Grace Chapel Church Podcast | Franklin, TN

Last week, Pastor Jimmy spoke on the message of Acts 17:16-34, and this week, Pastor Rob preaches out of the same passage but focuses on the method Paul used to communicate the truths found in this scripture. How did the Gospel make its way out in a very public discussion and debate with a variety of people that were either ambivalent or antagonistic toward the Gospel? How did Paul conduct himself? Pastor Rob outlines his message in three sections that describe how Paul delivered this message: connection not criticism, commonality without compromise, and correction not condemnation. As it pertains to Grace Chapel, God is faithful to His bride, He is faithful to complete the work He has begun, and we will remain faithful to Him by fulfilling the mission He’s given us.

This week Pastor Rob and Pastor Jimmy discuss Paul in Corinth in Acts 18:1-23.

In this online-only service, Pastor Jimmy preaches out of Acts 17:16-34 where Paul addresses the Areopagus regarding the idols they worshipped in their culture – they had so many idols they even had a catch-all idol of an "unknown god." If we're not careful, it's easy to read a text like this and fail to make the connection to our present-day. An idol is always marked by the will to use God for our purposes. It is on one level a strategy and on another level, it is a rebellion eventually becoming a stronghold. Four questions we can ask ourselves as we seek to find the idolatry of our own heart: 1. Am I willing to compromise my beliefs for it? 2. Will I get angry if I can’t do it/don’t get it? 3. Do I value it over people? 4. Does it push me closer to God or pull me farther away?

Pastor Rob and Pastor Jimmy discuss Paul's journey through Thessalonica and Berea in Acts 17:1-15.

After a brief pause from ACTS during the Christmas season, we're now continuing our journey through the book with Pastor Rob bringing a word on the jailer's conversion in Acts 16:25-40. While this is a popular story, Pastor Rob gives some historical context as to who the jailer was and how his conversion story parallels the work that God is still doing today. The outflow and the evidence of the Gospel in and around our lives is joy. Even in the darkest dungeon, there is reason to rejoice because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

No matter what this year has been for you, no matter how wonderful or how difficult this season has been, God wants to remind you that He’s brought Good News that will cause great joy! All over the world, the Church gathers for the lighting of candles as the representation of the light that Jesus has brought into the world, into our lives, and is now commissioned us to carry wherever we go. And it’s all because the light came down into our darkness and welcomes us in, warms us up, and sends us out.

On this special Sunday, our worship and creative arts community presents Songs of Hope, special musical and narrative moments from our all-original production, The Sound of Hope. Pastor Rob also delivers a short message on hope, which is the central message of the Christmas story – persistent, unwavering, obstinate, emphatic, immovable, and sometimes even downright stubborn! No matter what’s going on around us, no matter what wrestling there is within us, the Christmas story gives us reason to hold to eternal hope.

We had such a special morning as Papa Don Finto spoke on becoming like Jesus! As Christians, our aim every day should be to become more like Jesus in all we say and do – to love like Jesus, forgive in all circumstances, and live joyfully. He also speaks on having God's confidence and overcoming sin by the power of Jesus.

Pastor Rob and Pastor Jimmy discuss the Macedonia Call in Acts 16:1-24.

In ACTS // Story 21 (The Complete Gospel), Pastor Rob speaks on Acts 15 where we see one of the first major theological debates arise in the early church. Just as there were different gospels then, there are various gospels even in the church today. Interestingly, this passage that details the contentious debate clarifies for us what the true Gospel is. After talking through the complete Gospel, Pastor Rob contrasts it with some of the other versions that are permeating the church today: the Transactional Gospel, the Informational Gospel, the Social Gospel, and the Religious Gospel.

Pastor Rob and Pastor Jimmy discuss Iconium & Syria in Acts 14.

In Story 19 of ACTS, Pastor Rob speaks on Paul's first missionary journey where the church in Antioch essentially becomes the base of operations for mission work and ministry. Breaking his message into three parts – called in, set apart, sent out – Pastor Rob says that we are all called in (i.e., a calling into the fold of God's family where you're no longer looking from the outside in), set apart to be used by God, and, in this very moment, being sent out on the mission field for Jesus.

Pastor Rob and Pastor Jimmy discuss Barnabas & Saul being sent in Acts 13:1-3.

In the seventeenth story of ACTS, we find ourselves in Acts 12 where Pastor Rob encourages us to pray big, bold, specific, faith-filled, passionate, powerful prayers that are in line with the very heart of God. Then, watch expectantly for God to do incredible things in your life and the Church collectively.

Pastor Rob and Pastor Jimmy discuss the Peter Reports in Acts 11.