Episodes
Published 03/04/14
How did a small rag-tag crew of Jewish men, cowering in obscurity, become transformed into bold, dynamic pacesetters of Christianity? What enabled them to move beyond their fears and spread the good news to the ends of the earth? Listen to this compact sketch of the book of Acts and learn that God, the Holy Spirit, was the agent of change, empowering the apostles to perform their difficult mission. Accept the challenge to carry on the work begun in the early Church of witnessing and teaching...
Published 03/04/14
If you like a high-stakes true adventure story, then the Apostle Paul's life is a must-read. Burning with anger at the very name of Jesus, he was at the forefront trying to stamp out Christianity. Listen to this lesson to learn how this man, who went on to become one of the greatest witnesses of the risen Christ and the writer of many books in the New Testament, came to the end of his life on earth. Find out how Biblical and historical evidence points to his two imprisonments in Rome and...
Published 02/25/14
Brace for a triumphant finish as we near the end of the book of Acts. Paul arrives in Rome and is held a prisoner under house arrest. Listen to this lesson to learn how he organizes meetings with the Roman Jewish leadership and presents Jesus' claims to be the Messiah. See how Paul must confront the disturbing question they had of why Jesus did not bring in the Kingdom of God. Discover the difference between Bible study methods and the communication of Bible truths. Understand how even in...
Published 02/11/14
Who wouldn't like an all-expense paid trip to take you to fulfill your God-given destiny? Listen to this lesson to hear the gripping story of how God was true to His promise to Paul and he was transported as a prisoner on an adrenaline-charged journey to Rome. Marvel at how the intricate details recorded in Acts point out the accuracy of the Word of God. Learn about the faithfulness of God throughout the Word of God. Take time to see the treasure house of promises of God's faithfulness that...
Published 02/04/14
How long does it take you to panic and have a brain freeze when devastating events swirl around you? Listen to this spellbinding account of how the Apostle Paul steps up to take charge in the midst of chaos and explains his confidence in God to the pagans with their false beliefs. Learn the meaning of blessing by association. See God's sovereign control over the life of Paul and how Paul uses the opportunity to wisely exercise his free will. Apply these lessons to the things that happen in...
Published 01/14/14
Cruise ship in trouble: Mass illnesses, blackouts, missing passengers. These stories have filled the headlines the last few years. Listen to this lesson to learn about the Apostle Paul's danger-filled, life-threatening cruise on his way to Rome as a prisoner. See how Paul points out that disaster is ahead as they face rough weather and strong headwinds. The crew ignores his warning and sets out. Encountering a typhoon, they frantically try to secure the ship. Hear how Paul relies on God's...
Published 01/07/14
Imagine standing before the President of the United States and the Queen of England and having a chance to tell them what you believe about God. What would you say? Listen to this lesson to hear how the Apostle Paul defended his faith before rulers and kings. Marvel as he lays out the story of his meeting with the resurrected Christ and how he turned from killing Christians to spending the rest of his life telling the good news. Hear the meaning of repentance and the new responsibilities that...
Published 12/31/13
Sounding more like a shadowy movie plot than actual events, the Apostle Paul arrives under heavily armed guards to Caesarea where his life converges with three kings. Listen to this lesson to learn that soon after his conversion, God promised Paul that he would give the good news of the Gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Learn about the evil machinations of Felix and Festus, the dark history of their lives, and the political climate at the time Paul was being held. Marvel...
Published 12/17/13
When your life is caught up in a whirlwind of trouble, do you call on God to take away all the bad things? Or do you embrace God's plan for your life including the tests and suffering to help you mature spiritually? Listen to this hair-raising account of the Apostle Paul's arrest in Jerusalem where a rioting crowd spews out threats of dire consequences. See how the Jewish Sanhedrin Council accuses Paul and the high priest, Ananias, signals someone to slap him in the mouth. Hear Paul's heated...
Published 12/10/13
Angry mobs! Mistaken for an Egyptian troublemaker! Threats of torture! Listen to this hair-raising account of a time in the Apostle Paul's life when he faced the fury of fellow Jews. See how Paul speaking in Greek surprised the Roman arresting officer who allowed him to address the murderous crowd. Find out Paul's account of his remarkable conversion on the road to Damascus and the days that followed. See how he defended the gospel, using events and people familiar to his accusers, and find...
Published 11/26/13
Clashing cultures are breeding grounds for chaos and violence. Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul enters a whirlwind of rumors and false accusations when he comes to Jerusalem in A.D. 57. Hear how the Christian leaders there tell him he is being slandered for abandoning his heritage and encouraging new converts to do the same. Find out the plan the leaders devised for Paul to join a group of four men and take religious vows with them to prove he is not a traitor to everything...
Published 11/19/13
"Tune in tonight to listen to the evangelist Philip's four virgin prophetess daughters." If there had been TV in the first century this might have been a program. Listen to this lesson to learn that women prophets in the Old Testament praised God through music. Hear the dire warnings given to the Apostle Paul as he prepares to go to Jerusalem. Discover four optional solutions to the seeming confusion over whether he was led by the Holy Spirit to make this trip and the one that has the most...
Published 11/12/13
Why would any young man turn down a chance for fame and fortune to follow a path that leads to suffering and persecution? Listen as the Apostle Paul delivers a stirring farewell message to pastors encouraging them to communicate the Word of God and not go off course or give up. See how he lays out the way that the pastor must address people in terms of their thinking and strengthen them to face the challenges of life. Discover that there is a colossal future inheritance for those who produce...
Published 11/05/13
How do you pick a church? Inspiring music? Friendly folks? Lots of things to do? How about good Bible study? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Apostle Paul puts the emphasis on teaching the Word of God as the purpose of a church. Find out the eight communication words and how they relate to church organization. See how Paul chooses the next steps on his journey without regard for his safety and how our life should be directed at doing what serves God best as we make God's Word our first...
Published 10/29/13
Ever wonder what's the worst thing that can happen to you if you fall asleep in church? Listen to this message to learn about a young man who not only fell asleep but sailed out of a third floor window with disastrous results. Brush up on your knowledge of the history of denominations. Discover the different words used to describe local church leadership and about some of the troubles the Apostle Paul faced as he traveled around with others ministering to the churches.
Published 10/22/13
You think you have problems? How about having a hit man hired to do away with you? Listen to this lesson to learn some of the troubles the Apostle Paul faced as he spread the gospel message on his third missionary journey. Find out how Paul instructed the churches to take up offerings for the poor and how these gifts differ from socialism. See the Biblical guidelines for Christian giving and how tithes were a form of income tax under the Mosaic Law. Find out if we should give a certain...
Published 10/15/13
"Don't come preaching that and take away my business," was the strident cry of a frenzied, mindless mob in Ephesus. This ancient city was renowned for its pagan worship of the goddess Diana and the practice of the occult black arts. Listen to this lesson to learn that many Ephesians, however, listened to Paul and accepted the Lord Jesus. Hear how they brought their expensive books of magic and incantations to be burned. See how cultures can change for the better or worse depending on what...
Published 10/08/13
A man with a demonic spirit inside him leaps on seven sons and in a smack-down brawl leaves them battered and naked. No, this isn't the adrenaline-charged plot of an action movie. It's a true incident in the book of Acts. Discover the Greek words for demon possession and different categories of demons. See how Paul, through the power of God, was healing sicknesses and casting out demons, making the jealous exorcists in Ephesus try to copy him. Find out how demon possession was active during...
Published 10/01/13
Can touching a handkerchief or sweat cloth of a holy man heal us of our sicknesses today? Listen to this lesson to learn how these healings and other signs and wonders took place during the transition time in Acts when there was a second offer of the Kingdom of God. Find out three factors that distinguish the Kingdom of God and when it will be established. Discover why it was postponed and the characteristics of the covenants which will be fulfilled during the coming Kingdom of God.
Published 09/24/13
Want to know more about baptism? Listen to this lesson to learn the difference between wet and dry baptisms and about the one baptism that occurs for every believer at the moment of salvation. See how this baptism is the great equalizer, ensuring that gender, economic, and ethnic distinctions have no spiritual significance as we are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. See how this enables us to live a new life in Christ and how water baptism is an affirmation that...
Published 09/17/13
Imagine everything you believed being turned on its head! Jews who believed Christ was the promised Messiah were still connected to the Temple culturally and were just learning about the Holy Spirit and Christian baptism. Most of the rest of the world still worshiped pagan gods and goddesses. Into this maelstrom stepped the Apostle Paul who began leading people to Christ and forming churches. Dig into this riveting account of the history of baptism, the eight types of baptism, and what...
Published 09/10/13
When did God hit the "pause button" on the role of the Mosaic Law in the lives of believers? Listen to this lesson to learn how the early years after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension were a transitional passage as Church Age doctrine was being circulated. See how the Kingdom of God was still being offered to the Jews during this time span. Find out how the Apostle Paul adapted his observances to be able to reach both Jews and Gentiles with the Gospel message.
Published 09/03/13
What if you were an Old Testament believer living away from Jerusalem in the first century? How long after Christ died, rose again, and ascended would you have heard about the changes that had taken place? Listen to this lesson to learn that the book of Acts tells of a gradual transition that was being made from the Mosaic Law to the Church Age. See how the Apostle Paul in his exhausted state was given three personal promises by God. Find out about Paul's vow and possible reasons why he...
Published 08/27/13
Looking for a little fun and action in a party town? In the 1st century you would head for the bustling, wealthy port city of Corinth with its many temples, games, and sensual pleasures. Find out how the Apostle Paul received personal guidance from the Holy Spirit to go there. Learn how he arrived dead tired and found a tent-making couple, Priscilla and Aquila, and joined with them in their business. See how he presented the gospel weekly by going to the synagogue and reasoning with the Jews...
Published 08/20/13