The Hope Valley Podcast

In part 54 of our study through the book of Acts, we take a first of three passes through Paul's final instruction to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Each week we will look at a different key point in Paul's message, and in this lesson we will explore the way he exhorted the elders to live in a way that blessed others and advanced God's Kingdom.

In part 53 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the riot that takes place in Ephesus and examine the behavior of the rioters who exemplify some of the most common human sins. In this lesson, we confront the reality that those same sins are present in all of us, and look to Jesus to find a new way to be human - the true way to be human.

In part 52 of our study through the book of Acts, we follow a thread that runs through three encounters: 1) the twelve believers that Paul finds in Ephesus 2) the seven misguided sons of Sceva, and 3) the new believers who give up their old sorceries. As we follow this thread, we will focus on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for Christians to embrace the Gift of the Holy Spirit, which is given to us in Christ to do the work of the Gospel.

In part 51 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the way that Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos seemed to simply trust God with other people. They didn’t let relational anxiety or personal pride trip them up. From their example, we will explore the implications of this in our own lives and relationships, and challenge ourselves with the question: "How will you practice trusting God in your relationships this week?"

In part 50 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at Luke's description of Paul's stay in Corinth and overlay it with Paul's letters written during and after that time to see how God worked to build the church community and partner them together in mutual support. From this, we can learn what to expect from God when we focus on obedience and faithfulness, rather than on the outcomes that we think God wants from us.

In part 49 of our study through the book of Acts, we take a second look at Paul's speech to the Areopagus Council in Athens and unpack the theology of his message, which is about Who God is, what we are, and how we must relate to God.

In part 48 of our study through the book of Acts, we begin to explore Paul's sermon in Athens at the Areopagus and follow his example to see how we can share the gospel in a way that is relevant to our culture, but not aligned with it.

In part 47 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the way the Bereans responded to Paul's teaching. They were open minded and teachable, but also diligent and placed the burden on themselves to study the scripture and verify Paul's message. How can we learn from their example in our own approach to Christian teaching?

In part 46 of our study through the book of Acts, we explore the paradox of the jailer being set free. Freedom is a theme that runs through the events of this passage, and we will be looking at where true freedom comes from: Christ and not our circumstances.

In part 45 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the many ways that God directed Paul and the team. He moved them in a clear direction, but it was still up to them to find their way by using the gifts and skills that God was developing in them. The lesson for us is to be alert and attentive to God’s direction and then courageous enough to move forward, putting into practice the things that God has been developing in us.