Bible Teaching from Calvary East

God uses seven different circumstances to accomplish his good purpose during Paul’s imprisonment in Jerusalem: (1) injustice; (2) birth; (3) conscience; (4) background; (5) opposition; (6) family; and (7) politics. This sermon is part 3 of “Unhindered,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 21-28.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) History is God's Tapestry | Intro to Acts 22.22-23.35(3:26) Injustice and the Sovereignty of God | Acts 22.22-24(9:13) Your Birth in God's Sovereign Plan | Acts 22.25-29(15:11) Does God Work Through Your Conscience? Acts 22.30-23.5(21:32) Trust God's Recipe for Your Life | Acts 23.6-9(25:58) How God Can Use Opposition | Acts 23.10-15(29:28) Trust God's Work in Your Family | Acts 23.16-22(33:33) God Works Through Political Chaos | Acts 23.23-35(38:08) Summary & Response

Paul's arrest reveals six stages in the way that God's truth sets people free: (1) constrained; (2) confused; (3) coercion; (4) confronted; (5) cleansed; and (6) commissioned. This sermon is part 2 of “Unhindered,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 21-28.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) The Freedom Jesus Offers | Intro to Acts 21.27-22.21(2:41) Seeing Life Through Spiritual Blinders | Acts 21.27-30(8:34) Why Confusion is Good | Acts 21.31-40(15:05) The Temptation of Spiritual Coercion | Acts 22.1-5(21:10) We Need to See the Painful Truth | Acts 22.6-11(26:06) The Freedom of Being Cleansed | Acts 22.12-16(30:04) Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation | Acts 22.17-21(35:34) Summary & Response

As Paul seeks out fellowship on his way to Jerusalem, Luke gives us five glimpses of its powerful benefits: (1) familial support; (2) spiritual ministry; (3) personal example; (4) mutual purpose; and (5) insightful perspective. This sermon is part 1 of “Unhindered,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 21-28.TRANSCRIPTSERIES PLAYLISTCHAPTERS(00:00) Finding Freedom | Intro to Acts 21-28(4:20) The Wrong Approach to Church Life | Intro to Acts 21.1-26(7:22) Why You Need a Church Family | Acts 21.1-7(13:27) Becoming the Body of Christ | Acts 21.8-11(18:17) The Example We Need | Acts 21.12-14(23:24) A Purpose that Overcomes Differences | Acts 21.15-20(29:51) Help for Life's Blind Spots | Acts 21.20-26(36:50) Summary & Response

Paul models three commitments of gospel driven leadership that we should all make: (1) diligently encourage; (2) faithfully testify; and (3) vigilantly shepherd. This sermon is part 16 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) Running a Spiritual Relay(03:20) Commitment #1: Diligently Encourage (vv. 1-16)(16:55) Commitment #2: Faithfully Testify (vv. 17-27)(24:37) Commitment #3: Vigilantly Shepherd (vv. 28-38)(36:12) Summary & Next Steps

Luke highlights three pitfalls of cultural conflict that Paul and the believers in Ephesus avoided: (1) spiritual compromise; (2) public dispute; and (3) unnecessary offense. This sermon is part 15 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) How Evangelism is Like Archaeology(04:34) The Pitfall of Spiritual Compromise (vv. 21-27)(13:47) The Pitfall of Public Dispute (vv. 28-34)(21:58) The Pitfall of Unnecessary Offense (vv. 35-41)(31:15) Next Steps

Luke describes how three spiritual problems in Ephesus are solved: (1) zeal without knowledge; (2) repentance without belief; and (3) belief without repentance. This sermon is part 14 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) Complex Problems?(03:17) Apollos: The Problem of Zeal without Knowledge(13:50) The Disciples of John: The Problem of Repentance without Belief(24:42) The Sons of Sceva: The Problem of Belief without Repentance(33:56) Next Steps

Luke highlights four practical decisions that we must all make as we seek to fulfill Christ’s mission: (1) provision; (2) progress; (3) protection; and (4) priorities. This sermon is part 13 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) Staying on Course(06:16) Provision(14:45) Progress(22:08) Protection(30:23) Priorities(36:43) Next Steps

Paul’s ministry in Athens demonstrates seven practical considerations for evangelistic reasoning: (1) harness your impulsive heart; (2) seek appropriate settings; (3) observe cultural opportunities; (4) proclaim biblical priorities; (5) enlist relatable examples; (6) define the urgent decision; and (7) accept people’s answers. This sermon is part 12 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) When Things Get Complicated...(05:04) Harness Your Impulsive Heart(10:02) Seek Appropriate Settings(16:30) Observe Cultural Opportunities(21:36) Proclaim Biblical Priorities(30:28) Enlist Relatable Examples(34:36) Define the Urgent Decision(41:24) Accept People's Anwers(45:39) Next Steps

Luke's account of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica and Berea demonstrates three components of a Christian approach to reason: (1) explaining biblical proof; (2) avoiding emotional agitation; and (3) encouraging biblical examination. This sermon is part 11 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) Introduction - Travel & Cultural Differences(05:26) The Starting Point for Explaining Biblical Proof(14:23) Avoiding Pushing People's Button with Emotional Agitation (25:05) Encouraging Biblical Examination rather than Parroting (32:35) Summary & Responses#reason #acts17 #apologetics #expositorypreaching

Luke’s account of Paul’s ministry in Philippi prepares us to interact with five types of people that we will meet as we spread the faith: (1) worshipers; (2) scoffers; (3) reactionaries; (4) prisoners; and (5) people pleasers. This sermon is part 10 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠⁠CHAPTERS(00:00) Introduction - Places and People(05:58) Worshipers(14:39) Scoffers(21:05) Reactionaries(28:00) Prisoners(35:00) People-Pleasers(41:05) Summary & Responses

Paul’s second missionary journey begins with three sacrifices that every Christian should be willing to make for the spread of the gospel: (1) friendship; (2) freedom; and (3) control. This sermon is part 9 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLIST⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction - Spiritual Superheroes?05:04 A Sacrifice of Friendship14:25 A Sacrifice of Freedom23:53 A Sacrifice of Control33:22 Summary & Responses to Consider#Book of Acts #Apostle Paul #Christian Ministry #Evangelism

Luke’s account of the Jerusalem Council shows four indications of the priority of grace in Christian belief and practice: (1) the subject of contention; (2) the object of faith; (3) the fulfillment of prophecy; and (4) the guide for relationships. This sermon is part 8 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLISTCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction - God's Triage04:13 Grace is the Subject of Contention13:35 Grace is the Object of Faith21:32 Grace is the Fulfillment of Prophecy28:22 Grace is the Guide for Relationships38:14 Summary & Responses

Each New Testament Gospel presents a distinct but complementary view of the birth of Jesus. He is the Perfect King (Matthew), the Devoted Servant (Mark), the Caring Savior (Luke), and the Life-giving Word (John). This sermon was delivered by Bryan Craddock in celebration of Christmas 2025. TranscriptCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction - Distinct Flavors05:10 The Perfect King (Matthew)14:16 The Devoted Servant (Mark)20:26 The Caring Savior (Luke)28:24 The Life-giving Word (John)35:10 Summary & Responses

Luke’s account of Paul’s first missionary journey alerts us to four common attacks on grace: (1) Denial; (2) defamation; (3) delusion; and (4) depreciation. This sermon is part 7 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLISTCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction - Alert for Attacks03:44 Attack 1 - Denial (Acts 13.42-49)12:42 Attack 2 - Defamation (Acts 13.50-14.7)20:03 Attack 3 - Delusion (Acts 14.8-20)30:12 Attack 4 - Depreciation (Acts 14.21-28)37:54 Summary & Responses

The beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey demonstrates six forces that compel us all to go with the gospel: (1) the passionate worship of God; (2) the opposition of false teaching; (3) the revealed plan of God; (4) the prophesied death of Jesus; (5) the prophesied resurrection of Jesus; and (6) the forgiveness and freedom of faith. This sermon is part 6 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠SERIES PLAYLISTCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction - Overcoming Evangelistic Inertia05:00 Force 1 - The Passionate Worship of God (Acts 12.24-13.4)12:13 Force 2 - The Opposition of False Teaching (Acts 13.5-13)21:00 Force 3 - The Revealed Plan of God (Acts 13.14-23)26:28 Force 4 - The Prophesied Death of Jesus (Acts 13.24-29)32:14 Force 5 - The Prophesied Resurrection of Jesus (Acts 13.30-37)38:52 Force 6 - The Forgiveness and Freedom of Faith (Acts 13.38-41) 43:33 Summary & Responses

Luke’s account of persecution in the early church prepares us with a four-step plan: (1) recognize the danger; (2) rely on prayer; (3) refuse to doubt; and (4) respect God’s wrath. This sermon is part 5 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Series Playlist00:00 Introduction - The Problem with Hypersensitive Alarms03:55 Step 1 - Recognize the Possibility11:35 Step 2 - Rely upon Prayer18:05 Step 3 - Refuse to Doubt25:40 Step 4 - Respect God's Wrath31:45 Conclusion - Summary & Response to Acts 12#Acts12 #ChristianPersecution #ExpositoryPreaching #Kalamazoo

Paul shares three reasons why he doesn't lose heart: (1) God's Word gives light; (2) Christ's resurrection gives power; and (3) God's promise gives hope.Read the Transcript#Christian Life #2 Corinthians 4 #Bible Teaching

Luke recounts three practices that cultivated unity in the early church: (1) celebrating God’s saving work; (2) encouraging devotion to the Lord; and (3) responding to one another’s needs. This sermon is part 4 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠Series Playlist

Peter's journey shows us five steps down the path of peace: (1) Remember Jesus' power; (2) follow God's instructions; (3) practice kind hospitality; (4) grasp the implications of the gospel; and (5) embrace our spiritual unity. This sermon is part 3 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.Transcript⁠⁠Series Playlist

The story of Saul demonstrates four stages in the experience of coming to faith in Christ: (1) Conviction; (2) identification; (3) opposition; and (4) connection. This sermon is part 2 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.Transcript⁠⁠Series Playlist

Luke's account of Philip's ministry challenges us to rethink three false assumptions about spreading the faith: (1) the necessity of stability; (2) the popularity of power; and (3) the improbability of receptivity. This sermon is part 1 of “Spreading the Faith,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 8-20.TranscriptSeries Playlist

Fresh from his trip to Greece, Bryan Craddock shares six biblical reflections related to Athens, Crete, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, Philippi, and Corinth.

Luke's account of Stephen and his message exposes nine challenges that we must prepare to overcome: (6) presumption; (7) rejection; (8) distortion; and (9) hostility. This sermon is part 12 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Series Playlist⁠#Bible Teaching #Spiritual Leadership #Book of Acts

Luke's account of Stephen and his message exposes nine challenges that we must prepare to overcome: (1) arguments; (2) accusations; (3) delay; (4) affliction; and (5) persecution. This sermon is part 11 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠Series Playlist#Bible Teaching #Spiritual Leadership #Book of Acts

Luke's account of a problem in the early church reveals seven values that should still guide us today: (1) unity; (2) meeting needs; (3) the word of God; (4) integrity; (5) prayer; (6) responsibility; and (7) multiplication. This sermon is part 10 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.Transcript⁠⁠Series Playlist

Luke identifies four contrasts between the Jewish authorities and the apostles that help us understand the heart of healthy spiritual leadership: (1) jealousy vs. life; 2) perplexity vs. teaching; (3) fear vs. obedience; and (4) anger vs. joy. This sermon is part 9 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.TranscriptSeries Playlist

The story of Ananias and Sapphira suggests four warnings to help us deal with sin in the church: (1) the occasion--when you least expect it; 2) the expression--looking good on the outside; (3) the valuation--worthy of death; and (4) the implication--the power of holiness. This sermon is part 8 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.Transcript⁠⁠Series Playlist

Luke shows us how the apostles stayed true to the mission, message, method, and means of Jesus while facing opposition. They called people to faith as they proclaimed Jesus in a spirit of humble submission relying upon prayer. This sermon is part 7 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.TranscriptSeries Playlist

Through Peter's example, Luke shows us five necessary ingredients of being a good witness for Christ: (1) Attention; (2) compassion; (3) confrontation; (4) invitation; and (5) explanation. This sermon is part 6 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.TranscriptSeries Playlist

Luke's account of early church life demonstrates five essential practices of Biblical fellowship that every Christian needs to follow: (1) learn with one another; (2) pray for one another; (3) share with one another; (4) worship with one another; and (5) witness with one another. This sermon is part 5 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.TranscriptSeries Playlist

In his sermon on Pentecost, Peter explains four urgent instructions for receiving the Holy Spirit: (1) accept why Jesus died; (2) believe that Jesus rose; (3) confess Jesus as Lord; and (4) repent and be baptized. This sermon is part 4 of “Building the Church,” Bryan Craddock’s verse-by-verse sermon series on Acts 1-7.TranscriptFull Series Playlist

Luke's account of the day of Pentecost reveals three changes that occur with the birth of the New Testament Church: (1) the presence of God, (2) hope for the nations, and (3) the beginning of the end. This sermon is part 3 in "Building the Church," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Acts 1-7.TranscriptFull Series Playlist

Luke's account of the church selecting a new apostle highlights three steps in their decision-making process for us to follow: (1) consistent devotion to prayer, (2) diligent biblical application, and (3) an interdependent plan of action. This sermon is part 2 in "Building the Church," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Acts 1-7.TranscriptFull Series

Luke shows us four essential components of Jesus' plan for the church: (1) Belief in the risen Christ, (2) baptism with the Holy Spirit, (3) focus on global witness, and (4) anticipation of Jesus' return. This sermon is part 1 in "Building the Church," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Acts 1-7.TranscriptFull Series

The Lord invites us to respond to His revelation about the Suffering Servant in four ways: (1) satisfy your starving soul, (2) follow God's leader to glory, (3) seek God's abundant pardon, and (4) trust God's transforming word. This sermon is part 8 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.TranscriptFull Series Playlist

The Lord calls His people to celebrate four changes that they will experience because of the Servant's saving work: (1) from desolation to multiplication, (2) from desertion to reconciliation, (3) from agitation to fortification, and (4) from oppression to vindication. This sermon is part 7 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.TranscriptFull Series Playlist

Isaiah reveals four ways that the Servant will triumph through his personal sacrifice: (1) his astonishing exaltation, (2) his healing affliction, (3) his penal substitution, and (4) his prosperous intercession. This sermon is part 6 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.TranscriptFull Series Playlist

The Lord issues a wake-up call with four alarming warnings that show why we need the Suffering Servant: (1) the effect of the Lord's wrath, (2) the neglect of the Lord's redemption, (3) the prospect of the Lord's return, and (4) the respect of the Lord's purity. This sermon is part 5 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.Transcript - calvaryeast.com/sermons/servant5

The Arm of the Lord brings comfort to God's people by fulfilling four promises: (1) restoration, (2) righteousness, (3) redemption, and (4) refuge. This sermon is part 4 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.Transcript - https://calvaryeast.com/sermons/servant4

The Servant's response to suffering reveals five aspects of his character that compel us to follow him: (1) his sustaining tongue, (2) his obedient ear, (3) his surrendered body, (4) his confident face, and (5) his authoritative voice. This sermon is part 3 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.Transcript available at calvaryeast.com/sermons/servant3

The Lord refutes five lies about suffering. They are summed up in the words: (1) forgotten, (2) alone, (3) hopeless, (4) unjust, and (5) innocent. This sermon is part 2 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55.For a transcript visit calvaryeast.com/sermons/servant2

The Servant fulfills three roles that are crucial in determining how we should relate to him. He is: (1) A spokesman to heed, (2) a light to follow, and (3) a rescuer to trust. This sermon is part 1 in "The Suffering Servant," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on Isaiah 49-55. For a transcript visit ⁠calvaryeast.com/sermons/servant1

Peter concludes his letter with four goals that define the Christian life: (1) Salvation, (2) stability, (3) growth, and (4) glory.

Peter explains four ways that we should live in light of the coming day of the Lord: (1) Be vigilant, (2) be different, (3) be urgent, and (4) be content.

Peter prepares followers of Christ to handle scoffers by teaching us three ways to respond: (1) Discern their motive, (2) dissect their argument, and (3) desire their repentance.

Peter identifies four points of departure from the way of truth and righteousness: (1) Despising authority, (2) disregarding morality, (3) distorting liberty, and (4) deepening depravity.

Peter refutes fives reasons that people might give for listening to a false teacher: (1) Their profession; (2) their persuasion; (3) their position; (4) their popularity; and (5) their persistence. This sermon is part 4 in "A Fisherman's Truth," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on 2 Peter.

Peter directs us to three authoritative sources that we should rely upon for knowing God: (1) the apostles' teaching; (2) the apostles' witness; and (3) the prophetic word. This sermon is part 3 in "A Fisherman's Truth," Bryan Craddock's series of verse-by-verse sermons on 2 Peter.

Peter calls everyone who knows God to make three commitments: (1) Be diligent, not negligent, (2) be fruitful, not forgetful, and (3) be sure, not stumbling. This sermon is part 2 of “A Fisherman's Truth” Bryan Craddock’s series on 2 Peter.

Peter helps us grasp three privileges granted to every believer through our relationship with God: (1) an equal faith, (2) a full knowledge, and (3) a glorious calling. This sermon is part 1 of “A Fisherman's Truth” Bryan Craddock’s series on 2 Peter.