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Resistance is Futile: Trusting God Through Life's Changes
A Deeper Dive Podcast
Episode Title: Resistance is Futile: Trusting God Through Life's Changes
Release Date: August 31, 2025
Episode Description: Join us as we unpack profound themes of faith, trust, and discernment from Acts 12-13. This episode delves into the inevitable nature of change, both in church history and our personal lives, urging listeners to appreciate every season. Discover the crucial importance of spiritual discernment in a world of competing voices, using the biblical example of Paul confronting the magician Bar-Jesus. Finally, explore John Mark's journey and departure, highlighting how true calling is verified through perseverance in the unglamorous, challenging aspects of ministry. Learn to trust God's unwavering control even when resistance mounts, knowing His kingdom will always advance.
Key Discussion Points:
Resistance is Futile: God is Always in Control
In a world of constant change, God's control remains steadfast.
Resistance against God's plan is ultimately futile; the enemy always loses.
This truth empowers us to face opposition, challenges, and transitions with confidence, knowing God's people share in His ultimate victory.
The Tale of Two Cities: When Centers Shift
The early Christian influence surprisingly shifted from Jerusalem (the natural center) to Antioch, becoming the launching point for missionary efforts.
This historical lesson teaches that "nothing lasts forever" and we should never take our place in God's kingdom for granted.
Even if the center of Christian influence moves from America, God's kingdom will absolutely go forward.
Appreciating Life's Seasons: Change is the one constant in life—children grow up, careers evolve, relationships shift, and health fluctuates. We are encouraged to appreciate each season while in it, recognizing its temporary nature and unique value. Difficult times can be viewed with fondness in retrospect.
Trust But Verify: Discerning Truth from Deception
Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus or speak for God is truthful.
We must approach spiritual claims with respectful skepticism, verifying what is said against Scripture.
The gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) is essential in our age of information overload to distinguish between spirits.
Paul boldly confronted the magician Bar-Jesus (meaning "son of Jesus"), revealing him as a "son of the devil" and an "enemy of all righteousness".
Sometimes, this means being bold against deception, praying against influencing spirits, and setting boundaries with toxic individuals who refuse help.
When Ministry Gets Hard: The Story of John Mark
John Mark, who joined Paul and Barnabas, abandoned the mission and returned to Jerusalem, which Paul later considered desertion.
He likely joined out of excitement from witnessing miracles and powerful moves of God but was unprepared for the reality of missionary work—long, dusty journeys, physical hardship, and unglamorous tasks.
These "this is not what I signed up for" moments reveal whether our commitment is a genuine calling or just temporary excitement.
True calling is verified through perseverance in challenging times, embracing the "cake" (daily, unglamorous work) beyond the "icing" (exciting moments) of ministry.
Life Application:
Identify an area in your life experiencing resistance and view it through the lens of 'trust but verify,' asking God what He's teaching you.
Pray for discernment and perseverance in challenges.
Intentionally appreciate your current season, recognizing its unique blessings and purposes.
Reflect on whether you're allowing God to verify your commitment through challenges and discerning the voices you listen to.
Key Verses:
Acts 12:24-25
Acts 13:2-3
Acts 13:9-11
Acts 13:13
Connect with Soul Harbor Church:
Website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soulharborplainfield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield
Service Times:
Sunday: 10:45 AM - Family Worship (in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live)
Wednesday: 6:30 PM - In-person and online (Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth)
View all episodes
By Barry Curtis, Lead Pastor - Souls Harbor Church PlainfieldA Deeper Dive Podcast
Episode Title: Resistance is Futile: Trusting God Through Life's Changes
Release Date: August 31, 2025
Episode Description: Join us as we unpack profound themes of faith, trust, and discernment from Acts 12-13. This episode delves into the inevitable nature of change, both in church history and our personal lives, urging listeners to appreciate every season. Discover the crucial importance of spiritual discernment in a world of competing voices, using the biblical example of Paul confronting the magician Bar-Jesus. Finally, explore John Mark's journey and departure, highlighting how true calling is verified through perseverance in the unglamorous, challenging aspects of ministry. Learn to trust God's unwavering control even when resistance mounts, knowing His kingdom will always advance.
Key Discussion Points:
Resistance is Futile: God is Always in Control
In a world of constant change, God's control remains steadfast.
Resistance against God's plan is ultimately futile; the enemy always loses.
This truth empowers us to face opposition, challenges, and transitions with confidence, knowing God's people share in His ultimate victory.
The Tale of Two Cities: When Centers Shift
The early Christian influence surprisingly shifted from Jerusalem (the natural center) to Antioch, becoming the launching point for missionary efforts.
This historical lesson teaches that "nothing lasts forever" and we should never take our place in God's kingdom for granted.
Even if the center of Christian influence moves from America, God's kingdom will absolutely go forward.
Appreciating Life's Seasons: Change is the one constant in life—children grow up, careers evolve, relationships shift, and health fluctuates. We are encouraged to appreciate each season while in it, recognizing its temporary nature and unique value. Difficult times can be viewed with fondness in retrospect.
Trust But Verify: Discerning Truth from Deception
Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus or speak for God is truthful.
We must approach spiritual claims with respectful skepticism, verifying what is said against Scripture.
The gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) is essential in our age of information overload to distinguish between spirits.
Paul boldly confronted the magician Bar-Jesus (meaning "son of Jesus"), revealing him as a "son of the devil" and an "enemy of all righteousness".
Sometimes, this means being bold against deception, praying against influencing spirits, and setting boundaries with toxic individuals who refuse help.
When Ministry Gets Hard: The Story of John Mark
John Mark, who joined Paul and Barnabas, abandoned the mission and returned to Jerusalem, which Paul later considered desertion.
He likely joined out of excitement from witnessing miracles and powerful moves of God but was unprepared for the reality of missionary work—long, dusty journeys, physical hardship, and unglamorous tasks.
These "this is not what I signed up for" moments reveal whether our commitment is a genuine calling or just temporary excitement.
True calling is verified through perseverance in challenging times, embracing the "cake" (daily, unglamorous work) beyond the "icing" (exciting moments) of ministry.
Life Application:
Identify an area in your life experiencing resistance and view it through the lens of 'trust but verify,' asking God what He's teaching you.
Pray for discernment and perseverance in challenges.
Intentionally appreciate your current season, recognizing its unique blessings and purposes.
Reflect on whether you're allowing God to verify your commitment through challenges and discerning the voices you listen to.
Key Verses:
Acts 12:24-25
Acts 13:2-3
Acts 13:9-11
Acts 13:13
Connect with Soul Harbor Church:
Website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soulharborplainfield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield
Service Times:
Sunday: 10:45 AM - Family Worship (in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live)
Wednesday: 6:30 PM - In-person and online (Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth)