Hey Everyone,

In today's episode, I sat down to have a conversation with four of our residents, so you can get to know them and hear more about what has been happening over the last six weeks.

We may do another episode with other residents in a couple of weeks!

Blessings,

Samuel

Episode 24: Acts (Part 2) – Without Hindrance

1. Reflection on Last Week

* Share experiences from the practical challenge.

* What happened when you looked for opportunities to share your faith boldly?

* Were there any surprising doors that opened — or moments of resistance that challenged you?

2. Paul’s Missionary Journeys and Trials – The Gospel in Motion

A. The Call and the First Journey – Obedient Beginnings

(Acts 13–14)

* Paul and Barnabas are set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent from Antioch.

* Marks the beginning of Gentile missions and city-to-city gospel expansion.

* Key stops: Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra.

* Endures rejection, persecution, and even stoning — but continues.

Theme: Obedience doesn’t guarantee ease — but it launches Kingdom momentum.

B. The Expansion – Endurance in the Fire

(Acts 15–21)

* Paul’s second and third missionary journeys — now with Silas, Timothy, Luke, and others.

* Key cities: Philippi (jail and deliverance), Thessalonica (riot), Athens (Areopagus sermon), Corinth (tentmaking and long-term ministry), Ephesus (revival and resistance).

* Persecution intensifies, but churches are planted and disciples multiply.

* The gospel crosses cultural, economic, and religious lines.

Theme: Endurance under fire sharpens the message and builds spiritual momentum.

C. The Imprisonment and Journey to Rome – Victory in Chains

(Acts 21–28)

* Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and put on trial multiple times (Felix, Festus, Agrippa).

* Appeals to Caesar and endures a shipwreck en route to Rome.

* Ends in house arrest — where he continues preaching, writing, and discipling.

* Acts 28:31: “Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

Theme: Even when we are limited, God is not. His Kingdom advances through prisons, storms, and delays.

3. Ending “Without Hindrance” – Acts 28:31

* What does it mean that Paul ends his journey “without hindrance” even in chains?

* The Book of Acts closes without final resolution—because the story continues in us.

* God’s Kingdom is unstoppable, and His Word is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9).

* Even trials become platforms when surrendered to Him.

4. Reflection Questions

* What does living a faith “without hindrance” mean for you practically?

* Where do you see God's purposes moving unhindered in your life or community?

* What internal attitudes, fears, or patterns might be quietly hindering your spiritual growth?

5. Practical Challenge

Choose a verse from Acts to memorize — one that anchors you in resilience, mission, or hope. Practice: Reflect daily on how that verse shapes your thoughts, responses, and actions.

* Suggested verses: Acts 1:8, Acts 4:12, Acts 5:29, Acts 14:22, Acts 20:24, Acts 28:31.

Episode 2: Acts (Part 1) – Igniting the Flame

1. Reflection on Last Week

* Recap overview of Acts and The Screwtape Letters.

* What resonated about spiritual warfare?

* How do we see spiritual resistance in the early Church?

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)The enemy doesn't fear polished eloquence—he fears the presence of those who have been with Jesus.

2. The Flame Ignited: Acts 1–6 – Power, Proclamation, and Pressure

Key Moments & Themes:Acts 1 – Jesus’ final command: “You will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)Acts 2 – Pentecost: the Holy Spirit fills the believers; 3,000 saved in one day.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” (Acts 2:42–43) “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

Acts 3–4 – Peter heals a lame man and boldly proclaims Jesus. The apostles face their first arrests.Acts 5 – Integrity matters: Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit is judged.

“Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.” (Acts 5:14)

Acts 6 – The Church grows rapidly and wisely appoints new leaders.

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1)

Theme:The early Church was marked by Spirit-filled courage, unity, and generosity, all while facing mounting opposition. The fire spreads because of their obedience, not ease.

3. Persecution as Catalyst: Acts 7–9 – From Scattering to Salvation

Key Moments & Themes:Acts 7 – Stephen boldly proclaims Christ and becomes the first martyr.Acts 8 – Great persecution scatters the believers—but instead of shrinking, the gospel spreads. Philip preaches in Samaria, and the Ethiopian eunuch is baptized.Acts 9 – Saul, the chief persecutor, is radically converted on the road to Damascus.

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3)

Theme:God uses opposition to fuel the mission. What looks like defeat is actually divine strategy. Saul’s conversion proves no one is beyond redemption.

4. The Gospel Breaks Barriers: Acts 10–12 – A New Flame Spreads

Key Moments & Themes:Acts 10 – Peter’s vision and Cornelius’ encounter with God open the door to Gentile inclusion.Acts 11 – The Church in Antioch is born — diverse, thriving, and Spirit-led.Acts 12 – James is martyred, Peter is rescued, and Herod is struck down.

Theme:God demolishes cultural and ethnic walls. The gospel moves beyond boundaries. His kingdom is for every tribe and tongue — and nothing can stop it.

5. Reflection Questions

* How do you respond spiritually and emotionally when challenged?

* Have you seen God use difficult circumstances to advance His purpose in your life?

* What personal fears or hesitations might hinder you from boldly sharing your faith?

6. Practical ChallengeCommit: Share your faith boldly despite potential resistance this week.Practice: Pray daily for courage and opportunities to speak openly about your faith.

(The video for this did not record so all we have is audio for this episode)

Unyielding Flame – Intro and Overview

1. Reflection on Last Series / Introductory Thoughts

* Brief reflection on previous theme, "Follow Me," highlighting insights gained around discipleship, spiritual practices, and living intentionally as followers of Jesus.

* Transition to the new theme: "Unyielding Flame." Discuss why exploring Acts and The Screwtape Letters is particularly timely, emphasizing the urgency of understanding spiritual resilience amidst cultural pressures and personal struggles.

2. Why Acts and The Screwtape Letters?

* Acts powerfully demonstrates how the Gospel spread relentlessly despite external persecution and opposition, embodying an "unyielding flame" that couldn't be extinguished.

* The Screwtape Letters uniquely reveal the internal spiritual battles, exploring subtle, often overlooked temptations and distractions that hinder personal spiritual growth.

* Emphasize the value of examining both external and internal spiritual struggles, providing holistic insight into Christian endurance and victory.

3. Overview of Acts – The Gospel as an Unyielding Flame

* Context: Acts, written by Luke, provides a historical and theological narrative connecting the life of Jesus (Gospel of Luke) with the early church’s explosive growth through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

* Narrative Structure:

* Acts 1–2: Jesus' ascension, awaiting the Holy Spirit, and Pentecost – Believers receive the Spirit, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel boldly, resulting in thousands of conversions and the birth of the early church community.

* Acts 3–7: Growth of the Jerusalem church amid rising persecution – Miracles performed by Peter and John, apostles facing threats and imprisonment, and the powerful witness of Stephen, whose martyrdom illustrates profound courage in the face of opposition.

* Acts 8–12: Expansion beyond Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria – Philip evangelizes Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, Peter's vision and outreach to Gentiles, and further persecution under King Herod.

* Acts 13–28: Paul's missionary journeys, trials, and eventual journey to Rome – Paul's strategic and resilient missionary work through various Roman provinces (Asia Minor, Greece), multiple imprisonments, shipwreck, and his determined arrival in Rome where he boldly continues preaching.

* Highlight key stories demonstrating resilience:

* Pentecost (Acts 2) – The Spirit igniting the church's bold witness.

* Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7) – The church grows even stronger amidst persecution.

* Paul’s dramatic conversion (Acts 9) and relentless missionary journeys (Acts 13–28) illustrating extraordinary perseverance through adversity.

* Anchor the series with the powerful concluding verse: "Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:31).

4. Overview of Screwtape Letters – War for the Soul

* Introduce C.S. Lewis briefly, noting his profound insights on spiritual warfare through imaginative storytelling.

* Explain how The Screwtape Letters creatively exposes the subtle methods of spiritual warfare through the correspondence between Screwtape, a senior demon, and his nephew, Wormwood.

* Highlight the book's relevance for believers today, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment, self-awareness, and vigilance in recognizing and resisting internal spiritual attacks.

5. Practical Challenge and Reflection Questions

* Identify personal expectations: What do you hope to gain spiritually or practically from this series?

* Reflect on current spiritual battles: Consider both internal struggles (doubts, temptations, distractions) and external challenges (cultural pressures, relational tensions).

* Personal reflection: In what specific ways have you felt your faith tested or strengthened recently?

Practical Application: This week, keep a spiritual journal. Note daily moments when you encounter spiritual resistance or encouragement, observing patterns and identifying how God might be working to strengthen you through these experiences.

Episode 21: Practicing The Way

How do we grow as disciples of Jesus in the actual lives we are living—not the ones we wish we had? Many of us struggle with consistency in our faith, caught between nostalgia for a past closeness with God or waiting for a future where we assume we’ll finally be disciplined enough. But what if discipleship isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions, but about walking with Jesus today?

In this episode, we explore the challenge of modern discipleship and why intentional formation—not just good intentions—is essential for spiritual growth. Drawing from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, we discuss the ancient wisdom of a Rule of Life: a pattern of rhythms and practices that create space for us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and live as He did.

We unpack why so many struggle with spiritual practices in a culture of busyness and distraction, and how the longing for an ideal life can keep us from encountering God in the ordinary moments of today. Through biblical reflections—like Elijah’s encounter with God in the whisper—we are reminded that transformation doesn’t happen in the next big thing, but in quiet faithfulness.

Rather than adding more to our already full lives, we consider how subtraction—removing distractions and unnecessary busyness—can create space for deeper formation. Practical spiritual practices like gratitude, Sabbath, silence, and solitude help reorient our lives toward the presence of God.

We close with the question that shapes true discipleship: Are we becoming more loving? And the challenge remains—where are we waiting to experience God instead of looking for Him where we already are?

Episode 20: Walking in the Power of the Spirit

What does it mean to be led by the Spirit? Many believers understand discipleship as following Jesus' teachings, but Jesus also promised that we would receive power from the Holy Spirit to live out our calling. In this episode, we explore how walking in the Spirit transforms our daily lives and equips us for the work of the kingdom. Through Scripture, we will examine the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding, empowering, and gifting believers for ministry and mission.

Episode Highlights:

Reflection on Last Week’s Theme – A brief look back at Episode 19’s discussion on the rhythms of discipleship. How does formation lead us to dependence on the Holy Spirit?

The Promise of the Spirit – Jesus promised that His followers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?

* Acts 1:8 – "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..."

* John 14:16-17 – The Spirit as our Helper and Teacher.

* Matthew 3:11 – "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

* Luke 11:13 – "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Walking in the Spirit – The Christian life is not meant to be lived in our own strength but through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. How can we cultivate daily dependence on the Spirit?

* Romans 8:14 – "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

* Galatians 5:16-25 – The contrast between living by the flesh and bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

* Matthew 4:1 – "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."

* Luke 4:14 – "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread."

Spiritual Gifts: Empowered for Mission – The Spirit equips each believer with unique gifts to serve the body of Christ and advance the kingdom. What are these gifts, and how do we discern and steward them?

* 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them."

* Ephesians 4:11-13 – Gifts given to build up the Church.

* 1 Peter 4:10 – "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others."

* Matthew 10:20 – "For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

* Luke 12:12 – "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

Overcoming Barriers to Walking in the Spirit – Why do many struggle to live Spirit-empowered lives? We examine four common challenges:

* Self-Reliance – Trusting in our own strength instead of yielding to the Spirit.

* Lack of Awareness – Many Christians do not realize the Spirit’s active role in their lives.

* Fear and Doubt – Hesitancy to step out in faith due to uncertainty about how the Spirit works.

* Cultural Distractions – The noise of life drowns out the voice of the Spirit.

A Practical Challenge for This Week – How can we grow in sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading? This week, we challenge listeners to:

* Set aside intentional time to listen and pray, asking the Spirit for direction.

* Step out in faith by using a spiritual gift (serving, encouraging, teaching, interceding, etc.).

* Meditate on Scripture that speaks about the work of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions:

* How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life?

* What is one way you can grow in walking by the Spirit this week?

* Have you identified your spiritual gifts? How can you use them to serve others?

We invite you to journal about your experience, reflect on what resonates with you, and share your thoughts in the comments or community discussion. As we continue this journey, let’s commit to being Spirit-led disciples who walk in God’s power.

If you’re following along with Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, we encourage you to reflect on how dependence on the Spirit is a key part of spiritual formation.

Be sure to subscribe and stay connected for future episodes as we continue exploring what it means to follow Jesus in the everyday moments of life.

Episode 19: Learning from Jesus – The Rhythms of Discipleship

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? For many, discipleship is reduced to belief alone, but Jesus calls us to something deeper—an invitation to learn from Him, to walk in His ways, and to be transformed by His rhythms of life. In this episode, we explore how following Jesus requires more than intention; it requires formation. Through Scripture, we will examine the patterns of Jesus’ life and consider how adopting His practices can shape us into His likeness.

Episode Highlights:

* Reflection on Last Week’s Theme – A brief look back at Episode 18’s discussion on the call to follow Jesus. What does Matthew’s Gospel reveal about the cost and commitment of discipleship?

* The Invitation to Learn from Jesus – In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. What does this invitation mean for our daily lives?

* The Importance of Rhythms and Practices – Discipleship is not accidental; it is shaped by intentional practices. Looking at how Jesus lived, we explore key spiritual rhythms:

* Prayer and Solitude (Mark 1:35) – Jesus regularly withdrew to pray. How can we cultivate space for silence and communion with God?

* Community and Fellowship (Acts 2:42) – The early church modeled devotion to teaching, fellowship, and shared life. How does biblical community shape our spiritual growth?

* Scripture and Teaching (Luke 4:16) – Jesus was deeply rooted in Scripture. What role does regular engagement with God’s Word play in our discipleship?

* Service and Generosity (John 13:12-17) – Jesus modeled servant-hearted leadership. How do we embody His posture of humility in our relationships?

* Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Formation – Why is it so difficult to live like Jesus in today’s culture? We examine four common challenges:

* Hurry – The busyness of life makes it hard to slow down and abide in Christ.

* Distraction – Constant input from technology and media pulls us away from spiritual disciplines.

* Cultural Pressures – The world resists the cost of true discipleship.

* Lack of Knowledge – Many desire to follow Jesus but struggle to know how.

* A Practical Challenge for This Week – What is one small step you can take to align your life with the rhythms of Jesus? We encourage listeners to choose one intentional practice, such as beginning the day in silence and prayer before engaging with technology.

Reflection Questions:

* What area of your life needs a new rhythm?

* What is one step you can take this week to follow Jesus more intentionally?

We invite you to journal about your experience, reflect on what resonates with you, and share your thoughts in the comments or community discussion. As we continue this journey, let’s commit to practicing the way of Jesus together.

If you’re following along with Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, we encourage you to read the next section and consider how formation happens through consistent spiritual habits. Here is a general reading plan to follow along with us: (some of the scripture passages may change as we feel led)

Month 1: The Call to Follow Jesus

* Focus: Exploring the foundational call to discipleship in Matthew’s Gospel.

* Reading: Pages 11-172 of Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

* Scripture Passages:

* Matthew 4:18-22 (The calling of the first disciples).

* Matthew 11:28-30 (The yoke of Jesus)

Month 2: Living as Followers of Jesus

* Focus: Integrating discipleship into daily rhythms and spiritual practices.

* Reading: Pages 173 - End of Practicing the Way (focus on the spiritual disciplines and living in community).

* Scripture Passages:

* Matthew 6:25-34 (Trusting God’s provision).

* Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission).

Be sure to subscribe and stay connected for future episodes as we continue exploring what it means to follow Jesus in the everyday moments of life.