Wilmington Reformed

This episode walks through Acts 13:13–52, where Paul recounts Israel’s story, proclaims Jesus as the promised Savior, and explains how forgiveness and resurrection fulfill God’s promises. When Jewish leaders reject the message, Paul turns to the Gentiles, declaring the church the new light to the nations. The sermon emphasizes the metaphor of light—Jesus and his church as lampstands called to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Paul stands in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch and traces Israel's story from the Exodus through David to show that the Old Testament promises find their fulfillment in Jesus. He proclaims that through Jesus forgiveness of sins and justification are now offered to all who believe. The sermon calls for faith and warns scoffers, sparks both eager response and opposition, and marks the turning of the gospel outward to the Gentiles as the message begins to spread across the region.

This episode unpacks Acts 13:1–12 and explains that prophets, miracles, and prophecies marked the inaugural period of the early church. It argues the apostolic era culminated in the completed canon, so Christians today are called to rely on Scripture as the sufficient and final authority. The preacher contrasts foundation-era signs with the present building stage, urging believers to embrace the Bible’s clarity, sufficiency, and liberating power for faith and life.

In this sermon on Acts 12 the preacher examines how the church’s earnest prayer brought about Peter’s miraculous rescue from Herod’s prison and the judgment on the king. The passage shows prayer as the primary weapon in the spiritual warfare between God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom. The message calls the church to persistent, faith-filled prayer, reminding believers that God answers and that our prayers engage heavenly power for deliverance, mission, and protection.

Acts 12 recounts Peter’s miraculous escape from prison, Herod’s violent persecution and sudden judgment, and the church’s fervent prayer. The sermon warns against opposing God, reflects on divine justice and hell, and points to Christ’s mercy as the hope that transforms fear into reverent awe.

This episode reads Acts 10:44–48 and explores the Holy Spirit falling on Gentiles, their speaking in tongues, and subsequent baptism. Pastor Jackson distinguishes between historia salutis and ordo salutis, and reviews Acts 2 and Pentecost to explain why tongues were foreign languages that signified both judgment on Israel and blessing for the nations. The sermon argues tongues functioned as a revelatory sign of the unveiled mystery of the gospel—a reversal of Babel and the start of a new age of unity in diversity—and calls listeners to value preaching, means of grace, and pray for the unity of all peoples in Christ.

This sermon on 1 Corinthians 15 proclaims the historical resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of Christian faith and salvation, showing Paul’s argument that without the resurrection the gospel is meaningless. It explains how Christ’s rising brings new life now, empowers holy living, comforts in suffering, and promises final victory over death, offering hope amid cultural cynicism and personal trials.

Acts 10 retells how Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, and Peter, an apostle, receive visions that lead to their meeting in Caesarea. Peter proclaims the gospel, the Holy Spirit falls on Gentile listeners, and they are baptized, signaling the end of former barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The episode emphasizes the central message that God shows no partiality, the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Christ, and the formation of a new, universal people of God called to prayer, unity, and witness to the nations.

Acts 9:1–31 recounts Saul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his three days of blindness, Ananias’ vision, and Saul’s baptism and immediate proclamation of Jesus as Lord. The sermon draws out how this turning shaped Paul’s calling as God’s chosen instrument, emphasizing the sovereignty and power of God in salvation, the centrality of preaching, and the cost and courage of apostolic witness.

This sermon explores Saul's dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–25) and how that moment transformed him from a fierce persecutor into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. The pastor explains the historical and theological significance of the event, its impact on Paul’s life and teachings, and urges listeners to seek a passionate, Christ-centered life—whether their conversion was dramatic or gradual.

In Acts chapter 8 Philip preaches in Samaria where signs and conversions follow, Simon Magus tries to buy apostolic power and is sharply rebuked, and Peter and John bring apostolic authority. The episode shows the church taking shape and the gospel confronting false motives. An angel sends Philip to meet an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah; Philip explains Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy, the eunuch is baptized, and the story highlights the inclusion of the nations and outcasts into God’s promised inheritance.

Acts 8:1–8 tells how fierce persecution sent believers out of Jerusalem and how Philip reached Samaria with the message of Christ, accompanied by signs and healings. What seemed like disaster became God’s plan for expansion: the gospel was proclaimed, many believed, and great joy filled the city.

This episode explains what it means that Jesus is the Christ, tracing Old Testament titles—offspring, servant, branch of David—and how they point to the anointed, Spirit-filled Savior who suffers, defeats evil, blesses the nations, and reigns forever. Using passages from Acts, Genesis, Isaiah, and more, the sermon shows how the apostles proved Jesus as the promised Messiah and why the single word “Christ” contains the heart of the gospel.

This episode covers Acts 7:51–8:8, focusing on Stephen’s bold denunciation of the religious leaders, his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and his stoning while he prays for forgiveness for his killers. Saul approves the execution, marking a turning point for the early church. As persecution breaks out, believers are scattered and the gospel spreads: Philip goes to Samaria, where signs, healings, and conversions bring great joy. The sermon emphasizes martyrdom as witness, the call to faithful sacrifice, and the hope of resurrection.

This episode walks through Acts 7 as Stephen delivers a sweeping sermon recounting Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Israel's history to show the gospel's roots in the Old Testament. Stephen emphasizes that God's promise was never about land or temple alone but about faith in the coming Messiah, and he warns of Israel's repeated rejection of God's messengers, culminating in his own martyrdom. The message challenges listeners to focus on Christ, repent, and live by faith rather than clinging to earthly promises.

This episode explores Acts 6–7, focusing on Stephen’s appointment as a deacon, his bold teaching about Jesus as the true temple, and the rising hostility that leads to his arrest. It traces how the early church recapitulates Jesus’ work, the shift from the temple to Christ, and the beginning of the church’s mission beyond Jerusalem. Through historical context and theological reflection, the speaker explains why Stephen’s message provoked opposition and how his witness marks a major turning point for the church’s expansion and identity.

In this episode the preacher reads Acts 6:1–7 and explains how the early church appointed seven deacons to care for the needy so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. The sermon highlights church growth, cultural diversity, the importance of organized service, and the sacrificial example of deacons as the embodied love of Christ.

This sermon walks through Acts 5:33–42 and explores why the apostles rejoiced after being beaten for preaching Jesus. It highlights Gamaliel’s counsel, the biblical call to rejoice in persecution for righteousness’ sake, and practical cautions against seeking suffering or suffering for the wrong reasons. The message encourages believers to live righteously, keep their eyes on heaven, and find boldness and clarity when opposition arises, trusting God’s ultimate victory.

This episode examines Luke 2:1–20, focusing on Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and the shepherds’ witness. It explores the historical and cultural setting that points to a peasant home rather than a stable, emphasizing the incarnation as a covenantal act. Through reflections on humility, poverty, and the reversal of worldly honor, the sermon shows how Christ’s humble birth dignifies the poor and calls listeners to awe, repentance, and transformed lives.

Acts 5:17–32 recounts the apostles’ arrest, miraculous release by an angel, and their bold return to the temple to preach the risen Christ. The passage highlights the centrality of the resurrection, the duty to obey God rather than human authorities when commands conflict with God’s will, and the liberating, life-changing power of the gospel.

This sermon walks through Acts 4–5, contrasting Barnabas’s generous, whole‑hearted response with Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitful compromise, and explains how God’s dramatic judgment and apostolic power stirred both fear and revival in the early church. It calls listeners to recognize Christ as their true inheritance, to embrace humble, godly reverence, and to pursue wholehearted devotion that produces steady, lasting spiritual growth.

This episode reads Acts 4:1–31 and explores how Peter and the early church respond to arrest and opposition by boldly proclaiming Jesus, praying the Scriptures, and trusting God’s sovereignty. Key themes include the apostolic church, the means of grace (word, sacrament, prayer), the use of Old Testament texts like Psalm 2, and the assurance that nothing can separate believers from Christ’s love.

In this sermon on Acts 4:1-22, the preacher examines Peter and John\'s courageous proclamation of Jesus' resurrection before the Sanhedrin. He emphasizes the centrality of preaching, the authority of Christ, and the call for listeners to prepare, receive, and live by the Word. Through Peter's boldness, the sermon highlights repentance, faith, and the continuing work of Jesus in the church.

Acts 4 (verses 1–12) recounts Peter’s bold defense before the Jewish leaders after healing a crippled man. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter declares that the miracle occurred by Jesus Christ—whom they crucified and whom God raised—calling Jesus the rejected stone now become the cornerstone and insisting there is no other name for salvation. The sermon connects Old Testament prophecy, the resurrection’s cosmic significance, and the resulting clash between Christ’s kingdom and earthly authorities.

Acts 3 recounts the miracle of a man lame from birth healed at the Beautiful Gate and Peter’s powerful sermon that ties the miracle to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Peter confronts sin, declares Christ the promised prophet and Savior, and explains that faith in Jesus brings healing, forgiveness, and access to God. He ends with a call to repent and receive the times of refreshing brought by the risen and reigning Christ, showing that the kingdom has been inaugurated through Jesus and continues to work through the church.

In this episode we read and reflect on Acts chapter 3, where Peter and John heal a man crippled from birth at the temple's Beautiful Gate. The miracle points beyond physical healing to the forgiveness of sins and the church's role as the continuing work of Christ, inviting outcasts into God's presence. The speaker highlights the structure and mission of Acts, the significance of the timing and location of the healing, and how these events mirror Jesus' ministry—showing that the church proclaims repentance, forgiveness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who will believe.

This episode reads Acts 2:36–end and explores the birth of the early church at Pentecost, highlighting Peter's message, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the conversion of about 3,000 people. It examines the newborn church's life—doctrine, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, prayer, voluntary sharing, and worship—and reflects on how Spirit-filled community transformed the world.

This sermon on Acts 2:29–47 closes Peter's Pentecost message, highlighting Christ's resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the immediate conversion of about 3,000 people. The preacher stresses that salvation gathers believers into a community marked by apostolic teaching, mutual fellowship, the Lord's Supper (breaking of bread), and corporate prayer — the simple means by which the church is sustained and will overcome a twisted generation.

This sermon walks through Acts 2 (especially verse 38), explaining Peter’s call to repent and be baptized to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that the Spirit brings Christ to the church (not merely emotional experiences or miraculous signs), establishes the church corporately, and turns believers from self toward Christ and others.

This episode examines Peter's closing sermon from Acts 2, focusing on the call to repent and be baptized, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the conversion of about 3,000 people. It explores biblical context, sacramental meaning, and the New Testament pattern of household inclusion. The speaker explains why baptism is a covenant sign (often by sprinkling or pouring), addresses controversies about mode and infant baptism, and encourages believers to remember and live out the commitments symbolized by baptism.

On Pentecost Peter explains how Jesus of Nazareth—attested by God, crucified by men, and raised by God—fulfills Old Testament promises from the Psalms and the Davidic covenant. He proclaims Jesus as Lord and Christ, offers the gift of the Holy Spirit, and calls the crowd to repent and be baptized. The sermon clarifies that true repentance is more than sorrow: it is confession, a change of direction, and turning to Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith, bringing hope and a lifelong call to repent and follow Jesus.

This sermon examines Acts 2:14–23 with a focus on verse 23, emphasizing God’s definite plan and foreknowledge alongside human responsibility. It explains how divine sovereignty and predestination coexist with moral accountability and calls listeners to repent and believe. Practical and pastoral, the message shows how God’s purposes turn human evil into the power of the resurrection, offering comfort, praise, and boldness for faithful gospel preaching.

This week guest Pastor Sean Powers unpacks 1 Corinthians 15:21–28, showing the origin, order, and object of Christ’s victory over death: Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits, the future resurrection of those who belong to him, and the final destruction of death when the kingdom is handed to the Father. The episode calls believers to faith amid present suffering, reminding listeners that Jesus is reigning now and that the Holy Spirit applies this truth so we may live in hope and courage until God is all in all.

This episode walks through Acts 2:1–21, describing the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the miraculous speaking in tongues, and Peter’s explanation using Joel’s prophecy. It explains the apocalyptic language as divine judgment on Israel that opens the way for salvation to all who call on the name of the Lord, and issues a clear call to repentance and faith.

In this episode, we delve into the profound events of Acts chapter 2, exploring the pouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Witness the awe-inspiring scene as the apostles, filled with the Spirit, speak in diverse tongues, captivating devout men from every nation. The episode explains the significance of prophecy in the biblical context, highlighting that the true role of prophets was to communicate God's word and call His people back to Him, rather than merely predicting the future. We learn how this historical moment marked the beginning of a new age, breaking down old barriers by allowing all people—Jews, Gentiles, men, and women—into the presence of the Lord. Experience the transformative power of the Word, intended to awaken our hearts and lead us back to Jesus Christ.

In this episode, delve into the profound events of Pentecost as described in Acts Chapter 2. We explore the significance of the Holy Spirit's arrival, marked by tongues of fire and the miraculous speaking in tongues, fostering unity among diverse nations. With a focus on Peter's sermon, the episode unravels the concept of "the last days" as not merely an apocalyptic end but a period of transformative beginnings, heralded by Christ's teachings. Experience a deep dive into the evolution from the old covenant to the new, with a call to embrace the enduring power of unity and love in Christ. Discover how the apostles' teachings transcend traditional expectations of signs and wonders, redirecting us towards a more profound understanding of faith, hope, and love as the ultimate expressions of a Spirit-filled life beyond the last days.

This episode delves into Acts chapter 2, exploring the profound moment of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended, granting the apostles the miraculous ability to speak in various languages. As we examine this event, we uncover its significance as a reversal of Babel, where language first divided humanity. This pivotal scene in biblical history marks the beginning of the Great Commission, uniting diverse nations in the name of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the promise made in Genesis. Understanding the gift of tongues not as chaos, but as a miracle of divine communication, sheds light on the unifying purpose of the Holy Spirit, bringing together God's people in a new covenant community. Join us as we unravel the theological and historical dimensions of Pentecost, showcasing its everlasting impact on the church's mission to make disciples of all nations.

Explore the profound significance of Pentecost as described in Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles like a mighty rushing wind, and tongues of fire filled the room. This episode delves into the rich tapestry of redemptive themes converging at Pentecost, linking it to ancient prophetic traditions and Jesus' ministry. The event symbolizes the continuation of Jesus' work in the church, intertwining blessings of the holy spirit with themes of divine judgment and salvation. Discover how Pentecost, originating as an Old Testament feast, celebrates the harvest blessings following the sacrifice of Christ, our Passover lamb. This section highlights the theological connection from the resurrection to Pentecost, emphasizing the ongoing harvest of believers worldwide, bringing blessings and challenging us to embrace or face divine fire.

This episode explores the selection of the apostles as the new tribal heads of the Church of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels with the twelve tribes of Israel. As we delve into Acts chapter 1, the significance of our identity in Christ is emphasized, transcending race, ethnicity, and national boundaries. The discussion challenges the tribalism prevalent in modern culture and highlights the Church as our true tribe, unified by faith and the promises of Jesus Christ. The sermon encourages believers to find their true identity in being part of the Church and as beloved children of God, moving beyond cultural and familial roots to embrace their spiritual heritage. As we prepare for the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that our roots are in Christ, and we are cherished by God, a treasured possession built on the foundation of the apostles.

This episode continues the study of the Book of Acts, focusing on Acts 1:1-11. As we delve into the doctrine of the Ascension, we explore its profound significance for the church and individual believers. The sermon emphasizes the centrality of the church in the work of Jesus Christ and the continuity between the Gospel of Luke and Acts. The Ascension is not merely a historical event but a radical truth that transforms our lives and perspectives, demanding a heavenly-minded earthly living. Through vivid imagery and theological insights, we learn about the glory cloud that surrounded Jesus during His ascent and His enthronement as the King of Kings. This enthronement not only signifies Christ's reign over all powers but also assures us of the future judgment when all will give an account. We are called to live in light of this reality, deferring gratification, abandoning secret sins, and hoping in Christ's ultimate justice. The Ascension challenges us to understand our place within God's redemptive history, urging us to connect our daily lives to the heavenly rule of Jesus. As we partake in this spiritual journey, we are reminded of the importance of living with hope, obedience, and anticipation of what is to come.

Join us on a journey through Acts Chapter 1, where the continuation of Jesus's work unfolds through the power of the Holy Spirit. As the apostles await the promise of the Father, they're charged to remain steadfast in Jerusalem for a transformative baptism unlike any other. This episode delves into the connection between Luke's Gospel and Acts, highlighting the central role of the church in fulfilling divine promises. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness and embrace the mission of Christ through sacrifice and dedication, exemplifying the ultimate call to be martyrs for the faith.