Podcasts about spirit acts

Acts 12:25-13:12

As we continue to examine the conversion of Saul, we see his early ministry and the unique challenges he faced. In spite of new threats, the church continued to grow, and Saul found himself embraced by this new community. Luke records that a new peace came upon the church, a peace formed by their fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. 

Lesson 8 * October 26, 2025 “Trusting The Spirit”- Acts 11:1–18.Today we'll reflect on how Peter faced questions from the Jewish leaders after his bold decision to engage with the Gentiles—those traditionally seen as unclean—and how this moment challenged old boundaries.

Questions about the Trinity are often asked this way:     •    Is the word “Trinity” in the Bible?     •    Do Christians worship three Gods?     •    Was “Trinity” invented by the Church?     •    Isn't the notion of “Trinity” irrational?     •    Don't you think this is a minor issue? Pastor digs into the question of the Trinity by starting at the beginning, in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” In Hebrew the word for God that is used in this verse is Elohim. Elohim is a plural noun. God is being described in plural terms! Genesis 1:2 “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” In Hebrew the Spirit of God is “Ruah Elohim”. This is describing God as the Holy Spirit.  Genesis 1:3 “And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” The word that stands out here is “said”.  Observation: Genesis 1     1.    Plural noun for God the Creator     2.    Spirit of God involved in Creation     3.    God's Word brings forth the Creation This three-fold pattern continues throughout the Hebrew Scriptures:     1.    Father - Deuteronomy 32:6 “Is He not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?”     2.    Spirit - Job 33:4 “The Spirit of God has made me, the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”     3.    Word - Psalm 33:6 “By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.”     But the Old Testament also says there is but ONE God. Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”   And yet one God is describe in a multiplicity of terms. One God and three very distinct Persons. This pattern continues in the New Testament:     1.    Father - 1 Peter 1:2 “…chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.”     2.    Spirit - Acts 5:3-4 “…you have lied to the Holy Spirit…you have not lied just to human beings but to God.”     3.    Word - John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  In John 1:14 we read more about the Word, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  THE WORD is none other than Jesus, Himself. The Bible sets forth clearly that the One God has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Jesus says in Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”    The word that stands out in this verse is the word NAME - singular - yet THREE are named. 2 Corinthians 13:14 “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”   This is clear Biblical teaching that the One true God has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is complex!!! His ways are higher than ours! God who created us….     •    Planned to Save us (God knew we would wander away from Him, but His plan from the beginning was save us)     •    Came to Save us (we cannot save ourselves, we need a divine rescue. Our Divine Rescuer is Jesus who came to earth taking on human flesh and enduring the cross)     •    Dwells in us to Save us (the God who created us dwells in us, brings us to faith, changes hearts, gives power and testifies to Jesus the Savior) God works as a unity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - each unique and distinct but also uniquely ONE.   Is the word “Trinity” in the Bible? The word is not but “the Trinity” is found: Father, Son and Holy Spirit in both Old and New Testaments. Do Christians worship three Gods? No, there is but ONE God, but has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We do not need to comprehend this to know God's power and presence and truth.  Was “Trinity” invented by the Church?  The term is invented but The TRUTH of THE TRINITY has been there since the beginning. Isn't the notion of “Trinity” irrational? This is a profound mystery, but not irrational. Pastor shares a lesson from Dr. Walter Martin and the Triple Point of Water where water is solid, gas and liquid all at one time. Three yet one. Is it irrational that the God of the universe can “three yet one.” Don't you think this is a minor issue? No because when we start ignoring what God says about Himself and what the Bible teaches we go into false teaching and false testimony. This is where false religions come in. We're living in a culture that has walked from God and it is disastrous. This is NOT a minor issue - God is above ALL things and He is worthy of our worship and praise. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Fruits of the Spirit: Acts of kindnessTitus 3:3-7Rev. Justin OlivettiMain idea: Kindness draws people to Christ

In this episode of Pray the Word on Acts 16:6–10, David Platt invites us to walk in step with the Spirit of God.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

The Fruit of the Spirit and the Faith that WorksFrom the series: The Story of God(bulletin here)

In this episode of Pray the Word on Acts 3:3–8, David Platt asks God to help us live in the fullness of His Spirit.Listen to our newest podcast, Everyday Radical!Explore more content from Radical.

A church of Jesus in Chattanooga, Tennessee that loves God and lives in community for the sake of the city.We gather for worship on Sundays at 10am at Battle Academy (1601 Market Street).@citycollectivechatt on Instagramwww.citycollective.usinfo@citycollectivechatt.com

Jesus encourages His disciple's one last time to be bold in the face of persecution and to wait for the coming of the Spirit.News | https://www.pathwaycc.net/newsGiving | https://www.pathwaycc.net/give Website | https://www.pathwaycc.net/Here's the deal, Pathway Community Church cares about one thing more than anything else: Jesus Christ. Pathway is a family of individuals that have found life in Jesus, and simply want as many people as possible to experience that exact same thing! Social Media Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/wearepathway Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wearepathway

Are we allowing the Spirit to truly move in our lives, or settling for a powerless faith? Pastor Nathan unpacks Peter's first sermon in Acts 2 and shows how the Spirit is the only way we can be effective and enduring ministers of the gospel.

Series: Mission Unstoppable

Hope Presbyterian Church is a new church in New Braunfels, TX, seeking to take the good news of Jesus Christ to this historic and growing city. We meet every Sunday at 10 at New Braunfels Christian Academy, 995 Mission Hills Drive, New Braunfels 78130. Come join us!

Acts: Empowered for the MissionAugust 24, 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

Having been threatened by the religious leaders, Peter and John returned to their friends. They gathered together to pray. But they didn't pray for protection or vengeance. They reminded themselves of God, his promises, and the work of Jesus, and they prayed for boldness to be faithful. Their prayer moved God as his Spirit filled them all again, and they went out speaking with courage. 

As Paul approaches Jerusalem and the end of his third missionary journey, some warn him not to go, while he feels led by the Spirit to engage the persecution ahead. Today we explore how people in the Bible discerned the Spirit's guidance and how we might do the same.

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Two and Verse Seventeen

6/29/25 Series: The Bible TogetherPart 5: A Move of God's Spirit [Acts 2:1-19]Speaker: Drew FerneliusClarity Church gathers every Sunday at 10:00am at Edinbrook Elementary School in Brooklyn Park, MN

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

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.

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

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

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

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.