Bent Oak Church

Paul and Barnabas embark on their missionary journey in Cyprus, facing fierce opposition from a false prophet. As Paul steps into the leadership role, he powerfully confronts the deception of Bar-Jesus, illustrating that spreading the gospel is a spiritual battle, not just a debate. The immediate blindness of Bar-Jesus serves as a poignant symbol of spiritual awakening. Listeners are reminded that opposition is a natural part of gospel work, and they are encouraged to remain bold in sharing the truth empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Before Luke records the great missionary works of Paul, he pauses the story to give us another summary glimpse of the church, this time the church and its leaders in Antioch. It is a short passage but teaches a lot about how the church can embrace the misison of God. 

Before turning his attention to the church's missionary efforts, Luke returns to give us another story from Jerusalem. Under renewed persecution, Peter had been imprisoned by Herod. But once again, Peter would find a miraculous escape while Herod would meet his fall from pride and vanity. 

Jance Mosley shares how God has been faithful to his promises over time and through faithful obedience. 

Ella Braunberger shares how God has been faithful to her both in her sermon and special music. 

Shane Logan begins our Christmas Immanuel series by sharing a testimony of God's faithfulness through his life. 

Over the last few weeks, we've been discussing the need for an imagination, led by the Spirit for recognizing all that God is at work doing. In this passage, we get a closer look at Barnabas and how he models the kind of faith that allows him to recognize the genuine work of God. 

When word spread that Peter had entered the home of gentile, it lead to criticism. Peter was called in to answer questions in Jersualem. But as Peter gave an explanation, his critics were moved. By the end of the passage, there was a new unity and a move of worship. We explore how Peter's message can help us find a similar unity and worship.

Peter's realization that God shows no partiality leads him to preach to Cornelius' household. While he speaks, the Holy Spirit unexpectedly falls on the Gentiles, filling them with tongues and prompting worship. This event showcases the inclusive nature of God's mission and the power of the Spirit in transforming lives. The hosts discuss how preaching and worship are intertwined, emphasizing that true conversion means active participation in God's work. They also remind listeners to remain open to the Spirit's interruptions in their daily lives.

Explore how Peter's unexpected encounter with Cornelius marks a pivotal moment for the early church as it expands beyond Jewish boundaries. Dive into the significance of Peter's vision challenging dietary laws and how God redefines who is clean and unclean. Discover the roles of God-fearers and the transformative power of God's presence in a Gentile home. This story prompts a reimagining of mission, urging us to recognize God's work in unexpected places, offering hope and inclusivity amidst contemporary anxieties.