Podcasts about scripture acts

Our first sermon series of 2026 is all about hearing God's voice today. It's called, "Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening." This week we wrap up our series talking about how we respond to God's voice in our lives.Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DATE: Feb 15, 2026                          SERIES: Poured Out (Acts)TITLE: United in LoveSCRIPTURE: Acts 15SUNDAY SET LIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES:  https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=ByL6__cP-xGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=HJJ0Auqv-xRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

In Acts 12:6–25, we see God's sovereign hand at work as He protects His servants, provides for His people, and brings justice against those who oppose Him. Peter's miraculous rescue, the prayers of the church, and the downfall of Herod all remind us that God is fully in control — even when circumstances seem uncertain or impossible. This passage encourages us to trust Him completely, knowing that His purposes will always prevail.

Call: Psalm 11 Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 NASB

In this message, we will see a picture of what it means to be a sent people.   Scripture: Acts 8:4-8

Call: 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Scripture: Acts 16:1-10 NASB

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DATE: Feb 08, 2026                          SERIES: Poured Out (Acts)TITLE: Evidence of God's GoodnessBIG IDEA: God reveals Himself through His creation and His care. SCRIPTURE: Acts 14SUNDAY SET LIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES:  https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=H10AX7WPbgGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=rJpBxHZwZxRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

In Acts 11–12, we witness the unstoppable growth of the early church as the gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem into the wider world. Scattered believers preach the Lord Jesus, the hand of the Lord brings salvation, and the church grows through teaching, generosity, and steadfast faith—even in the face of persecution. This passage reminds us that growth is God's work, accomplished through His grace, His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

Scripture:Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god., King James VersionIn this episode, we come together to seek the Lord concerning several pressing issues we are facing in the world today. We are lifting up our children, our parents, and our loved ones who are battling sickness. We are also praying for our leaders and for God's wisdom, protection, and direction to be released upon the earth. Thank you for being a faithful supporter of this podcast. Thank you for your prayers, your shares, and for joining your faith with my faith as we believe God to move mightily. There is power when we agree, and we are grateful that you stand with us as we seek the Lord together. If you have a prayer request, you may text **843-790-4229** or submit it by email to **seeingwithoutseeing2020@gmail.com**. Please place **“Prayer Request”** in the subject line. That same email address may also be used on the **Zelle** platform. For more information about sowing through **PayPal**, please email us with the word **“Seed'** in the subject line. If you desire to sow a seed via **Cash App**, it is available at **$seeingwithoutseeing**. Thank you once again for your continued support. Please share this episode and believe God with us as we seek His presence and His will.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our first sermon series of 2026 is all about hearing God's voice today. It's called, "Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening." This sermon is about Ananias, Saul, and how God uses our "yes" to accomplish His will in us, in the Church, and in the world.Scripture: Acts 9:10-19

Today's message focuses on our need to look at the lost offspring of God in this world, seeking to help them find the Father who loves them. /// Scripture: Acts 17:22–34 | Speaker: Bro. Danny Nance | Date Recorded: February 1st, 2026 | Running Time: 46:06

DATE: Feb 01, 2026                          SERIES: Poured Out (Acts)TITLE: Set Apart & Sent OutBIG IDEA: When the Gospel collides with culture it will be both accepted & rejected; embraced & opposed. SCRIPTURE: Acts 13SUNDAY SET LIST: https://bit.ly/Sunday-SetlistSERMON NOTES: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=S1XaCydLWxGROUPS QUESTIONS: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=rJK79lOUblRESPOND: http://thecreeksidechurch.org/discovercard

When we are actively trusting and seeking the Holy Spirit's prompting, then our eyes will open to the myriad of opportunities to explain and proclaim the Good News. Scripture: Acts 8:25-40. View accompanying video at https://fbcpville.org/sermons/acts-the-church-begins-pt-27/

Call: Romans 12:1-2 Scripture: Acts 15:23-41 NASB

What is the true message of Christian evangelism—and what makes it good news for all people? In Acts 10:34–48, Peter proclaims the gospel to Cornelius and his household, revealing a salvation that is rooted in God's grace and extended to every nation. This pivotal moment shows that God shows no partiality and that forgiveness of sins is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.This passage highlights the heart of biblical evangelism: salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. As the Holy Spirit is poured out on the Gentiles, we see that the mission of God is not limited by culture, background, or history—His gospel is for the world.

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11; Romans 8:1-17 Text: Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 20 Theme: Seeing the wonder of the Spirit's work helps us to fully praise our triune God for our salvation.

Did God have a language? Did Adam and Eve speak Hebrew—or something else entirely? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley explores what the Bible reveals about language at creation, the Tower of Babel, and how God communicated with humanity from the very beginning.Walking through Genesis, Hebrew, and the broader family of Semitic languages, Dr. Easley explains why Scripture doesn't give a definitive answer—but does give meaningful insight. From Adam naming the animals to the confusion of languages at Babel and the unity of tongues in Acts 2, this episode connects theology, history, and biblical literacy in a thoughtful and accessible way.Whether you're curious about Hebrew, biblical inspiration, or how oral tradition shaped Scripture before it was written, this conversation invites you to ask better questions—and trust the authority of God's Word.Key Topics Discussed• Did God, Adam, and Eve share a language?• Hebrew and the family of Semitic languages• Language and communication before the Fall• Adam naming the animals in Genesis• The Tower of Babel and the origin of languages• Ethnicities and people groups in Scripture• Acts 2 as the reversal of Babel• Oral tradition before the written Pentateuch• Moses, authorship, and biblical inspiration• Why Scripture leaves room for mysteryChapters00:00 – Introduction00:19 – Did God and Adam share a language?01:25 – What Scripture tells us—and what it doesn't01:52 – Hebrew and Semitic language roots02:40 – Was there a pre-Fall or “holy” language?03:10 – Adam naming the animals04:05 – The Tower of Babel explained04:40 – Acts 2 and the unity of language05:23 – Oral tradition and writing the Pentateuch06:15 – Inspiration and authority of Scripture06:57 – Final thoughts If you've got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.

SCRIPTURE- Acts 3:6-8"Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, [rise and] walk.' Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong."REFLECTION- Mary EllynMUSIC- Good Morning by Alexei SurovykhNOTES-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.

In Acts 10, we see that evangelism is never something God's people step into alone. As the Holy Spirit brings Peter and Cornelius together, Scripture shows us that God sovereignly prepares both the hearts of those who hear the gospel and the hearts of those He sends to share it. This passage reminds us that gospel ministry is not driven by human strategy or strength, but by God's sovereign work, His Spirit's leading, and obedient faith.

 The Iron and the Clay (Part Two): Government, Principalities, and the Coming Clash Between Christ and Antichrist  In this extended continuation of The Iron and the Clay, Jacob Prasch expounds Daniel 2 to address the biblical tension between submission to civil authority and obedience to God, showing how political power, religious systems, technology, and economics are all influenced by unseen spiritual principalities. Moving between Scripture (Acts 4, Romans 13, Daniel 10–12, Revelation 12–13) and contemporary events in Europe, Britain, Israel, and the West, the teaching argues that modern persecution of Christians, censorship, and moral inversion mirror the conditions of pagan Rome and foreshadow the final Antichrist system. Prasch traces how the “iron and clay” kingdom reflects a fractured Greco-Roman world struggling to hold together through authoritarian control, false religion, and counterfeit unity, while warning against deception in the church, triumphalist “kingdom now” theology, and false assurances of escape from tribulation. The message culminates in hope: though many battles will be lost, the war is already won—Christ, the stone cut without human hands, will crush every earthly kingdom and establish a reign that will never end. This teaching was originally taught on RTN TV's "Word for the Weekend" on February 22, 2025 and can be found on RTN and Moriel's YouTube and ministry channels. Word for the Weekend streams live every Saturday. See RTNTV.org for more information

Lord, help me to put down religious agendas to simply love like you.  Keywords: Invitation; Jesus; follow; disciple; Saul; agenda; Jesus said.  Scripture: Acts 9:5 Resource: Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads by Suzanne EllerRead a free chapter of Come With Me, and check out free study videos for your small group. 

A sermon from our series on Philippians.Scripture: Acts 16:11-15; Philippians 1:1-11

What is the mission of the Church—and whose mission is it really? In Acts 9:32–43, we see the early church participating in the Missio Dei—the mission of God Himself. As Peter ministers in Lydda and Joppa, God displays His power through healing and restoration, leading many to turn to the Lord and magnifying the name of Jesus.This passage reminds us that the Church has always been a sent people. We do not create our own mission; we are invited to participate in what God is already doing in the world. Empowered by Christ and led by the Spirit, every believer has a role in God's redemptive work—so that Christ may be exalted among the nations.

What happens when someone fully surrenders to the lordship of Jesus Christ? In Acts 9:19b–31, we see the immediate and powerful fruit of Saul's conversion. Once a fierce persecutor of the church, Saul is radically transformed by an encounter with the risen Christ—and that transformation begins to reshape his message, his relationships, and the mission of the early church.This passage shows us that true surrender to Christ leads to a changed life that boldly proclaims the gospel, forms new relationships within the body of Christ, and multiplies the work of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Daily Dose of Hope December 31, 2025   Scripture – Acts 28   Prayer:  For our last prayer of this reading plan, let's end with a prayer of peace from St. Francis of Assisi... Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on an incredible journey of reading through the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are walking through the last chapter of Acts, Acts 28.   After a few months on the island of Malta, during which Paul was bitten by a viper (with no bad repercussions) and healed many people, they finally are able to secure a new ship and continue the journey to Rome.  When they arrive, Paul is met by a group of believers. I love this. I picture a group waiting by the dock for the ship to come in, anxious to take care of Paul with warm hugs and casseroles!   But Paul doesn't waste much time, after just three days he begins to preach, teach, and discuss his views with the Jewish leaders in Rome. It appears they are more open to Paul's teachings than the Jews in other locations. For two years, Paul stays in Rome, in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to see him. He taught about God's Kingdom and preached Jesus with boldness and without any obstacles.  It's possible he resumed his tent-making in order to support himself but his main focus was conversion.   Paul's intention was always to go to Rome. But just like in our own lives, stuff happened. Riots, jail time, and shipwrecks, all thwarted the best of intentions. Eventually, Paul did end up in Rome and had two years there to share the Gospel. Our life journeys, though probably not as eventful as Paul's, never go in a straight line. There are ups and downs, steps backward, pauses, and spins. But God can and will use each of those experiences to grow us and to help us speak into the lives of others. It's always about the journey, not the destination.   But what happened to Paul after this?  We have some evidence based on his other letters.  Certain letters, which Paul wrote while imprisoned in Rome, are especially helpful.  These include Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, written between AD 60-62.  Titus, as well as 1 and 2 Timothy, were written after Acts and during Paul's travels, AD 66 and 68. We can estimate that Paul lived for about 5-6 more years after the book of Acts ends.    We can also estimate that Paul stood before Caesar (Emperor Nero) around AD 62.  Tradition tells us that he was eventually released from his imprisonment in Rome.  There is some consensus that Paul may have actually gone to Spain after his release, carrying the Gospel even further.  But he did eventually end up back in Rome and tradition says that Paul was actually beheaded there in AD 68.    Paul is considered the most effective Christian missionary who has ever lived.   He took the Gospel to places far and wide, at least as far as the known world at the time.  And he did so at great risk to himself.  He wasn't afraid of physical pain or discomfort.  He didn't care if everything was removed from him.  He had surrendered his life, fully and completely, to Jesus and sharing his message with the world.  As a result, he started many churches and the Gospel spread.    Today is the last Daily Dose of Hope for 2025.  I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.  What did you learn?  How has God stretched you?  I do hope you will join us on our Journey through the Letters of Paul, which we will start on January 5th.  It's been an honor sharing this with you.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 30, 2025   Scripture – Acts 27   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on an incredible journey of reading through the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are walking through Acts 27.   Paul's journey continues. This time, he is on his way to Rome. They hit very severe weather, which threatens to kill all those on board. It must have been quite dire, as they throw their cargo overboard to lighten up the ship. It sounds like weeks and weeks of hunger and misery. They finally see land. By this point, there isn't much left of the ship.   The soldiers want to kill the prisoners but the centurion stops them, as he wanted to ensure that Paul was spared. It seems that the situation was a bit of a free for all; those who could swim, swam to shore. Others grabbed pieces of floating debris and yet all managed to get to shore safely.   This is such an interesting passage to me. The Scripture says there were 276 men on board that ship. They must have all been praying in whatever way they were accustomed to do so. I can't help but think that Paul was praying boldly and witnessing to all the men on board. In such a situation, it seems highly likely people would be very open to hearing about the eternal life offered through faith in Jesus. I wonder if that is why the centurion was so intent on saving Paul's life. Had he become a follower of Jesus?   Throughout the book of Acts, we see people boldly witnessing for Jesus.  First, Peter and John and then Paul.  Their focus on Jesus is so central to all they do that nothing else matters.  What about you?  While we live in a different time and place, we still have lots of people around us who need to hear about Jesus.  How bold are you?  Is Jesus central to everything you do?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

SCRIPTURE- Acts 7:55-56"But [Stephen], filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'”REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- "Good Christian Men Rejoice" by Dan Musselman- "Adeste Fideles" (O come, All Ye Faithful) by Vienna Volksoper Orchestra- "Joseph's Song" by Michael CardNOTES-

Daily Dose of Hope December 26, 2025   Scripture – Acts 25   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you are almighty and all-powerful.  You are God of all and yet you care for us.  Thank you, Lord.  Help us settle our scattered thoughts and be silent before you...Thank you, Jesus.  Please guide us as we reflect on your Word today.  Meet us in the midst of our reading and this devotional.  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.  I hope you had a great Christmas day yesterday!  We have been on a wonderful journey of reading and reflecting on Scripture over the last eight months, specifically the four Gospels and the book of Acts.  After today, we only have three more days in Acts.  We will take a brief break and then we will begin again on January 5, 2026, to walk through the letters of Paul in chronological order.  I hope you will join us for that as well.   Today, we are working through Acts 25.  Paul's on-going custody and trial continues in this chapter. Felix was recalled to Rome to handle some other events. The man who followed him died after just two years and now we find ourselves introduced to the new governor, Festus. So this means that Paul has been in custody for over two years!   Festus quickly demonstrates that, while he will listen to the Jewish leaders' accusations against Paul, he will not be bullied by them. He appears to want to give Paul a fair hearing once again. Now, the Jews were accusing Paul of both religious and civil offenses. Even if he were not innocent, this raises red flags among the Roman authorities. So Paul uses last card, an appeal to Caesar himself, which was his right to do as a Roman citizen. This also means the Gospel message will now move further up the government ladder. God is at work here.  Think of all the people along this journey that are being exposed to the Gospel message – people at every level of government and society.   I do want to point out Paul's faith here.  He is unwavering.  He knows what going back to Jerusalem would mean and he stands firmly against it.  While we don't have specific Scripture to demonstrate this, we can assume that Paul feels God leading him to go to Caesar.  Paul didn't do anything without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We can safely assume that he is praying, listening, and obeying. AND trusting!   What do you learn from Paul's example here?  If you were being accused of an injustice, how would you handle the situation?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 25, 2025   Scripture – Acts 24   Prayer:  A Christmas prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson, Loving Father, help us to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from the evil by the blessing which Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to by Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.  Amen.   Merry Christmas!  Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on a journey, reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through Acts 24.   The case against Paul was presented by an attorney named Tertullus before the governor Felix. When he finished accusing Paul of stirring up trouble and desecrating the temple, Paul boldly defends himself.  Up until this point, Paul has been found guilty of nothing. It's seems obvious that Felix can find no fault as well, but he is hesitant to release Paul. He goes and visits him with his wife to learn more. When Paul begins to speak of righteousness (some translations say justice), self-control, and the judgement to come, Felix becomes afraid and stops the conversation. That's because these were things with which Felix struggled. He was known for his human rights abuses and injustices, he was known for his lust and lack of self-control, and he had every right to be afraid of the judgment to come.   Sometimes, people are curious about the Gospel and may even feel convicted, but when it comes down to it, they aren't willing to turn to Jesus. We have no evidence that Felix ever became a believer in Jesus but I like to think that his meetings with Paul were acts of prevenient grace, God at work in the life of Felix before he ever knew it. I try to remind myself of that when I speak to people about faith. They may not make a commitment to Christ right now, but seeds have been planted. God will keep seeking them, wooing them toward him. God's not done with anyone yet.   Merry Christmas to all of you.   Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 24, 2025   Scripture – Acts 23   Prayer:  Loving God, As we come before you on this Christmas Eve, we thank you for the love that binds us together. Bless each member of our church family and fill our homes with warmth and joy. For those who are alone, please give them peace and comfort that only you can give.  For those who are dealing with struggle and difficulty, Lord, give them peace.  Remind them that you are there to guide, lead, and provide strength.  And continue to speak to us, Lord Jesus, as we make our way through your Word.  We need to hear from you, Emmanuel – God with us.  More of you and less of me.  In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on a journey, reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through Acts 23.   Early on in this chapter, we find Paul speaking before the high council and things aren't going well. He gets slapped by the high priest and there is violent disagreement on the council how to deal with him. The discord is so bad that Paul actually has to leave the location. Paul's fate seems uncertain at best. And then, when all seems lost, God speaks clearly to Paul, telling him to be encouraged, for this would not be the end; he would carry the message of the Gospel all the way to Rome!   I read this chapter and it immediately brought to mind what Paul himself writes to the Romans in 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Paul has been through so much at this point, including fear, extreme discomfort, and physical pain. He probably thought Jerusalem was going to be the end for him and he was at peace with that. But God had something else in mind. God wanted to use Paul's bold witness to bring the Gospel further, to higher levels of government, so that more could believe.   What seems like desperate times to humans, God can redeem for his own purposes. What has God redeemed in your life? I know that in the midst of dire circumstances, it is often difficult to see God at work. But later, when we have perspective, we can see how God took what was dark and ugly and brought something good from it. I should say that bringing something good out of a painful situation doesn't mean fixing it for us but rather demonstrating his glory. This is sometimes hard for us to wrap our human brains around. I think it takes lots of prayer and lots of trust.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 23, 2025   Scripture – Acts 22   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come before you this morning with awe and humility.  Help us remember all you have done for us.  We are nothing without you.  We need you desperately, Lord.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts today as we focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, help us remember that we belong to you.  Help us lay our worries and cares on the throne of your grace...We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on a journey, reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through Acts 22.   The chapter starts with Paul speaking to the crowd in Aramaic.  His knowledge of their language demonstrates that he is one of them.  All the lies are just that, lies.  He shares his background as an educated Jew and then tells his conversion story.  Remember, no one can ever argue with your conversion story.  It's your story!  Paul uses this time to talk about how Jesus led him to share the Gospel with the Gentiles.    But when he gets to this part --- mentioning the Gentiles --- things get heated again.  They demand that he be killed for his blasphemy.  It's now that the Roman commander demands that he be arrested and flogged.  But just as this is about to take place, Paul mentions that he is a Roman citizen by birth.  This changes things.   The scholars have mixed opinions on how being a Roman citizen in that day and time determined one's treatment by governing authorities.  Certainly, in Paul's case, it kept him from being flogged and lynched. In fact, the commander seems frightened when he finds out that the man he is about to whip is a Roman citizen by birth. (I would have hated to see what they did to the non-citizens. It was a brutal world.)    But one thing Paul could not get out of was being sent before the Jewish high council. I'm sure the Roman commander would be relieved to give Paul to the Jewish leaders. Let them be the ones faced with the repercussions of dealing with such a controversial figure. What will it mean for Paul to go before the high council? The council, also referred to as the Sanhedrin, was led by the high priest and consisted of Pharisees and Sadducees.  This group had broad authority, overseeing criminal, civil, and religious cases. This was a group that would not be sympathetic to Paul. Part of their role was to discern when the Messiah returned and they clearly did not think Jesus was it. Hearing Paul preaching Jesus as Lord would be deemed blasphemous.   Will their distain keep Paul silent or make him soften his message? I think we can all guess that the answer is no! Paul is resolute in what God has called him to do. No amount of persecution, oppression, or intimidation will keep him from teaching about Jesus. So our question for the day-what keeps us from speaking boldly about Jesus?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Scripture: Acts 2:32-47  And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son;  who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified;  who spoke by the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.  We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;  and we look for the resurrection of the dead,  and the life of the world to come.  Amen. + The Holy SpiritWe are not powerless Romans 8:9Galatians 5:16+ The Church  We are not alone  + The Forgiveness of Sins  Ephesians 4:4–6Romans 8:1 We are not condemned + The Resurrection and Future Glory  John 6:35–40We are not afraid A Dialogue-Anthem by George Herbert Christian: Alas, poor Death! where is thy glory? Where is thy famous force, thy ancient sting? Death: Alas, poor mortal, void of story! Go spell and read how I have kill'd thy King. Christian: Poor Death! and who was hurt thereby? Thy curse being laid on Him makes thee accurst. Death: Let losers talk, yet thou shalt die; These arms shall crush thee. Christian: Spare not, do thy worst. I shall be one day better than before; Thou so much worse, that thou shalt be no more. 

Daily Dose of Hope December 22, 2025   Scripture - Acts 21:27-40   Prayer:  Dear God, We come to you today with sorrow.  We know that we are sinful and broken.  We know that we have fallen short.  We have been disobedient as individuals and as a church.  Lord, please forgive us and show us your better way.  How we need you.  We are lost without you and our behavior so often speaks to that.  Help us seek holiness.  Help us love others the way you love them.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, please help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...  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.  We have been on a journey, reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Today, we finish with Acts 21.   It doesn't take long before people see Paul and get worked up.  Some Asian Jews, who saw Paul at the Temple, accuse him of bringing a Greek in the Temple (not true) and teaching people to not follow the law (again not true).  Who were these Asian Jews?  They were most likely from the province of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and quite possibly from Ephesus.  They could very well have remembered Paul from his extended stay in Ephesus and the various conflicts that arose.   It doesn't take long for a few rabble rousers to work up a riot.  Paul finds himself in the middle of it, being beaten by a mob.  When the Roman soldiers hear about the riot, they rush to figure out what's going on.  What's interesting is that they also make assumptions about Paul and have been bound, to be thrown in the barracks.  It seems no one really cares much for finding the truth.    The main charge brought against Paul was that he brought a Gentile into the Temple. This would be a serious offense. The Jews did not allow women or Gentiles into the central courts of the Temple, believing them to be unclean. Although the Law did not specifically forbid Gentiles from going into the Temple courts, by the first century, Herod the Great had expanded the Temple courts so that there was a large area where everyone was welcome, the Court of the Gentiles.    Despite the fact that the charge is false, no one comes to Paul's defense.  None of the Jewish believers, who must have seen the whole thing, say a word.  While this was out of fear, for sure, it is still surprising.  Silence, as we know, always empowers wrongdoers.   Let's talk about silence for a moment.  There is good silence, like being silent before the Lord, and then there is bad silence, like not standing up for what is right.  Bullies exist because the majority stays silent.  Martin Luther King, Jr., famously said, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends," emphasizing that friends' lack of support is deeply painful and is what enables injustice.  Unfortunately, we have seen this over centuries in the church.  We saw it with Jesus and the disciples.  We see it in the early church.  We saw it during the persecutions of the first several centuries and through many wars.  How many Christians stood in fear and watched the Nazis murder millions of helpless Jews?  How many Christians have been silent in the face of slavery, racism, and gross injustice across our own nation?   What are the main forces of injustice in our world right now?  Where has the church stood up and done the right thing and where have we been silent?  What about you?   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

In Acts 9, we encounter one of the most dramatic conversion stories in all of Scripture. Saul, a fierce persecutor of the Church, is confronted by the risen Jesus and transformed by God's sovereign grace. This passage reminds us that even those who seem far from God are not beyond His reach. Like Saul, we were once enemies of God, dependent on His initiative for salvation, and in need of one another as He brings about life-changing transformation.

Daily Dose of Hope December 19, 2025   Scripture - Acts 21:1-26   Prayer:  Holy God, We sing your praises today... For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace     there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne     and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it     with justice and righteousness     from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty     will accomplish this.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are getting close to finishing this reading plan after going through the Gospels and now the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through the first portion of Acts 21.   I have to admit, I've always struggled with this passage. Paul is being warned repeatedly by believers, those who have the gift of prophecy, that he should not go on to Jerusalem because it is dangerous for him. Paul has experienced persecution and danger, but what is waiting for him in Jerusalem could certainly be the worst yet. And yet, he insists upon going. Was he ignoring warnings from the Holy Spirit or simply determined to courageously carry out what God called him to do?   Now, most of us will never, ever encounter the kind of resistance and persecution that Paul is experiencing. But how often have we felt the strong call of God in a particular area and then felt dissuaded by our Christians brothers and sisters to carry it out? So often, I think people react to our plans more out of fear for us and/or how our lives might be disrupted than from clear guidance from God. (There are certainly exceptions but I wonder how people's reactions might be different if we asked them to go home and pray about it specifically and diligently for a week.) Paul clearly felt God had called him to return to Jerusalem, minister to the Jews and Gentiles there, and face the authorities, so that God's Word could be preached to the powers that be no matter the consequences. The part of the chapter about Paul purifying himself with the four other men was kind of interesting and worth mentioning.  Why did he do this?  He wanted to show the other Jewish believers that, while the law was not necessary for salvation, he still wanted to honor Jewish traditions. Though these Jews had become Christians, they had not come to the realization that salvation through Jesus made the law of Moses inoperative as a redemptive system. Accordingly, these new Christians still circumcised their children (as a covenant sign), and they observed many of the "customs" of Mosaic law.   There were plenty of Jews who were disparaging Paul, saying he didn't want anything to do with the Jewish law.  Paul is still Jewish.  He has never preached or taught that.  Think about how Paul circumcised Timothy to show respect for the Jewish Christians in the churches for which they were working.  But rumors happen and they can be hard to break.    There were four Hebrew men who had placed themselves under a vow, probably a Nazarite vow. It was about time for their ritual to be concluded by a purification ceremony in the temple. It was suggested that Paul identify with them, paying their temple fees, and, "purifying" himself along with them. This would be done so that the Jews might see that Paul was being obedient to the law. We know that Gentiles, of course, were under no such constraints.  Paul isn't required to do this but he is trying to calm tempers.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 18, 2025   Scripture – Acts 20   Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We are so grateful that your mercies are new every single morning.  No matter what our week has been like, we can come to you today afresh and anew.  Lord, forgive us for our many failings.  We want to do better.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...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.  We are getting close to finishing this reading plan after going through the Gospels and now the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through Acts 20.   We start with more of Paul's travels.  He stops by a number of the churches to encourage them but also has to take a number of circuitous routes to avoid those who wished him harm.  Paul relies so much on the Spirit here.  He knows where to go and when to go, based on where God is leading him.    At his stop in Troas, Paul spends a lot of time preaching.  I mean, he basically preaches all day and night.  One young man, Eutychus, nods off and then falls out of the third floor window and dies.  Paul sees this happen and rushes outside, grabs him, and through the power of Jesus, brings him back from the dead.  Then, Paul keeps on preaching.  Does not miss a beat.  Anyone who ever thinks I preach too long needs to read this passage.   Towards the end of the chapter, Paul is leaving the elders at the church of Ephesus, people he has worked and preached alongside for quite some time. These are people he has grown to love and who love him dearly. They are brothers and sisters in Christ. They are family. And they know they will never see one another again in this earthly life.   When I was traveling in Germany with my Doctorate cohort in 2018, I met a pretty extraordinary South African couple who dedicated their lives to witnessing to Syrian refugees in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Our little group shared, prayed, laughed, and cried with them. My own life journey is forever changed because of the one day I spent with them. I say all of that to make this point. As we left each other's company that day, we were sad because we knew that chances were we would never see each other again this side of heaven. But, we also rejoiced because we knew that we knew that we would spend eternity together.   I think about this as I read about Paul leaving his dear friends. They know that life circumstances will never allow them to be together again in this world. But friends, we aren't simply citizens of earth, we are citizens of heaven! Our time apart is short compared to the eternity we will spend together in heaven. I try to remember this when I officiate a funeral of a loved brother or sister in Christ. Yes, it is very painful to say good-bye. We miss them. But if we know Jesus, then it isn't really good-bye. It's simply "See ya later! Until we meet again!" The pain and sadness are real. We must acknowledge that. But we can trust that God will turn our mourning into dancing. Thank you, Jesus.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 17, 2025   Scripture – Acts 19   Prayer:  Lord, We come to you today with humble hearts.  As we venture towards Christmas, help us think less of ourselves and more about others.  Help us focus more on you, and less on our own wants.  It is our inclination to complain and whine.  Forgive us, Lord.  We need you.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been on a great journey of reading the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are covering Acts 19.   Paul's extended time in Ephesus has obviously made a huge impact on the region.  Many people are coming to know Jesus, miracles are happening, and people are no longer participating in the local idol worship.  They aren't buying the trinkets!    Interestingly, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was considered, in its final form, to be one of the seven wonders of the world.  It was extraordinary feat of how human beings can create beautiful idols to try to replace the one true God.  If the worship of Artemis had been fulfilling and life-giving, then the Ephesian businessmen would have had nothing to worry about.  But the worship of idols, two thousand years ago and today, always leaves one feeling empty and wanting.   Paul preached the Word of God, taught about the salvation and abundant life that comes from walking with Jesus, and created a community of people who loved God and each other.  That was attractive to people who were desperate for something more.  I can't help but relate this same scenario to our society today.  What/Who are our modern Temples of Artemis?  Which idols have we sought after, leaving us feeling empty and wanting more from life?    Just a reminder: Jesus is still in the business of transforming hearts and lives!  Who in your life needs to know the abundant life that only comes from a living relationship with Jesus?  Who needs to experience a community of Christians who will love and accept them as they are?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 16, 2025   Scripture – Acts 18   Prayer:  Dear Holy God, Your love is amazing.  Thank you for the way you care for us.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us focus on you...Lord Jesus, help us set aside every distraction and take this time to lean on you.  We want to hear your voice.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently working our way through the book of Acts and today, we dive into Acts 18.   Here, we read more about Paul's missionary journey.  He heads to Corinth, where he almost throws in the towel when it came to preaching to the Jews.  But God encourages him and we continue to see his pattern of heading to the synagogue first, debating with the Jews, and then bringing the message to the Gentiles.  While I'm sure it was frustrating for Paul, he did see a lot of fruit.  Jews and Gentiles alike from all walks of life are beginning to believe the Good News.    Priscilla and Aquilla appear on the scene and they are a huge support to Paul, as Apollos will be as well.  What I admire so much about Paul is how he traveled around frequently, built networks of believers (which become churches), and he seems almost fearless.  He doesn't get too attached to any place, although he stays some places longer than others.  And yet, he builds deep relationships.  There had to be a lot of hard good-byes.    Another thing I noticed in today's reading is Paul's ability to disciple people in the faith.  He disciples Priscilla and Aquilla.  He stops by all the different churches where he has built relationships, discipling them and encouraging them.  His various pastoral letters, while they addressed specific problems, were definitely letters intended to disciple and mentor those working under him in the name of Jesus.  He doesn't lead someone to Christ and then just leave them in that infancy stage.  He truly does everything he can to build people up in the faith and help them grow.   Discipling others is hugely important and I think it's something we don't do very well in the Western church.  For so long, our emphasis was getting people to say yes to Jesus.  While that is not a bad thing, Jesus teaches us in the Great Commission to go make disciples.  Remember, a disciple is an apprentice, someone who is truly working to be like Jesus.  This doesn't mean someone who has intellectual belief in Jesus but someone who is doing all they can to be like Jesus in thoughts and actions.  What are some ways that we could do a better job discipling other Christians at New Hope?   The bottom line was that Paul was totally and completely sold out for Jesus and he was willing to make any sacrifice to advance God's Kingdom.  How many of us can say that?  Wow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 15, 2025   Scripture - Acts 17   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 back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  We have now walked through the Gospels and we are in the second half of the book of Acts.  Today, we will discuss Acts 17.   In this chapter, Paul preaches in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.  At each place, he tailors his message to his audience but it's still clearly the Gospel.  The reception he receives at each location is different too.  In Thessalonica and Berea, he starts at the synagogue, which has been his pattern.  He preaches the Gospel to the Jews first.  Some Jews believe in Jesus, as did a number of prominent Greek men and women.  But things turn south pretty quickly.  A number of Jews in Thessalonica are jealous at Paul's success and they raise up a mob to stop him.  They actually go to home in which they are staying and drag out Jason and other believers, arresting them and forcing them to post bond.  Paul and Silas were being helped by other believers, who were aiding their travel to Berea.   In Berea, they were accepted warming at first.  People believe.  But the troublemakers from Thessalonica find out that Paul and Silas are there and they try to get hold of them there.  But Paul and Silas are helped once again by believers who help them get to the coast.   In Athens, things are different still.  The philosophers are interested in what Paul has to say and he shares the Gospel and there are varied reactions – belief, sneering, and wanting more information.  But they aren't beaten up or thrown in jail, so that is quite a relief.   In each city, as different as they are, there are some people who take to the Gospel message right away and others who have more questions.  I think this is such a great model for us.  We share as God leads us and we tailor the message to those who are listening.  If we are telling the Jesus story to Jews, then we will focus on the Old Testament and the various prophecies about Jesus.  If we are telling the Jesus story to Gentiles, then the story will be spoken in a way that makes sense to them.  Paul appealed to what they knew – think about his use of the altar to an unknown God in Athens.    In our world, I present the Gospel to someone who grew up in the church differently than I do to someone who has never heard of Jesus.  I guess the theme here is know your audience and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 12, 2025   Scripture:  Acts 16   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you this morning with humility.  You, Lord of all Creation, Almighty God, came down to earth to become one of us.  You didn't come because you needed to, but because we needed you to.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of incarnation.  As we continue through this Advent season, help us prepare our hearts for your coming.  Help us remember who and whose we are.  In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 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 walking through the Gospels and now we are mid-way through Acts.  Today, we are in Acts 16. There are two parts of this passage I want us to discuss.  The first is when Paul meets Timothy and decides to bring him on his missionary journey, he circumcises him.  Wait?  Didn't Paul just argue at the Council of Jerusalem that circumcision and the law were an unnecessary burden for Gentiles?  Yes, he did.  Now he circumcises Timothy.  Is he contradicting himself?  I don't believe so, but there are some layers to unpack.    Timothy's mother was Jewish and his father was Greek so he would not have been circumcised.  Now, Timothy and Paul are going to be visiting many young churches, some filled with Jewish believers.  While circumcision wouldn't be required, it probably gave Timothy a bit more authority in the eyes of those new Jewish converts.  It was probably also a debate they just didn't want to have.  They wanted the focus to be on salvation through Jesus Christ and they wanted to avoid anything that would be a distraction.  Of course, I'm thinking – was there a circumcision check at the door?  How would they even know?  But I digress.    The other part of the passage that is fascinating to me is how the Spirit of God discourages Paul and crew from going one way so that they would end up in Macedonia.  I mean, they had a route already planned out and they were prevented from taking that route.  And then Paul has a dream about a man calling to them and begging for them to come to Macedonia.  So they head in that direction.  When they go into Macedonia, it opens up a whole new area to the Gospel.  They head to Philippi, where they meet a woman named Lydia and she accepts Jesus.  She welcomes them into her home, which later becomes a house church.  This is only the beginning!  By listening to the Spirit and not insisting on their own way, the Gospel was advanced.    How often do we want to force our own way with God?  Yet, the Spirit is always trying to guide us, if we let him.   I can't finish today's devotional without at least addressing the prison story.  Paul and Silas are arrested after a debacle of sorts with a servant girl.  She had a spirit in her that told the future.  Keep in mind, this spirit would not have been of God, so most likely the power was demonic.  She followed the men around and was really wearing on Paul's nerves so he cast out that spirit.  But she was quite a money-maker for her owners.  When they find out the future-telling spirit is gone, they are livid.  They drag Paul and Silas into the public square and have them beaten.  Then, they are put in prison.  It feels a lot like a local mob gone crazy.   But God is always up to something.  An earthquake basically opens up the prison so the men could have theoretically walked out.  But they didn't.  I don't know why they didn't leave.  Maybe the Holy Spirit impressed upon them to stay, we don't have that information.  But because they stayed, the jailer is saved and so is his family!  One door opens another.    God is always opening at doors, always at work, but we have to be paying attention.  How have you seen God working behind the scenes in your life this week?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 11, 2025   Scripture – Acts 15   Prayer: Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today, we are working through Acts 15.   This is a pretty crucial moment for the young church.  Some people from Judea have gone to the churches and said that to follow Jesus, you must first be a Jew first and follow the law of Moses.  That means being circumcised and the whole bit.  Well, Paul and Barnabas are appalled and they debate fiercely with these men.  Thus, they are invited to go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders to discuss the matter.  This is a pivotal moment.  Will the council in Jerusalem put the burden of the Law on these new Gentile believers?  Because the Law is a heavy burden. Even the Jews can't handle it.   Amazingly, it seems that the discussion at the council meeting is both civil and Spirit-filled.  Don't we wish all church meetings could be this way?  Paul and Barnabas give testimony to what they have witnessed with Gentile believers receiving the Holy Spirit.  James stands up and quotes Scripture from the prophets which points to Gentiles accepting the Lord.  Thus, they come up with a compromise to not make the burden too heavy for the new believers.  They are to avoid sexual immorality, not eat meat dedicated to idols or meat from strangled animals or blood.  All three of these were very pagan behaviors associated with idol worship.  This is where they decide to draw the line and it makes sense.  We know this won't be the end of the story but it is a great place to start.   As the chapter progresses, there is a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas.  They are ready for another missionary journey and Barnabas wants to bring John Mark.  Paul does not.  Apparently, John Mark abandoned them on the last journey.  It must have been a pretty heated argument in which neither party backed down.  So, they went their separate ways.  Barnabas took John Mark and they went one way.  Paul took Silas and they went another way.  While some of us might be surprised that believers had such an intense dispute, they are still human beings.  It appears they weren't ugly about it and they came up with a solution.    This is the truth.  We will not always agree.  Even as Christians.  We aren't always going to agree but we don't have to be disagreeable.  We can show respect, we can be kind, and we can do our best to find a compromise.  In the end, the Gospel won out because now there were two different missionary journeys occurring at the same time.  More people get to hear about Jesus!   This would be a good time to talk about conflict.  Are you in one?  How are you dealing with it?    Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Daily Dose of Hope December 10, 2025   Scripture – Acts 14   Prayer: Almighty God, We come before you today, in the middle of our week, with both humility and gratefulness.  You are so powerful, so holy, and so wise.  We need you.  We seek you.  We are desperate to hear a word from you today, Lord.  We also know that we have failed over and over again.  Lord, forgive us for our sins, for the ways we fall short.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Jesus, help us stay focused on you and your Word today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today, we are working through Acts 14.   Today, we read more about Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys.  Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe are all in what is now south-central Turkey, just to provide some geographical context.  In Lystra, they were preaching and noticed a man who was disabled since birth, in that he could not walk.  The Scripture says that they could tell he had faith to be healed so they healed him.  And then basically all heck breaks loose!  The locals believe they are gods and want to make sacrifices to them.  Talk about getting the wrong idea.    Think about it.  In these towns, they worshiped the Greek and/or Roman gods.  Their everyday lives were very much intertwined with this kind of god worship.  Want a better crop?  Pray to this god and give him a few sacrifices.  Want to be more fertile?  Pray to this god and offer some sacrifices here and there.  That was their world.  And so it makes sense that when Paul and Barnabas healed, that must mean they are gods.  Of course, Paul and Barnabas were appalled at all of this but it won't be the last time something like this occurs.  The Gospel was freeing, refreshing, but also a totally new concept for many of these people groups.  It takes them time to understand what it means to follow the one true God.   As the chapter closes, we learn that they appoint elders everywhere they go.  The church needs leaders.  They visit the places they have been before and basically check on them.  They commit the leaders to the Lord.  It's amazing to me that God raised up leaders so quickly in these young churches.  These were baby Christians but God knew exactly what they needed.  A church needs structure.  A church needs guidance.  Without it, it would be easy to have total anarchy.  Everyone has a role and a job.  That's how the body of Christ is most effective and fruitful.  Paul is setting up a model that he knows works well.    What attributes make for a solid, fruitful, effective Christian leader?  Who do you know that leads well in the church and who do you know who doesn't lead well.  I often say we learn just as much from those who lead poorly as those who lead well.  What have you learned from the Christian leaders you have served under?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 9, 2025   Scripture – Acts 13   Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you today with humility.  You are holy, you are perfect, and I am painfully flawed.  Forgive me, Lord, for the way I fall short over and over again.  Forgive me for not being loving, patient, and kind.  Jesus, I want to follow your example.  I want to have a clean and pure heart.  How I need you.  Create in me a pure heart, Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.  I love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been walking through the Gospels over the last few months and now we are mid-way through the book of Acts.  Today, we are walking through Acts 13.   In today's passage, we read about the first missionary journeys.  The believers feel the Holy Spirit calling them to go, so they go.  Paul and Barnabas, especially, feel called to be missionaries and go to new places with the Gospel message.    In Cyprus, the disciples encounter a Jewish sorcerer (seems like an oxymoron) and false prophet who was getting in the way of the proconsul, or governor, coming to belief in Jesus.  Maybe the sorcerer sees Paul as a threat to his own power, we really can't tell.  But Paul doesn't stand for it.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, he speaks boldly and tells the sorcerer that he is a child of the devil.  The man actually becomes blind.  Seeing the power of God at work, the proconsul accepts Christ.    This particular incident is worth mentioning because it doesn't take long for Paul and Barnabas to encounter opposition.  They know they are sent by the Holy Spirit, they are sharing the Gospel, and there are forces that aren't happy about it!  But Paul and Barnabas are undeterred.  They take care of the sorcerer and keep on going.  I think too often when we encounter resistance, we consider giving up.  We think, "Maybe God isn't calling me to do this ministry or maybe God isn't calling me to share my story with this group."  It's possible, at times, that resistance can mean we are doing the wrong thing IF that resistance comes from godly people.  However, more often, I think resistance means we're pushing against powers that need to be brought down.  Keep going and DO NOT COMPROMISE.  Stay the course.   Back to our passage - notice that wherever Paul and Barnabas go, they stop in the synagogue first and preach to the Jews.  Some follow and believe which simply angers the Jewish leaders and they cause trouble.  It's then that Paul basically says, "Look, we tried to offer you salvation in Jesus.  You reject us so we are moving on to the Gentiles!"  The Gentiles are very pleased.  And the word spreads and many people believed.  This is a pattern we will see repeated again and again.   I think sometimes we keep trying to do something, over and over and over again, without a lot of success because we feel like God has called us to do so.  Sometimes, as in this passage, that is simply a door we need to close so that we can open up a more productive one.  It's okay to say no to good to do what's great for God's Kingdom.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 8, 2025   Scripture – Acts 12   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, We give you all the glory and praise.  Thank you for being a God who provides.  Thank you for being a God who heals.  Thank you for being a God who sees past our brokenness and invites us into relationship with you.  Help us, Lord, to grow more deeply in love with you every day.  More of you and less of me.  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.  We are getting to the end of our reading plan after months of walking through the Gospels and Acts.  I would love to hear what you have learned.  What have been your big takeaways?    Today, we walk through Acts 12.  Things are getting rough for Peter and the Christians.  Persecution is increasing.  Herod is getting especially agitated and throws Peter in prison.  I want to talk about the miracle of Peter being released but first let's discuss the Herod dynasty because I think that's important.  The Herodians were given power of the region of Judea by the Romans.  While they were brutal and power-hungry, they did consider themselves to be Jews.  This Herod from Acts 12 is Herod Agrippa I.  His grandfather was Herod the Great; he was the Herod who called for the killing of the Jewish baby boys after Jesus' birth.  He was the nephew of Herod Antipas, who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist and to whom Jesus was brought.    All of these Herodian kings were insecure and felt easily threatened by those who criticized them or their way of life.  Thus, this Herod was persecuting Christians and had already executed James, the brother of John.    Peter is arrested and thrown in prison with many, many layers of security.  But no soldiers or shackles can stop God!  He sends an angel who frees Peter and leads him out of the prison to a home where many believers were meeting.  The believers had been praying fervently for Peter's release and then they were shocked when he shows up at the door of the home where they had gathered.  Talk about answered prayer!  This is just the beginning of the miracles God is going to do.   Do you believe in answered prayers?  Do you pray bold prayers like these believers?  The boldness of our prayers speak volumes about how we feel about God.  It's clear that the early church believed that God was all-powerful, that God was a God of miracles, a God of provision, and a God who would take care of their every need.  The big question is – do we?   Finally, let's talk about Herod's death.  After securing some kind of peace deal, King Herod stands before the people and gives his royal address.  The people go wild!  They begin to say this is the voice of a god, not a man.  And insecure Herod just soaks it up.  But God is having none of it, and he strikes him down dead.  Y'all, arrogance does not pay.  God calls his people to be humble.  All glory and honor belong to God.  Yes, there are times in which we can be appropriately proud but we have to be very, very careful.  The way of Christ is always humility.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope December 5, 2025   Scripture – Acts 11   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, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope once again.  This is the podcast and devotional that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We are working through the book of Acts and today we are talking about Acts 11.   What a great chapter!  It starts with Peter explaining why he entered the house of a Gentile and how the new believers received the Holy Spirit.  Isn't it interesting that the church leaders in Jerusalem don't start by asking Peter about the Gentiles' conversion?  No, they are more worried about Peter being a good Jew.  They are more worried about the superficial.  They are fixated on Peter entering a Gentile's home and eating with him.  Man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart.  God is less worried about the food that's eaten and more concerned about the souls of people.    At the same time, I get it.  These Jewish church leaders had been taught the law from the time they were wee ones.  Yes, Jesus had opened up new doors and broken down barriers, but the law is the law.  This struggle with whether/how to follow the Mosaic Law as a follower of Jesus will be a major theme throughout the rest of the New Testament.  We are quite removed from it as Gentile believers 2000 years later, but this was a big, big deal.  It was very complex deciding what to keep and not keep, what to follow and not follow.  There was also such a huge disparity in background between the Gentile believers and the Jewish believers.  This will come in to play in the next few chapters.   Let's talk a little bit about the church at Antioch.  This is the first place the Jesus followers are called Christians and we have the scattered Jews and the local Greeks worshiping together.  Large numbers of Gentiles come to believe in Jesus, showing God's divine favor in this new direction of the Gospel.  Antioch became a model for a diverse church, but it also became a hub of sorts for Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys.  This was a church that was driven by a mission to save the lost and they kept expanding past the walls of their own church and community.   What might we learn from Antioch?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki          

Daily Dose of Hope December 4, 2025   Scripture - Acts 10   Prayer: Dear Lord, I feel the need to just start with silence this morning.  Help us sit and reflect on you and your presence...Jesus, we need you.  We go through our days distracted and in a hurry, sometimes even forgetting to pray or acknowledge you.  Help us to be aware of your presence, knowing that you walk with us every step of the way, guiding us and leading us in all our words, actions, and decisions.  This is your day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back, friends, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently walking through the book of Acts and today we taking a look at Acts chapter 10.   Things are changing.  I love this text, as it shows that God is always up to something new to lead more people to the Gospel.  Cornelius, an Italian centurion, is a God-fearer.  This means he is a Gentile who believes in God but does not follow the law to the tee.  He is respected among Jews and gives to the causes of God.  God sends an angel to tell Cornelius that he needs to send for Peter.    At about the same time, Peter falls into a trance in which God presents him with all kinds of food, much of it unclean according to the law.  Its clear God is doing something different here.  He tells Peter to get up and eat.  When Peter protests, God tells him that nothing that God makes is unclean.  It's at that same time that Cornelius sends for him.   Peter then goes to Cornelius' home.  Keep in mind, this would have really been a no-no according to Jewish law.  Jews did not associate with Gentiles; they especially did not walk into their homes.  It would have rendered them unclean.  But Peter knows that God has called him to do so.  He speaks to Cornelius, his family, and friends about Jesus and they believe and receive the Holy Spirit.  This is new territory, everyone!  These are the first Gentiles that become believers.  We stand on their shoulders.  More tomorrow…   Blessings, Pastor Vicki