Problems In Paradise
June 25, 2023
Joash John emphasizes that the church’s primary mission is evangelism, drawing from Acts 5:12–42 to show how the early believers remained faithful despite opposition. He identifies four keys to effective witness in the early church: purity in confronting sin, divine power at work through the apostles, perseverance through persecution, and persistence in obeying God rather than men.
The Finance Minister
July 23, 2023
Christian Morasse traces Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26–40, highlighting the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in directing evangelism, opening hearts to understand Scripture, and producing joyful obedience. He emphasizes the Spirit’s preeminence, the necessity of scriptural understanding, and the call for believers to be ready and responsive when God prompts them to share the gospel.
Controversy and Vindication
August 20, 2023
Glenn Smith traces four vignettes in Acts 11 to show how the center of gravity of the early church shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch, bringing geographic, cultural, and numerical expansion as the gospel reaches Greek-speaking pagans. He calls the church to take its context seriously, remain open to the Spirit’s surprising work, and personally learn to recognize and join the hand and grace of God at work.
First Missionary Journey Concludes
September 17, 2023
Bolaji Jegede traces Paul’s first missionary journey in Acts 14:1–26, highlighting the apostles’ perseverance in evangelism amid opposition, misunderstanding, and even stoning. He emphasizes that proclaiming the gospel and making disciples is the believer’s primary mandate, supported by faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sustained through tribulation.
Presenting the Gospel Among the Religious
October 15, 2023
Huberson Tape reflects on Paul’s ministry in Acts 17:1-15, showing how Paul reasoned from the Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah and how different audiences responded with either hostility or noble examination. He calls Christians to present the gospel with wisdom and discernment, while cultivating a Berean spirit that listens carefully, examines Scripture, and responds in humble obedience.
Presenting the Gospel Among the Philosophers
October 22, 2023
Huberson Tape exhorts believers from Acts 17:16-34 to thoughtfully and faithfully present the gospel in a culture that does not share biblical assumptions. By examining Paul’s ministry in Athens, he shows the importance of understanding the spiritual condition and worldview of our audience, starting with the character of the true God, and communicating truth in language people can grasp. He concludes by reminding listeners that success in evangelism is measured by faithfulness, and only God can bring repentance and conversion.
God's Faithfulness
October 29, 2023
Joash John highlights God’s faithful faithfulness in Acts 18:1–18, showing how the Lord sustained Paul during a fearful and discouraging season in Corinth by providing companionship, financial support, fruitful ministry, personal reassurance, and protection from harm. Even when opposition intensified, God confirmed His presence and purpose, reminding Paul that many in the city were His people and that his mission was not yet complete.
The Continuity of Discipleship in the Church
November 26, 2023
Leslie Muirhead unpacks Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 as a model for true discipleship, urging believers to move beyond passive faith and intentionally become disciples who make disciples. He highlights five marks of Paul’s model, especially loving presence in the world, faithful teaching of the whole counsel of God, daily repentance and belief in Jesus, and committed participation in the local church community.