Advertise on podcast: Revelation Church Manchester

In Acts 13, Paul is on a mission to a church after previously being sent and is giving an encouraging speech to this people. Paul recounts the history of Israel and ultimately that Jesus has changed the game and now through his sacrifice we can be forgiven in ways the old law could not achieve. This is still true today, that we have the same God of david and moses but we are set free through Jesus Christ.

In Acts 11, a church in antioch starts teaching non jews and many people came to know the lord. A new church was then birthed in chapter 13 and it came through prayer and fasting. This week, we learn how the antioch church began so that we can become more like them. The bible includes many examples not just for historic context but as an example for us to learn from and strive toward in this example.

In Exodus 33, Moses talks to God through a pillar of cloud and repeatedly he asks for the presence of God. God responds and moses keeps striving for more but God replies that Moses cannot see his face but he will show Moses the fulness of his goodness. This week, we remember to centre not our friends, not our kindness, and not even God's gifts to us but to seek the presence of God in our lives.

In Acts 12, Herod kills James and captures Peter but through an angel, God miraculously rescues Peter. Later, Herod gives a speech but by not giving God the glory, the lord instantly strikes him down. This week, we are reminded that when times of trouble come, this is when we must pray earnestly but more importantly that God has always has a plan to rescue us from the depths and we can trust him to bring true justice.

In Acts 10, Cornelius was told by God to go and find Peter while Peter received a vision about eating animals and then was told to go and meet Cornelius. Peter then later realised the vision of God was revealing that the old laws have been removed by Jesus' death and resurrection. This week, we learn a little about the old testament food laws but more importantly why Jesus changed the game. God is a God who orchestrates and plans the whole story of the bible and beyond and that is good news for all of us.

In Acts 9:31-43, Jesus heals a paralyzed man through Peter and then raises a dead woman from her grave. This scripture first reminds us the healing power that we can confidently declare, not that we heal but that Jesus heals through us. These healings are not tied to bible stories but are continually flowing today. Secondly is the power to rise. We can experience the same resurrection power that rose Jesus from the grave. After healing comes the action to rise and go to serve the will of God.

Acts 9:1-20 tells the story of Saul on a journey and his radical transformation by God. Jesus strips Saul of his sight in his revelation and then returns it when forming church community through Ananias. This week, we learn of the moment when Saul was transformed but also that the coming days and years must follow with continuous meeting with God. Every one of us needs transformation through Jesus and we need continual renewal by God and through his church, through each other.

In Isaiah 55 1-3, there is an invitation to a feast that brings restoration with no price. This invitation is open for anyone who is thirsty or in need. This week, we are reminded that if you lack anything, God will provide not just survival but the ability to thrive. We must turn away from worldly bread and eat the bread of life that Jesus has prepared for us all.

In John 16:16-33 Jesus tells the disciples that soon, something will happen to him causing them to weep and despair. But immediately he adds that this same event will be the source of their joy. This week, we look at how the cross was a reason for joy for the disciples and how it is still a reason to rejoice today. The death of Jesus was a sorrowful moment but an eternal victory in which we can all rejoice.

In John 16 4-15 Jesus tells the disciples that although he is leaving, the helper or the Holy Spirit will be with them. He will speak truth and challenge us in our sin. This week, we remember who the Holy Spirit is and always has been from creation to now and into eternity. We should listen to what the Holy Spirit says and be obedient in our daily walks.

In John 15:18-16:4, Jesus tells his disciples plainly that following him will bring opposition from the world. As we trace his words back to Genesis 3, we see that this hostility is part of a bigger story running through the Bible, and that Jesus is the promised offspring who came to defeat the serpent. This week, we’re reminded that we shouldn’t be surprised when following Jesus comes at a cost. Jesus warns us so that we won’t fall away, but can keep trusting him and living as those who belong to him.

In John 15:1-17, Jesus describes himself as the true vine and calls his disciples to remain in him. We can easily believe that fruitfulness comes from doing more or trying harder, but Jesus shows us a different way. This week, we are reminded that lasting fruit grows out of a life spent close to Jesus, and that even his pruning is an act of grace. Are we striving to be fruitful in our own strength, or learning to abide in Jesus and let him shape our lives?

In John 14:15-31, Jesus promises his disciples that although he is leaving them, they will not be left alone. Instead, he will send the Holy Spirit - another helper like him - who will live within them and remain with them. This week we look at who the Holy Spirit is, and the incredible gift of having God’s presence with us. As we come to know the Spirit, we are challenged not to settle for simply dipping our toes in, but to go deeper into the relationship with God that we were created for.

In John 13:21- 38, we see two disciples who failed Jesus in significant ways - Judas betrayed him and Peter denied him three times. Yet their stories ended very differently. Judas tried to carry the weight of his failure alone, while Peter brought his failure to Jesus. This week JP poses us this question: what will we do when we fail? Will we follow Judas’ path, which led to death, or Peter’s example, which led to restoration?

In John 13:1-17, Jesus enters into the upper room with his disciples, and proceeds to wash their feet. In putting himself in such a lowly position, Jesus demonstrates his humility, and his willingness to serve us, despite being Lord. This week Jem encourages us to learn from Jesus' example. As we look to our humble God, we are encouraged both to serve one another, and to humbly receive the service of others.