposition was strong, rejection was constant, and it seemed easier to move on. But God stopped him.Because hidden in that city were people whose names God already knew. People who would believe. People whose lives would be transformed.In this World Evangelism Night message, Pastor Paul Stephens challenges believers to recover the heart of Jesus for the lost.Cities are not just buildings, restaurants, and entertainment. They are souls waiting to be reached.Many Christians believe sharing their faith is important… yet most rarely do it. The question this sermon confronts is simple but piercing:Do we truly care about people the way Jesus does?If we allow God to give us His compassion, we will begin to see our cities differently. And somewhere in your city right now are people God already knows by name.They're waiting to be found.Chapters00:00 Opening Prayer and Conference Announcements00:48 Pastor Paul Stevens' Message on Compassion for Souls13:50 The Call to Harvest: Finding the Many People20:57 The Urgency of Reaching the Lost28:37 The Role of Compassion in Evangelism36:31 The Divine Appointment: Responding to the CallShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

In Acts 17:16-34, Paul gives a speech in the Athenian Areopagus seeking to persuade the Greeks of the city to accept the Gospel.

As Paul prepares Timothy to carry on the gospel ministry, he urges him to remain faithful to the example he has seen modeled in Paul's life. Paul reminds Timothy—and believers today—that persecution is not merely a possibility but a promise for those who pursue a godly life in Christ. Yet God has not left His people unprepared. He has given us His Word, breathed out by Him and sufficient to teach, correct, and train us in righteousness. Through the Scriptures, God fully equips His people for the gospel mission He has entrusted to them.Verses Used:2 Timothy 3:10-11Philippians 2:19-212 Timothy 3:12-13Acts 20:241 Peter 4:12-132 Timothy 3:14-15Luke 24:272 Timothy 3:16-171 Peter 1:22-25Discussion Questions: 1)What nine things did Paul say Timothy followed in 2 Timothy 3:10? Discuss the importance of each one and how they work together in a mature believer's life.2)The Bible says all who desire to live godly will face persecution. Do you have any specific examples from your own life of being ostracized for your faith? How did you react?3)In Acts 5:40-42, what was the disciples' reaction to persecution, and how does this challenge you in your own life? How does the Bible call you to treat those who persecute you?4)Paul warns Timothy that "evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." To what source does the Bible attribute false doctrine, and how can we fortify ourselves against it?5)How does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 describe Scripture's origin, and what is it useful for? How have you seen this to be true in your own life and the lives of others?

In Acts 16:16-40, Dave Cover explains why knowing the true God equips us to recognize and resist the influence of the cultural gods that surround us. This sermon is part of our 2026 sermon series, "Acts 13-17: Revival & Resistance." Who is Jesus? What does he care about? How should his followers interact with the world around them? The book of Acts carries on the story of life with God, illustrating what it means to build his church and experience him through his people.  Want a refresher on Acts 1-12? Check out The Crossing's 2023 sermon series: "Acts: Belonging to a Mission". Interested in more content to help you experience God in 2026? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter. Every Friday, you'll get new resources to help you grow in your faith and a first look at what to expect on Sunday, delivered right to your inbox. Get connected at The Crossing! When you sign up for Crossing Update, you'll get a text message every Sunday morning with the new ways to get involved at the church. You can also find the latest information about events on The Crossing's website. 

More Than He Asked For: The Miracle and Message of Acts 3Acts 3Teacher: Pastor Jim ThomasDate: March 8, 2026What might change in our lives if we truly believed that Jesus is able to do far more than we ever ask or imagine? I'm not just talking about God as a Divine Sugar Daddy but what if God is actually so gracious and so generous that even the struggles and limitations in our lives have the potential to become the very places where the glory of Christ can be most luminously revealed?For over 40 years a paralyzed man sat daily at one of the Jewish Temple gates begging for whatever small coins he could get from the passersby. He didn't know it but all that time God had something great in mind for him. In Acts chapter 3 we read of the stunning miracle that opens the door to a powerful display of who Jesus truly is: the Deliverer and Servant King, the Holy and Righteous One, the Author of Life, and the Savior God has sent for us.Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this passage and reminds us that while we often come to God only asking for vague generalities and less important gifts, He is often eager to give us something far greater—new life, living hope, and often, a grand display of His glory and generosity. Come and see how this miracle points beyond itself to the grace, mercy, compassion, generosity and saving power of Jesus—and why the Lord continues to give more than we even ask for.To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

In Acts 4, we see God's pattern for a world-impacting church: pressure drives believers together, unity leads to prayer, prayer invites God's power, and God's power produces bold proclamation of the gospel. When God's people depend on Him and courageously proclaim Christ, the gospel advances, and lives are transformed.

What makes you most anxious? What consumes your time and energy? These questions reveal the idols we don't even realize we're serving. In Acts 19, the Ephesians burned their magic books because they found something infinitely better in Jesus. Victory isn't about becoming a better version of yourself, it's about discovering who you truly are in Christ.

This week, we continue our Easter series Resurrection Power. In Acts 9, we see the beginning of Saul's ministry as he shares the gospel with many in Jerusalem and narrowly escapes being killed by the Jews in both Damascus and Jerusalem. Pastor Eric shares three points as we work through the text: 1) Opposition Can't Stop the Church (vs. 23-25) 2) Fear and Suspicion Can't Kill the Church (vs. 26-30) 3) Our Resurrected Christ Sustains the Church (vs. 31)

When the early church faced a wave of new believers who didn't grow up with the same traditions, a big question emerged. In Acts 15, the leaders gathered to decide whether new believers had to follow all the old religious requirements. After prayer and discussion, they reached a powerful conclusion: don't make it difficult for those who are turning to God. The heart of the gospel is simple—salvation is found in Jesus. It's not earned through rituals, traditions, or human expectations. As we reach people who don't yet know Christ, our calling is to point them clearly to Him, not burden them with extra barriers.

In Acts 3:1–10, Peter and John encounter a man who has been lame since birth, begging at the temple gate. Instead of giving money, Peter offers something greater: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” The man is instantly healed, revealing the power and authority of Jesus at work through ordinary people.This message explores how Acts continues the ministry of Jesus—proclaiming the Kingdom, healing the sick, and bringing restoration. Looking at Peter's journey—from fisherman to disciple, from failure to restoration, and finally Spirit-empowered at Pentecost—we see how God forms ordinary people to carry His name into places of pain.The invitation for the church today is simple:Notice the pain. Carry the name of Jesus. Take the risk of faith.A Spirit-filled church isn't a perfect church—it's a courageous one, willing to show up and trust God with the outcome.

In Acts 5, we encounter one of the most sobering moments in the early church. Ananias and Sapphira remind us that God is not building a movement on performance, but on honesty and holiness. When the gospel closes the gap between who we are and who we pretend to be, the church becomes a powerful, authentic witness to a watching world.

Join us as we discover how a Spirit-filled church stands strong under pressure. In Acts 4, we see boldness, unity, and generosity come alive no matter the cost. Be encouraged, be challenged. This service is available to watch anytime online on the Authentic Life Fellowship on YouTube or Facebook.

What actually happens when someone becomes a Christian? Is conversion just a decision, or does something deeper take place? In Acts 9, Saul's dramatic encounter with Jesus shows us that real conversion is far more powerful and life-altering than many people realize. If you've ever wondered how God changes a life—or what true faith really looks like—this talk explores one of the most remarkable transformations in the Bible.

In Acts 26, who is the REAL Prisoner, Paul in chains or King Agrippa? explore the James faith vs. works debate, and learn why Paul was called crazy for the Gospel.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org

In Acts 5, the early church didn't just talk about Jesus—their lives backed it up. God worked through them with power, their unity gave them credibility, and their boldness came with a cost. But not all boldness is the same. This message draws a clear line between biblical boldness and worldly confrontation. One points people to Jesus with truth and grace. The other pushes people away with pride and anger. As pressure rises, every believer has a choice: stay silent, fight the wrong battles, or live with a boldness that actually leads people to Christ.

Mystery rides were part of growing up at our house. Usually it was a Sunday afternoon, and I'd pile our three kids into our car for a ride. I think we explored every corner of our area. And as we did, we discovered over the years, a lot of great things. But I've got one son who's a lot like me. He wants to know the plan before we leave. "Hey, Dad, where are we going? Where are we going to eat? What are we going to eat? What are we going to do while we're there? How long will we be there? What time are we going to get home?" He would pump me with more questions; I felt like I was being interrogated by a police sergeant. Sometimes I knew it was better not to explain where we were going. I mean we've done things that would have sounded boring if I had told about them, but they turned out to be exciting and I knew they would. Plus surprises are fun anyway. So, my kids got used to hearing two words when we were about to begin a mystery trip, "Trust me." I don't think I let them down. It was good training for journeys with their other Father. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Going Not Knowing." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from the life of the Apostle Paul. He's still Saul of Tarsus here. Acts 9 - he's on his way to wipe out Christians. He missed some in Jerusalem. So he said, "I'll get them in Damascus. They all went there; I'll find them in Syria." We begin in verse 3: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Well, who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now, get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Now, it's interesting that Saul's training for his whole life in Christ began immediately with a mystery trip. Yeah, did you notice that? He has just opened up to Jesus, and the Lord says, "Go into the city and you will be told." "Lord, what do you want me to do there? Who am I going to meet there? How am I even going to be able to see; I'm blind right now?" The Lord says, "Go and you will be told." Well, he spent the rest of his life living like that. In Acts 20, when he was on his way to Jerusalem as the great Apostle Paul and his friends were trying to discourage him, he said, "Compelled by the Spirit, I am going not knowing." See, you have a heavenly Father who often takes His children on mystery trips. Maybe you're on one of His mystery trips right now. There's a good destination He's got in mind, but right now He's telling you just the next step. In essence, He's saying to you as He did to Saul, "Go, and you will be told as you are on the way." It may well be that you're in the middle of one of those times right now, and the tendency is to say, "Now, Lord, if you'll just give me all the information, give me all the facts, I'll start going that direction." And the Lord says, "No, you start moving in that direction I've told you to go, and you'll get more information as you go." Now, maybe you're waiting to have all your questions answered before you move, and right now there are more question marks than there are periods or exclamation points for sure. Can you almost hear your Father saying as He bundles you into His car, "Trust Me, let's start traveling together." Hey, He died for you. Is He ever going to do you wrong? God's mystery trips always lead to a destination that is selected with you in mind, for your good. So, why not settle back, enjoy the trip, and let Him drive. Trust your Father and don't be afraid of going not knowing.

In Acts 16:1-15, Keith Simon shows that since God changes hearts, we can pray boldly for others to believe the gospel. This sermon is part of our 2026 sermon series, "Acts 13-17: Revival & Resistance." Who is Jesus? What does he care about? How should his followers interact with the world around them? The book of Acts carries on the story of life with God, illustrating what it means to build his church and experience him through his people.  Want a refresher on Acts 1-12? Check out The Crossing's 2023 sermon series: "Acts: Belonging to a Mission". Interested in more content to help you experience God in 2026? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter. Every Friday, you'll get new resources to help you grow in your faith and a first look at what to expect on Sunday, delivered right to your inbox. Get connected at The Crossing! When you sign up for Crossing Update, you'll get a text message every Sunday morning with the new ways to get involved at the church. You can also find the latest information about events on The Crossing's website. 

What does it look like to live with conviction when it costs you? In Acts 24–26, Paul stands before governors and kings as a faithful witness—uncompromising in truth, yet marked by wisdom, humility, and courage. This message challenges us to let Christ shape our convictions and our conduct, trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through us as we live and testify in a world that resists the gospel.

Do you ever wonder what your purpose is on this earth?What practice did Jesus command right before He went back to heaven after rising from the dead? What were His final words to us?This Sunday we're finishing our Sacred Practices series by looking at the one practice every follower of Jesus wrestles with. In Acts 1, we'll uncover what Jesus said in His final moments, why it matters for you, and how it shapes your everyday life.

What idols would you struggle to burn today? Influence, money, perceptions, convenience?In Acts 19, we see how the gospel that Paul brought to Ephesus challenged everything about the culture and its economy. As hearts were transformed and idols were left behind, opposition rose to reveal how deeply humans cling to the illusion of control when threatened.When Jesus truly becomes Lord, He doesn't just tweak your life. He changes what you worship.---Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

God is sending people to us. As His church grows, so does the responsibility and opportunity before us. Our responsibility is to steward the growth that is already here and the growth that is to come. God is entrusting us to disciple people and to send people. He is inviting us to be a part of His plan. There have been pastors and leaders who have put their yes on the table before us. Now it is our turn. To get where God is leading us, it will take finances, resources, and open handed obedience. We are sharing God's vision for the next two years. We are building bridges to the next generation, the next season of missions, the next yes. If God keeps sending people, it is our responsibility to make room. In Acts 9, God accomplished His plan through unexpected people with unexpected assignments. Jesus got Saul's attention and told him to go. Saul stepped into the unknown. Then God spoke to Ananias. He listened, even when it seemed scary and impossible. He did not rebuttal what God said. He simply obeyed. That obedience changed the world. All God wants from us is our yes. If we will say yes and keep listening, He will give us the details. What does next look like for you, your home, and our church? Turn your eyes and ears to Him. Respond to what Jesus is speaking. Say yes to what's next.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/rG-Ur7LX-F8Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Have you ever looked up and realized you've drifted off course spiritually?It happens to all of us.We forget the story we're part of.We lose focus.We settle for comfort instead of courage.In Acts 7, Stephen reminds us what it looks like to stand firm in the truth—even when it's unpopular, uncomfortable, or costly.As we step into Year One of our 15-year vision at Fierce Church, we're making one thing clear:We will not drift.We will not water down God's Word.We will stay on mission.Because taking ground for God's future starts with getting back on track today.This message will help you:Remember the bigger story God is writingFind courage to stand for truthRealign your life with ScriptureStep forward with bold faith

In Acts 6, Stephen is described as a man full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. Not a platform preacher. A table server. A volunteer. Yet when pressure came, what spilled out of him looked like Jesus.This week we ask a simple question: When your life is shaken, what comes out?Crisis does not create what is inside of us. It reveals it. And the Christian life is not about trying harder or mastering spiritual practices. It is about being filled again and again with the presence of the Holy Spirit.In this message, Pastor Darren walks through what it means to be full of the Spirit, full of wisdom, full of faith, full of grace, and full of power, and how real transformation happens not through self effort, but through surrender.

Church isn't just a gathering of people — we are a body. In Acts 4, the early believers didn't scatter under pressure… they gathered with one heart and one mind. Because identity isn't formed in isolation — it's formed together. Your purpose is personal, but your formation is corporate.

This week, we start our Easter series Resurrection Power. In Acts 9, we see Saul's encounter with Jesus that leads to his conversion, and the obedience of Ananias to go to Saul when he was called by God. Pastor Eric shares three points as we work through the text: 1) Resurrection Power Confronts (vs. 1-9) 2) Resurrection Power Sends (vs. 10-19) 3) Resurrection Power Proclaims (vs. 20-23)

In Acts 20–21, Paul chooses God's will over personal comfort—even when friends plead with him not to go to Jerusalem. This message challenges us to name where comfort has become an idol, and to pursue holiness, obedience, and courage in the uncomfortable places. Whether you're choosing the hard path or already living in hardship, you'll be reminded that God is faithful to meet you there.

In Acts 10, we encounter two men in different places but in the same posture of heart: Peter and Cornelius. One is a Jewish apostle, the other a Roman centurion. Both are united by a simple, powerful act: They make themselves available to God through prayer. It's in those moments of yielded prayer that heaven interrupts earth. Visions are given. Boundaries are broken. Hearts are changed. Through prayer, God transforms not only their understanding, but the trajectory of the Church.

What makes a church powerful is not personality or programs, but unity shaped by grace. In Acts 2 and 4, we see a community devoted to truth, fellowship, prayer, and radical generosity, moving together as one. When grace grips a church, unity becomes its witness, and a church that moves together becomes a church that moves the world.

Wehave already spoken about the soldier on his knees, breathing out prayers. Thespiritual breath of the believer is prayer. In contrast, the breath of thewicked person in Proverbs is lies. This does not mean that we are alwaystalking in prayer. Jesus even warned about vain repetitions in prayers in Matthew6:7. No, He is speaking of constantly having communion with the Lord—living inthe awareness of His presence. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.I believe the fear of the Lord is a constant, continual awareness of the Lord'spresence. It means you never have to say, “Lord, we come into Your presence,”because you are already in His presence. Topray always means that we take His hand in the light as we read His Word in themorning. We open our hearts in prayer, asking Him for grace, help, mercy, andstrength for the day. As we do that, we keep hold of His hand. I have told youbefore about a dear older lady in our church. She did not have the mostbeautiful voice, but she was a godly woman who could share the good news ofChrist in a powerful way through her songs. I will never forget what she saidone time: “If you take the hand of the Lord in the light, when it gets dark youdon't have to look for it.” That is continuing instant in prayer. That ispraying always. Topray always means that when you are tempted, you ask for help. I wouldencourage you to study James 1 very carefully, especially if you are dealingwith temptations and trials. If you do not know which way to go, if you needwisdom, then pray for wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask ofGod, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall begiven him” (James 1:5). God gives generously and does not hold back. Whenyou are blessed, you give thanks. You open your heart and acknowledge that “everygood gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Fatherof lights” (James 1:17). When you see evil, you pray for righteousness. Youflee from evil and pray that you will continue to walk in the righteousness ofJesus Christ. When you meet someone who is lost, you pray for their salvationand for wisdom to be a witness to them.Ithink about the disciples. They observed the Lord praying. They saw Himwithdraw to solitary places to pray. On one occasion they said, “Lord, teachus to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” That request is recorded inLuke 11. The Lord then began to teach them how to pray. My friend, I never readwhere the disciples said, “Lord, teach us how to preach. Teach us how towitness. Teach us how to heal. Teach us how to perform miracles. Teach us howto speak in tongues.” They never asked for those things. But they did say, “Lord,teach us to pray.” In essence, they were asking, “Teach us how to have thekind of constant awareness and communion with the Father that You have.” Thatshould be our prayer today: Lord, teach us to pray. Prayeris continual God-consciousness. In Acts 2:42, we read that the early church “continuedsteadfastly… in prayers.” David said in Psalm 55:17, “Evening, andmorning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Myfriend, we are always subject to attack. Therefore, we must always be inprayer.Jesustold His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Watch and pray.” Butthey slept. Jesus prayed. When the temptation came, Peter failed. But Jesusstood strong in the midst of the greatest temptation ever faced—on the cross. Myfriend, we too can stand strong when we continue instant in prayer. Jesussaid in Luke 18:1 that men “ought always to pray, and not to faint.”Either we are praying, or we are quitting. We are praying or we are fainting. Oh, my friend, prayer is the breath of the Christian—that constant awareness of the breath of God. So what is the frequency of prayer? Itis this: praying always—in every situation, every day, at all times—keepingyour mind set on Him and continually asking for His grace and

This Sunday we looked at “The Power of Our Testimony.” Every one of us carries a story of how Jesus met us, changed us, and is still changing us—and those stories matter more than we often realize. In Acts 21:27–22:29, Paul stands before a crowd that is anything but friendly. They're angry, suspicious, convinced he's corrupting true worship. But instead of defending himself or matching their hostility, Paul does something beautifully simple: he tells his story. He remembers what it was like to be just like them—zealous, convinced he was serving God, blind to Jesus. And from that place of understanding, he shares how Christ broke in, opened his eyes, and turned his life around. Paul's testimony becomes a bridge. And that's what our stories can be too. Not all of us have a “Damascus Road” moment, but every follower of Jesus has a story of grace—whether it's rescue from rebellion or awakening from empty religion. Each story is a living witness to the power of Christ to transform a life. This Sunday, we'll watch how Paul uses his testimony to point a hostile crowd to Jesus, and we'll pray that God would give us courage to do the same—to share our stories so others can hear His story of saving grace. Join us this Sunday at 9 or 11 AM.  I hope you'll consider inviting a friend or family member who needs to hear the hope we have in Christ. Find out more at www.waterbrooke.church

In Acts 10, Peter takes the Gospel to the Gentiles for the first time, a pivotal moment in redemptive history. Pastor David Horner shows us from Acts 10 that the Gospel is our only hope of salvation, that nobody is beyond the Gospel's reach, that God uses people like us to share the Gospel, and that the Gospel is all about Jesus.

In Acts 14:1–23, we continue following Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey and see clearly that God has made Himself known — leaving mankind without excuse.From miraculous healings in Iconium and Lystra to fierce opposition and even the stoning of Paul, this passage reveals how God testifies to His truth through supernatural power, natural revelation, and the bold witness of His people. Though rejected by some and misunderstood by others, the gospel advances, disciples are strengthened, and churches are established.

This message came from a deep personal conviction about community and what we've lost.In Acts 2, we see the early Church fully devoted to one another. They shared life, meals, prayer, resources, and responsibility. Community wasn't optional. It was essential.During COVID, we saw people step up in crisis. We checked on each other, helped each other, and stayed connected however we could. But crisis response isn't the same as ongoing devotion. Crisis is always happening, just quieter.Isolation became one of the enemy's greatest tools. Families suffered. Churches suffered. People stopped believing they needed each other. Convenience and technology created a false sense of connection, and many drifted away from community altogether.Scripture reminds us we are one body, not disconnected parts. A body part can't function on its own. God created us uniquely, but our uniqueness was meant to be brought together for something greater.True community doesn't just care for who is present. It pursues those who are missing. That takes sacrifice. Time. Energy. Intentionality.Jesus wasn't calling us to comfortable faith, but useful faith. Hot heals. Cold refreshes. Lukewarm does nothing.The call is simple but costly: stop living isolated lives and start being devoted to one another. Invite people in. Reach out. Serve. Listen. Care. Because when we truly live as one body, the love of Christ becomes visible to the world.

What happens when faith is put on trial? In Acts 4, Peter stands before the same leaders who crucified Jesus… and he doesn't flinch. This Sunday morning, join us for Confronted but Confident and discover how ordinary believers found unshakable courage in the face of real opposition. If your faith has ever felt pressured, questioned, or challenged, this message is for you.

How do we measure the health of a nation, a church, or even our own lives? In this message, we explore how Scripture defines true unity. In John 3:8, Jesus describes the Spirit as wind — active, moving, alive. In Acts 2:1–8, the Spirit enables understanding across language and difference. And in Galatians 5:22–23, Paul names the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the real indicators of spiritual vitality. The state of our union is not measured by power or victory, but by tone — by the Spirit evident in our character and community. If we long for greater unity in our town or nation, it must begin with cultivating the Spirit's fruit within ourselves.  

In Acts 1, the disciples have lost their way after Jesus death and resurrection. Jesus helps get them back on track by telling them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria and to the end of the Earth. The disciples needed direction just like we do. Jesus is our compass and light in a dark world and He is the one who directs our steps and leads us.

On Sunday, we continued our journey through The Story in Chapter 28 and saw what happens when the Kingdom goes public.In Acts 4:8–20, Peter and John stand before powerful authorities and refuse to be silent about Jesus. They weren't reckless. They weren't combative. They were compelled.Chapter 28 reminds us:Upper Story:God empowers His people through the Holy Spirit to advance His Kingdom.Lower Story:Ordinary believers face opposition as faith moves from private belief to public allegiance.When Jesus reigns, and the Spirit empowers, courageous obedience becomes unavoidable — even when competing kingdoms push back.

Jesus told his disciples it would happen — that they would be dragged before governors and kings for his sake. In Acts 25, Paul finds himself in an ornate hall surrounded by military tribunes, city officials, and a king, with no idea what's about to unfold. Dr. John traces the thread of legal trouble that runs through the entire book of Acts and lands on a surprising truth: the trials that feel like threats are often opportunities in disguise.Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

In Acts 23:1-10, Paul handled a conflicting situation wrongly. However, he apologized and tried to deescalate the situation. See the power of an apology as Brett Andrews 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 23:1-10, Paul handled a conflicting situation wrongly. However, he apologized and tried to deescalate the situation. See the power of an apology as Brett Andrews 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!

We make decisions every day with incomplete information — and sometimes we find out later things could have gone differently. In Acts 25, Paul appeals to Caesar to escape a rigged system, only to learn he may have just missed his shot at freedom. Dr. John uses this moment to explore one of life's most relatable struggles: how do we stop second-guessing ourselves and trust that God was in our corner even when things don't go the way we planned?Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world's worst cannot impede God's best.

February 22 2026 The book of Acts shows us that the Holy Spirit is still actively guiding ordinary believers to share the message of Jesus in everyday moments. In Acts 8, we see how God used Philip's willingness to follow the Spirit's prompting to reach one person, reminding us that God's mission often unfolds through simple obedience and intentional conversations. It challenges us to reflect on how the Holy Spirit might be leading us to take our own next step—whether that means placing our trust in Jesus, stepping out to share our faith, or following Him in obedience through baptism. About this Sermon Series: The book of Acts tells the story of how the exalted Christ sends His Spirit to empower His people to continue His work in the world. Through the Spirit's power, ordinary believers boldly proclaim the gospel, witness miraculous works, and form vibrant communities that embody God's welcome to all people. Acts traces how the church's witness, energized by the Spirit, extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, revealing Christ's ongoing work through His people and the Spirit's leading in every new challenge and opportunity.

In Acts 23:1-10, Paul enters a conflict with the High Priest. While he was right in his argument, he handled it wrongly. See what we can learn from this as Brett Andrews 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!

Have you ever felt the weight of religious rules overshadowing the freedom Christ died to give you? In Acts 15, we witness a pivotal moment where Paul and Barnabas confront those adding burdens to new believers. Pastor Jeff unpacks how the early church protected the pure gospel—Jesus plus nothing—against legalism that threatened to complicate God's simple plan of grace. Through compelling stories and biblical truth, he reveals how wisdom protects both our freedom in Christ and fellowship with others, while keeping the mission first. Whether you're wrestling with religious expectations or seeking authentic faith, this message illuminates the path to walking in true spiritual liberty. Don't miss this transformative teaching that will revolutionize how you view grace, fellowship, and God's call on your life. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Have you ever felt like Paul in Corinth, beaten down by life's challenges, facing what seems impossible? In Acts 18, we discover that even the great apostle struggled with fear and discouragement. Yet God's response reveals three powerful truths: He provides people for community, speaks peace in our storms, and reveals purpose beyond ourselves when we rest in His sufficiency rather than our own strength.

This week, we finish our Preaching and Persecution series in Acts. In Acts 8, we see Philip follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to share the gospel with the Ethiopian Eunuch in the desert, and the Ethiopian Eunuch responds in baptism. Pastor Eric shares three points as we work through the text: 1) Radical Obedience 2) Gospel Telling 3) An Outward Response

Unity in the Church and in our relationships requires navigation through tension. Tension has always been part of the story of God's people. In Acts 15, as the Church grew beyond its original boundaries, cultural and theological tensions arose that threatened to fracture the body of Christ. These moments could have led to division—but instead, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they became catalysts for clarity, strengthening, and mission. Without tension, there is no growth or forward movement. Yet unhealthy tension can damage relationships and hinder God's work. Today, Tim Doering will share about Netzer's work in equipping the Church to capitalize on the God-given tensions across the kingdom. We will also examine our own call to embrace various forms of tension with wisdom, allowing the gospel to transform potential rupture into resilience, unity, and maturity.