Posts with the tag “gospel”

When Paul arrived in Corinth, he was weary, opposed, and tempted to quit. The city celebrated power, status, and religious tolerance, yet the gospel he preached confronted every one of those values. What God did next is striking: He did not remove the opposition, but He met Paul in the middle of it. Through unexpected companions, visible gospel fruit, clear promises, and sovereign protection, God supplied encouragement exactly where Paul needed it most. Acts 18 reminds us that discouragement is not a sign of unfaithfulness. It is often the very place where God chooses to sustain His servants most clearly.  Read More

We live in a culture full of spirituality but starving for truth, much like ancient Athens. Acts 17 shows us a better response than outrage or retreat: careful observation that leads to compassionate engagement. Paul saw the idols, the philosophies, and the searching hearts behind them, and his spirit was stirred not to anger, but to love. He went where God led, into uncomfortable spaces and difficult conversations, trusting the Lord with the results. When the moment came, Paul did not soften the message, he proclaimed God as Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign, Judge, and Jesus as the risen proof of coming judgment. Some mocked, some delayed, and some believed, but Paul’s faithfulness was not measured by applause. In a world of many gods, our calling remains the same: to make the unknown God known.  Read More

The gospel was never about turning a good world upside down. It exposes a world already disordered by sin and begins the work of setting it right again. In Acts 17, Paul doesn’t soften the message or leave people guessing. He opens the Scriptures, explains God’s plan clearly, and names Jesus as King. When truth is made plain, neutrality disappears, and every heart must respond.  Read More

There's something profoundly unsettling about Acts 14. It reads like an emotional roller coaster—one moment the gospel is being received with joy, the next moment a crowd turns violent. Paul heals a crippled man, and within hours, that same crowd drags him outside the city gates and stones him until they think he's dead.And then? He gets up. Brushes off the dust. Walks back into the city. And keep...  Read More

Following Jesus in Antioch did not begin with strategy or comfort. It began with ordinary believers who carried the gospel beyond familiar boundaries and loved people who were different from them. Their faith was active, not passive. They crossed the street, opened their mouths, and welcomed others into the family of God. The watching world saw their unity and generosity and gave them a new name: Christians, because it was clear who they belonged to.  Read More

In exploring Acts 11, we witness a pivotal moment where the early church learns a profound lesson: the gospel is for everyone. Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile, unveils a divine truth—God's love knows no boundaries, and His grace extends beyond traditional confines. As believers, we are challenged to say "yes" when God opens doors, even when it defies our traditions or comfort zones. The church is called to embrace diversity, extending grace and hospitality to those with different backgrounds, messy pasts, and even differing viewpoints. Our mission reflects a shared conviction that grace has leveled the ground at the cross, inviting all to stand on it equally. Let's ask ourselves, are we cooperating with God's mission, or are we standing in the way? By stepping out in faith, extending forgiveness, and adapting our methods while preserving the unchanging message of the gospel, we can be a beacon of hope. At First Baptist Church Byram, are we ready to say "yes" to God’s plan, just as the early church did? The impact could be transformative, not just for our community, but for the world. Let's unite in this mission, embracing the unexpected places and people God brings into our lives.  Read More

Acts 10 reminds us that God’s heart is bigger than our boundaries. Peter’s vision wasn’t about food, it was about people, showing that no one is beyond God’s reach. Like Peter, we’re being prepared: sometimes in quiet faithfulness, sometimes through a change in our thinking, and sometimes through bold obedience. The gospel of Jesus tears down barriers and invites everyone into God’s family by grace, not tradition.  Read More

In a world that often glorifies grand gestures and monumental achievements, it's easy to overlook the profound impact of small, seemingly insignificant actions. Yet, history and scripture alike remind us that even the tiniest spark can ignite a blazing fire of change. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Peter's journey through Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa, as recounted in Acts 9:32-4...  Read More

Can a person really change? Saul’s story in Acts 9 answers with a resounding yes. Once a fierce enemy of the church, Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and was radically transformed into one of the faith’s greatest champions. His journey reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and even our weakest moments can become the doorway to powerful ministry. If God could take the church’s greatest persecutor and make him its boldest preacher, imagine what He can do in your life.  Read More