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Why are 500,000 to 1,000,000 Catholic youth and young adults leaving the Church each year? Could we be missing one of Jesus' most important teachings? In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood continues his study of Matthew 11:28–30, revealing the second missing key to preventing Catholic youth washout. Jesus didn't call us to a life of exhausting religious performance—He offers rest for our souls, an easy yoke, and a life transformed by faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit. Steve examines the difference between legalism and authentic Christian faith, showing how the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) affirmed salvation by grace rather than by keeping burdensome laws. He also shares practical Scripture passages every parent and grandparent should know to help pass on a vibrant Catholic faith to the next generation. Don't miss Steve's special offer: His new book, Transforming Grace, is available for a donation of any amount through August 15 at www.rescuingyoungcatholics.com before its release on Amazon. Listen now and discover why Jesus' invitation, "Come to me... and I will give you rest," could transform your faith—and your family's future.
We continue our series on norms in the early church with "The Word." The Word (or a synonym for the Word) is mentioned at least once in every chapter in Acts 1-20. The Word was increasing; the Word was preached boldly, broadly, and consistently; preaching the Word was the main work of sent-out-ones. Whatever we are doing, let's saturate it with the Word. Three Themes on the Word in Acts: The Word of God increased and multiplied – in and out of Jerusalem, Samaria, Ephesus, and surrounding regions. The Word is powerful and has a power of its own, almost like the HS. Examples: Acts 6:7: And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem . . . (Jerusalem) Acts 12:24: But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Samaria and beyond) Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. (Ephesus) This should encourage us and build up our faith in the inherent power of the Word, apart from our own abilities! The Word went out broadly and boldly, publicly, and consistently. Many examples of public, bold proclamation (4:13, 29, 31; 9:27, 28; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26; 19:8; 26:26; 28:31). Paul and his teammates (missionaries) had an extremely high level of commitment to preaching and explaining the Word. This is what Paul did in every place, day after day, for hours, in different contexts. It's very clear in Acts 13-20 – preaching the Word was the work that Paul did. He was persuading and proving that Christ was Lord. He explained the Word with the goal of people responding. 3 Suggestions for application: Make sure everything we do is saturated with the Word. Always make the Word of God your main content! Not your own experience. Yes, you need to connect with your audience and teach in a way that they understand, but you don't have to be super creative. Get them connected to God's Word. Tools: We have tools now that put God's Word into people's hands more easily than at any other time in history. Do a heart check. Paul's heart was very involved. Is my goal to just share the gospel so I can feel like I'm doing my job? Or is my heart's desire to see people believe? To convince them to completely change their minds? Am I content to just walk away after a 3-minute conversation? When I have the opportunity, am I willing to share with a nonbeliever daily? Or for a complete hour? How do we get the gospel out more? We must always be asking this question. This is not only or even mainly a pulpit ministry. How do we get the gospel out boldly, broadly, publicly, and consistently? How many people in my city are hearing the gospel today? How often am I preaching the Word? What opportunities are right in front of me? Spirit-filling results in bold proclamation. If you want Spirit-filling, then put yourself in positions of preaching the Word, and the Holy Spirit will be more likely to show up! Book referenced in this episode: Paul's Understanding of the Church's Mission by Robert L. Plummer. Connect with us: The Coworkers Podcast website Instagram: thecoworkerspodcast Email: coworkersstudy@gmail.com
For the early church and for us, clarity on the faith-alone gospel is necessary to fuel unifying love and unhindered mission.
Sermon Notes is produced by Fellowship Bible Church NWA
Sermon Notes is produced by Fellowship Bible Church NWA
Pastor Adam Christman / 05-03-26Acts 21falseShowdown in Jerusalem
Continuing our sermon series titled 'The Church on Mission', Pastor Myron shares from Acts 15:1-21, a sermon titled 'The Crucial Council at Jerusalem'. If you need support or encouragement, or would like to learn more about how to begin a relationship with Jesus, please reach out to the church or email help@hhachurch.com.
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Nine and Verse Twenty Eight
What do the examples of St. Peter and of Tabitha teach us about righteousness and authority in Christian community? This sermon was preached on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
World Mission Sunday: Why Antioch and Not Jerusalem
Nate Aspray did a brilliant job looking at five important foundations of the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-47). As we look at our church today, he asked, what do we do well, and where can we improve?
Is it wise to go to a dangerous country for missions, or is it reckless to risk your life? Pastor Heath Lambert examines two contrasting examples from Paul's ministry that reveal the surprising answer: It depends on your calling, not your safety.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question1:01 - Connection to Christmas on Mission sermon series1:27 - Jesus as the greatest missionary2:06 - The question about dangerous mission fields2:56 - The answer: It depends3:19 - Biblical example 1: Paul flees danger (Acts 9:23-25)4:44 - Apostolic example of preserving life and fleeing5:30 - Biblical example 2: Paul runs into danger (Acts 20:22-23)6:45 - Paul knows danger awaits but goes anyway7:28 - Two contradictory examples from the same missionary8:05 - How do you know which to do?8:28 - Acts 20:24: The key to Paul's decision-making9:08 - The question is not about your safety9:41 - The question is about finishing your course10:02 - Paul flees to continue preaching, runs to danger to preach10:41 - What you must figure out: Your calling11:13 - Personal example: Heath's calling to Jacksonville12:15 - Give up safety, pursue Jesus, trust GodKey Topics CoveredChristmas and Missions - How the incarnation argues for going on missionJesus the Missionary - The second person of the Trinity leaving heaven for earthThe Safety Dilemma - Wisdom versus recklessness in dangerous missionsPaul Fleeing Damascus - Acts 9 example of preserving life by escaping dangerPaul Running to Jerusalem - Acts 20 example of embracing danger despite warningsTwo Opposite Responses - How the same missionary handled danger differentlyActs 20:24 Framework - Not accounting life as precious, finishing the courseThe Real Question - Not safety but calling and gospel ministryDiscerning Your Calling - Prayer, family, trusted believers, and pastoral counselPersonal Application - Heath's own calling to stay in Jacksonville despite threatsThe Mission Priority - Life has value only in service to God's callScripture ReferencesActs 9:23-25 - Paul escapes Damascus in a basketActs 20:22-24 - Paul goes to Jerusalem knowing danger awaitsActs 20:24 - Not accounting life as precious, finishing the ministryAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com
So many lessons we can learn from Paul in the worst of situations. Trust God completely, be confident in His call, exercise spiritual discernment, be courageous and be willing to submit to sacrificial obedience in the face of adversity. By Dave Bartlett
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Jim Laws
THE GOSPEL REACHES OUT BEYOND JERUSALEM (Acts 8:1-17) With the death of Stephen, the intent, and purpose, of the religious leaders changes from keeping the church from being created, to destroying it and anyone who would dare to become a member. Saul of Tarsus was put in charge of this persecution. It was religion without the Holy Spirit that blinded Saul's eyes, as it has many others throughout history. When you look back at the history of this world, a significant portion of the wars that have occurred were fought because of the blindness that religion without the Holy Spirit brings to people. Religion without the Holy Spirit is one of the cruelest forces in the world. Click on the link below to hear a message that teaches us that being saved is much more than simply believing in Jesus. Satan truly believes in Jesus, but he is not saved. For a person to be saved they must Be convicted by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts the lost person of the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ. It is not true that a sinner, in and of himself, repents and believes, and then God enters into the process in forgiveness. God seeks the sinner. It is God that calls man unto salvation. Next, for a person to be saved, they must acknowledge and confess their sin before God. Confession of sin on the part of the Christian is not a mere admission of that sin to God. The act of confession includes the Christian coming into agreement with God in regard to his sin, of agreeing with God as to what He says about that sin, and what the Christian ought to do about it. It requires the Christian to repent of that sin, meaning they have a change of heart about that sin. It means stopping, turning around, and choosing to turn away from that sin and follow the will of the Holy Spirit in your life. Confession of Christ means the public acknowledgment of Christ and all that He is and stands for. The act of confession implies that the one confessing, or professing, the Lord Jesus, has come to agree with the Bible's estimate of Jesus. To confess Him means much more than to make a statement with the lips. It also means to back up that statement with the life. It is one thing to say, "Jesus Christ is Lord," and quite another thing to surrender to Him and obey His will. The walk and the talk must go together. God desires that all men are to be saved, but that salvation requires all three elements, conviction, confession, and repentance. And most of all it requires the cleansing power of the precious blood of Christ. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.
Paul continues to be an example to us to obey what Jesus said in Mark 8:35, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever wants to lose their life for Me and the gospel will save it." If anyone lived like this, it was Paul. We need to determine to not... "play it safe" but be willing to align our hearts with His purposes, knowing that His kingdom will be advanced if we do. After all isn't that what our lives are to be about? By Dave Bartlett
Are you in danger of burning out in your work because you don't see how you are making a difference? You are not alone. In this episode, we'll see how Paul was ready to die for the chance to make a difference in Jerusalem (Acts 21), see his slow burn testifying for Jesus in Jerusalem (Acts 22) and see Jesus' perspective standing by him, sustaining and redirecting him move forward to reach others on his way to Rome (Acts 23-28).
This podcast is one with a twist. Instead of the good stories of God speaking, we're sharing the bad! We all love a good God conversation story. God is still speaking as powerfully and creatively as he did in Bible days. But the nature of our flawed humanity is that we can get it wrong. We can make mistakes. We can use the claim to hearing God's voice to manipulate others. The result is real damage to people's lives. It's important that we don't overlook the bad stories or pretend they don't exist. Instead they become a learning opportunity when we see where things went wrong. That's why on the show in this episode, we talk with long time pastor Paul Hudson from the Elim group of churches in the UK. As a pastor of pastors, he's seen the worst (and the best!) of the prophetic world and has plenty of wisdom to share about how to avoid the pitfalls. You'll hear about: Paul's story growing up in a Christian environment and how two simple words from the Holy Spirit completely changed his heart towards international mission. From there, God used him to establish a global network beyond his own nation. A tragic story of a young man and woman who believed God spoke to them about marriage. They married quickly without consultation from others and their marriage broke up within 6 months due to abuse. Here we learn how consultation in community - especially those who are willing to disagree - is crucial. Paul's own story of God speaking to warn him and how he twisted it around because he didn't like what he heard. Thankfully God gave him a further message that enabled him to redeem the situation. Reflections on the Apostle's Paul experience when the disciples mis-interpreted the prophetic word they heard about Paul's journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21). Throughout the stories, you'll hear some recurring themes! We share the bad stories so we don't have to repeat them. Let's be smart enough as well as humble enough to learn from the experiences of others! Subscribe to God Conversations with Tania Harris and never miss an episode! Join the journey to hearing God's voice. Start your free 7-day God Conversations devotional today! Pray, promote and give. God Conversations is donor-funded and made possible through the generosity of people like you! Become a partner today. Equip your church to hear God's voice. Join our community of church leaders for monthly insights and a free preview of 50 Days of God Conversations resource. About Paul Hudson After planting a church in the Lake District of the UK for 4 years, Paul pastored a church in West Yorkshire for 17 years. During that time, Paul also became the International Missions Director for the Elim denomination and established the Elim Global Network which is now in over 60 nations of the world and made up of thousands of churches. Five years later, he holds a regional role, leading 105 churches in the UK and acting as the pastors' pastor. He continues to serve as the General Secretary of the Elim Global Network.
This week at our Mile End service, Kenny teaches from Paul's testimony to the crowd in Jerusalem (Acts 21:37-22:21). We look at the significance of sharing our story with those who don't know Jesus, and our call to be ‘in the world but not of it'. We see the power in identifying with those in our life who don't follow Jesus – sharing our own past and common experiences, and how encountering Jesus has made a difference to our lives, and to the way we live.
Sermons, July 2025, Acts, Church on the Move, Gentiles, Salvation, Pastor Ray Fowler
This is the moment where all the trouble that has been brewing finally comes to a head. And remember that John Mark deserted them in Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13), the place where the resistance to Paul's mission was most pronounced. John Mark most likely did not come back to Jerusalem with a good report either, which may account for Paul's low opinion of him later on in this chapter.
Learn more at calvarychapelparis.com
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter One and Verse Twelve
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter One and Verse Four
This week, Joel (Central Service) explores one of the most crucial moments of the early church at the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). We explored the ‘tidal' nature of faith: diving into God's presence, which then ripples out to others. Through the passage, we see our call as disciples to embrace opportunities to share our faith, and embody a diverse, open, and formative Christian community.
Giving Grace, 1 of 4 from May 25th, 2025 "When we have received it, we share God's gracious generosity." 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 by by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of Christian giving, emphasizing that it's not just about money but about the grace of God manifested through generosity. Pastor Michael explains how the Macedonian churches, despite their severe affliction and poverty, displayed abundant joy and generosity. He highlights that true Christian giving stems from first giving oneself to God, then to others, following Christ's example of sacrificial love.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
www.northmaincog.org/online Waiting in Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-8) Yearly Theme: “Faithfulness Is…” Series Title: “Trust the Plan” April 27th, 2025 Follow along on the Bible App: http://bible.com/events/49413788
www.northmaincog.org/online Waiting in Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-8) Yearly Theme: “Faithfulness Is…” Series Title: “Trust the Plan” April 27th, 2025 Follow along on the Bible App: http://bible.com/events/49413788
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Join us as teaching elder Adam Vinson continues our study through the book of Acts. Notes from today's sermon can be seen here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5zygXR79q8f2sqIFsU49f9MjdOCXKoq/view
Today's speaker is Dr. Michael McKay, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology at Cedarville University. Dr. McKay continues the series entitled "Acts: The Advance of The Gospel", looking at Acts 21:27 - 22:21. In this passage, Dr. McKay teaches about God's formation of a new people comprised of believing Jews and Gentiles, and Paul's significant role in this endeavor.
Join us as teaching elder Adam Vinson continues our study through the book of Acts.
After the apostles had laid hands on the seven men who were to help administer aid to the widows, two of those men come to the forefront as powerful preachers and miracle workers. We have considered the story of Stephen, who face his martyrdom with remarkable courage and grace. The story of Stephen ended with an introduction to Saul of Tarsus and his early persecuting career, but Luke's main focus moves on to a second man among the seven, a man named Philip.Now remember the “table of contents” from Acts 1. Jesus had said they would travel as His witnesses to Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and then to the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit was poured out in Jerusalem (Acts 2:2-3), and all the early activity happened there. In the persecution that broke out after Stephen's death, the believers scattered into Judaea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). And then follows Philip into Samaria (Acts 8:5).
Send us a textor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comWelcome, in today's episode, we continue our journey through the book of Acts, exploring the challenges Paul faced as he arrived in Jerusalem. Despite knowing trouble awaited him, Paul remained resolute in following God's leading. What lessons can we draw from his experience about facing trials and responding to conflict in our own lives? Join us as we reflect on wisdom, perseverance, and trusting God's sovereignty in all circumstances.Episode Notes: Trouble in Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-36)Key Points DiscussedPaul's Commitment to God's WillHandling False Accusations with WisdomThe Power of Rumors and Their ConsequencesGod's Sovereignty Amid TrialsLife Application PointsSeek Wisdom When Facing Trouble – Make decisions rooted in love and guided by godly counsel.Trust in God's Sovereignty – Recognize that wise choices may still lead to hardship, but God's purposes prevail.Respond to Rumors with Discernment – Avoid judgment based on incomplete facts and remain cautious about participating in gossip.Closing EncouragementPaul's journey reminds us that trials are an inevitable part of life, but we are not alone. Let us follow his example by remaining faithful, seeking wisdom, and trusting God's plan. Troubles may come, but God's grace is sufficient, and His purposes endure forever.Thank you for listening! Subscribe to TBPDP to continue exploring biblical truths for everyday living.The Bible is Alive! - Read the Bible in a Year - NIVWelcome to the "The Bible is Alive!" where we read through the entire Bible and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
https://pastorsteverhodes.com/2025/01/19/2745/
A sermon by Alexander Breytenbach This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ruahchurch.substack.com
A sermon by Alexander Breytenbach
Paul's letters to Timothy are very personal in parts and contain much sound advice, especially for those in a position of responsibility among believers. True believers always need to look to the future: solving problems effectively is not achieved through emergency stop gap measures; the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) is an example of how things should be done. God revealed to Paul that “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods …” [1 Tim. Ch. 4 v.1-3] Timothy had many things to try to correct at Ephesus and also needed to anticipate problems the spirit's guidance foretold. Problems like these were evident among believers down through the centuries and some are evident today. The reference to some forbidding marriage brought to mind the unnatural and unscriptural practice of the Catholic Church in requiring its priests to be celibate. It is evident that their alleged first Pope, Peter, was married! (Matt. 8 v.14) In today's very ‘open' world it is increasingly hard to keep anything hidden from public view, and it is now clear what celibacy has led to in some cases. Paul and Barnabas did not marry (1 Cor.9 v.5,6) but this was their personal decision in giving their all in the service of Christ. Timothy is advised to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” [v.7,8] This implies that the degree of godliness we attain now will be reflected in responsibilities in the life to come as some of Jesus' parables indicate (Luke 19 v.17-19). A psalmist wrote, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God …” [84 v.10] Timothy is to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity … devote yourself to the public reading of scripture …” [v.12,13] None would have had their own Bibles so public reading was very important. Paul emphasizes; “Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and the teaching. Persist in this …” [v.15,16] In the “race that is set before us” [Heb.12 v.1] let us “persist in this” – for the race is not over until the finishing line is reached – and how tragic it will be to “have run in vain” [Phil 2 v.16]
Paul's arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36) reveals the dangers of mob mentality and unjust accusations. Dr. John explores the biblical context, emphasizing the need for justice and discernment in our responses to conflict. Paul's unwavering faith during persecution serves as a powerful reminder to rely on God's strength in difficult times.The Gospel Goes to Prison: Join us this week in our series through the book of Acts, “The Gospel goes to Prison.” We will see that despite Paul's imprisonment, God's truth is not held behind bars. Persecution cannot suppress the power of the Gospel. For most, imprisonment for the sake of the gospel is not a fear. But, we can face pressure to conform and hostility meant to silence us. May the lessons of Acts 21-24 make us bold as we carry His Gospel today.
Last week, we examined the nature of the church and saw that the New Testament overwhelmingly stresses the local church rather than the universal in its teachings. The Bible does speak of the church as the invisible, worldwide, universal body of all believers everywhere, but never to the exclusion of the local churches, which are the only place the exhortations, commands, and blessings can actually be lived out. We also studied several descriptions of the church (body of Christ, bride of Christ, temple of God) and saw how they apply to both the universal and the local church. This Sunday, we ask, "What is the church's mission," and, "Why does the church exist?" Jesus succinctly gave the church's mission right before He ascended into heaven. At the very end of Matthew's gospel, Jesus provides the church with her marching orders (Matt. 28:18-20). We are to make disciples. That is the church's mission. Therefore, everything we do must contribute to that mission or spring from it. Sunday, we will discuss what making disciples means and how we do that as a congregation, not just individually. Making disciples is our mission, but that is not why we exist as the church. Our purpose in all things is to glorify God. God created everything, including His people, to glorify His name. To demonstrate this, we will examine several passages (Isa. 48:9-11; Eph. 1:3-14) but focus on 1 Peter 2:9-10. There, Peter calls the church God's chosen race, His royal priesthood, and His holy nation - Then, he tells us why the church has been given these titles and responsibilities. "...that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (v.9). Finally, we will see how the church makes disciples and glorifies God as a congregation in the example of the first local church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-47). I understand this is a lot of information to absorb in one sermon, and I tend to talk fast. So, below, I have given my outline and verse references (also attached to this email in printable form) if you want to take notes easily or study the passages beforehand. May God be glorified in our hearts and assembly this Sunday Subscribe to the Sermon podcast on itunes or search for "jason velotta" in your podcasting app Visit http://www.jasonvelotta.com/for more audio, video, books, and teaching materials https://www.fbcmulvane.com https://www.facebook.com/jason.velotta.1 https://twitter.com/jrv773 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvelotta
Actress Sally Field finally felt what we all long for. When she won a second Oscar in 1985, she exclaimed in her acceptance speech: “I’ve wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn’t feel it. But this time I feel it. And I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me.” An Ethiopian eunuch was also amazed by his acceptance. As a gentile and as a eunuch, he was denied entrance into the temple’s inner courts (see Ephesians 2:11–12 and Deuteronomy 23:1). Yet he yearned to be included. Philip found him returning from another unsatisfying pilgrimage to Jerusalem (Acts 8:27). The Ethiopian man was reading Isaiah, which promised that eunuchs who “hold fast to my covenant” will receive “an everlasting name” and “[a memorial] within my temple and its walls” (Isaiah 56:4–5). How could this be? Then Philip “told him the good news about Jesus,” and the man responded, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:35–36). He was asking, Am I really allowed in? Do I belong? Philip baptized him as a sign that Jesus had bulldozed every barrier (Ephesians 2:14). Jesus embraces—and unites—everyone who turns from sin and puts their trust in Him. The man “went on his way rejoicing.” He finally and fully belonged (Acts 8:39).