Podcasts about scripture acts

What if living on mission has less to do with going somewhere extraordinary and more to do with making Jesus known everywhere God has already placed you?In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In the last episode, we stopped at Jerusalem: before we worry about reaching the world, we need to own the mission field under our own roof.But Jesus doesn't stop at Jerusalem. The mission expands.In this episode of The Playbook, we're moving beyond the front door and asking what “Judea” might look like in everyday discipleship.Because mission isn't an extracurricular activity we add onto discipleship. Mission is part of what discipleship produces.A missional life isn't primarily about going somewhere extraordinary. It's about making Jesus known everywhere God has already placed you.Faithfulness starts where your feet are.Scripture: Acts 1:8; 1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 25:31–46#Discipleship #ChristianLeadership #ChristianLiving #ChurchLeadership #YouthMinistry #ThePlaybook

Journey Through Scripture- Acts 18-19 & 1 Cor 1-4

Scripture: Acts 2 – 26 Dr. Stephen Kim continues his series of classes from the book of Acts, exploring the meaning of Repentance as used throughout the book of Acts.  Slides Download Acts Notes Download

Scripture: Acts 22:30-23:35Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/christchurchbham/

Why is it so difficult to open our mouths and talk about Jesus?We often wait for the perfect opportunity, the right person, or a friendly audience before sharing our faith. But in Acts 8, Philip shows us a different way. When God gives him an opportunity, Philip simply obeys, approaches the Ethiopian eunuch, opens his mouth, and tells him the good news about Jesus.In this message from Acts 8:26–40, Pastor Greg Sukert continues the Open Season series by showing us that God doesn't just redeem our souls, He redeems our mouths. God calls every follower of Jesus to be a witness, trusting that He is already pursuing people, preparing hearts behind the scenes, and working through our obedience.We don't have to know how someone will respond. We don't have to wait until we've built the perfect relationship. And we don't have to manufacture opportunities ourselves. We simply need to trust God, be prepared, and open our mouths when He gives us the opportunity.God opens your eyes so you would open your mouth.Scripture: Acts 8:26–40 Series: Open SeasonIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church.

People say: "Just follow your heart." "Trust your vibes." "Go with your gut." Today we're told that truth is found by searching our own feelings. But what happens when life gets heavy, tragedy hits, or your internal vibes run completely dry?Relying on our own feelings to navigate life is exhausting. The good news is that God didn't leave us stranded in a maze of spiritual guesswork. He didn't send a vague cosmic energy — He broke into real history to speak directly to us.This week in "Beyond the Vibes," we continue our Always Be Ready series as Pastor Ben Kuerth walks through Acts 17, where the Apostle Paul stands in the middle of Athens — a city full of altars, ideas, and spiritual options — and introduces them to the "unknown God" who made the world, is not far from any of us, and proved it by raising Jesus from the dead. Step off the treadmill of self-made spirituality and discover the solid, ground-level reality of a God who has spoken.

Scripture: Acts 2:14-41Speaker: Brandon EggarSeries: Acts

Scripture: Acts 21:27-22:29Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/christchurchbham/

Becoming Outward-Facing means learning to notice the people you might naturally overlook. If you want to become more like Jesus, that includes becoming aware of the people around you—even those who think, live, believe, or act differently than you.We all have biases and blind spots. The question is what we do with them.Throughout the book of Acts, we see God repeatedly bringing outsiders into His family. Philip shares Jesus with a sorcerer in Samaria. He approaches an Ethiopian official who comes from a completely different background. And Ananias is asked to walk toward Saul—the very person he had every reason to fear.Each story points to the same truth:God specializes in bringing outsiders into His family.In this message, Becoming Outward-Facing, we explore what these stories can teach you about seeing people the way Jesus does and joining God in what He is already doing around you.You'll discover:• Why your blind spots can affect the way you see other people• What the early church teaches us about including outsiders• How Philip and Ananias moved beyond barriers and biases• Why following Jesus means paying attention to people who aren't like you• How a simple invitation can make a bigger difference than you realize• Why you may be the answer to someone else's prayerYou don't need all the answers. You don't need the perfect words. Becoming outward-facing can begin with something much simpler: noticing someone, caring about them, and being willing to say, “Come sit with me.”So ask yourself this week:Who have you been unintentionally ignoring that God wants you to notice?Maybe it's someone at work who has completely disengaged from church. Maybe it's a friend who has lost hope that Jesus cares. Maybe it's another family you see every week at your kids' activities.You may be one of the workers someone else has been praying for.Our hope is to become a movement of people who remain Jesus-centered, others-focused, and outward-facing—because God is FOR the people in our communities, and we want them to know we are FOR them too.

Journey Through Scripture- Acts 15-18

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13Speaker: Brandon EggarSeries: Acts

How do you know when the Holy Spirit may be nudging you toward someone?In Acts 8:26–40, Philip discovers that God is already at work before he ever arrives. The Spirit leads him toward an Ethiopian official who is searching, reading Scripture, and ready to hear the good news about Jesus.This message challenges us to move through everyday life with three simple practices:PAY ATTENTION.DRAW NEAR.POINT TO JESUS.Sometimes the Spirit's nudge may be as simple as: Call them. Check on them. Ask one more question. Don't hurry past this.We'll also look at practical “Seven Conversation Clues” that can help us recognize when someone may be opening the door to a deeper conversation about faith, hope, forgiveness, fear, or Jesus.And when Philip points the Ethiopian to Jesus, his next faithful step is baptism, receiving the grace Christ offers and beginning a new life with Him.Scripture: Acts 8:26–40Series: Formed by the Flow – Moving in the CurrentIf this message encourages you, share it with someone, subscribe, and join us for more biblical teaching from Chandler Street Church of Christ.#HolySpirit #Acts8 #Jesus #ChristianSermon #BibleStudy #Evangelism #Faith #Baptism #ChristianLiving #ChurchOfChrist

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:19-25 Pastor: Warren Harvey Date: September 20, 2026 The need for relationship and community is built into the soul of man as created in God's image. “It is not good for man to be alone” is a statement from God born out of the fact that we were created for relationship not only with God, but with our fellow man. We often associate this need as primarily being met in the covenant of marriage, which it is, but not exclusively, for all are not called to marry. It is fundamentally met in our belonging to the covenant family of God, the bride of Christ, the church. This is where we are brought into communion and thus community with brothers and sister in Christ to live in love, unity and mutual encouragement with one another. Thus a healthy soul is a soul in fellowship with other believers. Topics: Christian fellowship, belonging, Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:19–25, church community, union with God, Christ, teaching, prayer, shared possessions, encouragement, isolation Chapters 00:00:06 — Foundation of Fellowship 00:09:52 — Gospel Creates Community 00:16:30 — Stir One Another Up 00:23:29 — Blessings of Belonging 00:27:56 — Comfort in Hard Times 00:31:47 — Accepted in Christ 00:33:42 — Witness Through Love 00:35:55 — Obstacles to Fellowship 00:40:02 — Practices for Community

How can we prevent small problems from becoming major ministry failures?In Acts 8:9–25, the early church encounters several potential problems as the gospel spreads through Samaria. Simon Magus professes belief but reveals serious problems in his heart, the Samaritans' reception of the Holy Spirit raises important questions, and the apostles must respond quickly and boldly.In this message from the Open Season series, Pastor Matt Shackelford shows us that ministry failures are often prevented by rejecting ministry passivity. Through Philip, Peter, John, and Simon, we see the importance of preaching carefully, moving quickly to prevent division, boldly confronting sinful hearts, and humbly moving forward when failures still happen.We can't prevent every failure. People will disappoint us, ministry will get messy, and sometimes we won't get to see how the story ends. But rather than becoming passive or discouraged, God calls us to remain faithful, deal honestly with heart issues, and keep moving forward.Scripture: Acts 8:9–25 Series: Open SeasonIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church.

God intends for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who will always lead them to Jesus. Scripture: Acts 21:1-14. View accompanying video at https://fbcpville.org/sermons/acts-boldly-pt-19/

Speaker: James BardonScripture: Acts 15:1-29 Download 09202026P.mp3

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

God, your love is powerful and breaks every stronghold. Scripture: Acts 13:52 Resource: Come with Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads by Suzanne Eller

Holy Spirit, fill me with your joy as I follow where Jesus leads. Scripture: Acts 13:52 Resource: The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith Without Borders Read a chapter free athttps://tsuzanneeller.com/books/spirit-led-heart/.

Journey Through Scripture- Acts 13-15

Scripture: Acts 21:1-26Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/christchurchbham/

What if the setback you desperately want to escape is actually setting you up for something God wants to do?In Acts 8:4–8, Philip finds himself scattered from Jerusalem because of persecution. He ends up in Samaria—a place a Jewish believer normally wouldn't want to go, among people his culture had taught him to avoid. But Philip doesn't waste the setback. He recognizes that God has placed him there for a purpose.In this message from the Open Season series, Pastor Matt Shackelford shows how God can use the hard places of our lives to open unexpected doors for ministry. Philip embraces where God has placed him, shares Christ with people different from himself, serves in ways that make the gospel visible, and discovers the joy that can come when ordinary Christians live on mission.Your diagnosis, difficult job, broken relationship, unexpected move, or painful season may put you somewhere you never wanted to be. But God is bigger than your hard thing. With eyes of faith, we can begin asking a different question: How does God want to use this?Scripture: Acts 8:4–8 Series: Open SeasonIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church.

Romans 13:1-7 Principles of Authority (vv. 1-2) The hierarchy: God government us The responsibility: us government God Provision of Authority (vv. 3-4) Protect the peaceful and the good Prosecute the criminal and the evil Prescription of Authority (vv. 5-7) Obey the laws (unless against Scripture: Acts 5:29) Honor the leaders (Prov. 24:21, 1 Peter 2:17) Pay the levies (Matt. 22:21-22) More to Consider Rome was the imperial capital, the seat of the empires civil government. As residents in Rome, Pauls initial readers were aware of both the glory and the shame of that city in the days of Nero, who reigned from a.d. 54 to 68. But they were also citizens of Christs kingdom (Phil. 3:20; Col. 1:13). Appropriately, therefore, Paul discussed a Christians relationship to his government and civil rulers. Both in its length and specific details this discussion is the key New Testament passage on the subject (cf. 1 Tim. 2:14; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:1317). John A. Witmer, Romans, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 490. When the noted Dr. Pollich, of Mellerstadt, heard Martin Luther lecture at the University of Wittenberg, he said, 'That monk will confound all the learned doctors, propound a new doctrine, and reform the whole Roman church, for he studies the writings of the prophets and evangelists. He relies on the Word of Jesus Christ, and no one can subvert that, either with philosophy or with sophistry." -True Stories Paul urged Christians to be submissive and model citizens because God has installed the governing authorities to keep the civil order and punish wrongdoers. Peter gave similar instructions about submission (1 Pt 2:1314, 17). However, submission to authorities is not absolute. Both Jesus and the writer of Acts established this central Christian principle. Jesus said, Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are Gods (Mt 22:21). Peter and the apostles declared that they must obey God rather than human beings (Acts 5:29). Any submission to the authorities must pass through the filter of Gods will and call upon a believers life. Ted Cabal et al., The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), 1701. Were I a sovereign, I would not have to do with atheistical courtiers whose interest it was to poison me; I should be under the necessity of taking an antidote every day. It is, then absolutely necessary for princes and people that the idea of a Supreme Being, creating governing, rewarding and punishing, be ingraven on their minds. Voltaire, an Atheist Bob Hope: I love to go to Washingtonif only to be near my money. Signs of the Times

Scripture: Acts 1:1-14Speaker: Brandon EggarSeries: Acts

Today, I want to direct our attention to a pivotal turning point in Scripture: Acts chapter 8. Up to this point in the Book of Acts, Peter and John have held centre stage, proclaiming Christ with bold authority throughout Jerusalem. But as chapter 8 opens, the narrative shifts sharply under the shadow of intense hostility, introducing a man named Saul. Acts 8 begins with a sombre marker: Saul was consenting to the death of Stephen. Stephen, a spirit-filled leader whose martyrdom closes chapter 7, looked steadfastly into heaven, saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and prayed for his executioners with his dying breath: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Watching over the coats of the executioners stood Saul – a brilliant Pharisee trained under Gamaliel, born in Tarsus with Roman citizenship, and violently opposed to the Gospel. Following Stephen's death, a great persecution erupted against the church in Jerusalem. Verse 3 tells us, Saul "made havoc of the church," dragging men and women from their homes into prison. Yet, what the enemy intended for destruction, God used as an engine for expansion. The believers scattered across Judea and Samaria – while the apostles remained in Jerusalem – and verse 4 records the astonishing result: those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. They refused to be silenced. Persecution did not extinguish the message; it dispersed the fire. Out of this scattering, another leader steps into the light: Philip. He travelled down to Samaria and proclaimed Christ. The crowds listened intently, not only hearing his words but witnessing the undeniable demonstration of God's power. Unclean spirits were cast out, the paralysed were healed, and the lame walked. From the ministry of Jesus – attested by signs and wonders – to the early church, the Gospel was never merely a philosophy; it was validated by the tangible power of God. Philip's ministry in Samaria challenges us deeply today: we cannot settle for mere words when the true witness of the Gospel has always been the power of God in action. Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/EaTZNbJUyZ0  For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway http://www.eurovision.org.uk 

Journey Through Scripture- Acts 9-12

Journey Through Scripture- Acts 6-8

Scripture: Acts 20:1-38Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/christchurchbham/

Journey Through Scripture- Acts 3-5

What do occult books, expensive possessions, and following Jesus have in common?In Acts 19, the new believers in Ephesus did something that seems almost unbelievable. They publicly burned their occult scrolls, even though they were worth a fortune. Why? Because they realized that following Jesus required a clean break with their old way of life.Here we explore one of the most powerful principles in the book of Acts:A clean break establishes a solid foundation for the gospel.We'll look at:-Why the Ephesian believers destroyed their occult practices.-Why obedience often looks impractical.-The difference between legalism and genuine holiness.-Why some Christians never seem to mature in their faith.-How hidden compromise weakens our witness and our spiritual growth.-Practical questions to help you examine your own life.Following Jesus isn't about adding Him to our existing lifestyle. Sometimes it means decisively leaving things behind so we can wholeheartedly follow Him.Scripture: Acts 19:11-20If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.Discover more disciple-making resources at 12Church.net.#Acts19 #Discipleship #FollowJesus #PersonalEvangelism #Holiness #BibleStudy #DiscipleMakingLearn more at 12Church.net Take the Personal Evangelism Crash Course Here:https://www.twelvechurch.net/evangelism-crash-courseDiscover the Missional Living Map: https://missionalmap.comLearn more about 12Church: https://12church.netGet access to any tools and resources mentioned in this video here:https://www.12church.net/toolsThe 8 Essential Traits of a Disciple: https://www.twelvechurch.net/dnahttps://12church.net is about structuring your life around the call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who makes disciples. It's about learning HOW to make disciples in this time and place.

What is God doing in the painful seasons of your life?When hardship comes, it's easy to panic, become bitter, or assume something has gone wrong. But what if the pain you're experiencing is actually being used by God as part of a much greater plan?In this message from Acts 8:1–4, Pastor Matt Shackelford begins the Open Season series by looking at what happened immediately after the death of Stephen. The church was grieving and facing intense persecution from Saul, yet God used their suffering to scatter believers throughout Judea and Samaria, taking the gospel places it had never gone before.We'll see why following Jesus doesn't guarantee a life without pain, how God can use opposition to move us toward His purposes, why we must endure when attacks become personal, and how to stay focused on our calling instead of becoming a victim of our circumstances.When you're experiencing great pain, look for the greater plan. Your setback may become a stage for God's glory.Scripture: Acts 8:1–4 Series: Open SeasonIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church.

Journey Through Scripture - Acts 1-2

What happens when a people receive what the Holy Spirit is doing? Acts 2 gives us a picture: believers devoted themselves to the Word, fellowship, prayer, generosity, and life together—and the Lord continued to add to the church. In this post-Rock Conference 2026 message, we look at Acts 2:40–47 and celebrate what God is doing through The Rock Network while challenging us to respond. Rock Conference may be finished, but now it's our turn to take the next step and participate in what God is building.

The practices we all have are making something of us. What are our practices making of you? Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

2026-08-30-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, August 30, 2026, in the 10:30 am service.   Scripture: Acts 8:1–25, 1 Timothy 5:6, Psalm 139:23 Notes: -You can't hold on to sin and expect to live fully in Christ, says Pastor Livingston. -You should be living every day as David wrote in Psalm 139, -asking the Lord to search your heart, try you, and lead you into everlasting life. 

2026-08-30-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, August 30, 2026, in the 8:30 am service.   Scripture: Acts 8:1–25, 1 Timothy 5:6, Psalm 139:23 Notes: -You can't hold on to sin and expect to live fully in Christ, says Pastor Livingston. -You should be living every day as David wrote in Psalm 139, -asking the Lord to search your heart, try you, and lead you into everlasting life. 

What do we do when life unfolds beyond our control?In the closing chapters of Acts, Paul learns to release the communities he helped build—and eventually loses control over his own journey. Yet even amid imprisonment, uncertainty, and shipwreck, he retains something vital: the freedom to choose how he will show up.Jeremy explores the difference between control and agency, the courage required to let go, and how we can meet life's changing seasons with grace, hope, and trust in God.Scripture: Acts 20–27 ★ Support this podcast ★

How do you respond when someone hurts you?Our natural reaction to conflict is often to run away, fight back, hold a grudge, or become bitter. But when Stephen faced rejection, hatred, and ultimately death, his response looked remarkably different. He looked like Jesus.In this final message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford concludes the Dwell series by examining Stephen's response when the pressure was at its highest. Rather than retaliating against his enemies, Stephen spoke truth, remained at peace, loved those who hated him, and even prayed for their forgiveness.Through Stephen's example, we see what can happen when a life is filled with the Holy Spirit and focused on Christ.You'll discover how to confront sin without becoming hateful, why the gospel is the only solution for a hardened heart, how preparation produces peace when pressure comes, and how forgiven people can forgive even those who have deeply hurt them.When the pressure is on, the question isn't simply what will you do—it's will you act like Jesus?Scripture: Acts 7:51–60 Series: DwellIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church.

The Great Command Mark Donaldson Sermon given by Pastor Mark Donaldson on August 30, 2026 at ElmCreek community church in Maple Grove, MN. Scripture: Acts 1:6-11

What if the decisions you're making today aren't just impacting you, but your children, your family, and generations you may never meet?In Acts 16, we're introduced to Lydia, a successful businesswoman whose encounter with God didn't stop with her. Scripture tells us that after Lydia was baptized, her household was baptized too.That small detail has completely changed the way I've been thinking about legacy.In this episode, we're talking about what we're modeling through our faith, relationships, physical habits, and businesses. Because whether we realize it or not, the people coming behind us are watching how we handle hard things, how we treat people, how we care for ourselves, how we pursue God, and whether we're willing to take risks and finish what we start.I also share some personal examples of how I've seen this play out in my own family, including choices my parents made decades ago that are still impacting my family today.Your business can make money. But your life has the opportunity to make an impact that lasts far beyond you.What are you modeling for the generation coming behind you?

In this teaching, Pastor Dobbs ministers from Acts 6:3 on Learned Deacons - Willing To Serve!". It is important that when we are asked to serve in ministry that we are willing to do so. Scripture: Acts 6:3 - Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers

In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with fellow Forge speaker Jonathan Sherwin to tackle a subject many Christians either love or quietly fear talking about: the Holy Spirit.Jonathan and Nathan trace the Holy Spirit's work through the book of Acts, from Pentecost to Peter's vision of the sheet full of animals to Cornelius the Roman centurion, showing how the Spirit gave the early church boldness, discernment, and unity, and how that same Spirit is at work in believers today. They also dig into the tension a lot of Christians feel around this topic: how to embrace the Holy Spirit's work without either fearing it or reducing it to emotionalism and manipulation.Jonathan describes himself as "charismatic with a seatbelt," and this conversation lives right in that tension, affirming that the Holy Spirit is real, personal, and active, while also insisting he always leads in truth and order, never chaos.In this episode you'll discover:-Why the Holy Spirit is a person, not a force, and what that actually means-What the book of Acts reveals about the Spirit's role in the early church's growth-The difference between true conviction and emotional manipulation disguised as "the Spirit"-How to recognize false spiritual practices without dismissing the Spirit's real work-What 1 Corinthians teaches about spiritual gifts and why love outranks all of them-Practical ways to grow in dependence on the Holy Spirit in ordinary, everyday lifeWhether you grew up wary of this topic or you've wondered how to tell the real thing from a counterfeit, this conversation offers a grounded, scripture-first way to think about the Holy Spirit.

Is your view of God too small?We often put God into boxes. We limit His presence to a church building, His will to our plans, His calling to what feels comfortable, and His power to what we think is possible. But God refuses to fit inside the boxes we build for Him.In this message from Acts 7:44–50, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by examining Stephen's teaching about the tabernacle, the temple, and the God who cannot be contained by either. Stephen reminds us that God's presence has always been bigger than a building, a method, or our personal preferences.We'll discover why we must accept God's invitation on His terms, loosen our grip on our preferences, and begin looking for God's work beyond the walls of the church.God made us in His image, but too often we try to return the favor by remaking Him in ours. It's time to break the box and see God for who He truly is.Scripture: Acts 7:44–50 Series: DwellIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church.

The Gospel doesn't ask permission. It disrupts. In Acts 16, the unstoppable message of Jesus crashes into a missionary's carefully made plans, a successful businesswoman's closed heart, a demonic economy built on exploitation, and a desperate man's midnight despair. Four disruptions. One powerful Gospel. From the closed doors that redirected Paul to Macedonia… to the Lord opening Lydia's heart by the river… to the casting out of a spirit that collapsed a profitable racket… to a Philippian jailer about to take his own life who instead finds salvation— This is the same Gospel that still refuses to leave our maps, our wallets, our habits, or our prisons untouched. If you've ever wondered why a door slammed shut, why your heart feels hard, why following Jesus costs something, or how hope can break into the darkest cell… this message is for you.

You can build a church in America with a gifted communicator, good music, and a growing neighborhood. You don't need the Holy Spirit for that. But you cannot multiply without him. In week three of our Multiplying Church series, Pastor Jim Essian teaches from Acts 9:26-31 on how a church actually multiplies — and shares a major announcement about the future of The Paradox Church. When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him. It took Barnabas, the son of encouragement, vouching for the church's former greatest enemy. Churches that multiply are filled with people who remember their own story of redemptive grace — who know they needed it too. Luke gives us the formula in verse 31: walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the church multiplied. Not respect. Not reverence. Fear — the full-body kind. And a Spirit who doesn't remove us from the uncomfortable thing, but comes alongside us in it.Scripture: Acts 9:26-31Preached by Jim Essian at The Paradox Church in Fort Worth, TX—We saturate Fort Worth with the glory and grace of Jesus, even unto the nations — by praying heaven down, preaching the gospel, planting churches, and pushing back darkness.

Why does God make us wait?Whether you're waiting for healing, direction, a relationship, or God to answer your prayers, waiting can feel frustrating and even confusing. But throughout Scripture, we see that God never wastes a waiting season.In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by examining the life of Moses. Before God used Moses to deliver Israel, He first prepared him through years of waiting in the wilderness. The same God who worked in Moses' waiting room is still at work in ours.You'll discover: Why God often works while we wait  What Moses' life teaches us about trusting God's timing  How waiting prepares us for God's purposes  Why God's presence matters more than immediate answers  How Jesus meets us in seasons of uncertainty  What it means to trust God when life feels delayed Your waiting season isn't a detour. It may be the very place where God is preparing you for what's next.Scripture: Acts 7:17–43Series: Dwell If this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church. 

Jesus, meet me in my fears and help me to walk in your holy, gentle boldness.Scripture: Acts 5:42Resource: Spirit-Led Heart: Living a life of love and faith without borders by Suzanne Eller