Podcasts about new testament book of acts

There are moments in history when everything seems to be falling apart, and yet at the very same time, God is quietly at work doing something that changes everything.You can see it in different places and different times. In the 1700s, both Britain and America were facing deep social and moral decline. Tensions were rising, and in France those tensions eventually erupted into violent revolution. But in Britain and in the American colonies, something very different happened. Instead of a political uprising, there was a spiritual awakening. A series of Christian revivals swept through the churches and permanently affected Christianity in the Protestant denominations primarily. Evangelicalism became a movement in many denominations and ordinary people began turning to Christ in massive numbers. Lives were changed. Families were restored. Society itself began to shift—not from the top down, but from the inside out. It became known as the Great Awakening.There's a movie out right now in theaters that highlights the relationship between one of the major leaders of the revival - a man named George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin. Revival leaders like Whitefield and John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards presented a theology that changed people's hearts as they relied on the power of the Holy Spirit - which brought about a deep personal conviction of the need for salvation through Jesus, and a new standard, then, of personal morality.It was an incredible movement - but it wasn't the first time something like that had happened.The very first "great awakening" actually took place in the Roman Empire, in a small and seemingly insignificant corner of the world, in the city of Jerusalem. There was no political power, no cultural influence, no economic strength — it was just a small group of about 120 people gathering together in prayer. And yet within a couple of centuries, the message that began with that small group had spread throughout the entire empire.That's the story that the New Testament Book of Acts tells. It is the story of how God takes a small group of ordinary, often broken people, draws them into connection with Himself, fills them with His presence and His power, and then works through them to change the world.

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Ken Yates and Kathryn Wright are answering a question about the transitional nature of the New Testament book of Acts. When was Cornelius saved? Is it possible that he, like others in the book of Acts, received the Holy Spirit some time after he was saved? What

Getting back to the book of Acts, but why? The New Testament book of Acts reads like an adventure story, except it is true! The Holy Spirit comes on the scene and takes up residence in believers for the first time; He is a game changer!

Here at Waterbrooke, we have been studying the New Testament book of Acts. This Sunday, we are in Acts 9:32-43 as we celebrate Easter Sunday and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire book of Acts is both a demonstration and a defense of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Dr. Brandon Crowe from Westminster Theological Seminary writes: “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the key emphases of Acts, and this helps us appreciate the theological unity of the entire book.” I would say that the resurrection is THE key emphasis of the book of Acts. The resurrected Christ has transformed His timid disciples into bold apostles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their changed lives and their bold ministries are proof of the resurrection. The pouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is proof that Jesus is both risen and reigning. The conversion of multitudes of people is proof of the power of the risen Christ, beginning to change humanity. Saul of Tarsus' radical conversion is clearly declared to have happened because of his encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus. For Luke, every advancement of the kingdom of God into the nations is proof of the resurrected Christ. Acts displays what Jesus continued to do as the risen and reigning Savior and King to advance His kingdom and to bring the nations to Himself. The resurrection has changed everything! C.S. Lewis wrote in his book Miracles, “To preach Christianity meant (to the Apostles) primarily to preach the Resurrection. … The Resurrection is the central theme in every Christian sermon reported in the Acts. The Resurrection and its consequences were the ‘gospel' or good news which the Christians brought.” (Miracles, ch. 16) This Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection and reminded ourselves what it is that we are declaring when we announce and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Friends, Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Our message is called: What the Resurrection Changes! Let's rejoice this Sunday with great rejoicing and sing and declare with confidence that His resurrection changes everything for good! Looking forward to celebrating Easter with you! Invite your family and friends to celebrate with us! In Christ, Kevin Dibbley, Senior Pastor

Pastor Doug explores the New Testament book of Acts. God can change tragedies into triumphs. Part 2 of 2

Pastor Doug explores the New Testament book of Acts. God can change tragedies into triumphs.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the final section of Acts 18, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the final section of Acts 18, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we study the middle of Acts 18, in Volume Six of our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we study the middle of Acts 18, in Volume Six of our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the first portion of Acts 17, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the first portion of Acts 17, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the final verses of Acts 16, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the final verses of Acts 16, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the opening verses of Acts 16, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we look at the opening verses of Acts 16, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as look at the final verses of Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as look at the final verses of Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

Part 1 - For Our Church  Description: Don't you wish life had shortcuts? Wouldn't it be nice to get rich without ever having to work for it? I think we all understand that life doesn't have shortcuts. Join us a Pastor Steve Garcia shared a lesson that we can draw from that could have a massive impact on your life through the New Testament book of Acts following the death and resurrection of Jesus, when he gave this mission to his disciples. - NEXT STEPS  Looking to take your next step?  We want to help! Text the word NEXT to 909-281-7797 or visit sunrisechurch.org/nextsteps. - GIVE TO SUNRISE CHURCH Imagine what God can do through our giving. You can give today at sunrisechurch.org/give  - FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseChurchCA  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisechurchca  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SunriseChurch 

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we resume our study in Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we complete our study in Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we complete our study in Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as look at the final verses of Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as look at the final verses of Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we resume our study in Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we open our study of Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we open our study of Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we complete our study in Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

"Encounter God's Truth" brings you timeless truths for changing times.Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from—and to share with you here on "Encounter God's Truth."So join with us now as we complete our study in Acts 15, in Volume Six in our ongoing series called "Acts: Witness of the Early Church."Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we resume our study in Acts 13 and 14, and begin Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

-Encounter God's Truth- brings you timeless truths for changing times.-Dr. John Whitcomb spent much of his life teaching the Old Testament. It was really quite remarkable, then, that in his later years he devoted much of his energy to preparing messages on the New Testament book of Acts. We're so glad that he did, however, because now we have those recordings to benefit from-and to share with you here on -Encounter God's Truth.--So join with us now as we resume our study in Acts 13 and 14, and begin Volume Six in our ongoing series called -Acts- Witness of the Early Church.--Whitcomb Ministries declares with certainty that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.-As host Wayne Shepherd shares, we bring you this teaching with gratitude to our friends at Middletown Bible Church in Middletown, Conn., where Dr. Whitcomb first delivered it before the Independent Fundamental Bible Conference.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Seven.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Eight.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Six.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Five.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Four in its entirety.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Three.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-One.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twenty-Two.  

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Nineteen.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Eighteen.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Seventeen in its entirety.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Fifteen.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Sixteen.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Thirteen.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Fourteen.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Eleven.

Steve Wiggins of GroundworksMinistries.com is sharing a devotional from the New Testament book of Acts, Chapter Twelve.

Title: “Lars and the Real Girl” Description:   We all should admit we like being entertained, for some it's going to the movies or watching a film in the comfort of your own home. What many of us may not realize is that there are countless biblical themes intertwined into films. Take a seat and grab some popcorn as Pastor Steve Garcia kicks off a brand new summer series we're calling “Reel Faith” in the New Testament book of Acts. - NEXT STEPS  Looking to take your next step?  We want to help! Text the word NEXT to 909-281-7797 or visit sunrisechurch.org/nextsteps. - GIVE TO SUNRISE CHURCH Imagine what God can do through our giving. You can give today at sunrisechurch.org/give. - FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseChurchCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisechurchca Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SunriseChurch 

The "Best of" First Reading Easter Series Easter is a strange season in the Lectionary for us here at the "Old Testament Lectionary Podcast," because during Easter the first reading is drawn from the New Testament book of Acts. So, this year, we've decided to use this season to re-release some of our favorite episodes from the vault, conversations with leading scholars in the field. This week, since we just passed the Jewish holiday of Purim, we are featuring our 2021 interview with Rosy Kandathil, who (not long after this interview) became one of our regular hosts! Our conversation is centered around the book of Esther, which is the topic of Rosy's PhD dissertation—which, by the way, she is defending this week! Go Rosy! So enjoy this “best of” FR episode! Esther is a rich and complex biblical story—which is why it's unfortunate that it only appears once in the 3-year lectionary cycle. But to help us make the most of this occasion, we invited Rosy Kandathil to join us for a deep dive into Esther. Rosy is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, where she is writing a dissertation on the collision of humor and violence in the book of Esther. Rosy's insights help us get to the core relevant issues of the book: how it navigates multiple identities at once, deals with the challenges of thriving in diaspora, and hosts some of our own deep questions about violence and vengeance. Buckle up for a great episode!