U-turns Permitted

How to Live in the Midst of Empire

We look today at the story of Paul's journey to Rome, fraught with danger on a Roman ship carrying the prisoners and profit-making lifeblood of the Roman Empire. Luke shows us how we, as followers of Jesus, can live within that system and find God in what Jennings calls "gentile hospitality" and unusual kindness.

Paul's Last Address to Empire

Today we listen to Paul's last words to Empire, as recorded in Acts 26, to King Agrippa specifically. The heart of his message is found in verses 17 & 18: Jesus wants to open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, for the forgiveness of sins and a place in the community of God's people.

Paul's Last Confrontation with Jewish Nationalism

Today we look at Acts 22 and 23, the story of Paul's last conflict with the Jews of Jerusalem and their leaders before he goes to Rome. He confronts their nationalism and offers them the hope that is bound up in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What does this have to say about our nationalism and the tensions in which we live today?

Last Words

Today we read Paul's last words to the elders of the Ephesian church. He knew he would not see them again. It is revealing to listen to what he said to them. What would you say in the same situation?

The Riot

Today we read the story of the riot the occurred in the city of Ephesus after Paul had been preaching about the kingdom of God there for about 2 years. Why did that riot occur? And what kind of relevance could we find in the story of an ancient riot for our time today? Listen on - you might be surprised!

What is the Gospel?

Today we cover the First Missionary Journey of Paul, Barnabus and John Mark. We will focus on the first recorded sermon of Paul at Antioch of Pisidian. Most of us have grown up being taught "the gospel". How does what we learned compare with what Paul preached?  This is an important question when we consider that this was Paul's first opportunity to proclaim the gospel in a missionary setting.

Thin or Thick Christianity?

Today we look at the persecution of Herod Agrippa perpetrated on the church in Jerusalem. Herod looked to the sword and the prison to solve his problems. That's what Empire does. How did the church respond? What did the early Jesus-followers do? 

Be A Neighbor

Today Dan Kim leads us through the familiar story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37. A story that is well-known to many. But because it is so well-known, it is good to review it again and listen to its message for us in our time.

There is Nothing Common

Today we listen to Peter tell the story of his meeting with the Roman centurion Cornelius, and what God did there to convince Peter, who had a hard time believing it, that God is not partial. The early Jesus-followers in Jerusalem could hardly believe also. Neither can we, often. Or maybe never, as Willie James Jenning says. 

Three Men on the Cusp of a New Challenge

Today we read Acts 9, the story of the conversion of Saul. Our focus is on the three men that appear in the story: Saul, Ananias and Barnabus. Who were they? What was their role? And how did God use them each in their God-given uniqueness to further the reach of the gospel message?