🎙️A Deeper Dive – Acts 15: Leadership, Yokes & the Way of Jesus

In today’s episode, we finish our walk through Acts 15 and step into a powerful look at godly leadership. Pastor Barry takes us through the Jerusalem Council, Jesus’ teaching on heavy and light yokes, and the real-life tension between Paul and Barnabas.

This chapter isn’t just church history—it’s a mirror for our own lives.

Who are we following?

What kind of leader are we becoming?

And are we carrying the yoke of Jesus—or the heavy burdens others try to lay on us?

We explore:

Why Peter pushed back against religious burdens

Jesus’ two teachings on yokes—one heavy, one light

King leaders vs. servant leaders

What it means to be Spirit-led and accountable

Why even great leaders sometimes clash

How God still works through imperfect people

Why leadership in your home, work, and church truly matters

You’ll walk away encouraged, challenged, and reminded that God is still shaping leaders—right here, right now.

💬 Key Thought:

We all influence someone. Let’s be the kind of leaders who lift burdens, not add them.

🙏 Today’s Prayer:

“Lord, help me lead like You—humbly, faithfully, and filled with Your Spirit. Make me a light to those who follow behind me.”

📌 Scripture References:

Acts 15, Matthew 11:28–30, Matthew 23

If this episode helps you, share it with a friend! And let us know how God is using A Deeper Dive to bless your week.

🎙️Podcast Note — “A Deeper Dive: His Yoke, His Grace”

In this episode we break down Acts 15 and why the early church wrestled with religious rules, what Peter meant by “God knows the heart,” and why James’ declaration — “Do not make it difficult for those turning to God” — still matters today. We also explore Jesus’ teaching on the “easy yoke,” what that really means, and how grace frees us from both sin and spiritual performance.

Listener Challenge:

Pray, “Holy Spirit, teach me to walk in Jesus’ easy yoke.” Then show grace to at least one person today in a tangible way.

https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield.

Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live

Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

In this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive, we unpack Acts 15 — the first major crossroads for the early church. Was salvation through faith alone, or faith plus law? We’ll explore how Peter, Paul, and James stood firm on the truth that grace through Jesus Christ is enough. Together, we’ll learn what this means for the modern church: how to welcome new believers without adding unnecessary burdens, how to walk in true freedom, and how the Holy Spirit still testifies today that God knows our hearts.

Key Takeaways:

God saves by grace, not by performance.

The Holy Spirit confirms belonging before behavior.

Grace doesn’t erase holiness — it empowers it.

The church’s mission is to open doors, not build walls.

Listener Challenge:

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one person who needs grace this week — then go love them like Jesus.

Closing Quote:

“Grace doesn’t just forgive the past — it writes a brand-new future.”

https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield.

Church times: 

Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live;

Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

Welcome to A Deeper Dive! In this episode we focus on the pivotal internal crisis of the early church detailed in Acts chapter 15, often referred to as the Jerusalem Council. The crisis arose when Paul and Barnabas returned from their successful missionary journey among the Gentiles, only to encounter men from Judea teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved.

The core conflict was whether the new global faith would remain tied to the ancient Jewish traditions and the heavy yoke of the law, or if salvation was based purely by grace through faith. Believing Pharisees, who struggled to imagine righteousness without meticulous observance of the law, were key figures in the opposition, fearing moral chaos and the loss of distinctive identity among the newcomers from the "lascivious Roman world".

The council ultimately delivered a monumental decision, cementing that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, with no additions or works required. Instead of the external rulebook of the Mosaic law, Paul proposed an internal guidance system based on freedom. This system relies on believers learning to walk by the spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. The distinction emphasized is that the law can only diagnose sin, like an X-ray, but the Holy Spirit provides the true power for transformation and change.

The apostolic solution for maintaining holiness without legalism involved three key methods: active teaching (discipleship) on walking in the spirit, fostering the presence of God in gatherings to prompt self-correction, and continually proclaiming grace-based righteousness. This verdict defined the future of the movement, positioning the gospel as a universal faith and upholding Jesus' promise that his yoke is easy and his burden is light, in contrast to the crushing weight of performance-based religion.

https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield.

Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live

Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online

WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

This week, Pastor Barry unpacks what it means to have mustard-seed faith—faith that trusts God’s power and timing. From Acts 14 and Luke 17, we discover that faith isn’t about size but surrender. Whether God uses a “backhoe miracle” or the “ax of perseverance,” His Spirit is working. True Pentecostal faith believes, endures, and declares: He really won’t fail! Tune in and let your faith be strengthened today. 🌿

https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield.

Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live;

Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

Paul’s first recorded sermon meets our modern moment: how the new covenant moves us from powerless religion to Spirit-filled JOY—Jesus first, Others second, You third.

https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield.

Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live

Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

🎧 Podcast Summary: Acts 13—Willpower vs. God's Power

Acts 13:13-40 features Paul’s first recorded sermon, where he contrasts relying on human strength versus divine power.

Key Takeaways:

God Uses Imperfect People: We study King David, whom God called "a man after my own heart". Despite David's profound sin (adultery and murder), he was cherished because his deepest desire was to please and honor God and he repented. God uses broken people.

The Problem with Willpower: The Law of Moses relied solely on human willpower, which inevitably fails when we are tired, stressed, or discouraged.

The Power of the Holy Spirit: Jesus' resurrection brought the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence within the believer. This gives us the power of God working in us to obey, not relying on our own will.

Stay Strong: We must strengthen our relationship with the Holy Spirit through consistent prayer, reading the Word of God, and faithfully attending the house of God.

This is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is proclaimed through Jesus, freeing us from what the Law could never accomplish.

Coming Soon: We are finishing our end-times series and starting a highly requested study on the book of Romans, diving into the relationship between the New Covenant and the Old Testament Law!

🌐 Connect with us:

Website: soulsharborag.org

Linktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield

Facebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfield

YouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield

⛪ Join Us for Services:

📅 Sundays – Family Worship at 10:45 AM (In-person + Facebook & YouTube Live)

📅 Wednesdays – 6:30 PM (In-person + Online for Adults, SHC Kids, and SHCWave Youth)

✨ Take a moment. Take a breath. Take a deeper dive.

A Deeper Dive Podcast – Show Notes

We Live in Amazing Times: Acts 13 and the Call to Greatness

Episode Summary:

Welcome to A Deeper Dive! In this episode, we unpack Acts 13 and explore why we truly live in amazing times—not simply because of technology, travel, or modern comforts, but because of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Pastor Barry’s message reminds us that greatness in God’s eyes is forged through hardship, carried by His patience, and shaped by His perfect timing.

Together, we reflect on Paul’s missionary journeys, the story of Israel in the wilderness, and the challenge of trusting God’s path when it feels difficult or uncertain. You’ll hear practical takeaways for building spiritual “reps,” living with patience, and surrendering your timeline to the Lord.

Whether you’re listening at home, on your commute, or during your quiet time, this conversation will encourage you to lean into God’s calling and walk with confidence in His faithfulness.

Key Themes in This Episode:

Paul’s obedience and the cost of carrying the gospel (Acts 13)

Why greatness often grows through hardship

God’s patience in carrying His people—even when they falter

Trusting His long-term timeline over our short-term expectations

Practical ways to “do the reps” of faith in daily life

Discussion Questions for Reflection or Small Groups:

Where in your life is God inviting you to put in spiritual “reps” of faithfulness?

When have you experienced God’s patience carrying you through a difficult season?

How does living under the new covenant change the way you see yourself and your purpose?

Links & Resources:

🌐 Website: souls harborag.org

🔗 Linktree: SHCPlainfield Linktree

📘 Facebook: SHCPlainfield on Facebook

▶️ YouTube: SHCPlainfield Channel

Service Times:

Sunday 10:45 AM – Family Worship (in-person and livestream on Facebook & YouTube)

Wednesday 6:30 PM – In-person and online: Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave Youth

Closing Note:

Thank you for joining us for this week’s Deeper Dive. May this conversation stir your heart and remind you that God’s greatness is available to you today, right where you are.

Today's episode delivers a powerful message of hope amidst the challenging times we face. We dives into the current state of violence, political division, and moral decay, pointing out how these difficult days were prophesied in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Despite the darkness, SHC Plainfield reminds us that as Christians, we are called to be optimists, not pessimists, because God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He emphasizes that people are desperately seeking "honest to goodness... hope" – not just entertainment or refreshments – and it's our greatest opportunity to be "carriers of hope" in a world that's losing it.

Discover why choosing an optimistic mindset is a reflection of our faith in God's goodness and control. Learn how to fill your "hope chest" with God's promises and resist the enemy who "comes to steal, kill and destroy" our hope (John 10:10). This sermon powerfully illustrates Jesus as our ultimate chain breaker, pain taker, and way maker.

Tune in to be inspired to live out your faith heartily as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), communicating hope through your words and attitude, so that others "will see our lives and actually want what we have".

Key Verses: Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, John 10:10, Colossians 3:23

Challenge: Identify one person lacking hope this week and make a plan to be a carrier of hope to them, through a kind word, prayer, or simply listening.

https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield.

Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live;

Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P

Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

A Deeper Dive Podcast

Episode Title: Resistance is Futile: Trusting God Through Life's Changes

Release Date: August 31, 2025

Episode Description: Join us as we unpack profound themes of faith, trust, and discernment from Acts 12-13. This episode delves into the inevitable nature of change, both in church history and our personal lives, urging listeners to appreciate every season. Discover the crucial importance of spiritual discernment in a world of competing voices, using the biblical example of Paul confronting the magician Bar-Jesus. Finally, explore John Mark's journey and departure, highlighting how true calling is verified through perseverance in the unglamorous, challenging aspects of ministry. Learn to trust God's unwavering control even when resistance mounts, knowing His kingdom will always advance.

Key Discussion Points:

Resistance is Futile: God is Always in Control

In a world of constant change, God's control remains steadfast.

Resistance against God's plan is ultimately futile; the enemy always loses.

This truth empowers us to face opposition, challenges, and transitions with confidence, knowing God's people share in His ultimate victory.

The Tale of Two Cities: When Centers Shift

The early Christian influence surprisingly shifted from Jerusalem (the natural center) to Antioch, becoming the launching point for missionary efforts.

This historical lesson teaches that "nothing lasts forever" and we should never take our place in God's kingdom for granted.

Even if the center of Christian influence moves from America, God's kingdom will absolutely go forward.

Appreciating Life's Seasons: Change is the one constant in life—children grow up, careers evolve, relationships shift, and health fluctuates. We are encouraged to appreciate each season while in it, recognizing its temporary nature and unique value. Difficult times can be viewed with fondness in retrospect.

Trust But Verify: Discerning Truth from Deception

Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus or speak for God is truthful.

We must approach spiritual claims with respectful skepticism, verifying what is said against Scripture.

The gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) is essential in our age of information overload to distinguish between spirits.

Paul boldly confronted the magician Bar-Jesus (meaning "son of Jesus"), revealing him as a "son of the devil" and an "enemy of all righteousness".

Sometimes, this means being bold against deception, praying against influencing spirits, and setting boundaries with toxic individuals who refuse help.

When Ministry Gets Hard: The Story of John Mark

John Mark, who joined Paul and Barnabas, abandoned the mission and returned to Jerusalem, which Paul later considered desertion.

He likely joined out of excitement from witnessing miracles and powerful moves of God but was unprepared for the reality of missionary work—long, dusty journeys, physical hardship, and unglamorous tasks.

These "this is not what I signed up for" moments reveal whether our commitment is a genuine calling or just temporary excitement.

True calling is verified through perseverance in challenging times, embracing the "cake" (daily, unglamorous work) beyond the "icing" (exciting moments) of ministry.

Life Application:

Identify an area in your life experiencing resistance and view it through the lens of 'trust but verify,' asking God what He's teaching you.

Pray for discernment and perseverance in challenges.

Intentionally appreciate your current season, recognizing its unique blessings and purposes.

Reflect on whether you're allowing God to verify your commitment through challenges and discerning the voices you listen to.

Key Verses:

Acts 12:24-25

Acts 13:2-3

Acts 13:9-11

Acts 13:13

Connect with Soul Harbor Church:

Website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soulharborplainfield

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield

Service Times:

Sunday: 10:45 AM - Family Worship (in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live)

Wednesday: 6:30 PM - In-person and online (Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth)