In The Middle of the Night

Newsong Fellowship

In The Middle of the Night

August 11, 2024 • Dave Romoser

In the 16th chapter of Acts, Luke tells a story familiar to many. It's the story of Paul and Silas imprisoned for their determination to continue to announce the good news of the life available in the living Jesus. And what's fascinating about the story is their demeanor as they await judgment. Luke says it was "In the middle of the night..." and tells us that Paul and Silas are praying and singing songs of praise. Sooner or later we all have our "In the middle of the night" experience when the outlook is dark and sorrow and fear seem to be close at hand. How is it that Paul and Silas have the capacity to experience a sense of peace that breaks forth in song?

The Subversive Kingdom In Plain Sight

September 22, 2024 • Dave Romoser

Luke concludes his work in the book of Acts, having described the birth and expansion of the Way of Jesus as it moved throughout the known world, just as Jesus had instructed. His final chapter closes with a scene in which Paul is under house arrest in Rome "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance". But his final words reveal a subversive plot that's just getting started in this new movement.

Surviving A Storm

September 15, 2024 • Grant Romoser-Claunch

What do you do on your worst day? How do we get through the storms of life, when it feels like everything is up in the air, even like life itself is unraveling at the seams? In Acts 27 Paul is at sea, arrested and on his way to Rome and his certain death, when a weeks-long storm strikes and threatens the life and security of all on board. Reading this story allegorically, and seeing ourselves within it, we are invited to reflect on our own experiences and the grace of God at work around us.

All Sons and Daughters

September 8, 2024 • Dave Romoser

Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is soon confronted, beaten and arrested over a declaration he's made about the gospel of the Kingdom that that, once again, enrages the religious leaders... one that often provokes the same reaction in religious circles to this day, although much more subtly yet equally divisive and alienating.