Harvest Church of Minden

Acts 25-26

Paul appeals to Caesar as the Jews and the Governor Festus continue to find fault or no fault and he remains imprisoned. He is able to share his testimony and the gospel message with Agrippa, Festus and many Roman officers and soldiers. Paul did not fear death, but was emboldened by the grace of God to share the truth of the prophets and Moses which point to Christ. 

Acts 23:25-24:27 Paul finally get formal accusations against him, and the chance to defend against those. His case is left in limbo as he awaits the testimony of Claudius Lysias; in the meantime, he continues to share the gospel message and preach Christ.

Acts 22:30-23:24 Paul goes before the Sanhedrin and is interrupted by the high priest in an indignant exchange. As arguments ensue, his hope is found in the words of Jesus. The same needs to be true for us as we face moments of contention within the secular world. Jesus is our hope, but the enemy will try to silence us and the spread of the gospel message. 

Acts 21:37-22:29

Paul courageously defends the faith before an angry mob by sharing his testimony and the commission to take the gospel to the gentiles. This is his first of 5 defenses.

Acts 21:1-36

Paul finishes his third missionary journey with the resolve to go to Jerusalem. He has two encounters where fellow believers try to discourage him as rumors and lies are being spread about him. However as he tries to live out the gospel message he is assaulted and arrested. Where does truth and Justice prevail amid the chaos?

Acts 20:17-38

Paul recounts his ministry in Ephesus to the elders and testifies to how he lived while among them. He warns and encourages them to hold firm to the gospel because the wolves will come in to pull people away. And that ultimately the resolve to follow the Lord may lead to hard circumstances.

Acts 20:1-16

Paul travels to Greece for his farewell encouragements, and also has to raise a young man back to life after he fell asleep in a third story window. The encouragement to be alert remains for the church today in order to set our focus on the purpose of fulling the Great Commission

Acts 19:21-41

Paul is resolved for the last season of his ministry for the gospel. The effects of the gospel message being preached has changed the culture at Ephesus causing a riot among the people because the idol industry has lost a lot of business. The gospel preached will have ripple effects that will pass through the whole culture.

Acts 19:11-20

This passage addresses the topic of Spiritual Warfare. It is a difficult doctrine to live out, but crucial to the believer's life. As we are rooted in Christ, we are vessels to be used by the Lord for his glory, not our own fame. 

Galatians 5:22-23

Steve Kiesel shares a portrait of Jesus found in scripture based around of the fruit of the spirit.