Podcasts about title god

Title: God's Model for Manhood (Pt 2) You can also view the service at ECC's Facebook Page or download our church app (Evangelical Christian Church - Waterbury) if you haven't already. Would you please help us out in sharing this information especially with those who are not online. Remember the church is not a building, ~it's the people of God, ~filled with the presence of God, ~set apart to do the works of God. Christ has enabled us to do that in the world and not primarily in a building. Remember the golden rule during this time of uncertainty. Let's use this time to advance the purposes of God and stay connected with each other. Romans 8:28, Pastor Paul Heidt

Title: God's Providence for the Individual Christian Life: Part Four Speaker: Dr. H. T. Spence Event: Forwarding the Faith Date: June 26, 2025 Summary: Scripture: Length:

Title: God's FaithfulnessSpeaker: Pastor Peter MooreDate: 17th December 2023Location: Central Coast, Australia Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2025 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the presence of God has been with you all along—you just haven't noticed? In this message from Genesis 28, Pastor Daniel Edwards unpacks Jacob's life-changing realization: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” God's presence isn't something we strive to achieve—it's already here, right where we are. Discover how to shift from striving to awareness and learn what it means to encounter the God who comes to us, not the other way around.

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Decision MakingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In a world with endless options and immense pressure to make the perfect choice, how can we faithfully navigate life's big decisions? In this teaching from the book of Proverbs, Pastor Nate Holdridge presents a liberating, five-part framework for godly decision-making. Pastor Nate explains that God is less interested in giving us mystical signs and more interested in shaping us into people of character who can choose wisely. This message will equip you to move from the paralysis of fearing you'll miss God's will to the freedom of walking with Him in wisdom, trust, and purpose.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Providence for the Individual Christian Life: Part Three Speaker: Dr. H. T. Spence Event: Forwarding the Faith Date: June 20, 2025 Summary: Scripture: Length:

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: HomeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs to cast a vision for the home as the first arena of discipleship. Drawing from wisdom literature and the teachings of Jesus, Pastor Nate calls parents to intentional training, loving discipline, and the cultivation of a godly atmosphere. But this message extends beyond nuclear families—it speaks to every believer in Jesus' new family, the church. This is a timely and Scripture-saturated teaching that helps all of us build households—and church communities—formed by the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of Christ.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Model for Manhood You can also view the service at ECC's Facebook Page or download our church app (Evangelical Christian Church - Waterbury) if you haven't already. Would you please help us out in sharing this information especially with those who are not online. Remember the church is not a building, ~it's the people of God, ~filled with the presence of God, ~set apart to do the works of God. Christ has enabled us to do that in the world and not primarily in a building. Remember the golden rule during this time of uncertainty. Let's use this time to advance the purposes of God and stay connected with each other. Romans 8:28, Pastor Paul Heidt

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: CommunicationSpeaker: Manny Collazo

Title: God's Love Helps Us Overcome Fear Speaker: Creston Thomas Series: Psalm 119 Date: June 8, 2025 Bible: Psalm 119:41-42 Full Sermon:

Title: God's Grace Is The AnswerSpeaker: Tommy CodaScripture: James 4:1-8Link to Pastor Tommy's church: Hope Alive Church

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: PhonesSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues our Proverbs series by addressing the power and pull of our phones. Drawing on timeless biblical wisdom, Nate outlines a path toward Christ-centered digital habits through three key invitations: stewarding the interior world, practicing private integrity, and being fully present in physical relationships. Using cultural insights, personal stories, and Scripture, this message helps modern believers assess their phone use with clarity, conviction, and hope.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Appointed Evangelist: YOU! Text: Acts 21:37-22:21 FCF: We often struggle feeling adequate enough to share our faith with others. Prop: Because God providentially equips us to share the gospel, we must be excellent at submitting to His prompting to share the clear truth of the gospel. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 21. In a moment we'll read from the LSB starting in verse 37. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last time in the book of Acts Paul was dragged out of the temple and accused of violating a cultural law which prohibited all gentiles from entering the temple grounds. The crowd attempted to kill him. But he was rescued by the Roman commander who was merely trying to keep the peace. We noted last time that because the gospel is offensive we must be ready to endure slander and persecution for it. But we also must be ready to use such opportunities to share the gospel. Today we will see Paul doing just that. From his example we'll be able to understand what that looks like and how the Lord has providentially helped us to do this. So please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God starting in verse 37 of Acts 21. Invocation: Heavenly Father, because we know that nothing happens outside of your decreed will and that all comes about to accomplish your purposes, we can rest assured that everything we have experienced in this life has been guided and directed by your providence. Therefore, we know that we are where we are because you have arranged it and that You have equipped us to do what You ask us to do. Let us then rest in this hope and strive to do all that You have asked us to. To make disciples and teach them all that You have commanded. Help us to see all this and more from the text this morning we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Transition: Let's get right to the text this morning. I.) God providentially equips us to share the gospel, so we must look out for opportunities He gives to share the gospel. (21:37-40) a. [Slide 2] 37 - As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? i. As they neared the Barracks, probably ascending the second stair case, Paul wishes to speak to the Jews, desiring to show compassion on them and share the gospel to them. ii. In this process he very politely addresses the Roman commander in Greek. Something that clearly catches the Roman officer off guard, but we are not exactly sure why. iii. The common language used in Judea would have been Aramaic. Hebrew would have been used in religious conversation and instruction, especially among Judean Jews. iv. Judean Jews in general would have avoided Hellenistic entanglements, chief among them being the Greek language. v. That being said, most Jews would have known at least a little Greek and been able to speak well enough to get by. vi. What makes this even more perplexing to us is what the commander says next… b. [Slide 3] 38 - “Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago raised a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” i. The translation of this question is something that is disputed. ii. We can talk more about it on Thursday. iii. But the guard clearly thinks or has thought up to this point that Paul is an Egyptian Assassin. iv. Again, we can go into the history of this on Thursday, but suffice it to say, something in Paul's speaking Greek has led the guard to ask this question of Paul. v. Paul quickly corrects the commander in the following verse. c. [Slide 4] 39 - But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” i. Paul lays out his pedigree. He is a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia and a citizen of that city which is by no means a backwater no name city. ii. Tarsus was an important city for trade throughout the empire. It also had a rich history of education. It was also granted “free city” status, meaning it was permitted to govern itself within the Roman Empire. iii. In other words – Paul is definitely NOT the Egyptian assassin. iv. Furthermore, Paul's heritage and citizenship to a prominent city indicated that his social status was actually above even the commander himself. v. It is probably because of this that the commander permitted him to speak to the crowd who up till recently tried to kill him. d. [Slide 5] 40 - And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, i. The Commander no doubt standing next to him in approval helps to hush the crowd. ii. Then Paul begins to speak to them in the Hebrew language. Although there is a possibility that this means ancient Hebrew which we know was still known and spoken at that time, we also know that it was spoken mostly in religious situations and probably was not the common man's language. Indeed, Jews from Asia would probably not even know Hebrew. So most likely Luke means that Paul spoke Aramaic. e. [Slide 6] Summary of the Point: Today we see Paul taking the opportunity he is given to defend the gospel. But what gave him that opportunity? Paul's unique background, providentially ordered by the Lord, gives him the opportunity to defend the gospel. Paul having the pedigree he had, where he even had a higher social standing than the Roman commander arresting him, equipped him to be allowed to share the gospel that day. And the same is true for us. God has uniquely equipped each of us to share the gospel to people who other believers will never have opportunity. To the extent that where others may be silenced or killed, we will be permitted to at least provide a defense. Therefore, we must be like Paul and have the boldness and determination to speak up when we have an opportunity. Paul could have gone into the barracks and been safely secured against their attack, Instead, he used his social standing to gain an audience and defend the gospel. We should look for similar opportunities to share the gospel that are provided to us through our backgrounds which God arranged. Transition: [Slide 7(blank)] But what is Paul going to say? The crowd isn't exactly friendly. What is his responsibility in conveying the gospel to such a hostile group? Can he just be like Jonah and warn them that in 40 days they'll be destroyed? II.) God providentially equips us to share the gospel, so we must clarify misconceptions about the gospel. (22:1-16) a. [Slide 8] 1 - “Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” i. Paul begins his defense with a similar address that Stephen gave to the Sanhedrin when he was brought before them. ii. Of course, Stephen was accused of speaking against the law of Moses and against the temple too. iii. And Jesus before them was accused of blasphemy and speaking against the temple. iv. What is clear is that the Jews had created a trinity of their own. They worshipped God, the law, and the temple. All of which were intricately connected. v. And bound up into that trinity is their national pride of being the chosen people of God. To attack one of the three is to attack all and to attack their Jewish identity as a whole. vi. It is no accident that the charges brought against everyone the Jews wanted dead were the same. This is the way they can make sure that they can stir up every Jew against the one they want gone. vii. Paul begins his defense which is not only a testimony of his salvation and commission to ministry – but also a rich defense of his own Jewish heritage and standing. b. [Slide 9] 2 - And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter; and he said, i. Right off the bat, the people understand that this is not a Hellenized Jew – at least not entirely. ii. To speak Aramaic, and to do so well enough to make a defense before a hostile crowd, means that he is not rejecting Jewish heritage or culture. iii. The crowd responds with affording him their attention. c. [Slide 10] 3 - “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city, having been instructed at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today, i. Notice that Paul doesn't deny his birth city, but quickly moves past it to recount his early life. ii. From a boy, Paul was brought up in the city of Jerusalem. iii. While in the city, Paul was instructed according to the strictness of the Mosaic law by none other than Gamaliel. iv. The last time we heard that name was at Peter and John's trial before the Sanhedrin. v. Gamaliel's advice was to leave the apostles alone and see what happens of the Nazarene sect. If they are not of God, then they will dissolve to nothing. If they are of God, then the council would be caught fighting against God's will. vi. Pretty sound advice. Advice that they did not heed. vii. Still, from historical records, we know that Gamaliel was a Rabbi and head of a Rabbinical school in Jerusalem and even though they did not listen to his advice on that occasion, we know he was well respected in the Jewish community of that time. viii. Paul indicating that he was zealous for God just as the Jews were on this very day, is indicating that Paul does not see his persecutors as enemies. He too is zealous for God. And has been since being instructed in the ways of the Pharisees. ix. How devoted was he for God? d. [Slide 11] 4 - I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering both men and women into prisons, 5 - as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brothers, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. i. He was so zealous for God that he persecuted the Nazarene sect called “The Way” to death. ii. Perhaps at this time some rumor or lie was being spread around indicating that Paul never really did this. But Paul appeals to the testimony of the high priest and all the council of Elders. iii. They can give you their testimony that this is the case. iv. They can also tell you how they gave him letters to Damascus to bring those following The Way back to Jerusalem to be imprisoned and punished. v. Paul was once the exact same as they are today. To the extent that he did to others what they have done to him. vi. Paul doesn't see them as his enemy. Because he was just like them at one time. vii. So this begs the questions… what happened to make him different today? And how different has he become? e. [Slide 12] 6 - But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, i. Visions from God have been and continue to be recognized as important ways that God communicates corrective truth to people in the middle east. ii. As Eric Lundquist was saying last week, Iranian Christians converting from Islam frequently speak of visions they have received from God imploring them to seek Christ. iii. Some of the greatest prophets of Israel's and even Islam's history have or have claimed to see visions from God to reveal truth. iv. If someone today said something similar to Paul, we would be right to test them thoroughly for signs of God working in their life beyond simply a vision. And Paul will provide that too. v. But the Jews would not be skeptical of this sign merely because it was a vision from heaven. f. [Slide 13] 7 - and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' 8 - And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.' i. Voices from heaven are rare in the Old Testament. But when someone hears from heaven it is never anyone but God Himself who speaks. ii. This is probably why Paul assumed that this was the Lord speaking. iii. This is similar to the time when Moses asks what he should call God when he goes back to the Israelite captives to inform them that God was going to rescue them. Which God? iv. God says, tell them “I AM” has sent you. Yahweh. The proper name of God. v. By Paul asking Who are you, Lord – he is looking for confirmation that the God with whom He speaks is Yahweh Himself. vi. How shocking then… Is the answer? vii. I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting. viii. In heaven, with God, is this one Jesus the Nazarene. ix. Without actually saying the words, Paul testifies clearly here that Jesus and Yahweh are one. They are One God in three distinct persons. x. The God who addressed Moses from the burning bush is the same God who addressed Paul on that road. xi. But to make such a claim that Jesus spoke to him from heaven, it would be necessary to have witnesses, wouldn't it? Especially since the name given was not Yahweh. xii. Who else was there to hear or see what happened? g. [Slide 14] 9 - And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. i. The guards who went with Paul that day, did see the light. ii. And here we have our first discrepancy regarding the story of Paul's conversion. iii. In Acts chapter 9 it says that these guards did hear the voice, but here Paul says that they did not understand the voice. Now before you start pointing out to me that hearing and understanding aren't the same things… iv. The Greek word IS the same. The LSB, for some reason, translates it here as understanding instead of hearing. What a crummy translation… well, hang on. Let's investigate. v. So how do we deal with Luke recording that the men heard the voice but didn't see the person speaking, and Paul saying that they did not hear the voice? This seems to be quite the contradiction. vi. There is an easy explanation that we can actually demonstrate using a similar word in English. 1. If I, in the midst of giving a command to my daughter, ask her if she is listening, and she says yes… in one sense we can see that she did listen to me. But if that story goes forward and we find out that she did not obey the command I gave, we could say that she did not listen. 2. Well how could she have listened and not listened at the same time? It is a matter of different definitions of the same word. Correct? 3. Listening can mean hearing and it can also mean obeying. vii. In a similar way, the semantic range of the word ἀκούω includes not only hearing the noise of something but also comprehending it. viii. So, in Luke's earlier account It is clear that he records that the soldiers heard the voice. ix. By Paul saying that they did not hear, we must take the second definition of the word which means to listen or to understand. x. Thus the LSB records for us the appropriate meaning. That the guards with him did hear the voice but were not able to comprehend what was said to Paul. xi. In short, he had witnesses to this event. And even though they did not understand the voice which spoke, they did hear it and they certainly heard and understood Paul's responses. h. [Slide 15] 10 - And I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been determined for you to do.' 11 - But since I could not see because of the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus. i. Jesus the Nazarene instructs Paul to go to Damascus and wait for someone to come to him to tell him what to do. ii. The miracle of this would not be lost on anyone, since Damascus was a large city and all those of The Way would have feared Paul to the point of avoiding him. Who is going to come and talk to Paul in this state? iii. Paul continues the story of how he was blinded by this light and had to be led to Damascus. Once again this is something the guards could have borne witness to. i. [Slide 16] 12 - Now a certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well-spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 - came to me, and standing near, said to me, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight!' And at that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. i. Notice what Paul is doing with his testimony of conversion. ii. He is highlighting the important, Jewish, law abiding, zealous people who helped to shape and form him. iii. Now he moves to a man named Ananias, who is well known to be a devout law-abiding Jew, known by Jews who lived in Damascus. iv. But Ananias was CLEARLY of The Way. v. What is Paul saying? vi. They are not mutually exclusive. You can be zealous for the law of Moses and still be a follower of Christ. vii. That is not to say that they are the same thing or that the law is equal in importance to Christ. But it is to say that there is no conflict between abiding by the law of Moses and following Christ. viii. One must simply hold them in their appropriate places of importance. ix. Ananias commands Paul to regain his sight and at that moment his sight returned. j. [Slide 17] 14 - And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from His mouth. 15 - ‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 - Now why do you delay? Rise up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' i. Notice what Ananias says. The God of our fathers – Yahweh of course, has appointed, chosen, elected you to know His will and to see the Righteous One (Jesus the Nazarene) and to hear a voice from His mouth. ii. The Righteous One title is interesting because it is a title given to Yahweh's servant who is called Righteous and will justify many by bearing their iniquities. iii. The title “The Righteous One” implies sinless perfection having no blemish or spot in moral uprightness. Truly no person could claim such a thing. And so this human must be more than merely human. iv. Paul is commissioned to go to all men and bear witness of what he has seen and heard. v. At that moment Ananias commands him to rise up and be baptized and wash your sins away calling on His name. vi. Although many camps within Christendom would see the teaching of water baptism in view here whereby we are actually, as they would say, washed from our sin – it is clear that Ananias means not a literal physical washing only, but an inward, Spirit baptism. To be baptized by the Spirit is to be converted, to be justified, to be indwelled by the Spirit. vii. Baptism of the Spirit refers to the moment when a person who has been made alive with Christ repents and receives Him as Lord and Savior. viii. Notice that Ananias says to be baptized, wash your sins away, while calling on His name. ix. Thus, Paul is converted in this moment. x. And notice what the good Jew says to Paul… Get up, be baptized, be washed of your sins by calling on His name. xi. Whose name? xii. Is it the God of our Fathers or is it the Righteous One? xiii. Yes. Calling on Jesus' name IS calling on Yahweh's name. k. Summary of the Point: Notice still God's providential hand on Paul's testimony of salvation. The charges against Paul are primarily his rejection of the law, the Jewish people and their customs, and the temple itself. But he was zealous for the law, even opposing The Way, but was rebuked by a Jewish Messiah who spoke from heaven, a place higher than the temple, and led to faith in this Jesus by a well-respected Jew in Damascus. You can't get much more Jewish than that story! God providentially provided all of this to Paul in his conversion testimony, so that he could systematically cast down and defend the gospel he preached against all the accusations of being anti-Jew, anti-law, and anti-temple. We too must cast down arguments and defend the gospel against false caricatures of its teachings. We must do apologetics to prove that such things are lies. And God providentially provides each of our testimonies of faith as arguments against those false views. Transition: [Slide 19 (blank)] Paul has successfully defended the gospel. But what about the other component here? What about the Gentiles. Why is Paul mixed up with them? III.) God providentially equips us to share the gospel, but we must trust His leading not our own wisdom. (22:17-21) a. [Slide 20] 17 - Now it happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18 - and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your witness about Me.' i. Although Luke does record Paul going back to Jerusalem in Acts 9, we are not told about this event. Luke there is focusing on Paul's relationship to other believers. That isn't what's happening here. What does he say? ii. While I was in the temple praying. iii. Well how much more devout could a Jew be to be praying in the temple? iv. And during a visit to the temple is when he sees another vision in a trance. v. In this vision, the Lord Jesus again speaks to him commanding him to get out of Jerusalem because “they” will not accept your witness about Me. vi. Who is they? vii. Paul's response to the Lord at that time makes it clear. b. [Slide 21] 19 - And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. 20 - And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and guarding the garments of those who were slaying him.' i. The “they” is the non-believing Jews. ii. Paul's rebuttal to the Lord Jesus is that he seems like the perfect candidate to send to the Jews. iii. Afterall, there are few in Jerusalem who do not know who he is. They know how he used to fight against the people of The Way and even stood in approval over the stoning of Stephen. iv. He has a powerful testimony toward these people. They SHOULD believe him. v. Why? vi. Because he used to be one of them. vii. But Jesus points out that often it is the opposite. viii. The Jews, as we have seen throughout the book of Acts, have either believed Paul's gospel message – or they have sought to kill him. And there really isn't any middle ground. ix. Jesus at this time commands him to leave. c. [Slide 22] 21 - And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'” i. You aren't the perfect person to go to the Jews. They are going to reject you and your message. ii. Instead I am sending you far away to the Gentiles. iii. First, to those in Tarsus… your home. iv. Then to those in Antioch of Syria. Then to Asia. Then to Greece. v. And soon to Rome and even Spain. vi. Paul would go to the Gentiles. vii. What a marvelous mission. viii. If only the Jews were not full of bigotry and hatred at this time… but more on that next week. d. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: Here we see an interesting point that counterbalances all we have seen thus far. God providentially put Paul in a great position to share the gospel on this particular occasion. But keen observers would have noticed that all of his background was true before he left Jerusalem to go and preach the gospel to the Gentiles. So, we, and perhaps even his audience, would be wondering why Paul ever left if his background makes him an ideal candidate to share the gospel. Paul reveals in his testimony that he also wondered the same thing. From his perspective, he would be the ideal candidate to preach the gospel to the Jews. Nevertheless, God had other plans for him. Jesus commanded him to go. Why? Because the Jews would reject him and the gospel and because God had ordained him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. We too must be careful that we don't trust our own wisdom in analyzing who we are best equipped to take the gospel to. Instead, we must be sensitive to the Lord's leading in when and to whom we share our faith. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned and how shall we live? What are some basic teachings of belief and practice from this text? Basics of Belief and Practice: [Slide 24] The primary point of belief we should gain from this text is that God Himself providentially equips us to bear witness to the truth of the gospel. From this doctrinal point, revolving around God's role to sovereignly guide our backgrounds so we are the right tool for the job… we have several applications for us. First, is to seek and take opportunities to share the gospel. Second, we must clarify any known misrepresentations of the gospel as we give a defense for the hope we have in us. Thirdly, and serving as a counterweight to this, although God does providentially equip us to share the gospel, we must be careful that we don't make assumptions from our background of to whom we might be called to bear witness to the truth. But let me see if we can expand these truths out a little by first heading back to the text and then out from it to our lives. 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God providentially equips us to share the gospel with unbelievers. a. We see this in Paul's life as everything he is doing is completely in keeping with the scope of Judaism, the law, the Jewish nation, and the temple itself. b. Paul has been uniquely equipped to take the gospel to the Gentiles while continuing to cherish and observe the teachings of Judaism. c. Paul is not only the right man to preach the gospel to the Gentiles he is also the right man to stand before the Jews at this very moment and confront them with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. d. And of course, he is only allowed to do this because God providentially gave him a social standing that supersedes the Roman commander who was trying to arrest him. e. You and I also have been providentially, from the beginning of our lives to this very moment, supplied with a unique background which equips us with all sorts of experiences, values, morals, virtues, and passions. And each of these are given both negatively and positively. f. Modern psychology attempts to tell us that our backgrounds shape us and mold us for the worse. We are a product of our environment and our upbringing. But this isn't the way Paul saw it. g. And this isn't the way the scriptures frame God's sovereign control of all things. h. All our background, positive and negative, serves to shape and form and mold us to be uniquely equipped to serve the Lord and His Kingdom and His righteousness. i. Paul even uses his shameful persecution of Christians as a point in his gospel presentation to prove that the gospel is NOT anti-Jew. j. Everything we have experienced and gone through, everything that has shaped us, was not done by some blind force or shapeless entity we call “the universe”. k. Instead – EVERYTHING that has happened to us has been guided and superintended by a Good and Loving God who prepares us to serve Him as Soldiers of the Cross of Christ. l. You may not use every experience in every situation where God has called you to share the gospel – but make no mistake, God has prepared you to bring the truth of the gospel to bear upon the souls of those who do not believe. m. Not everyone needs a scholarly presentation of the gospel. Not everyone needs a story presentation of the gospel. Not everyone needs a hyper logical presentation of the gospel. But everyone needs the Word of God shown to them in ways that your unique background can help to explain. n. There is no Christian that God has providentially prepared to sit in the pews. There is no Christian that God has providentially prepared to keep quiet while the others talk. o. You have a mission field that few if any will ever be able to reach. p. So, what do we do with this truth? 2.) [Slide 26] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must jump on opportunities God gives to share the gospel. a. Paul could have stayed quiet. b. In fact, many counselors may have advised him at this time to quit while he was ahead. c. It seemed like the Roman commander was going to deliver him safely from the mob. d. Instead, he uses his social influence to convince the commander to allow him to address the crowds who were just moments ago trying to kill him. e. We too must seek and boldly capitalize on evangelism opportunities that come our way. f. Unfortunately many of us choose to hide in the shadows hoping someone else will speak up concerning the gospel message. g. We are tortured by fears of inadequacy and rejection. h. Paul's example, at least this week helps us. Of course they did reject Paul – we'll get to that next week. i. Ultimately this shows us that our fear of inadequacy is unfounded and our fear of rejection must be rebuked. j. Inadequacy cuts directly against the point we just looked at, where God uniquely equips us to share the gospel with others whom we come into contact with. k. And Rejection is actually something we are guaranteed we will experience. Fearing rejection for preaching the gospel is like fearing getting dirty if you clean out the pig pen. If fear of getting dirty stops you from cleaning out the pig pen, then you don't understand what it means to own a pig. In the same way if fear of rejection stops you from preaching the gospel, you may not even understand the gospel in the first place. l. Let me try to help you out to know whether or not God is calling you to step up and share the gospel with someone… m. If you are a Christian in the room when people misconstrue the gospel or ask questions concerning its teachings… guess what… You can just take that as God's call for you to speak. You don't have to wait for a sign. You don't have to pray about it to make sure it is God's will. n. You can just go for it. Speak from the heart, speak about what God did for you, and make sure that you speak with words the scriptures use. Stay away from trite phrases not found in the bible. Like… i. Ask Jesus into your heart. ii. Say yes to Jesus iii. Accept Jesus into your life iv. Pray this prayer v. Make him the Lord of your life vi. Etc. o. Also… stay away from non-universal experiences that are not common to every single person who comes to Christ in the bible. Like… i. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders… ii. I felt warm all over as if I was being hugged by God iii. I wept uncontrollably iv. I started convulsing on the ground because I realized how sinful I was v. I heard an audible voice from God calling me to believe. vi. I saw Jesus holding out his arms to me. vii. Etc p. Instead, focus on what the bible actually says – stick to the words it uses as closely as you can while still being clear… i. All men are wicked and have evil hearts which cannot be cured. All men are dead in their trespasses and sins and are enslaved to their passions and their lusts. All men love their evil deeds. All men do not seek God. ii. Jesus died for sinners. Jesus became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus was the substitute which absorbed sin's penalty for sinners and gave them a right standing before God. Jesus is the new representative for all who place their complete trust in Him. iii. Jesus was raised the third day and has ascended to the Father's side where He now continues to be with and help all those who are His people. And all who are in Him will also be raised and live with Him forever. iv. Repent- turn from your sin and believe and depend on this gospel. q. In short – we must understand that since God has prepared us for this very purpose, if we are lazy or afraid, we are falling short of God's calling on our lives. We are failing at one of the very reasons we are still on earth. r. We aren't here to work a job, support our family, or enjoy retirement. These are inherently part of being what God wants us to be – but it isn't why we are here. s. We are here to make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Triune God and teaching them to observe all the things He has commanded. 3.) [Slide 27] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must clarify and defend the truth of the gospel. a. Paul, by his own testimony, proves without a doubt that everything about his conversion and his mission is NOT anti-jew. b. So we too must be apologists, seeking to defend the gospel against misconceptions and false summarizations of its teachings. c. Although the details are different, generally speaking all Christians are saved the exact same way. d. Romans 8 clues us in to some of that process and the 5 Solas of the reformation help to expound what the bible teaches on that process. e. Since this is the case, each of our testimonies serve as an anecdotal proof that all the misconceptions about the gospel fail when it is compared to the universal shared experience of all who are truly believers. f. We can go to the scriptures to show exactly what God did for us and how He accomplished it. g. We may not have understood it when we were saved – but we certainly understand it now or at least, we should. h. In this we can counter all the accusations of being brainwashed, deceived, or otherwise conned by this religious teaching. i. With the bible we can also address misconceptions about the gospel where people assume it is a works based salvation that is similar to other faiths, or an unnecessarily narrow religion of intolerance. j. In short, it is incumbent upon us as those who bear witness to the gospel of Christ, to clarify and defend the truth of the gospel. For if the gospel is tainted by untruth it stops becoming the gospel and is therefore unable to save anyone. k. But If we are to clarify and defend the truth of the gospel, we must be diligent in our study and understanding of it. We cannot be satisfied with a rudimentary understanding of nature of the gospel. For even though it is simple enough for children to believe, it is infinite enough that scholars still admit there are things we can't quite explain about God and what He has done for us. l. Just because it is simple enough for a child to believe, doesn't mean you should preach it with the understanding of a child. m. No Christian has an excuse. We must be theologians and understand as much as we can about this gospel we preach. 4.) [Slide 28] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop assuming our background limits or reveals God's will for our mission field. a. Paul thought he was uniquely equipped to share the gospel with the Jews. b. And that is true in Acts 22. c. But this was only after God sent him to the gentiles. d. Because this is where God wanted him to go and because generally the Jews would see him as a traitor and not as an example to follow. e. Sometimes we can be abundantly convinced that we are best equipped to share the gospel to certain mission fields. Or that we are ill equipped to take the gospel to others. f. But this may be a terrible assumption which is counter to God's will. g. Former Mormons or Jehovah's witnesses can make excellent evangelists to some – but they can also be perceived as traitors and apostates and dismissed without even allowing them to speak. h. Former drug addicts could be effective at sharing the gospel to those still addicted – or they may be seen as a Christ figure, someone to be followed instead of Jesus Himself. i. In every case, as we consider where God would have us minister, our background can help to inform us where we might be best used, but ultimately, we must listen for the Lord's leading. 5.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Why do you delay? Rise up, be baptized in the Spirit! Wash away your sins by calling on Jesus' name! a. Perhaps you are here today and the testimony of Paul and the songs about God's salvation and all that Jesus has done, have stirred your heart. b. Perhaps you have realized that you are a sinner in danger of the Lord's judgement and wrath? c. Perhaps you like Paul have opposed Christ at every turn. d. What are you waiting for? e. Call on the name of Jesus and wash yourself clean in His sacrifice for you. Follow Him and be His. Let me close with a prayer by the Scottish Reformed theologian Robert Rollock Lord, when we stand up to speak of the resurrection of Christ to others, give us grace so that we may be persuaded of it in our own hearts. May we find his gracious Spirit working in us, and as we speak of heaven and these joys to others, may we also find that joy in our own hearts. So that after this life is ended, we may reign with him in glory forever with Christ! To whom, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honor, praise, and glory forevermore. Amen. Benediction: And now let all people in Zion declare his gracious name, With one accord, So that all nations will fear the name of the Lord, That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: MoneySpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores what Proverbs—and the whole of Scripture—teach about money, wealth, and material possessions. While many assume the Bible views money only as a danger or temptation, Pastor Nate reveals a more balanced and hopeful perspective: material possessions can be good gifts from God for our enjoyment, but they must never take His place in our hearts. Learn how God calls His people to financial wisdom, contentment, and sacrificial generosity as visible expressions of His redemptive work in our lives.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Hidden ProvidenceText: Habakkuk 1:1–11Originally delivered on 11 May 2025 at Stonington Baptist Church, Paxinos, PAFor more content like this, visit www.graceupongrace.net Get full access to Grace Upon Grace at www.graceupongrace.net/subscribe

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: FriendshipSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this Sunday Sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge speaks about the power, necessity, and beauty of gospel-shaped friendship in a world increasingly marked by isolation and disconnection. Drawing from Proverbs and the nature of God Himself, Nate calls believers to pursue friendships that are constant, courageous, refining, and shaped by the love and mission of Christ. Let's be encourage to resist shallow connections and instead build relationships rooted in reverence for God, mutual spiritual growth, and sacrificial love.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

The Holy Spirit is God's gift to man.

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: EmotionsSpeaker: Matt KehlerLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: WorkSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 10:4-5Overview: In this Sunday message, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores what Proverbs has to say about our work and careers. With clarity and conviction, he challenges us to see work not merely as a way to pay the bills but as a deeply spiritual act that reflects God's character. Whether we're digging ditches, managing teams, or raising children, our work can become a meaningful expression of love, diligence, and integrity. This teaching unpacks how we can view our jobs through God's wisdom—and how that wisdom can transform our everyday labor into lasting worship.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Power Over PrincipalitiesPassage: Acts 16:16-36 NIVSpeaker: Dr. Ira Lee P. RosalitaMEMBERSHIP UPDATE LINK: https://forms.gle/t4NsiZ8dheEx2Vb58SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW:

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: A Life Built on the Fear of the LordSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 9Overview: In this Sunday sermon, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks us through Proverbs 9, the final movement in the preamble of Proverbs. He shows us how the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom and contrasts the invitations of Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly. With compelling illustrations and biblical insights, Pastor Nate invites us to build lives rooted in reverence for God—lives that are receptive to instruction, alive to God's path, guarded at the heart, and continually drawn to his wisdom. This message offers a powerful call to live more fully in the reality of God's good design.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

April 6, 2025. Pastor Zach Vaughn. www.machiasvalley.org   Title: "God's Glory Leaves the Temple"   Text: Ezekiel 8-11   Sermon Points: 1) God sees all worship, public and private, right and corrupt. 2) God disciplines and delivers. 3) God takes away His glory from where He is not welcome. 4) God gives His people the hope of regenerated hearts. 

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: A Tale of Two VoicesSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 8Overview: In this week's Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge brings us a narrative sermon from Proverbs 8, where Wisdom herself recounts the long history of her voice—her partnership with God at creation, her battle against the serpent's lies, and her ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Speaking from the heights, at the crossroads, and within the gates of our lives, Wisdom invites us to heed her voice over the enemy's deception. This message reveals the tension between two eternal voices and invites listeners to embrace the victorious wisdom of the cross, now alive in the church and destined to reign forever.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: For (Sexual) TemptationSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 6:20-7:27Overview: In this week's teaching from Proverbs 6:20–7:27, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks us through one of Scripture's most detailed passages about sexual temptation and the call to wisdom. He highlights how God forms our hearts through his Word, how temptation operates through deception and desire, and how the gospel doesn't just forgive us but transforms us. This is a message about more than avoiding sin—it's about embracing the life Jesus came to give.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

March 23, 2025. Pastor Zach Vaughn. www.machiasvalley.org.   Title: "God's Commission in Declining Times"   Text: Ezekiel 1-3   Sermon Points: 1) We need a perspective of God's glory. 2) We need an awareness of God's presence. 3) We need the empowering of God's Spirit. 4) We need to feed on God's Word. 5) We need to consider the seriousness of God's call.

Title: God's Provision of Food for the New Creation Speaker: Dr. H. T. Spence Event: Wednesday Evening Sermon Date: February 05, 2025 Summary: What is God's appointed diet for those of the New Creation? This message explores the precious appointment of spiritual food for His people. Scripture: Genesis 1:9–13; Hebrews 5:12–14; 1 Corinthians 2:9–10; 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 Length:

Title: God's Wisdom For A Complex World: Garden LivingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 6:1-19Overview: In this Sunday teaching, Pastor Nate Holdridge unpacks Proverbs 6:1-19, examining how God's wisdom sharpens our ability to navigate life's complexities. He highlights three key areas—wise financial stewardship, diligent work, and peacemaking—showing how each reflects God's design for maturity. Through this passage, we see the contrast between wisdom and folly, learning how to avoid financial recklessness, overcome apathy, and reject divisiveness. Ultimately, Pastor Nate points us to Christ, the perfect steward, faithful worker, and true peacemaker, who redeems our failures and leads us into a life of wisdom.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: On SexSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 5Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge continues the God's Wisdom for a Complex World series with a message from Proverbs 5 on God's vision for sex. In a world that distorts and redefines sexuality, this passage offers a clear and compelling alternative—one that leads to life, not destruction. Addressing three key questions, Pastor Nate explores whether sex is death-producing or life-giving, meaningless or consequential, scattered or channeled. With insights from Solomon's wisdom, Joseph's integrity, and Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, this teaching brings both clarity and hope.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: What's Forming You? Speaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 4Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 4, exploring the powerful question: What is forming you? Every day, wisdom, habits, and influences shape who we become. Looking at Solomon's call to pursue godly wisdom and Daniel's example of faithfulness in Babylon, this teaching challenges us to examine the paths we are walking and the voices we are following. How can we guard our hearts, seek wisdom, and choose the right influences? Listen in as we consider the lifelong impact of the choices we make today.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Glory and Mercy Through God's Judgement Passage: Genesis 11:1-9 Rebellion Judgement Mercy Glory Application

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: The Life it Produces Speaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 3:13-35Overview: This week, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 3:13-35, exploring how God's wisdom establishes order, provides security, and creates life-giving communities. True wisdom is more than knowledge—it is the foundation for a flourishing life. Looking at creation, the rhythms of life, and the example of Joseph, we see how wisdom sustains and blesses not only ourselves but those around us. How can we align our lives with God's wisdom and experience its blessing? Join us as we consider what wisdom produces in our daily lives.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

Title: God's Wisdom in a Complex World: It's Worth TrustingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 3:1-12Overview: In this message, Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 3:1-12, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's wisdom over our own instincts. He explores the destination, description, and drive of trust, showing how God's wisdom leads to lasting blessings, even when it feels counterintuitive. Through practical examples and biblical insight, Pastor Nate challenges us to internalize God's steadfast love and faithfulness so that we can confidently walk in His ways. Whether navigating decisions, finances, or difficulties, this passage calls us to wholehearted trust in the God who is always faithful.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: Get in its SpiralSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 2Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge teaches from Proverbs 2, showing how God's wisdom works as an upward spiral in our lives. As we actively seek wisdom, God meets us and transforms us, leading us deeper into understanding, righteousness, and discernment. This message unpacks the human responsibility to pursue wisdom and God's role in shaping us, protecting us from temptation, and guiding us into lasting spiritual growth. Through biblical examples and practical application, we are called to stay in the wisdom spiral, trusting that God is actively at work in our lives.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Covenant with Noah Passage: Genesis 9:8-17 What is a Covenant? The Members of the Noahic Covenant The Sign of the Noahic Covenant The New Covenant

Title: God's Providence: Tests & ProtectionPreacher: Robert RosaSeries:  Genesis Passage: Genesis 13

Title: God's Wisdom in a Complex World: The Vital ResponseSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 1:20-33Overview: Pastor Nate Holdridge unpacks Proverbs 1:20-33, focusing on the vital response to God's wisdom. This teaching emphasizes the availability, persistence, and stakes of living in alignment with God's guidance. Drawing from the vivid imagery of Woman Wisdom, Nate encourages listeners to embrace wisdom in their everyday lives to navigate life's complexities and storms with God's grace and truth.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God's Wisdom in a Complex World: Back to BasicsSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 1:8-19Overview: In this message, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores Proverbs 1:8-19, focusing on foundational wisdom that shapes a life of flourishing. Drawing from the timeless principles of parental guidance, resisting peer pressure, and avoiding the traps of greed and folly, Nate emphasizes the beauty and honor that come from walking in God's wisdom. This sermon encourages listeners to embrace the simple yet profound truths of Scripture, trusting in God's power to lead us toward life and flourishing.Link to Sermon Notes

Title: God the Father Almighty Series: I Believe Campus: Keslinger Date: 01/19/25 Speaker: John Dickson If you are new (or newish) or would like to connect with a pastor, text the word "hello" to 630-686-7334, and Pastor Stetson will follow up with you! ============================= Announcements: ============================= • Here is our link to give online: https://chapelstreet.church/give • You can always find our weekly announcements listed on our website at https://chapelstreet.church/news ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= • Reach out to Pastor Stetson by texting the word "hello" to 630-686-7334. • Like/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelstchurch • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelstchurch • Explore our website: https://chapelstreet.church/

Title: God the Father Almighty Series: I Believe Campus: South Street Date: 01/19/25 Speaker: John Dickson (Simulcast) If you are new (or newish) or would like to connect with a pastor, text the word "hello" to 630-686-7334, and Pastor Stetson will follow up with you! ============================= Announcements: ============================= • Here is our link to give online: https://chapelstreet.church/give • You can always find our weekly announcements listed on our website at https://chapelstreet.church/news ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= • Reach out to Pastor Stetson by texting the word "hello" to 630-686-7334. • Like/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelstchurch • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelstchurch • Explore our website: https://chapelstreet.church/

Title: God the Father Almighty Series: I Believe Campus: North Aurora Date: 01/19/25 Speaker: Andrew Griffiths If you are new (or newish) or would like to connect with a pastor, text the word "hello" to 630-686-7334, and Pastor Stetson will follow up with you! ============================= Announcements: ============================= • Here is our link to give online: https://chapelstreet.church/give • You can always find our weekly announcements listed on our website at https://chapelstreet.church/news ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= • Reach out to Pastor Stetson by texting the word "hello" to 630-686-7334. • Like/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelstchurch • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelstchurch • Explore our website: https://chapelstreet.church/

Title: God's Wisdom for a Complex World: The FoundationSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeText: Proverbs 1:1-7Overview: In this teaching from Proverbs 1:1-7, Pastor Nate Holdridge introduces our series, God's Wisdom for a Complex World. This message explores how wisdom equips us to navigate life's uncertainties, focusing on what God's wisdom produces, who it is for, and where it begins. By centering on the fear of the Lord as the foundation of true wisdom, this sermon invites us to embrace a God-centered approach to life, shaping our character, relationships, and decisions.Link to Sermon Notes

To kick off 2025, we are spotting ways in which the DNA of the faith one for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3) is mutated and changed. Title: God's Love Unboxed and ReboxedScripture Reading: Ephesians 3:18-19Today we look at the magic trick that mutates God's love into something it isn't. We walk through the three steps of the magic trick, and then we respond with three movement of biblical truth. 

As we step into a new year, we dive into the powerful truth of Romans 15:13, introducing us to the "God of Hope." Explore how God's character, joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit cultivate a resilient, transformative hope that empowers us to face uncertainty and live as a people of light in a weary world.

Title: God's Promises In Hard Places Preacher: Robert RosaSeries: The God Of New BeginningsPassage: Luke 1:26-38

Title: God's Purposes Prevail Preacher: Jamie Dunlop Series: When God is Hidden... Passage: Esther 1:1-10:3

Title: God's Order In A Disordered WorldPreacher: Robert RosaSeries:  Genesis Passage: Genesis 8:20-9:17

Title: God's People Will Be Rescued Preacher: Jamie Dunlop Series: When God is Hidden... Passage: Esther 8:3-10:3

Title: God's Plans Surprise Preacher: Jamie Dunlop Series: When God is Hidden... Passage: Esther 5:1-8:2

Title: God's Enemies Will Conspire Preacher: Jamie Dunlop Series: When God is Hidden... Passage: Esther 3:1-4:17

Title: God's Kingdom is Veiled Preacher: Jamie Dunlop Series: When God is Hidden... Passage: Esther 1:1-2:23