What holds you back from boldly sharing the gospel—fear, shame, or something else? In this week’s message, we follow the Apostle Paul as he stands before King Agrippa and Governor Festus, not to defend his innocence, but to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. God’s word challenges us to see that, like Paul, we too are commissioned by Christ—not just saved from darkness but sent into a dark world with the light of the gospel. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak with boldness, even when mocked or misunderstood. And we are called to long for the salvation of others with the same burning desire Paul displayed, regardless of the cost.

When accusations or misunderstandings come against your faith, what does it look like to give a Christ-centered defense rather than a self-defensive reaction? In his sermon: “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose!” centered on Acts 24:1 – 25:12, Pastor Josiah walks us into the Roman courtroom of Caesarea, where the apostle Paul stands accused before Governor Felix. Surrounded by power, politics, and hostility, Paul defends himself not with manipulation but with conviction—his worship is to the Lord, his hope is anchored in the resurrection, and his conscience is clear before God and man. This passage reveals that the gospel itself, not merely Paul, is on trial—and that even in chains, God’s mission is unstoppable.

As Christ’s chosen people, we are called to live with integrity and to boldly defend His truth before all. When our eyes are fixed on Christ and our hearts are full of love for Him, we truly can’t lose—because even through persecution and hardship, the gospel advances, God’s purposes prevail, and His truth cannot be silenced.

In difficult times and through the trials of life, it can be hard to recognize God’s providence at work in and around us. In his sermon “Holy Interference,” drawn from Acts 23:12–35, Alex reminds us that God was sovereignly working through ordinary people to bring about an extraordinary turn of events in Paul’s life, even amid persecution and imprisonment. In the same way, God continues to work through the everyday moments and people in our lives to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His sovereign plan throughout the earth. How might God be moving “behind the scenes” in your life today?

Life is hard! Suffering and brokenness feel like a normal part of our daily lives. However, just as he did with the Apostle Paul, the Lord is seeking to encourage us today by reminding us to have courage. For the Christian, we have no need to fear because we are never alone, the Lord is always with us!

In what ways do fear or comfort keep you from boldly defending the gospel? How might your life look different if you truly believed your story was part of God’s redemptive mission? Through Paul’s defense before a hostile crowd, we see that God’s sovereign hand not only redeems broken sinners but also redeploys them for His mission. Just as Christ met Paul on the road to Damascus, He also stands ready to meet each of us in our brokenness, offering forgiveness, purpose, and courage to testify to His saving grace.

What if following Christ led you into suffering instead of comfort — would you still obey? In “Chained in Obedience,” Pastor Josiah unpacks Paul’s costly journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21:15–36 — a story that reminds us that following Christ faithfully does not guarantee comfort, favor, or safety. Paul’s obedience led him into chains, not away from them. Yet through those chains, God advanced the gospel and displayed His sovereignty. Paul’s example calls believers to embrace the truth that faithful obedience often includes suffering, and that despite persecution God’s plan still succeeds! The same Lord who ruled over Paul’s prison cell reigns over every trial we face today, turning our suffering into a testimony of His grace and power.

As Paul journeys toward Jerusalem, the Spirit repeatedly warns him that suffering awaits. Friends beg him not to go, but Paul’s response cuts to the core of discipleship: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is not reckless ambition—it’s the fruit of a heart transformed by the Gospel. The Gospel calls us to die to self, strengthens us to endure hardship, and assures us that death itself has been conquered. Paul’s resolve reminds us that following Christ was never meant to be safe, but it is always worth it. When the Spirit calls you into costly obedience, will you shrink back—or press forward, trusting that Jesus is worth it?

Prayer connects ordinary believers to an extraordinary God who keeps His promises and draws His people to Himself. In James 5:13–20, we’re reminded to pray in every season, pray for one another, and pray boldly in the righteousness that comes through Jesus. Tune in to this week’s message and discover how ordinary prayers connect us to an extraordinary God who saves, restores, and sustains His people.

Life is filled with waiting — waiting for answers, for relief, for justice. In James 5:7–12, God’s word calls His people to patiently endure in the face of hardship, oppression, and uncertainty by trusting His sovereign rule and the certainty of Christ’s return. This powerful message points us back to the heart of the gospel. Just as Job endured suffering and ultimately experienced the mercy of God, so too Christ endured the cross to secure mercy and compassion for all who believe. And now, we live in a new hope — not wringing our hands in worry, but standing firm in faith, knowing that the Judge is at the door and His promises never fail.

Does God really hear the cries of those who are cheated, wronged, or overlooked? In his message centered on James 5:1–6, Pastor Josiah shares a powerful warning from James: selfish hoarding and dishonest gain may look like success in the world’s eyes, but before God they will testify against us. Earthly riches corrode, unjust dealings oppress the vulnerable, and self-indulgence leads to judgment. Yet in Christ, there is an eternal treasure that moth and rust cannot destroy. For the oppressor, God’s word declares judgment. For the oppressed, we can be comforted – God hears your cries and will bring the unrighteous to justice. And for all who believe, the gospel gives hope: true riches are found in Christ alone.