A Deeper Dive

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)

🎙️ A Deeper Dive Podcast – 

At One With God: Living in Victory Through the Atonement

In this week’s message, we unpack the powerful truth of the atonement—how Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t just cover our sins, but makes us “at one” with God. Through Acts 12–13, we’re reminded that:

The enemy’s resistance against God is always futile.

God’s people are called to hear His voice clearly, but also confirm it—trust but verify.

Life’s struggles can weigh us down, but Jesus calls us to look up—your victory is near.

Just like Barnabas and Saul, we are not only saved but also sent with power to carry the gospel.

Whether you feel under attack, are seeking direction, or simply need fresh encouragement, this episode points you back to the hope and victory we have in Christ.

👉 Listen in as we take a deeper dive into the sermon and discover how the atonement changes everything.

🔗 Connect with Us

🌐 Website: souls harborag.org

🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield

📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfield

⏰ Service Times

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

📍 Wednesday 6:30PM – Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave Youth (in-person + online)

✨ A Deeper Dive is the weekly podcast of Souls Harbor Church, Plainfield – helping you take God’s Word from Sunday into everyday life.

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – When the Chains Fall Off

In this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive, we go deeper into Acts 12 and the story of Peter in prison. Pastor Barry reminds us that Scripture isn’t just about symbolism—it points us to the reality of God’s power to deliver, heal, and set us free.

Just as Israel experienced freedom through the Passover lamb and Peter saw his chains fall off in prison, we too find freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ—the true Lamb of God. This episode explores how:

God’s yes may not always come instantly, but His promise is certain.

The blood of Jesus marks a brand-new beginning and erases the guilt of the past.

The chains of sin, fear, and shame are already broken—you only carry them if you pick them back up.

Freedom in Christ isn’t symbolic, it’s real.

Whether you’re in a waiting season, walking through hardship, or celebrating victory, this message will encourage you to hold fast to God’s promises and live as a new creation in Christ.

📖 Key Scriptures: Exodus 12, Acts 12, 1 Corinthians 15, Isaiah 53

🔗 Stay Connected

🌐 Website: soulsharborag.org

📱 Linktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfield

▶️ YouTube: @shcplainfield

⏰ Service Times

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

Wednesday 6:30 PM – Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave Youth (in-person + online)

✨ Be encouraged this week: God’s “yes” is coming, the blood has covered you, and the chains have already fallen. Walk free in Christ!

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – Peace in the Prison: Faith That Rests in the Storm

In this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive, Pastor Barry unpacks Acts 12 and the incredible story of Peter in prison. Facing execution, chained between guards, Peter was so at peace that an angel had to strike him to wake him up!

We explore:

How Peter’s peace was a miracle in itself

The truth that God is always in control, even when the outcome isn’t what we hoped for

Why some prayers are answered with deliverance and others with strength to endure

Practical ways to “pray without ceasing” and talk to God throughout your day

The power of earnest prayer—even when we’re surprised by the answer

Whether you’re facing a personal storm or interceding for someone you love, this episode will encourage you to trust God’s timing, lean into His sovereignty, and rest in His peace no matter the circumstances.

📖 Scripture Focus: Acts 12:1-17

🔗 Connect with Us

Website: soulsharborag.org

All Links: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield

Facebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfield

YouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield

⛪ Service Times

Sunday – 10:45 AM Family Worship (In-Person & Live on Facebook/YouTube)

Wednesday – 6:30 PM In-Person & Online

SHC Adults Bible Study

SHC Kids

SHCWave Youth

Feeling stuck in your comfort zone? 🤔 This powerful discussion will inspire you to embrace discomfort for spiritual growth and outreach! 🔥

Discover how early believers in Acts dared to share Jesus beyond their familiar circles – speaking to Hellenists when others only preached to Jews. This spirit of reaching those who are 'different' is still vital today, whether it's ministering to refugees 🌍 or engaging international students.

Learn why the church's true calling is to make disciples, not just converts, which means committing to the 'messy middle' of long-term relationships and deep teaching, often over coffee and donuts! ☕️🍩. We’re challenged to 'crack the nut of time' 🕰️ to invest in genuine spiritual growth.

Most importantly, find out why we should become a church that prays earnestly before the crisis 🙏, seeking God's wisdom and direction now—not waiting for desperation. Let's live in Acts 11:20 and courageously step into what God has for our next season! 💪

#SHCPlainfield #DiscipleshipMatters #EarnestPrayer #BeyondBelief #Acts11 #ChurchFamily #SpiritualGrowth #Outreach #ComfortZone

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – Orchestrating Chaos Part 4

In this powerful episode, we journey through Acts 10 and 11 to witness one of the most pivotal shifts in the early Church — the moment God’s grace reached beyond boundaries through the story of Peter and Cornelius.

Pastor Barry unpacks how the Holy Spirit shattered cultural and religious walls, demonstrating that God’s kingdom is for all people, regardless of background. Peter’s transformation challenges us to confront our own assumptions and resist the temptation to limit who God can reach.

💡 Key Questions:

Are we truly allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us beyond what’s comfortable?

How can we, like Peter, say yes to divine assignments that challenge our norms?

What does it mean to be radically inclusive in today’s Church?

This episode will stir your heart, stretch your perspective, and ignite a deeper desire to follow the Holy Spirit wherever He leads.

📖 Scripture Focus: Acts 10–11

🕊️ Theme: Breaking Barriers, Embracing All

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