In Acts 17-18, Paul's ministry in Thessalonica faces Jewish opposition, leading to a riot, but in Berea, his teachings are more warmly received. He then travels to Athens, where his sermon at the Areopagus articulates the unknown God as the Creator, leading to mixed reactions, and later, he establishes the church in Corinth despite resistance, staying there for a year and a half to teach.
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Today’s Reading: Read Acts 17:1-18:18 In your Day-by-Day Chronological Bible, turn to the back page and study Paul’s Missionary journeys. Take some time to trace...
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GOSPEL CONVERSATION OPPORTUNITY Read Acts 16:25-31. Paul and Silas were in a jail cell because of their teachings. How do you think you would feel...
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Today’s Reading: Read Acts 15-16 Parents, spend some time today talking to your family about decisions. How does your family make big decisions? Who do...
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In Acts 15, a dispute about circumcision leads Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem where the council decides that Gentile converts need not adhere to Jewish law, sending a letter to affirm this. Acts 16 follows Paul and Silas as they evangelize through Macedonia, facing imprisonment in Philippi where a miraculous earthquake frees them, leading to the conversion and baptism of a jailer and his household.
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Today’s Reading: Read Galatians 4-6 Pop quiz! If you plant an apple seed, what will grow? An orange tree or an apple tree? What kind...
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In Galatians 4-6, Paul discusses the transition from the law to faith, explaining that Christians are heirs to God’s promise, not slaves to the law, and he uses the allegory of Sarah and Hagar to emphasize freedom from the law. He urges the Galatians to live by the Spirit to avoid the corruption of the flesh, calls for mutual support within the community, and stresses the importance of new creation over circumcision or uncircumcision in the final chapters.
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Today’s Reading: Read Galatians 1-3 Imagine being in class and listening to the teacher give instructions on how to complete an assignment. Now, think about...
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In Galatians 1-3, Paul defends the gospel he preaches, emphasizing that it was received directly through revelation from Jesus Christ, not from human sources, and stresses the futility of adhering to the law for justification. He confronts the Galatians for turning to a different gospel and articulates that justification comes by faith, not by works, reinforcing the unity and equality of all believers in Christ.
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Today’s Reading: Read James 1-5 What’s the difference between being smart and being wise? Someone who is smart most likely knows a lot! They probably...
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In James 1-5, believers are instructed to endure trials joyfully, seek wisdom from God, and demonstrate their faith through tangible actions, including controlling their speech and showing impartiality. This book emphasizes the practical application of faith, the dangers of an unbridled tongue, and the critical importance of actions that align with professed beliefs, culminating in a call to patience, prayer, and compassionate community behavior.
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In this enriching episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball delve into the critical themes of prophetic signs, everyday faithfulness, and the urgent call to live a life reflective of biblical principles. Jay and Brian unpack Paul's teachings on the "day of the Lord" and the importance of faith in action, drawing on examples from the early church and contemporary stories.
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