Line Upon Line

An introductory message launching a seven-week study of the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3, focusing on laying the interpretive groundwork for studying biblical prophecy. Pastor Miles explains the kinds of prophecy and the four lenses through which prophecy is read, urging believers to hold their eschatology carefully, humbly, and lightly—a "humblodoxy."

Using Acts 1:1-3, Pastor Miles teaches that the Gospels are only the beginning of "all that Jesus began to do," and that the church's history is the continuation of His story. Our lives gain true significance not from our own achievements but when our story intersects with the story of Jesus, making us part of an eternal history.

Drawing from Paul's shipwreck on Malta in Acts 28, this teaching unfolds seven marks of godly leadership—from serving and suffering opposition to experiencing God's empowering and ultimate vindication. The miracle of the snake bite and Paul's survival illustrate that those who follow Jesus will face trials but can press on, trusting God to bring them through.

As the study of Acts concludes in chapter 28, Paul arrives in Rome as a prisoner—far from the way he had planned—yet immediately turns his imprisonment into a platform for the gospel. Miles draws four lessons: our plans rarely unfold as expected, our "prison" is our God-given platform, time is a perishable commodity, and we must make the most of every opportunity.

Working through Paul's shipwreck arrival on Malta and the snake bite that follows (Acts 28:1-10), Pastor Miles draws seven marks of godly leadership: godly leaders serve, get bitten by snakes, have their motives questioned, press on through opposition, experience God's empowering, go through open doors, and are ultimately vindicated by God. He also notes the surpassing miracle that all 276 men survived and the unusual kindness of the Maltese natives.

Continuing in Acts 27, Pastor Miles examines Paul's shipwreck voyage toward Malta, drawing out five truths for navigating life's storms: though all be lost in this life, all is not lost; steep surf means rocks ahead; be anchored correctly; take nourishment for survival; and trusting God brings salvation.

Opening a new series called "Journey to Rome" in Acts 27–28, Pastor Miles teaches that God sovereignly plans our paths and even directs His people into storms for redemptive purpose. Tracing Paul's voyage as a prisoner toward Rome, he shows that God uses storms to bring salvation, to redirect misplaced hope, and to make His people shining beacons in the midst of trouble.

Continuing the "On Trial" series in Acts 26, Pastor Miles examines Paul's final defense before King Herod Agrippa II, showing how Paul seized a God-given opportunity to bear witness to Jesus. The teaching draws practical lessons for Christians as ambassadors of Jesus: seek permission to speak, meet curiosity with courtesy, take time to share the gospel, and tell your own story in a way that points to Christ.

On the Feast of Pentecost, Pastor Miles celebrates the birthday of the church, teaching that the church is God's called-out people—saved by grace and sent on His mission to make disciples of all nations. He argues that because the church is God's plan, empowered by the Holy Spirit, it cannot fail and will one day be completed with worshipers from every tribe and tongue before God's throne.

Continuing the "On Trial" series in Acts 25, this teaching shows that the repetitive sequence of Paul's trials was not happenstance but the fulfillment of God's prophetic word given decades earlier in Acts 9. The message encourages believers that God orders our steps and works behind the scenes—even in waiting and monotony—calling us to wait on Him and to let our conduct be holy and befitting the gospel.