Send us a textThis is an edited version of a special update first posted to my Patreon community on the 15th December 2024Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comWelcome:Today, we embark on an exciting journey with Paul and Barnabas as they navigate uncharted territories, bringing the gospel to eager and some not-so-eager ears. Our episode is drawn from Acts 13:14-52, a passage filled with excitement, challenges, and Godly encounters.We'll witness how the Holy Spirit orchestrates every step, turning obstacles into opportunities for joy. We'll explore the amazing joy that springs from fulfilling God's mission, a joy that sustains and empowers us even amidst trials.Episode NotesEpisode Title: The Journey and the Joy ContinueScripture Reference: Acts 13:14-52Summary:In this episode, we follow Paul and Barnabas on their mission in Antioch of Pisidia. As they proclaim the transformative message of Jesus Christ in the synagogue, we see the Holy Spirit at work, turning challenges into opportunities and bringing joy amidst trials. We'll delve into the key sections of Acts 13:14-52, examining the boldness and conviction with which Paul and Barnabas spread the gospel, despite opposition.Key Points:Arrival in Antioch of Pisidia:Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue and are invited to speak.The synagogue service structure and Paul's opportunity to share the gospel.Paul’s Sermon:Paul recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God's promise of a Savior.The fulfillment of this promise through Jesus' death and resurrection.The importance of salvation, forgiveness, and justification through faith in Jesus.Reactions to the Message:Positive reception from Gentiles and some Jews.Opposition from jealous Jewish leaders.The spread of the gospel despite persecution.Continued Mission:Paul and Barnabas’ response to rejection: turning to the Gentiles.The joy and filling of the Holy Spirit experienced by new believers.Reflection Questions:How do you handle opposition when sharing your faith?What does the joy of the Lord mean to you, especially in difficult times?How can you continue in the grace of God daily?Action Steps:Reflect on past experiences of sharing your faith and how you can grow from them.Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in turning challenges into opportunities for joy.Encourage others to embrace the joy and grace of God in their lives.Thank you for joining us on this journey through Acts 13. We hope this episode inspires you to embrace the joy and continue spreading the good news, no matter the obstacles. Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comToday, we embark on an exciting journey with Paul and Barnabas as they navigate uncharted territories, bringing the gospel to eager and some not-so-eager ears. Our episode is drawn from Acts 13:14-52, a passage filled with excitement, challenges, and Godly encounters.We'll witness how the Holy Spirit orchestrates every step, turning obstacles into opportunities for joy. We'll explore the amazing joy that springs from fulfilling God's mission, a joy that sustains and empowers us even amidst trials.Episode Notes:In this episode, we follow Paul and Barnabas on their mission in Antioch of Pisidia. As they proclaim the transformative message of Jesus Christ in the synagogue, we see the Holy Spirit at work, turning challenges into opportunities and bringing joy amidst trials. We'll delve into the key sections of Acts 13:14-52, examining the boldness and conviction with which Paul and Barnabas spread the gospel, despite opposition.Key Points:Arrival in Antioch of Pisidia:Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue and are invited to speak.The synagogue service structure and Paul's opportunity to share the gospel.Paul’s Sermon:Paul recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God's promise of a Savior.The fulfillment of this promise through Jesus' death and resurrection.The importance of salvation, forgiveness, and justification through faith in Jesus.Reactions to the Message:Positive reception from Gentiles and some Jews.Opposition from jealous Jewish leaders.The spread of the gospel despite persecution.Continued Mission:Paul and Barnabas’ response to rejection: turning to the Gentiles.The joy and filling of the Holy Spirit experienced by new believers.Reflection Questions:How do you handle opposition when sharing your faith?What does the joy of the Lord mean to you, especially in difficult times?How can you continue in the grace of God daily?Action Steps:Reflect on past experiences of sharing your faith and how you can grow from them.Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in turning challenges into opportunities for joy.Encourage others to embrace the joy and grace of God in their lives.Thank you for joining us on this journey through Acts 13. We hope this episode inspires you to embrace the joy and continue spreading the good news, no matter the obstacles. Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessIntroduction:Have you ever faced a situation where you wondered, "Where is God in all of this?" Perhaps you felt like God wasn’t answering, or you questioned why He allowed something to happen. Maybe you've wished for some foresight to prevent a disaster, but it didn’t come. These are tough questions, and today, we’re looking at a passage in Acts that can give us some insight.Scripture Reading: Acts 13: 1-13Summary of the Passage:The story in Acts 12 is dramatic and powerful, showing how God works in unexpected ways. Here’s a brief summary:Persecution and Arrest (Acts 12:1-4): King Herod arrests some believers, kills James (the brother of John), and imprisons Peter during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.Prayer and Miraculous Escape (Acts 12:5-17): The church prays earnestly for Peter. An angel rescues him from prison, leading him past the guards and through the gates. Peter goes to the house of Mary, where believers are astonished by his escape.Herod’s Downfall (Acts 12:18-23): Herod, failing to find Peter, executes the guards. Later, Herod gives a public address, accepts praise as a god, and is struck down by an angel, dying a gruesome death.Continued Growth (Acts 12:24-25): Despite the persecution, the word of God spreads and flourishes. Barnabas and Saul complete their mission and return with John Mark.Key Themes:Persecution and Prayer:James’ Death and Peter’s Imprisonment: Herod’s actions show the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. The church’s response to Peter’s imprisonment was earnest prayer. In times of crisis, turning to God in prayer is crucial.Divine Intervention:Angel’s Rescue of Peter: God’s intervention through the angel demonstrates His power and willingness to deliver His people. The chains falling off, the gates opening by themselves, and the guards remaining unaware highlight the miraculous nature of Peter’s escape.God’s Sovereignty:Herod’s Downfall: Herod’s pride and acceptance of divine praise lead to his downfall, showing that God is in control and will not share His glory. Despite persecution, God’s plan continues to unfold, and the church grows.Application to Our Lives:Trust in God’s Plan: Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God is at work. James’ death and Peter’s escape both serve a purpose in God’s overarching plan.The Power of Prayer: The early church’s earnest prayer played a role in Peter’s miraculous escape. In our own lives, we should never underestimate the power of prayer.God’s Timing and Methods: God’s ways are not always our ways. While we may not understand His timing or methods, we can trust that He is always working for our good and His glory.Conclusion:The story in Acts 12 teaches us that God is always present, even in the darkest times. His ways may be mysterious, and His timing may not align with ours, but He is always in control. Trust in His plan, rely on the power of prayer, aSupport the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comWelcome:We're diving into a fascinating topic today: "How to Minister to One Another," based on Acts 11:19-30. This passage not only offers a rich historical context but also provides valuable insights into the various forms of ministry that can and should be happening within our faith communities.Study NotesKey Scripture: Acts 11:19-30Passage Overview:Evangelistic Ministry (Acts 11:19-21): Early believers spread the gospel during persecution, reaching Jews and Gentiles alike.Encouragement Ministry (Acts 11:22-24): Barnabas was sent to Antioch to encourage new believers, demonstrating the power of support and discipleship.Teaching Ministry (Acts 11:25-26): Barnabas and Saul (Paul) taught together in Antioch for a year, establishing a strong foundation for the new church.Prophetic Ministry (Acts 11:27-30): Prophets like Agabus predicted events, prompting the church to act in charity and support for others.Main Points:All Believers Are in Ministry:Ephesians 4: Every believer is called to ministry, not just the church leaders.2 Timothy 3:16-17: The importance of Scripture in equipping believers for good works.Different Ministries Illustrated:Evangelism: Early believers shared the gospel wherever they went.Encouragement: Barnabas's role in strengthening and encouraging the faith of new believers.Teaching: The joint effort of Barnabas and Saul to teach and establish the church.Prophecy and Charity: The response to prophetic insights by supporting those in need.Principles of Encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25):Be Present: Regular fellowship is essential for mutual ministry.Consider One Another: Understand and support each other through listening and empathy.Encourage One Another: Motivate and strengthen each other's faith and resolve.The Role of Ordinary Believers:Ministry isn't limited to those in official positions; every believer plays a vital role.True ministry happens in the context of relationships, beyond formal church services.Application:Reflect on how you can personally engage in these ministries within your community.Consider ways to encourage and support fellow believers, fostering a church environment focused on mutual love and service.Embrace your calling to minister, knowing that every believer has a role to play in the body of Christ.Thank you for joining us on TBPDP!Stay tuned as we continue to explore how biblical principles apply to our contemporary lives, helping us all grow in faith and service.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessWelcome: In today's episode we explore a pivotal moment in the early Church that teaches us about breaking down barriers based on Acts 11:1-18.In 1987, Ronald Reagan famously urged the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the reunification of people divided for decades. Similarly, in the early days of Christianity, there was an invisible wall separating Jews and Gentiles. Today, we'll examine how this wall was torn down through divine intervention and human obedience, and what it means for us today.Study Notes: Tearing Down the Walls (Acts 11:1-18)Key PassageSummaryThis passage highlights the pivotal moment when Peter defended his actions of associating with Gentiles to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. It underscores the divine mandate to include Gentiles in the Christian community without requiring them to follow Jewish customs.Main PointsPeter’s Encounter and Charges Against Him (Acts 11:1-3)Jewish believers criticized Peter for eating with Gentiles.This criticism stemmed from deep-rooted Jewish customs and purity laws.Peter’s Explanation (Acts 11:4-17)Peter recounts his vision and divine instruction to not call anything impure that God has made clean.He shares how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, signifying God's acceptance of them.Response of the Jerusalem Believers (Acts 11:18)The Jewish believers praised God for granting repentance that leads to life to the Gentiles as well.Key ThemesDivine Inclusivity: God's salvation is available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.Breaking Barriers: The early Church faced and overcame significant cultural barriers to unify believers.Faith Alone: Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through adherence to cultural or ceremonial laws.Reflection QuestionsWhat walls or barriers exist in our lives or communities today that hinder people from coming to Christ?How can we apply the principle of divine inclusivity in our daily interactions with others?In what ways can we ensure that our practices and traditions do not become obstacles to others experiencing God's grace?ApplicationPersonal: Reflect on any personal prejudices or biases that might create barriers between you and others. Pray for God's help to overcome these and to see everyone as worthy of His love.Community: Engage in conversations and activities that promote inclusivity and unity within your church and community.Global: Support and participate in missions and outreach programs that extend God's love beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries.Thank you for joining us in this exploration of Acts 11:1-18. Let's strive to break down walls and build bridges of faith, love, and unity in Christ.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessIntroduction:Welcome back to TBPDP, where we explore biblical principles and their relevance to contemporary life.Today's episode continues from last time, focusing on Acts 10:24-48, where the message of God's salvation is revealed to be open to all people.Recap:Briefly recap the first part of the story where Cornelius, a Gentile, receives a vision and sends for Peter, who also has a vision about unclean animals, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles.Act Three: The Meeting and the MessageVerses 23-24: Peter travels with some believers from Joppa to Caesarea, where Cornelius has gathered his relatives and friends in anticipation of Peter's arrival.Verses 25-26: Upon meeting, Cornelius falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter quickly corrects him, emphasizing that he is only a man.Key Verses and Themes:Verse 28: Peter addresses the gathering, acknowledging that it is against Jewish law for him to associate with Gentiles but reveals that God has shown him not to call anyone impure or unclean. This verse highlights the breaking of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, signifying the universal nature of God's salvation.Verse 34: Peter declares that God shows no partiality, accepting anyone who fears Him and does what is right, regardless of nationality.Peter’s Message:Verses 36-43: Peter preaches about Jesus Christ, emphasizing His life, miracles, death, and resurrection.Verse 36: Peace comes through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.Verse 40: God raised Jesus on the third day, witnessed by chosen apostles.Verse 43: Everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through His name.The Holy Spirit's Confirmation:Verses 44-46: While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on all who hear the message, and they begin speaking in tongues, astonishing the Jewish believers with Peter. This event mirrors Pentecost, confirming that Gentiles are also recipients of the Holy Spirit and God's salvation.Baptism and Inclusion:Verses 47-48: Peter commands that the new believers be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, cementing their inclusion in the faith community. The sequence shows that belief and receiving the Holy Spirit precede baptism, emphasizing faith as the key to salvation.Applications and Observations:Universal Salvation: God's message of salvation is inclusive, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers.Role of Human Messengers: God uses human instruments like Peter to spread the message of salvation. Reflect on how you came to faith and who played a role in your spiritual journey.Faith and Belief: Emphasize that salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on religious rituals or personal merit.Conclusion:Summarize the key points: God's impartiality, the centrality of Jesus in salvation, and the importance of faith.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessToday, we look at Acts 10:1-23, a pivotal chapter in the New Testament that shatters centuries-old barriers and opens the floodgates of grace to the entire world.In this episode, we witness Cornelius, a Roman centurion who is devout and God-fearing, receive a vision from God instructing him to seek out Peter. Simultaneously, Peter, a devoted Jew, has a vision that challenges his deeply held beliefs about purity and the Gentile world. When these two men meet, it is more than a clash of cultures; it’s a divine appointment that redefines the scope of God's kingdom. Peter proclaims the gospel, and the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his household, erasing all distinctions between Jew and Gentile.Study NotesOverview:Introduction to Cornelius:Cornelius is a centurion in the Italian Regiment, living in Caesarea, a Gentile city. Despite being a Gentile, he is described as devout and God-fearing, known for his generosity and regular prayers.Cornelius receives a vision from an angel of God instructing him to send for Peter, who is staying in Joppa.Cornelius Calls for Peter:Cornelius obeys the vision and sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to find Peter.Peter's Vision:As Cornelius's men are on their way to Joppa, Peter has a vision of a sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish dietary laws.A voice tells Peter to kill and eat the animals, but Peter objects, having never eaten anything impure or unclean. The voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This happens three times, emphasizing the importance of the message.  Peter is left wondering about the vision's meaning when Cornelius's men arrive.Peter's Obedience:The Holy Spirit instructs Peter to go with the men without hesitation. Peter meets them and learns about Cornelius's vision.Key Themes:God's Impartial Love: The visions given to Cornelius and Peter illustrate that God's love and salvation are available to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background.Breaking Barriers: Peter's vision challenges the deeply entrenched Jewish beliefs about purity and the separation from Gentiles. God is making it clear that the old divisions are no longer valid in the new covenant.Application:Inclusiveness of the Gospel: We are reminded that the gospel is for everyone, and we should not let cultural or societal barriers prevent us from sharing God's love.Obedience to God's Call: Both Cornelius and Peter show obedience to God's direction, even when it challenges their understanding. We, too, should be open to God's leading, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones.Seeking God: Cornelius is an example of a true seeker of God, illustrating that God will make Himself known to those who earnestly seek Him.For further reflection, download our study notes and questions from our website or the Patreon Page.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome: In this episode, we'll explore Acts 9:32-43, where Peter performs two remarkable miracles: healing a paralyzed man named Aeneas and raising a woman named Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead. As we delve into these powerful stories, we'll uncover truths about God's limitless power and grace, calling us to faith and action in our own lives.Study Notes:Scripture Reading: Acts 9:32-43Peter in Lydda and Joppa:Peter heals Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years. With a simple command, “Jesus Christ heals you,” Aeneas immediately gets up.Peter is then summoned to Joppa where Tabitha, a beloved disciple known for her good works and charity, has died. Surrounded by mourning widows, Peter prays and commands her to rise, and she opens her eyes, alive again.Key Themes:God's Power and Grace: Both miracles emphasize that it is Jesus Christ who heals and resurrects, not Peter, demonstrating God's power working through His apostles.Faith in Action: These stories are not just historical accounts but living testimonies that call us to exhibit our faith through actions and trust in God's power.Witness to God's Power: The miraculous healings led many to believe in the Lord, highlighting how visible acts of God in our lives can lead others to faith.Application:Transformative Power of Faith: The greatest miracle is the transformation that God brings into our lives. This transformation is a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating the reality of God's work in us.Living Out Our Faith: Acts of kindness and charity, like those performed by Tabitha, are essential expressions of our discipleship and faith. Our daily actions should reflect the love and grace of God.Enduring Trials with Joy: Trusting God through trials and demonstrating patience and joy in difficult circumstances can be a powerful witness to others, showing them the supernatural strength and peace that come from God.Personal Reflection:Consider how God has worked in your life and how you can be a witness to others through your actions and faith.Reflect on how you can serve others in your community, following Tabitha's example of good works and charity.Think about the ways you can trust God more deeply in your trials, allowing His grace to give you peace and joy.I hope today's episode encourages you to trust in God's power and to let His work in your life be a testimony to others.Feel free to download our study notes and reflection questions for this episode from our Patreon and if you have any questions or would like to share how this episode has impacted you, please reach out to us on our social media channels or communicate with me directly on Patreon.Reflection Questions:How have you experienced God's transformative power in your own life?In what ways can you serve others in your community, following Dorcas's example?How can you demonstrate joy and patience in your current trials, relying on God's grace?For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSupport the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comWelcome:Have you ever felt discouraged after sharing the Gospel with someone for years, only to see their heart remain hard and unresponsive? Many of us have experienced this frustration, especially when trying to reach those who are not only indifferent but also actively opposed to Christianity.In today’s episode, we’ll explore one of the most famous and unlikely conversions in the history of the church. Saul, who later became known as Paul, was once a fierce persecutor of Christians. His dramatic transformation, detailed in Acts 9:1-31, offers powerful lessons for us today. Join us as we dive into this remarkable story and uncover the spiritual truths it holds for us.Study Notes: "The Most Unlikely Conversion in History" (Acts 9:1-31)IntroductionReflecting on the difficulty of reaching those staunchly opposed to Christianity.Saul’s story as a dramatic example of God’s power to transform even the hardest hearts.Key PointsSaul's Pre-Conversion State:Saul’s relentless persecution of Christians (Acts 9:1).His self-righteousness and zeal as a Pharisee.His journey to Damascus to arrest followers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2).The Conversion Encounter:The heavenly light and Jesus’ voice (Acts 9:3-6).Saul’s blindness and helplessness (Acts 9:8-9).Ananias' vision and obedience (Acts 9:10-19).Immediate Transformation:Saul’s bold preaching in Damascus (Acts 9:20-22).The astonishment and opposition he faced (Acts 9:23-25).Challenges and Support:The scepticism from Jerusalem disciples (Acts 9:26).Barnabas' crucial role in vouching for Saul (Acts 9:27-28).Further opposition and Paul’s relocation to Tarsus (Acts 9:29-30).Lessons and Applications:The importance of human involvement in nurturing new believers.Ananias and Barnabas as examples of obedience and encouragement.The reality of suffering in the Christian journey (Acts 9:16).The church's growth and peace following Paul's conversion (Acts 9:31).Spiritual LessonsGod’s Sovereignty: God can reach and transform anyone, regardless of their past.Obedience and Trust: Ananias’ and Barnabas’ obedience to God’s call played a pivotal role in Paul’s journey.Community Support: New believers need the support and encouragement of the faith community.Perseverance through Trials: Embrace suffering as a part of the Christian walk, finding joy in God's presence amidst trials.Practical TakeawaysPray for the Unreachable: Trust that God is actively seeking those who seem far from Him.Engage and Support: Be willing to support and encourage new believers, helping them integrate into the faith community.Live as Examples: Strive to be godly examples, equippers, and encouragers for others in their faith journey.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com