Today's episode takes us on Paul's first missionary journey with Barnabas. They face opposition but spread the Gospel far and wide. Even with challenges like John Mark leaving, the mission continues, showing that the Gospel message is not limited by culture or location.
Today our teacher, John Mathews and co-host, Esther Sisulu show us how the early church grew and included Gentiles. Peter explains his visit to Cornelius's house, and the church in Antioch becomes a diverse community. Despite persecution and the martyrdom of James, the church's faith grows stronger. Peter's miraculous escape from prison reminds us that faith can overcome any obstacle.
In today's episode we learn that God's love includes everyone, not just Jews. Cornelius, a Roman officer, and Peter, a Jewish apostle, both have visions leading them to meet. Peter realizes God accepts all people, and Cornelius's household receives the Holy Spirit, showing that the Gospel is for everyone.
Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted Christians, experiences a life-changing moment on the road to Damascus. Jesus himself appears to Saul, leading to his transformation. Saul is blinded, then healed by Ananias, and begins preaching about Jesus.
Acts chapter 8 highlights how persecution can serve as a catalyst for spreading the gospel. Following Stephen's martyrdom, Saul's intense persecution scatters believers, who continue to preach the word. Philip evangelizes in Samaria, performing miracles and baptizing many, including Simon the sorcerer, whose false conversion and rebuke by Peter illustrates the need for genuine repentance.
Acts chapters 6 and 7 detail the growth of the early church and the challenges it faces. As the community of believers expands, the apostles appoint seven men, including Stephen, to assist with practical needs, allowing the apostles to focus on preaching.
This episode presents a stark contrast between genuine faith and deceit. Ananias and Sapphira attempt to deceive the apostles by lying about their donation, leading to their sudden deaths as a sobering example of God's view on dishonesty
In this episode the apostles encounter their first major opposition after the ascension of Jesus. Peter and John heal a lame man, leading to a powerful sermon by Peter that emphasizes repentance and faith in Jesus.
In this episode we witness the transformative power of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost. The disciples, once timid and uncertain, become bold proclaimers of the gospel as the Holy Spirit descends upon them.
This episode marks the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the establishment of the early church. The chapter begins with Jesus providing instructions to His apostles and promising the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
In 2 Peter Chapter 1, our teacher John Mathews emphasizes that
believers have “Everything We Need” for a godly life through their
knowledge of Jesus Christ. He reassures us that Jesus’ sacrifice is
sufficient and that the teachings of the apostles provide us with all
the necessary guidance. Peter encourages Christians to lead lives
of virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness and love, confirming
their calling and election. He also affirms the truthfulness of
Scripture, emphasizing that prophecy is not open to personal
interpretation but is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The theme of Leviticus 3-5 is “Peace With God and Man.” These chapters explain offerings meant to restore peace between people and God, and address how unintentional sins can be forgiven. The peace offering symbolized gratitude and a harmonious relationship with God, reminding us that gratitude strengthens our connection with Him. The sin offering covered unintentional sins, showing that all sin—whether small or accidental—interrupts our fellowship with God and requires atonement through the shedding of blood. The guilt offering focused on how sins and offenses against others required confession and restitution. These laws teach us to be thankful, confess wrongs, and repair relationships with neighbours. Today, we don’t need animal sacrifices because Jesus paid the price for us through His blood, but peace with God and others still requires repentance, honesty, and humility.
Leviticus 11 talks about pure and impure animals in the Old Testament dietary laws. These laws weren’t just about food—they taught deep spiritual lessons. Clean animals like those that chew their cud symbolize ruminating over God’s Word, while parted-hoof animals represent a separated, holy walk. Both traits are necessary to live a God-honouring life: focusing on the Word and living set apart from the world. God used these dietary laws to teach holiness, reminding the Israelites to stay distinct from pagan practices and impurities. While these ceremonial laws are no longer required for Christians today, striving for holiness remains important. Our teacher, John Mathews, reminds us that impurity doesn’t just come from outward things—it often comes from within. Ultimately, God calls us to be holy because He is holy, setting a higher standard for living lives that honour Him.
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites created a golden calf and fell into idolatry. This revealed their continued attachment to the sinful practices of Egypt. Moses interceded for the people, and God showed mercy, though consequences followed. This chapter reminds us that even after being saved, we must actively remove sin and worldly influences from our lives. God calls us to worship Him alone and to remain faithful, even when tempted to stray.
In Exodus 17-18, the theme “Don’t Be in Dismay, Pray!” highlights God’s provision and guidance during challenges. In chapter 17, the Israelites complain about thirst, and God provides water from a rock. When the Amalekites attack, Moses prays while Joshua leads the battle. God’s power prevails when Moses’ hands are lifted, teaching the importance of prayer and teamwork. In chapter 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This wisdom helps Moses avoid burnout and trains others for leadership. These chapters remind us that God provides for both our physical and spiritual needs when we trust Him.
