Podcasts about read acts

Opener 1. Have you ever received directions from someone and then realized later you misunderstood what they meant? What happened? 2. Think of a time when you had an important decision to make. What were some of the things you considered before moving forward? Discussion 1. Read Acts 15:1-29, paying particular attention to verse 28. What stands out to you about the way the early church made decisions? What did they seem to rely on as they discerned God’s direction together? 2. The sermon introduced five “beacons” the Holy Spirit often uses to guide us: Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, and wisdom/circumstances. Which of these five beacons do you tend to trust most naturally? Which one do you tend to overlook or neglect? 3. Rather than relying on a single feeling, dream, or coincidence, the early church looked for multiple indicators pointing in the same direction. Why do you think God often guides us through a process of discernment rather than simply giving us immediate certainty? What does that require from us? 4. One of the sermon’s key ideas was that hearing God is not just about receiving guidance but becoming the kind of person who listens. Read Colossians 3:15-17. How do gratitude, surrender, and obedience affect our ability to recognize and respond to God’s leading? 5. Looking back on your life, can you think of a time when several of the “beacons” aligned and helped bring clarity to a situation? What did you learn from that experience? Application 1. Which of the five beacons—Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, or wisdom/circumstances—would you like to pay closer attention to this week? What is one practical step you can take? Close in Prayer Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to make you more attentive to His voice. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and a surrendered heart that is willing to follow wherever Jesus leads. Ask God to use His Word, prayer, community, and everyday circumstances to help each person grow in recognizing His guidance.

Kids will learn that prayer is how we talk with God and that one important type of prayer is praise. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

Kids will learn about Peter and John healing a man who was paralyzed through the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They'll discover that God is still in charge of everything, that miracles show God's power, and that the church continues sharing the good news about Jesus with boldness. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

Opener: When you think of famous movie endings, what do you think of? What made that ending so impactful. Discussion: 1. Read John 14:25-30. If you were in the room when Jesus was saying these words what would your impression be? What would be your understanding of the Holy Spirit? 2. Read Acts 1:8. What is your understanding of the type of power we receive from the Holy Spirit? Is there a gap between your belief and your experience? 3. Do you have a tendency to rely on other parts of your faith (worship, Scripture, community) over the Holy Spirit? How can you increase your dependence on the Spirit? 4. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit speak through Scripture? Discuss the partnership between people and the Spirit. 5. We can use Scripture to understand God's character, hear His voice, love others, and test our experience. What might each of these things look like practically in our lives? Close in prayer asking for power from the Holy Spirit.

Kids will learn about Peter and John healing a man who was paralyzed through the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They'll discover that God is still in charge of everything, that miracles show God's power, and that the church continues sharing the good news about Jesus with boldness. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn: ✨ Peter and John were apostles, special followers sent by Jesus to help lead the early church.

Main Text: Matthew 21:33–46 (ESV) 33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.Preaching Point: Knowing that God will call our lives into account should move us from a self-focused life to one united with Christ and governed by his authority.Teaching Points:Expect God to Collect (vv. 33-34)Respect God's Ownership (vv. 35-41)Submit to the Son's Authority (vv. 42-46)Application Questions: Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon.Read 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:12, and Luke 12:42–48. What do these passages teach you about your accountability before God for what he has entrusted to you? If Christ scheduled your BEMA judgment for next week, what specific areas of your life would you be most concerned about giving an account for? How can you prepare now to account for those areas in a way that will honor the Lord?Read Romans 1:18–25, Psalm 24:1, and 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. Why is the temptation to live as though your life is your own such a serious offense against God?Where in your life have you been treating something as "mine" when it actually belongs to God? (Marriage, money, kids, time, body, gifts, work, influence, etc.) How do you plan on surrendering these to God?Read Acts 4:11–12 and 1 Peter 2:4–10. Do you live as if Jesus is the cornerstone of your life? Explain.Where are you most tempted to step around Christ's authority rather than build your life on him? What is one specific area of your life you need to bring under Christ's authority today?

Kids will learn that God is good because he doesn't leave us alone—he sent the Holy Spirit to help his people. They'll discover what happened at Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit gives us power, courage, and understanding to follow Jesus and share the good news. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | May 10, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Acts 17:16-27Reflection Questions:1. What's one thing that stood out to you from the sermon and why? 2. How would you describe your relationship with science? 3. What are Biblical examples of how science and faith can come into contact? 4. One of Brian's main points was that believers need to use the right tools for the right tasks as we share our faith. What examples of this do you see throughout the Bible or even just in regular life? 5. Brian's focal point was that science best answers questions related to HOW the natural world works and faith best answers questions related to WHY the natural world is. Do you agree or disagree? Why? 6. Read Acts 17:16-27 What elements of Paul's interactions with the Athenians offer clues to how we might engage people that have a science bend? 7. What would the church look like if everyone took Paul's cues in interacting with people outside the faith, especially those where science is most influential? 8. What are your thoughts around Genesis 1 and the definition of a day? 9. Brian cited the use of Yom as the Hebrew word for day in Genesis 1 as also being the same word describing various periods of time. He referenced Genesis 2:2, 4:3, 43:9 and 44:32. What do you think about the various uses of Yom in Genesis? 10. What might be a next step for you related to the interaction of science and faith and the people in your sphere? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Right Tools for the Right Job(00:06:28) - Paul reasoned in Athens(00:13:04) - Paul: Why Does the Universe Exist? (Acts 17(00:16:01) - Debate on Science and Faith(00:19:19) - The Debate Over Genesis 1 and the Age of the Earth(00:20:27) - The Day Debate in Genesis 1:2(00:26:50) - Three Hard Questions for Science and Faith(00:29:34) - Three Scientists on the Origins of Everything

Kids will learn that God is good because he doesn't leave us alone—he sent the Holy Spirit to help his people. They'll discover what happened at Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit gives us power, courage, and understanding to follow Jesus and share the good news. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

Kids will learn that God is good because he doesn't leave us alone—he sent the Holy Spirit to help his people. They'll discover what happened at Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit gives us power, courage, and understanding to follow Jesus and share the good news. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

Language is the key to any culture. But without understanding a foreign language, you can't understand a foreign people. Stare at the sights, eat the food, listen to the music, buy the souvenirs—but at the end of the day, you're an outsider looking in. The recent explosion of language learning systems like Rosetta Stone and Babel have attempted to bridge the gap between ignorance and fluency. We now have incredible translation technology right in our pockets, with smartphones capable of on-the-fly translation of foreign languages, on-device, instantly.Something far greater than instantaneous translation has already happened. In Acts 2, the language barrier is leveled, and the culture of the new Kingdom is unveiled. This isn't just the next big thing; it's fulfilling an ancient promise made centuries earlier.Read Acts 2:1-13 and get ready for a wild ride on Sunday!

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONSRead Acts 2:14-41. What stands out to you in this passage? Peter, a common uneducated man, stood up and addressed thousands of people with the message of the Gospel. He did this by the power of God's Spirit. In what area of your life (or what person or group) could you be more bold in sharing the good news of Jesus? In Peter's speech to the crowd, he makes it very clear that Jesus is central to everything. In your everyday conversations (friends, family, work), what topics take center stage instead of Jesus? What is one practical way you can intentionally point someone toward Jesus this week? Read Psalm 110:1 and Acts 2:36. What does it mean that Jesus is both “Lord” and “Christ?” What is one area of your life that you struggle to fully “submit” to the Lord, putting yourself under His authority? How can you practically take a step toward surrender? When people heard Peter's sermon, they were “cut to the heart.” How does conviction by the Holy Spirit work with you? When was the last time you were convicted? Describe the process for you. Repentance means turning away or turning from, not just being sorry for something. What is a specific attitude, habit, or pattern in your life that the Holy Spirit is calling you to turn from? What action would show that you “turned” away from sin and toward God? Close by praying for each other in these things. 

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONSRead Acts 2:14-41. What stands out to you in this passage? Peter, a common uneducated man, stood up and addressed thousands of people with the message of the Gospel. He did this by the power of God's Spirit. In what area of your life (or what person or group) could you be more bold in sharing the good news of Jesus? In Peter's speech to the crowd, he makes it very clear that Jesus is central to everything. In your everyday conversations (friends, family, work), what topics take center stage instead of Jesus? What is one practical way you can intentionally point someone toward Jesus this week? Read Psalm 110:1 and Acts 2:36. What does it mean that Jesus is both “Lord” and “Christ?” What is one area of your life that you struggle to fully “submit” to the Lord, putting yourself under His authority? How can you practically take a step toward surrender? When people heard Peter's sermon, they were “cut to the heart.” How does conviction by the Holy Spirit work with you? When was the last time you were convicted? Describe the process for you. Repentance means turning away or turning from, not just being sorry for something. What is a specific attitude, habit, or pattern in your life that the Holy Spirit is calling you to turn from? What action would show that you “turned” away from sin and toward God? Close by praying for each other in these things. 

Main Text: Matthew 21:14-17 (ESV) 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “ ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise'?” 17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.Preaching Point: We must respond to Jesus' authority with humility and praise, knowing that our response reveals whether our relationship with God is genuine or merely a counterfeit commitment to Christ.Teaching Points: Notice the Kinds of People Who Come to Jesus (vv. 14,15b) Distinguish Religious Activity from Genuine Faith (vv. 15a,15c,16a)Speak Wonderfully of Jesus (vv. 16b-17)Application Questions: Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you? Read Matthew 18:3-4, James 4:6 and Isaiah 57:15. What do these passages teach you about the kind of people who truly come to Jesus? What area of your life do you need the reminder that God opposes the proud but draws near to the humble and contrite? Read Acts 17:22-31. Why is it possible to be very religious and yet not truly know God? What are some ways this can show up even in a church context?Where might you be relying on religious habits, knowledge, or background instead of genuine trust in the person and work of Jesus?Read Romans 14:23. Paul teaches that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Where are you tempted to engage in “religious activity” that is not flowing from real faith?What steps can you take to ensure that your beliefs, convictions, and actions are flowing from a genuine relationship with Christ and submission to his authority?Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 and 1 Peter 2:9. How are you doing at speaking wonderfully of Jesus in your interactions with others? Where are you most tempted to stay quiet about Jesus? How can you be more bold about speaking more wonderfully about Jesus in your daily life?

Main Text: Matthew 20:17-19 (ESV)17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”Preaching Point: We must unequivocally accept that God uses human means, including human evil, to accomplish his sovereign, predetermined will, chiefly displayed in the suffering and death of Jesus, which secured our salvation.Teaching Points:Recognize That God's Plan Is Settled Before it Unfolds (vv. 17-19)Accept God's Use of Human Means to Accomplish His Plan (vv. 17-19)Application Questions:Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?Read Matthew 20:17-19, Acts 2:22-24, and Acts 4:27-28. What do these passages teach you about God's sovereign control over the suffering and death of Jesus?Read Acts 2:23. Peter tells the people of Israel that “you” crucified and killed Jesus, even though this happened according to God's definite plan. Why is it important to hold together both God's sovereignty and human responsibility?Where are you most tempted to emphasize one at the expense of the other?Read Isaiah 46:9-11, Genesis 50:15-21, and Psalm 139:16. How do these passages influence your understanding that God is orchestrating both the greatest events of history and the smallest details of life according to his will?How should this perspective change the way you understand hardship, injustice, or disappointment?Read Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 21:1, and Philippians 2:12-13. What do these passages teach you about the relationship between God's sovereign plans and human decisions?How can a firm belief in God's sovereignty bring you comfort, confidence, and humility this week?

Standalone from February 8, 2025“It's great to receive encouragement. It's greater to give encouragement.”Selections from Acts by Paul MutchlerSUMMARYThis sermon  focuses on biblical encouragement through the life of Barnabas, showing that it's not just a kind gesture but one of the greatest gifts Christians can give and receive. Drawing on his decades of ministry, Pastor Paul Mutchler calls Neighborhood Church to reject being a passive “let them” church and instead actively encourage their roughly 300 surrounding neighbors, recognizing that each believer is uniquely wired by God to see and meet real needs.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-5Preaching Point: As a church and as individual believers, we must continually and actively look to teach others to be like Christ. Teaching Points:Take Your Charge to Teach Seriously (vv. 1-2)Take the Threats to Sound Teaching Seriously (vv. 3-4)Take the Lifestyle of Teaching Seriously (vv. 5)Application QuestionsWhat is one observation or application you found helpful from Sunday's sermon?Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Paul roots his charge in four eternal realities (God's presence, judgment, Christ's return, His kingdom). How should those realities affect the way we approach teaching others?What does it look like to be “ready in season and out of season” in your current stage of life?Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4 and Psalm 37:4. How are these verses related and what do they tell us about the root cause of people following false teaching? Read Acts 17:10-12. What safeguards help you stay anchored in truth when culture, media, or even so-called Christian voices pull you elsewhere?Read 2 Timothy 4:5. What does “fulfilling your ministry” look like in your life right now—at home, work, school, or church?Is there someone God may be calling you to intentionally teach or disciple right now? What might obedience look like this week?

How can someone be sure they will go to Heaven when they die? Pastor Greg Laurie reveals that the answers to some of our most pressing questions are found right in the book of Isaiah. Notes: ACTS 8 AND ISAIAH 53 PEOPLE WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO AVOID PAIN. WE WANT THE GAIN WITHOUT THE PAIN. WE WANT THE CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS. THE TEXT BEFORE US REMINDS US THAT JESUS CHOSE THE WAY OF PAIN- ON PURPOSE. WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO READ ANSWERS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF LIFE-- HOW CAN A PERSON COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?- HOW CAN ONE BE FREE FROM THE GUILT AND REMORSE OVER THEIR SINS?- HOW CAN ONE BE CERTAIN THAT THEIR SINS ARE INDEED FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL GO TO HEAVEN? ISAIAH 53 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THERE IS POWER IN THE MESSAGE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. WHY IS THE DEATH OF JESUS SO IMPORTANT?BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND A PRICE MUST BE PAID, A SUBUSTUTE MUST BE OFFERED. JESUS IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED, BUT HE IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH OFFERS THE CLEAREST ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS. ISAIAH WROTE HIS BOOK 700 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST DIED.HOWEVER, HE WROTE IT AS THOUGH HE WAS AN EYEWITNESS. IN OUR JESUS AND YOU 2 SERIES, WE HAVE SEEN JESUS IN THE FIRE WITH SHADRACH, IN A WRESTLING MATCH WITH JACOB, AND NOW ISAIAH SHOWS US JESUS AS THE SUFFERER. “THIS CHAPTER IS THE VERY HEART OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE BIBLE IN MINATURE.”—CHARLES SPURGEON LET’S START WITH THE TWO DOWNHEARTED DISCIPLES ON THE EMMAUS ROAD AFTER JESUS ROSE. LUKE 24:27 (ESV)BEGINNING AT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, HE INTERPRETED TO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WENT TO JERUSALEM, SEARCHING FOR GOD. BUT AS A DIGNITARY, HE RECEIVED SOMETHING VALUABLE, THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH! PHILIP HEARD THIS FOREIGN DIGNITARY READLING ALOUD FROM ISAIAH 53. READ ACTS 8:31 30-35 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ISAIAH IS THE MOST QUOTED OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. JESUS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTE ISAIAH AT LEAST 65 TIMES AND HE IS MENTIONED BY NAME 22 TIMES. THE WHOLE GOSPEL IS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:- THE BRUTALITY OF THE WOUNDS INFLICTED ON JESUS. (ISAIAH 52:14)- HIS ABSOLUTE SILENCE BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS (ISAIAH 53:7)- HIS DEATH (ISAIAH 53:8–9)- THE PLACE OF HIS BURIAL (ISAIAH 53:9)- HIS RESURRECTION (ISAIAH 53:10) READ ISAIAH 53:1-3 JESUS WAS ORDINARY IN APPEARANCE. IF JESUS HAD AN INSTAGRAM, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE VIRAL,BUT HE STILL WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS. IF JESUS WERE HERE TODAY, HE WOULDN’T BE TRENDING, HE’S BE TRANSFORMING. JESUS DID NOT COME FROM THE MARBLE PALACES OF ROME OR THE HALLS OF HEROD. WE OVERLOOK THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR CULTURE TODAY. WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT WORSHIPS THE OUTWARD. PEOPLE SCROLL PAST THE ORDINARY.MOST LIKELY, YOU COULD NOT PICK JESUS OUT OF A CROWD. AT HIS BIRTH, ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RECOGNIZED WHO HE WAS,HUMBLE SHEPHERDS, WHO WERE THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AT THAT TIME. JESUS RETURNED TO HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN RAISED. THEY DECIDED TO KILL HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE EDGE OF A CLIFF TO THROW HIM OFF.YET JESUS SHOWED HE WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL. LUKE 4:29 30 (ESV) BUT PASSING THROUGH THEIR MIDST, HE WENT AWAY. PEOPLE WANTED A MILITANT MESSIAH AND THEY GOT A SUFFERING SAVIOR. JESUS WAS EXTRODINARY IN WHAT HE CAME TO DO.ISAIAH 53:3 WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “JESUS WAS A MAN OF SORROWS?” DOES IT MEAN JESUS NEVER SMILED, NEVER LAUGHED? JESUS SAID, “I TOLD YOU THIS TO MAKE YOU COMPLETELY HAPPY AS I AM.” JESUS WAS HAPPY, APPROACHABLE, AND EXUDED LOVE! 1 TIMOTHY 1:11( NLT)THE GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO ME BY OUR BLESSED GOD. THAT IS NOT THE VIEW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF THE ALMIGHTY.THEY SEE HIM MORE AS THE ANGRY GOD OR THE DISINTERESTED GOD. WHEN GOD SEES YOU, HE SMILES. NUMBERS 6:24–26 (NLT)MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE. WE FOLLOW THE LOVING GOD, THE HAPPY GOD, THE SMILING GOD. WHEN JESUS WAS IN GETHSHEMENE HE WAS IN THE DEEPEST SORROW AND PAIN. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. JESUS WAS “A MAN OF SORROWS AND AQUAINTED WITH GRIEF.”ISAIAH 53:3 JESUS DIDN’T JUST SEND US A SYMPATHY CARD FROM HEAVEN, HE SHOWED UP IN PERSON. JESUS UNDERSTANDS PAIN, NOT JUST IN THEORY, BUT PERSONALLY. WHEN YOU GRIEVE, YOU ARE WALKING A ROAD JESUS HAS WALKED. I HAVE LIVED WITH GRIEF, AND IT IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. SORROW PASSES THROUGH YOU, GRIEF MOVES IN AND TAKES RESIDENCE FOR A WHILE. GRIEF IS THE WAVE THAT THAT COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WHEN YOU HEAR A SONG OR SEE AN OLD PHOTO. GRIEF IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING,THE DEPTH OF YOUR GRIEF INDICATES THE DEPTH OF YOUR LOVE. THE BIBLE SAYS, “THERE IS A TIME TO MOURN.” PAUL POINTS OUT, “WE DO NOT GRIEVE HOPELESSLY BUT HOPEFULLY.” GOD UNDERSTANDS THAT GRIEF YOU ARE FEELING. JESUS CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR SORROW. REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TIMES OF SUFFERING,JESUS HAS WALKED IN YOUR SHOES. HEBREWS 4:15 (NLT)THIS HIGH PRIEST OF OURS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, FOR HE FACED ALL OF THE SAME TESTINGS WE DO, YET HE DID NOT SIN. ISAIAH 53 MATTERS TODAY BECAUSE THE ONE WHO CARRIED OUR GRIEFS AND BORE OUR SORROWSSTILL OFFERS HEALING — FOR HEARTS, FOR HOMES, AND FOR A GENERATION THAT’S LOST IT’S WAY. JESUS LOVED US AND DIED FOR US. ISAIAH 53:5 (NKJV)BUT HE [WAS] WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, [HE WAS] BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; THE CHASTISEMENT FOR OUR PEACE [WAS] UPON HIM, AND BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. ISAIAH 53:6 (NKJV)ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; WE HAVE TURNED, EVERY ONE, TO HIS OWN WAY; AND THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. JESUS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENTAL VICTIM.HE WAS A CONQUERING VICTOR. HOW CAN A PERSON BE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD?HOW CAN THE STAIN OF OUR GUILT AND SHAME FROM OUR SIN BE REMOVED? ANSWER: BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? JESUS HAD TO DIE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO SATISFY GOD’S RIGHTEOUS DEMANDS. GOD PLAYS BY HIS OWN RULES, AND HIS RULES STATE,“THE SOUL THAT SINS SHALL SURELY DIE.” THE DEATH OF JESUS WAS FORETOLD BY THE HEBREW PROPHETS. MESSIAH WOULD COME, BE BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM, AND BE CRUCIFIED ON A CROSS. JESUS WOULD SOON SAY THE WORDS OF PSALM 22, “THEY PIERCED MY HANDS AND FEET.” PSALM 22 WAS WRITTEN 1,000 YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST CRUCIFIXION EVER TOOK PLACE. JESUS LIVED IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS FROM THE MOMENT HE ENTERED OUR WORLD. FOR SOME, THE CROSS SEEMED LIKE AN ABERRATION, A MISTAKE, A TRAGIC TURN OF EVENTS. IT MUST HAVE SEEMED LIKE THAT FOR THE DISCIPLES AS JESUS WAS ARRESTED AND MURDERED. GOD WAS THE ‘MASTER OF CEREMONIES’ AT THE CROSS. ROMANS 8:32GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL. ROMANS 3:25GOD PUT CHRIST FORWARD…BY HIS BLOOD, TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH. (ISAIAH 53:10YET IT PLEASED THE FATHER TO BRUISE HIM; HE HAS PUT HIM TO DEATH. GOD WAS PLEASED BY THE REDEMPTION THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.HE WAS PLEASED BY THE ETERNAL PLAN OF SALVATION THAT WAS FULFILLED. IN FACT, THIS WAS THE MOST EVIL ACT EVER PERPETRATED BY SINFUL HEARTS:THE SINLESS SON OF GOD, TORTURED, SLAUGHTERED, HEARTLESSLY MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD. AND YET, FROM IT CAME THE GREATEST GOOD OF ALL TIME. CALVARY SHOWS HOW FAR MEN WILL GO IN SIN AND HOW FAR GOD WILL GO FOR SALVATION. AS CHRIST HUNG THERE, HE WAS BEARING THE SINS OF THE WORLD, DYING AS A SUBSTITUTE. TO HIM WAS IMPUTED THE GUILT OF THEIR SINS,AND HE WAS SUFFERING THE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE SINS ON THEIR BEHALF. THE VERY ESSENCE OF THAT PUNISHMENT WAS THE OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH AGAINST SINNERS. JESUS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.ISAIAH 53:7 JESUS WAS ARRESTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AS THOUGH HE WERE A CRIMINAL. WHEN PILATE QUESTIONED JESUS, HE SPOKE A FEW WORDS, BUT NONE IN HIS OWN DEFENSE. THIS WAS ALL DONE THAT WE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN AND COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. READ ACTS 8:34–39 THAT IS HOW QUICKLY CONVERSION CAN HAPPEN.IT DOES NOT TAKE YEARS, OR MONTHS, OR WEEKS, OR DAYS, OR EVEN HOURS. JESUS CHRIST DID ALL OF THIS FOR YOU. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can someone be sure they will go to Heaven when they die? Pastor Greg Laurie reveals that the answers to some of our most pressing questions are found right in the book of Isaiah. Notes: ACTS 8 AND ISAIAH 53 PEOPLE WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO AVOID PAIN. WE WANT THE GAIN WITHOUT THE PAIN. WE WANT THE CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS. THE TEXT BEFORE US REMINDS US THAT JESUS CHOSE THE WAY OF PAIN- ON PURPOSE. WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO READ ANSWERS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF LIFE-- HOW CAN A PERSON COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?- HOW CAN ONE BE FREE FROM THE GUILT AND REMORSE OVER THEIR SINS?- HOW CAN ONE BE CERTAIN THAT THEIR SINS ARE INDEED FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL GO TO HEAVEN? ISAIAH 53 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THERE IS POWER IN THE MESSAGE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. WHY IS THE DEATH OF JESUS SO IMPORTANT?BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND A PRICE MUST BE PAID, A SUBUSTUTE MUST BE OFFERED. JESUS IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED, BUT HE IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH OFFERS THE CLEAREST ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS. ISAIAH WROTE HIS BOOK 700 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST DIED.HOWEVER, HE WROTE IT AS THOUGH HE WAS AN EYEWITNESS. IN OUR JESUS AND YOU 2 SERIES, WE HAVE SEEN JESUS IN THE FIRE WITH SHADRACH, IN A WRESTLING MATCH WITH JACOB, AND NOW ISAIAH SHOWS US JESUS AS THE SUFFERER. “THIS CHAPTER IS THE VERY HEART OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE BIBLE IN MINATURE.”—CHARLES SPURGEON LET’S START WITH THE TWO DOWNHEARTED DISCIPLES ON THE EMMAUS ROAD AFTER JESUS ROSE. LUKE 24:27 (ESV)BEGINNING AT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, HE INTERPRETED TO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WENT TO JERUSALEM, SEARCHING FOR GOD. BUT AS A DIGNITARY, HE RECEIVED SOMETHING VALUABLE, THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH! PHILIP HEARD THIS FOREIGN DIGNITARY READLING ALOUD FROM ISAIAH 53. READ ACTS 8:31 30-35 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ISAIAH IS THE MOST QUOTED OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. JESUS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTE ISAIAH AT LEAST 65 TIMES AND HE IS MENTIONED BY NAME 22 TIMES. THE WHOLE GOSPEL IS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:- THE BRUTALITY OF THE WOUNDS INFLICTED ON JESUS. (ISAIAH 52:14)- HIS ABSOLUTE SILENCE BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS (ISAIAH 53:7)- HIS DEATH (ISAIAH 53:8–9)- THE PLACE OF HIS BURIAL (ISAIAH 53:9)- HIS RESURRECTION (ISAIAH 53:10) READ ISAIAH 53:1-3 JESUS WAS ORDINARY IN APPEARANCE. IF JESUS HAD AN INSTAGRAM, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE VIRAL,BUT HE STILL WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS. IF JESUS WERE HERE TODAY, HE WOULDN’T BE TRENDING, HE’S BE TRANSFORMING. JESUS DID NOT COME FROM THE MARBLE PALACES OF ROME OR THE HALLS OF HEROD. WE OVERLOOK THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR CULTURE TODAY. WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT WORSHIPS THE OUTWARD. PEOPLE SCROLL PAST THE ORDINARY.MOST LIKELY, YOU COULD NOT PICK JESUS OUT OF A CROWD. AT HIS BIRTH, ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RECOGNIZED WHO HE WAS,HUMBLE SHEPHERDS, WHO WERE THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AT THAT TIME. JESUS RETURNED TO HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN RAISED. THEY DECIDED TO KILL HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE EDGE OF A CLIFF TO THROW HIM OFF.YET JESUS SHOWED HE WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL. LUKE 4:29 30 (ESV) BUT PASSING THROUGH THEIR MIDST, HE WENT AWAY. PEOPLE WANTED A MILITANT MESSIAH AND THEY GOT A SUFFERING SAVIOR. JESUS WAS EXTRODINARY IN WHAT HE CAME TO DO.ISAIAH 53:3 WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “JESUS WAS A MAN OF SORROWS?” DOES IT MEAN JESUS NEVER SMILED, NEVER LAUGHED? JESUS SAID, “I TOLD YOU THIS TO MAKE YOU COMPLETELY HAPPY AS I AM.” JESUS WAS HAPPY, APPROACHABLE, AND EXUDED LOVE! 1 TIMOTHY 1:11( NLT)THE GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO ME BY OUR BLESSED GOD. THAT IS NOT THE VIEW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF THE ALMIGHTY.THEY SEE HIM MORE AS THE ANGRY GOD OR THE DISINTERESTED GOD. WHEN GOD SEES YOU, HE SMILES. NUMBERS 6:24–26 (NLT)MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE. WE FOLLOW THE LOVING GOD, THE HAPPY GOD, THE SMILING GOD. WHEN JESUS WAS IN GETHSHEMENE HE WAS IN THE DEEPEST SORROW AND PAIN. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. JESUS WAS “A MAN OF SORROWS AND AQUAINTED WITH GRIEF.”ISAIAH 53:3 JESUS DIDN’T JUST SEND US A SYMPATHY CARD FROM HEAVEN, HE SHOWED UP IN PERSON. JESUS UNDERSTANDS PAIN, NOT JUST IN THEORY, BUT PERSONALLY. WHEN YOU GRIEVE, YOU ARE WALKING A ROAD JESUS HAS WALKED. I HAVE LIVED WITH GRIEF, AND IT IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. SORROW PASSES THROUGH YOU, GRIEF MOVES IN AND TAKES RESIDENCE FOR A WHILE. GRIEF IS THE WAVE THAT THAT COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WHEN YOU HEAR A SONG OR SEE AN OLD PHOTO. GRIEF IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING,THE DEPTH OF YOUR GRIEF INDICATES THE DEPTH OF YOUR LOVE. THE BIBLE SAYS, “THERE IS A TIME TO MOURN.” PAUL POINTS OUT, “WE DO NOT GRIEVE HOPELESSLY BUT HOPEFULLY.” GOD UNDERSTANDS THAT GRIEF YOU ARE FEELING. JESUS CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR SORROW. REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TIMES OF SUFFERING,JESUS HAS WALKED IN YOUR SHOES. HEBREWS 4:15 (NLT)THIS HIGH PRIEST OF OURS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, FOR HE FACED ALL OF THE SAME TESTINGS WE DO, YET HE DID NOT SIN. ISAIAH 53 MATTERS TODAY BECAUSE THE ONE WHO CARRIED OUR GRIEFS AND BORE OUR SORROWSSTILL OFFERS HEALING — FOR HEARTS, FOR HOMES, AND FOR A GENERATION THAT’S LOST IT’S WAY. JESUS LOVED US AND DIED FOR US. ISAIAH 53:5 (NKJV)BUT HE [WAS] WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, [HE WAS] BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; THE CHASTISEMENT FOR OUR PEACE [WAS] UPON HIM, AND BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. ISAIAH 53:6 (NKJV)ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; WE HAVE TURNED, EVERY ONE, TO HIS OWN WAY; AND THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. JESUS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENTAL VICTIM.HE WAS A CONQUERING VICTOR. HOW CAN A PERSON BE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD?HOW CAN THE STAIN OF OUR GUILT AND SHAME FROM OUR SIN BE REMOVED? ANSWER: BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? JESUS HAD TO DIE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO SATISFY GOD’S RIGHTEOUS DEMANDS. GOD PLAYS BY HIS OWN RULES, AND HIS RULES STATE,“THE SOUL THAT SINS SHALL SURELY DIE.” THE DEATH OF JESUS WAS FORETOLD BY THE HEBREW PROPHETS. MESSIAH WOULD COME, BE BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM, AND BE CRUCIFIED ON A CROSS. JESUS WOULD SOON SAY THE WORDS OF PSALM 22, “THEY PIERCED MY HANDS AND FEET.” PSALM 22 WAS WRITTEN 1,000 YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST CRUCIFIXION EVER TOOK PLACE. JESUS LIVED IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS FROM THE MOMENT HE ENTERED OUR WORLD. FOR SOME, THE CROSS SEEMED LIKE AN ABERRATION, A MISTAKE, A TRAGIC TURN OF EVENTS. IT MUST HAVE SEEMED LIKE THAT FOR THE DISCIPLES AS JESUS WAS ARRESTED AND MURDERED. GOD WAS THE ‘MASTER OF CEREMONIES’ AT THE CROSS. ROMANS 8:32GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL. ROMANS 3:25GOD PUT CHRIST FORWARD…BY HIS BLOOD, TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH. (ISAIAH 53:10YET IT PLEASED THE FATHER TO BRUISE HIM; HE HAS PUT HIM TO DEATH. GOD WAS PLEASED BY THE REDEMPTION THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.HE WAS PLEASED BY THE ETERNAL PLAN OF SALVATION THAT WAS FULFILLED. IN FACT, THIS WAS THE MOST EVIL ACT EVER PERPETRATED BY SINFUL HEARTS:THE SINLESS SON OF GOD, TORTURED, SLAUGHTERED, HEARTLESSLY MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD. AND YET, FROM IT CAME THE GREATEST GOOD OF ALL TIME. CALVARY SHOWS HOW FAR MEN WILL GO IN SIN AND HOW FAR GOD WILL GO FOR SALVATION. AS CHRIST HUNG THERE, HE WAS BEARING THE SINS OF THE WORLD, DYING AS A SUBSTITUTE. TO HIM WAS IMPUTED THE GUILT OF THEIR SINS,AND HE WAS SUFFERING THE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE SINS ON THEIR BEHALF. THE VERY ESSENCE OF THAT PUNISHMENT WAS THE OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH AGAINST SINNERS. JESUS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.ISAIAH 53:7 JESUS WAS ARRESTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AS THOUGH HE WERE A CRIMINAL. WHEN PILATE QUESTIONED JESUS, HE SPOKE A FEW WORDS, BUT NONE IN HIS OWN DEFENSE. THIS WAS ALL DONE THAT WE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN AND COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. READ ACTS 8:34–39 THAT IS HOW QUICKLY CONVERSION CAN HAPPEN.IT DOES NOT TAKE YEARS, OR MONTHS, OR WEEKS, OR DAYS, OR EVEN HOURS. JESUS CHRIST DID ALL OF THIS FOR YOU. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermon Notes:· Dallas Willard – Joy is a deep sense of well-being, knowing God is for us and is at work on our behalf.· How do we know we are a church of joy?· Acts 16:22-24 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.· How much pain are you willing to suffer for Jesus?· 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.· Greater is he who is in you, than he who is in the world.· 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.· 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don't harm yourself! We are all here!”· How we respond to adversity says a lot about our faith.· James 1:2-4 - 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.· 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”· 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.· 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.· Dads, you set the spiritual temperature of your house.· 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.· How do we know we are a church of joy?· We know we are a church of joy when lives are changed.· Can people see that Jesus changed your life?· Are you more loving?· Do you have more joy?· Do you have more peace?· Are you more patient?· Are you more kind?· Is your goodness increasing?· Are you more faithful?· Are you more gentle?· Do you have more self-control?LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: Since you decided to follow Jesus, what kind of life change has occurred?Go Deeper1. Read Acts 16:22-24a. Imagine enduring beatings and being imprisoned for speaking about Jesus. In your opinion, why were Paul and Silas able to endure this?2. Read Acts 16:25-26a. Why were Paul and Silas able to sing and pray?b. In your opinion, why do Jesus followers today not have a faith that holds on in the face of trouble?3. Read Acts 16:27-30a. Imagine the jailer's surprise when he finds all the prisoners still there. Why did they stay?b. What do you think the jailer is asking when he says, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”4. Read Acts 16:31-32a. Notice Paul's simple reply. In your opinion, do people think being saved is complicated or simple?b. Imagine what Paul and Silas must have said when they were presenting the word of the Lord.5. Read Acts 16:33-34a. Notice the immediate change in the jailer. What fruit of the spirit is he displaying (see Galatians 5:22-24)?b. The jailer is filled with joy. Do we see new converts filled with joy when they are baptized? Why or why not?

Sermon Notes:· How many hoops do I have to jump through?· What's the hoop?· Jesus did not give us a hoop to jump through, but an invitation to follow him.· Clean up first, then be forgiven.· Acts 13:44-45 - 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.· 46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.· They did not think Jesus was worth their time.· Jesus never invited people to go to heaven.· Church becomes a place of grace.· You are the light of the world.· 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.· The more Jesus followers act like Jesus and spread good news, the greater the opposition.· 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.· What they had was greater than what they faced.· Churches – our church – must be a place a grace.· We must help messy people take their next step.· Being a place of grace means we let the Holy Spirit do the talking.· Being a place of grace means we expect criticism and opposition.· “God if I am off track, please get me on track.”· Being a place of grace means no one is beyond Jesus.· Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: Have you experienced church as a place of grace? When? Have you experience church as place of ungrace? When?Go Deeper1. Read Acts 13:38-39a. Paul eliminates all the hoops of the law of Moses. What hoops do you see religious people setting up today? What would Jesus say about these hoops?2. Read Acts 13:42-44.a. In your opinion, why were so many people hungry to hear about the grace of God?3. Read Acts 13:45-48a. In your opinion, why were the Jews of Paul and Barnabas? What was the threat?b. The Jews failed in their mission to be light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the world. How is our church doing in our mission to be light and bring salvation? What about churches across the world.c. The Gentiles were glad to be included. The word “glad” has the same root as the word “joy.” In your opinion, why were they joyful.4. Read Acts 13:49-52a. What opposition should our church expect to face in the days ahead? How do we prepare?b. What would you need to do to be joyful in face of opposition and persecution?

Sermon Notes:· Are you living in the power of the Spirit?· As a church, are we living in the power of the Spirit?· Acts 8:4 - 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.· The Spirit gives courage.· A Church of joy has courage.· Acts 8:5 -5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.· The Spirit leads us to break barriers.· A Church of joy breaks barriers.· Acts 8:6-7 - 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.· The Spirit is greater than evil and brings healing.· We came to believe a power greater than ourselves could deliver us.· Do you pray for God to heal you? Do you pray for God to drive out the evil in you?· A Church of joy drives out evil and brings healing.· Acts 8:8 - 8 So there was great joy in that city.· The Spirit brings joy. Having a deep and abiding sense that God is for us and is at work in our lives· “Faith is more like falling in love that it is like finding the answer to a complicated question.”· A Church of joy brings joy.· Pray.· Be humble.· God I can't; You can. I will let you.· Be real· Confess.· Move.· What move do you need to make?LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: In our church, can you name a moment when God did what only God can do?Go Deeper1. Read Acts 8:4.a. Why do you think those scattered were not afraid to speak about Jesus?b. In your opinion, what keeps people from speaking about Jesus today?2. Read Acts 8:5a. Philip was breaking a barrier reaching out to Samaritans. What group of people do churches tend to exclude today? What can we do about that?3. Read Acts 8:6-7a. When someone talks about healing by the power of the Spirit, does it make you uncomfortable or comforted? Why?b. How can the church have an authentic healing ministry?c. What “dirty” spirits do you see present in people's lives? What can we do to drive out evil?4. Read Acts 8:8a. Think of someone who brings joy to you. Why? What is it in their character that brings joy?b. Does our church bring joy to our communities? What could we do to increase the joy of our city?

After Jesus ascended to heaven, we know that He sat down at the right hand of the Father and lives to intercede for His Church until He Returns.However, we read of ONE PLACE where Jesus is no longer sitting, but standing.READ Acts 7:55-56 - When Stephen was being martyred for his boldness and faith in Christ, Jesus was STANDING at the Right Hand of the Father.On Wednesday afternoon, September 11th, 2025 - Jesus undoubtedly was once again standing on His feet, welcoming in His son, Charlie Kirk.As Tertullian famously said in AD197, "The Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church" - the more they persecuted and killed the early Christians, the more they multipled and the Kingdom of God expanded.As one pastor, Shane Winnings, has called us all to action in the wake of Charlie's martyrdom - YOU'RE UP!!!Will you answer the call???

Sermon Notes:o Dallas Willard – Joy is a deep and pervasive sense of well-being, of knowing and trusting that God cares for us and is working for our good.o Are we a joyful church?o A church of joy focuses not on us, but on Jesus.o My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.o Acts 2:22a – Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you…o Acts 2:22b – … accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.o Acts 2:23 – This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge, and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.o Acts 2:24 – But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.o Jesus was on a mission from God.o Jesus proved he was from God by his miracles and mighty works.o Jesus died for our sins on the cross because it was God's plan.o Jesus was resurrected by God to show death was defeated.o Being a church of joy means this is Jesus' church, not ours.o To help as many people as possible take their next step toward Jesus.o Being church of joy means we are participating in God's plan.o You are to be my witnesses…o Are you participating in God's plan?o Being a church of joy means we are forgiven people.o Being a church of joy means we are Easter People!o Acts 2:37-39 - 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”o 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”o Heavenly Father, I confess I have failed at life. Please forgive me. I give you control of my life and from now on I will follow Jesus.o Lake Baptism, Sunday, September 14, 5 pm.o Thy will be done, thy kingdom come.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is high) what score would give to our church being a church of joy? Please share your reasons.Go Deeper1. Read Acts 2:22-24.a. In Peter's list of core beliefs, what do you see as the core beliefs required to be a follower of Jesus?b. In your opinion, what do modern day Christians add to the list? What is the impact of adding something to Peter's list?c. Imagine being in the crowd that day. What might be the biggest stumbling block to you as you pondered following Jesus?2. Read Acts 2:37-39a. Notice the reaction of the crowd. What do you think it means that they were cut to the heart?b. To repent is to go the other direction. Have you known someone who professed Jesus and was baptized, but showed no life change? What do you think Jesus would say about their relationship to him?c. Baptism was well known in Jesus time. Converts to Judaism were baptized. Why do you think Jesus told his followers to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?3. Name three things your group can do that will help our church be a church of joy.

Missiologists have debated for years on how to interpret the book of Acts: Is it "descriptive" or "prescriptive?" We propose a third option for interpreting and applying Acts, what we call, "I want to be like that!" Listen in as we discuss the unique gift we have in the book of Acts, the divinely-inspired record of God's Spirit-filled people living out the Great Commission, and how that record should inspire, challenge, and inform our lives as believers and missionaries.

Can our sin derail God's purposes? Is it possible to undo God's good plan with your poor choices? Can you out-sin grace? These questions seem to be on the mind of the writer of Genesis in Chapter 37, where we find the account of Joseph, Jacob's favored son, and his brothers. This story, though well-known on its own, is just a part of the larger story of Genesis, and a part of the even larger story of redemption. Through Joseph we ultimately get a glimpse of Jesus; through Joseph's rule we find a picture of God's kingdom. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage under four heads: 1) God's promise to restore his world includes exalting his King. 2) Pride tempts us to resist God's King; pain tempts us to despair of his promise. 3) God uses opposition to his rule to exalt his King. 4) Take heart—despite present appearances, our King reigns; his kingdom is coming. Part of a series on the book of Genesis. From Sunday Worship, August 24, 2025. ------------------------------- Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions: In your own words, retell the key events of Genesis 37. What stands out most to you? How does this story show us God's determination to right his world and human opposition to it? (Consider also Psalms 2 and 8.) Why are we, like Joseph's brothers, so opposed to God righting his world? Why do we often like Jacob despair of it ever happening? Which temptation is stronger for you right now—resisting Jesus' reign in some area of your life, or despairing that his promises will ever come true? The sermon asked, “Can our sin derail God's purposes?” How does Genesis 37 begin to answer that question? Do you find this easy or hard to believe? Why? Read Acts 2:22–24, 32–33. How might looking to the cross (both the significance of Christ's opposition and the wonder of God's purposes) change the way you respond to difficult circumstances this week? ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

Missiologists have debated for years on how to interpret the book of Acts: Is it "descriptive" or "prescriptive?" We propose a third option for interpreting and applying Acts, what we call, "I want to be like that!" Listen in as we discuss the unique gift we have in the book of Acts, the divinely-inspired record of God's Spirit-filled people living out the Great Commission, and how that record should inspire, challenge, and inform our lives as believers and missionaries. 

Whenwe look at the words “election” or being “chosen” in theScriptures, we're speaking of the fact that God has a special people set apartfor a specific purpose. Just like He chose Abraham and chose the people ofIsrael to be His people. It didn't mean that they were all saved. It means thatthey were called to as a special people to special purpose. As believers, weare born into the family of God. But as His sons and daughters we are chosen byHim to be holy, to be a “chosen” people, an “elect” people, a people that has thepurpose of reflecting His glory as His church to the world around us.  Inverse five, it says, "Having predestined us to adoption as sons byJesus Christ to Himself according to the good pleasure of His will."  Here we meet this word called predestination. Themeaning of this word has caused many divisions amongst believers. This shouldnot be the case, especially when you look at the context in which it is used inthe New Testament. We should not misunderstand this word. This word as it isused in the Bible refers primarily to what God does for saved people. Nowherein the Bible are we taught that people are predestined to hell or even toheaven, because this word is already referring to those who are saved who havebeen born into the family of God.  Theword simply means to ordain beforehand to predetermine. As we said electionseems to refer to people while predestination refers to purposes. And when youlook at scripture, you find that the events connected with the crucifixion ofJesus Christ were predestined. Read Acts 4:25-28. Jesus was slain from thefoundation of the world as the Lamb of God. God has predestined us to adoption(Ephesians 1:5). God has predestined us to conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29-30).“For whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image ofHis Son”.  Goddidn't predestine us to be saved or to be lost, to go to heaven or go to hell.He predestined us to be like His Son. And my friend, one day we ultimately willbe just like Him. God also predestined our future inheritance. This is foundhere in Ephesians 1:11, “In Him also we've obtained an inheritance beingpredestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according tothe council of His will”. This has to do with our future inheritance thatwe have when we see Jesus Christ at His coming.  Adoption,when you look at it in scripture, has a dual meaning, both present and future.You do not get into God's family by adoption. You get into God's family byregeneration, the new birth. John 3:1-18. You see this also in 1 Peter 1, we'reborn again by the Word of God through the Holy Spirit of God into the family ofGod. Adoption in scripture is the act of God by which He gives His “born ones”an adult standing in the family. Why does He do this? That's because we mightimmediately begin to claim our inheritance and enjoy our spiritual wealth rightnow. A baby cannot legally use his inheritance. Galatians 4:1-7. But an adultson can and should. It means that you do not have to wait till you become anold saint before you can claim your riches in Christ Jesus. You can claim themnow as a brand-new believer.  Thefuture aspect of adoption is found in Romans 8:22-23. Again this is speaking ofthe glorified body that we will have when Jesus Christ returns and we meet Himface to face and we're like Him even in our glorified bodies. We already havean adult standing before God. But the world can't see that. When Christreturns, this private adoption will be made public for everyone to see. As Paulsays in Romans 8, we look forward to that day! My friend. I believe Jesus'coming is just around the corner. Today,are you claiming and enjoying the riches of the glory of your inheritance in ChristJesus? (Ephesians 1:15) Godbless!

It is more blessed to give than to receive! As a church, our call from God is to lead with irrational generosity. We will trust him with the tithe, plan our generosity, and start now! There is no need to wait to be generous, as God is ready to bless.  Life Group Questions1. What is the best thing you have ever been given?2. What is the most meaningful thing you have ever given?3. Read Acts 20:35 and Proverbs 11:24-25. Why do you think we still struggle to be generous?4. We were encouraged in the message to trust God with the tithe, plan our generosity, and start now! What are your next steps in being generous with what God has given you?5. Begin to discuss your Rule of Life and how that can be reviewed/updated to help with our financial spending/management.  

We have passed through the Feast of Shavuot tonite on the Hebrew calender but the Feast of Pentecost will be on Sunday June 8 on Christian calender. As we approach June 8 we need to remember that God gave the Torah on Mt Sinai (Exodus 19-20) and His Spirit in the upper room (Acts 2) that we may know Him and be more intimate with Him. He revealed Himself in Word on Mt Sinai and Word and Spirit in the upper room with fire baptism that we may be one with Him.The outcome of God revealing Himself means we must accept who He says He is through the Torah and Holy Spirit and receive His ways then we are ready to be sent and go forth! God is so good He wants us to receive these commands and move forward in being an example like God Himself and be a giver! He gave Himself in Torah and His Spirit to us!It's our job now as sent ones to give more than people even ask for. We see that in the 1st miracle that Peter and John did at the Gate of Beautiful right after receiving the baptism by fire on Pentecost !Read Acts 3:1-6 God also gives the 7 blessings from Passover stated after Pentecost in Exodus are:God will assign an angel to His people (Ex. 23:20)God will be an enemy to the enemies of His people (v. 22)God will give prosperity to His people (v. 25)God will take sickness away from His people (v. 25)God will give long life to His people (v. 26)God will bring increase and inheritance (v. 30)God will give a special year of blessing (v. 31)Read Luke 6:38As God has been giving of Himself during Feast Of Shavuot or Weeks. And just as in Deuteronomy 16:16-17 , we are instructed to give in Exodus 23:16-17.“And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.”Then in Exodus 23:20-31, God gives the 7 Blessings as He says!Let's step into freely receiving and now having boundaries that are too freely be our identity in Him- which is a giver! We are givers!Bless a ministry that pours into you wherever God leads so He can be blessed!If you want to bless Dream Mentors and Candice Smithyman Ministries you can donate here at https://www.candicesmithyman.com/donate-pageIn the Month of Sivan grab a copy of Dr Candice new book “365 Prophetic Revelations from Hebrew Calender”- go to www.Candice Smithyman.comhttps://amzn.to/4aQYoR0Want the tools to equip others to be good disciples and group leaders in the Kingdom of God? Join DREAM MENTORS and BECOME A CERTIFIED COACH!Do you want to be trained as good disciples or biblical life coach ? Do you need to experience transformation in your souls so you can be the best God is calling you to be. Go to www.dreammentors.orgFREE Zoom CALL with Dr Candice - It's time now to sign up for our next Ascension class and join Dr. Candice's Glory Road Community!Maximize Your Prophetic Potential monthly class is Thursday June 19 at 10 am and 6 pm EST. You can choose which one. Sign Up here —http://bit.ly/4gfRKXm

Read Acts 16 for more context

Have you had an encounter with God that has impacted and changed your life for the better, one or more experiences that have caused spiritual growth in your life? Sharing our personal spiritual experiences with others helps to encourage them that God loves them and is present and interested in our lives, ever willing to help us. - Lynette Kittle In this episode of Your Daily Prayer, Lynette Kittle invites listeners to reflect on how we can actively prepare our hearts for a deeper relationship with God. Using Acts 17:26–27 as a foundation, she offers four biblical ways to pursue spiritual growth: seeking God, reading Scripture, inviting the Holy Spirit’s teaching, and maintaining a life of prayer. If you've ever felt distant from God or longed for more personal connection with Him, this prayerful devotion offers practical encouragement and Scriptural truth to draw near and grow in faith. Topics covered: How to cultivate your heart for spiritual growth God’s desire for personal connection with us The essential role of Scripture and prayer Inviting the Holy Spirit’s guidance Encouragement for those feeling spiritually dry or distant Scripture References Acts 17:26–27 (NIV) “From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.”

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent.It is biblical to think about death.James 4:14 (ESV)Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul.1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to deathso that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to DieActs 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him.Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died DailyRomans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent.It is biblical to think about death.James 4:14 (ESV)Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul.1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to deathso that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to DieActs 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him.Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died DailyRomans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Read Acts 9: 1-19. How does Saul's encounter with Jesus demonstrate God'sgrace?2. Have you ever experienced a moment in your life where God's grace completelychanged your direction?3. Saul went from being a persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest apostles.What does this say about the power of God's grace?4. How does Paul's transformation challenge the way we view people who seem"too far gone" for God to reach?5. Paul's first response after his conversion was to be baptized and begin preaching.How do we respond when we experience God's grace in our own lives?6. What are some practical ways we can live as transformed people, just as Pauldid?7. Ananias played a crucial role in welcoming Saul and helping him take his firststeps as a believer. Who has been an “Ananias” in your life - someone whoencouraged you in faith?8. How can we be like Ananias to others who are new to faith or struggling in theirspiritual journey?9. Sometimes we struggle to accept God's grace for our own past mistakes. Whatdoes Paul's story teach us about releasing guilt and walking in grace?10. Who in your life do you need to extend grace to, just as God extended grace toPaul?11. Read 1 Timothy 1: 12-16, where Paul reflects on God's grace in his life. Howdoes this passage encourage you in your own walk with God?12. Identify an area in your life where God has transformed you over time. How canyou share that testimony with someone this week?13. Read Romans 12: 1-2. How does grace lead to a renewed mind and atransformed life?Prayer for the Week:Gracious and Mighty God,Thank You for the transforming power of Your grace. Just as You met Saul on theroad to Damascus, meet us in the places where we need Your mercy and grace.Open our eyes to see You more clearly, soften our hearts to receive Your love, andstrengthen our steps to follow where You lead.Help us to trust that no one is beyond Your reach, including ourselves. Fill us withthe same boldness and passion that You gave Paul, that we may share Your gracewith the world. Use us this week to be a light, an encourager, and a witness to thelife-changing power of Jesus.In Jesus' name we pray,Amen.

READ: Acts 4:29-31   MEDITATE: You've spent three weeks seeking God, intentionally giving up things, and trying to get in the flow of what He is doing. God gave Ezekiel a vision of experiencing Him deeper and deeper. While people have different levels of experience with the Lord, He wants to do miracles and healings, and to bring the dead things back to life. Do you want to experience that too?   PRAY: Lord, I thank you for how you have revealed more of yourself to me. I ask for you to reveal more of yourself to others through miracles, healings, revival, and more. I ask you to bring dead things back to life and do things in my life that are bigger than myself. May your presence flow through me so that I may impact others for your kingdom.   Need prayer? Submit a prayer request online: https://mountparannorth.com/prayer-request/   21 Days of Prayer & Fasting website: https://mountparannorth.com/21-day-prayer-fast/   Contributors: Bernadette Hafner Moore, Pastoral Care Director & Sara Westover, Multimedia Coordinator

READ: Acts 12:1-17   MEDITATE: God does miraculous things when His people (His church) are united in prayer. What is something that you can pray for that would benefit the “church” as a whole? Ask God for that. Also, ask God to show you ways He is moving through North and how you can be a part of it as well.   PRAY: From setting Peter free from prison to the beginning of the Great Awakening, throughout history you have responded to your people's united prayers. Awaken my soul to what you are doing in and through Mount Paran North. Help me to pray and serve as part of the larger body of Christ.   Need prayer? Submit a prayer request online: https://mountparannorth.com/prayer-request/   21 Days of Prayer & Fasting website: https://mountparannorth.com/21-day-prayer-fast/   Contributors: Jason Duncan, Experiences Pastor & Mark Rasey, North Kids Pastor

Acts 11 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - As the early church grew in number and spread to new cities, there was an opportunity for great rejoicing but also great criticism. People who used to never interact, had generational hatred and deep suspicion towards each other are joining the same faith. Now they are being called to worship and work together. And this fertile soil for gospel growth is also a space for potential criticism, isolation and suspicion. But if criticism and factions are allowed to grow in the fledgling church, it will have a disastrous effect. Disunity amongst believers will get in the way of God's great rescue plan and His mission to make one new people of faith. So, what is needed? Gospel Unity. And in Acts 11, we find the early church being called to that very thing. Through His Word and by His Spirit, God is calling His people to hold tightly to the Gospel and not anything else. Read Acts 11 in preparation for our time together tomorrow.

In this introductory sermon for this series, Mark shares how the letter we call Philippians came to be, explores a favorite verse for many, and considers a powerful prayer. Philippians 1:1-11 thevineaustin.org/philippians Discussion Questions: 1. How was your experience with the reading plan so far this week? 2. Read Acts 16:13-15 and Paul's first notable experience at Philippi. What do you notice about this moment and how the church in Philippi began? 3. Read verses 1:1-6. What does "partnership in the Gospel" mean to you? 4. Paul shares God's obstinate loyalty - the good work that was began will come into fruition. What is this "good work” that God will see till the end? 5. Consider the prayer of 1:9-11. Consider the structure of this prayer and share what you notice. In particular, what does a deep abiding love produce? 6. Is there anything from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Read Acts 7:1-60 about the martyrdom of Saint Stephen https://lifeteen.com/martyrdom-st-stephen-perfect-reminder-jesus-came/

Dave Myers discusses 2 Corinthians 6:18—“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”

ACTS 26:1-15 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Pail motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest set of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? 9 I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12 On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied."  FROM THE LESSON The Herodian Dynasty - it lasted for four generations and was an opponent of Jesus and his movement all throughout the New Testament. It started with Herod the Great who had tried to destroy the infant Jesus. His son, Herod Antipas, was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded. His son, Herod Agrippa, was the one who had James put to death with the sword in Acts 12. His son, Herod Agrippa II, was the one who Paul stands before in Acts 26. Paul's Speech Before Agrippa II - it is Paul's last and longest speech in the book of Acts. It begins in verse 2 and lasts through verse 23. It is the third time the reader of Acts hears the story of Jesus' appearance to Paul on the road to Damascus. The other two times are in Acts 9 and in Acts 22. Conversion Story - "the language of conversion may be misleading because at no point did Paul waver in his belief that the God of Abraham was and is the true God, the one and only creator God. Paul didn't change Gods. And from his point of view, he didn't even change religions." (NT Wright) Hope of Israel - Paul preached that the hope of Israel has been fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection fulfills Paul's hope in God in three ways: 1 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise. 2 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise. 3 Hope is realized in resurrection practice.  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 How would you define hope? How is biblical hope different from the way hope is used in our everyday language?  2 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise. Read Acts 26:6. Discuss what it means for our hope to be rooted in the promises of God. 3 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise. Can you remember a time when your hope was renewed through worship? Share the story with your group. 4 Hope is realized in resurrection practice. Can you remember a time when something that you desperately hoped for was actually realized? Share with your group. How did it make you feel? How did it affect the way you live? Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have a realized hope. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ transform the way we hope?

There are many steps we take in the Christian life—some that move us forward, some that move us backward. Church is one of those things that moves us ahead. Yet, some of us still refuse to make it a priority. Pastor Jonathan Laurie helps us see church from a biblical view and why that step into church matters so much… Notes: Focus verses: Acts 2, Romans 12 Read: Acts 2:42–47 Church is not all about you. Church is all about God and His glory. Psalm 103:1–5 Hebrews 10:24–25 The church exists for the upward glorification of God, the inward edification of the saints, and for the outward evangelization of the world. Matthew 16:18 “Church is a new society called out from society at large to be God's people.” –Skip Heitzig Read: Romans 12:3–12 1 Corinthians 12:22–25 Take the “Where to Serve” quiz at harvest.church/where-to-serve-quiz God chooses to work through the church to change the world. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just Fishing, 4 of 4 from September 22nd, 2024 “We grow personally as we invest in Jesus' family mission.” Acts 2, Ephesians 4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores how personal growth in faith is intrinsically linked to investing in Jesus' family mission. It emphasizes the importance of community in the Christian journey, highlighting that while faith is personal, it was never meant to be private. The sermon draws parallels between the early church's practices and the call for modern believers to actively participate in ministry, equipping one another for God's work. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Acts 21:37-22:11 37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?" "Do you speak Greek?" he replied. 38 "Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?" 39 Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people." 40 Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: 1 Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense." 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of your are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as also the high priest and all the Council can testify. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 "About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' 8 " 'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. " 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10 " 'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked. " 'Get up,' the Lord said, 'and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' 11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. (NIV 84) FROM THE LESSON Dagger men - the word translated "terrorists" or "assassins" in Acts 21:38 is literally the word for "dagger." This was a group of violent Jewish revolutionaries who received their name from their practice of carrying daggers under their cloaks. They were trained to stab someone to death and then slip away unnoticed. Not the right time - stop letting circumstances determine the right time and instead start trusting the Lord to make the time right.    The content of Paul's witness - there are two parts in this text. 1 Verses 1-11 - Paul is a witness to His experience of Jesus Christ 2 Verses 12-21 - Paul is a witness to His obedience to Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 - “The god of this age – that is Satan – has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as the risen Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” and God made his light shine into our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 Icebreaker - have you ever been told that you have a doppelgänger? Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? Share an example or a story with your group. 2 If you had to rate on a scale of 1-10, your willingness to be a witness, how would you rate yourself? Discuss your answer with the group. Stop and pray for the Lord to give us the willingness to witness. 3 Before you share your experience, you must first connect with your audience. Read Acts 22:1-5 and make note of all the ways Paul connects with his audience. Where do you already have a connection with your audience? List out people in your life who do not know Jesus who you already have a connection.  4 How would you describe your conversion experience? Try to put it into your own words. How would you answer these questions: How have you encountered the glory of Jesus Christ? How have you experienced the grace of the risen Lord Jesus? 

Read Acts 1:1-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A1-8&version=ESV Check out our website: faithcommunityma.com/

It's Pentecost Sunday.  What does this mean for you?  Join Pastor Robert and Donna Schuller in this Sunday morning message and learn to embrace fearless faith.   Read Acts 2.#pentecostSunday, #Besaved, #JesusSaves, #holyspirit, #fearlessfaith

This is part 12 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Acts is an action-packed book full of excitement and wonder. We learn about the early expansion of the Church from a small group of ragged Christ-followers to dozens of house churches throughout major cities in the Mediterranean world. How did Christianity "go public"? The book of Acts tells that story. In this episode you'll learn four major emphases in Acts as well as how to think through application for us today. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TIzpc3mfOg&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=12&pp=iAQB —— Links —— For more about Family Camp visit LHIM Check out the UCA conferences for USA, UK, and NZ here See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen's martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip's expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul's conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter's mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter's arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul's 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul's 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul's 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul's arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines the book: they expanded from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Leading and experience of God's spirit Baptized with the spirit, filled with the spirit, pour out the spirit, receive the spirit, spirit fell upon: 1:5, 8; 2:4, 17; 4:31; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 13:52 Speaking in tongues; prophecy: 2:4, 17-18; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 20:22-23; 27:21-22 Exorcisms: 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12-16 Healing and miracles: 3:6-7; 5:12, 15-16; 8:39; 9:17-18, 34-35; 12:7-10; 13:11; 14:10; 19:11; 20:9-10; 28:3-6, 8-9 Supernatural direction: 1:16, 26; 8:26, 29; 9:10-16; 13:2; 15:28; 16:7; 18:9-10; 20:28; 21:11; 23:11; 27:23-24 Rapid expansion through conversion Convert 3,000 on day of Pentecost (2:41) 5,000 after healing lame man at the temple (4:4) Conversions of whole towns: Samaria (8), Lydda, and Joppa (9) Conversions of key people: Ethiopian treasurer (8); Paul of Tarsus (9); Cornelius the centurion (10); Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, (13); Lydia, a wealthy Philippian merchant, (16); Crispus, a synagogue leader in Corinth, (18); Publius of Malta (28) Perseverance through persecution Sadducees arrest Peter and John (4). Sadducees arrest apostles (5). A mob stones Stephen (7). Paul leads persecution in Jerusalem (8). King Herod executes James (12). King Herod imprisons Peter (12). Jewish leaders expel Paul and Barnabas from Pisidian Antioch (13). Jewish leaders stone Paul at Lystra (14). City magistrates arrest Paul and Silas at Philippi (16). Jewish mob attacks Jason at Thessalonica (17). Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Proconsul Gallio at Corinth (18). Demetrius instigates riot against Paul at Ephesus (19). Jewish mob attacks Paul at Jerusalem (21). Plot of Jewish leaders to murder Paul (23) Paul's trial before Felix (24) Paul's trial before Festus (25) Paul's defense before King Agrippa (26) Paul's shipwreck (27) Paul's house arrest at Rome (28) Respectful of Roman authorities Paul is respectful to his arresting officer, Claudius, (21:33, 37-40). He asserts his Roman citizenship (22:24-29). He cordially converses with Felix, Roman governor of Judea, (24). Paul appeals to have a trial before Caesar in Rome b/c he's afraid he won't get a fair hearing in Judea. Paul interacts respectfully with Festus and King Agrippa. King Agrippa says Paul should've been set free (26:31-32). Paul complies on the whole journey while under arrest. Including the Gentiles Originally, Christianity was 100% Jewish. Gentiles (non-Jews) began believing in Jesus, and God demonstrated his acceptance through his spirit (see Acts 10:44-45). Both Peter and Paul preached to Gentiles and accepted them as part of God's family. After a disagreement broke out over the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-2), the disciples decided Gentiles could be part of the church without keeping the law. Acts is the historical spine of the NT Acts tells you about how Christianity came to many places mentioned in other parts of the NT. On Paul's second missionary journey, he visited Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These are all places to which he wrote Epistles. Prescriptive vs. descriptive Does Acts prescribe how we should live or describe what they did? Acts 2:44-46 talks about sharing all our possessions. Is this normative for all Christians for all time? Fee & Stuart: “Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.”[1] Review Acts is a history of the church that Luke wrote to follow his biography of Christ. Acts describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth (i.e. the Mediterranean world). In Acts, Luke is interested in the activity of God's spirit, missionary activity resulting in conversions, and how Christians are respectful to Roman authorities. The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian movement caused a significant controversy, resulting in the decision that they did not need to keep the law. Acts provides the historical backbone into which fit many of the Epistles of the NT. Luke tells of Paul's three missionary journeys, as well as his final treacherous journey to Rome under arrest. Although Acts shows us what is possible as we walk with God, it does not prescribe that Christians today must do everything the way they did it (descriptive not prescriptive). [1] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 124.

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com ○ Romans 9 & 10 ○ Lesson 7: "God's Plan" ○ Read Romans 9 & 10 § God's plan has been laid out from the very beginning! § I am going to share God's plan from different passages in scripture, but the point is the same! □ Read John 3: 16-21 □ Read Acts 2: 22-41 □ Read Ephesians 3: 6-12 □ Read Hebrews 10:10 (The Point) ® "For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time." § God's plan was always for us to be reconciled back to him, for us to be back in right standing and relationship with him, as it was in the beginning in the Garden of Eden. That's it, that's the point! So what are you going to do? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

12 How to Read Acts Download Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen's martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip's expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul's conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter's mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter's arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul's 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul's 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul's 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul's arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines the book: they expanded from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Leading and experience of God's spirit Baptized with the spirit, filled with the spirit, pour out the spirit, receive the spirit, spirit fell upon: 1:5, 8; 2:4, 17; 4:31; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 13:52 Speaking in tongues; prophecy: 2:4, 17-18; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 20:22-23; 27:21-22 Exorcisms: 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12-16 Healing and miracles: 3:6-7; 5:12, 15-16; 8:39; 9:17-18, 34-35; 12:7-10; 13:11; 14:10; 19:11; 20:9-10; 28:3-6, 8-9 Supernatural direction: 1:16, 26; 8:26, 29; 9:10-16; 13:2; 15:28; 16:7; 18:9-10; 20:28; 21:11; 23:11; 27:23-24 Rapid expansion through conversion Convert 3,000 on day of Pentecost (2:41) 5,000 after healing lame man at the temple (4:4) Conversions of whole towns: Samaria (8), Lydda, and Joppa (9) Conversions of key people: Ethiopian treasurer (8); Paul of Tarsus (9); Cornelius the centurion (10); Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, (13); Lydia, a wealthy Philippian merchant, (16); Crispus, a synagogue leader in Corinth, (18); Publius of Malta (28) Perseverance through persecution Sadducees arrest Peter and John (4). Sadducees arrest apostles (5). A mob stones Stephen (7). Paul leads persecution in Jerusalem (8). King Herod executes James (12). King Herod imprisons Peter (12). Jewish leaders expel Paul and Barnabas from Pisidian Antioch (13). Jewish leaders stone Paul at Lystra (14). City magistrates arrest Paul and Silas at Philippi (16). Jewish mob attacks Jason at Thessalonica (17). Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Proconsul Gallio at Corinth (18). Demetrius instigates riot against Paul at Ephesus (19). Jewish mob attacks Paul at Jerusalem (21). Plot of Jewish leaders to murder Paul (23) Paul's trial before Felix (24) Paul's trial before Festus (25) Paul's defense before King Agrippa (26) Paul's shipwreck (27) Paul's house arrest at Rome (28) Respectful of Roman authorities Paul is respectful to his arresting officer, Claudius, (21:33, 37-40). He asserts his Roman citizenship (22:24-29). He cordially converses with Felix, Roman governor of Judea, (24). Paul appeals to have a trial before Caesar in Rome b/c he's afraid he won't get a fair hearing in Judea. Paul interacts respectfully with Festus and King Agrippa. King Agrippa says Paul should've been set free (26:31-32). Paul complies on the whole journey while under arrest. Including the Gentiles Originally, Christianity was 100% Jewish. Gentiles (non-Jews) began believing in Jesus, and God demonstrated his acceptance through his spirit (see Acts 10:44-45). Both Peter and Paul preached to Gentiles and accepted them as part of God's family. After a disagreement broke out over the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-2), the disciples decided Gentiles could be part of the church without keeping the law. Acts is the historical spine of the NT Acts tells you about how Christianity came to many places mentioned in other parts of the NT. On Paul's second missionary journey, he visited Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These are all places to which he wrote Epistles. Prescriptive vs. descriptive Does Acts prescribe how we should live or describe what they did? Acts 2:44-46 talks about sharing all our possessions. Is this normative for all Christians for all time? Fee & Stuart: “Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.”[[Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 124.]] Review Acts is a history of the church that Luke wrote to follow his biography of Christ. Acts describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth (i.e. the Mediterranean world). In Acts, Luke is interested in the activity of God’s spirit, missionary activity resulting in conversions, and how Christians are respectful to Roman authorities. The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian movement caused a significant controversy, resulting in the decision that they did not need to keep the law. Acts provides the historical backbone into which fit many of the Epistles of the NT. Luke tells of Paul’s three missionary journeys, as well as his final treacherous journey to Rome under arrest. Although Acts shows us what is possible as we walk with God, it does not prescribe that Christians today must do everything the way they did it (descriptive not prescriptive). The post 12: How to Read Acts first appeared on Living Hope.