Renew Bible Church Podcast

VOYAGERS | Acts | Valiant Faith (pt 6)

Voyagers | Part 6 | Pastor Chris Heller

"Maybe you're there for such a time as this."

The word valiant is seldom used in our day and age. It describes one who "possesses or shows courage or determination.” This Sunday, we will be reminded of one of the most valiant acts in all of scripture from the book of Esther as she stands before the king.  We will compare her boldness to that of Paul (Acts 26) as he stands before Agrippa.  

I will also share the 7 Key Strategies for Biblical Confrontation before we partake of Communion this Sunday. Needless to say, this should be an exciting week in our Voyagers series!

VOYAGERS | Acts | Altar Faith (pt 5)

Voyagers | Part 5 | Pastor Chris Heller

What is God asking you to offer Him?

Let’s be honest, there's no one who doesn’t think they could use some growth in the area of patience.  Being tested in the area of patience is no fun, yet it is one of the most sought-after characteristics God longs to see in His children.  

Why? Patience demands sacrifice, and sacrifice demands trust. The ability to walk in faith as we wait on God demonstrates a God-fearing respect, surrender, and trust that He is good and He will provide. When we patiently wait, we honor and praise Him as we choose to rest in His timing, His plan, and His promises that He will provide. 

This week, we will examine the faith of Abraham and Isaac being tested before being entrusted. We will then compare that to the Apostle Paul’s faith as he once again goes to trial, this time before Festus.   

I trust this message will be a real encouragement to all those feeling confused, frustrated, and even upset with God's current plan in their lives, as they are being asked to surrender theirs.

VOYAGERS | Acts | Blameless Faith (pt 4)

VOYAGERS | Part 4 | Pastor Chris Heller

7 Ways to Crush the Fear of Accusation

Have you ever been tempted to do something wrong in private?  How about being deceitful in order to finish a task under pressure, or maybe pondered ways to deceptively cheat the system? What about the times you’ve justified deceitfulness because of the way you have been mistreated?

This week, we will talk about walking in ‘blameless faith’, with a clear conscience.  We will watch as Paul is mocked, accused, slandered, and even cast away into isolation, despite being blameless before God.  

Will God defend him? Will God step in and stop the accusations?  Join us this week (Acts 24) as we watch a blameless faith go under trial before Felix.  I truly believe this Sunday will demonstrate the reward of blamelessness, despite the suffering that can come.  Don’t believe me?  Ask Joseph!

VOYAGERS | Acts | Awesome Faith (pt 3)

Voyagers | Part 3 | Pastor Chris Heller

Our first week we learned to walk with Maybe Faith -- the faith that says, "let's commit . . . maybe the Lord will deliver despite the odds."  Last episode we investigated Furnace Faith -- the faith that says, "even if this hurts, I'm stepping into this adversity in faith."

Today, we will be talking about Tenacious Faith, the faith that "stays on the wall."  We will follow Paul (Acts 23) as he faces chains, slaps, threats and intimidation. Hope you're enjoying our series in Acts . . .Voyagers!

VOYAGERS | Acts | Under Fire (pt 2)

Voyagers | Part 2 | Pastor Chris Heller

Ever been burned by adversity? 

Have you ever launched into something for others that you truly believed in, only to find every move is met with adversity? Have you ever questioned why God wouldn't prevent the adversity you're facing from happening when you are clearly doing this for Him?

Today, we will voyage into the fire of adversity. The fire is raging, and it's going to be tempting to walk away, but we're voyagers . . . so in we go, EVEN IF we get burned.

Take home:  The 5 Characteristics of Voyager Faith in the Midst of Adversity!

VOYAGERS | Acts | Risky Business (pt 1)

Voyagers | Part 1 | Pastor Chris Heller

 

What is your risk tolerance?

Our summer series begins this Sunday with the third part of our trilogy in Acts: "VOYAGERS".

We find Paul at a place where he is convinced he is to return to Jerusalem, much to the chagrin of those who are offering him council. He will have to decide between heeding the warnings of those wanting him to stay, or following the sense of call he has urging him to go.

Have you ever made a decision that is outside the norm, or even against the flow? Have you ever decided to launch out into something others deemed reckless?

This Sunday, we will gain insight from the mind of a man determined to finish a course (Acts 21) regardless of what dangers were ahead. Hope to give a few tools in this series on how to take calculated risks!

SOJOURNERS | Acts | Sojourner Sunsets (pt 11)

SOJOURNERS | Part 11 - Series Conclusion | Pastor Chris Heller

As we celebrate Father’s Day this year, may we find our inspiration from Paul, a spiritual father to so many. As we open up Acts 20 this week, we will find Paul at a season of his life when he realizes the sun is about to set on his three missionary sojourns.

We will listen to Paul's final words to his audience and reflect on the key  characteristics he wanted his listeners to remember about him, as well as the things he was sure to model for them while he was with them.

What were the six things he reflected on?
What were the six things he modeled?

Join us this Sunday and we will let you know!  

And as an added bonus for the young dads, I’m going to throw in the 5 things my father says every dad needs to do before their kids leave home.

SOJOURNERS | Acts | Passing Through Change (pt 10)

SOJOURNERS | Part 10 | Pastor Jon Adams

How do you feel about the word CHANGE?

Some people love that word, but for many, change is difficult. Change can be emotionally draining, especially if it’s change we didn’t anticipate or ask for.

Does Paul’s life as a sojourner have anything to teach us about change? I believe it does. This Sunday, we’ll join Paul in the middle of his third missionary trip, through a riot in Ephesus and another attempt on his life in Greece. And in the midst of another chaotic chapter in Acts, we’ll get to hear Paul’s secret for handling change in his life—three simple words that gave him constant peace, no matter what changes he faced.

Whether you’re a change-lover or change-hater, our text on Sunday will provide a biblical filter to guide you through whatever change you’re facing next.

SOJOURNERS | Acts | Passing Through Evil (pt 9)

SOJOURNERS | Acts 19 | Pastor Chris Heller

Is evil lurking at your door?

I've heard many people say over the past year that they have never felt evil has been so obvious and out in the open. Truth is, the god of this world has always been busy at work, yet there is no doubt evil can appear at times and in some places far more than others.

This week, we will join Paul as he enters the infamous city of Ephesus. This ancient city was a hot bed of occultism and demonic influences that are startling, for sure. Not to worry, however. He enters with a ghost -- the Holy Ghost!

Join us as we leverage the power of the Ghost in us that supersedes any evil of this world!

SOJOURNERS | Acts | Charging Station (pt 8)

SOJOURNERS | Pastor Chris Heller 

None of us want to admit this, but there are times when we have been intimidated by a person, place, or thing. How do we walk with confidence while our knees shake?

This week we sojourn into Corinth (Acts 18), the ancient world's equivalent to Las Vegas, and gain insight into both who and what brought Paul the courage he needed to persevere through his internal doubts.