Philip brings the gospel to Samaria, crossing a deep racial divide between Jews and Samaritans to proclaim Christ—and the Samaritans respond in faith. This episode examines why God delayed giving the Holy Spirit to these new believers until the apostles witnessed it firsthand, revealing how God actively dismantles prejudice in His church. Brian Adams explores how cultural bias can limit our gospel witness and why we must follow Philip's example of reaching across divides. Speaker: Brian Adams

In Acts 8, persecution scatters early Christians beyond Jerusalem, but instead of silencing them, it spreads the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria—exactly as Jesus predicted. This episode examines why these young believers continued sharing their faith despite threats of imprisonment and death, exploring how persecution became a catalyst for church growth. Brian Adams looks at three principles: why persecution is normal for Christians, why evangelism must remain a top priority despite discomfort, and how reconnecting with God's love fuels boldness in witness. Speaker: Brian Adams

In this moving reflection from Job 19, Jim Leffel explores how Job’s declaration “I know that my Redeemer lives” offers unshakable hope in the face of suffering, loss, and unanswered questions. Job’s confidence in seeing God foreshadows the believer’s future redemption—a transformation so complete that even our deepest sorrows will be made new in Christ. Speaker: Jim Leffel

Jim Leffel unpacks Ephesians 2:19–22, showing how God unites us into a new community—citizens of His kingdom, members of His household, and living stones in His spiritual temple. These images reveal a salvation that is not merely personal but shared, calling us into deep interdependence and a mission shaped by God’s presence among His people. Speaker: Jim Leffel

In this episode of The Word in Ten, Jim Leffel explores Paul’s vision of unity in Ephesians 2, showing how God heals deep hostility and transforms enmity into peace. Through stories, he illustrates the supernatural power of forgiveness rooted in God’s reconciliation of us through Christ. Speaker: Jim Leffel

Paul’s call to unity in the early church speaks powerfully into our divided world today. In a culture fractured between Jews and Gentiles—and in our own culture filled with distrust and distance—Paul offers a radical vision of peace rooted in Christ. Speaker: Jim Leffel

In this final part of our four-episode series on 1 Peter’s greeting, Chris Risley explores how our identity and future hope shape the way we endure suffering. Looking at verses 6–9, she unpacks Peter’s imagery of faith refined like gold, the purpose behind trials, and how God uses hardship to deepen our dependence, empathy, and joy. This episode invites us to seek God’s perspective in painful seasons, walk through suffering with others, and remember the salvation waiting for us. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this third part of our four-episode series on 1 Peter’s opening, Chris Risley turns to verses 3–4 to explore the “living hope” we have through Jesus’ resurrection. While the world often settles for a fading or hopeless outlook, Christians look forward to an imperishable, undefiled, never-fading inheritance reserved in heaven. Through stories, Scripture, and practical reflection, this episode helps us to shift our perspective toward eternity, face death without fear, and let the hope of heaven reorient how we live today. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this second part of our four-episode series on the opening of 1 Peter, Chris Risley unpacks what it means to be chosen according to the foreknowledge of God and set apart by the Spirit. Through relatable stories and practical examples, she explores how God chooses us “as-is,” how our lives can reflect His work, and why our differences from the world can become a powerful witness. Peter’s greeting ends with a blessing of grace and peace, and this episode invites us to live out that reality in everyday life. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this episode, Chris Risley begins a four-part series through the opening verses of 1 Peter, exploring how even a simple greeting carries profound theological meaning.Peter introduces himself as an apostle transformed by Christ and writes to believers scattered throughout the ancient world—reminding them (and us) that we are aliens and sojourners on this earth, called to live for something beyond comfort and conformity. Speaker: Chris Risley