This is the final podcast in our strengthening series. As we looked at Paul’s 3rd trip sent out from the church of Antioch we learned valuable practices to assist us in strengthening our faith. The final aspect of strengthening is found in Acts 20 from Paul’s final address to the Ephesian Elders. From these words of Paul we learn it is the job of overseers to strengthen the church by protecting them from negative influences and to prepare them for works of the ministry.

I was negligent to mention during the teaching the reason we (The GC Overseers) take our roles of protecting and preparing very seriously. In Acts 20:28 Paul says to those Ephesian elders, “Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood“. You are not our (GC) church. You are GOD’S church! You were purchased with His own blood! He loves you very much and desires the very best for you. We (Overseers) have been given a special assignment by God to lead you and we will stand before God one day and give account for how we assisted you in becoming all that God desires for you. I pray we do that!

Enjoy the Podcast - Strengthening: Overseers’ role

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The beginning verses of Acts 20 tells the story of a boy that fell asleep during a church gathering and paid a severe price for it (although it worked out for him later).  Often we focus on the miracle that takes place during this text and miss out on the fact we are given a sneak peak inside a 1st century church gathering!  This gathering gives us insights to the aspects and practices of the church that were used to strengthen their faiths.  These practices can strengthen ours as well!

Acts 20 Podcast

There are many subjects in the sphere of Christianity that are debated amongst the global church. And I can think of no other subject that raises more disagreements than the role of the Holy Spirit in our (followers of Jesus) lives. The Holy Spirit sparks questions such as:

Are sign gifts for today?
When do we receive the Holy Spirit?
Is there a baptism of the Holy Spirit?

But questions like these can sometimes keep us from the importance of what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus - “Do not be drunk with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” We need the work of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious and strengthened Christian life. In this podcast we (the GC) wrestle with a tough text - Acts 19:1-7. Tough because there are a few different interpretations regarding the ramifications of these verses for us - living a little less than 2000 years since this event in Ephesus took place.

But the struggle was worth it and I hope you find this podcast helpful to the strengthening of your faith. I pray you learn more about the wonderful gift we have in God - The Counselor & Comforter.

Strength: The Holy Spirit

Here is the podcast from Sunday, April 26.  My goal is to have these podcasts caught up by the end of the week.  This podcast is the first in our Strength Series.  I pray you find it helpful in your quest to both be strengthened and to strengthen others.  May we all be like Priscilla and Aquilla to those we see unbelievable potential in.

Strength: The Way of God