Podcasts about Lystra

The crowd called Paul a god. Then they stoned him, dragged his body outside the city, and walked away. And just when that quiet ditch should have been the end of the story, Paul opened his eyes, pulled himself up out of the dirt, and walked right back through the same gates where the stones had flown.That is the anatomy of endurance.If you have been doing exactly what God called you to do and still taking hit after hit, this message from Acts 14 is your word for this season. Lead Pastor Talaat McNeely unpacks Paul and Barnabas in Lystra to reveal three of the most dangerous traps believers fall into when the pressure refuses to let up.In this episode, you will discover:✅ How we instinctively try to domesticate God's power the moment it disrupts our comfort, and exactly what that habit costs our faith.✅ Why the same crowd that drapes garlands around your neck on Tuesday will pick up stones by Friday the moment you refuse to perform for them.✅ Why endurance is never a solo mission and how the body of Christ is designed to lift you when you cannot lift yourself.A frictionless path creates a fragile faith. The Kingdom of God is not advanced by smooth roads. It is forged through unshakeable endurance.Scripture: Acts 14:8-20 (NLT)Series: Unstoppable: A Journey Through the Book of ActsPurpose City Church | Aurora, IllinoisIf this message hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear it this week. And subscribe so you never miss a word from the house.

Acts 14:8-21Humility REDIRECTS the glory to ChristIdolatry ROBS the glory of ChristFollowers of Jesus will face RESISTANCEFollowers of Jesus must have PERSISTENCE-Persistence TESTIFIES-Persistence SANCTIFIES

Acts 14 reveals that genuine faith is tested and proven through pressure. Paul and Barnabas faced opposition in Iconium, praise in Lystra, suffering on the road to Derbe, and the challenges of discipleship as they revisited new believers. Through every trial, they remained bold, humble, faithful, and focused on Christ. Like gold tested on a touchstone, true faith leaves its mark when rubbed against the hardships of life, because it is anchored in Jesus, who endured the ultimate suffering and secured the ultimate victory.

Worship Service

Text - Acts 14  Title - Acts 14 ‘The Message, Not the Messanger' by Nick Neves, pastor     Pastor Nick preaches in Acts 14, where Paul urges the citizens of Lystra to worship God alone.

This powerful message invites us to experience familiar biblical stories through fresh eyes—specifically, through the perspective of Timothy as he witnessed the Apostle Paul's ministry. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:10-11 and the book of Acts, we're challenged to consider what makes someone worth following in our faith journey. The sermon walks us through four transformative lessons Timothy learned: he watched Paul bleed after being stoned in Lystra, he heard him sing worship songs in a Philippian prison, he received encouragement through Paul's letters, and he learned profound humility from a man who considered himself the chief of sinners. What emerges is a portrait of authentic discipleship—not sanitized or heroic, but raw, vulnerable, and deeply committed. We're reminded that true spiritual authority comes not from perfection but from faithfulness in suffering, worship in adversity, generous encouragement of others, and genuine humility about our own weaknesses. The sermon culminates in Philippians 4:9, where Paul urges us to practice what we've learned, received, heard, and seen. This isn't about imitating superhuman saints; it's about embodying obedience over comfort, worship over worry, encouragement over despair, and humility over ego in our everyday lives.

Complementary Old Testament Passage: Hosea 2 Sermon Outline: Steady yourself for lethal opposition to the Kingdom of God from all directions Commit disciples to the Lords hand to carry them through tribulations Gather to Rejoice in the door of faith provided by the Lord Family Discussion Questions: The people of Lystra tried to worship Paul and Barnabas. What happened after they refused to be worshipped? What two groups teamed up to try to kill the disciples? Does God promise a life without pain for people who trust in Jesus? If someone stops trusting in Jesus, did they ever really trust in Jesus? What are some things that make it hard for people to keep trusting in Jesus? What are we supposed to do to strengthen our faith in Jesus so that it lasts through hard times? What are elders for and how do we choose them? What various tribulations did these men encounter on their first missionary journey, and which might we anticipate in our own lives? How does the word hope help us to better understand what true faith looks like? Two extremes exist: passivity and self-dependance. How does committing souls to the Lord reject both of those extremes? What does a door of faith mean and why is it needed? How does this passage beautifully and soberly teach the reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints? When God established the Old Covenant, the division between Jew and Gentile functioned as a clear object lesson. How does Christ make people who were once called Not my people to now be called, You are My People?

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260618dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 The Power of the Gospel Paul appealed to the believers of Thessalonica to pray. His concern was “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” The apostle knew the difficulties involved in proclaiming the good news about Jesus. Just before Paul went to Thessalonica, he was jailed at Philippi for preaching God’s word. Before that, he was stoned at Lystra. Just after leaving Thessalonica, he debated with some philosophers at Athens, and they scoffed at his message and rejected it. Nevertheless, Paul’s enthusiasm for sharing the saving message of the gospel never faded. He sought to spread the word of life wherever and whenever he could. He recognized the urgency of telling people about Jesus and how the Savior rescued them from sin and hell. He asked, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). It is vitally important for people to hear about Jesus so that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Therefore, include in your prayers the plea that God will cause the good news of salvation through Jesus to spread rapidly so that many people may hear the message of free forgiveness and eternal life. And pray that the word of God be honored by those who hear it—that through the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit turn people from damning unbelief to saving faith in Jesus. Prayer: Holy Spirit, use the message of salvation to call many more people out of the darkness of unbelief to the marvelous light of faith in Jesus Christ. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Send us a message!Simon is an actor, evangelist, and children's book author from Melbourne, Australia, where he lives with his wife and two children. For the last 24 years, he has had a particular passion for excellent and engaging Bible reading. He loves presenting "epic readings" of whole books of the Bible, training Christians in public Bible reading and encouraging the Body of Christ to value this vital ministry. Find out more about his ministry at www.PublicBibleReading.com and www.patreon.com/simoncamilleri. We hear Acts 14 and 15 read aloud, then we sit with how quickly crowds can swing from praise to violence and how the church fights to keep the gospel clear. We also wrestle with the temptation to add our own rules to grace and why “Jesus plus” is not good news. • friendship and community in the early church as God pairs people for mission • Paul and Barnabas preaching in Iconium amid division and hostility • the healing in Lystra and the danger of turning messengers into idols • Paul stoned then returning to strengthen disciples and appoint elders • the circumcision dispute and why it threatens the heart of the gospel • Peter's claim that God saves Jews and Gentiles by grace through faith • James's conclusion to avoid extra burdens while urging holy living • the church's letter bringing encouragement and unity • Paul and Barnabas's sharp disagreement and the mission continuing • a direct warning against a modern “Jesus plus” false gospel Be sure to check out Simon's ministry if you enjoyed his time here on the Outloud Bible Podcast today.  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

   Have you ever been caught in an unruly crowd, perhaps you might even call them a mob? Did that mob suddenly become violent and were you frightened for your life? That happened once to me, and I was nearly trampled to death as a boy. My father saved my life by raising me up on his shoulders! I’ll never forget that experience and it was probably 65 years ago!  I left you yesterday in a very similar mob scene recorded for us in Acts 14, do you remember? By the power of God, Paul had just healed a crippled man in the town of Lystra. The crowd rushed Paul and Barnabas declaring “the gods have come to us in human form” and they quickly gathered animals and wreaths of flowers about to have a pagan worship service in their honor, including sacrifices! Paul and Barnabas rushed into the crowd declaring “What are you doing? We too are only humans like you…” (Acts 14:11-15) Paul boldly and loudly proclaimed the powerful truth about Jesus. But this crowd had seen a miracle, and, in their delirium, agitators took advantage of the situation and stirred up the crowd turning it into an out-of-control mob. (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

This talk was given by Nigel Bennett. The reading was Acts 14:8–23, which follows Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey through the city of Lystra and beyond. The talk explores what it means for the church to be "militant" — not in the aggressive sense the word often carries today, but in its original meaning of being active, determined, and faithful in spiritual service. It examines how Paul and Barnabas navigated a dramatic clash of cultures in Lystra, where a miraculous healing led the local people to mistake them for Greek gods, and how the apostles responded with humility, flexibility, and courage — even in the face of a violent stoning. Drawing lessons from Paul's approach of starting with common ground rather than unfamiliar scripture, the talk encourages Christians today to listen carefully to those around them, to understand the worldview of the people they speak with, and to communicate the good news of Jesus authentically. It reflects honestly on the challenges of living in a society that has largely moved away from Christian understanding, while affirming that God's grace continues to work through his people in partnership. The talk closes with a call to perseverance, resilience, and joy in sharing the gospel — not retreating from the world, but engaging it with faithfulness and hope.

Jeder Mensch hat Wesensmerkmale, die das Potential haben, ihn zu ruinieren. Bei Simson und Salomo war es das Interesse an Frauen, bei Petrus das vorschnelle Reden, bei Judas das Geld, bei Thomas die Melancholie. Was ist dein problematischer Charakterzug? Denn dort wirst du angegriffen werden.Bei den Galatern war es jedenfalls die Wankelmütigkeit. Sie waren leicht zu beeinflussen. Diese Eigenschaft teilen sie mit sehr vielen Menschen. Sie bekehrten sich begeistert zu Jesus. Als dann aber Ohrenbläser zu ihnen kamen und gegen die Apostel hetzten, verwandelte sich ihre Begeisterung übernacht in Verfolgungswut und sie steinigten Paulus, den sie am Tag davor noch wie einen Gott verehrten. Kann so etwas auch uns passieren?Klar.Aber Paulus überlebte das ohne Trauma.Später hat er einen mahnenden Brief an die Galater geschrieben. Der hat uns viel zu sagen. Pastor Gert öffnet die Bibel und wirft einen erhellenden Blick auf Lystra in Galatien.Wichtige Bibelstellen:1 Korinther 15,33Apostelgeschichte 14,8-20Sprüche 16,28(1 Könige 12)(1 Könige 11,4)(Richter 16,16)(1 Mose 27)Unser Spendenkonto, falls Sie uns unterstützen möchten:Delta Christl. Dienste e.V. (Vorstandsvorsitzender: Gert Hoinle)DE13 7935 0101 0000 8235 91BYLADEM1KSWPaypal an: Spende@OnlineKirche.orgUnser Wise-Tag: @deltachristlichediensteevSpendenquittung? Bitte Namen und Adresse angeben.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle Lectionary: 580/362 The Saint of the day is Saint Barnabas Saint Barnabas' Story Saint Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was closely associated with Saint Paul—he introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles—and served as a kind of mediator between the former persecutor and the still suspicious Jewish Christians. When a Christian community developed at Antioch, Barnabas was sent as the official representative of the church of Jerusalem to incorporate them into the fold. He and Paul instructed in Antioch for a year, after which they took relief contributions to Jerusalem. Later Paul and Barnabas, now clearly seen as charismatic leaders, were sent by Antioch officials to preach to the gentiles. Enormous success crowned their efforts. After a miracle at Lystra, the people wanted to offer sacrifice to them as gods—Barnabas being Zeus, and Paul, Hermes—but the two said, “We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God” (see Acts 14:8-18). But all was not peaceful. They were expelled from one town, they had to go to Jerusalem to clear up the ever-recurring controversy about circumcision, and even the best of friends can have differences. When Paul wanted to revisit the places they had evangelized, Saint Barnabas wanted to take along his cousin John Mark, author of the Gospel, but Paul insisted that since Mark had deserted them once, he was not fit to take along now. The disagreement that followed was so sharp that Barnabas and Paul separated: Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus, Paul taking Silas to Syria. Later they were reconciled—Paul, Barnabas and Mark. When Paul stood up to Peter for not eating with gentiles for fear of his Jewish friends, we learn that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (see Galatians 2:1-13). Reflection Saint Barnabas is spoken of simply as one who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a man “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby, large numbers were added to the Lord.” Even when he and Paul were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia—modern-day Turkey—they were “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

I was a Flash Gordon freak when I was a kid. Now, you probably have led a deprived life and you may be saying, “Flash who?” Let me bring you up-to-date. Flash Gordon was an inter-galactic hero that was made famous in a serialized movie that I think might have been filmed way back in the 1930s. No, I did not see it when it first came out! But it kept going on and on and on forever. I think you might still be able to find it sometimes on late night TV. Every episode ended with Flash Gordon in a jam, and he was always ready to be destroyed by some space monster or death ray. And you were sure there was no way Flash was going to get out of this one. There always was. He always did, and there is always a way out for you and me, too, if you're working for the right director. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Rescued Again and Again.” Now, you probably have a life full of close calls, just like old Flash Gordon. Except his were on movies and yours and mine are for real. There's a man who had a life full of close calls in the Bible – the Apostle Paul. He talks about them in our word for today from the Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:11 he says, “You know the persecutions and sufferings and what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.” But listen to this, “Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” Now, I have kind of a convoluted mind (you know that already), because as soon as I read that verse, I think of Flash Gordon. No, he's not in the Bible, and I know I've got a mental problem. I can't help that, but I remember that he was always rescued out of every close call. That's the bottom line for every child of God. He will sometimes let you go to the edge. It may look like there's no way out, but He will never let you go over the edge. “But the Lord rescued me out of them all.” You can say that, and so can I. It's not that it hasn't been close sometimes, but just look at the exciting episodes from your past; the time that the money ran out, or your friends ran out, or your family ran out, or your strength ran out. Maybe you've been so lonely at times in the past you couldn't stand it, or frustrated because every door seemed to slam shut in your face. There were these people that you had depended on, and they were suddenly gone. Or maybe you're hopelessly buried in work and responsibility and stress. And you say, “I'll never get out of this mess!” You've been to the edge of desperation, but remember the Lord rescued you out of them all. Maybe you're in a perilous or a painful place again. This time it looks like there is no way out of this, but then it's looked like that before at the end of other episodes and you're still here. Get some perspective. Stand back. Remember a lifetime of the Lord rescuing you. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out..." He will let you have heavy loads, but never more than you can handle. Jesus is, after all, your Savior. He can save you from this comparatively small crisis. He'll change the situation or He'll enlarge you to deal with the situation. But one way or the other, your Savior will rescue you. Look, He always has. Now, Flash Gordon, my old hero, got in big trouble – some big jams, a lot of close calls – so will you. But Flash Gordon always got rescued, and so will you. The God of the universe is writing your script and the God of the universe is producing your future.

Today we are going to finish Philippians 2 by looking atverses 28 through 30 where we are talkingabout risking everything for Christ. That is exactly what Epaphroditus did. Aswe have read through this chapter, we have seen how Jesus Christ lefteverything in heaven. He gave up His rights, came down to earth, made Himself aservant, and became obedient even to the death of the cross. As a result, Godhighly exalted Him. We also see the example of the Apostle Paul himself. Paulleft everything in his old life. As we read later in the book of Philippians,he counted it all as dung—a pile of manure—compared to what he gained inChrist. He made the great statement in chapter 1, “For to me, to live isChrist, and to die is gain.” Theexample of Timothy shows us the same truth. Timothy left his family, hisparents, and his friends in the city of Lystra to follow the Apostle Paul andto follow Jesus Christ. Now we come to Epaphroditus. He risked his life and “didnot regard his own life.” The phrase “not regarding his life”carries the idea of taking a great risk. Epaphroditus was willing to riskeverything for Christ. Hecarried the offering from the Philippians to Paul in Rome. The journey waslong. The roads were dangerous. The conditions were difficult. Paul was inprison and could potentially be executed, which meant Epaphroditus might sufferthe same fate. Somewhere along the way, he became gravely ill. He became sosick that it appeared he would die. Yet God had mercy on him and spared hislife. God also had mercy on Paul, sparing him additional sorrow. Yetthrough it all, Epaphroditus continued serving. Remarkably, he was moreconcerned about the people worrying about him than he was about the possibilityof his own death. So Paul tells the Philippians in verse 29: “Receive himtherefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem.” Godhonors His servants. The world honors celebrities. God honors faithfulness. Godhonors sacrifice. God honors those who quietly give themselves in service toothers. He also teaches us to honor those to whom honor is due. (Proverbs 3:27) AsI think about this passage, I am reminded of the famous words of Jim Elliot: “Heis no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Thetruth is that every believer is called to risk something for Jesus Christ.Maybe not our lives, but certainly our comfort, our convenience, ourreputation, our resources, and even our time. The greatest investment we canmake on earth is not in temporal things, but in eternal things. Thatis what Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 4. As he begins that chapter, hewrites: “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy,we do not lose heart.” In other words, we do not quit. We do not give up.We do not faint. Then he goes on to say verses 117-18: “For our lightaffliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceedingand eternal weight of glory... while we do not look at the things which areseen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen aretemporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” RememberPaul on his final journey to Jerusalem in Acts 20:24. The believers repeatedlywarned him that suffering awaited him there. Yet Paul declared: “Nor do Icount my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.” Myfriend, that was true of Paul. It was true of Epaphroditus. May it be true ofus as well. May we be willing to risk everything for the sake of Christ. Let'spray. Father, help us to live courageously for Jesus Christ. Give us heartsthat value eternal things above temporary comforts. May we be willing to spendand be spent for Your glory. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Today we're looking at Philippians 2:22. Here, the ApostlePaul is talking about Timothy. Paul writes: "But you know his proven character,that as a son with his father, he served with me in the gospel." Oneof the most valuable qualities in the Christian life is proven character. Noticethat Paul did not praise Timothy primarily for his gifts, talents,intelligence, or abilities. He praised him for his character. The phrase provencharacter speaks of something that has been tested and approved. Gold istested by fire. Steel is tested by pressure. Character is tested by life. Timothyhad been tested. Whenyou go back to Acts 14, where Paul first meets Timothy in Lystra, Timothywitnessed Paul being stoned for preaching the gospel. It was during this periodthat Timothy gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ. He had a godlygrandmother and mother who taught him the Scriptures, and he grew in the graceand knowledge of the Lord. Then, when Paul began his second missionary journeywith Silas in Acts 16, one of the first people mentioned in Lystra was Timothy.The Bible tells us that, “he was well spoken of by the brethren who were atLystra and Iconium”. In other words, Timothy already had a good testimonybefore Paul invited him to travel with him. Paul said, in effect, "I wantyou to join me and Silas on this missionary journey." Weknow that Timothy traveled with Paul to Philippi, where Paul and Silas werebeaten and thrown into prison. Luke was also with them during this period. Justimagine the privilege Timothy had of being surrounded by and mentored by suchgodly men. Year after year, as Paul invested in him, Timothy grew in his faith,his knowledge of Christ, and his character. Eventually, he became a man ofproven character. Only after proving himself faithful did the Apostle Paulinvite him to become part of this missionary team. Thisteaches an important lesson for all of us. God is more interested in developingour character than displaying our abilities. Many people want immediateinfluence. They want instant success. They want positions of leadership beforethey have developed spiritual maturity. That can become a problem in manychurches when people seek positions for which their character has not yetprepared them.  ButGod works differently. Remember, David spent years tending sheep beforebecoming king. Joseph spent years in slavery and prison before ruling in Egypt.Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before God called him to lead Israel.Timothy spent years learning, serving, growing, and becoming Paul's trustedrepresentative. My friend, we discover that character is more important thanabilities and all the other things for which people are often praised. Yearsago, I taught people not to praise someone merely for their talent or ability. "Oh,they play the piano so well." "They are such a gifted speaker." Instead,praise them for their character and the discipline that enabled them to developthose abilities. Praise them for doing the right things for the right reasons.Praise them for faithfulness, honesty, kindness, loyalty, thoughtfulness, diligence,and integrity. That is proven character. Someone has wisely said: "Godprepares the man before He prepares the ministry." The Christian life isnot a sprint; it is a marathon. Faithfulness over time produces provencharacter. Maybetoday you feel overlooked. Maybe you have been serving quietly for years and noone seems to notice your faithfulness. But God notices. Every prayer. Every actof service. Every sacrifice. Every hidden act of obedience. God sees them all. Luke16:10 says: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also inmuch." God often develops greatservants in ordinary places.Let'spray. Father, help us today to develop proven character. Teach us to befaithful in the small things and patient during the seasons and years ofpreparation. May our lives bring honor to You. We pray this in Jesus' name.Amen.

What do you do when opposition turns violent — do you stay or do you go? And once someone comes to faith, what does it actually mean to disciple them? Pastors Scott Ethridge and Dallas Mora walk verse by verse through Acts 14, where Paul and Barnabas face a city divided, a stoning, and a long journey back to strengthen the churches they planted. --- Connect With The Healing Place Website: www.thpshreveport.com  Questions or prayer requests: mediahub@thpshreveport.com  Midweek Move is the podcast extension of The Healing Place, Shreveport, LA — where we examine the scriptures in context and ask: "What is happening here?" ___ 0:00 — Intro 0:21 — Welcome  1:06 — Acts 14 intro: Paul and Barnabas in Iconium 1:37 — Acts 14:1–3 read aloud; the gospel divides the city 2:46 — Why opposition didn't stop Paul and Barnabas 3:38 — Expecting resistance: ministry with the bigger picture in mind 4:34 — "They stayed there a long time" — what boldness looks like under pressure 5:07 — When smooth execution is not the measure of God's presence 6:29 — The parallel: Jesus interrupted mid-sermon; the Holy Spirit blows it open 8:51 — Acts 14:5–7: when violence becomes premeditated — Paul and Barnabas flee 9:25 — Discernment vs. fear: how do you know when it's time to leave? 10:57 — When it's no longer a conversation — a real-world example 12:09 — Paul and Barnabas don't pull back the message; they take it to the next city 13:35 — Acts 14:8–20: idolatry in Lystra, Paul stoned and left for dead 14:03 — He got up and went back into the city 14:48 — Acts 14:21–28: making disciples, appointing elders, strengthening churches 15:12 — Is the follow-up as important as the initial gospel presentation? 16:01 — What happens when nobody disciples the people who get saved 17:09 — "TikTok Christians" — why discipleship can't be outsourced 17:44 — We may be discipling people who haven't actually been saved yet 18:24 — The difference between a teacher and a spiritual father or mother 20:37 — What discipleship actually looks like: modeled life, not just curriculum 24:19 — "Your ceiling is supposed to be their floor" — how true fathers lead 26:38 — Closing: Acts 15 preview + prayer request invitation

Complementary Old Testament Passage:Habakkuk 2:18-20 Sermon Outline:Beware of Bible teachers poisoning minds against the Word of Gods graceForgiven men walk by faith in ChristSatan attempts to capitalize on Gods good workTurn from vain things to a living God Family Discussion Questions:1. When Paul preached in Iconium to a group of people who studied the Old Testament, what wasthe reaction?2. In Lystra, Paul found a man who had never been able to walk. What happened to that man?3. How does this remind us of what Jesus did?4. What false gods did the people of Lystra worship? Who did they think Paul and Barnabas were?5. In the Old Testament, most countries did not have people worshipping the true God. What isdifferent in the New Testament?6. When people are worshipping false gods, is God happy that at least they are worshippingsomething?7. Does every person whose every lived have evidence that there is a true God?8. What does it mean to turn from vain things?9. What does it mean that God has not left himself without witness?10. What is syncretism, and how does it show up in our own Canadian culture? Other cultures?11. How are the patterns and differences in the miracles in the Bible both necessary to pay attentionto in order to properly learn from them?12. Is failing to be healed clearly evidence of a lack of faith?13. We are right to think that Christs death paid for our forgiveness; why should we also see it asGood News that he paid for our freedom from sin as well?

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and the Dr. Gregory McBrayer discuss Books 9-10 of the Odyssey--the first half of Odysseus telling his own story and covering such famous narratives as the lotus eaters, the cyclops, and Circe. Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey--great for small groups!Follow us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and more!SummaryBooks 9 and 10 of the Odyssey feature Odysseus revealing his identity to the Phaeacians and recounting his adventures after Troy. The episodes include the raid on Ismarus, the encounter with the Lotus Eaters (whom Odysseus forcibly removes to prevent them from forgetting home), the harrowing trap in Polyphemus the Cyclops's cave (where Odysseus uses the "Nobody" ruse, wine, and an olive-wood stake to blind the giant before taunting him and invoking Poseidon's curse), the visit to Aeolus (whose bag of winds is opened by the crew, blowing them off course), the cannibalistic Laestrygonians (who destroy the fleet except Odysseus's ship), and the stay with the goddess Circe (who transforms his men into pigs, but is countered by Hermes' moly herb, leading to a year of feasting and Odysseus bedding her under divine instruction before she directs him to the underworld).The hosts explore deeper philosophical and moral themes, viewing these stories as Odysseus's moral and theoretical education. They discuss xenia (guest-friendship) and its perversions, the tension between Odysseus's cunning intellect and his men's appetites or spiritedness, leadership failures, and Homer's intentional dialectic presenting human nature. Particular attention is given to Odysseus's curiosity, pride, and evolving understanding of place, home, mortality, and nature (highlighted in the moly scene as a discovery of physis). The conversation frames Circe as a structural pivot, contrasting earlier moral tales with later intellectual ones, and portrays Odysseus as a complex, self-serving yet learning figure whose narrative may blend truth and rhetoric tailored to his audience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books07:42 Professional Updates and New Opportunities09:37 Teaching Homer: Insights and Anecdotes10:58 Homer as a Philosopher: Dialectics in the Text14:08 Odysseus: The Complicated Hero15:47 Odysseus' Journey: Learning and Growth17:54 The Role of Storytelling in the Odyssey23:05 The Importance of Place and Homecoming28:08 Odysseus and His Men: Leadership Dynamics35:47 The Lotus Eaters: Virtue and Temptation40:31 The Nature of Happiness and the Soul's Journey44:04 Odysseus and the Cyclops: A Political Critique54:20 Guest Friendship and Ethical Dilemmas01:05:01 Rhetoric and the Limits of Persuasion01:09:21 Understanding Polyphemus: The Nature of Deception01:11:20 Odysseus's Internal Monologue: The Role of Wisdom01:12:46 The Cyclops's Overconfidence: A Fatal Flaw01:13:49 The Role of Wine: A Tool for Manipulation01:14:58 Guest Friendship: A Perverse Parody01:16:36 The Blinding of Polyphemus: A Turning Point01:17:47 Community Response: The Cyclops's Isolation01:18:41 The Consequences of Pride: Odysseus Reveals His Name01:20:51 The Significance of 'Nobody': Identity and Cunning01:23:24 The Escape Plan: Cleverness in Adversity01:24:05 The Curse of Polyphemus: A Divine Retribution01:26:42 The Cycle of Violence: Guest Friendship Violated01:27:34 The Structure of the Odyssey: Peaks and Valleys01:29:09 The Role of Agency: Human Choices vs. Divine Will01:29:38 The Heartbreak of Aeolus: Trust Broken01:33:56 The Lystra-agonian Encounter: A Leadership Crisis01:36:31 Odysseus's Leadership and Responsibility01:39:50 The Enigmatic Circe: Goddess and Witch01:45:13 Odysseus's Encounter with Circe: A Test of Will01:50:59 The Nature of Eros and Odysseus's Choices01:56:56 The Philosophical Journey: Nature and Mortality02:01:51 The Path to the Underworld: Elpenor's FateKeywordsKey keywords for this episode include Odyssey Book 9, Odyssey Book 10, Odysseus Cyclops, Polyphemus, Circe Odyssey, Homer Odyssey summary, Odysseus adventures, Lotus Eaters, Aeolus bag of winds, Laestrygonians, Odysseus and Circe, Nobody Odysseus, Xenia guest friendship, Homer philosophy, Odysseus leadership, Odysseus moral education, Summary of Odyssey Books 9 and 10, Odysseus vs Polyphemus, Circe turns men into pigs, Philosophical themes in The Odyssey, Homer Odyssey Cyclops episode, Odysseus journey home, Guest friendship in The Odyssey, Ascend Great Books Podcast, Harrison Garlick Odyssey, and Gregory McBrayer Homer.

Can suffering or illness in our family be a punishment from God for our sins? In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers apologists address this difficult and deeply personal question before exploring a wide range of theological and pastoral topics. The discussion covers whether Catholics may hold the Genesis Gap Theory, how the Church can better evangelize people with disabilities, and why Catholic teaching on the death penalty has developed over time. Additional questions examine the extraordinary endurance of St. Paul, the purpose of offering prayer intentions with the Rosary, why Catholicism claims to be more than just another denomination, and why sacramental confession is necessary before receiving Holy Communion in certain situations. A thoughtful conversation on suffering, grace, Church authority, and the sacraments. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered:  01:12 – Is it possible that God punishes my continuous sin through my son’s disease?    04:19 – Can a Catholic hold to the Genesis Gap Theory? Or is it heretical?   12:41 – How can the Church evangelize to those with disabilities? What are good resources that can help me get started?    19:28 – Can we in good conscience support the death penalty? I can’t seem to understand why the church changed this. In theory can’t the church's teaching on this revert?    28:37 – Is there a miraculous quality to St. Paul recovering from the stoning at Lystra or from all of the other beatings he suffered? It seems any number of the rods, stonings, etc. could have disabled him and made his long-distance travel impossible.    32:49 – How does setting a prayer intention before praying a rosary differ from just praying for that intention directly without praying a rosary, does it have something to do with the merit involved with praying a rosary? Thank you!    36:40 – Why can't Catholicism be just another denomination among the denominations? I think Protestants see Catholicism as a Christian denomination, thus no need to make the move if they are already happy where they are.   43:02 – If priests have the sacramental power to ordain, why has this actually happened so rarely in Church history?    46:50 – Why is it mandatory to go to a priest for confession before one can go for Holy Communion. Why isn’t going to God directly sufficient for this?  If someone sits on his seat because he hasn’t gone for confession, everyone would see that he hasn’t gone to confession, it would elicit some kind of shame on this person. 

In this inspiring message from Acts 14:1-18, Pastor Jason Hatch unpacks Paul and Barnabas's continued missionary journey through Iconium and Lystra, where bold gospel preaching leads to many believing while stirring fierce opposition and even attempts to stone the apostles. Witness dramatic signs and wonders, the apostles' humble refusal to be worshipped as gods, and their powerful call to turn from vain idols to the living Creator who reveals Himself through creation and ultimately through Jesus Christ. This sermon highlights the difference between common grace and saving grace, the joy of the gospel, and why we must respond to the good news by repenting and believing.   Website: redeemermidland.org Instagram: instagram.com/redeemermidland Facebook: facebook.com/RedeemerMidland   At Redeemer, we seek to be a Gospel-Centered, Missional Family. We sing songs to worship our Lord, we preach the Word of God from the Bible, and we love one another.   We would love to see you on a Sunday morning at 9:00 or 11:00 am at 3601 N. Lamesa Rd in Midland, Texas. 

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” (Acts 14:21–22 NIV) I believe that when we get to Heaven, we’ll look back at our time on earth from a different perspective. I believe we’ll realize that the things we viewed as good weren’t nearly as good as we thought they were. I also believe we’ll realize that some things we thought were bad were, in fact, beneficial. For example, our culture has conditioned us to think of prosperity and success as good things. And for some people, they can be, if they’re used for God’s glory. But quite honestly, for others, financial well-being can be a great distraction, something that causes them to lose sight of God. Material possessions can weigh us down, spiritually speaking, when God wants us to travel light. In addition, we think of sickness or loss or failure as things that are always bad. And they can be bad. Very bad. But they also can be good, because they cause us to cling to God and to lean on Him like we never would have if things had been easier. So, from Heaven’s perspective, a so-called bad thing can be a good thing. When his friend Lazarus was sick, Jesus delayed going to see him in Bethany. John 11:5–7 says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea’” (NIV). Instead of running to help Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, as they hoped He would, Jesus delayed His arrival by two days. Why? He wanted Lazarus’ sickness to run its course. He didn’t simply want to heal His friend. He wanted to bring greater glory to His name. Sickness and death were the means to bring about that greater glory. The Lord doesn’t look at trials and suffering as we do. The question is, whose perspective will we trust? Here’s a hint: “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8–9 NLT). I believe that God will reveal the whys of our suffering in time. He will help us see the big picture, how our trials ultimately led to a greater good. But until that day, we need to remember these words from Acts 14:21–22: “They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said” (NIV). No matter how many hardships we must endure, the result—eternity in the kingdom of God—is more than worth it. Reflection question: How can you keep a godly perspective on the “good” and “bad” things that happen to you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Service | A teaching on Acts 14:1-20 with Pastor Josh BlackVictory Calvary Chapel is a church in Menifee, California. We gather for Jesus, to worship Him, to follow Him, and represent Him wherever we go. To learn more, visit us at www.victorycc.com.

There is a lot to unpack in the readings today. Let's get started! St. Paul is traveling in Derbe and Lystra, which is in modern day Turkey. He meets young Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father. Timothy's parents must have had a strong influence on their son, because he is highly recommended by the believers of that area. Paul invites Timothy to join him in his travels from city to city proclaiming the love of God for all peoples. Paul and Timothy also spread the decisions reached by the apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem, commonly known as the decrees of the Council of Jerusalem. The Council of Jerusalem basically said the following (Acts 15): that Gentile converts did not need to follow the Mosaic Law of the Jews, specifically circumcision, to be saved. It affirmed that Gentiles - and all believers - receive salvation through God's grace alone.  The Council of Jerusalem also listed four other requirements. Believing Gentiles were to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, meat from strangled animals, and blood. They were also asked to continue to remember the poor within their churches, something which Paul was happy to comply. Perhaps some explanation is needed about “meat from strangled animals and blood.” Ancient pagan practices of drinking blood and cooking animals in blood was not an accepted practice in the dietary law of the Jews. It might have been a compromise to help make nonbelieving Jews more comfortable in sharing meals with believing Gentiles. The Gospel of John highlights the difference between living in the world and not being of the world. The “world” can desensitize us. When we watch a steady stream of violent programming, for example, we lose something of our basic human compassion for others. When we let ourselves be consumed by sensuality, we can lose basic respect for the other person and everyone's uniqueness in the eyes of God. Believers know their limits. St. James (1:27) puts it this way: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James is saying that we must strive to maintain personal holiness by avoiding corrupting influences, selfish values, and the compromising sins of society while still engaging in it. We serve and honor God through our thoughts and actions. As Christians, we must make every effort to turn aside from the capital sins of pride, envy, wrath (anger), sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. These sins are counteracted by their corresponding virtues: humility, generosity, chastity, meekness, temperance, kindness, and diligence (zeal). Overcoming laziness, for example, is the result of persistent effort and devotion to spiritual and daily duties. We cultivate all of these virtues through prayer and grace, correcting habits through small acts of charity, utilizing the sacraments to strengthen our willpower, and regularly examining our lives to keep these capital sins at bay. It is exciting to follow Paul and Timothy's travels around Asia Minor, but God's invitation to radical conversion and new life is just as alive today. Instead of asking, “What is God calling me to do?,” the better question might be: “Who is God calling me to be?” Easter Blessings,Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.

Acts 14:8-22,8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.We conclude our worship gathering here each week with the commissioning, reciting Jesus' words to us in Matthew 28:19-20. He tells us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you…”The authority given to us from Jesus Christ, to “make disciples” from all the nations, applies to all sorts of tasks: it includes local tasks such as raising children, encouraging a brother or sister in Christ, confronting a friend who is drifting, or explaining the gospel to a Lyft driver. But it also goes beyond our local horizon to tasks like learning a new language to communicate in a different country. When we come to “missions” Sunday, we mean something specific. Missions means that someone is sent, with purpose, for a goal. And the specific goal we understand with that term is, “cross-cultural witness” about Jesus. Why is that?The Great Commission does not allow us to be content with our own home or neighborhood. It requires us to look beyond the horizons of our city, and of our nation or people. God has a special and distinct delight in creating disciples from among all nations.That nudge, that delight, that push to emphasize “all nations” is what we call “missions.” Of all that God calls us to do, one part that requires a reminder and special attention, is to pray for, to send, and to go toward peoples who have not yet heard or accepted the gospel.And in Acts 14 we have an example of the first missionary team to the nations, Paul and Barnabas.This story gives us a picture or model of what it looks like to bring the good news about Jesus to a new place. Whatever situation we face today, we can ask how to respond in ways that reflect what we see from the Apostles. My hope is that this text stimulates us to send cross-cultural witnesses (missionaries). And, I pray that it would confirm some people in this room with the desire to join that work.How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? Cross-cultural witness glorifies (or makes much of) God—through Light, Life, and Love.Light: It shines light into darkness.Life: It brings new groups of people to Jesus.Love: It helps believers walk in a cross-shaped way.1) Light: Light into Darkness (vv. 9-18)How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? It shines light into darkness. This is the main point of the story about Paul and Barnabas's witness in the town of Lystra.The story has three parts: a healing, a misunderstanding, and then light (the explanation).HealingThe Apostles announced the saving power of Jesus through a miracle.Paul says to a lame man, “Stand upright on your feet” (14:10). And the man rises. In fact, the text says that he “sprang up”, and began walking. The people of Lystra were no fools. They must have known this man. They knew he could not walk and had never walked. He was disabled from birth. There was no orthopedic surgery at this time. No Dr. Peter Cole to set those bones, and no physical therapy to train him to walk. And yet, in a moment, the power of Jesus changed everything.We are all familiar with showcased, staged healings. It is difficult for us to contemplate what a real public healing would look like. What would you feel if you were there? Remember, this is someone the townspeople knew. The evidence, for them, was clear as the blue sky. This man couldn't walk, and now he can.And that makes their reaction a bit less surprising.Misunderstanding“And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!'” (v. 11) Paul and Barnabas didn't understand what was said. Notice that the people were speaking in Lycaonian. Paul and Barnabas were undoubtedly speaking Greek, and we think most people would have spoken Greek as well. Cities such as Lystra were founded as Greek cities several hundred years earlier.But this verse tells us that there was a deeper culture, an older culture, an older language still at play. When the people were startled by this obvious miracle, they responded in their native language.Verse 12 explains the confusion,“Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.”It would be a big surprise for you and me to be mistaken as “gods”. I think it was a surprise for Paul and Barnabas as well. The people saw the miracle and concluded this must be a divine visit. They picked the most likely visitors from the Greek pantheon—Zeus, king of the gods, and Hermes, the messenger of the gods. The misunderstanding went even deeper when the priest of Zeus proposed sacrificing an ox to celebrate the visit from these god-like figures. The text says that when Barnabas and Paul “heard of it,” that is, someone had to tell them what was going on…they spoke up and explained the true situation.Think about what Paul and Barnabas were feeling at that moment. “We've been totally misunderstood!” Even after Paul's explanation, Luke records that “even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (14:18).So, despite a clear word from Paul, there was misunderstanding.Dear friends, have you ever been misunderstood in your gospel witness? It happens that we try as best we can to make the gospel clear, and yet people around us hear it through their own lens. Perhaps, “Ah, so you are religious and I'm not.” “So you hold a particular political view.” Or, as I experienced with a driver in Vietnam once, “You ask Jesus for good stuff, and I ask Budda for good stuff. We're basically the same.”But I want us to see in this text that misunderstanding has a purpose. It fuels clear gospel witness. Misunderstanding forces us to new and fresh ways of speaking. Misunderstanding is the stuff of cross-cultural witness because it forces us to push through. It forces us to learn a new language, whether a literal language or the vocabulary of a sub-culture we've never experienced—maybe even one in our own city.LightA misunderstood healing gives Paul a chance to speak. And he has a message, a beam of light into darkness. He says in verse 15,“We bring you good news.”What is that good news?What was the great problem regarding god in the ancient world? Because there were so many powers in the universe, so many potential gods, the greatest challenge was to know which god should be worshipped. All the sacrifices in the pagan world were attempts to ask, “Will this help?” “Will that help?” My Vietnamese friend treated Buddha in the same way: He can help me get what I want.That is why Paul says in verse 15, “We bring you good news!” It frees us to learn that there is one God above all. It is freeing to hear that this God has spoken. If I am worried about offending one of the many gods, to hear that there is one God above them all changes things.Remember that the priest of Zeus is waiting there with a sacrificial ox. But Paul doesn't say, “Just like Zeus, the god I proclaim is the king of the gods. He directs the lightning. He shows his power in the sky.”The Living God is not like Zeus. He is not a part of creation, but completely separate from it. As the “living” God, he is life and he gives life. He created all things and so rules over all things.And people need that same word today. Without a belief in the living God, people have no real connection to what is bigger than themselves. A world without a creator has a great emptiness. All our quests to be part of something bigger than ourselves are pointing in that direction. We may settle for building our own little empire, or devoting ourselves to a political cause, or vaguely hoping that “helping people” gets us a bit more meaning, but in quiet moments we know that we are alone in this universe without connection to one who created all things.Dear friends, this is the “light” of the gospel message. The God who made the world, the one whom we cannot avoid, has spoken and acted for us in Jesus.Luke doesn't record the end of Paul's message here, but he does in Acts 17, when Paul visits Athens. There Paul says,“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).The resurrection of Jesus Christ has announced God's salvation and judgment to the world.Some of you are facing difficult conversations with friends and family about what you believe. You may be uncertain about how to make clear what you mean by faith in Jesus. Paul's witness here reminds us that even in the midst of misunderstanding, the gospel announces real, solid light to every culture and sub-culture, to every sector of society, and to every man and woman. And the work to make that gospel light clear is the glorious work of witness, particularly cross-cultural witness.2) Life: New Followers of JesusCross-cultural witness glorifies God because it results in life: that is, new followers of Jesus.What Does Christian Conversion Look Like? (v. 15)It is to “turn from vain things to a living God” (Acts 14:15). Paul explains this to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Notice the contrast: Vain things, idols, that is, whatever claims to meet our needs. Instead we should turn to the “living God.” “Living God” does not mean simply that “he exists.” Rather, he is life and he gives life. He is not an inert, distant power or force—like gravity. But he is active, alive, and giving life.Psalm 36:9,“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” This reminds us why the message is good news.Turning to God is not just doing what we are told: like getting back to your homework after wasting 30 minutes scrolling. It is not like getting serious after throwing around some jokes with friends, or setting yourself a long list of goals to make yourself better. Instead, the New Testament describes conversion as turning from darkness to light. It is stepping away from emptiness and toward fullness. It is to reorder your desires and values so that you look up to the one who is the most valuable and say, “Yes! I have everything I need in You!” Everything else is “vanity,” insufficient, incomplete, temporary, and ultimately unsatisfying. If we have Jesus, then we lack nothing. Our cup is full. And we are satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus. He is to us, not only Lord and Savior, but also our treasure.Have you turned from vain things to the Living God? Have you given up on empty pursuits (and you know deep down that they are empty) to look toward the God who gives real life? Paul calls the people of Lystra to the most significant moment of their lives. He tells them not to miss out on what God gives. And if you have not yet put your faith in Jesus, then God announces this to you again today: Come to him.And the miracle is that people in Lystra believed.New Disciples and New ChurchesActs 14:21-22,“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith....”They “made many disciples” and they returned to “strengthen the souls of the disciples.” In the midst of misunderstanding, people believed. When Paul and Barnabas came back to Lystra, perhaps a month or two later, there were “disciples.”This is the great promise of gospel witness. Real lives are changed. Human lives take a new direction. And those believers make churches, churches that often endure. Do you remember Paul's companion, Timothy? Do you know where he is from? Lystra. This very town (Acts 16:1-3).I know Lystra is not on a tour of Bible lands today. That part of Turkey was conquered by Muslims in the Middle Ages, but the church in Lystra survived for at least four hundred years after this event. There is evidence that the bishop of Lystra attended a church council in 451 AD. So, the cross-cultural witness here produced fruit for hundreds of years to come.How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? It brings life and joy that transform the lives of men and women…and then it bears fruit in churches and communities for decades and centuries. So, Cities Church, if a mature member of this church says, “Yes. I want to give my life for that work in a fresh, cross-cultural environment,” will we get behind them? Are we ready to send a member or members of this church to live and witness cross-culturally for the sake of new spiritual life? Might that perhaps be you? 3) Love: Believers Walk in a Cross-shaped Way (vv. 19-20)Cross-cultural witness brought Light (out of darkness and into light), Life (new life that grows in Christ), and then Love (Believers now walk in a cross-shaped way).Acts 14:19-20,“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.”Can you imagine this scene? As Paul, you are hit in the head with a stone that knocks you out. Next thing you know, you wake up in the dust on a road outside the town.Imagine what that felt like for Barnabas. Here we are, a few months into this journey. We've seen some success, we've seen people come to faith. And even in Lystra it looked hopeful after the misunderstanding. But then, it all comes crashing down in a mob action directed at Paul. How do you respond to that? Luke records this very simply: Paul got up, went into the city, and left the next day with Barnabas. These guys knew what they were about, and they were not surprised.We have been studying John 17, and Jesus makes this perfectly clear:“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)Paul and Barnabas looked at each other that day and said, “Brother, we are not of this world. But we are sent into the world. The world hates our Savior, and so it hates us as well.”Here is how Paul reflected on that day when he wrote to Timothy several years later, 2 Timothy 3:10-12,“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”When Paul thinks through his “persecutions and sufferings”, he goes back to this event. He tells Timothy, you want to know what my life looks like? Remember Lystra. We can call it a cross-shaped life. Just as Jesus told us,“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)Do you believe that, dear friends? The life of love is a life poured out for others in serving them and proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. And cross-cultural witness among unreached people makes this abundantly clear. C.T. Studd, one of the missionaries to China in 1885 said about his years there: “For five years we never went outside our doors without a volley of curses from our neighbors.” Those who engage in front-line, pioneering cross-cultural witness often face a negative response from people. And yet there is glory in it. Would it not be a glory to display that cross-shaped life as a witness to a people group among whom there are few believers? Would it not be a grace to spend your life working through the frustration of cross-cultural misunderstanding to see new spiritual life spring up? Would it not be worth it to find yourself spent, tired, and poured out for the sake of people who might not hear the gospel clearly any other way? And for every Christian, it may be that you will face a “volley of curses” when you go outside your door. You might even face such a thing today. And that is why Paul's exhortation to the new believers in Lystra applies also to us, Acts 14:22:“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”Your “many tribulations” might look like anything: this includes both opposition and just plain difficulty. Paul says to you that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” This is from God and God is with us in it.The TableAnd how do we know that God is with us in difficulty? One way is through the witness of the Lord's Supper.Believers have a life shaped by the cross. Behind our struggles with misunderstanding and opposition is a confidence in Jesus, who suffered and died for us. And so, if you feel inadequate for a difficult situation. If you feel like your knees would buckle when faced with opposition. If you sense that your body and soul are not sufficient for the risk-taking life that we see in Paul and Barnabas here, then God has a word for you here at this table. Jesus Christ endured all for you, and he gives himself to you to be received in faith, just as we take and eat these elements. And if Christ is in you by the power of the Spirit, then all of heaven works for your good.

In this Missions Sunday sermon, Jon Hoglund expounds upon Acts 14:8-22. Paul and Barnabas embark on a journey to Lystra as the first missionary team to the nations. Their tumultuous story of healing, misunderstanding, and gospel explanation that produces conversions, disciples, and new churches, reveals to us how cross-cultural witness glorifies God.

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived. . . . — Acts 16:1 In the United States, where I live, it is common for people to have parents and grandparents from different countries or ethnic backgrounds. A neighbor or coworker might have ancestors from India, Africa, and Europe, for example.This wasn't as common in ancient times, and that is why the writer of Acts points out that Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. In his home community Timothy was unique in that way. Because of that, Timothy may have struggled to find a community in which he truly belonged. Was he Jewish? Was he Greek? Timothy became a believer in Christ, and the community of believers spoke well of him.When Paul and his missionary companions came along, they invited Timothy to come with them. As they discipled Timothy, they likely made clear that his faith, the faith given to him by God and by which he was “in Christ,” made him part of a growing, deeply bonded, and truly beautiful community: the church. Timothy, like them, was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), part of a growing gathering of new creations.Today, if you meet other Christians, take note that together you are part of that growing gathering. Keep your eyes open for what lies behind the faces, the eyes. You'll be seeing new creations. With you, they are signposts of God's renewal in this world, pointing to his new creation. Lord, help us to see all believers in Jesus as new creations, your handiwork, signposts of glorious things to come. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

Galatians 1:3-5 “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Galatians 1:3–5  CSB Saul/Paul introduced at the martyrdom of Stephen. He's ravaging Jesus' followers, Acts 8:1-3. Jesus appears to Saul/Paul, changing his life direction. Receiving a conversion to faith in Jesus as Savior, Saul/Paul is baptized, commissioned, and begins to preach Jesus' Good News, Acts 9:1-31, 28:12-18. Saul, now Paul, and team are commissioned from Antioch for the expansion of the Jesus movement, Acts 13-14. This includes the region of Galatia, a Roman province. Cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe are in the area. Paul and his ministry team pioneered the Jesus movement and church here.  What do we learn? There is freedom in Jesus' Good News. What should we do? 1.    Read Galatians 1 – 2 this week. 2.    Write at least one truth from it. 3.    Pray, asking God what may be pulling you from this. 4.    Think about the contrast between Jesus' Good News and what may be pulling you from it. 5.    Choose to draw closer to Jesus and withdraw from what may be pulling you away from Jesus' Good News.

Acts 16:1-10 (ESV) 16 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him […] The post Discerning God's Call (Acts 16:1-10) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

We serve God when we help others. “Carry each other's burdens, and . . . you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NIV).

In Dr. Smith's analysis of Acts 14, he explores the persistent opposition faced by believers. During his missionary journey, Paul heals a man in Lystra, but the crowd misinterprets the miracle through a pagan lens, demonstrating how secular culture often distorts spiritual truth. Hostility peaks when outside agitators incite the public to stone Paul and leave him for dead. Miraculously, Paul recovers and immediately resumes his work, illustrating that "many tribulations" are inherent to the Christian path. Dr. Smith emphasizes that believers must remain focused on the primary mission of making disciples, despite personal attacks or cultural distractions. By rejecting worldly worldviews and trusting God’s sovereignty, Christians can remain effective witnesses within their unique circles of influence, refusing to let suffering or hardship hinder their calling to spread the Gospel.

In Dr. Smith's analysis of Acts 14, he explores the persistent opposition faced by believers. During his missionary journey, Paul heals a man in Lystra, but the crowd misinterprets the miracle through a pagan lens, demonstrating how secular culture often distorts spiritual truth. Hostility peaks when outside agitators incite the public to stone Paul and leave him for dead. Miraculously, Paul recovers and immediately resumes his work, illustrating that "many tribulations" are inherent to the Christian path. Dr. Smith emphasizes that believers must remain focused on the primary mission of making disciples, despite personal attacks or cultural distractions. By rejecting worldly worldviews and trusting God’s sovereignty, Christians can remain effective witnesses within their unique circles of influence, refusing to let suffering or hardship hinder their calling to spread the Gospel.

Paul has left Jerusalem after conferring with other apostles and elders about giving instructions for the new Gentiles believers. Having delivered instructions to them in Antioch, Paul and Silas return to Lystra (where Paul was almost stoned to death) to visit the growing church, and while there, they pick up a young man named Timothy who continues on with them. This is the same Timothy to whom Paul later writes the books of 1 & 2 Timothy. They also pick up Luke, our narrator, along the way, which can be noted when he changes from third person plural to first person plural. Later, a slave girl is delivered from demonic possession, which means her owners can no longer profit from her fortune-telling. They rile up the crowd, beat Paul and Silas with rods, and throw them in jail, but the Lord has other plans for them and for their jailer. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today,as we continue our introduction to the book of Epistle to the Philippians, Iwant us to think about the amazing circumstances in which this letter waswritten. When you look at the book of Philippians, you find that it is one ofthe most joyful books in the New Testament. In fact, it overflows withencouragement, gratitude, and rejoicing. Yet the Apostle Paul wrote this letterwhile he was a prisoner in Rome. In chapter 1 of Philippians, you will findthat at least four times he mentions the phrase “my chains”—in verse 7,verse 13, verse 14, and verse 16. Even in the opening chapter of this letter tothe church at Philippi, he keeps referring to “my chains.” Paul isreminding them that he is a prisoner in Rome. Tounderstand how remarkable that is, we need to remember a little about the lifeof the Apostle Paul. When you study his life, you go back to the book of Actsof the Apostles. In chapter 9 you find the story of his conversion. But evenbefore that, in chapter 7, you see Paul standing there when Stephen is beingmartyred. He was one of the instigators of the riot that led to Stephen beingstoned. Then in chapter 8 you find him actively persecuting the church. But inchapter 9 everything changes when he encounters Jesus Christ on the road toDamascus. Yet from that moment forward, his life became a life of hardship andsacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Soonafter his conversion, while still in Damascus, he began preaching the gospel.But when he preached, he made many people angry. In fact, there was a plot tokill him there in Damascus, and he had to be lowered down in a basket over thecity wall to escape. Later, in the city of Lystra during his first missionaryjourney in Acts 13, he was stoned by a mob and left for dead.InPhilippi, he and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison.InThessalonica, a riot broke out because of his preaching.InAthens, the philosophers mocked him.InCorinth, he was dragged before the Roman authorities.InEphesus, a massive riot broke out that threatened his life.Againand again, Paul faced opposition, persecution, danger, and suffering for thesake of Christ. Yethere he is, writing from prison to the church at Philippi. And in verse 12 hesays something remarkable:“ButI want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me haveactually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.” In other words, Paulwas saying, “What has happened to me has actually helped the gospel spread.” Evenin his imprisonment he found opportunities to tell people about Jesus Christ.Roman guards were hearing the gospel. Other believers were becoming more boldin their witness. The message of Jesus Christ was advancing. Paulhad learned to see his circumstances through the lens of God's purposes. Insteadof asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Paul asked, “How can God use this forHis glory and for the spread of the gospel?” That perspective is what filledhis heart with joy. The book of Philippians reminds us that joy is notdetermined by our circumstances. Circumstances change constantly. Some days aregood, and some days are difficult. Some seasons of life bring blessings, whileothers bring great trials. So our joy cannot be based on changingcircumstances.Todaywe need to remember this simple truth: Real joy is not found in perfectcircumstances. Real joy is found in trusting a perfect Savior. And that is thekind of joy the book of Philippians will teach us about as we study it togetherover the next few weeks. Godbless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

The book of Acts shows how one prayer, one witness, and one act of courage can create a ripple that reaches nations. From prison cells to shipwrecks to Rome itself, God uses ordinary believers to spread an unstoppable gospel. What ripple might God start through you?

The book of Acts shows how one prayer, one witness, and one act of courage can create a ripple that reaches nations. From prison cells to shipwrecks to Rome itself, God uses ordinary believers to spread an unstoppable gospel. What ripple might God start through you?

Barnabus and Paul are on a missionary journey together, traveling through towns in the Roman empire to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. They have just left Antioch of Pisidia where they preached Christ in a Jewish synagogue, and while many of the people received them warmly, the Jewish community at large was displeased and expelled them from their district. Today, Barnabus and Paul visit Iconium where the Lord performs signs and wonders through them. When they discover some have plans to stone them, they flee to Lystra. There, a man who is unable stand is healed, and the crowds declare our missionaries to be Greek gods in human form. Jews come from the previous two towns and successfully stone Paul, but escapes death and continues preaching the gospel. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

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.

God uses trials and opposition to forge believers into stronger servants, and we can see that in Paul's mission to Lystra and the modern idol of self-worship and autonomy. // A message by Chris Hyatt.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 4:17. Some people talk a good game. Timothy lived one. Paul had a big problem in Corinth—a proud, divided church drifting from the way of Christ. So he doesn't just write another paragraph. He doesn't send a rebuke. He sends a person. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. — 1 Corinthians 4:17 Timothy wasn't a random choice. He was the right man, in the right moment, with the right life. History of Timothy: Paul met him in Lystra as a young man known for sincere faith (Acts 16:1–2). He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). Paul invited him into ministry early (Acts 16:1–3). Timothy proved faithful through suffering, travel, pressure, and conflict (Phil. 2:19–22). Paul trusted him so deeply that he sent him to tough churches—Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus… and now Corinth (1 Thess. 3:1–2). So why send him? Because Timothy didn't just know Paul's teaching—he knew Paul's ways. He lived the gospel Paul preached. Timothy is who Paul would be if Paul were standing in the room. The Corinthians didn't need more clarity. They needed more example. A humble one. A faithful one. A consistent one. A fellow worth following. We all need examples like Timothy… and we're all called to become examples like Timothy. Not perfect. Just faithful. Steady. Growing. Becoming the kind of person who makes it easier for others to follow Jesus. Be a fellow worth following. And here's the truth: You can be. Not by being impressive. Not by being flawless. But by walking closely with Christ until your life naturally points others toward Him. God can shape you into the kind of person others look to for strength, courage, and clarity. The kind of person who lifts prayer burdens, speaks truth gently, and carries the presence of Christ into every space. You don't need a platform. You don't need a title. You just need a faithful life. Let God form you into a fellow worth following. DO THIS: Choose one area of your life where you want to grow into someone "worth following." Invite God to shape you—and someone you trust to sharpen you. ASK THIS: Why did Paul trust Timothy so deeply? What qualities in Timothy do I need to grow in? Does my life help others follow Christ more clearly? PRAY THIS: Lord, form in me the kind of life others can follow. Make me faithful, steady, humble, and true—like Timothy. Shape me into a fellow worth following. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lead Me to the Cross"

While the citizens of Lystra had seen a miracle and been moved to worship, it didn't take much to shift their passions to violence. As the crowd turned, Paul was stoned and left for dead. He used it as a chance to demonstrate the strength and faithfulness required to follow Christ and enter the kingdom. 

As Paul and Barnabas continued on their first missionary journey, they came to the city of Lystra. After a lame man was healed, the town was convinced that Paul and Barnabas were gods. Paul pleaded with them to turn their attention instead to the living God and not to them or their idols.

In this heartfelt episode of the Double Edged Sword Podcast, we journey into the wisdom and grace of the early church as revealed in Acts chapter 16. Beginning with a beautiful prayer to the Holy Trinity, we reflect on the parting of Paul and Barnabas over John Mark—a moment that, though marked by honest disagreement, bore no lasting bitterness and ultimately bore fruit for the Gospel, as John Mark later became useful even to Paul.The heart of the message centers on Paul meeting young Timothy in Lystra, a faithful disciple born of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father. In a striking act of prudence, Paul circumcises Timothy—not to uphold the old law for salvation, but to remove any barrier so the Jews in the region would receive their message without offense. This echoes Paul's own words: “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews” (1 Corinthians 9:20). Far from hypocrisy, it shows masterful wisdom: Paul gives a little to gain much, becoming “all things to all people” so that some might be saved.We marvel at how the churches strengthened in the one holy, apostolic, catholic faith, growing daily as they obeyed the decrees from the Jerusalem council. This reminds us that the true Church stands firmly on the foundation of the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, not human opinion.Beloved, may this episode stir your heart to emulate the prudence of Paul and Christ Himself—who went the extra mile, paid the tax to avoid offense, and met people where they were to draw them to eternal truth. Whether facing division, cultural barriers, or the call to share the Gospel wisely, let us pray for grace to give a little in love so that many might come to know the only Savior, Jesus Christ.Join us as we continue this journey through Acts, trusting the Lord who turns every circumstance for His glory. God bless you richly until next time.

This is the Apostle to whom two of St Paul's Epistles are addressed. He was from Lystra in Lycaonia, born to a pagan Greek father and a Jewish mother. His mother, whose name was Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, brought him up in piety and love of the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul converted the two women during his first missionary visit to Lystra; returning seven years later, he found Timothy full of zeal for Christ, and baptized him. Timothy became his closest disciple: in his epistles, St Paul calls calls him "my dearly beloved son." So that Timothy would be able to preach the Gospel in the synagogues, St Paul personally circumcised him.   The Apostle Paul consecrated Timothy as the first bishop of Ephesus. As such, he became a disciple and exarch of St John the Evangelist, who supervised all the churches in Asia. In AD 97, he attempted to oppose the celebration of a festival to Artemis; the pagans, enraged, mobbed him and beat him to death. He was buried near the tomb of St John. In 356 his precious relics were translated (along with those of Sts Andrew and Luke) to Constantinople and enshrined in the Church of the Holy Apostles. In 1204 they were stolen by the Latin Crusaders when they pillaged the city.

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Jeff Figgs offers a sober and deeply pastoral charge drawn from Paul's final words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-11. Speaking from decades of ministry experience, Jeff reminds listeners that Christian leadership is ultimately measured not by recognition or platform, but by faithfulness, character, and endurance.Jeff serves as Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Greeley, where he has faithfully taught verse-by-verse through all 66 books of the Bible over the past 28 years. Ordained in 1992, he began the church in 1996 with a small Bible study that grew into a thriving congregation. He also hosts the radio programme Under the Fig Tree, co-hosts Calvary Live on GraceFM Colorado, and serves as a chaplain for the Weld County Sheriff's Office. That long obedience in ministry gives particular weight to this exhortation.The session is set in the context of Paul's final imprisonment in Rome. Knowing that his life is drawing to a close, Paul writes to Timothy, his “son in the faith,” warning that the last days will be perilous times. Paul describes a culture marked by misdirected love, counterfeit spirituality, and people who are always learning but never arriving at the truth. Against that backdrop, Paul draws a sharp contrast: “But you have carefully followed…”From there, Jeff walks through the qualities Timothy had observed firsthand in Paul.First, doctrine. Timothy had carefully followed Paul's teaching from the time he joined him in Lystra on the second missionary journey. Sound doctrine is shown to be essential, not optional. Drawing from Acts 20 and 2 Timothy 2:15, Jeff emphasises diligent study, faithful preparation, and rightly dividing the Word of truth. Congregations, he notes, can tell when the hard work has been done, and the goal is not to impress with humour or stories, but to leave people saying, “We heard from God.”Second, manner of life. Paul does not only point to what he taught, but how he lived. This unique phrase highlights the inseparable connection between message and messenger. Referencing passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Acts 20:18, Jeff stresses that a godly message must come from a godly life. The call is searching and personal: to be the same person outside the pulpit as inside it, so that those closest to us would never say, “Not you, pastor.”Third, purpose. Ministry is framed as stewardship rather than self-promotion. Faithfulness, not fame, is the true measure of success. Jeff reflects on the seasons of ministry that shape character over time, including suffering, grief, discouragement, and perseverance. He urges leaders to maintain a genuine devotional life, not merely study for sermons, reminding listeners that we cannot lead others where we ourselves are not walking.Throughout the session, one theme remains clear: godly character matters because we carry a godly message. In a world of perilous times and noisy voices, light does not argue, it is seen. Faithful ministry flows from lives shaped by the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, and marked by humility, love, endurance, and integrity.This episode is a timely reminder that the church does not primarily need famous leaders, but faithful ones, men and women who will handle the Scriptures carefully and live them visibly, for the sake of the next generation.Jeff Figgs in 2019 on speech impediments, introversion and the call of God:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lirX6nlgYk1XDRHlIZsWM?si=515c1d9e1c7c4831For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

A man is healed at Lystra, and Paul and Barnabas must stop the people from worshipping them. The gospel is preached, and Paul is stoned. And no small dispute arises concerning the salvation of the Gentiles. Have a listen. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Erick Sorenson

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. 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.