Podcasts about spirit acts

Preaching at PentecostActs 2:14-411. Promise of the Spirit - Acts 2:14-212. Promise of the Resurrection - Acts 2:22-333. Promise of the Messiah - Acts 2:34-364. People's Response - Acts 2:37-41Teaching by Pastor Christian Slye at The Garden Fellowship on 6.15.25.More teaching and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD (Acts 1:9-11) Today's message does not have the great theological Bible truths of the last several weeks, but it does have some good Bible history.  Our message today is somewhat workman like in that it talks about what the disciples did while they waited on the comforter that Jesus had promised them.  Today, we talk about the characteristics of the disciples, and then we discover that Peter is still just as impulsive as he has always been as he tries to lead the group in choosing a replacement for Judas.  And then lastly, we will set the stage for our discussion next week on the events of Pentecost.   The Bible tells us that the Old Testament Feast of Pentecost represents something—that is, it is the fulfillment of something.  The Feast of the Pentecost has been fulfilled in the birth of the church.  Pentecost was to depict the beginning and origin of the church. It spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit in the very particular ministry of calling a people out of this world to form the body of Christ, which is the church. Five minutes before the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost there was no church. Five minutes after the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost there was a church. In other words, what Bethlehem was to the birth of Christ, Jerusalem, on the Day of Pentecost, was to the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Click on the play button to hear a message on how it was at Pentecost that The Holy Spirit became incarnate. He began to baptize believers, which means that the Holy Spirit identified them with Christ as His body here on this earth. As believers, we are a part of that fulfillment today.  Our purpose on this earth today is to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us to gather all of the members of that great body of the church.  Jesus is coming again to gather that church up as His bride.  Our mission is to spread the gospel of Christ to the uttermost parts of the world.   This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.

This was Andy Croft looking at Acts 2:1-13 from our Celebration Sunday service on Sunday 8 June 2025. This is part of our Holy Spirit series.

Listen to a special message for Pentecost Sunday. Pastor Derrick preaches on Acts 2:1-4. 

Worship and Outreach Pastor Micah Dalton preaches about Pentecost, God's masterclass in improvisation—where the Holy Spirit turns disruption into divine transformation. This sermon explores how the Spirit meets us in unexpected moments, inviting us to live with hopeful expectation rather than control.

The Spirit of God is not a tool for the powerful to wield—it is the presence of God, accessible to all. This means we are capable of more than we imagine and responsible for the change we long to see, because God is with us—all of us. Join us this Pentecost Sunday as we explore the empowerment available to us through the presence of the Spirit. 

Rev. Dr. Tassie Green, Interim Senior Pastor

Pentecost, June 8, 2025 Our Worship Series: Because He Lives. This Sunday's Message: Christ Sends Us His SpiritFirst Lesson: Genesis 11:1-9.Second Lesson: Acts 2:1-21.Gospel: John 14:23-27Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21. God Pours Out His SpiritPastor Nate Kassulke

The Signs of the Outpouring of the Spirit Acts 2: 1-21 1. The sign of a mighty rushing wind 2. The sign of the tongues of fire 3. The sign of speaking in other tongues

This week we're reading the Pentecost text in Acts 2:1-4 and then Galatians 4:1-7 and 5:13-26. We talk about the experience of the Holy Spirit, who transitions us from disciples to apostles, sent into the world to show the way to others. We wrestle again with the relationship of faith and Torah and to what extent the faithful need guidelines to show us the right way to live. And we ponder the fruits of the Spirit, wondering how we measure up and whether we can see the Spirit at work today in unexpected places.

Hello, Kindly listen to the teaching titled MEN MOVED BY THE SPIRIT [Acts 6:1-7] by Rev. Agnes Joy Odongo from the Lunch Hour service from the Thursday, 22nd May 2025

In Acts 4 and 5, we encounter a powerful narrative of early Christian community, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the challenges faced by the apostles. The key message revolves around the concept of 'mega grace' - God's abundant, unmerited favor that empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. We see how the early church responded to this grace through radical generosity and unity, selling possessions to meet each other's needs. This challenges us to examine our own response to God's grace. Are we allowing it to transform our relationships and attitudes towards material possessions? The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a stark reminder that God values honesty and integrity in our giving, urging us to check our motives and trust in God's provision. As we reflect on this passage, we're called to consider how we can cultivate a spirit of generosity and unity in our own faith communities, allowing God's grace to overflow in our lives and impact those around us.

Pastor Andy Cass What if the thing keeping you from freedom is the very thing you're avoiding? The Armor of God—starting with the Belt of Truth—and challenges us to stand up, gear up, and live free. TEXT: Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 6:11-14, Jeremiah 1:17-19, Genesis 1:27, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, Ephesians 1:7, John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9, John 10:28 NOTES: Belt of Truth: -Status: Whose team are you on? -Practicality: Belt used to tuck cloak to move freely -Symbol: Poised and Ready -Be careful not to use the Belt of Truth as a weapon. -"If Pride is an overabundance of confidence, then insecurity is an under amount of trust." -Pride and Insecurity = Apathy → leads us back to Egypt (bondage) -Inaction doesn't move us forward—it drifts us back to Egypt. Ultimately leaving us alone, back to isolation, and back to bound." TRUTHS TO BUCKLE AROUND YOU Created in God's image – Genesis 1:27 Loved by God – John 3:16 Forgiven – 1 John 1:9 Redeemed – Ephesians 1:7 Child of God – John 1:12 New Creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17 Called to Holiness – 1 Peter 1:15-16 Empowered by the Spirit – Acts 1:8 Chosen – 1 Peter 2:9 Promised Eternal Life – John 10:28 Leave a comment, subscribe, and share with a friend. Connect with us https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Support what Echo Church is doing at https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Watch Echo Online Sunday Service at 9 AM https://www.youtube.com/TheEchoChurch Become our friend and/or watch on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wearetheechochurch Follow us on Instagram: @wearetheechochurch

The sermon from our evening service on 11th May 2025.

Acts: Empowered for the MissionMay 4, 2025 Worship GatheringsPastor Mark SatterfieldThe Glade ChurchTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people click here: http://www.thegladechurch.org/give—— Stay Connected Website: http://www.thegladechurch.org/The Glade Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGladeChurchThe Glade Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegladechurch

This week, we look at the challenge and example of Holy Spirit's presence and power in the early church in Acts and discuss some barriers to the Holy Spirit's ministry in our community. Recorded May 4, 2025.

Peter, a simple fisherman from Galilee, heard two words from Jesus that would change his life: follow me. In responding to that call, he became part of an extraordinary movement and played a key role in the early church. But Peters story isnt one of a perfect disciple. Its the story of an imperfect follower just like us who responds to Jesus and learns to fulfil his calling. The arc of Peters life is a long one, but as we survey it, here is the question that will guide us this morning: What did Peter embrace that allowed him to fulfil his calling well? And Scripture reveals that... 1. Peter Embraced Jesus as his Source (Acts 1-4; Luke 5:1-11; Jn 21:15-19) Two implications for us: i. We fulfil our calling not out of fear - trying to measure up - but out of love ii. Forgiveness frees us to forgive ourselves and move forward 2. Peter Embraced Jesus as Lord (Mt 16:15-23; Acts 10:9-15, 34-35) Two implications for us: i. Jesus is not joining our journey we are stepping into His ii. Prayer is a great starting point where, with open hearts, we invite Him to shape us 3. Peter Embraced Jesus, Giver of the Spirit (Acts 1:3-8; Acts 2:32-33) Two implications for us: i. We need the Spirit to fulfil our calling we are not alone ii. We will have a Spirit-filled boldness Discussion Questions 1. How has Jesus as your source of grace empowered you through difficult times to fulfil your calling? Has there been a moment in your life, as a follower, when grace hit you anew? 2. Where in your life right now are you tempted to say, No way, Lord? What does it mean to you that Jesus is not joining our journey we are stepping into His'? 3. What might a Spirit-filled boldness look like in your circles? What could be holding you back from living that out? 4. Where do you sense God might be nudging you to move forward in your calling this summer? This year?

Pastor Lisle Drury preaches from Acts 1:8.

Preached by Pastor Jake Long.

 Today, in our passage here in Luke 12:8-10, we have one ofthe most interesting and discussed topics in the Gospels and that is the questionof what does it mean to “blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.”  Luke 12 begins with Jesus warning the disciples to “bewareof the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy”. Over the next several versesJesus instructs both the disciples and the crowd on how to avoid becoming ahypocrite like the Pharisees of His day. Of course this is very much for usbelievers today. There are some very practical things we can do that will keepus from compromising our faith and going along with the crowd. Sometimes itmight be the crowd in the world with their ungodly ways, or most likely itcould be the crowd in our religious circles with their emphasis on the externalrituals, ceremonies, legalism, and made-up rules and preferences.  First, Jesus tells us to remember that everything we say ordo in secret, or behind closed doors, will one day be exposed to everyone to seeand hear (vv. 2-3). Secondly, Jesus tells us not to fear men, or anyone, and whatthey might say or do against us, but to fear God (vv. 4-5). Third, Jesusreminds us that despite our circumstances during difficult and tragic times, Godstills loves and cares for us and notices the smallest detail of our lives andall the needs of our lives (vv. 6-7). Now in our verses today (vv. 8-12), which begin with, “Also,I say unto you”, Jesus gives us another way to avoid hypocrisy is to be courageousenough to publicly profess and confess Christ openly (vv. 8-9)! And we shouldalso recognize and depend on the ministry of the Holy Spirit (vv.10-12).  We need to remember that one day we will have to standbefore God at the Judgement Seat of Christ and give an account of our deeds. (Notour sins, because they are taken care of at the cross.) If we obediently and courageouslyprofess Christ openly now to the lost world around us, on that day Christ willconfess that we have been “good and faithful servants” before both the Fatherand the angels in heaven. But if we deny Him now, fail to live and stand up forHim, Jesus says we will be ashamed before the angels in heaven on that day.What a great motivation to avoid being a hypocrite!!!!! Now what about the statement concerning the “blasphemy ofthe Holy Spirit'? We need to recognize that this statement is connected withthe ministry of the Spirit in and through the Apostles (Luke 12:11-12). TheJewish nation rejected God the Father when they refused to obey John theBaptist and repent, for John was sent by the Father. They rejected God the Sonwhen they asked Pilate to crucify Him. But that sin could be forgiven becausethere was still the ministry of the Spirit. God did not judge the nation immediately. Instead, Jesusprayed for them as He hanged on the cross (Luke 23:34; see also Acts 3:17).Then God sent the Holy Spirit who ministered through the Apostles and otherbelievers in the church. This was the last opportunity for the nation, and theyfailed by rejecting the witness of the Spirit (Acts 7:51). Luke 12:11-12 wasfulfilled during the first chapters of Acts when the message went "to theJew first" (Acts 3:26; 13:46; Rom. 1:16). Israel's third "nationalsin" was the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), after which the message went outto the Samaritans (Acts 8), and then the Gentiles (Acts 10). Note that Stephensaid, "You always resist the Holy Spirit" (Acts 7:51). I do not believe that the "sin against the HolySpirit" is committed by people today as it was by Israel centuries ago. InJohn 16:8-9, Jesus told His disciples “that when the Holy Spirit has come, Hewill convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin,because they do not believe in Me. I believe that the only "unpardonable sin" todayis the final rejection of Jesus Christ (John 3:36). Make sure you have trusted Jesustoday! Tomorrow might be too late. God bless!

Bold Faith, Boundless Spirit: Acts 8 Living in the Spirit Series   Key Theme: The Holy Spirit moves beyond boundaries, empowering bold faith to spread the gospel with supernatural power and divine direction.   I. Bold Faith in the Face of Persecution (Acts 8:1-8)   Acts 1:8 declares that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Until Acts 8, the Spirit's work had been primarily centered in Jerusalem. However, the fulfillment of this promise began unexpectedly—through persecution. Hardship scattered the believers, ultimately expanding the gospel's reach.   The early church had just been established, and with so many new believers, the focus was likely on strengthening the faith community rather than venturing beyond Jerusalem. Yet, God used persecution to advance His kingdom, ensuring that the message of salvation would not remain confined to one city.   One of the key figures leading the charge against the church was Saul. Verse 3 describes his relentless mission: “He was going everywhere to destroy the church, dragging out both men and women and throwing them into prison.” Saul was determined to eradicate what he viewed as a dangerous sect. However, despite his violent efforts, the gospel continued to spread. The word “but” in this passage marks a divine reversal—what was meant for harm only fueled the mission of Christ. The scattered believers did not retreat in fear; instead, they boldly proclaimed the gospel, accompanied by signs and wonders. We see this example with Philip, who preached in Samaria, casting our devils, bringing healing, and it says joy came to the city.   Their unwavering faith in the face of persecution demonstrates that the power of the Holy Spirit cannot be silenced. What the enemy intended for destruction, God used for multiplication.   Application: The Spirit turns obstacles into opportunities. Bold faith steps beyond comfort zones to reach others.   II. Boundless Power: The Spirit Cannot Be Bought (Acts 8:9-25)   The things of this world can be bought and sold, but the Holy Spirit is not of this world. His power cannot be earned, traded, or purchased—it can only be received by faith.   Simon's Conversion and Misunderstanding   Simon, a well-known sorcerer known as the “Great One,” had long captivated the people with his magic. However, when he witnessed Philip operating in true power—miracles, signs, and the undeniable work of the Spirit—he recognized a power far greater than his own. Although he believed in Jesus and was baptized, his understanding of the Holy Spirit remained flawed. Thinking in earthly terms, he offered money to the apostles, hoping to buy the ability to impart the Spirit.   The Necessity of the Spirit's Baptism   Philip's initial message focused on salvation in Christ. He preached repentance and faith in Jesus, and as a result, many, including Simon, believed and were baptized. However, the fullness of the Spirit had yet to be imparted. When the apostles arrived, they discerned this and prayed for the new believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit to operate in the fullness of God's power. This passage highlights an important truth: while receiving Jesus brings new birth through the Spirit, there is also a second immersion—a baptism in the Spirit—that must be taught and received by faith. This empowerment enables believers to be bold witnesses for Christ, just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8.   Peter's Rebuke and Simon's Response   Peter rebuked Simon sharply, exposing the corruption in his heart. The power of God is not a commodity to be bought but a gift of grace to be received. Simon's request revealed that he still viewed power through a worldly lens rather than as a divine gift for God's purposes. Convicted by Peter's words, Simon humbled himself and asked for forgiveness.   The Right Posture Toward the Spirit's Power   The Holy Spirit is given freely, and we are called to walk in His power by faith—not for personal gain, recognition, or influence, but for the glory of God alone. As Jesus reminds us in John 15, we can do nothing apart from Him. True greatness is found not in possessing power but in surrendering fully to the One who gives it.   Application: The Spirit discerns the heart—genuine faith leads to repentance. The gifts of the Spirit are for God's glory, not personal status.   III. Boundless Spirit: The Gospel Reaches the Nations (Acts 8:26-40)   The Holy Spirit directs believers to those whose hearts are ready to receive the gospel. God knows who is seeking truth, and He calls us, like Philip, to be faithful evangelists—always prepared, filled with the Word, and sensitive to His leading.   Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates how divine appointments work. The Spirit led Philip to a man of significant influence, a high official in Ethiopia who was already searching for truth in the Scriptures. Philip's obedience allowed him to explain the Word correctly, leading the eunuch to salvation and baptism.   As evangelists, we must be ready to reap the harvest and plant and water seeds. Some people are prepared to receive Christ immediately, while others need time. As Paul reminds us, “Some plant, others water, but God gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Every soul is precious in God's eyes—whether they go on to influence nations, like the Ethiopian eunuch, or live a quieter life of faith. What seems excellent in the world's eyes may be insignificant in eternity, and what appears small may be of immense value in God's kingdom.   Our role is not to measure impact but to love unconditionally, trust in God's perfect timing, and faithfully share His truth, knowing He will accomplish His purpose in every life.   Call to Action: Pray for boldness, discernment, and obedience to the Spirit's leading. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy,  Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights  Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com praisetabernacle.church  (609) 927-4560(w)

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle Lectionary: 535The Saint of the day is Chair of Saint PeterThe Story of the Chair of Saint Peter This feast commemorates Christ's choosing Peter to sit in his place as the servant-authority of the whole Church. After the “lost weekend” of pain, doubt, and self-torment, Peter hears the Good News. Angels at the tomb say to Magdalene, “The Lord has risen! Go, tell his disciples and Peter.” John relates that when he and Peter ran to the tomb, the younger outraced the older, then waited for him. Peter entered, saw the wrappings on the ground, the headpiece rolled up in a place by itself. John saw and believed. But he adds a reminder: “…[T]hey did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9). They went home. There the slowly exploding, impossible idea became reality. Jesus appeared to them as they waited fearfully behind locked doors. “Peace be with you,” he said (John 20:21b), and they rejoiced. The Pentecost event completed Peter's experience of the risen Christ. “…[T]hey were all filled with the holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4a) and began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them. Only then can Peter fulfill the task Jesus had given him: “… [O]nce you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). He at once becomes the spokesman for the Twelve about their experience of the Holy Spirit—before the civil authorities who wished to quash their preaching, before the Council of Jerusalem, for the community in the problem of Ananias and Sapphira. He is the first to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. The healing power of Jesus in him is well attested: the raising of Tabitha from the dead, the cure of the crippled beggar. People carry the sick into the streets so that when Peter passed his shadow might fall on them. Even a saint experiences difficulty in Christian living. When Peter stopped eating with Gentile converts because he did not want to wound the sensibilities of Jewish Christians, Paul says, “…I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong…. [T]hey were not on the right road in line with the truth of the gospel…” (Galatians 2:11b, 14a). At the end of John's Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). What Jesus said indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God. On Vatican Hill, in Rome, during the reign of Nero, Peter did glorify his Lord with a martyr's death, probably in the company of many Christians. Second-century Christians built a small memorial over his burial spot. In the fourth century, the Emperor Constantine built a basilica, which was replaced in the 16th century. Reflection Like the committee chair, this chair refers to the occupant, not the furniture. Its first occupant stumbled a bit, denying Jesus three times and hesitating to welcome gentiles into the new Church. Some of its later occupants have also stumbled a bit, sometimes even failed scandalously. As individuals, we may sometimes think a particular pope has let us down. Still, the office endures as a sign of the long tradition we cherish and as a focus for the universal Church. Learn more about the chair of St. Peter! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

When Jesus is preparing for the cross, the resurrection, and then to ascend to His Father's side He tells the disciples that it will be for their advantage for him to go away. This must seem very hard to understand for them, and still is for many today! He commissions them to take the gospel to the ends of the earth, and then says... "Wait!" The Holy Spirit is coming, and this - He - is the big advantage. They will receive power to be effective witnesses, enabled to communicate to their own culture and to the cultures of the world through the life-giving, refreshing, infilling of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is both a Spirit of mission and fresh, living water for our own thirsty souls! Every follower of Jesus is meant to come to Him and drink deeply of the Holy Spirit, finding relational effectiveness for powerful ministry. In Part 6 of our Core series, we explore these foundational truths, including the New Testament pattern of people receiving the Spirit.

The Kingdom of God doesn't arrive with a grand spectacle — it starts small, like a mustard seed, growing into something unstoppable. Mark 4 reminds us that the Kingdom isn't measured in big leaps but in small, faithful acts.

Sunday Service (1/19/25) // Acts 18: 24-28 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #DanielBatarseh | #mbchicago | #mbcchicago | #Bible | #BibleStudy | #livechurch | #churchlive | #chicagochurch | #chicagochurches | #versebyverse | #church | #sermon | #sermons | #sermononline | #chicago | #gospelofmark | #baptism | #bookofmark | #newtestament | #scripture | #verses | #lessons` Acts 18: 24-28 (ESV) Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit,[a] he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. Footnotes Acts 18: 25 Or in the Spirit

Today's passage serves as a powerful reminder that (1) although Paul desired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known; he was equally committed to the pastoral care of these young congregations. That (2) discipleship, even by “unschooled,” ordinary men and women, empowered by the Holy Spirit is necessary for believers to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. And finally, (3) that it is the Spirit of God that transforms our lives, calling us into faith in Christ. I've outlined today's text in three sections. 1. Paul: Devoted to Strengthening New Churches (18:18–23) 2. Aquila and Priscilla: Humbly Discipling Apollos (18:24–28) 3. Paul: Proclaiming the Gospel to the Ephesians (19:1–7)

In this episode, Dr. Kasey Sees explores Acts 5:12-42 and reflects on the end of 2024, highlighting the anniversary services in Turlock that ushered in 2025. The church celebrated a powerful close to 2024 with six people receiving the Holy Ghost during midweek services, and three more receiving the Holy Ghost to begin 2025.

Sunday January 19, 2025 at the Hub City Church The Arrival of the Spirit | Acts 2:1-13 The Birth of the Church | a teaching series through Acts Sermon by Tadd Anderson | Lead Teaching Pastor Sermon Notes: Matthew 25:14-30 The HOLY SPIRIT was given to Jesus' CHURCH for one primary reason: That they might powerfully DECLARE and DISPLAY His mighty GOSPEL-WORKS to EVERYONE in the world! “The ‘gift' or ‘baptism' of the Spirit, one of the distinctive blessings of the new covenant, is a universal blessing for members of the new covenant, because it is an initial blessing. It is part and parcel to belonging to the new age. The Lord Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant and the bestower of its blessings, gives both the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit to all who enter his covenant. Further, baptism with water is the sign and seal of baptism with the Spirit, as much as it is of the forgiveness of sins. Water-baptism is the initiatory Christian rite, because Spirit-baptism is the initiatory Christian experience.” — John Stott From the Spirit's Arrival at Pentecost, we see: 1) The GIFT of the Holy Spirit is for ALL BELIEVERS, to EMPOWER them for MISSION. Joel 2:28-29 // 1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11 // 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 2) While we can't CALCULATE the MOVEMENTS of the Spirit, they are CALCULATED. John 3:8 // Acts 8:26-29, 10:19-20, 11:11-15, 13:2-4, 16:6-7, 14 3) The Holy Spirit can OVERCOME any BARRIER and use ANYBODY to REACH anybody. Ref. Acts 10 The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God. Join us next Sunday at 10am. 837 W James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.

‘And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. ‘Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. ‘Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”' When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. (Acts 20:22-38, NIV.)

Church shouldn't be boring. And the book of Acts is proof of that. In every generation of the church, people have rediscovered the story of the early church as it's told in the book of Acts—and it has set the church on fire. In a cultural moment where the church is in decline, we want to read the book of Acts page by page and highlight moments that have the potential to renew the church in our time. We don't just want to read stories from Acts; we want to live them. If that's what you want and you're just curious about faith, join us for Season 1 of Highlights from Acts.

Sunday Evening Bible Study

Preached by Jordan Ahrendt: Acts 7:51-60

Send us a Text Message.Acts 2:14-41Join us this week as we continue our study through the book of Acts!We also would like to invite anyone who lives in the Philadelphia area to worship and study God's word with us at our in-person meeting that takes place every-other Monday night at 7:30pm. Visit phillyyoungadults.com for additional information about our ministry.Feel free to message us on instagram (@phillyyoungadultscc) with any feedback, questions, or topics you want to hear about on the podcast or you can shoot an email to ya@ccphilly.orgVisit our website here.

Preached by Nathan Bayly; Acts 6:1-6

Psalm 16 is an important Messianic Psalm, quoted by Peter & Paul to prove Jesus is the promised Messiah. Peter quoted Ps16:8-11 in Acts 2:25-28 and expounded it in Acts 2:22-33, as a central part of his sermon. It speaks of a Man who dies and His soul goes to Sheol, but is resurrected before His body sees corruption (within 3 days). Also, He is then exalted to God's right hand (v9-11). He points out the Psalmist, David, died and is still in his tomb (his body saw corruption). Thus, it was not fulfilled by David, but rather he spoke by the Spirit of Prophecy about Christ, the Son of David, that He'd be resurrected before his body saw corruption (v29-31). He then said Jesus fulfilled this Prophecy by His 3rd day resurrection, proving He is the Christ (v32,36). He also pointed out Jesus was exalted to God's right hand, fulfilling Ps 16:11 & 110:1, as confirmed by the Outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:33-35). Likewise, Paul in Acts 13:35 quoted Ps 16:10 and expounded it in Acts 13:36-39 to prove Jesus is the Christ. Thus though we can read much of Ps 16 as David's words of trust in God for preservation & provision in this life and hope for his eternal life in God's Presence, the words only find ultimate fulfilment in Christ. So, we should read them as Christ's words, given by prophecy, as He approached death, expressing His faith in God to resurrect Him. Although God, He had to live as a man totally depending on God for everything, including His resurrection: "Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust...You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You (or 'every good thing comes from You')” (v1-2). He's our perfect example of how to live by faith. He describes the saints (those who trust in Him) as the excellent (noble) ones, in whom is all His delight (v3). This shows Christ had us on His heart & mind as He went to the Cross. We are precious in His sight, and so gave Himself for us, so we might be His forever: "for the joy (us, His Bride) set before Him, He endured the Cross" (Hebrews 12:2). As our example, He reveals a key part of living by faith - the rejection of all other gods & idolatry (v4), including covetousness (Col 3:5), for men turn from a pure devotion to the true God and hasten after (seek) other gods is to possess what they offer (prosperity). But the more they multiply their gods & idols the more their sorrows multiply (v4). A classic example is Man's Fall. God provided abundantly, and would have given them more, as they proved themselves faithful, but listening to Satan made them dissatisfied with His Presence and their allotted inheritance, so they became covetous to gain more, and so rejected His authority, claiming autonomy as their own gods, and went their own way, but soon found they gained nothing, but rather lost His Blessing, and their sorrows multiplied. The truth is if we seek 1st the Kingdom (reign) of God over our life and live by His righteous Spirit in our heart, all things will be added to us (Matt 6:33). Thus, we need to learn to be satisfied (content) with God Himself (His Presence in our heart), and with whatever inheritance of possessions & experiences He chooses to give us (as a bonus), both now, in the future and in eternity (Rev 21:7, Phil 4:11-13, 1Tim 6:6). This is exactly what David & Christ declare: "O Lord, YOU are the PORTION of my INHERITANCE and my CUP (what God appoints for me to experience); You maintain my LOT (if we trust Him, He will guard our eternal inheritance, so none can steal it). The (boundary) lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a GOOD INHERITANCE" (v5-6). God is generous (good), giving us much more than we deserve, so we can submit to Him and trust Him day by day for His Presence & gracious provisions, rather than turning from Him in striving & lust to grasp what He's not giving us at this time. In this manner, He declares: "I have set the Lord (not things or experiences) always before Me... I shall not be moved" (v8). As a result, He has assurance God will guide & preserve Him by His Presence on the path of life, thru this life, then thru death & resurrection and exaltation to God's right hand in Heaven, where He'll give Him fullness of joy in His Presence & pleasures (experiences) for all eternity: "You will show me the path of life. In Your Presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (v11). These verses also apply to us, for we are "heirs of God & joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). He's our example to follow, that we should trust in God and be satisfied with His Presence in our hearts, and the possessions, gifts, opportunities, positions, blessings & experiences He gives us in this life, knowing He's prepared a wonderful eternal future and inheritance for us, way beyond our present experience & imagination (1Cor 2:9, Eph 2:7), where we'll be exalted and experience fullness of joy in His Presence.

Psalm 16 is an important Messianic Psalm, quoted by Peter & Paul to prove Jesus is the promised Messiah. Peter quoted Ps16:8-11 in Acts 2:25-28 and expounded it in Acts 2:22-33, as a central part of his sermon. It speaks of a Man who dies and His soul goes to Sheol, but is resurrected before His body sees corruption (within 3 days). Also, He is then exalted to God's right hand (v9-11). He points out the Psalmist, David, died and is still in his tomb (his body saw corruption). Thus, it was not fulfilled by David, but rather he spoke by the Spirit of Prophecy about Christ, the Son of David, that He'd be resurrected before his body saw corruption (v29-31). He then said Jesus fulfilled this Prophecy by His 3rd day resurrection, proving He is the Christ (v32,36). He also pointed out Jesus was exalted to God's right hand, fulfilling Ps 16:11 & 110:1, as confirmed by the Outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:33-35). Likewise, Paul in Acts 13:35 quoted Ps 16:10 and expounded it in Acts 13:36-39 to prove Jesus is the Christ. Thus though we can read much of Ps 16 as David's words of trust in God for preservation & provision in this life and hope for his eternal life in God's Presence, the words only find ultimate fulfilment in Christ. So, we should read them as Christ's words, given by prophecy, as He approached death, expressing His faith in God to resurrect Him. Although God, He had to live as a man totally depending on God for everything, including His resurrection: "Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust...You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You (or 'every good thing comes from You')” (v1-2). He's our perfect example of how to live by faith. He describes the saints (those who trust in Him) as the excellent (noble) ones, in whom is all His delight (v3). This shows Christ had us on His heart & mind as He went to the Cross. We are precious in His sight, and so gave Himself for us, so we might be His forever: "for the joy (us, His Bride) set before Him, He endured the Cross" (Hebrews 12:2). As our example, He reveals a key part of living by faith - the rejection of all other gods & idolatry (v4), including covetousness (Col 3:5), for men turn from a pure devotion to the true God and hasten after (seek) other gods is to possess what they offer (prosperity). But the more they multiply their gods & idols the more their sorrows multiply (v4). A classic example is Man's Fall. God provided abundantly, and would have given them more, as they proved themselves faithful, but listening to Satan made them dissatisfied with His Presence and their allotted inheritance, so they became covetous to gain more, and so rejected His authority, claiming autonomy as their own gods, and went their own way, but soon found they gained nothing, but rather lost His Blessing, and their sorrows multiplied. The truth is if we seek 1st the Kingdom (reign) of God over our life and live by His righteous Spirit in our heart, all things will be added to us (Matt 6:33). Thus, we need to learn to be satisfied (content) with God Himself (His Presence in our heart), and with whatever inheritance of possessions & experiences He chooses to give us (as a bonus), both now, in the future and in eternity (Rev 21:7, Phil 4:11-13, 1Tim 6:6). This is exactly what David & Christ declare: "O Lord, YOU are the PORTION of my INHERITANCE and my CUP (what God appoints for me to experience); You maintain my LOT (if we trust Him, He will guard our eternal inheritance, so none can steal it). The (boundary) lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a GOOD INHERITANCE" (v5-6). God is generous (good), giving us much more than we deserve, so we can submit to Him and trust Him day by day for His Presence & gracious provisions, rather than turning from Him in striving & lust to grasp what He's not giving us at this time. In this manner, He declares: "I have set the Lord (not things or experiences) always before Me... I shall not be moved" (v8). As a result, He has assurance God will guide & preserve Him by His Presence on the path of life, thru this life, then thru death & resurrection and exaltation to God's right hand in Heaven, where He'll give Him fullness of joy in His Presence & pleasures (experiences) for all eternity: "You will show me the path of life. In Your Presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (v11). These verses also apply to us, for we are "heirs of God & joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). He's our example to follow, that we should trust in God and be satisfied with His Presence in our hearts, and the possessions, gifts, opportunities, positions, blessings & experiences He gives us in this life, knowing He's prepared a wonderful eternal future and inheritance for us, way beyond our present experience & imagination (1Cor 2:9, Eph 2:7), where we'll be exalted and experience fullness of joy in His Presence.

We started our teaching series through the book of Acts! We started off with Jesus ascending into heaven and promising to send the Holy Spirit in Acts 1.We also would like to invite anyone who lives in the Philadelphia area to worship and study God's word with us at our in-person meeting that takes place every-other Monday night at 7:30pm. Visit phillyyoungadults.com for additional information about our ministry.Feel free to message us on instagram (@phillyyoungadultscc) with any feedback, questions, or topics you want to hear about on the podcast or you can shoot an email to ya@ccphilly.orgVisit our website here.

Caleb Clardy teaches from Acts 2 on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024.Support the Show.

This week BibleWorm concludes the Narrative Lectionary cycle with the Pentecost readings, Acts 2:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. We talk about the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, which empowers the original disciples to speak in languages they don't know, calling them outward from the culturally homogenous group to enter into the cultures and languages of others. That same Spirit, Paul says, pours out on the Christians in Corinth—and on Christians today—empowering us with a diversity of gifts, from miraculous gifts like prophecy and speaking in tongues, to floppier gifts like wisdom and knowledge. Whatever our gifts, Paul says, the community needs them all. If we withhold our gifts, or if we fail to recognizes the diverse gifts of others, we fail to live up to God's vision for us as the body of Christ.

Associate Priest Ginny Seibel preaches on the ascension of Jesus from the perspective of his disciples. 

This week BibleWorm begins not only a new book but a new kind of book in the New Testament – we move from a gospel to the Book of Acts with Acts 1:1-14.  We love seeing what the author lays out for us as the sort of “season recap” at the beginning – what parts of the Jesus story are most pressing for us to hold close for this next chapter? And truly it is a new chapter – the disciples sit in the echo of what has happened, but really don't know yet what it all means for the future. And guess what they are to do, these leaders of the budding church, these people whose lives were turned upside down in every imaginable way? They are to stay put, stay in community, stay in prayer, and wait. How much pressure must they feel to DO something with what they've received already – to figure out what should happen next? But something is still missing – you can't get ahead of the spirit.

Fueled By The Spirit (Acts 2:1-41)

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle Lectionary: 535The Saint of the day is Chair of Saint PeterThe Story of the Chair of Saint Peter This feast commemorates Christ's choosing Peter to sit in his place as the servant-authority of the whole Church. After the “lost weekend” of pain, doubt, and self-torment, Peter hears the Good News. Angels at the tomb say to Magdalene, “The Lord has risen! Go, tell his disciples and Peter.” John relates that when he and Peter ran to the tomb, the younger outraced the older, then waited for him. Peter entered, saw the wrappings on the ground, the headpiece rolled up in a place by itself. John saw and believed. But he adds a reminder: “…[T]hey did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9). They went home. There the slowly exploding, impossible idea became reality. Jesus appeared to them as they waited fearfully behind locked doors. “Peace be with you,” he said (John 20:21b), and they rejoiced. The Pentecost event completed Peter's experience of the risen Christ. “…[T]hey were all filled with the holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4a) and began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them. Only then can Peter fulfill the task Jesus had given him: “… [O]nce you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). He at once becomes the spokesman for the Twelve about their experience of the Holy Spirit—before the civil authorities who wished to quash their preaching, before the Council of Jerusalem, for the community in the problem of Ananias and Sapphira. He is the first to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. The healing power of Jesus in him is well attested: the raising of Tabitha from the dead, the cure of the crippled beggar. People carry the sick into the streets so that when Peter passed his shadow might fall on them. Even a saint experiences difficulty in Christian living. When Peter stopped eating with Gentile converts because he did not want to wound the sensibilities of Jewish Christians, Paul says, “…I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong…. [T]hey were not on the right road in line with the truth of the gospel…” (Galatians 2:11b, 14a). At the end of John's Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). What Jesus said indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God. On Vatican Hill, in Rome, during the reign of Nero, Peter did glorify his Lord with a martyr's death, probably in the company of many Christians. Second-century Christians built a small memorial over his burial spot. In the fourth century, the Emperor Constantine built a basilica, which was replaced in the 16th century. Reflection Like the committee chair, this chair refers to the occupant, not the furniture. Its first occupant stumbled a bit, denying Jesus three times and hesitating to welcome gentiles into the new Church. Some of its later occupants have also stumbled a bit, sometimes even failed scandalously. As individuals, we may sometimes think a particular pope has let us down. Still, the office endures as a sign of the long tradition we cherish and as a focus for the universal Church. Click here for more on the chair of St. Peter! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

“Start with the Spirit and always end with Jesus.”