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.

What does it look like to live a life that points people to Jesus instead of ourselves? In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, Jay Austin sits down with Pastor Mark Ragsdale and Communications Director, Cam Brown to explore the remarkable life of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7. Together, they discuss serving with humility, standing boldly in the face of opposition, guarding the church from gossip, and remaining faithful to Christ no matter the cost. Pastor Mark also shares his heart for Church at Viera as the church prepares for its next season of leadership. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our lives are never about us, but about Jesus working in and through us.

What does it really mean to live with purpose when life gets heavy? In Acts 6, we meet Stephen. He was one of the first deacons and the church’s first martyr. His life is summed up by one simple mantra: It’s not about me.

As the early church grew fast, a problem sparked tension. Widows were being overlooked, and complaints spread. The apostles responded by choosing servant leaders full of the Spirit and wisdom, Stephen was one of them.

In this message, we look at what made Stephen stand out. He was full of the Holy Spirit. He was controlled by God, not by himself. And he served humbly where he could, even when the job was not glamorous.

This story will challenge you to recalibrate what really matters. Your family is not about you. Your finances are not about you. Your friendships are not about you. Your future is not about you. It is about God and his kingdom.

What does it look like to live with bold faith? In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, Jay Austin, Jonmark Ragsdale, and John Leathers dive into Acts 3–4 and explore how God used ordinary people like Peter and John to do extraordinary things. From showing up in prayer, seeing brokenness, acting in Jesus’ name, standing firm under pressure, and responding with worship, we discover what biblical boldness really means. Join us as we ask: Where is God calling you to be bolder in your faith?

Pastor Jay teaches about Peter and John in the temple, being bold and unashamed of the gospel of Christ Jesus, to both the sick and lame, and to the earthly authorities. We look at what Acts 3 & 4 say about boldness in Christ, brokenness in our sin, and the power in the name of Jesus.

In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, we explore the story of Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira in Acts 4:32–5:11, looking at how generosity, honesty, and the fear of God shaped the early church. Through conversation and reflection, we wrestle with our own temptation to look more spiritual than we are, what it means to fear God more than people, and how we can become modern-day “Barnabas” encouragers who live with integrity and open-handed generosity.

Pastor Mark Ragsdale preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and how their lack of fear of the Lord cost their lives. He warns us against the love of money and the praise of others

In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, Brandon sits down with John Leathers, Preschool Ministry Director Charissa Brown, and Elementary Ministry Director Tracy Glidden to explore Acts 2 and the powerful story of Pentecost. Together, they discuss how God works through ordinary people, the role of the Holy Spirit in family discipleship, and practical ways parents and grandparents can lead their children toward Jesus. Drawing from the excitement of Summer Blast, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and simple ways to help families recognize God's work in everyday moments.