MOOR of the Word with Pastor Chuck Pourciau

Psalm 16 shows us the path to true and lasting pleasure: taking refuge in God, treasuring Him above all else, delighting in His people, and trusting His counsel. This episode reminds us that fullness of joy is found only in the presence of God, and every other good thing is good because it leads us back to Him.

In Acts 19, the spread of the gospel in Ephesus begins to threaten the idol-making economy built around Artemis worship. Demetrius and the craftsmen oppose Paul because obedience to Christ is now costing them financially. This episode reminds us that Satan often uses selfish gain to justify disobedience, but no profit is worth rebellion against the Lord.

Apollos was eloquent, passionate, and powerful in the Scriptures, but he still needed someone to help him understand the fullness of the gospel. In Acts 18, Aquila and Priscilla humbly guide him, and he becomes a great blessing to the church. This episode reminds us to know the Word deeply, remain teachable, and make ourselves fully available for God’s use.

In Acts 18, Paul’s opponents try to use Roman authority to stop the spread of the gospel, but their plan fails before Gallio. This episode reminds us that Satan is stubborn and creative in his opposition, but God remains sovereign over every threat. We must stay faithful, keep proclaiming the Word, and never let our guard down.

The Bereans received Paul’s message with eagerness, but they also examined the Scriptures daily to see if his teaching was true. In Acts 17, they give us a model for faithful listening. This episode calls us to receive God’s Word eagerly, test every teaching by Scripture, and live with courage rooted in trust.

In Acts 16, Paul and his team discover that even good plans are not always God’s plans. As the Spirit closes some doors and opens another, the gospel moves toward Macedonia. This episode reminds us to stay active in obedience, listen for God’s direction, and trust Him to guide us as we keep moving in His work.

After the Jerusalem Council, the church in Antioch rejoiced to hear that salvation came by grace alone, not by adding human effort to the work of Christ. In Acts 15, the gospel is protected from legalism and the church is strengthened in unity. This episode reminds us that grace brings freedom, builds up believers, and keeps the church centered on the Word.

In Acts 14, Paul sees a man who had never walked and commands him to stand. God’s healing power changes the man instantly and opens the ears of others to the message of Christ. This episode reminds us that nothing is impossible with God, and when we obey Him boldly, His work in one life can impact many more.

In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas face spiritual opposition as Elymas tries to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul refuses to back down and boldly confronts the darkness. This episode reminds us that opposition to God’s Word is inevitable, but the Spirit gives confidence and victory when we faithfully proclaim the gospel.

Herod lived under the pressure of pleasing competing powers, and his desire for approval led him to persecute the church. In Acts 12, James is killed, Peter is imprisoned, and the church responds with prayer. This episode reminds us that life is far freer when our allegiance belongs fully to Christ, the one true King and Lord.