Acts 22. Day 38 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Paul's Personal Testimony.  Trusting in God's Providence.  Living with Boldness and Purpose. 

"And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name." Acts 22:16

In this episode, we delve into the gripping narrative of Acts chapter 22, where the apostle Paul finds himself in the midst of intense opposition and danger. As Paul faces his accusers in Jerusalem, he seizes the opportunity to share his powerful testimony of encountering Christ on the road to Damascus. Through Paul's stirring defense, we explore themes of personal transformation, God's sovereignty, and the call to bold witness amidst adversity. Join us as we uncover the profound lessons and insights from Paul's journey, inspiring us to embrace God's transformative grace, trust in His providence, and live with unwavering purpose in our own walk of faith.

Acts 21. Day 37 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Unity Amidst Diversity.  Courage in the Face of Adversity.  Suffering for Christ's Sake.  

"Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13

In this episode, we dive into Acts chapter 21, exploring Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and the challenges he faces as he seeks to maintain unity among believers. Despite warnings and prophecies of the trials awaiting him, Paul remains steadfast in his mission. As tensions arise between Jewish and Gentile believers, we examine how the early church navigates cultural differences and doctrinal disagreements. Through Paul's example, we discover the importance of unity amidst diversity, courage in the face of adversity, and willingness to suffer for Christ's sake. Join us as we unpack these themes and reflect on their relevance for our faith today.

Acts 20. Day 36 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

The Power of God's Word.  The Call to Serve.  The Importance of Community.  

"But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace."  - Acts 20:24

In Acts 20, Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, reaffirming believers and preaching the Gospel despite challenges. In Troas, Paul miraculously revives Eutychus after a fall, showcasing God's power. He later meets with Ephesian elders in Miletus, delivering a farewell address marked by humility and encouragement. Paul's commitment to the Gospel and his deep bond with believers are evident throughout, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in our faith journeys.

Overall, Acts chapter 20 provides a glimpse into Paul's tireless efforts to spread the message of Christ and strengthen the early church. It showcases his resilience in the face of adversity and his deep love for the believers he served. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication in our own faith journeys.

Acts 19. Day 35 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Baptism in Jesus' Name.   Reverence for the Name of Jesus.  Courage in Opposition.

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” “No,” they told him, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  Acts 19:2

In this episode, we journey through Acts chapter 19, immersing ourselves in the vibrant city of Ephesus and the dynamic ministry of the Apostle Paul. We start by setting the stage, providing a detailed context of Ephesus as a bustling metropolis in the Roman Empire, renowned for its wealth, culture, and devotion to the goddess Artemis. We highlight the significance of Ephesus as a strategic location for Paul's missionary endeavors, given its influential position in the region.

The narrative unfolds as we encounter a group of disciples in Ephesus who have only received the baptism of John the Baptist. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in the chapter, as Paul explains to them the full message of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of being baptized in His name. We explore the symbolism and significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and commitment to Jesus, culminating in the reception of the Holy Spirit by those who are baptized.

Moving forward, we delve into the spiritual warfare and opposition that Paul encounters in Ephesus. We witness the power of God at work through Paul as he performs miracles and preaches boldly, leading to conversions and clashes with those who practice magic and idolatry. The riot that erupts in Ephesus underscores the intense spiritual and economic conflicts that arise when the gospel confronts entrenched pagan practices, illustrating the transformative impact of the gospel on both individuals and society.

Acts 18. Day 34 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

The Gospel in Corinth.   Perseverance in Opposition.   Encouragement from the Holy Spirit.

"The Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.”"  -Acts 18:9-10

In this episode, we explored Acts chapter 18, where Paul's missionary journey takes him to the vibrant city of Corinth. Amidst challenges and opposition, Paul perseveres in preaching the Gospel, adapting his message to diverse audiences and relying on God's guidance. Through Paul's example, we learn about courage in ministry, trust in God's providence, and the importance of community. As we journey through Acts, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's Word in our lives.

Acts 17. Day 33 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Paul's Missionary Journey Unfolds.  Adapting to Your Audience.  Boldly Proclaiming.

God now commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” ACTS 17:30-31

In this episode, we're exploring Acts chapter 17, diving into Paul's missionary journey to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. We're delving into the cultural context of each city and examining how Paul adapts his approach to sharing the gospel based on his audience. We're highlighting the Bereans' example of diligent study and the importance of engaging with others thoughtfully, as seen in Paul's interactions in Athens. Through the exploration of key events and passages, listeners gain insights into deepening their study of Scripture, engaging with different cultural contexts, and trusting in God's providence amidst challenges and uncertainties.

Acts 16. Day 32 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Divine Guidance.  Spiritual Warfare.  Power in Prayer and Praise.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31

In Acts 16, we witness Paul's missionary journey as he travels through various regions, facing both opportunities and opposition. One significant event is the encounter with Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman whose heart is opened by God to receive the gospel. We also see Paul confronting a demon-possessed girl, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. Despite their dire circumstances, Paul and Silas demonstrate unwavering faith by praying and singing hymns in jail, leading to a miraculous intervention by God. The chapter culminates in the conversion of the jailer and his household, showcasing the transformative power of witnessing genuine faith in action. Throughout these events, Acts 16 underscores themes of divine guidance, spiritual warfare, and the power of prayer and praise in advancing the gospel amidst adversity.

Acts 15. Day 31 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Grace Wins. Jerusalem Council.  Seeking Wisdom.

 "And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith."  Acts 15:8-9

In this episode of "The New Testament in a Year", we delved into Acts chapter 15, known as the Jerusalem Council. The chapter opens with a heated debate among early church leaders regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile believers. Through Peter's testimony and the discernment of the Holy Spirit, the council reached a momentous decision: Gentile believers would not be burdened with adherence to Jewish customs but would instead be welcomed into the Christian community through faith in Christ alone. This decision underscores the foundational principle of grace over law and emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel message. As we reflected on the significance of this passage, we were reminded of the power of testimony, the importance of seeking God's wisdom, and the need for unity within the body of Christ.

Through the lens of Acts 15, we gleaned valuable insights into the early church's response to cultural and theological challenges, drawing parallels to our own journey as modern-day believers. This passage serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of extending hospitality and acceptance to all who profess faith in Christ.

Acts 14. Day 30 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Unwavering Faith.   The Lame Healed.   Resisting Idolatry.  

“It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”  Acts 14:22

In Acts Chapter 14 we discover the resilience of Paul and Barnabas in the face of adversity, the manifestation of God's miraculous power, and the crucial lesson on resisting idolatry.   Learn from the healing in Lystra and its profound effect.  We will see Paul and Barnabas resist idolatry and encourage direct worship to God alone.   Then witness Paul's attempted murder as he is stoned, assumed dead, and then dragged out of the city.  How then do they respond?!!

Acts 13. Day 29 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes: 

Episode Highlights:

Paul's Missions Begin.   A False Sorcerer Confronted.  Sharing the Gospel with Relevance.

 "Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you." Acts 13:38 

In Acts 13 we follow up the miraculous escape of Peter and we now witness the emergence of Paul and Barnabas as key figures in the early Christian movement. Join us as we navigate through their initial mission, encountering spiritual battles, confronting opposition, and delivering a powerful message in the synagogue.

As we read through the chapter, we break down essential elements of scripture, examining the diverse personalities within the early Christian community, the confrontations with false sorcery, and the impactful preaching of the Gospel.  We will draw practical insights for our walk with Christ, emphasizing God's sovereign call, boldness in facing opposition, and the relevance of sharing the Gospel with an understanding of our audience.