Start Here: The New Testament

Acts 28 - How Will You Handle Adversity?

Acts 28 - How Will You Handle Adversity? With Kimo Lai of Gateway South Austin As we conclude the BLESS Challenge, have you been able to see God at work in your life and through your life as you’ve looked for ways to begin to pray, listen, engage, serve, and share your story with your neighbors, co-workers, family, and friends? What we see in the life of the apostle Paul is someone always looking to advance Jesus’ Kingdom to those around him whether he’s visiting a new city or on a boat heading to prison in Rome. In Acts 28, Paul finds himself shipwrecked on the island of Malta along with other travelers where he continues to heal and preach the message of Jesus to the people of Malta. After the three months, Paul and his companions set sail again and eventually arrive in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire.The chapter ends with Paul staying in Rome for two years, where he welcomes all who come to him and continues to proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about Jesus with boldness. So let me encourage you, keep BLESSing others as described in the book by Dave Ferguson. Enjoy the adventure that is following Jesus to bring more light into our dark world! #newtestament #acts #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #outreach #mission #bless

Acts 27 - How Do You Respond to the Storms of Life?

Acts 27 - How Do You Respond to the Storms of Life? With Melanie Ortiz from Gateway South Austin Paul and others set sail from Caesarea to Rome, and despite the warnings from Paul about the dangers ahead, the centurion in charge of the voyage decides to continue. The journey becomes treacherous as they encounter strong winds and a violent storm. During the storm, the ship is severely damaged, and the crew fears for their lives. However, Paul receives a message from God, assuring him that everyone on board will survive. He encourages the crew and passengers to remain hopeful and not abandon ship. Eventually, the ship runs aground on the island of Malta, and all aboard reach the shore safely. #newtestament #acts #jesus #faith #spirituality #outreach #christianity #mission #outreach #suffering

Acts 26 - Are You Nervous to Talk About Your Faith?

Acts 26 - Are You Nervous to Talk About Your Faith?With Peter Shenk from Gateway South AustinPaul stands before King Agrippa, passionately defending his faith and ministry. Paul recounts his encounter with Jesus, explains the alignment of his teachings with Jewish Scriptures, and emphasizes the hope of resurrection. The chapter showcases Paul’s unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Jesus and his desire for all to experience the same transformative encounter with Christ that he had.#newtestament #acts #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #outreach #mission #acts #evangelism

Acts 25 - Can You See God at Work in the Midst of Injustice?

Acts 25 - Can You See God at Work in the Midst of Injustice? With Eric Bryant of Gateway South Austin The Apostle Paul has been imprisoned in Caesarea. Festus, the new governor, learns about Paul’s case and travels to Jerusalem. Paul stands before Festus, and his accusers present their case against him. Paul defends himself against the accusations, stating that he has done nothing wrong according to Jewish law or the temple. Festus, realizing that the charges against Paul are primarily about Jewish religious disputes, offers him the opportunity to go to Jerusalem and be judged there. However, Paul, aware of the dangers and knowing he would not receive a fair trial, appeals to Caesar, exercising his right as a Roman citizen. #newtestament #acts #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #christianity #spirituality #earlychurch #persecutedchurch #persecution

Acts 24 - Are You Willing to Speak Up?

Acts 24 - Are You Willing to Speak Up?With Jim Croswell from Gateway South AustinPaul stands trial before the Roman Governor Felix and defends himself against the false accusations.Felix and his wife Drusilla listen to Paul talk about faith in Christ, righteousness, and the coming judgment; however, Felix becomes afraid and ends the conversation without making a decision keeping Paul in custody. There are some places in this world where there is persecution for faith in Jesus. In spite of this, Christianity tends to grow at a quicker pace because of the sincerity of the Christ-followers as demonstrated in their willingness to suffer. #newtestament #acts #jesus #faith #outreach #spirituality #outreach #christianity #mission #bless #persecutedchurch #persecuted #earlychurch