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Chapter 2 of Heroes in the Bible: Paul with Michael Chandler is inspired by the book of Acts. Paul vs. Zeus - Story inspired by Acts 14 Paul and his companion, Barnabas, have endured all sorts of persecution and hardship. But what happens when they're worshipped as gods and thrust into the temple of Zeus? Will they accept the worship or risk their lives by proclaiming the One True God? In this episode, inspired by Acts 14, we see Paul's unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus, regardless of the cost. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Reading Acts 13:8-12 as Paul and Barnabas share the gospel on the island of Cyprus, meeting up with a proconsul in Paphos and the dark magician who clouds his mind. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading in Acts 13:1-7 how Paul and Barnabas were sent on by the Holy Spirit to Cyprus to preach the gospel, and we're reminded of the power of the word of God. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Paul and Barnabas had one of the closest partnerships in the early church, and then they had a fight sharp enough that they went in separate directions. In Acts 15, their disagreement over John Mark ends the pairing, but the gospel keeps multiplying. This week we look at why God seems to prefer partnerships to solo callings, how our need to be right can become its own idol, and why dishonor is so often the language of division. We're left with three questions worth carrying with us: whether we've shut the door on someone who left, whether there's someone who needs a second chance, and how we speak of the people who no longer walk with us.
God Is Building Your Table | The Todd Coconato Show Website: https://pastortodd.org Partner With This Ministry: https://toddcoconato.com/give Who's sitting at your table? One of the greatest factors influencing your future isn't just what you know, it's who you're walking with. Throughout Scripture, God consistently used divine relationships to prepare His people for their next assignment. Moses had Aaron and Hur. David had Jonathan. Paul had Barnabas and Silas. Even Jesus chose to build His ministry with disciples. On today's Todd Coconato Show, we're diving into a powerful message titled "God Is Building Your Table." We'll discuss why your fellowship matters, how God uses the right people to sharpen your calling, and why some doors are closing while new ones are opening. This isn't about networking. It's about Kingdom alignment. If you've been praying for direction, feeling like you're in a season of transition, or wondering why God is shifting the people around you, I believe this message will encourage you and give you practical, biblical wisdom for the season ahead. Join me today, invite a friend, and come expecting the Lord to speak. I believe God is preparing the right room, the right relationships, and the right opportunities for those who are willing to trust Him and step into His purpose. See you on the show!
Dr. Justin Dancer continues through the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 14.Life will bring trials, pain, and hardship. The question is not whether hard things will come but how we stand when they do. Acts 14 gives us a vivid picture of courageous faith through the lives of Paul and Barnabas, who faced beatings, rejection, and even stoning, yet kept going. True courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to stand in dependence on Jesus when everything in you wants to run. Three anchors help us stand: depending on God rather than our own strength, grounding ourselves in the truth of Scripture, and staying committed to the mission of making disciples. And when life gets hard, we were never meant to carry it alone. The local church exists as a gift from God to help us bear one another's burdens and find strength we could not manufacture on our own.
Acts 15:22-41Bible study.What if I told you that two of the greatest missionaries in church history got into such a sharp disagreement that they refused to minister together? Paul and Barnabas weren't false teachers. They weren't living in sin. They simply disagreed. So what do we do when godly Christians can't agree?Today we continue our study of Acts 15 (verses 22-41). We will start with the Jerusalem Council, but stay until the end for the surprising story and important application from the Paul and Barnabas split.Acts 15:22-41 Bible study guide with companion discussion questions on our https://studyandobey.com/inductive-bible-study/acts/acts-15-22-41/Study and Obey's Bible study guides on Amazon -https://amzn.to/48SgPEN(As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)Study and Obey Free Weekly Podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/study-and-obey/id1571266150Our website of 800+ practical and free Bible studies - https://studyandobey.comSupport this ministry -https://studyandobey.com/support/25+ Bible study guides for individual or group study on many different books of the Bible - https://studyandobey.com/shop/Sign up for a weekly Bible study to your inbox. 20+ studies to choose from - https://studyandobey.com/weekly-bible-study/Support the show
John Mark Hicks preaches a sermon in a series entitled "Characters: Called by God."
Drop us a note about the podcast. Paul gets stoned, dragged out of town, and everyone thinks he's dead. Then the believers gather around him, and he stands up and walks right back into Lystra. That single moment in Acts 14 forces a question most of us try to avoid: what does faithful perseverance look like when following Jesus costs you something real?We read through Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derby, including the miracle that sparks a wave of misplaced worship, the sharp backlash that follows, and the steady work of strengthening new believers. Along the way, we lean on Psalm 140 as a prayer for protection from violent and deceitful people, and we reflect on Proverbs 17:22 about how a cheerful heart can be “good medicine” when life feels heavy. If you're searching for biblical courage, Christian resilience, and practical Christian living, these passages land with surprising clarity.From there, we zoom out into influence and character: who you listen to, how far you should follow any public voice, and why small daily choices still shape your home. We also honor service through a Medal of Honor story, then connect virtue, leadership, and Christian education to the long-term health of a nation, arguing that laws can't substitute for moral people.If this gave you something to think about, subscribe, share the podcast with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.#AmericanHeritage#ChristianNation#WilliamPennSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribeCountryside Book Serieshttps://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2 America's Christian Heritage Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2622483
When Saul first came to Jerusalem to meet with the Apostles, they initially didn't trust him because of his past history of persecuting the Church. Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” advocated for Saul to them. He championed Saul's calling as an Apostle to the Gentiles, and later sought Saul's help in the revival at Antioch.
In this sermon, Pastor Jason discusses the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, which is a pivotal moment in the early church when leaders had to answer an essential question: Is salvation received by God's grace through faith, or must people earn it through religious works? As the Gentiles were coming to faith in Jesus, some Jewish believers insisted they first obey the Law of Moses—including circumcision—to truly be saved. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James firmly rejected this teaching, declaring that salvation has always been by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. The council concluded that believers should never place unnecessary burdens on those coming to Christ because Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation. The pastor challenges the church to see that this struggle still exists today. Website: redeemermidland.org Instagram: instagram.com/redeemermidland Facebook: facebook.com/RedeemerMidland At Redeemer, we seek to be a Gospel-Centered, Missional Family. We sing songs to worship our Lord, we preach the Word of God from the Bible, and we love one another. We would love to see you on a Sunday morning at 9:00 or 11:00 am at 3601 N. Lamesa Rd in Midland, Texas.
When I went to Furman University back in the early 70s, I was giving the nickname “Kid”. It's what all the people in the band and music department called me, it was on the back of my Phi Mu Alpha fraternity jersey, even to this day, 50 plus years later, my college friends call me “Kid”.I'm not quite sure how I came to be called “Kid” … but it stuck. Maybe it was because I acted like a kid or looked like a kid, I never really knew.Do you have a nickname? What is it? Who gave you that name? How did you get it? Nicknames are given for a lot of reasons. Some are given to honor you. Some are given to embarrass you. Some are given because of the way you act, the way you look or the way other people see you.In ancient times, the city of Antioch was famous for creating and giving nicknames to people, places and things. These nicknames could have been given in honor or ridicule. In Antioch, the Followers of Jesus were given a very distinct nickname based on their passion for, and devotion to Jesus… and it stuck!I encourage you to read Acts 11 as we discover and unpack this nickname and look at how God was active, present and alive in Antioch and how believers changed the entire feel of the city.
Who belongs in the credits of your life?Barnabas earned the nickname “son of encouragement” because he stood beside people, saw their potential and gave them another chance. Discover what his story can teach us about the kind of encouragement that changes lives, and the kind of person we can become for others.Watch or listen to the latest message in our Find Your People series.
June 24, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class This episode is a classroom-style exploration of Barnabas, the New Testament figure known as the "son of encouragement." Recorded as part of a summer teaching series, the speaker walks listeners through key passages in Acts (chapters 4, 9, 11, 13, and 15) to trace Barnabas' life, ministry, and influence on the early church. Topics covered include Barnabas' background (Joseph the Levite from Cyprus), his generosity in selling land to support believers, and his defining role encouraging and strengthening the church at Antioch. The episode looks closely at how Barnabas bridged the gap between the church and Saul (Paul), advocated for second chances (notably with John Mark), and helped develop emerging leaders—demonstrating humility, courage, and sacrificial support. Listeners will hear Scripture readings and practical illustrations, including personal anecdotes from the class (camp mailboxes of encouragement, Devo leadership) and contemporary analogies (nicknames and team roles) to highlight how encouragement functions as ministry. The class discusses why churches struggle to accept changed people, how encouragers see potential rather than past failures, and the risks and sacrifices involved in standing with the rejected. Contributors and voices in the discussion include the class leader and responses from members. The episode emphasizes five practical lessons: encouragement changes lives; godly people look beyond a person's past; great leaders develop other leaders; encouragers also need courage; and godly people help restore failures. Expect a study grounded in Acts with clear, applicable takeaways for church life—how to give hope, mentor others, offer second chances, and use generosity and courage to advance spiritual growth in your community. Duration 37:50
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eleven and Verse Twenty Six
When Saul first came to Jerusalem to meet with the Apostles, they initially didn't trust him because of his past history of persecuting the Church. Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” advocated for Saul to them. He championed Saul's calling as an Apostle to the Gentiles, and later sought Saul's help in the revival at Antioch.
What happens when two leaders in the early church clash over forgiveness and second chances? Discover the powerful lesson from Paul and Barnabas's disagreement in this episode.In this episode, the focus is on the biblical teaching of "Judge not, that you be not judged" and explores how Paul and Barnabas navigated a significant disagreement about including John-Mark in their mission. The prayer emphasizes humility and the need for grace, while the story highlights the tension between Paul's mistrust and Barnabas's willingness to offer a second chance.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eleven and Verse Twenty Five
Drop us a note about the podcast. A single chapter from Acts turns into a blunt question: when we call something “compassion,” who actually gets protected and who pays the price? We start with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13, where the gospel moves outward to the Gentiles, and we use that moment to talk about bold speech, rejection, and what it means to be “a light” beyond our own circles.From there, we pivot to a modern case the host says exposes the costs of broken systems: the killing of Kyla Hamilton in Maryland and the allegation that part of the attack was captured on a voicemail. The discussion connects that tragedy to illegal immigration, unaccompanied minors, and the difference between slogans and responsibility. We also slow down and read Scripture that shapes the home as much as the public square, including Song of Solomon on marriage and Psalm 139 on God's intimate knowledge of every life.We then take on religious liberty and the host's argument that freedom of religion is not the same as a license to blaspheme, with a reference to early American legal history. The episode closes with Proverbs, a Medal of Honor citation for Pedro Cano, and quotes attributed to John Jay and revival-era leaders on Christians engaging politics to preserve the freedoms needed to live and preach their faith.If you found this thought-provoking, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. What part challenged you most?#ChristianNation#AmericanHeritage#MedalofHonorSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribeCountryside Book Serieshttps://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2 America's Christian Heritage Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2622483
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eleven and Verse Twenty Four
Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Eleven and Verse Twenty Three
June 21, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode we continue a study through the book of Acts, picking up where Neal left off in Acts 2 and working through Acts chapters 3–5. The class examines the healing at the Beautiful Gate performed by Peter and John, Luke's pattern of miracle → amazement → preaching → response, and the immediate challenges the early church faces after an apparent season of success. Listeners will hear a close reading of Acts 3 (the lame man healed and his response) and Acts 4–5 summarized, with attention to the apostles' sermon, the reaction of religious leaders (the Sadducees and the high priestly party), and the first trials and arrests. The episode highlights how revival often invites testing: why God allows difficulty after growth, whether for testing, discipline, or to refocus the mission of the church. The conversation identifies four central challenges from these chapters: giving God the glory (avoiding event- or personality-centered faith), speaking the truth when threatened (Peter and John's courage before the rulers and their prayer for boldness), practicing what you preach (the believers' radical sharing and Barnabas's example), and confronting hypocrisy through church discipline (the Ananias and Sapphira episode and its implications). Key takeaways include the apostles' method of pointing every miracle back to Jesus, relying on scripture and community for courage, the power of unified prayer, and the surprising result that faithful obedience and boldness produced growth rather than collapse. The episode draws practical application for 2026: how to face religious pressure today, the need to speak truth in love, to remain tactful yet bold, and to sustain internal holiness amid opposition. The discussion features the teaching leader alongside contributions from class participants, offering an interactive classroom-style exploration of the text and its pastoral implications. Duration 43:58
You can have real encounters with God and still refuse the direction of God. That tension sits at the center of today's Apostolic Mentoring as we talk about kingdom alignment and Spirit-led relationships and why they shape your future more than talent ever will.We start with a global vision for revival and a real opportunity to get on the front lines: Azusa Again Global Harvest Crusade in Los Angeles, marking the 120th anniversary of Azusa Street. Then we pivot into a message that gets very practical, very fast. There's a massive difference between being Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. Tongues are essential to the new birth, but surrender is what proves we're governed by the Holy Ghost. If we resist correction, dodge accountability, or make impulsive decisions from emotion, we may be filled while still not led.From there, we talk about how alignments determine outcome. Who you walk with affects your capacity. Who you build with affects your increase. Who sits at your table affects your vision and harvest. We look at Spirit-initiated partnerships like Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Timothy, and the power of proximity through Moses and Joshua, then we warn about wrong alignments that drain virtue and erode destiny through the stories of Samson, Lot, and Saul.We close with a clear call to Spirit-led living through submission and immediate obedience, then we pray for God to connect you to relationships that steward your calling and multiply your impact. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs alignment, and leave a review so more leaders can find the conversation.We love to hear from our listeners! Thank you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639030158?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VZBSV9T4GT4AMRWEWXJE&skipTwisterOG=1 Support the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@charlesgrobinettehttps://www.instagram.com/charles.g.robinette/https://author.amazon.com/bookshttps://charlesgrobinette.com/
Chris Toews shares in our series, Acts. Today we look at Acts 15, and specifically zoom in on Paul and Barnabas as they part ways.
Listen in as we continue our series on norms in the early church according to the book of Acts. The filling of the Holy Spirit is a prominent theme in the early church and the advance of the gospel. In this episode, we share insights from Acts into how to be filled with the Spirit. Spirit-filling is mentioned at least 10 times in Acts. These instances fall into two categories: - A general character trait about a person. Examples: The 7 chosen to serve (Acts 6:3-5); Stephen (Acts 6:8); Barnabas (Acts 11:23-24). - A special filling at a specific moment in time that resulted in special power – often boldness in gospel proclamation. Examples: *Acts 2- Believers spoke in tongues, testifying to mighty acts of God; 3000 saved.*Acts 4:8-12- Peter, filled with the Spirit, preaches with boldness. *Acts 4:29-31- All believers praying for boldness and signs and wonders; place shaken and they were all filled with Spirit and continued to speak the word with boldness. *Acts 7:55- Stephen, full of Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God. *Acts 13:9- Paul and Barnabas on Cyprus during the first missionary journey, proclaiming the word of God, and this magician/false prophet was opposing them and trying to keep the proconsul from believing. Paul made Elymas blind, resulting in the proconsul believing when he saw what occurred. *Acts 13:52- Disciples filled with joy and Holy Spirit. -Eph. 5:18 – “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Books Referenced: The Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray.The Baptism and Gifts of the Spirit by D. Martin Lloyd-Jones. Connect with us: The Coworkers Podcast website Instagram: thecoworkerspodcast Email: coworkersstudy@gmail.com
This week in Church on Fire, we're in Acts 15 with Pastor Brian McCormack.The gospel is Jesus plus nothing equals everything. The second you take out the "nothing" and add anything to it, you ruin the whole thing. That's what was at stake in the Jerusalem Council. Some believers were trying to load new converts with extra requirements to prove they really belonged. Peter, James, and the wider church pushed back and kept the gospel clear. When gospel clarity goes down, the song of the church shifts from "look at what he's done" to "what have you been up to?"Then something else surfaces. Acts 15 opens with the word "But," which means it's responding to what came just before, Paul and Barnabas returning to celebrate that God had opened a door of faith. Read that way, this whole chapter is about an enemy trying to close a door God has opened. When attacking the messengers didn't work, he moved to attack the message. Keep your Jesus, just add a few things.Four things kept the door open in the early church, and still do now: guard the gate, protect the treasury, empty the armory, hold the line.
What should we do when we hit a wall in the middle of our path? In Acts 8 and 11, we see a man named Barnabas and his friends encounter several walls that they could given up on, but instead they see how to continue and not just give up. So how can we turn our “can't because” into a “can if?”MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49635546RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://www.canyonridge.org/blogs/
Barnabas was such a godly man! He was a man of integrity, initiative and influence. He was very influential in the life of Saul, and later helped form him into Paul the apostle!
This week at New Vision Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, we looked at Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and asked whether we're willing to let God change us so we can help change others.We talked about what it means to be a "people planter": someone planted in other people's lives who also plants people, investing in others even when we won't see the fruit for years. Using Ananias' obedience and Barnabas' encouragement, we asked who in our lives needs us to show up for them.New Vision Church | Fayetteville, GeorgiaA community to belong, be loved, and believe.newvisionc.com | @nvcnextgen0:00 - Introduction and Message Overview3:42 - Why Change Is Good 7:58 - How To Be Excellent13:12 - Understanding God Is Immutable18:45 - How To Apply God's Word24:30 - Are You A Changed Agent?31:15 - How To Plant People38:20 - Final Call To Action
In this episode, Bruce reflects on Acts 13:2–4 and the call of Barnabas and Saul, who were set apart and sent by the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit is not given simply so that we might become more spiritual ourselves. He is given so that we might become more available to God and His mission.Bruce reminds us that mission always begins with God. Long before we ask what God wants us to do, He has already been preparing us through our experiences, gifts, weaknesses, joys, disappointments, and seasons of waiting.This devotional invites you to ask a deeper question: am I becoming the kind of person who is available to God if He chooses to call me?What is the Holy Spirit asking of you today?
Mark maps out the first journey of Barnabas and Saul from Antioch, with supernatural power and great impact, yet also marked by much jealousy and unbelief, causing suffering and opposition.
The church at Antioch is worshiping and fasting when the Holy Spirit says, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul." They pray, lay hands on the two men, and send them off to proclaim the faith. From there the word runs into a sorcerer on Cyprus and into a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, where Paul preaches the God who kept His promise and brought Israel a Savior from David's line. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 13:1-25. The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Paul and Barnabas were as close as it gets: ministry partners, spiritual brothers, proven friends. Then they disagreed so sharp that Scripture says they parted ways for good. So what do you do when two people who love God can't agree?In this episode, Alan Blackmon Sr., Director of Discipleship at Purpose City Church, continues our Unstoppable series with a message from Acts 15:36 through 16:5 called "Unity Is Not Uniformity." Alan unpacks the real, human conflict between two founding leaders of the early church and pulls out a truth we all need: disagreement doesn't have to mean division, and a friendship can survive even when a partnership can't.You'll learn why conflict actually reveals the true nature of a relationship, what a "conflict of interest" has to do with Barnabas advocating for his cousin John Mark, and why the church doesn't need everybody to think, lead, or do things the same way to stay unified. Alan also shares personal stories from his marriage, his job, and yes, an ongoing Chicago pizza debate, to show what it looks like to disagree without demonizing.If you've ever walked away from a relationship because of one hard conversation, this episode will challenge you to reconsider what unity was always meant to look like.
Are you willing to go home and share your story with the people who know you best? In this episode of Words From The Word, Pastor Roderick Webster walks us through Acts 9:26-30 (KJV) and the powerful account of Paul's rejection in Jerusalem — and how one man, Barnabas, changed everything by simply being willing to vouch for a changed life.You might be asking... Why didn't the disciples trust Paul even after he became a Christian? What made Barnabas different from everyone else? Does God really want me to witness to my own family and friends? What if I don't know what to say?Key points from this devotion:- Rejection from the inside can hurt more than opposition from the outside- Barnabas was trusted because he had already proven his heart through sacrifice- God calls us into fellowship with His Son and with His people (1 Corinthians 1:9)- Witnessing begins at home — your Jerusalem comes first (Luke 24:47)- Your testimony is a tool God is already preparing someone to hearIf you've been holding back from sharing Jesus with your family, let this devotion move you to take that first step today. Like this video, leave a comment, share it with someone who needs it, and subscribe so you never miss a daily devotion.#WordsFromTheWord #KJV #BibleDevotion #ChristianLiving #GoodNewsBaptistChurchStay connected with GNBC:
Share a commentFailure has a way of making life feel like a desert, silent, exposed, and endless. We lean into three of Scripture's most relatable “blown it” moments and ask a different question than “How did they mess up?” We ask: What did God build in them afterward, and what can He build in us when we're tempted to quit, hide, or numb the guilt?We walk through John Mark's story in Acts, the young helper with every advantage who deserts the mission and becomes a point of sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. From there we widen the lens to the pressure points most of us actually face: fear of ridicule, the ease of keeping quiet about Jesus, and the moment where convenience starts to look like wisdom. It's a practical conversation about Christian perseverance, courage, and why spiritual potential means little without endurance.Then we turn to David, not as a coward but as a man crushed by moral failure, and we sit with the raw honesty of Psalm 32 and the turning point of Psalm 51. Finally, we revisit Moses, trained for leadership yet forced into Midian's obscurity, where self-sufficiency dies and dependence on God is born. A surprising thread ties it all together: God often speaks in the desert through another believer, a Peter, a Jethro, a timely voice you're meant to hear.If you're walking through regret, disappointment, or spiritual dryness, this is a reminder that the desert doesn't have to be the end of your story. Subscribe for more, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more listeners can find the conversation.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show
Share a commentFailure has a way of making life feel like a desert, silent, exposed, and endless. We lean into three of Scripture's most relatable “blown it” moments and ask a different question than “How did they mess up?” We ask: What did God build in them afterward, and what can He build in us when we're tempted to quit, hide, or numb the guilt?We walk through John Mark's story in Acts, the young helper with every advantage who deserts the mission and becomes a point of sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. From there we widen the lens to the pressure points most of us actually face: fear of ridicule, the ease of keeping quiet about Jesus, and the moment where convenience starts to look like wisdom. It's a practical conversation about Christian perseverance, courage, and why spiritual potential means little without endurance.Then we turn to David, not as a coward but as a man crushed by moral failure, and we sit with the raw honesty of Psalm 32 and the turning point of Psalm 51. Finally, we revisit Moses, trained for leadership yet forced into Midian's obscurity, where self-sufficiency dies and dependence on God is born. A surprising thread ties it all together: God often speaks in the desert through another believer, a Peter, a Jethro, a timely voice you're meant to hear.If you're walking through regret, disappointment, or spiritual dryness, this is a reminder that the desert doesn't have to be the end of your story. Subscribe for more, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more listeners can find the conversation.Learn more about twenty-five years of global impact, and reserve tickets to our gala. https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/25 Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show
Is it okay for followers of Jesus to disagree? Why did Paul and Barnabas disagree? How can we face disagreement with another follower of Jesus in a way that honors them and God? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 15:36-41 and answers the question, “How do we disagree in a way that protects both truth and love?” She gives listeners questions to consider when walking through disagreement with another believer and how to invite God into it. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Acts 13: 13; Colossians 4: 10; James 1 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES: “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...) “S4:269 – Acts 15-17” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NShJvbx2EPozwMwxJq2Hm?si=98ac89d64476429c) “Episode 204: Acts 15” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1C4nPaR3RZjQlAN7nYyAX6?si=2d16480ac3b34d66) // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY: Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org
In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas face spiritual opposition as Elymas tries to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul refuses to back down and boldly confronts the darkness. This episode reminds us that opposition to God's Word is inevitable, but the Spirit gives confidence and victory when we faithfully proclaim the gospel.
I. The Jewish Christians say, "I was wrong" II. Barnabas says, "I can't do this alone" III. The Church in Antioch says, "How can I help?"
Paul and Barnabas disagreed over giving John Mark a second chance, leading them to part ways. Yet God used their separation to expand the mission, reminding us that His purposes are never hindered by imperfect people. Our confidence rests in Christ, whose grace restores failures and faithfully builds His church.
Dr. Justin Dancer continues through the book at Acts, focusing on Acts 13:1-13. God is not silent. He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and the needs around us. In Acts 13, the early church at Antioch models what it looks like to listen, surrender, and respond to the mission of God. Through fasting and prayer, the church heard from the Holy Spirit and willingly released their two strongest leaders, Barnabas and Saul, to be sent out. Being set apart is not just about purity; it is about being intentionally removed for a greater purpose. The gospel encountered real spiritual opposition, but the truth of Jesus Christ prevailed, and a powerful Roman official was astonished into belief. The same gospel that amazed him is just as powerful today. The question for every follower of Jesus is whether we are still filled with wonder at His grace, and whether we are willing to give up something good to pursue something greater for His kingdom.
Acts 15 reminds us that God is still at work in unfinished people. Even in the middle of conflict between Paul and Barnabas, God continued advancing His mission and redeeming John Mark's story. Rather than defining ourselves or others by a single failure or season, we're invited to see every story through the lens of God's redeeming grace, trusting that he is faithful to complete the work he has begun.
Acts 15 reminds us that God is still at work in unfinished people. Even in the middle of conflict between Paul and Barnabas, God continued advancing His mission and redeeming John Mark's story. Rather than defining ourselves or others by a single failure or season, we're invited to see every story through the lens of God's redeeming grace, trusting that he is faithful to complete the work he has begun.
When Paul and Barnabas amazed the Greeks with their healing power and authoritative teaching-the crowd was quick to credit their usual gods. But Paul and Baranabas deflected the praise and found new ways to point to the evidence and goodness of God.
June 14, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon This episode opens with announcements about the church's monthly song service. Neal references Miller's reading from Isaiah 62 and links the gathering to an old-fashioned hymn-singing tradition as well as a 21st-century request process. The main message examines what it means to be called a "Christian" in the New Testament (Acts and 1 Peter), noting the title is rare in Scripture but rich in meaning: a disciple who is taught, someone to be persuaded toward faith, and one who may suffer for that name. The speaker names biblical examples (Ananias, Paul, Barnabas, and scenes from Acts) to illustrate how new believers in the early church experienced joy and transformation. The sermon then gives five core reasons the Christian life is described as the greatest life: (1) sins are forgiven through Christ; (2) joy that does not depend on sinful pleasure; (3) a deeper, God-given purpose lived out in the church; (4) temporal problems that do not have permanent hold over the believer; and (5) a secure eternal future beyond this life. Scriptural support is cited throughout, including Romans, Ephesians, 1 Peter, Philippians, and other passages. The speaker contrasts Christian hope with cultural alternatives — evolution, humanism, materialism, and Epicureanism — arguing that those worldviews leave people aimless, while the gospel gives lasting meaning, joy, and forgiveness. Personal and contemporary illustrations are used, including references to missions (Hyrum and Brittany's trip to Nigeria) and local baptisms that mirror the joy recorded in Acts. Practical challenges are addressed: the need for ongoing teaching and discipleship for those who say they are Christian but lack instruction, the process of persuasion and questioning for new converts, and the reality that faith sometimes costs relationships or comfort. Yet the repeated encouragement is that faith brings real, durable blessings. The episode closes with an invitation: whether you are a faithful Christian encouraged to live confidently (but humbly) in a skeptical world, someone who needs restoration after turning away, or a listener considering faith for the first time, you are urged to respond in obedience to the gospel and to come forward if moved during the closing singing. Duration 29:55
Reading Acts 11:25-30 where the Apostle Paul (still called Saul) joins Barnabas at Antioch, and it's there that Christians are called by that name for the first time. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Acts 11:19-24 where some of the disciples go to Antioch and the surrounding region, sharing the gospel with Greeks and are joined by Barnabas. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
When Saul came to Jerusalem, the church feared him and doubted his conversion. But Barnabas stepped forward, vouched for him, and helped open the door for his ministry. This episode highlights the power of grace-filled encouragement and challenges us to become people who see what God is doing in others and help them move forward.