The Hope Valley Podcast

In part 44 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the apparent contradiction of Paul circumcising Timothy and explore the importance of reputation to building relational bridges with others. In order to do this, we will have to follow Jesus' example of laying down our rights, just as Timothy does in this passage.

In part 43 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at Acts 15:35-41 where neither Paul or Barnabas seemed to have the obviously right answer about what to do with John-Mark. In this lesson, we consider how we can allow for differences of opinion and direction within the church, remembering that each of us answer to God.

In part 42 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the way that the first doctrinal dispute was settled in the early church. It wasn’t left to each individual to decide for themselves - they took a community approach to hearing from God, not an individualistic approach. Furthermore, we see the early Christians trusted God to speak through the church and its leadership. So, we must challenge our individualistic mindset - one that would say, “I know what God told me and no one can tell me otherwise.” We must humble ourselves and accept that the Word of God when confirmed through trusted leaders, brothers, and sisters, is more reliable and binding than our own personal beliefs and convictions.

In part 41 of our study through the book of Acts we focus on Peter’s question: “Why are you testing God...” Grace is so incredible that it is hard to truly accept. Our human nature wants to add conditions and requirements to God’s grace, so that we can feel deserving of it. When we do this, we place burdens on ourselves and others that are not from God. The goal of this lesson is to exhort people to embrace the grace of God - both for ourselves and for others.

This Easter Sunday, Pastor Sam explores three things that the resurrection of Jesus means for those who follow Him.

In part 40 of our study through the book of Acts, we unpack the encouragement Paul and Barnabas gave the disciples on their return journey: “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Struggle was expected. It wasn’t a sign to them that things had gone badly. In this lesson, we explore how the Christian life isn't about making things easier - it is about making them better.

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In part 39 of our study through the book of Acts, we consider what Paul and Barnabas say to the crowds who were stuck in their pagan thinking. God had “left Himself a witness” by giving humanity many blessings, and yet the Lycaonian people kept attributing these things to lesser beings and idols of their own making. We must learn to identify and correct this error in our own lives, so we are ready to help others also see where God has “left Himself a witness” in their lives.

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In part 38 of our study through the book of Acts, we focus on the description of the lame man in Acts 14:8-10: he "had faith to be healed." In this lesson we'll explore why faith is critical to receiving anything from God, but also wrestle with the difficult reality that God doesn't always give us what we ask for - even when we pray in faith.

In part 37 of our study through the book of Acts, we focus on Paul and Barnabas’ persistence in evangelism. Previously we noted how they turned from the Jews to the Gentiles, when the Jews rejected the message. But here, we don’t see them turn from the Gentiles - instead they persist because of their faithfulness to God’s assignment for them.

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