Belay Church Podcast

What does it mean to have Jesus as my Defender? And what can we learn about that in Acts 24? Once again, we find the Apostle Paul in court. Different setting, and a few different people, but the same baseless accusations. However, Paul isn’t shaken or concerned. In fact, he’s quite calm! How so? Well, Paul made three big discoveries about Jesus being his defender.

If the Christian faith could be summed up one one word, “hope” would be a very strong candidate. In Acts, chapter 23, the Apostle Paul is brought before a court of his peers, who level baseless accusations against him. Despite the uncertainty of his life and future, Paul discovered three realities that gave him an unshakable hope.

The ancient city of Philadelphia—present day Alasehir, Turkey—once sat at the crossroads of civilization. Many called it the “Gateway to the East,” and Jesus called his church to seize the opportunity that living there provided. Revelation 3:7-13 (NIV) “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no on...

Sardis was once a powerful city, proud of it’s reputation of being an invincible city. Sadly, because the city slept, enemy armies were able to easily take it over. The city failed to wake up. Jesus reminds the church in Sardis of their city’s history, and lets them know they, too, are sleeping. Depending on their reputation of being “alive,” He lets them know that they are actually asleep, and ne...

Why Do We say Good Friday is Good? We'll take a look at the seven final statements from Jesus on the cross to learn what made this day so good.