Biblical Places: Heavenly respect for Stephen • Philip went to Samaria

Books of Acts Study

December 15, 2021 • Pastor Emeritus Joe Fuiten • Acts 8, Acts 7

Acts chapter 7 ends with the death of Stephen. Before we proceed to chapter 8 I would like to pay attention to what Stephen saw as he was about to die. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Missionaries to Everyone

March 16, 2022 • Pastor Emeritus Joe Fuiten • Acts 13

Antioch was the western terminus of the Silk Road which had recently opened up trade with China. Camels arrived there bearing spices, silk and other exotic goods from beyond the Himalayas. Antioch's command of north-south and east-west roads contributed greatly to its growth and prosperity. The city was also called "Queen of the East" because of its mixed population of Romans, Persians, Indians and even Chinese. Given its religions and ethnic mix it was quite cosmopolitan and earned the reputation of being an immoral city. If the Gospel was to become a world-wide religion that included Gentiles, Antioch was the right place from which to launch it. The “revival” that took place in Antioch was a clear signal that God intended his Gospel to reach all people.

With Jesus in Holy Week

April 13, 2022 • Pastor Emeritus Joe Fuiten

I am going to suspend my regular study of Acts and do a study called "With Jesus in Holy Week." We will show 76 pictures of various sites that go along with the places where Jesus was from Palm Sunday through Easter.

Acts of God Against Acts of Tyrants Against Acts of the Apostles

February 16, 2022 • Pastor Emeritus Joe Fuiten • Acts 12

That is a lot of acts! I have taught the book of Acts with chapter 12 several times over the last 51 years. Teaching it in 2022 offers new insights on current politicians. Nations long governed by laws enacted by representatives of the people have reverted to patterns that existed before the English Revolution of 1688 and the American Revolution of 1776. Under the guise of an “emergency,” principles of liberty articulated by John Locke in “On Civil Liberty” and held as basic to governance for over 300 years have been overthrown in favor of monarchial rule by petty tyrants at all levels of government.