The Hope Valley Podcast

In the final part of our verse-by-verse study through the book of Acts, we conclude by focusing on the challenge to do the work of the Gospel. In order to know Jesus, we have to receive Him as He is and be about the work He has given us.

In part 63 of our study through the book of Acts, we read through Paul's perilous journey to Rome while in Roman custody - and we see how anchoring ourself to a single, clear promise of God can be all we need to move forward and experience God's blessings in our lives.

In part 62 of our study through the book of Acts, we cover chapters 25 & 26 to discuss Paul's decision to appeal to Caesar. Often seen as impulsive or misguided, Paul was nevertheless taking the door that was open to go where God was sending him - even though it was the harder door to take. Should we wait for easier doors? Does the easier door always lead to a better roads? In this lesson we w...

In part 61 of our study through the book of Acts, we read Acts 24 and focus on the reaction that Roman Governor Felix has to Paul sharing the ethical implications of the Gospel. He seemed interested in the potential blessings of Christ, but not in the idea of being accountable to Him.

In part 60 of our study through the book of Acts, we explore a series of events where God opened doors for Paul at just the right time and reflect on the fact that Paul had to continue moving forward without knowing what doors would open and when. Website: https://www.hopevalley.church/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopevalley.church/ Spotify...

In part 59 of our study through the book of Acts, we see how the hard hearts of the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem, including their hard hearts towards the Gentiles, led to them missing out on God's promises and blessings. Website: https://www.hopevalley.church/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopevalley.church/

In part 58 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at a situation Paul faced when returning to Jerusalem from his third missionary journey, and how his freedom in Christ allowed him to conform to the boundaries of others in order to pursue the higher obligation of love and unity. Website: https://www.hopevalley.church/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Instagram: https://www....

In part 57 of our study through the book of Acts, we begin chapter 21 and look at a time when multiple people were hearing God say the same thing, but came to different conclusions and disagreed about what they should do, and we'll explore how to handle those same situations in our own lives. -------- Website: https://www.hopevalley.church/ -------- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopevalle...

In part 56 of our study through the book of Acts, we take a third and final pass through Paul's final message to the Ephesian Elders and look at a third key instruction he gives: we must protect the church community, even from ourselves.

In part 55 of our study through the book of Acts, we take a second pass through Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, and focus on a second key point, which is the importance of sharing the truth of God with others. Visit us online at www.hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hopevalley4sq

In part 54 of our study through the book of Acts, we take a first of three passes through Paul's final instruction to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Each week we will look at a different key point in Paul's message, and in this lesson we will explore the way he exhorted the elders to live in a way that blessed others and advanced God's Kingdom. Visit us online at www.hopevalley.c...

In part 53 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the riot that takes place in Ephesus and examine the behavior of the rioters who exemplify some of the most common human sins. In this lesson, we confront the reality that those same sins are present in all of us, and look to Jesus to find a new way to be human - the true way to be human. Visit us online at hopevalley.church or find us o...

In part 52 of our study through the book of Acts, we follow a thread that runs through three encounters: 1) the twelve believers that Paul finds in Ephesus 2) the seven misguided sons of Sceva, and 3) the new believers who give up their old sorceries. As we follow this thread, we will focus on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for Christians to embrace the Gift of the Holy Spirit, which is...

In part 51 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the way that Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos seemed to simply trust God with other people. They didn’t let relational anxiety or personal pride trip them up. From their example, we will explore the implications of this in our own lives and relationships, and challenge ourselves with the question: "How will you practice trusting...

In part 50 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at Luke's description of Paul's stay in Corinth and overlay it with Paul's letters written during and after that time to see how God worked to build the church community and partner them together in mutual support. From this, we can learn what to expect from God when we focus on obedience and faithfulness, rather than on the out...

In part 49 of our study through the book of Acts, we take a second look at Paul's speech to the Areopagus Council in Athens and unpack the theology of his message, which is about Who God is, what we are, and how we must relate to God. Visit us online at www.hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Find our weekly devotionals at www.hopevalley.church/devo

In part 48 of our study through the book of Acts, we begin to explore Paul's sermon in Athens at the Areopagus and follow his example to see how we can share the gospel in a way that is relevant to our culture, but not aligned with it. Visit us online at hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Find our weekly devotionals at hopevalley.church/devo

In part 47 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the way the Bereans responded to Paul's teaching. They were open minded and teachable, but also diligent and placed the burden on themselves to study the scripture and verify Paul's message. How can we learn from their example in our own approach to Christian teaching? Visit us online at hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook a...

In part 46 of our study through the book of Acts, we explore the paradox of the jailer being set free. Freedom is a theme that runs through the events of this passage, and we will be looking at where true freedom comes from: Christ and not our circumstances. Visit us online at hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Find our weekly devotionals at hopevalley.church/de...

In part 45 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the many ways that God directed Paul and the team. He moved them in a clear direction, but it was still up to them to find their way by using the gifts and skills that God was developing in them. The lesson for us is to be alert and attentive to God’s direction and then courageous enough to move forward, putting into practice the things...

In part 44 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the apparent contradiction of Paul circumcising Timothy and explore the importance of reputation to building relational bridges with others. In order to do this, we will have to follow Jesus' example of laying down our rights, just as Timothy does in this passage. Visit us online at www.hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at www...

In part 43 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at Acts 15:35-41 where neither Paul or Barnabas seemed to have the obviously right answer about what to do with John-Mark. In this lesson, we consider how we can allow for differences of opinion and direction within the church, remembering that each of us answer to God. Visit us online at www.hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at www....

In part 42 of our study through the book of Acts, we look at the way that the first doctrinal dispute was settled in the early church. It wasn’t left to each individual to decide for themselves - they took a community approach to hearing from God, not an individualistic approach. Furthermore, we see the early Christians trusted God to speak through the church and its leadership. So, we must challe...

In part 41 of our study through the book of Acts we focus on Peter’s question: “Why are you testing God...” Grace is so incredible that it is hard to truly accept. Our human nature wants to add conditions and requirements to God’s grace, so that we can feel deserving of it. When we do this, we place burdens on ourselves and others that are not from God. The goal of this lesson is to exhort people...

This Easter Sunday, Pastor Sam explores three things that the resurrection of Jesus means for those who follow Him. Visit us online at www.hopevalley.church or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hopevalley4sq Find our weekly devotionals at www.hopevalley.church/devo