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Welcome:

The Bible can be a challenging read, and every time I dive into its pages, I’m confronted with truths that disturb and inspire me. Yesterday's passage left me particularly unsettled, and I want to revisit it today to explore what's truly missing in our churches today.

Episode Notes: What's Missing in the Modern Church (Acts 2:47)

In this episode, we delve into Acts 2:47 and examine the early church's characteristics that contributed to its vibrant community and growth. Here are some key points we’ll cover:

1. Background of Acts:
   • The book begins with the Great Commission where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them.
2. Early Church Practices:
   • The apostles preached, baptized, and taught, but they also formed a tight-knit community. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
3. Disturbing Reality:
   • The early church was deeply committed to each other, constantly in contact, and praised God together. Despite these efforts, what’s troubling is the gap between these practices and what we see in churches today.
4. The Missing Link:
   • What’s missing? Prayer. Acts 2:42 highlights the importance of steadfast prayer in the early church, a practice that seems diminished in modern congregations.
5. Examples of Powerful Prayer:
   • In Acts 4, we see the apostles praying for boldness and witnessing God’s powerful response. Paul in Colossians 4:3 requests prayer for opportunities to preach the gospel.
6. Application for Today:
   • To truly see God’s blessing, we must prioritize prayer, seeking opportunities for evangelism and asking for God’s guidance and power in our ministries.

Practical Steps

• Evaluate Your Church: Are we devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and especially prayer?
• Commit to Prayer: Make prayer a central part of your life and church activities.
• Seek God’s Blessing: Pray for God’s intervention in your personal life and church community, asking for opportunities to witness and grow.

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Welcome:
Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: “What is a New Testament Church Really Like?” based on Acts 2:37-47.

Have you ever wondered what the ideal church should look like? Should it be large or small? Should it have a certain doctrinal position, a gifted speaker, inspiring music, or specific programs for different age groups? These are all important questions for anyone who attends church. Today, we’re going to explore what the New Testament says about what a church should be and do, by looking at the early church as described in Acts 2.

Join me as we uncover the characteristics of the first church, understand the significance of key practices, and consider how these principles can guide us in creating vibrant, committed church communities today.

Episode Notes:

Scripture Reference: Acts 2:37-47

Key Points Covered:

1. Repentance and Baptism:
   • The importance of repentance and baptism as initial steps in the Christian faith.
   • Clarification on the role of baptism in salvation.
2. Characteristics of the Early Church:
   • A church of saved believers.
   • Believer’s baptism vs. infant baptism.
3. Commitment to Key Practices:
   • Apostles' teaching.
   • Fellowship.
   • Breaking of bread (Lord's Table).
   • Prayer.
4. Community and Unity:
   • The early church’s commitment to each other.
   • Sharing resources and supporting one another.
   • The resulting joy, unity, and growth.
5. Modern Application:
   • The importance of community and commitment in today’s church.
   • Encouragement to be part of a church community, supporting and growing together.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are you committed to your church community?
2. Have you been baptized since you got saved?
3. How can you contribute to the unity and growth of your church?

Thank you for joining us today. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on applying biblical principles to daily life. Until next time, stay blessed and committed to your walk with the Lord.

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Welcome

In this episode, we address a common perception that Christians can be a bit odd or even irrational. Drawing from Acts 2:13-36, we examine how early Christians faced similar accusations and how Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, responded to these charges. Through this scriptural lens, we will uncover valuable lessons on how to handle misunderstandings and accusations about our faith.

Key Points:

• Understanding the Perception:
  • Many new converts hear from friends, "What happened to you? You used to be fun, and now all you do is read your Bible and go to church."
  • Friends and family might think they've lost their minds because they no longer engage in the same activities.
• Historical Context:
  • On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the believers, some onlookers thought they were drunk because of their unusual behaviour.
• Peter's Response:
  • Peter stands up and addresses the crowd, denying the accusation of drunkenness and providing a rational explanation.
  • He cites the prophecy from Joel to explain that the events were a fulfilment of God's promise.
• Lessons from Peter's Response:
  • Address misconceptions directly.
  • Provide a rational explanation.
  • Ground your response in Scripture.
• Application for Today:
  • When faced with accusations or misunderstandings about our faith, follow Peter's example.
  • Use Scripture to provide a reasoned and respectful answer.
  • Share the truth of God's Word, even if people think it’s irrational.
• The Power of Scripture:
  • Peter's use of Old Testament prophecy demonstrates the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
  • The Word of God is living and powerful, capable of transforming hearts and minds.
• Jesus' Death and Resurrection:
  • Peter shifts the focus to Jesus, emphasizing His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
  • Christianity is unique because it proclaims a living founder—Jesus Christ—who was dead but is now alive.
• The Ascension and Exaltation:
  • Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God.
  • The outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy.
• Engaging with Objections:
  • When faced with objections, respond with calmness, clarity, and Scripture.
  • Focus on the core message of Christianity—Jesus' death and resurrection.

Conclusion: Peter's sermon in Acts 2 provides a model for how to respond to accusations with truth and grace. By addressing misconceptions directly, providing rational explanations, and grounding our responses in Scripture, we can effectively share the hope that is within us. Let’s stand up, speak out, and trust God to work through our words, just as Peter did on the day of Pentecost.

Thank you for joining us today. Let's continue to explore the depth and richness of God's Word together.

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Welcome

If you've ever wondered about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and its significance in the life of a believer, this episode is for you. We'll look at this scriptural account of Pentecost and discuss its implications for us today. Let's dive in!

Episode Notes: A Biblical View of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-12)

Introduction

• Reflect on a personal experience with a conversation about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
• Mention the common questions and curiosity about this topic among Christians.
• Brief overview of Pentecostal and charismatic beliefs regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostal Doctrine

• Outline of the classic Pentecostal teaching:
  • Necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit after salvation.
  • Association of this baptism with speaking in tongues as a heavenly language.

Key Questions

• Timing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit: at conversion or after?
• Significance of the baptism: does it provide power, and are believers powerless without it?
• Nature of speaking in tongues: human language or heavenly language?

Scriptural Examination: Acts 2:1-12

• Context of Pentecost:
  • Meaning of "Pentecost" and its occurrence fifty days after Passover.
  • Historical significance of Passover and Pentecost in the Old Testament.
• Event Description:
  • Coming of the Holy Spirit.
  • Reactions of people in Jerusalem: confusion and amazement.
• Key Verses:
  • Acts 2:1-4: Sound of a rushing mighty wind, appearance of tongues of fire, filling with the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues.
  • Acts 2:5-12: Multinational audience hearing their own languages, amazement, and the question, "What does this mean?"

Baptism vs. Filling of the Holy Spirit

• Distinction between baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit.
• Biblical evidence and theological explanations from the Epistles.
• Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
  • Unites believers into the Body of Christ.
  • Empowers for service.
  • Occurs at conversion.
• The Filling of the Holy Spirit:
  • Continuous experience for empowerment and service.

Speaking in Tongues

• Acts 2:5-12: Evidence that the tongues spoken were known human languages.
• Examination of 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans 8 regarding the concept of heavenly languages.
• Clarification that biblical instances of tongues are intelligible human languages.

Theological Significance of Pentecost

• Historical and prophetic fulfillment of Pentecost.
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit as the initiation of the church.
• Unity in the Body of Christ:
  • Importance of unity among believers.
  • Illustration of interdependence within the Body of Christ.

Conclusion

• Appreciate the unity and completeness we have in Christ.
• Reflecton the importan

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Episode Overview

Imagine a group of spiritually minded individuals huddled together in a room, trying to discern the will of God. How do we determine the will of God? Ephesians 5:17 commands us to “understand the will of the Lord,” indicating its importance. In Acts 1, the apostles seem to use a method akin to flipping a coin, raising questions about their discernment process. In this episode, we explore Acts 1:12-26 to uncover how the apostles discerned God's will and what we can learn from their process.

Key Points Discussed

1. The Gathering in Prayer (Acts 1:12-14):
   • After Jesus' ascension, the apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in an upper room, devoted to prayer.
   • This prayerful gathering includes the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, His brothers, and other believers.
2. The Need for Replacement (Acts 1:15-20):
   • Peter addresses the need to replace Judas Iscariot, quoting Psalms to justify this action.
   • Emphasis on choosing someone who was with Jesus from His baptism to His ascension.
3. The Selection Process (Acts 1:21-26):
   • Two candidates are nominated: Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias.
   • After praying for God's guidance, they cast lots, and Matthias is chosen.
4. Lessons on Discerning God's Will:
   • Prayer: The apostles were devoted to prayer, seeking divine direction before making decisions.
   • Scripture: Peter referenced the Psalms, showing the importance of grounding decisions in the Word of God.
   • Community: The decision involved the entire community of believers, emphasizing the value of collective discernment.
   • Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Casting lots was an expression of trust in God's control over the outcome.
5. Application for Today:
   • Pray Earnestly: Seek God’s guidance in all decisions.
   • Consult Scripture: Let the Bible inform and direct your choices.
   • Involve the Community: Seek counsel from spiritually mature believers.
   • Trust God: Place confidence in His sovereignty over the outcomes.

Reflection Questions

1. How does understanding the apostles' method of discerning God’s will impact your approach to decision-making?
2. In what ways can you incorporate prayer, Scripture, community, and trust in God’s sovereignty into your daily life?
3. How can you create opportunities for group prayer and collective discernment within your community?

Practical Applications

• Pray for Wisdom: Regularly ask God to guide your decisions.
• Study Scripture: Make Bible study a daily habit to understand God’s principles.
• Seek Counsel: Discuss decisions with trusted, mature Christians.
• Trust in God: Have faith that God will guide your steps according to His will.

Conclusion

Determining God's will can be challenging, but by following the principles of prayer, Scripture, community, and trust, we can discern His direction in our lives. The apostles' example in Acts 1 provides a timeless model for seeking God's guidance.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with others who might benefit from these biblical principles for daily practice. God bless you!

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Welcome:

Episode Overview

In today's episode, we address a fundamental question: What is Jesus doing today? We know from Scripture that during His time on earth, Jesus taught, preached, healed, and performed miracles. But now, having been resurrected and ascended to heaven, what is His role and activity in our world? We'll explore this question through the lens of Acts 1:1-11, which offers insights into Jesus' ongoing work through the Holy Spirit and His followers. This passage breaks down into three main sections:

• The Prologue (Acts 1:1-5):
  • Luke's introduction and reference to his previous book (the Gospel of Luke).
  • Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and instructions to His apostles.
• The Great Commission (Acts 1:6-8):
  • The apostles' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
  • Jesus' response, emphasizing the importance of their mission to be His witnesses.
• The Ascension (Acts 1:9-11):
  • Jesus' ascension and the promise of His return.
  • The angels' message to the apostles, redirecting their focus to their present mission.

Key Points Discussed

• Jesus' Continuing Work:
  • Acts is the continuation of Jesus' actions through the Holy Spirit.
  • The importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit:
  • The Holy Spirit as the driving force behind the apostles' witness.
  • The spiritual power available to believers through the Holy Spirit.
• Our Commission:
  • The ongoing mission to witness and spread the Gospel.
  • The necessity of focusing on the present mission rather than past or future speculations.
• Witnessing in Our Lives:
  • Sharing personal experiences and encounters with Jesus.
  • Encouragement to pray for opportunities to witness.
• The Power of Availability:
  • God uses ordinary people who are willing to serve.
  • The importance of being available and open to God's call.

Reflection Questions

• How does understanding Jesus' current role through the Holy Spirit impact your daily life and faith?
• In what ways can you be more available to witness and share the Gospel with those around you?
• How can you cultivate a habit of praying for opportunities to talk about your faith?

Practical Applications

• Pray for Boldness: Ask God to give you courage to share your faith.
• Seek Opportunities: Look for everyday moments where you can talk about Jesus.
• Be a Witness: Remember, being a witness is simply sharing what you have seen and heard in your own life with Christ.

Connect with Us:

• Website: Thebibleproject@buzzsprout'com
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with others who mi

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Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
Episode Title: The Death of Moses

Series Title: Acts - The Book of the Spread of Christianity

Introduction:

Welcome to our new podcast series, where work our way through the Book of Acts, a pivotal narrative in the New Testament that chronicles the early Church's growth and the spread of Christianity. Often considered one of the most important books in the New Testament, Acts bridges the life of Christ with the establishment of the Church through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Episode Title: Acts - The Book of the Spread of Christianity

Introduction:

Acts is a crucial book for understanding the early Church, detailing its growth from a small group of believers in Jerusalem to a vast community spanning the Roman Empire.

Key Points:

1. The Historical Importance of Acts:
   • Acts offers invaluable insights into the early Church, complementing the letters of Paul and other New Testament writings.
   • Luke's narrative style captures pivotal moments and personalities, providing a comprehensive view of the Church's expansion.
2. The Title and Focus of Acts:
   • Traditionally called 'The Acts of the Apostles,' the book primarily highlights the actions of a few key figures, especially Peter and Paul.
   • The correct title could be "Acts of Apostolic Men," emphasizing typical exploits of important early Christian leaders.
3. Luke's Dual Purpose:
   • Acts is a continuation of Luke's Gospel, focusing on the transition from Jesus' life to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit through the Church.
   • The book is considered unfinished, reflecting the continuing story of Christianity's spread.
4. The Writer - Luke:
   • Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, is identified as the author through internal evidence and early Church tradition.
   • His medical background is evident in his precise use of medical terminology and interest in healing.
5. The Recipient - Theophilus:
   • Acts is addressed to Theophilus, likely a high-ranking Roman official and a Christian.
   • The name Theophilus means 'lover of God,' which might indicate a broader audience of God-fearing individuals.
6. The Message of Acts:
   • The primary theme is the continuing work of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, spreading from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
   • Luke aims to show that Christianity is a universal faith, meant for all people, regardless of their background.
7. Structure of Acts:
   • The narrative is divided into sections based on geographical expansion and key figures, tracing the Church's growth from Jerusalem to Rome.
   • The book highlights the transition from Jewish roots to a broader Gentile mission.

Conclusion:

Acts is more than a historical account; it is a theological narrative demonstrating the unstoppable spread of the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we journey through this book, we will uncover the foundations of the early C

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Episode Notes: Edmund Burke and the Conservatism of Order and Virtue.

Welcome to this week's special bonus episode, where I walk and talk my musing on the thoughts of Edmund Burke and his seminal work, "Reflections on the Revolution in France" from 1790. Navigating Burke's non-linear prose and archaic language can be a challenge, but the journey reveals some useful insights into conservatism, morality, and societal order.

Recorded live at Lytham Hall in Lancashire on a walk and talk with my Labrador "Ella" around the grounds and gardens of this lovely manor house built at the same time Burke first became an elected member of the British Parliament.

Contents:

Burke's Background and Influences:
Born in 1729 in Dublin, Burke's upbringing, with a Protestant father and Catholic mother, shaped his diverse perspective. Initially involved in law, he later embraced literature and philosophy, catching the attention of literary giant Samuel Johnson. His foray into national politics in the 1760s marked the beginning of a three-decade career in the House of Commons.

Key Ideas from "Reflections on the Revolution in France" (1790):
Burke's critique of the French Revolution centered on its perceived destruction of societal fabric and traditional institutions, notably the mistreatment of the Church. His famous quote, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," underscores individual moral responsibility against wrongdoing.

Burke's Conservatism:
Although Burke never explicitly used the term "conservative" in his time, his principles became foundational for modern conservatism. H

Religious and Moral Foundations:
Burke's worldview was deeply rooted in a divine order, viewing history as the unfolding of God's will. He saw religion as a source of moral strength and emphasized the role of traditions in shaping character and guiding behaviour.

Skepticism Towards Ambitious Schemes:
Burke's skepticism extended to ambitious government plans, as seen in his critique of the French Revolution's pursuit of a uniform system. He valued the English system, emphasizing its finely tuned rights and balanced evolution across centuries.

Consent of the Governed and Living Contract:
Contrary to Locke and Hobbes, Burke dismissed the idea of starting politically from scratch. He viewed society as a living contract inherited from ancestors, emphasizing the responsibility to preserve this heritage for future generations. Burke's criticism of the French Revolution went beyond politics; it reflected his belief in the flawed nature of humans. His Christian perspective valued the preservation of moral and social traditions, aligning with the notion of original sin.

Burke's Caution on the idea of Freedom:
Burke cautioned against unrestrained freedom, emphasizing the need for order, stability, and shared values. His skepticism toward unbridled free speech reflects a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between individual liberties and societal order.

As I muse on Burke's ideas, I think they offer some valuable insights into the ongoing debates on governance, tradition, and societal evolution. His emphasis on pra

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