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The second missionary journey of Paul continued, extending the gospel into Europe for the first time. And though the gospel message was often received, it was also met with resistance and ridicule. Yet Pastor Brett Meador provides for us a verse-by-verse account of Acts Chapter 17 in Today’s Word, demonstrating Paul’s readiness to spread God’s word to all with ears to hear.

After being beaten and wrongly imprisoned, Paul and Silas responded in a somewhat unexpected way - with praises to God. Their worship became the setting for a miraculous earthquake, opening not just the jail door, but created an opening to the jailer and his household to hear the gospel and come to faith in Jesus. Pastor Brett Meador shares their example in Today’s Word.

Acts Chapter 16 finds Paul and Silas unjustly thrown into prison, but they had a surprising reaction to their suffering. As they prayed and sang hymns to the Lord, they found strength in a remarkable miracle that created an opportunity to minister and lead many to salvation. Pastor Brett Meador highlights their example of the power of prayer and praise in Today’s Word.

In the book of Acts, we learn of not just a sudden great earthquake, but one that was clearly supernatural. Not only because of its timing and location where Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but also in the way that the doors were opened and chains were loosed. Pastor Brett Meador marvels in Today’s Word how the Holy Spirit used Paul and Silas in their terrible adversity.

In the book of Acts, we learn of not just a sudden great earthquake, but one that was clearly supernatural. Not only because of its timing and location where Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but also in the way that the doors were opened and chains were loosed. Pastor Brett Meador marvels in Today’s Word how the Holy Spirit used Paul and Silas in their terrible adversity.

The book of Acts depicts the early church growing through various missionary journeys of Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy and others. But Pastor Brett Meador in his verse-by-verse study series of Acts emphasizes not just how, but why people’s hearts were opened – and that’s because the teaching of the word of God. More in Today’s Word, of how the church is established in faith.

As Paul and Silas set out on their missionary journey they found themselves re-routed from their intended course and ended up beaten and imprisoned. Yet, despite these seeming setbacks, they continue to rejoice and share the Gospel, leading to salvation for many adding to the church in Philippi in the end. More from the book of Acts in Today’s Word, with Pastor Brett Meador.

Acts Chapter 15 brings us to an important moment in the early church. Answering a question having eternal consequences: Is salvation by God's grace alone, or must people earn it by keeping the law? Coming up, Pastor Brett Meador reinforces from Today’s Word why grace, not works, is the foundation of our faith and salvation. He begins with some background for the discussion.

Immediately after teaching that sinners are saved by grace alone, Paul told the Ephesians, believers are created for good works. Simply stated, good works can’t earn salvation, rather they’re a result of salvation. Yet in Acts 15 Jewish believers confronted Paul, Peter and James about grace unto salvation through Christ. Here’s Pastor Brett Meador with more in Today’s Word.

There’s an old saying ‘The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.’ This view of scripture conveys how the Old Testament includes symbols and prophesies that were fulfilled by Jesus. In a fascinating study in Today’s Word, Pastor Brett Meador presents several examples of scripture’s remarkable foreshadowing of Jesus.

As many Gentiles come to faith in Christ, a dispute arose over whether they should also follow Jewish customs and laws. Pastor Brett Meador finds the compelling statements about salvation from Peter, Paul, and James key to what the new believers should do and why. And in a study of Acts 15 in Today’s Word we’ll gain important clarity for how one is truly made right with God.

How is a person truly saved? Acts Chapter 15 tells of Peter addressing the confusion spreading through the early church. And continuing with remarkable examples of the Old Testament foreshadowing the work of Jesus begun last time, Pastor Brett Meador clarifies from Today’s Word that salvation has never been earned by religious works, but received by faith in Christ alone.

There’s an old saying ‘The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.’ This view of scripture conveys how the Old Testament includes symbols and prophesies that were fulfilled by Jesus. In a fascinating study in Today’s Word, Pastor Brett Meador presents several examples of scripture’s remarkable foreshadowing of Jesus.

In Acts Chapter 15 a heated debate arose over whether the new Gentile believers should be circumcised, and follow Jewish law. As we explore how they settled the issue, Pastor Brett Meador turns to the Old Testament in Today’s Word to remarkably find the answer in a striking parallel between Joseph and Jesus, providing great insight into salvation by grace through faith.

As they continued their first missionary journey in Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas encountered extraordinary opportunities but also fierce opposition. But despite the violent uprisings – and even a near-death experience for Paul – Pastor Brett Meador notes in Today’s Word, they continued performing miracles, preaching the Gospel, and strengthening the faith of new believers.

It’s been said that successful ministry creates opposition. And that’s what Paul and Barnabas certainly experienced while ministering in Iconium. Though many believed, they were also met by others that not only rejected the message, but stirred up others to reject the messengers. Pastor Brett Meador has more from Today’s Word in a verse-by-verse account from Acts Chapter 14.

It’s been said that successful ministry creates opposition. And that’s what Paul and Barnabas certainly experienced while ministering in Iconium. Though many believed, they were also met by others that not only rejected the message, but stirred up others to reject the messengers. Pastor Brett Meador has more from Today’s Word in a verse-by-verse account from Acts Chapter 14.

In Acts Chapter 14 the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas continued as they faithfully preached the grace of the gospel to the multitudes in Iconium. Some believed, others rejected, and the city became divided. But despite the growing opposition, Pastor Brett Meador notes the apostles’ courage to stand for Christ, and the wisdom to trust God’s leading in Today’s Word.

After a miraculous healing of a lame beggar through Paul, the gathered crowds of Act 14 are eager to worship him and Barnabas as gods. Moments later, those same people are persuaded to stone Paul instead. Yet from Today’s Word, Pastor Brett reflects on Paul’s sermon of how our faith must be anchored in the unchanging truth of God's Word - faithful despite man’s faithlessness.

Following the healing of the crippled beggar, Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for gods, leading Paul to address the fervent crowd in Acts Chapter 14, redirecting their misplaced worship to the one true God of the Bible. While clarifying the folly of idolatry, Paul reflects on how God reveals Himself through creation - a remarkable observation for us too… in Today’s Word.

We’ve learned that the apostle Paul, traditionally credited with authoring 13 epistles of the Bible, embarked on his first missionary journey with Barnabas in Acts Chapter 13. And coming up, Pastor Brett Meador reflects on the passage acknowledging the preparation, dedication, and application of Paul’s bold preaching that make up our verse-by-verse study of Today’s Word.

Paul and Barnabas embark on their first missionary journey in Acts Chapter 13, encountering both fierce opposition and incredible opportunities. Along the way, they faced resistance from a hostile sorcerer and Paul’s first sermon angered the Jews, yet blessing the Gentiles eager to receive the gospel. Pastor Brett Meador reflects on the early church growth from Today’s Word.

Paul and Barnabas embark on their first missionary journey in Acts Chapter 13, encountering both fierce opposition and incredible opportunities. Along the way, they faced resistance from a hostile sorcerer and Paul’s first sermon angered the Jews, yet blessing the Gentiles eager to receive the gospel. Pastor Brett Meador reflects on the early church growth from Today’s Word.

Acts Chapter 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey and reminds us that God's work begins with God's direction. Because Paul and the early church leaders followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, they found themselves divinely equipped for their calling. Pastor Brett Meador recognizes a similar call for the ministry of believers in Today’s Word.

David, in Psalm 32, points us to the only place where the guilt of sin is truly removed. As Pastor Brett Meador opens Today’s Word, we'll discover the blessing of being justified before the Lord, and the freedom that comes through His amazing grace. Revealed in our continuing study series of the book of Acts, we’ll find it’s God's forgiveness that assures the hope of heaven.

In Paul’s very first sermon, he made a powerful declaration that we can only find forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. Beginning in Acts Chapter 13, Pastor Brett Meador illustrates that what the Law could never accomplish, Jesus Christ has fulfilled. In Today's Word we discover the assurance, freedom, and hope that are found through justification by grace.

We see the Gospel spreading rapidly in the book of Acts. Yet the explosion of Christianity sparks persecution from Herod the King, killing James and imprisoning Peter. Yet in Today’s Word we still see that God is in control as Peter is miraculously freed through the power of prayer while Herod meets his ghastly demise. Pastor Brett Meador will begin in Acts chapter 11

In Acts 11, we see God opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles and raising up a thriving church in Antioch. We’re introduced to Barnabas, revealing the character of a godly servant - committed to building up and encouraging believers. And in Today’s Word, Pastor Brett Meador reflects on the church’s reliance not on human strength but by the grace and providence of God.

In Acts 11, we see God opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles and raising up a thriving church in Antioch. We’re introduced to Barnabas, revealing the character of a godly servant - committed to building up and encouraging believers. And in Today’s Word, Pastor Brett Meador reflects on the church’s reliance not on human strength but by the grace and providence of God.

Despite the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, Acts Chapter 11 tells of the gospel spreading rapidly to the Jews and Gentiles of Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. As Pastor Brett Meador continues in Today’s Word verse by verse through the book of Acts, we learn along with Peter how receiving the word of the Lord cleanses sin for both Jew and Gentile alike.

In Acts Chapter 10, Peter’s obedience to the call of God resulted in a breakthrough in the early church. Traditionally forbidden, he entered the home of the Gentile Cornelius, boldly preaching the gospel, and the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentile believers. With Today’s Word Pastor Brett Meador reaffirms God’s plan of salvation truly extends to whosoever believes.

God orchestrated an extraordinary scenario in Acts Chapter 10, leading to the salvation of Gentiles and their inclusion into the Church. As Pastor Brett Meador helps to unfold the story in Today’s Word, we’ll see how God combined vision and confirmation to accomplish His purpose, and hear the message of salvation through Jesus Christ preached to the Gentiles in Caesarea.

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus tasked His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. But it wasn’t until receiving a divine vision that Peter understood the message of the gospel truly applied to all people. Pastor Brett Meador reflects in Today’s Word how Peter’s obedience to the call of God led to the spreading the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Acts Chapter 9 records one of the most dramatic conversions in all of Scripture. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, while on the road to Damascus encountered the risen Jesus. As we observe the Lord confronting Saul’s rebellion while extending His grace, Pastor Brett Meador says we are reminded how no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy in our study of Today’s Word.

Acts Chapter 9 records one of the most dramatic conversions in all of Scripture. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, while on the road to Damascus encountered the risen Jesus. As we observe the Lord confronting Saul’s rebellion while extending His grace, Pastor Brett Meador says we are reminded how no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy in our study of Today’s Word.

Saul of Tarsus was on his way to threaten and murder the Christians in Damascus when he had a life-changing encounter with God in Acts Chapter 9. In this dramatic account of his conversion in Today’s Word, Pastor Meador describes how God got Saul’s attention to show him the error of his ways, and extend his free gift of salvation to even the most unlikely person.

Acts Chapter 8 highlights both the spread of the gospel and the resistance it faced. Simon’s misguided desire for spiritual power revealed a false heart, while the Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion demonstrated genuinely true faith. Through these events in Today’s Word, Pastor Brett Meador says we witness God advancing His gospel despite opposition.

Acts Chapter 8 records a remarkable time in Today’s Word as the gospel reaches Samaria and many people place their faith in Jesus Christ. Formerly captivated by Simon’s sorcery, the Samaritans now respond to the truth of God’s word. As Peter and John pray for these new believers, Pastor Brett Meador notes the expansion of the church due to the power of the Holy Spirit.

When Saul's persecution began to scatter the church, Philip traveled to Samaria, where he ministered to a sorcerer and an Ethiopian eunuch. As Pastor Brett Meador reflects on these encounters in Acts Chapter 8, we study the varied responses to Philip's preaching while learning important lessons for us in Today’s Word about evangelism, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts Chapter 8 tells of a faithful believer eager to tell others of his faith. With Philip as our example, we learn how God often orchestrates circumstances for us to present the Gospel, how we should respond when we find ourselves with an opportunity, and how to obtain the power to be bold as we share. It’s all in our study of Today’s Word with Pastor Brett Meador.

Acts Chapter 8 tells of a faithful believer eager to tell others of his faith. With Philip as our example, we learn how God often orchestrates circumstances for us to present the Gospel, how we should respond when we find ourselves with an opportunity, and how to obtain the power to be bold as we share. It’s all in our study of Today’s Word with Pastor Brett Meador.

In an incredible God-ordained circumstance, Philip suddenly finds himself in the desert sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a traveling Ethiopian in Acts Chapter 8. In the same way, we are also called to share the message of salvation through Jesus with the people God places in our path. Pastor Brett Meador reminds believers this too is our call in Today’s Word.

In Acts Chapter 7, Stephen exposed Israel’s long history of rejecting God and turning to idols. But rather than repent, the religious leaders respond with anger. As their outrage culminates in the stoning of Stephen, we’re introduced to Saul, responsible for the persecution against the early church before becoming the apostle, Paul. That's all in the message from Pastor Brett Meador, in Today’s Word.

When asked to speak before the religious leaders, Stephen boldly proclaimed God’s truth, even though it cost him his life. In revealing the hardness of Israel’s leaders, Stephen’s witness would become the catalyst for the spread of the gospel. As Pastor Brett Meador closely considers the message of Stephen, the application for us is made clear as well, all from Today’s Word.

Stephen concludes his sermon in Acts Chapter 7 with bold accusations against the religious leaders for continually failing to truly follow God’s law, turning to idolatry, and missing His glory. But Pastor Brett Meador can’t help but note how this centuries old sermon has application to the heart of man still today. Let’s join him continuing a study of Acts in Today’s Word.

The first martyr, Stephen, displayed the same spirit of forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Not only did he ask God to forgive those condemning him, but he proclaimed it boldly. Pastor Brett Meador highlights the powerful example Stephen set in Today’s Word offering valuable lessons for every believer seeking to live Christ-like both inwardly and outwardly.

The first martyr, Stephen, displayed the same spirit of forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Not only did he ask God to forgive those condemning him, but he proclaimed it boldly. Pastor Brett Meador highlights the powerful example Stephen set in Today’s Word offering valuable lessons for every believer seeking to live Christ-like both inwardly and outwardly.

As Stephen was stoned to death, he uttered some truly remarkable last words we read in Acts Chapter 7 that reveal the powerful transformation Jesus had upon his heart and life. In much the same way, Jesus wants to change us too. Pastor Brett Meador considers some of the important areas the Spirit of the Lord would impact the lives of believers who seek after Him.

By tracing Israel’s history from Joseph to Moses, Stephen revealed a pattern of resisting God’s messengers. Yet in light of God’s continued grace, Pastor Brett Meador discovers how Stephen’s powerful sermon of Acts 7, exposes the danger of hardened hearts, ultimately rejecting Jesus as Lord. From Today’s Word a call to humbly receive and faithfully follow God’s truth.

In Stephen’s sermon to the Sanhedrin of Acts Chapter 7, we’ll examine Israel’s history from Abraham, reflecting on the beginning of God's plan for the Jewish people, but also how Jesus is pictured throughout this history. From Today’s Word, Pastor Brett Meador marvels at God’s continued presence despite the rejecting of His chosen servants; Moses, Abraham, and Joseph.