What happens when God places us in rooms filled with people who have little or no understanding of who Jesus is? In Acts 17, Paul finds himself in three very different cities, but Athens presents a unique challenge: a culture full of spiritual seekers, intellectuals, and people searching for something they cannot name. Join Jay Austin, Jonmark Ragsdale, and Wendell Mathis as they explore how God purposely positions us to reach people right where they are, point them toward the truth of Jesus, and invite them to respond.

Wendell preaches in Acts 17, about how the times of ignorance are over, that we must worship Jesus. Repentance and good works are essential to the life of the christian, as Paul spoke to the people of Athens in the scripture.

Ordinary People. Acts of God.

What if the hardest moments in our lives aren’t just about what God wants to do in us, but what He wants to do through us? In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves beaten, imprisoned, and chained, yet they choose to pray and worship. Their faith becomes a witness to everyone watching, including a jailer whose life is forever changed.

In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, we explore what it looks like to trust God when our circumstances don’t make sense and remember that sometimes, it’s not about you. It’s about what God is doing through you.

In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, Jay Austin, Cris O'Brien, & Mark Ragsdale, explore the powerful story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. Together, they discuss how God often prepares our hearts before calling us into His work, the importance of recognizing divine appointments, and how the gospel breaks down every barrier. Join the conversation as they encourage us to remain available to God's leading and ready for the people He places in our path.

This week on the Sharing Grace Podcast, Jay Austin is joined by Brandon Rieb and Carrie Thompson to explore how God has created every believer to make an impact through serving. Together they unpack Acts 6, discuss why serving is essential to a healthy church, and share inspiring stories of how God is working through Church at Viera's local and global Impact Ministry. They also highlight SERVE 321 on Saturday, August 8, an easy way for everyone to take their next step in serving our community. Learn more about our Impact Ministry and find opportunities to get involved at https://churchatviera.com/impact/.

From orphanages and hospitals to schools and universities, the church has historically pioneered social services, offering compassionate care and driving global development. A constant source of good worldwide.

#ChurchImpact #SocialGood #CommunityDevelopment #GlobalMissions #HistoricalImpact

This week on the Sharing Grace Podcast, Pastor Brandon Rieb unpacks the powerful story of Saul's dramatic conversion in Acts 9:1-27 as part of our Ordinary People, Acts of God series. Together, we explore how Jesus transforms lives, why no one is beyond God's reach, and what we can learn from the faith of Ananias. If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem a difficult past or use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus is still in the business of turning lives around, one 180 at a time.

Discover the first lesson from Saul's journey: embracing God's 'goads' to inspire action. This powerful analogy, drawn from how farmers guided oxen, offers a profound insight into spiritual direction and purposeful living. #SpiritualGuidance #FaithJourney #DivineDirection #ActionInFaith #BiblicalLessons

In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, Jay Austin is joined by Executive Pastor Brandon Rieb and Young Adults Coordinator Caden Sichler to explore Acts 8 and the striking contrast between Simon the Sorcerer and the Ethiopian eunuch. Together they unpack the difference between being impressed by God's power and truly surrendering to His heart, while discovering how God's pursuing grace transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies. Whether you're wrestling with faith, longing to grow closer to Jesus, or wondering how God can use your everyday life, this conversation offers practical encouragement and a reminder that God is still pursuing people today.

In this message from Acts 8, we follow the life of Philip—an ordinary servant whom God used to share the gospel in extraordinary ways. Through Philip's encounters with Simon the Magician and the Ethiopian eunuch, we're challenged to examine the difference between false faith and genuine faith, trust God's pursuit of every person, and boldly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

No matter who you are or where you've been, you're not beyond the reach of God's grace. He still uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary mission.