A Deeper Dive

This episode explores Acts 21 and the powerful truth of the “costly yes.” Paul models what it means to move beyond words into sacrificial obedience, showing how laying down personal rights can open doors for others to encounter Jesus.Key Takeaways:Saying yes to God is only the beginning—living it out is the challengeThe gospel often requires sacrificing preferences for peopleUnity sometimes costs more than we expectHumility is essential for effective ministryGod uses costly obedience to reach others

This message explores Acts 21 and the powerful reality of saying “yes” to God when it’s difficult. Through Paul’s journey, we learn how to navigate love, warning, obedience, and trust in God’s will. Key Takeaways: * God’s warnings prepare us—they don’t always stop us * Loving people can unintentionally discourage obedience * “Let the will of the Lord be done” is a declaration of trust * You don’t walk hard roads alone—the church walks with you * The kingdom advances through hard yeses

This message explores Paul’s final words in Acts 20, revealing that real leadership requires sacrifice and surrender. Leaders are called to give of themselves fully, but also to trust God with the people they cannot ultimately save.Key Takeaways:Leadership that follows Jesus always costs somethingTrue leaders give, not takeYou cannot save the people you leadFaith is demonstrated through surrenderThe handoff is an act of trust.SHC website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

This Easter message reminds us that the resurrection is not only a past event. It is a present reality. Beginning in Matthew 28 and moving into Acts 20, we see that the power that raised Jesus from the dead continued to work through the early church and still reaches us today.Through Paul’s detour, Eutychus’s restoration, and the urgency of the gospel, this message speaks hope to anyone carrying something that feels dead or dying. Whether it is a dream, a relationship, your joy, your health, or your faith, the risen Christ still breathes life into weary places.This is a message about resurrection power, fresh hope, Spirit-filled courage, and the call to say yes to God.He is risen. And that changes everything.

This week’s message from Jonah challenges us to read this powerful book as a mirror for our own hearts. Jonah was called by God, but he resisted God’s mercy reaching people he did not want to love. In this message, we are called to examine pride, outrage, fear, prejudice, and the idols that keep us from sharing God’s heart for the nations. With a strong call to repentance, compassion, and Spirit-led living, this sermon reminds the church that we are not called to be agents of destruction, but agents of renewal. Read Jonah 1–4 with us and ask the Lord to search your heart.

In this episode, we start with a painfully relatable moment: you order premium chocolate ice cream… and your delivery shows up with vanilla frozen yogurt (or worse—organic kale). That frustration becomes the doorway to a bigger question: Where have we accepted “substitutes” in our spiritual lives?Anchored in Acts 19, we explore Paul’s arrival in Ephesus—not a dusty village, but a massive, influential city known for occult “Ephesian writings” (magic spells) and transactional spirituality. The episode draws a sharp parallel to modern life: we may not buy spell scrolls, but we often buy quick-fix comforts to manage fear, control, and uncertainty. The result is the same: spiritual hunger with counterfeit fuel.A key insight comes from one easy-to-miss line: Paul traveled through the inland country to reach Ephesus—the harder, mountainous route. That becomes a metaphor for discipleship: the “inland road” is often where God forms maturity. The goal isn’t convenience. It’s transformation.We also confront the “half-in” problem—trying to live with one foot in Jesus’ camp and one foot in old comforts. The episode names the voices that keep people stuck: comfort (coast), culture (be spiritual without surrender), and comparison (I’m doing better than them). Then we meet William Carey, the cobbler told to “sit down,” who refused the substitute version of faith and helped ignite modern missions by obeying God anyway.The episode’s most surprising moment: the sweat cloths and work aprons in Acts 19. These weren’t religious props—these were the gritty leftovers of Paul’s tentmaking work. And God used them to bring healing and deliverance. That flips the script: God doesn’t only anoint church moments—He anoints the work of surrendered disciples in everyday life.Your job can become your “sweat cloth.”Modern examples reinforce the point: R.G. LeTourneau (radical generosity and faith-driven engineering), Ben Carson(prayerful excellence in surgery), and S. Truett Cathy (faith shaping business decisions). The episode closes with a challenge: if someone found the “debris” of your daily work centuries from now, would it look like the life of a disciple—or the routine of a consumer?Bottom line: the substitute life is easier, but it never satisfies. Jesus offers the real thing—even if it means taking the inland road.Key Scripture: Acts 19Core Theme: No substitutions—authentic, surrendered discipleship.

In this message from Acts 18, we pause the missionary journey narrative to focus on one man — Apollos. Scripture gives him just a few verses, but those verses reveal a powerful blueprint for a life of Kingdom impact.Apollos “greatly helped those who through grace had believed.”That’s the goal. Not fame. Not recognition. Not platform.But impact.This episode explores three defining characteristics of a life that strengthens others and advances the Gospel.SHC Plainfield website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

What Does God Want From His Church?This week we flip the question. Instead of asking what we want from church, we ask what God wants from His church — and since we are the church, that makes it personal.We talk about identity beyond your past, why the mission requires shared responsibility, the importance of deep spiritual roots, and why sanctification prepares us for greater glory. If you’ve ever felt stuck, impatient, or unsure where you fit, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to step forward in maturity and faithfulness.Because the church grows strong when we do.SHC website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

Church Forward | The Parable That Explains the Future of the ChurchEpisode Summary:In this message, Pastor Barry steps outside the book of Acts and into Matthew 13 to reveal a powerful truth about the future of the church. Using the Parable of the Sower, he explains how the Kingdom of God grows, why the church cannot go backward, and what it means for every believer to take responsibility for spiritual growth and discipleship.Key Themes:Why understanding the gospel mattersThe danger of shallow faithHow distraction and comfort choke spiritual growthThe church as a living body, not a service providerWhy methods change but the mission remains the sameBig Takeaway:You don’t just attend church—you are the church. And the church only moves forward when believers move from receiving to participating.Scriptures Referenced:Matthew 13:1–23Acts 2Acts 18Challenge for the Listener:Ask yourself:What do I expect from my church?What am I contributing?What kind of spiritual soil am I cultivating?Next Step:Get connected. Join a group. Serve. Pray. Be part of building a Church Forward future.https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

In this episode of A Deeper Dive, we step away from business and science to examine something deeper: the human condition.Drawing from a sermon titled “Filling the Void: Paul’s Message to Athens” by Pastor Barry, this episode explores why peace, purpose, and joy remain elusive—even in a world of comfort, progress, and endless distraction.Using Acts 17 as the framework, we contrast ancient Athens with modern America, unpacking: • The “God-shaped vacuum” described by Blaise Pascal • Epicurean escapism vs. Stoic self-sufficiency • Materialism, ideology, and modern idols • The image of “broken cisterns” that never satisfy • Paul’s four-part answer to the void: Creator, Presence, Sufficiency, and Sovereignty • Why the resurrection stands at the center of the Christian claimThis episode isn’t about religion as ritual. It’s about diagnosis. Why we keep chasing things that don’t work—and what might actually fill the void we all feel.Thought-provoking. Honest. Uncomfortably relevant.SHC website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook:   / shcplainfield.    YouTube:    / @shcplainfield  . Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

🎙️ Podcast Episode SummaryTitle: Ancient Athens, Modern Minds: When Information Replaces TruthIn this episode of The Deep Dive, we travel back 2,000 years to ancient Athens—the intellectual capital of the world—to confront a challenge that feels uncomfortably modern.Using Paul’s second missionary journey in Acts 17, we explore a culture obsessed with new ideas, endless debate, and surface-level knowledge. Athens was full of learning, yet empty of truth. And that tension mirrors our own age of information overload, constant novelty, and growing cultural apathy.We unpack: • The contrast between the Bereans, who verified truth against Scripture, and the Athenians, who chased whatever was new • The competing philosophies of Epicureanism (peace through apathy) and Stoicism (peace through self-mastery) • Why Paul was dismissed as a spermologos—a “seed picker” of ideas—and how that term perfectly describes modern headline culture • The “frog in the kettle” analogy and how slow cultural shifts dull our moral and spiritual awareness • Why intellectual curiosity without commitment can actually block transformationPaul’s message of resurrection and judgment cut straight through both ancient philosophies—and still challenges us today. Some mocked. Some delayed. A few believed. But Athens, a city devoted to hearing something new, failed to build anything lasting.This episode asks a hard but necessary question:Are we becoming a modern Athens—well-informed, endlessly curious, yet unwilling to be changed by truth?If you feel buried under information but hungry for meaning…If you value depth over novelty…If you’re wondering whether constant learning is actually grounding you or slowly numbing you…This deep dive is for you.SHC website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

Don’t Get Hacked: Why Being a Berean Matters Going Into 2026As we step into 2026, believers are surrounded by noise—opinions, trends, sound bites, and digital influence everywhere we turn. In this episode, we unpack Acts 17 and the example of the Bereans, a people praised by Scripture for receiving God’s Word eagerly and examining it daily to see if it was true.Faith requires trust—but it does not require ignorance. In a world shaped by algorithms and emotion-driven narratives, God calls His people to be rooted, discerning, and grounded in Scripture.This episode challenges us to:Build faith with reasonStop following the crowdLet God’s Word be our lensDevelop a foundation that holds in unstable timesIf you want to walk into 2026 spiritually steady instead of spiritually reactive, this episode is for you.Website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

As Paul begins his second missionary journey, we see three powerful themes:God’s perfect timing – “In the fullness of time” God sent His Son, and in the same way He directs where and when Paul goes with the gospel.Light in the darkness – From Bethlehem’s manger to a Philippian jail cell, Jesus shines into some very dark places and the darkness cannot overcome it.Families changed by the gospel – Lydia’s home, a demon-tormented slave girl, and a hardened jailer and his entire household all experience the transforming power of Jesus.This episode reminds us that Acts hasn’t really “ended.” God is still working through His people today—through our dinners, our conversations, and our Christmas gatherings—to bring light into darkness and to change entire family trees.Key ThemesGod’s Timing (“In the fullness of time”)Galatians 4:4 shows that Jesus came at the exact right moment in history.In Acts 16, the Holy Spirit forbids Paul to go into Asia and redirects him to Macedonia.Application: We often struggle when God’s timing doesn’t match ours, but His “no” and “not yet” are just as purposeful as His “yes.”Light Shining in DarknessJohn 1:5 and Isaiah 9 show that Jesus is the light that shines in deep darkness.In Acts 16, that light breaks into:The life of Timothy, likely the fruit of Paul’s earlier ministry.The heart of Lydia, a seller of purple, whose heart the Lord opens by the riverside.The bondage of a slave girl tormented by a spirit of divination.The despair of a Philippian jailer ready to take his own life.Application: Jesus still shines in workplaces, prisons, broken homes, and holiday grief.The Gospel Changes Families, Not Just IndividualsLydia believes and her household is baptized.The jailer believes and his entire household comes to faith and rejoices.The gospel doesn’t just rescue single lives; it can re-route entire family trees.Application: Don’t give up praying for your family. God may use your faithfulness as the turning point for generations after you.Living This Out at ChristmasWe walk into Christmas dinners, work parties, and family gatherings as carriers of the light.“Anointing” here means God’s special empowering to speak the right words at the right time—and to know when not to speak.Even where you can’t openly “preach,” you can still live Jesus—through love, listening, and wise words.Joy in the Middle of SadnessFor many, Christmas is a season of grief, loss, and complicated emotions.The prayer at the end asks God not necessarily to erase sadness, but to bring real joy into the middle of it—small moments of light, hope, and comfort from the Holy Spirit.https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

🎙️A Deeper Dive – Acts 15: Leadership, Yokes & the Way of JesusIn today’s episode, we finish our walk through Acts 15 and step into a powerful look at godly leadership. Pastor Barry takes us through the Jerusalem Council, Jesus’ teaching on heavy and light yokes, and the real-life tension between Paul and Barnabas.This chapter isn’t just church history—it’s a mirror for our own lives.Who are we following?What kind of leader are we becoming?And are we carrying the yoke of Jesus—or the heavy burdens others try to lay on us?We explore:Why Peter pushed back against religious burdensJesus’ two teachings on yokes—one heavy, one lightKing leaders vs. servant leadersWhat it means to be Spirit-led and accountableWhy even great leaders sometimes clashHow God still works through imperfect peopleWhy leadership in your home, work, and church truly mattersYou’ll walk away encouraged, challenged, and reminded that God is still shaping leaders—right here, right now.💬 Key Thought:We all influence someone. Let’s be the kind of leaders who lift burdens, not add them.🙏 Today’s Prayer:“Lord, help me lead like You—humbly, faithfully, and filled with Your Spirit. Make me a light to those who follow behind me.”📌 Scripture References:Acts 15, Matthew 11:28–30, Matthew 23If this episode helps you, share it with a friend! And let us know how God is using A Deeper Dive to bless your week.

🎙️Podcast Note — “A Deeper Dive: His Yoke, His Grace”In this episode we break down Acts 15 and why the early church wrestled with religious rules, what Peter meant by “God knows the heart,” and why James’ declaration — “Do not make it difficult for those turning to God” — still matters today. We also explore Jesus’ teaching on the “easy yoke,” what that really means, and how grace frees us from both sin and spiritual performance.Listener Challenge:Pray, “Holy Spirit, teach me to walk in Jesus’ easy yoke.” Then show grace to at least one person today in a tangible way.https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube LiveWednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

In this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive, we unpack Acts 15 — the first major crossroads for the early church. Was salvation through faith alone, or faith plus law? We’ll explore how Peter, Paul, and James stood firm on the truth that grace through Jesus Christ is enough. Together, we’ll learn what this means for the modern church: how to welcome new believers without adding unnecessary burdens, how to walk in true freedom, and how the Holy Spirit still testifies today that God knows our hearts.Key Takeaways:God saves by grace, not by performance.The Holy Spirit confirms belonging before behavior.Grace doesn’t erase holiness — it empowers it.The church’s mission is to open doors, not build walls.Listener Challenge:Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one person who needs grace this week — then go love them like Jesus.Closing Quote:“Grace doesn’t just forgive the past — it writes a brand-new future.”https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

Welcome to A Deeper Dive! In this episode we focus on the pivotal internal crisis of the early church detailed in Acts chapter 15, often referred to as the Jerusalem Council. The crisis arose when Paul and Barnabas returned from their successful missionary journey among the Gentiles, only to encounter men from Judea teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved.The core conflict was whether the new global faith would remain tied to the ancient Jewish traditions and the heavy yoke of the law, or if salvation was based purely by grace through faith. Believing Pharisees, who struggled to imagine righteousness without meticulous observance of the law, were key figures in the opposition, fearing moral chaos and the loss of distinctive identity among the newcomers from the "lascivious Roman world".The council ultimately delivered a monumental decision, cementing that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, with no additions or works required. Instead of the external rulebook of the Mosaic law, Paul proposed an internal guidance system based on freedom. This system relies on believers learning to walk by the spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. The distinction emphasized is that the law can only diagnose sin, like an X-ray, but the Holy Spirit provides the true power for transformation and change.The apostolic solution for maintaining holiness without legalism involved three key methods: active teaching (discipleship) on walking in the spirit, fostering the presence of God in gatherings to prompt self-correction, and continually proclaiming grace-based righteousness. This verdict defined the future of the movement, positioning the gospel as a universal faith and upholding Jesus' promise that his yoke is easy and his burden is light, in contrast to the crushing weight of performance-based religion.https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube LiveWednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

This week, Pastor Barry unpacks what it means to have mustard-seed faith—faith that trusts God’s power and timing. From Acts 14 and Luke 17, we discover that faith isn’t about size but surrender. Whether God uses a “backhoe miracle” or the “ax of perseverance,” His Spirit is working. True Pentecostal faith believes, endures, and declares: He really won’t fail! Tune in and let your faith be strengthened today. 🌿https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

Paul’s first recorded sermon meets our modern moment: how the new covenant moves us from powerless religion to Spirit-filled JOY—Jesus first, Others second, You third.https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube LiveWednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

🎧 Podcast Summary: Acts 13—Willpower vs. God's PowerActs 13:13-40 features Paul’s first recorded sermon, where he contrasts relying on human strength versus divine power.Key Takeaways:God Uses Imperfect People: We study King David, whom God called "a man after my own heart". Despite David's profound sin (adultery and murder), he was cherished because his deepest desire was to please and honor God and he repented. God uses broken people.The Problem with Willpower: The Law of Moses relied solely on human willpower, which inevitably fails when we are tired, stressed, or discouraged.The Power of the Holy Spirit: Jesus' resurrection brought the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence within the believer. This gives us the power of God working in us to obey, not relying on our own will.Stay Strong: We must strengthen our relationship with the Holy Spirit through consistent prayer, reading the Word of God, and faithfully attending the house of God.This is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is proclaimed through Jesus, freeing us from what the Law could never accomplish.Coming Soon: We are finishing our end-times series and starting a highly requested study on the book of Romans, diving into the relationship between the New Covenant and the Old Testament Law!🌐 Connect with us:Website: soulsharborag.orgLinktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfieldFacebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfieldYouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield⛪ Join Us for Services:📅 Sundays – Family Worship at 10:45 AM (In-person + Facebook & YouTube Live)📅 Wednesdays – 6:30 PM (In-person + Online for Adults, SHC Kids, and SHCWave Youth)✨ Take a moment. Take a breath. Take a deeper dive.

A Deeper Dive Podcast – Show NotesWe Live in Amazing Times: Acts 13 and the Call to GreatnessEpisode Summary:Welcome to A Deeper Dive! In this episode, we unpack Acts 13 and explore why we truly live in amazing times—not simply because of technology, travel, or modern comforts, but because of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Pastor Barry’s message reminds us that greatness in God’s eyes is forged through hardship, carried by His patience, and shaped by His perfect timing.Together, we reflect on Paul’s missionary journeys, the story of Israel in the wilderness, and the challenge of trusting God’s path when it feels difficult or uncertain. You’ll hear practical takeaways for building spiritual “reps,” living with patience, and surrendering your timeline to the Lord.Whether you’re listening at home, on your commute, or during your quiet time, this conversation will encourage you to lean into God’s calling and walk with confidence in His faithfulness.Key Themes in This Episode:Paul’s obedience and the cost of carrying the gospel (Acts 13)Why greatness often grows through hardshipGod’s patience in carrying His people—even when they falterTrusting His long-term timeline over our short-term expectationsPractical ways to “do the reps” of faith in daily lifeDiscussion Questions for Reflection or Small Groups:Where in your life is God inviting you to put in spiritual “reps” of faithfulness?When have you experienced God’s patience carrying you through a difficult season?How does living under the new covenant change the way you see yourself and your purpose?Links & Resources:🌐 Website: souls harborag.org🔗 Linktree: SHCPlainfield Linktree📘 Facebook: SHCPlainfield on Facebook▶️ YouTube: SHCPlainfield ChannelService Times:Sunday 10:45 AM – Family Worship (in-person and livestream on Facebook & YouTube)Wednesday 6:30 PM – In-person and online: Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave YouthClosing Note:Thank you for joining us for this week’s Deeper Dive. May this conversation stir your heart and remind you that God’s greatness is available to you today, right where you are.

Today's episode delivers a powerful message of hope amidst the challenging times we face. We dives into the current state of violence, political division, and moral decay, pointing out how these difficult days were prophesied in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.Despite the darkness, SHC Plainfield reminds us that as Christians, we are called to be optimists, not pessimists, because God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He emphasizes that people are desperately seeking "honest to goodness... hope" – not just entertainment or refreshments – and it's our greatest opportunity to be "carriers of hope" in a world that's losing it.Discover why choosing an optimistic mindset is a reflection of our faith in God's goodness and control. Learn how to fill your "hope chest" with God's promises and resist the enemy who "comes to steal, kill and destroy" our hope (John 10:10). This sermon powerfully illustrates Jesus as our ultimate chain breaker, pain taker, and way maker.Tune in to be inspired to live out your faith heartily as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), communicating hope through your words and attitude, so that others "will see our lives and actually want what we have".Key Verses: Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, John 10:10, Colossians 3:23Challenge: Identify one person lacking hope this week and make a plan to be a carrier of hope to them, through a kind word, prayer, or simply listening.https://www.soulsharborag.org/  and https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield. Church times:  Sunday 10:45AM - Family Worship in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live; Wednesday 6:30P in-person and online WED 6:30P Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth. 

A Deeper Dive PodcastEpisode Title: Resistance is Futile: Trusting God Through Life's ChangesRelease Date: August 31, 2025Episode Description: Join us as we unpack profound themes of faith, trust, and discernment from Acts 12-13. This episode delves into the inevitable nature of change, both in church history and our personal lives, urging listeners to appreciate every season. Discover the crucial importance of spiritual discernment in a world of competing voices, using the biblical example of Paul confronting the magician Bar-Jesus. Finally, explore John Mark's journey and departure, highlighting how true calling is verified through perseverance in the unglamorous, challenging aspects of ministry. Learn to trust God's unwavering control even when resistance mounts, knowing His kingdom will always advance.Key Discussion Points:Resistance is Futile: God is Always in ControlIn a world of constant change, God's control remains steadfast.Resistance against God's plan is ultimately futile; the enemy always loses.This truth empowers us to face opposition, challenges, and transitions with confidence, knowing God's people share in His ultimate victory.The Tale of Two Cities: When Centers ShiftThe early Christian influence surprisingly shifted from Jerusalem (the natural center) to Antioch, becoming the launching point for missionary efforts.This historical lesson teaches that "nothing lasts forever" and we should never take our place in God's kingdom for granted.Even if the center of Christian influence moves from America, God's kingdom will absolutely go forward.Appreciating Life's Seasons: Change is the one constant in life—children grow up, careers evolve, relationships shift, and health fluctuates. We are encouraged to appreciate each season while in it, recognizing its temporary nature and unique value. Difficult times can be viewed with fondness in retrospect.Trust But Verify: Discerning Truth from DeceptionNot everyone who claims to follow Jesus or speak for God is truthful.We must approach spiritual claims with respectful skepticism, verifying what is said against Scripture.The gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) is essential in our age of information overload to distinguish between spirits.Paul boldly confronted the magician Bar-Jesus (meaning "son of Jesus"), revealing him as a "son of the devil" and an "enemy of all righteousness".Sometimes, this means being bold against deception, praying against influencing spirits, and setting boundaries with toxic individuals who refuse help.When Ministry Gets Hard: The Story of John MarkJohn Mark, who joined Paul and Barnabas, abandoned the mission and returned to Jerusalem, which Paul later considered desertion.He likely joined out of excitement from witnessing miracles and powerful moves of God but was unprepared for the reality of missionary work—long, dusty journeys, physical hardship, and unglamorous tasks.These "this is not what I signed up for" moments reveal whether our commitment is a genuine calling or just temporary excitement.True calling is verified through perseverance in challenging times, embracing the "cake" (daily, unglamorous work) beyond the "icing" (exciting moments) of ministry.Life Application:Identify an area in your life experiencing resistance and view it through the lens of 'trust but verify,' asking God what He's teaching you.Pray for discernment and perseverance in challenges.Intentionally appreciate your current season, recognizing its unique blessings and purposes.Reflect on whether you're allowing God to verify your commitment through challenges and discerning the voices you listen to.Key Verses:Acts 12:24-25Acts 13:2-3Acts 13:9-11Acts 13:13Connect with Soul Harbor Church:Website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soulharborplainfieldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfieldYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfieldService Times:Sunday: 10:45 AM - Family Worship (in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live)Wednesday: 6:30 PM - In-person and online (Adults; SHC Kids; SHCWave Youth)

🎙️ A Deeper Dive Podcast – At One With God: Living in Victory Through the AtonementIn this week’s message, we unpack the powerful truth of the atonement—how Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t just cover our sins, but makes us “at one” with God. Through Acts 12–13, we’re reminded that:The enemy’s resistance against God is always futile.God’s people are called to hear His voice clearly, but also confirm it—trust but verify.Life’s struggles can weigh us down, but Jesus calls us to look up—your victory is near.Just like Barnabas and Saul, we are not only saved but also sent with power to carry the gospel.Whether you feel under attack, are seeking direction, or simply need fresh encouragement, this episode points you back to the hope and victory we have in Christ.👉 Listen in as we take a deeper dive into the sermon and discover how the atonement changes everything.🔗 Connect with Us🌐 Website: souls harborag.org🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield📘 Facebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfield⏰ Service Times📍 Sunday 10:45AM – Family Worship (in-person + Facebook & YouTube Live)📍 Wednesday 6:30PM – Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave Youth (in-person + online)✨ A Deeper Dive is the weekly podcast of Souls Harbor Church, Plainfield – helping you take God’s Word from Sunday into everyday life.

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – When the Chains Fall OffIn this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive, we go deeper into Acts 12 and the story of Peter in prison. Pastor Barry reminds us that Scripture isn’t just about symbolism—it points us to the reality of God’s power to deliver, heal, and set us free.Just as Israel experienced freedom through the Passover lamb and Peter saw his chains fall off in prison, we too find freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ—the true Lamb of God. This episode explores how:God’s yes may not always come instantly, but His promise is certain.The blood of Jesus marks a brand-new beginning and erases the guilt of the past.The chains of sin, fear, and shame are already broken—you only carry them if you pick them back up.Freedom in Christ isn’t symbolic, it’s real.Whether you’re in a waiting season, walking through hardship, or celebrating victory, this message will encourage you to hold fast to God’s promises and live as a new creation in Christ.📖 Key Scriptures: Exodus 12, Acts 12, 1 Corinthians 15, Isaiah 53🔗 Stay Connected🌐 Website: soulsharborag.org📱 Linktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield📘 Facebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfield▶️ YouTube: @shcplainfield⏰ Service TimesSunday 10:45 AM – Family Worship (in-person + Facebook & YouTube Live)Wednesday 6:30 PM – Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave Youth (in-person + online)✨ Be encouraged this week: God’s “yes” is coming, the blood has covered you, and the chains have already fallen. Walk free in Christ!

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – Peace in the Prison: Faith That Rests in the StormIn this week’s episode of A Deeper Dive, Pastor Barry unpacks Acts 12 and the incredible story of Peter in prison. Facing execution, chained between guards, Peter was so at peace that an angel had to strike him to wake him up!We explore:How Peter’s peace was a miracle in itselfThe truth that God is always in control, even when the outcome isn’t what we hoped forWhy some prayers are answered with deliverance and others with strength to endurePractical ways to “pray without ceasing” and talk to God throughout your dayThe power of earnest prayer—even when we’re surprised by the answerWhether you’re facing a personal storm or interceding for someone you love, this episode will encourage you to trust God’s timing, lean into His sovereignty, and rest in His peace no matter the circumstances.📖 Scripture Focus: Acts 12:1-17🔗 Connect with UsWebsite: soulsharborag.orgAll Links: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfieldFacebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfieldYouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield⛪ Service TimesSunday – 10:45 AM Family Worship (In-Person & Live on Facebook/YouTube)Wednesday – 6:30 PM In-Person & OnlineSHC Adults Bible StudySHC KidsSHCWave Youth

Feeling stuck in your comfort zone? 🤔 This powerful discussion will inspire you to embrace discomfort for spiritual growth and outreach! 🔥Discover how early believers in Acts dared to share Jesus beyond their familiar circles – speaking to Hellenists when others only preached to Jews. This spirit of reaching those who are 'different' is still vital today, whether it's ministering to refugees 🌍 or engaging international students.Learn why the church's true calling is to make disciples, not just converts, which means committing to the 'messy middle' of long-term relationships and deep teaching, often over coffee and donuts! ☕️🍩. We’re challenged to 'crack the nut of time' 🕰️ to invest in genuine spiritual growth.Most importantly, find out why we should become a church that prays earnestly before the crisis 🙏, seeking God's wisdom and direction now—not waiting for desperation. Let's live in Acts 11:20 and courageously step into what God has for our next season! 💪#SHCPlainfield #DiscipleshipMatters #EarnestPrayer #BeyondBelief #Acts11 #ChurchFamily #SpiritualGrowth #Outreach #ComfortZone

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – Orchestrating Chaos Part 4In this powerful episode, we journey through Acts 10 and 11 to witness one of the most pivotal shifts in the early Church — the moment God’s grace reached beyond boundaries through the story of Peter and Cornelius.Pastor Barry unpacks how the Holy Spirit shattered cultural and religious walls, demonstrating that God’s kingdom is for all people, regardless of background. Peter’s transformation challenges us to confront our own assumptions and resist the temptation to limit who God can reach.💡 Key Questions:Are we truly allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us beyond what’s comfortable?How can we, like Peter, say yes to divine assignments that challenge our norms?What does it mean to be radically inclusive in today’s Church?This episode will stir your heart, stretch your perspective, and ignite a deeper desire to follow the Holy Spirit wherever He leads.📖 Scripture Focus: Acts 10–11🕊️ Theme: Breaking Barriers, Embracing All🌐 SoulsharborAG.org🔗 Linktree📘 Facebook | ▶️ YouTube

A Deeper Dive: Unleashing the Transforming Power of God's Presence Episode Title: The Power of God's Presence: From Genesis to Global Impact Description: Join us on "A Deeper Dive" as we explore the profound and undeniable power of experiencing God's presence. This isn't merely a fleeting emotion; it's a transformative force capable of changing lives, healing the broken, and instilling hope in the hopeless. In this episode, we trace God's remarkable plan for salvation from Genesis, where God spoke of a coming conflict and redemption in Genesis 3:15, and promised Abraham that "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" through him in Genesis 12:3. This grand strategy aimed to bring His presence to every corner of the globe and ultimately culminated in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself embodied God's presence on earth, demonstrating supernatural power, compassion, and liberation as "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power". We'll take a closer look at the pivotal story of Cornelius from Acts 10, a Roman centurion who, despite his pagan background, hungered for God and sought Him through prayer and generosity. This narrative highlights that God orchestrates events to bring people to salvation. God prepared both Cornelius and Peter, breaking down cultural biases and prejudices, as Peter's worldview was shattered through a divine vision. The moment Peter entered Cornelius's home, Cornelius declared, "We are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord," setting the stage for a profound revelation and the tangible presence of God. This illustrates a crucial truth: it is the divine presence that moves a person from unbelief to faith, from darkness to light. Discover how God shows no partiality, making salvation available to all who seek Him. We'll discuss how the concept of 'prevenient grace'—the idea that even our desire to know God is a gift from Him—impacts our understanding of evangelism and our role in reaching others for Christ. The good news is that this same transformative presence is available to us today. Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them". We learn how believers can actively seek and cultivate God's presence through worship, prayer, and the study of Scripture, both personally and corporately. These practices create an atmosphere where God's Spirit can move freely, leading to radical life transformation, healing, and freedom. Our call as a church is to create an environment where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and embraced by God's love. By prioritizing God's presence, we become catalysts for transformation, bearers of hope, and channels of divine love to a world desperately in need of encounter with the living God. Connect with Soul Harbor Plainfield: • Website: https://www.soulsharborag.org/ • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield Join Us In-Person or Online: • Sunday: 10:45 AM - Family Worship (in-person and Facebook & YouTube Live) • Wednesday: 6:30 PM - Adults, SHC Kids, SHCWave Youth (in-person and online)

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – Orchestrating Chaos Part 2In this episode of A Deeper Dive, we continue exploring how God orchestrates spiritual breakthroughs and church growth through unexpected people and situations. Pastor Barry unpacks how God often uses what looks like chaos to bring about His perfect plan.You’ll hear powerful insights on breaking through spiritual barriers, stepping out of tradition, and staying sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This conversation challenges us to open our hearts to God’s orchestration in reaching the spiritually hungry around us.📖 Scripture Focus: Acts 10–11💡 Key Themes:God’s ability to use chaos for His purposeThe importance of spiritual sensitivity and prayerWhy breaking traditions can make way for revivalEveryone’s role in bringing others to Christ🎧 Listen now and take a deeper dive into God’s orchestration in your life.🔗 Stay Connected with Souls Harbor Church🌐 Website:https://www.soulsharborag.org🔗 All Links in One Place:https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield▶️ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield🕒 Service Times – Join Us In Person or OnlineSundays at 10:45 AM📍 Family Worship Service📡 Live on Facebook & YouTubeWednesdays at 6:30 PM👨‍👩‍👧 Adults🧒 SHC Kids🎉 SHCWave Youth📡 In-person & online

🎧 A Deeper Dive: Orchestrating ChaosThis episode of A Deeper Dive invites you to step into the conversation as we explore how God brings order, purpose, and peace in the middle of life’s chaos. No matter how loud the noise or how scattered the pieces may feel, His presence is the anchor that holds us steady.💬 Whether you’re in the middle of a storm or walking someone else through theirs, this episode will encourage and equip you with biblical truth and practical steps to trust God’s orchestration.🌐 Connect with us:Website: soulsharborag.orgLinktree: linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfieldFacebook: facebook.com/SHCPlainfieldYouTube: youtube.com/@shcplainfield⛪ Join Us for Services:📅 Sundays – Family Worship at 10:45 AM (In-person + Facebook & YouTube Live)📅 Wednesdays – 6:30 PM (In-person + Online for Adults, SHC Kids, and SHCWave Youth)✨ Take a moment. Take a breath. Take a deeper dive.

🎙️ A Deeper Dive – Souls Harbor Church PlainfieldEpisode Title: BrokenAir Date: June 29, 2025Welcome to A Deeper Dive, the official podcast of Souls Harbor Church Plainfield. In each episode, we take time to go beyond the Sunday sermon — exploring deeper truths, life application, and real conversations that inspire spiritual growth.🔍 This Episode: “Broken”Today we take a closer look at what it means to be broken before God. We discuss how brokenness isn’t something to be ashamed of — but a posture God often uses to shape, strengthen, and send us. Whether you feel whole, wounded, or somewhere in between, this message is for you.🔗 Stay Connected with Souls Harbor Church🌐 Website:https://www.soulsharborag.org🔗 All Links in One Place:https://linktr.ee/soulsharborplainfield📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SHCPlainfield▶️ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@shcplainfield🕒 Service Times – Join Us In Person or OnlineSundays at 10:45 AM📍 Family Worship Service📡 Live on Facebook & YouTubeWednesdays at 6:30 PM👨‍👩‍👧 Adults🧒 SHC Kids🎉 SHCWave Youth📡 In-person & online🎧 Subscribe to A Deeper Dive on your favorite podcast platform to stay encouraged, challenged, and spiritually fed each week.📣 Don’t forget to leave a review and share with a friend!