Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 15:13-35
Date of Delivery: May 11, 2025

Reaching the conclusion of the debate session, James now speak out with a judgment that the Apostles are in agreement for. There will be no compromise to the Gospel, all are saved by faith alone. There will be compromise between Gentiles and Jews, that their faith may be displayed through love.

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 15:6-12
Date of Delivery: May 4, 2025

As we have a mediator in Christ so we also have the opportunity to be peacemakers between aggrieved parties. The goal of mediation is not a ceasing of conflict, but to bring God’s truth and peace into a hurting relationship. When mediation is done well, unity and restoration occur.

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 15:1-6
Date of Delivery: April 27, 2025

The following chapters demonstrate a series of conflicts between Paul and the Judaizers. This group of Judeo-Christians believe that it was necessary to follow the Levitical law in order to be saved. Paul and Barnabas clearly have trouble with this theology and mission approach and bring their conflict to Jerusalem.

Subject: Easter 2025
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Isaiah 53
Date of Delivery: April 20, 2025

600 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied the coming of Messiah, who would be born, suffer, die, and be raised again in order to remove the iniquities of all peoples. We can now look on that prophecy with open eyes and see the fulfillment in Jesus and the power of this truth in our lives as well.

Subject: Easter 2025
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Isaiah 52:7-12
Date of Delivery: April 14, 2025

When the King returns there is great shouting from those who see his approach. From the watchman on the wall, to those who gather outside the city, a celebration is commanded for the Lord approaches. Isaiah both prophecies and commands that we respond to this Good news with a vocal outcry, sincere joy, and holy life.

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 14:19-28
Date of Delivery: March 16, 2025

I wonder if Paul appreciates the irony of being pursued by religious Jews seeking to put an end to this heresy of Christ and attempting to find ways to stone him. Even though the zealousness may be a match, Paul’s efforts were nowhere near as virulent or manipulative. What will Paul do when faced with his antithesis?

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 14:8-18
Date of Delivery: March 9, 2025

After suffering persecution in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas travel to the city of Lystra. There is no synagogue here, but a collection of Romans and native Lyconians. What starts out as a normal miracle/message combination turns into a tense moment of well-meaning idolatry and the eventual stoning of Paul.

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 14:1-7
Date of Delivery: March 2, 2025

Hardship and persecution brings about many questions, the chief among them being: when do I endure and when do I remove myself from the situation. Though each one unique, the missionaries Paul and Barnabas find themselves in a life-threatening situation and must choose when to endure and when to flee.

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 13:42-52
Date of Delivery: February 23, 2025

Invited back for another speech, Paul and Barnabas find themselves embroiled in a plot born of jealousy. Certain Jews don’t take kindly to this invasion of Gentiles into the synagogue and work their connections to cast the missionaries out of the city. But the Gospel is greater, and rejoicing follows instead of mourning.

Subject: The Acts of the Apostles
Speaker or Performer: Pastor Anthony Rodriguez
Scripture Passage(s): Acts 13:13-41
Date of Delivery: February 16, 2025

The journey continues as they reach the mainland city of Perga in modern day Turkey, Paul and Barnabas are asked to expound on their preaching in the local synagogue. Paul preaches on the history between the Jewish people and God as He continuously worked through them for the salvation of the world.