Podcasts about Tarsus

Does your Christianity have a cross? Saul of Tarsus was chosen to suffer. But we shouldn't think he was unique in that. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." This is not a message that fills arenas with eager hearers. But many of us do long to be significant, perhaps even to be heroes. Jim will connect those dots with Part 2 of his sermon, Hero: Chosen to Suffer. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS06232026_0.mp3Scripture References: Acts 9:15-16

Paul moves from what he inherited to what he personally achieved. Listento what he says: "As to the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecutingthe church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Thesewere not things that were given to Paul. These were things he worked hard toattain. If anyone could have earned a right standing before God throughreligion, dedication, and moral effort, it was Saul of Tarsus. First,notice that Paul said, "As to the law, a Pharisee." ThePharisees were the strictest religious group in Judaism. There were not many ofthem compared to the population of Israel, but they were highly respected fortheir devotion to the Law. The word Pharisee actually means "separatedone." They separated themselves from anything they believed would makethem spiritually unclean. They carefully studied the Scriptures, observedreligious traditions, and sought to obey every detail of the Law. SoPaul was not merely a religious man. He was a religious leader. In Acts 23:6,he boldly declared, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee." Hehad studied under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel according to Acts 22:3. Hepossessed the finest religious education available in his day. Yet with allthat learning and all that religious devotion, it could not save him. It ispossible to know the Bible intellectually and still not know Jesus Christpersonally. Many people today know Bible stories, memorize verses, and attendchurch regularly, yet they have never experienced the transforming grace ofGod. Knowledge alone cannot save. Secondly,Paul said, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church." Thismight seem shocking to us. How could persecuting Christians be considered acredential? But before his conversion, Paul believed Christians were theenemies of God. He thought he was serving God by trying to destroy the church. Acts8:3 tells us that Saul made havoc of the church, entering houses and draggingmen and women off to prison. In Acts 9, he was on his way to Damascus withauthority to arrest believers when he met the risen Christ. In Acts 26:9-11,when he gave his testimony before Agrippa, he said: “I punished them oftenin every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme. Being exceedingly enragedagainst them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities." Paulwas sincere. He was passionate. He was committed. But he was sincerely wrong. Thisreminds us that sincerity alone is not enough because a person can be sincereand still be lost. A person can be passionate and still be mistaken. The mostimportant question is not how sincere we are. The important question is whetherour faith is based on the truth of Jesus Christ. Today, many people are zealousabout religion, politics, causes, traditions, or philosophies. But zeal withouttruth can lead us far from God. Paul had zeal, but he still needed a Savior. Third,Paul said, "Concerning the righteousness which is in the law,blameless." Notice he did not say sinless. He said blameless. In theeyes of the people around him, Paul lived an exemplary life. No one could pointto some scandalous sin and accuse him of hypocrisy. Outwardly, he appeared tobe everything a religious person should be. If Saul of Tarsus had lived in ourcommunity today, many churches would probably have wanted him to be a deacon, aSunday school teacher, an elder, or a ministry leader. Yet despite all hismorality and religious discipline, he was still lost. Thisis one of the most sobering truths in Scripture. Aperson can be religious and still need salvation. Remember, Jesus said inMatthew 7 that many will come to Him in that day and say, "Lord, Lord,have we not done many wonderful works in Your name?" And Jesus willsay to them, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity. I never knewyou." That is sobering. Are you sure—really sure—that you have beenborn again? We need the grace of God and salvation through Christ alone. 

Paul does something very interesting. He anticipates an argumentfrom the Judaizers. They might say, "Paul, you tell people not to trust inthe flesh because you do not have anything in the flesh worth trusting." SoPaul responds in verse 4: "Though I also might have confidence in theflesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I moreso." In other words, Paul is saying that if we are going to comparereligious credentials, family heritage, religious training, zeal, and outwardrighteousness, he can surpass them all. He is about toshow us that everything he once trusted in turned out to be worthless whencompared to knowing Jesus Christ. BeforeChrist saved him, Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus. He was highly educated,deeply religious, and respected by his peers. If anyone could have earnedheaven through religion, surely Saul would have been near the top of the list. Yetnotice what Paul says here. He does not say, “I used to have confidence in theflesh.” He says, “I might have confidence in the flesh.” In other words, ifsalvation could be earned by human effort, he would qualify. If anyone hadreason to trust in religious accomplishments, it was Paul. Thisreminds us of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. He came to Jesus with animpressive moral record. He had kept the commandments from his youth. Yetsomething was missing. He had religion, but he did not have Jesus Christ. Manypeople today are just like that rich young ruler. I am concerned about everyonewho listens to this chat because sometimes we trust in our church membership,our baptism, our confirmation, our giving, or our efforts to be a good person.Maybe we trust in the fact that we were raised in a Christian home. Yet none ofthese things can save a person. TheJudaizers believed that faith in Christ was not enough. They insisted that aperson must also keep the Jewish laws and rituals. Paul says, “If that is true,then I win the contest.” But as we will see in the coming verses, Pauldiscovered something that changed his life forever. All those religiousaccomplishments and achievements could never remove a single sin. They couldnever give him peace with God. They could never make him righteous before aholy God. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us: "But we are all like an unclean thing,and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Noticethat Isaiah does not say our sins are filthy rags. He says our righteousnessesare filthy rags. Even the very best we can offer God falls short of His perfectstandard. That is why salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.Ephesians 2:8-9 makes this clear: "For by grace you have been savedthrough faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works,lest anyone should boast." The problem with trusting in the flesh isthat the flesh always gives us something to boast about other than Jesus. If Itrust my goodness, I boast in myself. If I trust my religion, I boast inmyself. If I trust my accomplishments, I boast in myself. But when I trust inChrist alone, all the glory belongs to Jesus. Paul'stestimony reminds us that a person can be sincere and still be lost. He can bereligious and still be lost. He can be moral and still be lost. He can knowScripture and still be lost. The issue is not whether we have religion. Theissue is whether we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. As we continuestudying this passage, Paul is going to take us through his impressivereligious résumé. Then he is going to show us why he gladly threw it all awayfor the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ. What a testimony! Solet me ask you today: What are you trusting in? Are you trusting in somethingyou have done? Or are you trusting completely in Jesus Christ and in Him alone?I pray, my friend, that your trust is in Christ and Christ alone. Remember,true believers worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have noconfidence in the flesh.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we study Acts 11:19-30 and the founding of the church in Antioch of Syria. After Stephen's death, believers scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching at first only to Jews. But some from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Gentiles, and a large number believed and turned to the Lord.We walk through what happened next: the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to Antioch, where he saw evidence of God's blessing and encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas then went to Tarsus to find Saul, and the two of them taught large crowds there for a full year. It was at Antioch that believers were first called Christians.We also cover the prophets who came down from Jerusalem, including Agabus, who predicted a great famine that came during the reign of Claudius. In response, the believers in Antioch sent relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, each giving as much as they could, entrusting the gift to Barnabas and Saul.Along the way we look at the geography and history of Antioch, why Barnabas was the right person to send, the origin of the term "Christian," and what this passage shows about the gospel spreading beyond Jerusalem.Listen now at renewyourmindministries.orgYou can listen to past and future episodes of this podcast and The God Revelation Podcast and the Holy Spirit Podcast on our website   https://renewyourmindministries.org/, or on any podcast platform such as Amazon Alexa, Audible, Apple/Itunes Podcasts, Spotify, iheart, Youtube Podcasts, & etc.

Send us Fan MailEncouragement can sound like a personality trait until you watch it reshape the Church. Saint Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, shows up in the Acts of the Apostles as the kind of disciple who doesn't just feel compassion, he puts it to work. We walk through his story as a Catholic saint who lives “faith in action” through concrete choices: selling his field, strengthening struggling believers, and stepping into tense moments where unity could have collapsed.One of the most gripping scenes is Barnabas welcoming Saul of Tarsus after Saul's conversion, when the community's fear is understandable and the stakes are high. We talk about discernment, holy accompaniment, and what it means to bet on grace without being reckless. If you've ever struggled to trust someone's change, or wondered how to support a new convert, Barnabas offers a clear model of courage that protects the Church while still making room for God to surprise us.From there we move to Antioch, where Barnabas encourages Gentile believers to remain faithful with steadfast purpose and helps form a community shaped by prayer, teaching, shared life, and care for the poor. His partnership with Saint Paul becomes a lesson in collaboration and evangelization, reminding us that missionary discipleship is never a solo act. If you're craving spiritual encouragement, practical Catholic living, and a renewed sense of mission, this journey with Saint Barnabas will give you concrete next steps. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review. Where could you be a Barnabas this week?Open by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsChat with US 24/7 Ask us anything https://chatting.page/mjxs9aerrtgm3lmpndlcepmbyosntrjnDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us ...

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 11th of June, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Acts 22:7: ”And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” The power of testimony! I think, without a doubt, it's the greatest miracle ever. There's a transformation of a person completely dedicated to killing Christians and putting an end to Christianity, then in the space of one moment, became the greatest ambassador on earth, apart from Jesus Christ Himself, for the Gospel. His name? Yes, Saul of Tarsus. Once he was converted, he became Paul the Apostle. He wrote two-thirds of this very book that I am reading to you at this moment. It's incredible, a one hundred and eighty-degree turnaround. Oh Jesus we love You! In a clear sky, in the middle of the day, none of the others around him knew what was happening, and the Lord knocked him off his horse or whatever he was riding and said to him, ”Why are you persecuting Me.” “Who are You Lord?” “I am Jesus of Nazareth.” Oh folks, I've seen it so many times. You can't explain it. The wonderful thing about a testimony is that you can agree to believe it or you can disagree, but you cannot argue about it because you weren't there, and that was the case with Paul when he was converted in an instant, on the road to Damascus, where he was going to persecute God's people.Today, I want to say to that young lady that is so desperate for her husband to come to Christ. I want to say to that old mother who has been praying for her son for many years, I want to say to that young child who is desperately hoping that mom and dad will come to Christ, continue to trust the Lord and pray, and God will answer your request, without a doubt. I've seen it too many times in my own life. Bringing men to a Mighty Men Conference, who didn't even know they were going there - they thought they were going on a fishing trip. Three friends put him in the car, and there were four of them, and they drove, and as they came onto the land where the event was taking place, the man started weeping, and they said, ”Why are you crying?” He said, ”I don't know.” And that was the conversion of a man from the world into the Kingdom of God.Let us keep on for Jesus.God bless you and goodbye.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Tuesday morning, the 9th of June, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Acts 22:1-3: “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.” He had to convince the people he was one of them before he met Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Paul used his background and his heritage to convince the mob and to try and win them over. You and I need to do that. Don't take your background lightly. If you come from a certain people group and you are trying to convince people in that group to turn to Jesus, tell them where you come from. Tell them what you did. Paul told them he was taught by the great teacher, Gamaliel. Now, if we look at Gamaliel in Acts 5:38-39, we will see that this man was a great teacher of the law and obviously a man of God. He says: "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Now, that is good counsel. Now, when you want to go to the doctor, the first thing you find out is, who is this man or woman? Where did they study? What reputation do they have? Have they got a good name? Yes, they have helped many people, then you feel secure. It might also be that if you want to find out something very important about the word of God, you don't just go to anybody. You must find a person who has walked the road, knows what he is talking about before you start to trust him. That is exactly what Paul was doing with the mob. He was trying to show them that he was not somebody who had just arrived, he is a man of standing, he has a good reputation, comes from a good background, a good home and has also been taught by the best.Today, go out and use every opportunity and qualification that you have to bring people to Jesus.God bless you and have a wonderful day.Goodbye.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

Rick Lee gives a firsthand look at Saul of Tarsus, a new video game inspired by one of Scripture's most powerful stories of transformation. Today, on the 700 Club Interactive.

A few weeks back, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa made the decision to spend a bit more time on the last few weeks of regular readings, which included a “double-portion,” separately. Hopefully you saw why that was important. So, this week, we’ll continue to catch up, with a bit more than parsha ‘Naso,’ (Numbers 4:22 through chapter 7) and continue through a section in chapter 10 that seems to fit well. The reading for parsha Naso begins with the remainder of the duties of the tribe of Gershon, and then summarizes the ‘census’ of the Levites, after which the narrative changes, and we again see that those who were “unclean” – for several reasons – were to be “put out,” or “shalach” in the Hebrew, a word we’ve seen before – of the camp. And that is followed up by descriptions of two other ‘processes,’ described in detail, which seem utterly foreign to most of ‘the sun-day church’ today. https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SSM-6-5-26-Naso-plus-thru-ch-10-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 The Sabbath Day midrash this week begins with a question: What is it about those two, apparently very different, situations, and thus processes, the connects them? And why do they follow immediately after the commandment to “shalach” or put out of the camp, the “unclean?” The process outlined for the “sota” – or the woman whose husband suspects adultery, but has no proof – is said to be the ONLY one of its kind in Scripture, where YHVH actually PROMISES a miracle, one way or another. It’s also misunderstood and mis-taught (witness most of the twisting you’ve probably heard about ‘Jesus and the Woman CAUGHT in adultery’) and yet still at the very heart of so many of the most important events in all of human history! Why does the ‘whore church’ then ignore the real lesson? And that is followed-up immediately by the process surrounding the ‘Nazerite vow.’ Samson was said to be one “from his mother’s womb,’ as perhaps John the Baptist may have been as well. But Shaul, aka “Paul of Tarsus” notably TOOK such a vow, after he came to know Yahushua, notably, and yet most of xtianity has NEVER heard that! For reasons that Mark says, as the discussion unfolds, are obvious now. “Naso-plus: “Put out” the Unclean – but then Other Ignored Commandments That Speak VOLUMES about what we have been MIS-taught” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WT-CooH-6-6-26-Naso-plus-thru-ch-10-Shalach-the-unclean-the-Sota-the-Nazerite-and-HOW-MUCH-MORE-so-Es-QQQ-podcast-xxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

This powerful exploration of Romans 15 challenges us to consider our role in God's grand mission. We discover Paul commending the Roman church for three remarkable qualities: they were full of goodness toward one another, filled with knowledge of God's truth, and able to instruct each other in wisdom. This presents a beautiful picture of what mature Christian community looks like - not dependent on leaders for every spiritual question, but equipped to counsel and encourage one another through life's challenges. The message reveals Paul's unique calling as a pioneer apostle, someone hardwired by God to lay foundations where Christ had never been named. What's striking is Paul's humility - he boasts only in what Christ accomplished through him, not in his own abilities. This leads us to a profound truth: God set Paul apart before he was born, transforming the chief persecutor of Christians into the greatest missionary the church has known. If God can radically redirect someone like Saul of Tarsus, He can work in any of our lives. The practical application becomes clear when we see Hope Church's mission efforts - nearly a million dollars given to local, national, and global ministries in just over four years. We're reminded that some are called to go as pioneers into new territory, while the rest of us are called to support, encourage, and send them with more than just thoughts and prayers. The harvest is ripe, and whether we're called to plant churches in unreached areas or to faithfully support those who do, we all have a part in God's mission to reach the world.**Detailed Notes**• **Context – Romans 15:14–21, 22–33**   – Paul is closing the letter, affirming the maturity of the Roman church and explaining his ministry calling and travel plans.   – The sermon framed two big sections: (1) Practical church life, (2) Partnership in mission.---### I. A Mature Church (v.14)1. **Full of goodness**    – Uprightness of heart and life; gracious toward one another.  2. **Filled with knowledge**    – Deep, growing understanding of the faith (grace + truth).  3. **Able to instruct one another**    – Mutual counsel, not clergy‑only; Col 3:12–17 – teaching, admonishing, worshiping together.    – Sunday gatherings align us for mission; the church body does the “work of ministry” all week.---### II. Paul the Priest (v.15–16)• “Priestly service of the gospel” – not Old Testament sacrifice, but **offering Gentile converts to God**.  • Every believer is part of a **“royal priesthood”** (1 Pet 2:9): servants of the King who bring people to Him.---### III. Paul the Preacher (v.17–19)• Paul “proud” only in what **Christ accomplished through him**.  • Ministry must be:   – Empowered by the **Spirit**, not human skill alone.   – Dependent: “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).  • Hudson Taylor: “God's will done God's way brings God's provision.”   – Faith often feels impossible → difficult → done.---### IV. Paul the Pioneer (v.20–21)• Ambition: preach **where Christ is not named**, lay new foundations, then move on.  • God had **set Paul apart before he was born** (Gal 1:15–16), transforming a persecutor into an apostle.  • Some believers are similarly marked for pioneering ministry; they are miserable doing anything else.---### V. Partnership in Mission (v.22–33)• Paul longs to see Rome, then go to Spain, expecting their **help on his journey** (support).  • Model of **local → national → global** mission:   – Local ministries (kids, recovery, crisis pregnancy, etc.).   – National church planting.   – Global works (schools, long‑term missionaries).  • The “5%” go; the “95%” **strive with them** in prayer, practical care, and financial support.---## Practical Applications1. **Grow into maturity**    – Pursue goodness, biblical knowledge, and the ability to counsel others. Join and contribute to a group.  2. **Own your priesthood**    – See people you share Christ with as your “offering” to God. Pray for one person to pursue this week.  3. **Rely on the Spirit**    – Before serving, consciously ask the Spirit to lead; reject self‑reliance.  4. **Discern your calling**    – If you feel “marked” for ministry or missions, don't ignore the burn; seek wise counsel and take next steps.  5. **Support those who go**    – Pray by name for missionaries; give sacrificially; look for “root beer”–type ways to encourage them.---## Discussion Questions1. Which of Paul's three commendations (goodness, knowledge, ability to instruct) do you see most and least in your own life?  2. How does viewing yourself as part of a “royal priesthood” change your view of everyday life and work?  3. Where have you been tempted to rely on your own ability instead of the Holy Spirit? What might dependence look like this week?  4. Do you sense any specific calling from God (vocational ministry, missions, church planting, or something else)? How are you responding?  5. As a group, what concrete step can you take to better partner with those “on the field” locally, nationally, or globally?

Paul's testimony is one of the greatest encouragements in the entire word of God, because Paul is not presented to us as a man who had no past. He is presented as a man with a terrible past, a religious past, a violent past, a Christ-rejecting past — and yet a man who found mercy in Jesus Christ. That is what makes Paul's testimony so powerful. He was not merely a sinner who lived carelessly in the world. He was a sinner who sinned while thinking he was serving God. He was religious, zealous, educated, separated, serious, and completely wrong. Saul of Tarsus had Bible, religion, tradition, authority, and zeal — but he did not have Jesus Christ.“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJB)Paul never forgot what he was when Jesus Christ found him. He was not looking for the Lord. He was not seeking truth. He was breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord. When Paul says he was “the least of the apostles,” he is not denying his apostleship. He is remembering the mercy that made him an apostle. He knew he was called by the risen Christ, but he also knew he had once persecuted the church of God. This is why he calls himself the "least of all saints", and the "chief of sinners". Paul's authority was real. His calling was real. His office was real. But none of it produced pride in him, because grace always points back to the One who gave it. If God can do all that that through Paul, he can do it through you, too. If you are discouraged today, this message will give you a real hope that God can give you a better future.

Send us Fan MailIf you've ever heard someone say, “Yes, you're saved by grace, but you stay saved by obedience,” we slow that claim down and test it against Romans 1:5. We keep coming back to Paul's phrase “obedience to the faith” and ask what kind of obedience the gospel actually demands. Is it commandment keeping as a condition for justification, or is it the ongoing posture of trusting Christ's finished work?We also zoom out to the mission behind Romans. Paul writes to the epicenter of the ancient world, a place where the nations converge, and we connect that to why the gospel is meant to spread rapidly and publicly. Along the way we talk about Paul's background in Tarsus, his readiness to engage competing philosophies, and how God's providence shapes a messenger for a global message.Then we hit the nerve: the one “missing piece” many people never name clearly, imputed righteousness. If God's standard is perfection, and if one stumble makes us guilty of the whole law, then “additional obedience” cannot repair guilt or complete salvation. We walk through why Christ's obedience is counted as ours, why Galatians says righteousness cannot come through the law, and why mixing grace with merit doesn't strengthen Christianity, it replaces it.If this conversation sharpens your assurance or challenges your assumptions, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs clarity on faith and works, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you're still thinking about.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Have you ever felt you or someone you know was too far gone for forgiveness? That's how most viewed Saul of Tarsus before Jesus stopped him on the road to Damascus. Walk with us through Acts 9 and the moment a murderer became a martyr, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don't read anywhere in the New Testament that Jesus or the Apostles engaged in ‘spiritual warfare', binding demons BEFORE they could minister freely somewhere. Talking to our Heavenly Father, yes. Seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, yes. Because, through Jesus, by the Spirit we have DIRECT access to the Father - Eph 2:18! The promise of the Father is that when we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive power to become Christ's witnesses, anywhere on earth, wherever He calls us - Acts 1:4-5,8! It's simple. Paul, writing the believers in the pagan city of Corinth, said, 1 Cor 2:ff, “When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” That's a powerful statement! I'm sorry to say that today our preachers preach all sorts of things that I would question.  But Paul is very simple. Though he was a highly educated Jew with Roman citizenship from the city of Tarsus in Asia Minor, though he was a Pharisee, trained to a very high degree in Jewish Scripture, theology, teachings and traditions, and equipped with much ‘eloquence and superior wisdom' from his studies in Jerusalem - when he came to these Corinthians, he came very simply, resolved to know and preach nothing else, but Christ and His Crucifixion.

If you think you have troubles, consider what happened to Jonah when he rebelled against God. Listen to this message to learn the details of the events that occurred when Jonah went to Joppa and got on a ship to Tarsus, including a massive storm that almost drowned all the sailors until they threw Jonah overboard. Learn about the great fish God had prepared that swallowed him and how God preserved him in the fish's belly and returned him to Israel. Like Jonah, every believer has to choose daily if he will obey God's will or run to escape it.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:12–13 NLT) Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul, had a ravenous hunger for knowledge, especially as it pertained to Judaism, and an unquenchable desire to be as devout as possible in his Jewish faith. As a Pharisee, he rose to a position of influence among the Jewish leaders, possibly even becoming a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, which was like the Supreme Court of its day. With this honor, Saul enjoyed great fame and influence. However, it could be said that Saul was both famous and, ultimately, infamous. He showed the depths of his rigid devotion to Judaism when he sensed a threat to its dominance. He seems to have instinctively recognized that the followers of the Nazarene known as Jesus were dangerous. So dangerous, in fact, that Saul convinced himself that they needed to be wiped off the face of the earth. He made it his mission in life to hunt them down and make them suffer for their faith in Christ. But he didn’t stop with the Christians who were in his immediate jurisdiction. He asked for and received extradition papers from the high priest so that he could take his campaign of persecution on the road. He set out for Damascus, which was 140 miles from Jerusalem. The journey was arduous, but Saul would not be deterred. He was so filled with hatred that he was willing to go anywhere to find Christians and stop them. He later wrote that he did this ignorantly in unbelief (see 1 Timothy 1:12–13). Many people, believers and unbelievers alike, have a hard time understanding how a religious person can also be a hateful person. But the unfortunate reality is that some people who claim to be devout act in mean and cruel ways. They use their religion to belittle and destroy others. That was certainly the case with Saul. Christians who fall into this trap can be dangerous to the cause of Christ. They can also cause great frustration for their fellow believers whose own ministry efforts are undermined or hindered by their un-Christlike behavior. As Vance Havner pointed out, “If we are too busy using our sickles on one another, we’re going to miss the harvest.” As Christians, we need to travel light in our relationship with other believers. We need to show love, encouragement, and support. We need to let go of anger, competitiveness, and illusions of moral superiority. We need to embrace a spirit of humility and grace so that we can accomplish all that God has for us to do. Saul certainly learned that lesson. Years later he wrote, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10 NLT). Jesus put it even more succinctly: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT). Reflection question: What does showing love for fellow believers look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Strauss introduces Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which turned Egyptinto a Mediterranean "gold mine." She was a "tough player" who survived deadly dynastic intrigues to secure her throne. Her spectacular entry at Tarsus on a perfumed barge wowed Antony, establishing a partnership built on both romance and finance. Egypt served as a vital treasury for Antony's ambitions, as the Romans had long viewed the country as a bank. A key political asset was her son, Caesarion, whom she claimed was the son of Julius Caesar—a direct threat to Octavian's legitimacy. Strauss highlights Cleopatra's intelligence through the story of her dissolving a pearl in vinegar to host the world's most expensive dinner. While Roman propaganda painted Alexandria as "effeminate" and "comic," it was actually the scientific and cultural capital of the ancient world. (2/8)1572 CONSTANTINOPLE

In this sermon Tony takes us deeper into the story of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. There are amazing realities about ourselves and Jesus that we can learn in this story. 

“Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT) Here’s something amazing to think about. Saul, who would later become the apostle Paul, was doing the work of God’s kingdom before he was even in it. Remember, Saul was one of the early enemies of the Christian faith. He zealously persecuted believers, which led many to flee their homes and move to distant lands—taking the gospel with them. Had Saul not been so relentless in his persecution of the church, I think the first-century Christians probably would have been content to stay in their little holy huddle in Jerusalem and never leave town. After all, their situation was almost ideal. God had blessed their evangelism efforts in the city, so there were believers all around. They had no need to leave Jerusalem. But because of Saul’s persecution, Christians were forced to spread out. They took the Good News of Jesus to places where it may not have gone otherwise, or at least not as quickly as it did. Eventually, of course, Saul stopped persecuting believers and became a believer himself. And I think the person who might have had the greatest influence in bringing about his conversion was Stephen, the church’s first martyr. I believe it could have been Stephen’s bold testimony that threw fuel on Saul’s fire because Saul was under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Stephen didn’t have a long ministry. He never wrote a book of the New Testament. But if his only convert was Saul of Tarsus, then his ministry was profoundly successful. The same goes for your Christian ministry. You may not reach millions with the gospel. You may not reach thousands. You may not reach hundreds. But you may be the person whom God uses to reach someone who will, in turn, change the world. Or it may be a child you raised in the way of the Lord who reaches someone else, who talks to someone else, and eventually shares the gospel with someone like Saul. So, here’s what you need to realize: It’s not over until it’s over. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says, “Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both” (NLT). You don’t have to know what your spiritual work will yield. All you have to do is seize every opportunity that’s presented to you. That’s the takeaway from the story of Saul and Stephen. As believers, we need to be faithful in sowing the seed of the Word of God, because we don’t know where that seed will go—in this life, in the next generation, or in the generation after that. We sow the seed; God takes it from there. Reflection question: What would sowing the seed of the Word of God look like in your life right now? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.” (Acts 26:9–11 NLT) Every person in your life who doesn’t know Christ represents a spiritual opportunity for you. If you’re like most people, you probably have some acquaintances who seem as though they would be receptive to the gospel message. It takes no great stretch of the imagination to picture them as fellow believers, worshipping and serving the Lord alongside you. On the other hand, you probably have other acquaintances who seem so far from God—whose lives are so broken and whose priorities are so mixed up—that you’re tempted to write them off as lost causes. If that’s the case, God’s Word has a message for you: don’t. Don’t fall into the devil’s trap of believing that certain people are beyond God’s reach. The reality is that no one who draws breath is beyond redemption. In Acts 26:9–11, the apostle Paul describes one of the most amazing conversions of all time—a conversion so unlikely that even Jesus’ disciples didn’t think it was possible. He’s describing, of course, his own conversion. “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities” (NLT). When he was known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was one of the most radical antagonists of the early church. It was Saul who presided over the death of Stephen, the first martyr of the church who courageously stood up for his faith. It was Saul who went out of his way to hunt down Christians, imprison them, and even destroy them. This man was bent on the eradication of the Christian faith. Yet God saved him and changed his life beyond recognition. That’s the power of the gospel. If you know an antagonistic person, someone who seems to go out of their way to make your life miserable, someone who’s always trying to stump you with a hard question, it just may be that they’re closer to the kingdom of God than you realize. Sometimes the people who attack the most or resist the hardest are under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their lashing out is the last struggle of their old self. They may be closer to conversion than you realize. No one is beyond the reach of God. Reflection question: How can you reach out to someone who seems unreachable? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She was born in Tarsus (home of the Apostle Paul). Though her parents were prominent pagans, she heard of Christ from Christians in that city, and her heart was filled with love for the Savior. The Emperor Diocletian visited Tarsus, and during his stay the Emperor's son and heir fell in love with Pelagia and wished to marry her. To her parents' complete amazement, Pelagia replied that she was already promised to her betrothed, Christ the Lord. She then fled her parents' house and went to the holy Bishop Linus, who instructed her in the Faith and baptized her. Pelagia then gave away all her many possessions, returned home, and told her parents that she was baptised. The Emperor's son, despairing of marryng her, killed himself. Pelagia's mother then denounced her daughter to the Emperor, who summoned her for trial. When Pelagia freely confessed her unwavering faith in Christ, the Emperor condemned her to be burned in a metal ox heated by fire. An account of her martyrdom says that, entering the ox with prayers of thanksgiving on her lips, she instantly melted like wax. Bishop Linus, who had baptised her, found a few of her bones and buried them on a hill near Tarsus. During the reign of the Emperor Constantine Copronymus (741-775), a church was built there in her honor.

This powerful message confronts us with the radical transformation of Saul of Tarsus, a man so consumed with hatred for Christians that he actively sought their destruction. We encounter the concept of a 'holy invasion'... those moments when God breaks into our lives uninvited, disrupting our plans and exposing our need for change.Just as a doctor's uncomfortable diagnosis can save our physical lives, God's intervention in our spiritual lives, though sometimes jarring, is an act of profound love. The striking account from Acts 9 reveals that no one is beyond redemption.

Who have you decided is "too far gone"? We all have that person in our lives—the one whose heart seems too hard, whose past seems too dark, or whose skepticism seems too deep for God to reach. But what if the reach of Jesus is longer than your resistance?In this powerful installment of our Unstoppable series, Pastor Talaat McNeely dives into Acts chapter 9 to explore one of the most radical transformations in history: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.Whether you're running at full speed in the wrong direction, feeling stuck in a "waiting room" of life, or being nudged to reach out to someone "unreachable," this message is a reminder that God's grace doesn't stop where our limitations begin. Discover how divine interruptions lead to radical redirection and why no one is ever truly beyond the reach of the King.What You'll Learn In This Episode:The Power of Divine Interruption: Why Jesus meets us at our highest point of hostility, not just our lowest point of need.Breaking the "Certainty" Trap: How religious pride and self-sufficiency can be the biggest barriers to God's work in our lives.The Grace of the "Waiting Room": Why God sometimes uses seasons of "blindness" and stillness to prepare us for our greatest assignments.The Ananias Assignment: How ordinary obedience becomes the bridge for someone else's breakthrough.Episode Timestamps (Estimated Progression)[00:00] – Introduction: The "Too Far Gone" Question. Exploring why we often box God in based on our own limitations and the people we've quietly concluded will never change. [08:15] – The Hostility of Saul. Understanding the man before the miracle: a religious leader breathing threats and moving with legal authority against the church. [12:30] – Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1–22.[15:45] – Principle 1: When Jesus Interrupts, Everything Changes. Why Jesus often meets us at the height of our resistance rather than the point of our "openness." [21:20] – "Why Are You Persecuting Me?" The powerful reality that Jesus is so united with His people that what touches you, touches Him. [25:50] – Principle 2: When Jesus Redirects, Pride Gets Broken. Identifying "religious pride" and how Jesus dismantles our self-sufficiency. [29:10] – The South Korea Waiting Room. A personal story from Pastor Talaat's military service on how God uses isolation and "blindness" to get our full attention. [35:40] – Principle 3: When Jesus Reaches You, You Don't Stay the Same. Transformation isn't just adding spirituality; it's a total rewiring of our life and community. [38:15] – The Three Chairs: Which One Are You? A practical guide to identifying your current spiritual posture and your next step. Key Takeaways & The Three Chairs:Chair 1: The Saul. You feel skeptical or disqualified by your past. Your Step: Stop running and ask, "Who are you, Lord?" Chair 2: The Self-Sufficient. You love Jesus but have "pride pockets" you haven't surrendered. Your Step: Embrace the "blindness," stop trying to figure out the next ten steps, and let Him lead you by the hand. Chair 3: The Ananias. You are an ordinary disciple being nudged toward someone "unreachable." Your Step: Move toward the person you'd rather avoid; your obedience is their bridge. Notable Quotes:"The grace of God doesn't stop where our limitations begin." "Hostility was his oxygen... and this is the man that Jesus has decided to use." "The church is not a museum for good people. It's a workshop for changed people." Connect with Purpose City Church:Website: https://www.purposecitychurch.com/Instagram: @wearepurposecity Plan Your Visit: Join us this Sunday in the Chicagoland area! Giving: https://purposecitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/tithes-offering

In this sermon Tony leads us to begin thinking about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. It is arguably the most dramatic and most important conversion in the history of the church. However, the story is really about the grace, love, power, and wisdom of God.

Send us Fan MailThe overwhelming sensation we feel to be like others causes us to do things we don't want to do. When that becomes our identity, crisis inevitably follows. A lesson can be taken from King Saul of Israel. His decision to disobey God's command lost him the kingdom. His excuse was he feared the people. His sin was not justified, and the consequence of his sin plagued him the rest of his life. Saul of Tarsus, whom we know as the apostle Paul, was also subject to peer pressure. However, being unmoved by its influence, continued to strive for the gospel of liberty of Jesus Christ. Galatians 2 explains that there was strong influence to enforce the law on converted Christians. This was such a strong influence, Peter and Barbabus was swept away with it. Peer pressure is something we all feel, for good or ill. However, our stand for the gospel of Christ need be bolstered by the one who restores all to Himself in love. =====Searching for answers to life's questions? Need help finding a church? Drop us a line. We would love to help you find a congregation that practices the love of Christ. The Extra Mile Podcast is a work of Milwaukee Ave Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Assembly times:9:30 AM - Classes for all ages10:30 AM - Sunday Morning Assembly5:00 PM - Sunday Evening Assembly7:00 PM - Wednesday Evening AssemblyEmail us:  the.emile.pod@gmail.comInstagram: @extramilepodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/546CHn6Qvdh807yhYC5sHL?si=j6-jHRTiRh6_Non9E9URagApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-extra-mile-podcast/id1550189689Google Play: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMjgwNTI1LnJzcwWe would love to hear from you! Email: the.emile.pod@gmail.com Instagram: @extramilepodcast

Journey Together   "An Introduction to the Holiness of God" (Isaiah 6; Job 42)   What does it actually mean that God is holy? Before the answer can land, some ideas have to go. In this opening Journey Together teaching, Pastor Russell Howard begins a new series on the holiness of God by clearing away three distortions that have found their way into Christian thinking: open theology, which pictures God as a character in process alongside us; dualism, which assigns Satan a symmetry with God that Scripture flatly refuses; and any framework for salvation that credits human merit with tipping the scale. From there, Pastor Russell turns to what Scripture actually shows when people encounter the holy God. Isaiah undone in the temple. Job silenced after his long list of accusations. Saul of Tarsus walking away from everything he thought he was doing. The pattern is the same: first, being undone; then, humility and receptivity to God's Word; then, a transformation of both being and purpose. This is an introduction to holiness, and the good part is still ahead. Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com New to McGregor? Plan a visit at mcgregor.net/plan-a-visit

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas.  He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18  In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth.   Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church.  Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish.  Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

Acts 10: 1 There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.Acts 12 A jail break!Acts 13: 44 ¶And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.Acts 14: 19 ¶And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Dr. Edith Davis returns to clarify the essential nature of unity among believers, emphasizing that unity is not a suggestion, it is a requirement for a church without spot or wrinkle. Drawing from the natural world, she illustrates how God uses diversity to create "prolific life" and explains that true unity comes from a shared submission to the Lordship of Christ. Through the incredible story of Stephen and Saul of Tarsus, Dr. Davis demonstrates how radical forgiveness and obedience can transform the most hardened enemies into Kingdom dynamos. -- Unity is not being monolithic. God loves diversity, as seen in the various ecosystems of the earth, where the "boundaries" between different environments often produce the most prolific life. -- There is a vital distinction between Jesus as Savior and Jesus as Lord. True Lordship means immediate obedience to His instructions, regardless of personal feelings. -- Meekness is defined as "power and authority under submission." It is the ability to act, tempered by the refusal to move without the Holy Spirit's authorization. -- The story of Stephen's martyrdom proves that praying for our enemies works. His prayer made way for Saul of Tarsus to be intercepted by Christ on the road to Damascus. -- Believers are called to walk in authority over sickness, lack, and demonic forces, but this power is accessed through intimacy with the Father and a heart free from offense and gossip. -- Dr. Davis shares a personal testimony of commanding the rain to stop in Houston, proving that the same authority Jesus walked in is available to the unified church today. Scriptures for Further Study -- Acts 7:54-60 -- Acts 9:1-22 -- Galatians 5:22-23 -- Proverbs 3:5-8 This is episode 401. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

Send us Fan MailMark and an old friend talk about what to do with Paul when he drives you crazy. Mark gives an overview of Paul's world of growing up in Tarsus and training in Jerusalem, and then we walk through a list of the reasons he believes most modern Christians would like Paul more than they might expect. And if you disagree you're prolly just not chosen. That was a joke. hahaFor Text and Rock Poetry, Podcasts, and Video Content or to contact Mark and Eric, visit us at www.textandrock.com. You can find all of social handles here:TEXT AND ROCK SOCIALS.Want to support the show, experience our best creative work, buy one of our books or give an uncommonly better gift or art and heart? Ha! Head to the TEXT AND ROCK DIGITAL PRESS.

Does You Need Faith To Celebrate Easter? | Christ For YouEaster SundayDid Jesus really rise from the dead? Can the resurrection actually stand up to scrutiny? Why does Christianity make such enormous public claims about a man who was crucified, buried, and then seen alive again? Why was the tomb empty? Why were the disciples suddenly changed? Why did James go from unbeliever to preacher? Why did Saul of Tarsus, Christianity's fiercest enemy, become its boldest preacher? And if Easter is true, then what does that mean for you? In this Easter Sunday sermon, Pastor Rojas proclaims that Christianity is not built on myth, private feelings, or blind faith, but on what God did in real history. The resurrection was public. The tomb was empty. The witnesses were many. The apostles preached Christ risen immediately, boldly, and in the very place where He had been killed. This sermon walks through the facts of Easter and shows why the resurrection of Jesus is not a religious opinion, but a reality written into history. But this sermon does not stop there. It goes on to answer the deeper question: why did this happen? Because sin is real. God's wrath against sin is real. And so Christ came with a real body, real blood, real pain, real tears, and real judgment for real sinners. He took your guilt, bore your condemnation, carried your curse, and rose so that you would never doubt what His cross accomplished. And then this sermon asks one final question: what happens now? Now you have peace with God. Now you have a new life to live. Now you have eternal life that death itself cannot steal. And because Jesus lives, those who died in Him live too. So Christians are allowed to be sad. But they are also really happy. Because Christ is risen, and we will see them again. Subscribe & Share:Spotify: Christ For YouPortuguês: Cristo Para VocêWebsite: ZionWG.orgLooking for a Lutheran Church near you?Support the preaching of God's Word.

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

2. Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, is introduced as a powerful member of the Ptolemaic dynasty who turned Egypt into a Mediterranean "gold mine". She meets Antony at Tarsus in 41 BC with a spectacular, perfumed barge presentation that immediately wows him. Strauss portrays her as a tough political player who survived dynastic murders to secure her throne. She claims her son, Caesarion, is Julius Caesar's child, a significant political asset. By providing Antony with her massive treasury, she bankrolls his ambitions while demonstrating Alexandria's cultural and scientific superiority over Rome. (2)

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

I. The Obituary: Paul was born by the name Saul in the great city of Tarsus in Cilicia around 5 AD. Paul was executed for his faith in the city of Rome as a martyr under Emperor Nero (circa 67 AD). Paul was born a Roman citizen and trained as a strict Pharisee under the leadership of Gamaliel. He was a skilled tent maker, follower of the risen Christ, Apostle, Missionary, and human author of at least 13 New Testament books (Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and possibly Hebrews). Prior to his conversion to Christ on a Damascus road he was an aggressive persecutor of the early church. Paul became the most influential proponent of Christianity, preaching the gospel of grace through faith, not by the works of the law. He endured severe hardships, including physical beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecked, and hunger. Paul's tireless missionary journeys established churches in Asia Minor and Europe, fostering a unified community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul spoke of his death in his final days from prison in his last letter, saying, I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH (II Timothy 4:7). He is not survived by a family of his own, but by thousands of spiritual children in the churches he founded. He is preceded in death by the Apostle James and the Deacon Stephen. Funeral arrangements are unknown. PRAY!II. The 3 Perspectives of Paul's life:•What would Paul say about himself?•I Timothy 1:12-15•Phil. 1:21; 3:1-9•What would others say about Paul?•Galatians 1:18-24•What would the Lord say about Paul?•Acts 9:10-16; Acts 18:9-11: II Cor 12:8-10III. We Remember Paul today based on his last words in Acts 20.•A life of serving - vv. 17-19•A life of sharing - vv. 20-21•A life of sacrificing - vv. 22-24•A life of shepherding - vv. 25-31•A life of strengthening - vv. 31-35•A life of sorrow - vv. 36-38•Jesus ends in Jerusalem (Calvary) then begins in Jerusalem (Pentecost)•Acts opens in Jerusalem and ends in Rome - take note of that, my friends.

Today's question is one that Pastor says has been the question asked with the most fear.  Other ways this question is asked:     ⁃    What is the unforgivable sin?     ⁃    What is the sin against the Holy Spirit?     ⁃    How can I be sure I haven't done this?     ⁃    If I have done this is there any hope?     ⁃    How do I avoid the unforgivable sin? Matthew 12:31-32 Jesus says, "And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." What is that sin? Let's start by looking at the context …     ⁃    Jesus was preaching and healing. Religious authorities saw Jesus as a threat. Jesus heals a paralyzed man and the religious leaders say Jesus is blaspheming because He told the man your sins are forgiven, take up your mat and walk. And the religious leadership are angry and they continue to get angrier. Matthew 9:3     ⁃    Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, hosts a dinner, invites his tax collector friends and Jesus attends too. The religious leaders accuse Jesus of "eating with tax collectors and sinners." Matthew 9:11     ⁃    Jesus heals a demon possessed man and the religious leaders say Jesus was able to heal the man through demonic powers. Matthew 9:34     ⁃    Jesus and disciples are walking in the grain fields on the Sabbath Day, picking and eating grain and the religious leaders say they are working on the day of rest, which is unlawful. Matthew 12:2     ⁃    Jesus heals a demon possessed man and now the religious leaders plot to kill Jesus. Matthew 12:14     ⁃    Jesus heals a man and they say that Jesus healed by the power of Beelzebul (the devil) Matthew 12:24 It is at this point that we continue with the verses just before our text for the day on the unforgivable sin. We read in Matthew 12:25-28 "Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? (Meaning how can I be healing from demons by using demons?) And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." What Jesus is saying is look at what you see.  Stop judging on the basis of your own anger and bitterness and look at what the Bible has said along. God's healing is being brought to people. The Holy Spirit is testifying that the Messiah has arrived! Then Jesus speaks the words we started with this morning. Note that the first words are "EVERY KIND OF SIN AND SLANDER CAN BE FORGIVEN." Jesus goes on and what He's saying is if we continually refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit and actually go so far as to call what the Spirit does as demonic then we are setting ourselves up for the unforgivable sin.  (Note: Jesus is not saying they have done this, but He is calling them to search the scriptures, to search their hearts.) The Holy Spirit always testifies to Jesus. Jesus is saying do not sin against the Spirit because if you persist in that you are cutting yourself off from the only One who can save. The Holy Spirit leads us to faith and to Jesus, who opens our eyes to see the goodness and grace of God. What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? IT IS THE CONSCIOUS, DELIBERATE AND PERSISTENT REJECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S TESTIMONY TO THE IDENTITY AND SAVING POWER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Jesus speaks these words of warning to them to lead them to repentance and faith.  God is merciful. His desire is for ALL. Classic example:     ⁃    Saul of Tarsus - the persecutor of believers who becomes a transformed man - Apostle Paul.  Pastor shares Saul's story of transformation. Paul understood the sin of the Holy Spirit because that was the path he had been on in his life. But then Saul has an encounter with God that changes him and he understands the immense patience of God and His amazing grace. Pastor closes with Romans 10:9-10 "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." God is good! So let us listen to the Holy Spirit's voice who leads us to Jesus our only Hope. 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

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

Mystery rides were part of growing up at our house. Usually it was a Sunday afternoon, and I'd pile our three kids into our car for a ride. I think we explored every corner of our area. And as we did, we discovered over the years, a lot of great things. But I've got one son who's a lot like me. He wants to know the plan before we leave. "Hey, Dad, where are we going? Where are we going to eat? What are we going to eat? What are we going to do while we're there? How long will we be there? What time are we going to get home?" He would pump me with more questions; I felt like I was being interrogated by a police sergeant. Sometimes I knew it was better not to explain where we were going. I mean we've done things that would have sounded boring if I had told about them, but they turned out to be exciting and I knew they would. Plus surprises are fun anyway. So, my kids got used to hearing two words when we were about to begin a mystery trip, "Trust me." I don't think I let them down. It was good training for journeys with their other Father. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Going Not Knowing." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from the life of the Apostle Paul. He's still Saul of Tarsus here. Acts 9 - he's on his way to wipe out Christians. He missed some in Jerusalem. So he said, "I'll get them in Damascus. They all went there; I'll find them in Syria." We begin in verse 3: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Well, who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now, get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Now, it's interesting that Saul's training for his whole life in Christ began immediately with a mystery trip. Yeah, did you notice that? He has just opened up to Jesus, and the Lord says, "Go into the city and you will be told." "Lord, what do you want me to do there? Who am I going to meet there? How am I even going to be able to see; I'm blind right now?" The Lord says, "Go and you will be told." Well, he spent the rest of his life living like that. In Acts 20, when he was on his way to Jerusalem as the great Apostle Paul and his friends were trying to discourage him, he said, "Compelled by the Spirit, I am going not knowing." See, you have a heavenly Father who often takes His children on mystery trips. Maybe you're on one of His mystery trips right now. There's a good destination He's got in mind, but right now He's telling you just the next step. In essence, He's saying to you as He did to Saul, "Go, and you will be told as you are on the way." It may well be that you're in the middle of one of those times right now, and the tendency is to say, "Now, Lord, if you'll just give me all the information, give me all the facts, I'll start going that direction." And the Lord says, "No, you start moving in that direction I've told you to go, and you'll get more information as you go." Now, maybe you're waiting to have all your questions answered before you move, and right now there are more question marks than there are periods or exclamation points for sure. Can you almost hear your Father saying as He bundles you into His car, "Trust Me, let's start traveling together." Hey, He died for you. Is He ever going to do you wrong? God's mystery trips always lead to a destination that is selected with you in mind, for your good. So, why not settle back, enjoy the trip, and let Him drive. Trust your Father and don't be afraid of going not knowing.

Mystery rides were part of growing up at our house. Usually it was a Sunday afternoon, and I'd pile our three kids into our car for a ride. I think we explored every corner of our area. And as we did, we discovered over the years, a lot of great things. But I've got one son who's a lot like me. He wants to know the plan before we leave. "Hey, Dad, where are we going? Where are we going to eat? What are we going to eat? What are we going to do while we're there? How long will we be there? What time are we going to get home?" He would pump me with more questions; I felt like I was being interrogated by a police sergeant. Sometimes I knew it was better not to explain where we were going. I mean we've done things that would have sounded boring if I had told about them, but they turned out to be exciting and I knew they would. Plus surprises are fun anyway. So, my kids got used to hearing two words when we were about to begin a mystery trip, "Trust me." I don't think I let them down. It was good training for journeys with their other Father. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Going Not Knowing." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from the life of the Apostle Paul. He's still Saul of Tarsus here. Acts 9 - he's on his way to wipe out Christians. He missed some in Jerusalem. So he said, "I'll get them in Damascus. They all went there; I'll find them in Syria." We begin in verse 3: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Well, who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now, get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Now, it's interesting that Saul's training for his whole life in Christ began immediately with a mystery trip. Yeah, did you notice that? He has just opened up to Jesus, and the Lord says, "Go into the city and you will be told." "Lord, what do you want me to do there? Who am I going to meet there? How am I even going to be able to see; I'm blind right now?" The Lord says, "Go and you will be told." Well, he spent the rest of his life living like that. In Acts 20, when he was on his way to Jerusalem as the great Apostle Paul and his friends were trying to discourage him, he said, "Compelled by the Spirit, I am going not knowing." See, you have a heavenly Father who often takes His children on mystery trips. Maybe you're on one of His mystery trips right now. There's a good destination He's got in mind, but right now He's telling you just the next step. In essence, He's saying to you as He did to Saul, "Go, and you will be told as you are on the way." It may well be that you're in the middle of one of those times right now, and the tendency is to say, "Now, Lord, if you'll just give me all the information, give me all the facts, I'll start going that direction." And the Lord says, "No, you start moving in that direction I've told you to go, and you'll get more information as you go." Now, maybe you're waiting to have all your questions answered before you move, and right now there are more question marks than there are periods or exclamation points for sure. Can you almost hear your Father saying as He bundles you into His car, "Trust Me, let's start traveling together." Hey, He died for you. Is He ever going to do you wrong? God's mystery trips always lead to a destination that is selected with you in mind, for your good. So, why not settle back, enjoy the trip, and let Him drive. Trust your Father and don't be afraid of going not knowing.

God didn't call you to a life on the sidelines. There's new ground God wants you to take — and it will stretch you beyond your comfort zone. That's the point.This week, we dive into what Paul really meant when he said "run in a way to get the prize"—by actually following his footsteps in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey). This week, Kyle Ranson helps us to see what he saw then, and feel what God is calling you to right now.Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.