Calvary Arlington

God is sovereign over corrupt judicial, political, and religious systems allowing Paul to witness to Governors and Kings and eventually Caesar.

The Jews had caused a riot when they heard Paul speak about his own story and Jesus calling him to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. God is using these circumstances to guide him as he presents the gospel higher and higher from the despised gentiles to the Roman Government leaders. Jesus turns every trial into a testimony and every hardship into a higher opportunity for the gospel.

Veteran Missionary Pastor Dan Bushy unpacks Job: "facing tragedy with amazing trust".

Do you ever feel like you can’t open your mouth without getting into trouble? You try to speak the truth, but somehow it lands wrong, and suddenly you’re the problem. Sometimes standing for what’s right doesn’t make you popular—it just makes you a target. Paul knew that feeling well. Today, as we continue in Acts 22, we are going to see how Paul’s words got him in trouble over and over, and yet he continued to speak the truth. 

As Paul addresses the crowd he gives us a great outline of how to likewise share our own story of redemption.  Six Elements of a Testimony 1. Connection – Start by building a bridge. Paul began with respect and common ground (“Brethren and fathers…”); approach people in a way that invites listening, not resistance. 2. Before Christ – Briefly describe who you were. Share what shaped your life or thinking before Jesus—enough to give context, not to glorify the past. 3. Sin – Acknowledge your need for grace. Be honest about the heart issues that separated you from God—whether outward rebellion or inward pride and self-reliance. 4. Encounter – Tell how Jesus met you. Describe the moment or season when Christ confronted your heart and opened your eyes to who He is. 5. Conversion – Explain how you responded. Share the turning point—your surrender, repentance, or prayer of faith—when you trusted Jesus personally. 6. Commission – Show how your life changed and what God called you to do. Every believer is sent; your story ends not with salvation alone but with a mission to make Him known.

Today's lesson gives us lessons on the makeup of the MOB.

Guest teacher Bill Sullivan teaches from Romans 8 in a two-part series called "Flesh & Blood".

Guest teacher Bill Sullivan teaches from Romans 7 in a two-part series called "Flesh & Blood".

Why would Paul ignore warnings from the Holy Spirit about danger ahead? We have some great lessons about the gospel, his attitude toward ministry, and some important lessons regarding proper bible study methods. The answer: "there are people there".

Paul knows he will likely never see these Ephesian elders again, and so he gathers them for one final meeting. Pastor Jim leaves us with four questions to consider: • Do I see the church as a family to love, or just a service to attend? • Am I participating in prayer with and for my church family? • Does my love for God’s people show in real affection, sacrifice, and even sorrow at parting? • Am I committed for the long haul, building the kind of deep relationships that only time and presence can create?

As we look at the continuing work of Paul we see the nature of his work, the danger of his work, and the comfort in the work. In this passage we also get a rare glimpse into the early church gathering.

As we continue following the progress of the gospel in Ephesus, we see fruitful ministry, pretenders, and a riot. #miracles #salvation #bookburning #riot #Jesus #God #faith

Last week we read about Apollos, and how he was well versed in the scriptures, yet was also lacking in his understanding of the gospel. Today as we begin chapter 19, we see a similar and perhaps related story of a group of twelve disciples in Ephesus who likewise are missing something. And Paul adds to their understanding and blesses their lives.

As Paul's second missionary adventure winds down he leaves Corinth, goes back home to check in at Antioch, and then heads out again on what will be his third adventure. We see the church growing, and ministry opportunities expanding.

Rob McCrorie unpacks lessons from the Old Testament Prophet Haggai. 

True success in the Christian life is not measured by knowledge alone, but by trusting God enough to act on His promises—refusing to let unbelief keep us from walking in grace, victory, and the future He has prepared.

These verses introduce a powerful theme: the role of support in gospel ministry. In this lesson, we springboard into some important lessons on giving to the work of God.

Paul shares the gospel in Athens in a unique way as he teaches the truth of the Bible without directly quoting and Old Testament scriptures.

As we continue in our study of Acts, we see the Apostle's pattern and persistence as they bring the word of Jesus to new areas. #actsoftheholyspirit #Paul #Jesus #Gospel

In the previous lesson we saw how the Apostles demonstrated submission as they were submitted to the purpose of God, the word of God, and the will of God. In today’s lesson we are going to see more of the fruit of that submission. #actsoftheholyspirit #Jesus #God