POPULARITY
Categories
Reading Acts 14:1-18 as Paul and Barnabas go on to Iconium and then to Lystra, where the people attempt to worship them but they turn the people to worship the true God. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 13:44-52 where after preaching at Pisidian Antioch, many Gentiles came to faith, and as said in verse 48, "As many as were appointed to eternal life believed." Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 13:26-43 where the Apostle Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, and from Paul's first recorded sermon, he preaches justification by faith. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 13:13-25 where the Apostle Paul preaches in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia, arguing first to the Jews there that Jesus is the Christ according to the prophets. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 13:8-12 as Paul and Barnabas share the gospel on the island of Cyprus, meeting up with a proconsul in Paphos and the dark magician who clouds his mind. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
10th sermon in our current series in Acts. Reading Acts 5:17-42
Reading Acts 12:20-25 where Herod gives a speech and is hailed as a god, but because he does not give glory to God, the Lord strikes him dead and he's eaten by worms. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 12:12-19 where after being released from prison by an angel, Peter visits the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, but no one believers it's actually Peter. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 12:1-11 where James the brother of John is murdered and Peter is arrested by Herod, but he is later miraculously freed by an angel. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
9th sermon in out current series in Acts. Reading Acts 5:1-16
July 10, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 14:19-15:5Daily Lectionary: Judges 6:1-24; Acts 14:19-15:5“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. After preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Greeks in Iconium, Paul remained there a while, “speaking boldly in the Lord” (Acts 14:3), before departing for Lystra. However, a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed that Satan shot his flaming darts through the “poison” of the unbelieving Jews. He sowed the seeds of division and violence, stirring up some Gentiles and Jews to stone Paul and Barnabas. Upon learning of this, they fled to Lystra and Derbe. Yet some Jews pursued him, coming from Antioch and Iconium to persuade the crowds to stone Paul. What God said to Ananias concerning Paul came true: “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16). He is afflicted by such violence, but is he crushed? He is perplexed by unbelief, but is he despairing? He is persecuted, but is he forsaken? He is struck down and even assumed dead (Acts 14:19), but is he destroyed? Not at all—for the very life of Jesus is manifested in his earthly body. The power of Christ rests upon him in his weakness. He shares Christ's suffering and becomes like him in his death. So, after arising and entering the city with the disciples, he journeys onward to Derbe the very next day. He is not crushed but renewed. He is not driven to despair but filled with hope. He is not forsaken but filled with the Spirit. He is not destroyed but strengthened for the work God has called him to do. Each trial becomes an occasion for endurance, for building character, and for rejoicing in the promise of God's eternal glory. After preaching the gospel to Derbe, he again returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). What an encouragement! Elders are appointed for ministry in the church, and the hearts of the faithful are committed to the Lord through prayer and fasting. From Pisidia to Antioch, the Word of God takes root, and a door of faith is opened to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. My walk is heav'nward all the way; Await, my soul, the morrow, When God's good healing shall allay All suff'ring, sin, and sorrow. Then, worldly pomp, begone! To heav'n I now press on. For all the world I would not stay; My walk is heav'nward all the way. (LSB 716:6)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.
July 8, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 13:42-52Daily Lectionary: Judges 3:7-31; Acts 13:42-52“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What were “these things” that those in Antioch to whom Paul preached wanted to hear about the next Sabbath? What are “these things” that Paul preached, which stirred the Jews and proselytes to follow Paul and Barnabas? Put simply, “these things” are the great works of God. Paul preached in Acts 13:17-41 that God chose the patriarchs and multiplied his people during their sojourn in Egypt. With an uplifted arm, he led them out of bondage, patiently enduring their stubbornness in the wilderness. He destroyed the seven nations in Canaan and gave his people the Promised Land as an inheritance. He raised up judges to lead them until the time of Samuel the prophet. When the people demanded a king, he gave them Saul, and when Saul proved unfaithful, God raised up David—a man after his own heart. Finally, from David's descendants, God fulfilled his promise by bringing to Israel a Savior, Jesus, for whom John the Baptist prepared the way. Paul proclaims “these things” to the men of Israel, assuring them that the Gospel, this “message of salvation,” was sent first to them (Acts 13:26, 46). Yet since the leaders of the Jews in Jerusalem rejected Jesus as the fulfillment of God's works, the prophets' words, and the promise given to their fathers—since they “thrust it aside and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life” (Acts 13:46)—Paul declares that “these things” are not for the Jews alone, but also for the Gentiles. Indeed, this has always been God's plan of salvation foretold by Isaiah (45:22, 49:6) and confessed by Simeon after Jesus' birth (Luke 2:29-32). Just as Jesus Christ was appointed a light for revelation to the Gentiles, so Paul and Barnabas have been made lights for the Gentiles as they bear the light of Christ. “How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news” (Isaiah 52:7) and “brings salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47)! Though persecution arises on account of Paul and Barnabas' preaching, the disciples of Jesus are “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). “These things” have now been fulfilled in their midst, and they are glad to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. They count it all joy to meet such trials, rejoicing in their sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not put them to shame, because God's love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.May God bestow on us His grace, With blessings rich provide us; And may the brightness of His face To life eternal guide us, That we His saving health may know, His gracious will and pleasure, And also to the nations show Christ's riches without measure And unto God convert them. (LSB 823:1)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas.
8th sermon in our current series in Acts. Reading: Acts:4:23-37
Reading Acts 11:25-30 where the Apostle Paul (still called Saul) joins Barnabas at Antioch, and it's there that Christians are called by that name for the first time. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 11:19-24 where some of the disciples go to Antioch and the surrounding region, sharing the gospel with Greeks and are joined by Barnabas. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, June 29th - 1st Reading: Acts 12:1-11 - 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-1 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Reading Acts 11:1-18 where Peter reports back to the Jews what happened at the household of Cornelius, and they bear witness that salvation has also come to Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
June 26, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 8:1-25Daily Lectionary: Joshua 1:1-18; Acts 8:1-25“Now when Simon [the magician] saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 8:18–19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Simon the magician likes a spectacle. He profited from the deeds and signs he performed. The people called him “the power of God that is called Great.” It seemed, outwardly, he possessed great power. When the disciples came, preaching the Good News of Jesus, Simon the magician and many others believed and were baptized, having been amazed by signs and wonders. To magic Simon, this was power! Peter and John came to lay on hands, that the people might receive the Holy Spirit, and it was then that Simon came with money to purchase this power. Peter rebukes him harshly, warning of destruction for Simon if he does not repent. Simon believed he could buy the gifts of God with money. Simon then asks Peter to intercede with the Lord on his behalf. But the truth is clear: God and His gifts cannot be bought. The sinful flesh and world seek power and will take it by whatever means necessary. We see this in the account of Simon the magician, but we see it in ourselves as well. We want power over others; we want control. Simon's desire to literally buy power is the most obvious depiction of our inner desire to be God and use that authority our way.Thanks be to God, His ways are not our ways! Instead of having to pay anything to receive God, He gives Himself freely to sinners who believe. We should repent when we seek to wield the love of God as a means to our own ends. God's power cannot be bought. His love cannot be taken by force. It is only given, and this is Good News to you and me. Instead of withholding life and salvation or His own Spirit from sinners who misuse it, God, in His mercy, pours out Himself that sinners may be forgiven and the dead and dying may live. Jesus paid the price, in His death and resurrection, so we may be given life-saving grace, free of charge. Simon mistook the power of God as a tool for him to wield. He was wrong. The power of God is freely given to forgive sinners. It cannot be bought and does not need to be. It is yours, dear Christian, that you may have life in Christ now and always. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What costly sacrifice to cover human sin! Who but Christ Jesus had the right to enter in? His blood, that sprinkled price, so we might be assured that our inheritance in light has been secured. (LSB 564:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.
Reading Acts 10:44-48 where after Peter preached the gospel at the household or Cornelius, the people believed, received the Holy Spirit, and were baptized. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:36-43 where the Apostle Peter preaches in the household of Cornelius and gives them a very simple presentation of the gospel, that they believe and are saved. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:30-35 where Peter comes into the house of Cornelius, and realizes that God shows no partiality but is having the gospel go out to Jews and Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Thursday, June 11th - 1st Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:20-26 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Reading Acts 10:17-29 where Peter is instructed by the Holy Spirit to go to the house of Cornelius and share the gospel with him and with his household. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:14-16 where the Lord tells Peter, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider defiled," and what this has to do with dietary laws and preaching to Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 16:9-13 where the Lord appears to Peter in a vision and tells him, "Rise up, Peter, kill and eat," for the Lord is about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 10:1-8 where a centurion named Cornelius, a devout man who fears God, hears from an angel that his prayers have been answered and he is to seek out Peter. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:32-43 as Peter goes throughout Judea performing miracles and sharing the gospel, including healing a man named Aeneas and a woman named Tabitha. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:20-31 where after his conversion, Saul goes throughout Damascus, into Syria, and back again, then to Jerusalem proclaiming everywhere that Jesus is the Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, May 24th - 1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 - Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Christians often try to define where the Holy Spirit can move, who it can speak through, and what it should look like. But in Acts 2, Pentecost arrives suddenly—like wind and fire—and disrupts every expectation. In this episode of Perspectives, Revs. Brittany and Hannah of First UMC San Diego explore Acts 2:1–21 and ask an important question: What if Pentecost wasn’t just a past event, but an ongoing movement of God still unfolding today through unexpected people and in unexpected ways? Together they discuss: Why the Holy Spirit often arrives through disruption rather than comfort How Pentecost celebrates diversity instead of erasing it The deeper meaning behind speaking and listening across cultures Why the Spirit moves beyond church walls and religious boundaries Intercultural, intergenerational, and inclusive visions of faith How modern Christianity can unintentionally limit the work of the Spirit Pentecost is more than a monument from the past—it is a movement still unfolding in our communities, relationships, and lives today. Continue the Discussion: There’s so much more to discuss when it comes to Pentecost and the mighty sound from Heaven. Join one of our groups to keep the discussion going: In-Person Convergence, Sundays at 12 PM, or our Patreon Online Community, available 24/7. Reflection Questions: When has the Spirit shown up as disruption rather than comfort? What does true understanding across difference look like today? Who do we recognize as bearers of the Spirit? Timestamps: 00:00 “Some winds arrive gently…” Opening reflection 00:00:45 Reading Acts 2, verses 1 to 21: The Pentecost story 00:03:23 Pentecost as disruption and radical change 00:05:45 The Holy Spirit comes through diversity, not uniformity 00:07:27 Understanding beyond spoken language 00:09:43 Why we limit the Holy Spirit to church spaces 00:11:53 Diversity, difference, and the Spirit without borders 00:16:22 Pentecost is not a monument — it’s a movement
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, May 22nd - 1st Reading: Acts 25:13b-21 - Gospel Reading: John 21:15-19 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Reading Acts 9:10-19 where the Jesus speaks to a man named Ananias and tells him to go lay hands on Saul and baptize him, for Jesus is going to make him an apostle. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, May 17th - 1st Reading: Acts 20:17-27 - Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11a - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
They prayed all night for Peter. When he showed up at the door, they told the girl she was imagining things. Acts 12 walks through Herod's persecution of the early church, the death of James, Peter's arrest and release, and what the church's response to all of it reveals about where their faith had landed. Pastor Scott Ethridge and Carlos Renfroe break it down verse by verse. Questions or prayer requests: mediahub@thpshreveport.com Learn More about THP Shreveport: www.thpshreveport.com 00:00 Intro 00:47 Welcome / Acts 11 recap 01:12 What's different about Acts 12 02:03 Reading Acts 12:1-4 02:46 Herod's political calculation 04:13 Why James and not Peter? 05:53 James: First of the Twelve martyred 07:14 How persecution fueled the church 08:31 Peter's release 09:20 Prayer and church maturity 10:17 Rhoda at the door 17:43 Praying earnestly 18:03 Acts 12:24 — the Word grew and multiplied 19:16 Close / Acts 13 preview
Reading Acts 9:6-9 and finishing up the section where Jesus appears to Saul (soon to be the Apostle Paul) on the road to Damascus and converts him to being a disciple of Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 9:1-5 where a Pharisee named Saul was on his way to Damascus to round up Christians and have them persecuted to stop spreading the name of Jesus. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, May 18th - 1st Reading: Acts 19:1-8 - Gospel Reading: John 16:29-33 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, May 17th - 1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14 - 2nd Reading: 1 Peter 4:13-16 - Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11a - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Reading Acts 8:36-40 where Philip baptizes the Eunuch from Ethiopia, and also considering why verse 37 in this passage is understood to not be divinely inspired. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:26-35 where Philip happens upon a eunuch from Ethiopia who was reading from Isaiah, and Philip explains this is about Christ and shares the gospel with him. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:25 and looking back on the Apostles' encounter with Simon the Magician, also the continued work of the Holy Spirit as Philip ministers to an Ethiopian. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:14-24 where Simon the Magician attempts to buy from the apostles the ability to grant the power of the Holy Spirit to whomever he wills. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:6-13 where Philip preaches in Samaria, the people are astounded by the message of the gospel, and a man named Simon the Magician believes as well. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 8:1-5 where the Christians are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, and the deacon named Philip goes on to Samaria to share the gospel. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:54-60 where Stephen is about to be stoned to death for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the statements he makes sound a lot like Jesus before His death. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:51-53 as Stephen concludes his sermon convicting the hearts of his hearers, saying that they are uncircumcised of heart and always resisting the Holy Spirit. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:44-50 where Stephen tells his hearers that God is not contained in places built by human hands, so that they would see God had come in the person and work of Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:30-43 where Stephen recalls the words of Moses about a prophet of God who will come to Israel, but Israel would reject Him, who is Jesus Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:17-29 where Stephen points the people to Moses, through whom God fulfilled His promise, even when the children of Israel refused to listen to him. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 7:9-16 where Stephen recalls that Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt, and yet even there God was faithful to fulfill His promises. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!