Podcasts about scripture acts

Daily Dose of Hope November 20, 2025   Scripture - Acts 4:1-22   Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been doing a pretty intense walk through the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin Acts 4. Peter and John have been brought before the Sanhedrin.  Why?  Because they were preaching Jesus crucified and risen.  Peter has spoken as one filled with the Holy Spirit and it is powerful!  Many were coming to belief in Jesus.  These Jewish officials felt threatened.  And yet, they couldn't deny that the man had been healed.  The officials ask Peter and John by what authority they are preaching and teaching.  What do they say? They state clearly that they are preaching by the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  What was kind of fascinating and also kind of sad as I was doing research for this Scripture was the number of academics who struggled with this passage.  They struggled with the exclusivity of Peter and John preaching Jesus and only Jesus.  Peter is clear – it is by Jesus this man was healed and it is only by Jesus that we are saved.  And here we are 2000 years later and all kinds of academics can parse words and want to make the speech different.  Yet, Peter was clear.  He says this in verse 12,  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.  My favorite line from the chapter is, When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  This is always such a humbling verse for me.  Do others look at us and know we've been with Jesus?  It didn't matter that Peter and John hadn't had proper schooling, whatever that is.  They might not have even been literate.  But here they are, filled with the Spirit of the Living God, and it is obvious.  Everything about what they spoke, how they looked, and how they behaved, made it so evident that they belonged to Jesus.  And that begs the question --- could people say the same for us? Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Does a person need to turn from all sin to be saved? Is water baptism necessary for salvation? In today's message, Pastor Cucuzza will unpack one of the most misinterpreted verses in Scripture—Acts 2:38—as he continues his series, “The Most Misunderstood Passages in the Bible.”

Daily Dose of Hope November 19, 2025   Scripture - Acts 3   Prayer: Almighty God, We come to you today with humble hearts.  We are broken and we need you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you this morning.  Help us set aside distractions so we might hear your voice.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us just focus on Jesus...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  This week, we have just started the book of Acts, after walking through all the Gospels.  What a great spiritual journey this has been and I'm so glad you have joined us!  Today, we walk through Acts 3. The chapter starts with Peter and John heading into the temple in the afternoon.  There is a disabled man there, who could not walk, and was brought into the temple every day to beg for money.  This passage always makes me smile.  Peter says something like, "Look, we don't have any money but we have something better."  And he heals him.  The man wasn't expecting it at all.  He was expecting more of the same – begging, barely making it, having no dignity, simply existing.  And what Peter and John offered him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was so much better.  The man jumps and leaps throughout the temple courts and praises God.  People are standing there, jaws dropped, shocked.  They recognize him as the same man who used to beg at the temple gate, and now they are filled with wonder and amazement. And then the two men use this as an opportunity to preach about Jesus.  Peter says, "Why does this surprise you?"  He talks about Jesus.  He makes sure the people don't think this is a magic trick or something that happened by Peter's own power.  This is totally, completely, a result of the power of Jesus Christ.  What I find interesting is that Peter tailors his witnessing to the people around him.  These are Jewish people.  Thus, he goes way back to the Jewish fathers, explaining how Jesus was always part of God's plan.  Yet, he was killed and then resurrected.  Peter continues by telling them that Jesus is the one God sent, Jesus is the one that the prophets were speaking of, Jesus is the one you should have recognized!  It's really fascinating to me that Peter, throughout Acts, does such a great job, balancing human culpability for the death of Jesus with the inevitability of Jesus' death as part of God's plan.  This death was necessary and God knew it had to happen.  Prophecy said it would happen.  But, at the same time, it only occurred because human beings sinned and ensured that it would happen.  God didn't force anyone's hand.  He didn't make anyone do anything. One aspect of Peter's message that is critical is repentance.  I don't think we talk about repentance enough.  Let's look at verse 19, Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord...  Peter tells the Jews who are listening that, regardless of what has come before, regardless of the mistakes of the past, it is time to repent.  Now is the time to turn to God and allow him to cleanse your sins so that you can be refreshed and be made white as snow.  Life is different with Jesus.  Allow him in and experience new life.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope November 18, 2025   Scripture – Acts 2   Prayer: Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have just started the book of Acts, after walking through all the Gospels.  What a great spiritual journey this has been and I'm so glad you have joined us!  Today, we walk through Acts 2.   I'm going to start by reading the first three verses, On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.  Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.    You guys, this is incredible.  First, let's talk about the roaring windstorm.  Throughout Scripture, wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.  In ancient Hebrew, we have the word, ruach, which means breath/wind/spirit and we see this word quite a bit in the Old Testament.  Wind represents the life-giving work of the Spirit.  Think about it.  In Genesis 2, God breathed life (ruach) into Adam.  In Ezekial 37, we are in the valley of dry bones and God has Ezekiel prophesy to the bones, saying "I will put my Spirit (ruach) in you and you will live."  In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is typically referred to in the Greek as pneuma.  The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary to form life in her womb.  In John 3:5, Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.    I can't help thinking, how many people need to experience the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit right now?  How many people are really struggling, barely holding on, languishing in doubt, pain, anger, cynicism?  Or maybe, you simply feel nothing?  There is NO true living without the presence of the Spirit, only existing.    Next, we have the tongues of fire.  Let's sit here for a second.  Fire is often descriptive of God in the Old Testament and it speaks to the purifying and refining work of the Holy Spirit.  In this sense, the Spirit causes things that are impure to become pure...lives, hearts. Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist says "I baptize you with water for repentance.  But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."  Peter speaks of the new Gentile believers as experiencing the Holy Spirit and having their hearts purified.    If something is pure, it is only one thing–pure gold, pure oxygen.  It isn't filled with contaminants or additives. It is totally and completely that one thing. I picture the Holy Spirit coming upon that group of believers on the day of Pentecost and purifying or refining their hearts so they would be totally and completely dedicated to the things of God, not half filled with the stuff of the world and half filled with the things of God.  I wonder that about our own hearts.  What contaminants have we allowed to seep in?  What do we need to purify? Come like a fire, Holy Spirit, and burn in us so that we can be pure and totally devoted to the things of Jesus.   Let's read some more Scripture, beginning with verse 4 (this is truly a paraphrase), All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.  This made a racket and a crowd forms...When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken...Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?  Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."  And then Peter gets up and says, we aren't drunk, it's only 9 in the morning.  Let me tell you what his means...and he shares with them the Gospel, he speaks of how the Old Testament scriptures point to Jesus as the Messiah, he speaks of Jesus' ministry, his death, his resurrection and it says this,  Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"  Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."   And what happened? 3000 believed and were baptized.  The Holy Spirit came, the people were given power to act, and they did it!  They trusted God and they responded.  This was essentially the beginning of the church.  At the end of chapter 2, we see how the people begin to gather to worship Jesus, to pray, to learn, to take care of one another, to celebrate the Lord's Supper.  They sold all they had and gave it to the poor among them.    We talked about how the Holy Spirit is life-giving and purifying but it also has power.  The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do really hard things.  If you have said yes to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit has made a home within you. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead LIVES within you.  And God didn't give us that power simply for our own use.  It's for the mission of sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with others.    Why do you think we struggle so much with that?  What part of the mission causes you to hide in fear?  Friends, we have POWER within us and it is given to us for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.  Let's just let that sit and settle.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope November 17, 2025   Scripture – Acts 1   Prayer: Holy God, Almighty Father, the Great I AM, Throughout all time, You are good.  Your ways are perfect.  Teach us your ways, Lord.  Help us to know you better, to know you more.  Lord, on our own, we are powerless.  We are desperate for your wisdom, love, and mercy.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.   Today, we are starting the book of Acts, one of my favorite books of the Bible.  This is the second volume of the two-part work of Luke-Acts, written by Luke, a co-worker of Paul.  The original title of the book was The Acts of the Apostles.  Certainly, different apostles appear throughout the stories, but the only single character who unifies the book is Jesus, appearing in the beginning of the book in human form and then acting through the Holy Spirit throughout the book.    As we work our way through the text, it's going to be incredible to see how the Holy Spirit transforms, leads, directs, and shapes the new Christians and the young church.  Chapter 1 opens with Jesus ready to ascend into heaven.  Even though this is post-resurrection, the disciples still didn't understand everything.  We find them asking Jesus when he is going to restore the kingdom to Israel.  Their understanding of God's Kingdom is still a bit misguided, but Jesus redirects them.  He says only God knows the time and place for that.    But there is something even better ahead.  And Jesus tells them that the Holy Spirit is coming.  The Spirit of the living God is coming and when it does, they will receive a power like no other.  This is the same truth for us:  When God's Spirit comes upon us, we have the ability to  witness, to bear testimony, to all the things of Jesus.  It really isn't about us but about God's Spirit in us!   And then, Jesus ascends into heaven.  They don't quite get it yet, but now it's a waiting game.  The Holy Spirit is coming and they have no idea what they are in for.  Tomorrow, we get to talk about Pentecost and the birthday of the church.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

DATE: Nov. 16, 2025                           SERIES: Poured OutTITLE: While They Were Praying (Peter's Escape)BIG IDEA: Prayer opens us to be surprised by God. SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:1 - 17; Luke 11:9 – 10Sunday Set List: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=r1Gi1FMxZgGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1KzMKflWlRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the final chapters we have of Paul's story. Paul stands against the Jewish leaders who oppose his faith in Jesus, stands against the Roman rulers of the world, and even must confront the unseen powers in the world through a storm, shipwreck, and snakebite. Throughout every obstacle, Paul remains faithful to his Lord and his mission.

Exposing the New Apostolic Reformation: Standing Firm on the True Gospel Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins · November 13, 2025 In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins exposes the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a modern movement claiming God is restoring apostles and prophets to govern the Church. Dave defines what the NAR teaches, why it's dangerous, and how Christians can stand firm on the sufficiency of God's Word. This episode offers a clear, biblical response that points believers back to Christ and His finished work.

When the apostles were imprisoned, beaten, and ordered to stop preaching, they didn't quit—they rejoiced. Acts 5:17–42reveals the unstoppable power of God's plan to spread the gospel and build His Church. Opposition could not silence it, persecution could not hinder it, and suffering only made it shine brighter.

DATE: Nov 9, 2025                           SERIES: Poured OutTITLE: New BrandBIG IDEA: God's grace makes Jesus Lord and Savior for everyone everywhere. SCRIPTURE: Acts 11:19-30SUNDAY SET: https://Music SERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=B1uc5SFk-lGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=BymtnrFyWxRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

DATE: Nov 9, 2025                           SERIES: Poured OutTITLE: New BrandBIG IDEA: God's grace makes Jesus Lord and Savior for everyone everywhere. SCRIPTURE: Acts 11:19-30SUNDAY SET: https://MUSICSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=B1uc5SFk-lGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=BymtnrFyWxRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

SCRIPTURE: Acts 20-21 YOU CAN ALSO FIND KENNY'S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Acts 20:22-24, Paul says he is “captive to the Spirit” and knows persecution awaits him in Jerusalem… yet he continues anyway. What might this teach us?The sermon contends that Christianity isn't about “outside-in” behavior modification but rather “inside-out” transformation. What's the difference between these two approaches to following Jesus? In what areas of your life might you be focusing too much on external behaviors rather than internal transformation?How does Paul's journey (particularly the way he handles the disagreements about what the Spirit is or is not calling him to do) demonstrate the difference between unity and uniformity in the Christian community?How do you typically handle disagreements with other Christians about important spiritual matters?The sermon identifies three key elements in Paul's life which contribute to his Christlikeness: radical humility, compassionate community, and being enraptured by the Gospel. Which of these do you find most challenging? Why?How might a shift from asking “What Would Jesus Do?” to “Who Does Jesus Say I Am?” change our approach to Christian living?What aspects of your identity in Christ do you struggle to fully believe or embrace?

Jesus laid down His life for us, and when we reciprocate that in our dedication, the world will take notice. Scripture: Acts 7:54-8:3. View accompanying video at https://fbcpville.org/sermons/acts-the-church-begins-pt-19/

In this episode of the Bible Reading Podcast, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Acts 16-21.  Paul continues on his second and third missionary journeys. He faces suffering and opposition, but also amazing openness to the gospel. Despite repeated warnings, Paul heads to Jerusalem. He knows what awaits, but is willing to be all and give all for the gospel.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13November 2, 2025 - Worship Service

DATE: Nov 2, 2025                           SERIES: Poured OutTITLE: God's Church, God's WayBIG IDEA: The Spirit moves in surprising ways to reveal Jesus Christ—the Lord of all. SCRIPTURE: Acts 10 & 11SUNDAY SETLIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=BkmCmz-yZxGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1s6df-yWxRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

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DATE: Nov 2, 2025                           SERIES: Poured OutTITLE: God's Church, God's WayBIG IDEA: The Spirit moves in surprising ways to reveal Jesus Christ—the Lord of all. SCRIPTURE: Acts 10 & 11SUNDAY SETLIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=BkmCmz-yZxGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1s6df-yWxRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

How should believers respond to the power of God? In Acts 5:1–16, we witness both the sobering judgment of God and His overwhelming grace. Through the story of Ananias and Sapphira and the miraculous works done through the apostles, Scripture reminds us that signs and wonders are purposeful — they produce a holy fear of God and point us to the transforming power of the gospel. God is not only mighty to heal bodies, but to change hearts and bring sinners from darkness to light.

History reveals a pattern of rejecting God, and though the heroes of the faith are inspirational, the only true hero worthy of praise is Jesus. Scripture: Acts 7:1-53. View accompanying video at https://fbcpville.org/sermons/acts-the-church-begins-pt-18/

Speaker: Rev. William Moody. Scripture: Acts 1 v4-9Acts 8 v1-5.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 9:36-43   The post Wonder first appeared on Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, the new church is growing exponentially, but also faces difficult questions about this newly formed people of God. Do the newly included Gentile disciples need to follow the laws of the Torah? Should the Jewish disciples of Jesus and the Gentile disciples of Jesus interact? Eat together? Are they the same status? God has always planned to bring salvation to the whole world, and the early church must wrestle with what this new reality means for their traditions and faith.

This week Pastor Jesse talks about the fear of God   Main Sermon Points & Scripture: Acts 5:1-11 POINT 1: Don't mistake grace for permission Romans 1:22-32 Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 9:10 Psalm 111:10 Ezekiel 36:25-27   *This episode was recorded on 10/26/25

In this message, Pastor Corey unpacks The Power of the Gospel through Paul's ministry in Ephesus. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is more than words — it's a movement that transforms lives, disrupts darkness, and reveals truth in a world full of counterfeits.From miraculous healings to the unforgettable story of the seven sons of Sceva, Acts 19 shows that when the true Gospel moves, it exposes deception and brings lasting transformation.Key Points:The Gospel is Disruptive — It shakes the enemy's strongholds and turns the world upside down (Acts 19:8–12; Acts 17:5–6).The Enemy is Deceptive — He counterfeits what is genuine, but truth always exposes the lie (Acts 19:13–16; 2 Tim. 3:13–14).The Truth is Transforming — Confession, repentance, and renewal always follow the true move of God (Acts 19:17–20).When people truly encounter Jesus, lives are changed, idols are burned, and His Word prevails.Scripture: Acts 19:8–20

What does true unity look like in the church? In Acts 4:32–37, we see a powerful picture of believers filled with the Holy Spirit—living with one heart and one soul, sharing generously, and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus with great power. This passage reminds us that unity isn't just agreement—it's the supernatural work of God's Spirit that fuels mission, strengthens believers, and glorifies Christ.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 16 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY'S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS MESSAGE HERE!

Scripture: Acts 27:1-6 ; 28:16 , 30-31 Title: The End of the Journey The End of the Journey After spending at least 2 years in a Roman prison in Caeserea under Felix and Festus, arrangements are finally made for Paul to be sent to Rome. Now, before we look at these chapters, and Paul's journey, I want…

The apostle Peter is transformed from hiding and denying knowing the name of Jesus to bolding proclaiming salvation in the name of Jesus, "unable to top speaking about what [he has] seen and heard." Stephen explains to the Jewish leadership how the Story of Scripture has all led to Jesus and becomes the first Christian martyr. We are introduced to a young zealot named Paul, who "breathes" threats and murder against the followers of Jesus. It is the explosive, beginning of the church; no one is left unchanged by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

“You cannot build your church on religious people.” In this powerful opening night sermon of the Waltham Forest Conference, Pastor Nigel Brown issues a timely and prophetic warning: If we prioritize church growth over new birth, we may lose the very culture that fuels our calling.Using Acts 5 as his foundation, Pastor Brown contrasts the “rest who dared not join” with those born again into a supernatural, Holy Ghost culture. He exposes the dangers of importing religious Christians rather than reaching sinners, and passionately defends the core values of evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and world evangelism.With stirring illustrations, historical insight into the Salvation Army, and testimonies of transformation, this message will challenge every pastor, disciple, and believer to preserve the culture that God has entrusted to our fellowship.

What does real joy look like when life gets hard? In this message from Acts 16, Pastor Dave Hastings shares how Paul and Silas found joy in the middle of pain—and how their faith became a powerful testimony that drew others to Christ. Even in your darkest moments, your response can point people toward Jesus.

"Believed, Born Again, Saved"Scripture: Acts 2:47Messenger: Apostle Suzanne M. Howard

After persecution and threats, Peter and John return to the believers and pray — and God shakes the place where they meet! This powerful passage shows us how to recharge in times of trial through community, prayer, and the filling of the Holy Spirit. True boldness comes not from self-confidence but from the Spirit's power at work within us.Scripture: Acts 4:23–31Series: Acts: The Church on the MoveMessage: RechargeLearn more about Berean Baptist Church → www.bereanfamily.comConnect with us → www.bereanfamily.com/connectGive online → www.bereanfamily.com/give

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13-15:1-31 REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Acts 15:19, James says 'we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.' What are some ways churches today might unintentionally make it difficult for people to turn to God?What specific practices or attitudes in your own life might create barriers for others seeking to know God?Matt shares that “belonging is not a reward for behavior; it is the ground on which transformation happens.” What do you think this means? How might this perspective change the way we welcome people into church community?Think of a time when you felt truly welcomed despite your imperfections. How did that experience impact your spiritual growth?What practical steps could you take to build bridges with people who have different beliefs or backgrounds than you?How can you practice “staying at the table,” as Matt describes it? When is this difficult for you? How can you challenge yourself this week?What does it mean to “trade assumptions for stories”? Why is this important for building unity in the church?Do you sometimes struggle to “choose love over comfort”? What might growth look like for you in this area?

"Apostleship - Those Who Were Being Saved"Scripture: Acts 2:42–47 Messenger: Apostle Suzanne M Howard

When Peter and John are arrested for preaching Jesus' resurrection, they respond not with fear, but with Spirit-filled boldness. This message from Acts 4 reminds us that the gospel is unchanging, the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak truth, and true faith trusts God with the results—no matter the cost.

The gospel is the truth that changes everything. In Acts 3, after the healing of the lame man, Peter preaches boldly that Jesus is the promised Messiah. From this passage we see that the truth of the gospel reveals God's power, confronts our guilt, offers real hope, and calls us to repentance and submission.

We kick off the series with a story of radical welcome and transformation—the Ethiopian eunuch's journey from outsider to beloved child of God through baptism. This weekend, we'll also connect this story of belonging to our global mission through our partnership with HopeChest Ethiopia. Scripture: Acts 8:26–40 Reflection Question: Where in your life have you experienced an unexpected welcome that transformed your sense of belonging?

Love | This Changes Everything (Week 4) | Acts 2:42-47What does it really mean to be a community marked by love? In Acts 2:42-47, we see a picture of the early church—a people devoted to one another, sharing life, caring for needs, and living out the love of Christ in practical and powerful ways.This message is part 4 of our series This Changes Everything, where we're walking through Riverview Christian's core values: Heal. Connect. Grow. Love. Together, we're learning what it looks like to live out these values in everyday life and in the life of our church.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:1-31 SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God. In Acts 3 and 4, Luke describes Peter's bold testimony for Jesus after he heals a crippled man at the Beautiful Gate. That afternoon at the temple, thousands of people heard the message and believed in the name of Jesus. Peter and John were arrested and kept in prison overnight before being brought before the Sanhedrin early the next morning. "They were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand." Acts 4:2-4 As Peter addressed the religious leaders, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke truth. Peter experiences a special moment of inspiration that clearly highlights the person of Jesus Christ and the work of God's Spirit. The Sanhedrin warned Peter and John “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20The church's response to the apostles' release was an immediate outpouring of praise and prayer. Most importantly, these early Christians were not praying for relief from oppression but for the ability "to speak Your word with great boldness" amid persecution and for God to act with mighty power. The focus of these new believers was on spreading God's word and glorifying Christ's name. Luke clearly made sure to include this prayer so that it can serve as a pattern for us to follow in our own prayers. "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, all because of my name. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand about how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Luke 21:12-15 SONG: "I Speak Jesus" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcmqSfr1ENY&list=RDPcmqSfr1ENY&start_radio=1

Unified or Compromised | Spirit, Power & The Church In this message from Acts 4:32–5:11, we're reminded that opposition to the gospel doesn't always come from the outside. Sometimes, it starts within. We look at how the early church responded with unity, integrity, boldness, and radical generosity. And how one couple's dishonesty became a cautionary tale for all believers. You'll be challenged to evaluate your own heart, ask what you're truly surrendered to, and reflect on what it means to be unified with Christ and His church. 5 Key Insights: • Real church unity isn't just about showing up—it's about aligning your heart with God's mission. • Satan doesn't just attack from the outside. He also works through division, dishonesty, and distraction inside the church. • When believers are unified in mission and spirit, the gospel spreads and lives are changed. • Radical generosity is a result of spiritual unity, not a requirement for it. • Living with integrity and reverence for God protects us from becoming spiritually compromised. Scripture: Acts 4 (https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.4.ESV) & Acts 5 (https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.5.ESV) Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Spirit, Power & The Church Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube (https://youtu.be/KYWDUcuVZjg) ° Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist/) ° Visit our website (https://www.burnthickory.com/)

Scripture: Acts 2:17-21Message: Are You Saved?Speaker: Pastor Norman J. ScearceDate: September 14, 2025Thank you for your continued generosity. Tithes and offerings can be given electronically using:Givelify: Download the free Givelify App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)Cashapp: $mtcalmbc33Follow Mt Calvary Church on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtcalvarynation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtcalvarynationTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/mtcalvarynationAccess bible education and more exclusive content on the church's website: https://www.mtcalvarychurch.life

SCRIPTURE- Acts 3:19"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”REFLECTION- Mary EllynMUSIC- NOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 3:1-16 SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God. Reading in the book of Acts, just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He spoke these words: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) His disciples and new followers of the Way have remained in Jerusalem, teaching, sharing fellowship with each other, and praying together. "Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple." Acts 3:1-2 Peter and John were leading the new group of believers in Jerusalem. These men led by example. The early Jewish Christians continued to follow their former habits of worship in Jerusalem. The lame man had been in his condition for over 40 years (4:22). Moreover, he had to be carried by others. It was clearly a hopeless case. Almost everyone in Jerusalem would have known this beggar since he sat at an entrance to the temple for a long time. "And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God." Acts 3:8 Peter testified to the power and presence of God's Spirit working in a new way in people's lives through Jesus. Now, he proclaims the power and authority of Jesus' name, by which His disciples were able to continue his ministry on earth.SONG: "Made for More" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9Ls4npIrc&list=RDGJS31tXJJMY&index=3

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Many followers of Jesus live with a faith that feels powerless. We settle for behavior management, curated church experiences, and good ideas rather than stepping into the life Jesus promised. But the book of Acts tells a different story. Ordinary men and women were filled with the Holy Spirit and became powerful witnesses of the risen Jesus.In this message, Pastor Darren unpacks Acts 1:8 and teaches on what it means to receive and grow in the power of the Holy Spirit. Power is not about hype or performance. It is the Spirit's presence enabling us to live transformed lives, proclaim the gospel, heal the sick, and partner with God's mission in the world.If you've ever wondered why your faith feels empty or how to experience more of God's presence and power, this teaching will give you a framework for stepping into it.

By saying Jesus is a prophet, we mean he is a revealer. He communicates truth. He's the revealer of who God is and what his will is. As a prophet, Jesus comes and speaks to you and to me for God. Even though Jesus is far more than a prophet, he is a prophet. And the fact that Jesus is a prophet shows us that we have a God who speaks to us. Let's look at two aspects of Jesus as a prophet: 1) what are prophets? and 2) why is Jesus the ultimate prophet? This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 9, 1994. Series: Understanding Jesus. Scripture: Acts 3:17–26. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Scripture: Acts 1:8Dr. Nick FloydSenior Pastor

The church was born as the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples at Pentecost, a large crowd gathered, the gospel was proclaimed, and the rest is history. God is still in the business of building his church as people are filled with the Holy Spirit, committed to the gospel, and being devoted to the things of the Lord with one another. Scripture: Acts 2

Acts 2: 42-47