We continue our Advent journey with “O Lord of Might,” the ancient cry that remembers the God who rescued Israel and reveals Jesus as that same redeeming Lord. Throughout Scripture, Adonai is the warrior who saves—powerful in judgment, rich in mercy, and faithful to deliver His people. In Christ we see this fullness: gentle and gracious, yet the One who will return to judge evil and make all things new. This week invites us to take that portrait seriously—not to fear evil, because Jesus conquers it, but to fear drifting toward the very sin He opposes. The Lord of Might stands ready to redeem, lead, and strengthen all who call on His name.

In this Advent teaching on O Sapientia — O Wisdom — we explore what it means to grow in godly discernment. Wisdom in Scripture isn’t just knowledge but the ability to taste and recognize what leads to life. Isaiah points to the One who embodies perfect wisdom—Jesus, the shoot from the stump of Jesse. In Him, we learn to perceive, practice, and proclaim wisdom, allowing His Spirit to shape our desires, decisions, and way of life.

Acts shows us what happens when ordinary people are filled with the Holy Spirit and sent by Jesus. The gospel advances not through comfort or human strength, but through surrendered lives and bold witness. As we follow Paul’s journey to Rome and the early church’s testimony, we are reminded that the same Spirit empowers us today to share Christ and make disciples wherever we go.

Paul’s shipwreck and suffering in Acts 27–28 reveal a peace that transcends circumstance. In this episode, we talk about what it means to endure with hope, to see storms as sacred, and to live with “passionate patience” in a culture addicted to immediacy.

When storms rise, Paul shows us what it means to trust God in the middle of them. From imprisonment and shipwreck to standing before kings, his story reveals that suffering is not a detour from God’s plan—it’s the very soil where faith grows strong. Through patient endurance and a non-anxious presence, Paul turns every trial into testimony and every hardship into hope.

Pastor Ciprian Balta and his family left security in the U.S. for Ireland, not by plan but by providence. This is a story of reluctant obedience that became joyful calling.

In Acts 23 and 24, Paul stands in the middle of his legal and spiritual trial, facing false accusations and strong opposition from both religious and political leaders. Yet even in confinement, his message remains free and his mission unstoppable. Before the Sanhedrin, Paul boldly declares his clear conscience before God and reveals that the true reason for his trial is his hope in the resurrection of the dead. Jesus appears to him, saying, “Take courage…you must also testify in Rome,” reminding Paul that his life is directed by divine purpose, not human plots.  Through it all, Paul remains steadfast—a faithful witness whose calling continues even in chains.

In Acts 21, we encounter a powerful moment in Paul’s life as he journeys toward Jerusalem, “constrained by the Spirit,” knowing imprisonment and suffering await him. Though believers along the way receive prophetic warnings and plead with him not to go, Paul remains steadfast, saying he is ready “not only to be imprisoned but even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.” This passage reveals a key truth about the Spirit’s work: revelation may be clear, but interpretation and application require humility and community discernment. Paul listens carefully yet stays obedient to what he has discerned, modeling courage and submission. In the end, the believers surrender and say, “Let the will of the Lord be done,” reminding us that the Spirit’s purpose is not to control or confuse, but to guide us together into truth, love, and faithful obedience.Clarity Through Humility & Unity

In Acts 19–20, Paul’s ministry in Ephesus shows the gospel’s power to transform lives and entire communities. Through faithful teaching, miracles, and repentance, the name of Jesus is lifted high and the Word of the Lord continues to increase and prevail mightily. As Paul prepares to depart, he urges the Ephesian elders to lead with humility, endurance, and generosity—reminding them it is more blessed to give than to receive. His example calls us to live out the gospel with courage, compassion, and full surrender to Christ

Acts 17–18 trace Paul’s second missionary journey as he preaches in diverse settings, facing both openness and opposition. In Thessalonica, some believe while others stir up hostility. The Bereans receive the Word eagerly, examining Scripture daily. In Athens, Paul boldly engages philosophers at the Areopagus, proclaiming the risen Christ in a culturally relevant way. In Corinth, despite resistance, he remains for 18 months, encouraged by God’s promise of His presence. Along the way, Paul partners with Aquila and Priscilla, who later disciple Apollos into a powerful minister. These chapters remind us that the gospel belongs in every place, calls for faithfulness amid challenges, and grows through both bold proclamation and quiet discipleship.

The book of Acts shows that following Jesus is both joyful and challenging, filled with revival, miracles, and unity, yet also marked by persecution, conflict, and disagreement. In Acts 15–16, we see the Church wrestling with theological debates—whether Gentiles needed to follow Jewish customs—and personal disputes, such as Paul and Barnabas parting ways over John Mark. Through it all, God kept purifying the Church’s understanding of the gospel. These stories remind us to stay humble, teachable, and committed to Christ’s mission, even when disagreements arise. 

Acts 13 shows Paul risking it all for the gospel. What does it mean for us to bring Christ into modern public spaces, even when it costs us?

The book of Acts reveals the unstoppable advance of Christ’s kingdom through the Spirit-empowered church, fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission. Paul’s transformation from persecutor to preacher shows that God can redeem anyone, and his ministry in Cyprus and Antioch demonstrates the power of the gospel to humble, transform, and reframe the world’s false stories with the true story of God’s redemption. Living on mission is costly, marked by suffering and sacrifice, yet it is worth everything because Jesus has already given everything for us.

From Peter’s jailbreak to modern stories of traffickers turning to Jesus, this episode shows how even “little weedy prayers” can unleash God’s miraculous power.

In Acts 11–12, God makes clear that the gospel is for all people, breaking down cultural and religious barriers through Peter’s vision and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early church is called to embrace generosity, humility, and faith-filled prayer, as seen in the Gentiles’ support during famine and Peter’s miraculous release from prison. These chapters remind us that true inclusion is marked by the Spirit, not tradition, and that the Church grows when it reflects Christ authentically, prays expectantly, and gives God all the glory.

Saul’s radical transformation from persecutor to preacher (Acts 9) and Cornelius’ Spirit-filled awakening (Acts 10) reveal that no one is beyond God’s grace, that the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to boldly witness for Christ, and that God’s kingdom welcomes all, regardless of background. These stories remind us that God is always at work, orchestrating redemption, and that we too come as unlikely converts made new through Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of His Spirit.

In a world hungry for hope, Cody and Alec reflect on how God is moving in fresh ways today—and how simple stewardship, authentic stories, and love across differences can open doors for the gospel.

Stephen, though opposed and falsely accused, boldly proclaimed Christ and, even in death, reflected Jesus’ forgiveness. His martyrdom sparked persecution that scattered believers, spreading the gospel even further. Philip then stepped onto the scene, performing miracles, bringing joy to cities, and sharing the good news with an Ethiopian seeker who was baptized on the spot. The heart of the message is clear: the gospel’s power isn’t about our eloquence or credentials but about the Holy Spirit working through willing and obedient believers.

Acts 5 and 6 remind us that bold obedience and humble service are key to gathering that harvest. In Acts 5, the apostles face persecution yet refuse to stop preaching Christ, showing us that courage and faithfulness advance God’s mission even under opposition. In Acts 6, the church wisely resolves internal conflict through servant leadership, leading to greater unity and growth. Together, these passages call us to live with integrity, share the gospel with love and boldness, and serve one another across differences—so that we might see revival and a great harvest in our own time.

Evangelism isn’t only overseas—it’s in neighborhoods, workplaces, and daily encounters. What does it mean to live as “suburban missionaries”?