Posts with the tag “paul”

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

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

In Acts 13, we witness a powerful rhythm of gospel movement through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Their journey into Asia Minor was marked by intentionality and purpose, leaving familiar comforts behind to bring the light of Christ to challenging places. As they ventured into synagogues, they modeled humility by listening before speaking, earning the trust and attention of their audience. Despite facing opposition and rejection, their boldness was anchored in the victory of the gospel, not personal confidence. This same gospel frees us from the fear of rejection, reminding us that outcomes are in God's hands. Paul and Barnabas' journey encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, listen deeply, speak boldly, and trust God with the results. As we carry this message into our own communities, let’s embrace the rhythms of gospel movement—outward, listening, boldness, and trust—allowing the Spirit to guide our steps and open hearts. Where is the Spirit sending you today? Let the gospel move you forward with courage and compassion.  Read More

Have you ever wondered if God could really use someone with a messy past—or if you yourself truly belonged among His people? In Acts 9:26–31, we meet Saul, once the church’s greatest threat, now seeking fellowship with the very disciples he tried to destroy. Fear and hesitation fill the room, until Barnabas steps forward with courage and encouragement. His welcome opens the door for Saul’s ministry and shows us what can happen when the church chooses to see others through the lens of Christ’s transforming power. This story calls us to be “Barnabas-like” believers who welcome outsiders, stand with the vulnerable, and encourage growth in others.  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