Faithful Through Every Season

Following Jesus doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. The book of Acts shows us that faith grows through every season—good and hard.

When Paul came to Corinth, he didn’t try to follow God alone. God gave him friends and partners like Priscilla, Aquila, Timothy, and Silas. This reminds us that faith is meant to be lived in community. Church, small groups, and trusted believers help us grow and stay strong.

Paul also worked while he shared the message of Jesus. His faith showed up in everyday life. Loving Jesus means being faithful at work, learning, and doing our best wherever God has placed us.

Paul faced opposition and difficult moments, but God encouraged him to keep going. Hard seasons don’t mean God has left you. Even when things feel cold or slow, God is still working.

Sometimes, God is working in people we don’t expect. In Corinth, even leaders who once opposed Paul came to believe in Jesus. God can change hearts—ours and others’.

If you’re new to faith, remember this: you are not alone, your faith matters, and God is with you. Keep walking with Him. New life and hope are still ahead.

Why Athens Still Matters

Acts 17 isn’t ancient history—it’s a mirror.

Athens was full of thinkers, philosophers, and religious devotion. Yet Paul didn’t congratulate them—he confronted them with truth.

They were searching for peace, purpose, and joy in everything except God.

Sound familiar?

Today, we worship knowledge, causes, success, comfort, and even religion. We build altars to things that promise fulfillment but can’t deliver it.

Paul’s message was clear:

  • God created everything.

  • God needs nothing.

  • God made you to find Him.

  • Jesus proved it through resurrection.

Religion can’t fill the God-shaped vacuum.

Success can’t either.

Only repentance and relationship with Christ can.

As we keep moving forward through 2026, may we stop building empty cisterns—and return to the fountain of living water.

Would you join us in praying for an outpouring of God’s presence—greater than 2025?

Why Knowledge Isn’t Enough — And Never Was

Athens had everything going for it.

Smart people. Big ideas. Philosophy. Debate. Culture.

If knowledge alone could fix the human heart, Athens would’ve been the most peaceful city on earth.

But when Paul walked in, something in him broke.

Not anger. Not pride. Grief.

The city was full of idols—things people leaned on for meaning, comfort, and control. And two thousand years later, we’re still doing the same thing. Our idols just look more respectable now. Productivity. Comfort. Self-reliance. Information. Even “self-care.”

The Epicureans said, “This life is all there is—so avoid pain and enjoy what you can.”

The Stoics said, “Be disciplined enough and strong enough to fix yourself.”

Both sounded reasonable.

Both missed the point.

You can avoid pain and still be empty.

You can be disciplined and still be broken.

You can be informed and still be lost.

Paul didn’t show up with a new philosophy. He showed up with a Person.

Jesus. Risen. Alive. Near.

And here’s the part that hits home:

Most of us aren’t rejecting God outright. We’re just slowly replacing Him.

We replace prayer with podcasts.

Scripture with scrolling.

Dependence with effort.

Presence with information.

And then we wonder why peace feels fragile.

Why joy feels distant.

Why purpose feels foggy.

Acts 17 reminds us that peace, purpose, and joy have always come the same way—through relationship with the living God. Not knowledge about Him. Time with Him.

As we step into 2026, the prayer isn’t complicated or trendy:

“God, give us an outpouring of Your presence—greater than 2025.”

Not louder services.

Not smarter arguments.

Not better strategies.

Just more of Him.

Because when God shows up, hearts change.

Homes change.

Churches change.

And lives that felt stuck finally start moving again.

Don’t Get Hacked: Why Being a Berean Matters Going Into 2026 📖🔍

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to reflect on our lives, our choices, and the direction we’re heading. New years have a way of making us pause and ask important questions: Am I living wisely? Am I building on truth? Am I following God—or just following the crowd?

Those questions matter more than ever as we move toward 2026.

We live in a world overflowing with voices. Short clips. Opinions. Algorithms. AI-generated content. News headlines. Social media trends. Influencers. Philosophies old and new. Everyone has something to say, and much of it sounds confident, polished, and convincing.

But confidence does not equal truth.

The Danger of an Unexamined Faith

In Acts 17, the apostle Paul travels through several cities preaching the Gospel. In Thessalonica, some believe—but others react with jealousy, anger, and mob pressure. Truth threatens power, and resistance follows.

Then Paul arrives in Berea.

Scripture tells us something remarkable about the Bereans

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

The Bereans weren’t cynical.

They weren’t gullible.

They were eager and discerning.

They listened closely—but they checked everything against God’s Word.

That posture is exactly what believers need today.

Faith Requires Trust—But Not Ignorance

Christian faith absolutely requires faith. We trust God for what we cannot fully see or understand. But faith in Christ is not meant to be shallow, unthinking, or detached from reason.

Paul didn’t walk into synagogues saying, “Just feel it.”

He reasoned from the Scriptures.

He explained.

He proved.

He pointed people to Jesus.

God is not threatened by honest questions.

Truth holds up under examination.

If the only Scripture you engage with is what you hear on Sunday morning, your faith will be under-equipped for the pressure of everyday life. Sermons matter—but they are not meant to replace daily time in the Word.

A World That Pushes Opinions, Not Wisdom

The book of Proverbs speaks plainly about the difference between wisdom and foolishness:

  • “The fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Prov. 18:2)

  • “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Prov. 28:26)

  • “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Prov. 1:7)

We are surrounded by opinions. Loud ones. Emotional ones. Confident ones. But wisdom takes work. It requires humility. It requires slowing down. It requires reverence for God.

The fear of the Lord is not panic—it’s reverence. It’s recognizing that God is God, and we are not. It’s letting His Word shape our thinking, not just confirm our preferences.

Tools Aren’t Evil—But They Can Disciple You

Technology itself isn’t evil. AI, social media, and digital tools can be used for good—and often are. But any tool that captures attention can shape belief.

If we aren’t intentional, we will be discipled by whatever voice we listen to the most.

That’s why Scripture must be more than decoration on a shelf. It must become the lens through which we see the world. The Word of God helps us discern what aligns with truth and what subtly pulls us away from it.

Building a Faith That Holds

Jesus said the wise builder builds on solid rock. Storms still come—but the house stands.

As we move into 2026, the goal isn’t panic.

It isn’t isolation.

It isn’t fear of ideas.

The goal is roots.

A church rooted in the Word.

Families grounded in Scripture.

Believers who examine daily, pray consistently, and live faithfully.

Like the Bereans, may we receive God’s Word with eagerness—and examine it daily with discernment.

Because when the noise increases, the Word still holds.

Christmas in Philippi: How God Brings Light Into Dark Places

Christmas reminds us of something simple but powerful:

God shows up exactly when the world needs Him most.

In Acts 16, we watch Paul step into Europe for the very first time with the message of Jesus—a message born in Bethlehem and now stretching across oceans. What unfolds is a tapestry of God’s perfect timing, unstoppable light, and family-transforming power.

It begins with a frustrating season. Paul tries to go one direction, but God shuts the door. Then another door closes. Then another. Only later does Paul discover that God wasn’t blocking him—He was directing him. God was guiding him straight toward people whose lives were about to change forever.

The first was Lydia: a businesswoman, a worshiper of God, and someone who was searching for something deeper. God opened her heart, and her home became the first church in Philippi. One woman’s encounter with Jesus began shaping a whole community.

Next came a slave girl—tormented, exploited, and trapped. She wasn’t looking for God. God came looking for her. Jesus breaks her chains, proving again that darkness cannot overpower His light.

Then the story shifts to a jail cell at midnight. Paul and Silas are beaten, chained, and hurting. But instead of despair, they choose worship. Their praise in the dark becomes the turning point for a man on the brink of suicide. The jailer meets Jesus right in his collapsing world, and his entire family is changed in one night.

This is the Christmas story woven into Acts 16:

God comes to people others ignore.

He shines into the darkest corners.

And when He saves someone, He often saves a whole family.

Maybe you’re reading this and feel far from God. Maybe your life feels like midnight. Or maybe your family is fractured and hurting. The good news is this:

Jesus still steps into darkness.

He still opens hearts.

He still rescues people who feel lost, forgotten, or overwhelmed.

And He can begin something new in you today.

Christmas is not just a holiday; it’s a reminder that light wins.

Hope wins.

Grace wins.

And your story can be part of that victory.

If you’re searching, Jesus is near.

If you’re hurting, He sees you.

And if you’re willing, He can start something in you that may change more lives than you realize.

Leaders, Yokes, and the Way of Jesus – Finishing Acts 15

In our journey through the book of Acts, we’ve walked with Paul through his first missionary trip and watched the gospel explode among the Gentiles. Acts 15 brings us to a turning point—not just in church history, but in our understanding of leadership, burdens, and what it really means to follow Jesus.

When Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch, they were confronted by a group insisting that Gentile believers had to keep the entire Jewish law and be circumcised. In other words, “If you want to be saved, Jesus isn’t enough. You need to carry this heavy religious yoke too.”

Peter stood up in the Jerusalem council and said, in essence, “We couldn’t carry that yoke ourselves. Why would we put it on the necks of others?” Then he reminded everyone of the heart of the gospel: we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, not by our performance.

This ties straight back to Jesus’ own words in Matthew 11: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Following Jesus isn’t always comfortable, but compared to the crushing weight of sin, shame, and self-effort, His yoke truly is light.

From there, the message turned to leadership. Who we follow—and how we lead—has everything to do with whether the yokes in our lives feel heavy or light.

Scripture shows us two kinds of leaders:

  • “King” leaders like Saul, who use people to build themselves up. It’s about their image, their comfort, their control.

  • Servant leaders like David (despite his flaws), who see leadership as a call to lay themselves down for the good of others.

Jesus pulls the curtain back even further in Matthew 23. He warns about religious leaders who “tie up heavy burdens” and place them on people’s shoulders, but won’t lift a finger to help. They love to be seen. They love the titles. They look holy on the outside but are full of hypocrisy on the inside.

In contrast, Jesus defines greatness this way: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Acts 15 also shows us another side of leadership: humility. Paul and Barnabas didn’t just declare, “We’re the missionaries. We know what’s right.” They went to Jerusalem. They listened to the apostles and elders. They opened their hearts to counsel and accountability. Then they were able to say, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”

That one phrase captures godly leadership so well. Good leaders hear the Holy Spirit and also welcome the wisdom of godly people around them. They are confident in God and honest about their own humanity.

And then there’s the honest, messy ending of the chapter. Paul and Barnabas, two mighty men of God, have a sharp disagreement over John Mark. Barnabas wants to give him a second chance. Paul isn’t ready. The conflict is so severe that they separate.

It’s not clean. It’s not pretty. But even there, God is at work. Two missionary teams are launched instead of one. And later, we learn that God heals and restores those relationships, and John Mark becomes highly valuable to Paul’s ministry.

So what do we do with all this?

  • We remember that churches, businesses, organizations, nations, and families all rise and fall on leadership.

  • We recognize that we are all leaders somewhere—at home, at work, in the church, in our friendships.

  • We commit to choose leaders wisely and to be the kind of leaders others are glad to follow.

That means:

  • Serving instead of demanding.

  • Lifting burdens instead of adding to them.

  • Listening to the Holy Spirit and to wise counsel.

  • Keeping the main thing the main thing: God is real, people need Jesus, and we are called to reach the lost and grow them to be like Christ.

No leader is perfect—not pastors, not parents, not bosses, not you, not me. But we serve a perfect God who leads His church through imperfect people. If we will walk in humility, servanthood, and surrender to the Holy Spirit, He will use our lives to lighten the yoke of others and point them to Jesus, whose burden is still light.

His Yoke, His Grace: Why Acts 15 Still Matters

The book of Acts shows us a church in motion — preaching, worshiping, serving, and learning. But in Acts 15, the movement hits a moment of tension. Gentile believers were turning to Christ in large numbers, experiencing salvation and the power of the Holy Spirit, but some believers insisted they must keep the full Mosaic law to be truly saved. The early church suddenly faced a question that still touches people today: Is Jesus enough?

The debate became intense. Paul and Barnabas had seen God transform Gentile believers with undeniable signs and wonders. They knew God was working in them. But others, shaped by generations of Judaism, feared what might happen if new believers didn’t follow the law. Would chaos follow? Would morality collapse? Were these conversions even real?

Peter stood up and reminded everyone that God had already given His answer: the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles “just as He did on us.” God didn’t wait for them to become religious experts. He accepted them fully through faith in Christ. Then James — the steady leader of the Jerusalem church — delivered a timeless truth: “We should not make it difficult for those turning to God.”

That one sentence still speaks to our world. Many people stay away from church because they think they must fix themselves first. Others carry shame from their past. Some believe religion is nothing but rules. But the gospel flips all of that upside down. Jesus calls people to Himself first — and everything changes after that.

Acts 15 also connects beautifully to Jesus’ own words in Matthew 11: “Take my yoke upon you… My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Life with Jesus isn’t empty of hardship, but it frees us from heavy spiritual burdens — guilt, shame, fear, addiction, striving, and endless attempts to earn God’s approval. When you take His yoke, He carries the weight. His grace makes all the difference.

James’ instructions to the Gentiles weren’t about earning salvation — they were about protecting unity and helping believers love one another well. Grace saves us instantly, but it shapes us daily. The Holy Spirit transforms desires, heals wounds, and teaches us how to walk away from what destroys and toward what gives life.

Acts 15 ends with a unified church, a stronger mission, and believers empowered by grace. And that’s what Jesus still offers today: freedom from heavy burdens, forgiveness from sin, and a life reshaped by His Spirit. If you are far from God, you can come close. If you feel unworthy, God has room for you. If you feel exhausted, there is rest for your soul in Christ.

The same Jesus who welcomed the Gentiles now welcomes you.

Try This Prayer:

“Jesus, I trust You. Lift the weight off my heart and fill me with Your Spirit. Teach me to walk in Your grace.”

Grace Wins — Why Acts 15 Still Changes Lives

The first great church meeting in Acts 15 didn’t gather to plan programs or design buildings. It gathered to settle the most important question in history: Is Jesus enough?

Some believers, coming from Jewish backgrounds, insisted that Gentiles — new non-Jewish followers of Jesus — must also keep the entire Mosaic law, including circumcision, to be saved. They thought salvation was Jesus plus something. But Paul and Barnabas had seen God move mightily among the Gentiles — hearts changed, lives healed, the Spirit poured out — and they knew grace alone was the answer.

So the church sent them to Jerusalem. Peter stood up and reminded the council that God had already spoken through His actions: He gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles “just as He did to us.” There was no hierarchy in grace. The same God who saved the apostles saved the outsiders. Then James, the half-brother of Jesus, summed it up beautifully: “We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

That one sentence changed history. It was the declaration that salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by human effort. Jesus’ death and resurrection are enough. We are not saved by rule-keeping but by relationship — not by climbing a ladder but by receiving a gift.

The church’s decision didn’t throw out holiness; it clarified the source of it. The same grace that saves us trains us. When we trust Christ, the Holy Spirit begins rewriting our desires. The love of God doesn’t just get us into heaven — it starts to make heaven visible in us.

For seekers, this is life-changing news. You don’t have to get it all right before you belong. Come as you are. God knows your heart, and He still wants you. For believers, this is a holy challenge: don’t put up barriers where Jesus built bridges. Be the person who welcomes, teaches, and loves with patience. Lost people are messy — but so were we before grace found us.

Acts 15 still preaches today: grace wins. Grace saves, trains, and sends. When we choose grace over judgment, the church grows and the world sees Jesus.

Try This:

Pray, “Jesus, I trust You. Forgive me, change me, and fill me with Your Spirit.” Then share your story. Someone’s waiting for your “yes” to open their heart to Him.

Grace for the Rest of Us

Have you ever felt like church wasn’t built for people like you? Like you had to fix your life before walking through the doors? You’re not alone — but you’ve been told a lie.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have to get my life together before God will take me seriously?”—you’re exactly who this is for. A couple thousand years ago, the first Christians wrestled with that same question. In Acts 15, church leaders gathered in Jerusalem to settle a heated debate: Is Jesus plus religious rule-keeping the way to be saved? Or is it Jesus alone? A group of religious leaders told new believers they had to follow ancient laws to truly be saved. But Peter and Paul stood up and said, “We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus — nothing more.”

Their conclusion changed history—and it can change your life.

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”

— Acts 15:11 (NLT)

That’s the moment everything changed. It wasn’t about religious hoops or performance anymore. It was about relationship.

God doesn’t wait for you to be perfect — He meets you where you are. That’s what grace means. Jesus came for the broken, the messy, the doubters, and the distant. And the same Spirit that filled Peter and Paul is still calling people today — people like you — into freedom.

You might be surprised how simple it really is:

  • Admit you need Him.

  • Believe Jesus died and rose for you.

  • Surrender your heart and follow Him.

That’s it. No more masks. No more measuring up. Just grace that’s real enough to change your life.

Faith that strengthens roots and moves mountains

Faith is rarely glamorous. It’s often sweaty, slow, and deeply personal. We love the stories where God shows up in a flash—the lame walk, the storm stops, the door opens. But the message from Acts 14 reminds us that the same God who performs instant miracles also works through long processes that strengthen our roots.

When Paul saw a crippled man listening intently, Scripture says he “saw that he had faith to be made well.” That man’s faith didn’t make sense—it wasn’t logical—but it was real. Faith always starts in the unseen, not in the visible. God calls us to believe before we rise.

Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed, the tiniest of all seeds, yet powerful enough to move a mulberry tree—the tree known for its deep, tangled roots. Those roots represent the stubborn issues in our lives: the cycles we can’t break, the grief that lingers, the fear that still whispers. Sometimes God removes those roots instantly (the “backhoe miracle”), but more often He hands us an ax and invites us to swing with perseverance and prayer. Each swing is obedience. Each swing declares, “I still believe.” Swinging the axe is hot, tiring, messy work, but when the stump is finally gone, the space it leaves becomes room for new growth. That’s how God grows us. He’s not just after your comfort; He’s after your character.

Faith also learns to release control. We pray for healing, breakthrough, or direction, and when the answer tarries, we often blame ourselves or even God. But genuine faith says, “Lord, Your will, Your timeline, Your glory.”  It’s not about getting everything we want; it’s about trusting the One who knows what’s best for the whole picture.

True faith doesn’t fear science. The apostle Paul told the people of Lystra that the very rain, harvest, and heartbeat of creation testify of the living God. Science explores the mechanics of God’s world; faith reveals the meaning behind it. The laws of physics are simply the fingerprints of a faithful Creator.

So whether your miracle arrives with a bang or unfolds through months of steady obedience, remember this: the God who saves your soul also cares about your struggles. He’s the Lord of both heaven and hard days. The roots may run deep, but His power runs deeper still. Keep swinging, keep trusting, and keep believing that what He begins, He will complete.

💭 Big Truth: You don’t need more faith—you just need to plant what you already have in the soil of God’s unchanging goodness. 🌿

Joy that Outlasts the Last Days

In Acts 13, Paul stands in a synagogue in Antioch and announces good news: the Son of David—Jesus—died, was buried, and rose again without seeing decay. The gospel is not only our rescue from hell; it’s God’s restoration project in our everyday lives. Through the new covenant, the Holy Spirit moves from being beside us to living within us. Rules can restrain; only the Spirit can remake.

Paul closes with a warning from Habakkuk: “Look, you scoffers… I am doing a work in your days.” Warnings are love in advance. They invite us to choose belief over cynicism so we don’t miss what God is doing right now.

Fast-forward to Paul’s letter to Timothy: “In the last days… people will be lovers of themselves.” The list is haunting—and familiar. But the remedy isn’t a louder rant; it’s a reordered life. JOY has always been Jesus first, Others second, You third. Our culture preaches the opposite (YOJ), promising happiness while feeding anxiety and emptiness. The way of Jesus feels upside down because it is: losing life to find it, giving to receive, serving to lead, embracing holy discomfort to grow.

This isn’t self-neglect; it’s Spirit-led order. When Jesus is first, love flows outward. When others are second, we discover the surprising happiness of pouring out. When we finally get to “you,” what we find isn’t deprivation but delight—joy that comfort alone could never produce.

So here’s our invitation this week: put Jesus first in your rhythms (Scripture before screens), put others on your calendar (planned service, not accidental), and let the Spirit empower you beyond appearances into real transformation. Expect God to “do a work in your days,” and don’t be surprised when joy shows up on the other side of obedience.

Only Jesus: Paul’s First Sermon and Our Modern Saviors

When Paul stood up in Antioch (Acts 13), he didn’t give a novelty talk; he preached a story older than nations. He connected King David to Jesus, Genesis to the Gospels, Abraham’s tent to a worldwide table. He announced that God kept His promise: “Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as He promised” (v.23). Paul wasn’t interested in a niche Messiah for a niche people. He was unveiling heaven’s public plan: the Savior promised to humanity at the fall (Gen 3:15), pledged again through Abraham for “all the families of the earth” (Gen 12:3), delivered in history through David’s line, vindicated by resurrection (Acts 13:32–33).

Then Paul made it uncomfortably clear: good things make bad saviors. In his day, the competition was the law—holy, wise, and God-given, yet powerless to justify (Rom 3:19–20). In our day, the rivals multiply. Education enlightens but cannot regenerate. Wealth relieves but cannot redeem. Technology accelerates but cannot resurrect. These can become altars where we seek rescue from what only Jesus can heal. The law labels sin; Jesus lifts it. Education informs the mind; the Spirit transforms the heart. Money can unlock doors; Christ alone unlocks graves.

Hebrews calls the old covenant “obsolete” next to the new (Heb 8:13). Why? Because in Christ, God moves from stone tablets to living hearts: “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts.” Holiness shifts from external pressure to internal power. Obedience ceases to be a ladder to God and becomes fruit from union with God. In Paul’s words, “through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38). Forgiveness is not vague optimism; it’s a royal verdict signed in blood and sealed by an empty tomb.

Paul ends with a warning: “Look, you scoffers” (v.41). Scoffing isn’t just loud unbelief; it’s the quiet assumption that Jesus is helpful but not necessary. The church can drift there—celebrating tools while sidelining the Savior. Let’s love education, serve the poor, steward technology wisely—and confess together that only Jesus saves. When we enthrone Him, tools find their place, and people find their freedom.

So lift your eyes. The promise from Eden has met you in Christ. The blessing to the nations includes your street. The King from David’s line still frees captives today. Forgiveness is proclaimed. Freedom is available. The Spirit is writing. And Jesus—only Jesus—still saves.

When Will Power Isn't Enough

We live in a culture that praises willpower. From diet plans to self-help books, the message is often the same: “If you just try hard enough, you can fix it.” And for a while, it works. Like Pastor Barry shared with his peanut butter and fudge bar story, we can do really well for a season—but then life gets busy, stress rises, and our willpower runs dry.

That’s when we discover an important truth: willpower has limits, but God’s power does not. 💡

Paul reminded his hearers in Acts 13 that Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom in a way the Law never could. The Law showed what was right but gave no strength to live it out. Our human efforts are the same—they may hold us steady for a short while, but eventually, we stumble. Jesus, through His cross and resurrection, gave us something infinitely greater: His Spirit living within us.

David’s story echoes the same truth. He was called a man after God’s heart, yet he was far from perfect. His failures were real, even devastating. But what set him apart was not flawless willpower—it was a repentant heart that ran back to God. His example tells us that God is not looking for perfect people, but for surrendered ones.

So what do we do when our willpower runs out? We lean in. We lean into prayer, because prayer keeps us close to the heart of God. We lean into Scripture, because the Word is living and breathing, strengthening us from the inside out. We lean into worship and fellowship, because God’s presence and God’s people fuel our faith when we are weak.

The Christian life isn’t about trying harder. It’s about surrendering deeper. When we draw near to the Spirit, we find strength to resist temptation, courage to endure hardship, and joy that rises even in the middle of difficulty.

And when we fail—and we all do—we don’t quit. We repent like David, trust in the blood of Jesus, and rise again in grace. Because His mercies are new every morning, and His Spirit is always enough.

👉 Willpower will fail, but the Spirit never does. Let’s be a people who don’t settle for self-effort but live daily in the presence and power of God.

Jesus is able in our "now".

This past Sunday at Soul’s Harbor, Pastor Barry reminded us of a simple but life-changing truth: Jesus is able—right now.

The message wasn’t just about history or theology. It was about our now. Our aches, our broken relationships, our hidden fears, and the questions we carry quietly in our hearts. Pastor Barry shared how, when our faith feels thin, we don’t have to stand alone. We can grab hold of one another’s faith. The church is a family that believes together, prays together, and sees God move together.

From Acts 13, we saw Paul standing before the people, recounting how God made His children “great” even during their painful years in Egypt. That’s not how we usually think of greatness. Yet God’s pattern hasn’t changed—He forges greatness through resistance, trials, and hard seasons. If you’re walking through a desert or feel like you’re still in Egypt, don’t lose heart. God may be cultivating strength, perseverance, and testimony in you that will be used to encourage others.

Pastor Barry also pointed us to the miracle of the new covenant. Before Jesus, the law could only show people how far they had fallen short. But now, because of the cross and resurrection, we live under a covenant of grace and Spirit-empowerment. The Spirit doesn’t just guide from a distance—He lives within us, giving us the power to actually desire and walk in God’s ways. What a gift!

But the sermon didn’t stop there. Pastor Barry reminded us that spiritual strength doesn’t come from one big moment—it comes from daily “reps.” Just like an athlete trains through repetition, disciples of Jesus grow through prayer, worship, Scripture, generosity, and community. Every hidden yes, every small act of obedience, builds spiritual muscle that prepares us for greater challenges and opportunities.

Finally, we were challenged to choose God’s path. Life constantly sets two roads before us—ours and God’s. Our road may look easier in the moment, but it always leads to regret. God’s road sometimes looks harder, but it always leads to peace, joy, and life. Obedience today is the seed of tomorrow’s miracle.

What does this mean for us as a church family?

  • If your faith is weak—borrow someone else’s. Don’t isolate.

  • If you’re in your “Egypt,” trust that God is still growing greatness in you.

  • If you feel powerless, remember the Spirit is alive inside you.

  • If you’re weary, just keep showing up—put in the reps.

  • If you’re at a crossroads, choose God’s path, even if it costs you something.

This week, let’s agree together in prayer for God to move “in our now.” We’re believing for healings, reconciled relationships, financial provision, peace in anxious hearts, and joy to return where sorrow has lingered. Jesus isn’t just able in someone else’s story—He’s able in yours.

Finding Hope in a Hopeless World

In a world filled with violence, political division, and moral decay, it's easy to become pessimistic. From school shootings to assassination attempts, our news feeds constantly remind us of the darkness that surrounds us. But as Christians, we're called to something different - we're called to hope.

The Reality of Our Current Times

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy about the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, describing a time when people would be "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable..." Sound familiar? These days aren't coming - they're here. But even in these challenging times, Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good to those who love the Lord." This isn't just a nice saying; it's a promise we can build our lives upon.

Why Choose Optimism Over Pessimism?

Many of us were raised to see the glass as half empty. We were taught to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised when things work out. But that's not how God calls us to live. What's happening in our culture today gives Christians the greatest opportunity to show faith, hope, and love to a community that desperately needs it. The question is: have we believers lost our sense of hope and optimism?

You Are Not Alone in Your Journey

One of the enemy's greatest lies is that you're facing your struggles alone. But Scripture assures us that

  1. God is with you

  2. Ministering angels are helping you

  3. The body of Christ surrounds you

We should live out our ministry and our lives as if God is truly with us - because He is! As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

What People Really Need from the Church

While good music, funny stories, and coffee and donuts are nice, they're not what truly bring people to church. People come to church because they need hope. The world is dying for lack of hope - hope for eternity and hope for a better life now. The enemy wants to rob us of our hope, but we must remember that we've read the end of the book, and we win!

How Satan Tries to Steal Your Hope

John 10:10 tells us that "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." Satan is a schemer, a trickster, and a liar. If he can't push you too far in something, he'll hold you back. If he can't knock you off center, he'll try to sling you against the wall. But Jesus continues in that verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." It's evil versus good, Satan against God - and God wins.

Finding Hope in God's Promises

When life feels overwhelming, remember these truths:

  1. God has this world, this economy, this political situation, and your life right in the palm of His hand.

  2. Hebrews 5:9 reminds us that Jesus "became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him"

  3. Chronicles 7:14 promises that if God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness, He will hear, forgive, and heal their land

The Hope We Have in Christ

Unlike atheists who believe that death is the end, Christians have the hope of eternity. When this life is over, eternity has just begun. We're going to a place of perfection where God "will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21:4). This hope isn't just for the future - it's for today. Psalm 31 encourages us to "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Hebrews 10:23 urges us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

Sharing Hope with a Hopeless World

People won't find hope in technology, artificial intelligence, alcohol, or pills. True hope is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ, and when He gives hope, it lasts forever. As believers, we're called to carry this hope into the marketplace - into a world that's dying for it. We should live in such a way that people see our lives and want what we have.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to be a carrier of hope in your sphere of influence. Here are some practical steps:

  1. Fill your hope chest: Instead of focusing on pessimism, fill your mind with God's promises. What are you feeding your spirit daily?

  2. Be honest about your struggles: Sometimes we wonder where hope is. It's okay to ask God tough questions, but then trust that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

  3. Share your hope: Look for opportunities to explain the reason for the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15). Someone in your life needs the hope that only Jesus can give.

  4. Take a step of faith: If you're feeling hopeless, take a bold step toward God. Sometimes we need to physically move toward Him to experience His hope.

Questions to Consider:

  1. Where do you place your hope? In circumstances, people, or God?

  2. How has God given you hope in past difficult situations?

  3. Who in your life needs to hear about the hope you have in Christ?

  4. What lies from the enemy are you believing that are stealing your hope?

Remember, in a world that often feels hopeless, we serve a God who specializes in bringing hope to hopeless situations. He is the chain breaker, the pain taker, and the way maker. Whatever you're facing today, there's hope in Jesus.

He Is Faithful: Remembering, Standing, and Trusting God in Every Season

Life is filled with change. Seasons shift, challenges arise, and storms sometimes rage—but one thing never changes: God’s faithfulness. This truth was at the heart of Sunday’s message, reminding us that whether we’re celebrating a miracle from yesterday or still waiting for one today, we can hold on to the assurance that our God will not fail us.

Remembering Builds Faith

Scripture often calls God’s people to remember. Israel was instructed to set up memorial stones, and Paul and Barnabas carried the stories of God’s power with them as they traveled. Remembering what God has already done—big miracles or small mercies—gives us courage for today. When we rehearse His goodness, our faith is strengthened, and our hope rises again.

Christ, Our Firm Foundation

Storms come to every life. The difference is not whether we’ll face wind and rain, but what we’re standing on when it comes. Jesus is our unshakable foundation. When our roots are in Him, the storm can’t destroy us. Antioch unexpectedly became the center of early Christian mission, reminding us that sometimes God shifts our “foundation places.” But wherever He leads, His stability doesn’t change.

Resistance Is Futile

The enemy resists anything good God wants to build in our lives. He pushes back against our faith, our prayers, and our obedience. But resistance is futile! The devil has been defeated since the cross, and we fight from victory, not for it. When we feel opposition, we can take courage: the very resistance we face often means we’re stepping in the right direction.

Trust but Verify

Paul discerned that not every voice claiming to speak for God was truly from Him. In our world full of podcasts, reels, and teachers, we need discernment more than ever. God calls us to test every word against Scripture, look for fruit, and lean on the Spirit’s guidance. Trust the Holy Spirit—but always verify with the Word.

Don’t Quit in the Hard Season

John Mark’s story reminds us that ministry isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it looks like hard, unseen work. He started strong but quit when it became difficult. Yet later, God restored him, proving failure isn’t final. Our calling is tested in the gritty, uncelebrated seasons. Faithfulness in those moments builds lasting fruit. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Final Encouragement

Whatever season you are in—remembering past victories, standing firm in storms, resisting the enemy, discerning truth, or persevering in hard work—know this: God is faithful. He has never failed, and He never will.

So this week, pause to remember, plant your feet on the Rock, push back against resistance, test every word, and keep pressing on. Your harvest is coming.

At One With God – Walking in Victory Through the Atonement

The word atonement is one we hear in church but don’t always stop to think about. It literally means “at-one-ment.” Through the cross, Jesus has brought us into oneness with God. The blood of Christ doesn’t just cover sin—it restores relationship. It makes us right before a holy God and ushers us into a life of victory, peace, and purpose.

This isn’t just theology; it’s reality. When you receive Jesus, you don’t walk alone. You carry His presence, His power, and His promises with you. The atonement is God’s guarantee that you are His child, forgiven, and secure in His love.

Resistance Is Futile

Acts 12 reminds us of King Herod’s attempts to destroy the church. He executed James and imprisoned Peter. It looked like the enemy had the upper hand. But in the end, Herod fell, and the Word of God multiplied. That’s how God works—the enemy may roar, but his resistance is always futile.

In your own life, you may feel under attack—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. But don’t forget: the cross already secured your victory. The devil can try to resist God’s plan, but he cannot stop it. His defeat is written, sealed, and certain.

Trust but Verify

Acts 13 gives us another powerful picture of the early church. While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke: “Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them.” But instead of rushing ahead, they paused, prayed, and fasted again. They trusted—but they also verified.

This is wisdom for us. God speaks to His people, but we must be careful to test what we think we hear. Our emotions, desires, or fears can sometimes mimic God’s voice. The safeguard is found in prayer, fasting, Scripture, and godly counsel. If you’re facing a big decision, don’t rush. Take time to confirm that what you’re sensing is truly from the Lord. He is faithful to guide His children.

Look Up!

Jesus told His disciples, “Lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). Life’s challenges can make us walk with our heads down, focused on problems instead of promises. But when we look up, we see that hope is not far off. Healing is near. Victory is near. Joy is near.

Sometimes, looking up is the most powerful act of faith you can do. It’s refusing to let fear or discouragement keep you bound to the ground. It’s saying, “God, I trust that You are still moving in my story, even when I don’t see it yet.”

Sent Out With Power

The atonement doesn’t just save us—it sends us. Barnabas and Saul weren’t just blessed; they were commissioned. The same is true for us today. Being at one with God means we are also carriers of His mission. We are not saved to sit—we are saved to serve.

This doesn’t always mean moving across the world. Sometimes it looks like sharing your testimony at work, praying for your neighbor, or encouraging a struggling friend. Other times, it may mean stepping into ministry or missions in a greater way. Wherever He sends you, you are equipped with His Spirit to make a difference.

The Big Picture

Here’s the truth that ties it all together:

  • Because of the atonement, you are one with God.

  • Because of the cross, the enemy’s resistance is futile.

  • Because of the Spirit, you can hear God’s voice—but also confirm it in prayer.

  • Because of His promises, you can lift up your head in hope.

  • Because of His calling, you are sent to carry His name into the world.

So this week, live with confidence. You are not defeated—you are covered by the blood of Jesus. You are not confused—you are guided by the Spirit of truth. You are not alone—you are one with the Father. And you are not powerless—you are sent in His strength.

Look up. Lift your head. Victory is near. 🙌

When the Chains Fell Off

Have you ever had a season in life where you felt like you were stuck—like no matter how hard you prayed or how much you tried, things just weren’t moving? Maybe it was sickness that wouldn’t go away, a relationship that stayed broken, or a heavy weight of fear, anxiety, or guilt that kept hanging on. If so, you’re not alone.

The Bible tells us about Peter in Acts 12, chained in prison between two guards, awaiting execution. From a human perspective, there was no way out. But in the middle of the night, as the church prayed, God showed up. An angel appeared, light filled the cell, and the chains fell off. What was impossible for Peter to break in his own strength was broken in an instant by God’s power.

This story connects back to an even bigger one: the story of Passover in Exodus. For 400 years, Israel cried out in slavery until God raised up Moses. When the blood of the lamb was placed on their doorposts, judgment passed over them, and freedom came. Centuries later, Jesus—the true Passover Lamb—shed His blood on the cross. When His blood is applied to our lives, the greatest chains of all—sin and death—are broken.

But here’s the part we sometimes forget: freedom in Christ isn’t just symbolic. It’s real. That means we don’t have to carry shame from our past, guilt from our failures, or fear about tomorrow. If you’re still carrying chains, it’s because you’ve chosen to pick them up again. The truth is—they’re already broken.

Still, sometimes freedom doesn’t come the way we expect. Healing may take time. Deliverance may not happen in a moment. And like Peter, we may spend nights wondering when the answer will come. But Scripture reminds us of this truth: God’s answer is always yes. His “yes” may not come instantly, and it may not come in the way we envisioned, but His timing is perfect. While we wait, He gives us peace, strength, and hope that carry us through.

So what does this mean for us today? It means you don’t have to live chained to your past. You don’t have to be defined by old labels. You don’t have to let fear dictate your decisions. The blood of Jesus marks a brand new beginning—the first day of the rest of your life. When God sees the blood, He doesn’t see your failures. He sees freedom.

This week, live with confidence in that truth. Smile, even in the waiting, knowing God’s “yes” is coming. Walk in freedom, because the chains have already fallen.

✨ Takeaway Truths:

  • God knows your struggle—He hasn’t forgotten you.

  • The blood of Jesus covers you completely.

  • Chains don’t belong to you anymore—leave them behind.

  • God’s “yes” may not be immediate, but it is certain.

  • Every day in Christ is a new beginning.

Peace in the Middle of the Storm

Have you ever met someone who seemed completely calm while facing something you’d consider terrifying? We see an incredible example of this in Acts 12.

Peter is chained between two guards, in a maximum-security prison, awaiting what appears to be certain execution. If there was ever a time to panic, this was it. Yet when the angel comes to set him free, Peter is sleeping so deeply that the angel has to strike him to wake him up.

When we think of Acts 12, we usually focus on the miracle of Peter’s chains falling off and the prison doors opening. That truly was amazing—but Pastor Barry reminded us there was an even bigger miracle in this story: Peter’s peacebefore the rescue.

Peace Before the Breakthrough

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes about the peace of God that “surpasses all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds. This is exactly what Peter was experiencing in that cell. His peace wasn’t based on his circumstances—it came from trusting God’s sovereignty.

That night, Peter could rest because he knew his life was in God’s hands. Whether God delivered him immediately or brought him home to glory, Peter was safe in the Father’s plan. That’s not resignation—that’s deep, unshakable faith.

When God’s Answers Look Different

Earlier in the same chapter, James is executed. The same church that prayed for Peter likely prayed for James too—yet their outcomes were different. Does that mean God loved Peter more? Absolutely not.

God’s love is constant. His plans are unique for each of us. For James, it was time to receive his eternal reward. For Peter, God still had work for him to do on earth. Hebrews 11 reminds us that some heroes of faith escaped the sword, while others were put to death by it—yet both were commended for their faith.

Praying with Expectation

The church prayed “earnestly” for Peter (Acts 12:5), yet when he stood at the door, they thought it was impossible. How often do we do the same? We pray but secretly wonder if God will actually move.

Prayer isn’t about reciting perfect words—it’s about bringing our hearts to God and trusting His response. Sometimes the answer is a miracle in the moment; sometimes it’s the grace to endure until the miracle comes. Both are evidence of His care.

Peace Is Also a Miracle

We all want the chains to fall off immediately. But there’s another kind of miracle we should value just as much the ability to rest, smile, and worship even while the chains are still on.

Peace in the waiting is a testimony to the world. It says, “My God is faithful, and I trust Him—no matter how long it takes.”

Living This Out

  • Pray both ways — Ask God for breakthrough, but also for strength and peace until it comes.

  • Trust His timing — His plan for you is personal, perfect, and never late.

  • Practice constant prayer — Don’t limit your connection to God to one time slot; keep the conversation going all day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

  • Refuse the comparison trap — God’s love for you is not measured against His actions in someone else’s life.

Your Turn

What chains are you facing right now—fear, sickness, financial struggle, broken relationships?

Take them to God in prayer today. Believe He can set you free, and while you wait, ask Him to fill you with the peace that let Peter sleep in the storm.