Pastor’s Blog

Paul walks in faith: Fully understanding the context of Acts 23:11 is key to interpreting this passage. Paul honors the Lord through his courage to stand up boldly in Jerusalem during his arrest, proclaiming the saving message of the gospel. Paul chooses to walk in faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Paul wants to … Read More

This is a flawless demonstration of Paul’s earlier mission statement in Acts 20:20. Picture this scene in your minds: To protect Paul from the crowds, the soldiers literally pick him up off the ground and carry him up the long stairway from the temple area to the Roman military fort called the Fortress of Antonia. … Read More

In our reading today, we find Paul continuing on his journey to Jerusalem. He is aware of what is before him, but is willing to give his life for the work of the ministry. He was aware that he would be going to prison. In verse 10, scripture tells of the prophesy that was given … Read More

Paul’s Advice In this passage we see the Apostle Paul give some last advice to the church in Ephesus. Paul was the spiritual “father” to the church in Ephesus and this would be one of his last “live” sermons to his church. First, Paul begins his speech by sharing the “message” he gives to the … Read More

 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia.  (Acts 20:1) God, the Holy Spirit, speaks every day to those who are hungry to listen. The God who has great plans for you, knows what each day and season of your life should look … Read More

Our passage today, focuses on a riot in Ephesus. A group of silversmiths were upset about Paul’s mission work in Ephesus and the fruits of that mission. The reason is that Paul’s work was starting to impact their finances. People were not buying the silver shrines. So, what did the silversmiths do? They caused a … Read More

Here, we read why the Holy Spirit baptism is not just important for some believers, but for all believers. 1. Paul sees that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for every generation (vs 6). Twelve disciples in Ephesus are filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time, several years after Pentecost. These disciples … Read More

You are introduced to two important disciples here: Apollos was a well-educated, eloquent teacher from the Roman empire’s greatest cultural and educational center- Alexandria. His resume was great. But what was Luke’s last comment about Apollos in v25- he didn’t know about the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit. As great as all his … Read More

In this reading, we find Paul devoting himself exclusively to preaching and testifying to Jews that Jesus was the Messiah and the struggles he faced preaching the Good News. Verse 6 says, “But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on … Read More

Does It Bother You? Paul is continuing his missionary work throughout the world. God is using Paul to plant churches in different cities. In verse 16 we get a small look into Paul’s heart and motivation. The verse says Paul “was bothered within himself as he saw that the city was full of idols”. This … Read More