Acts 28:   Jesus said that certain signs would follow those who believe: “They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:18 While wintering on Malta, Paul confirms these words of the Lord, demonstrating His great love and power through many miraculous signs and healings. After blessing the people of Malta, Paul and company make safe passage to Rome in the spring. Paul meets and is encouraged by believers, appeals to fellow Jews through expounding the Scriptures, and while yet in chains, enjoys two years of unhindered ministry in his private quarters.  Join Kulvi, Lalitha and Lauren as they share thoughts and insights gleaned from this final chapter of the Book of Acts!

In Acts 27 Paul and company begin their sea journey to Rome. While facing almost certain death in a violent storm, Paul proclaims to all on board a message of life, hope and encouragement  from an Angel of the Lord. Lalitha and Lauren expound on this passage and examine how we, like Paul, are called by God to be a blessing. How can we be salt and light for the Lord - to speak truth into confusion, faith and encouragement amid fear and defeat, and life in the midst of death?

Acts 26 Paul is bold to share the full gospel as he bears witness for Christ before Festus, Agrippa and Bernice. Kulvi and Lauren discuss Paul's testimony and apply his message to our own lives and faith. Topics explored: the promise of God to Abraham and Israel in the Law of Moses; how understanding the Scriptures and power of God is essential to truly lay hold of hope and faith; our darkness and the glory of His Light; and the conviction of our conscience – how not to refuse Him who is speaking. NOTES: Responsibility of knowing:  John 12:48, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A48&version=ESV Matthew 1:23, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A23&version=ESV John 15:8-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A8-10&version=ESV The fruit of good deeds:  James 2:21-26, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A21-26&version=ESV Philippians 2:12-13, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13+&version=ESV Colossians 1:9-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A9-10&version=ESV Ephesians 2:8-10, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.+2%3A8-10&version=ESV

Paul makes his defense before Festus then appeals to Caesar as the Jews continue to seek his life. The consuming hatred of the religious leaders has blinded and bound them into sin to serve the devil instead of the God they claim to represent. Lauren and Lalitha expound on Acts chapter 25 while discussing the spiritual dangers of holding onto hatred: How does anger and jealousy so easily grab hold of us? What are the spiritual implications, and how can we resist the devil to live in the freedom Christ has purchased for us?

Kulvi and Lauren teach on Acts Chapter 24. Some topics discussed: windows of God's grace; integrity and witness; the gift and purpose of Holy Spirit conviction; dangers of procrastination/retreating to darkness;  and how the ruler of this world has been judged.

Please join Lauren and Lalitha as they expound on Acts 23. Some of the topics and applications discussed are: judging rightly; the Lord's provision and our portion in Him; dangers of binding declarations/oaths; and seeking clarity and wisdom from the Lord amidst confusion or stress.

Apostle Paul has finally gives His testimony to his Jewish brethren, but the Lord's words "they will not accept your testimony about me" proved to be true. The Jews become infuriated hearing him speaking of gentiles and keep shouting to demand his death. As a result, Paul is ordered to be flogged by the tribune, but after revealing his Roman citizenship, ends up before the council of Jewish chief priests. NOTES: House of prayer for all nations, Isaiah 56:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isa+56%3A6-7&version=ESV God's plan for Jews and Gentiles: Romans 11:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A11-12&version=ESV The warning by Jesus, John 16:2-3: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A2-3&version=ESV

Kulvi and Lauren share together about Paul's return journey to Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 21. Topics include prophetic messages and discerning the will of God; dangers of speculation; the balance of walking in truth and love; abiding in the light, and the true temple of the Living God.

Paul travels with companions from the Macedonian, Galatian and Asian churches, making several stops on his return journey to Jerusalem. Warned by the Spirit about tribulations awaiting him there, Paul calls a farewell meeting with the elders from Ephesus where he shares his heart and gives warnings of troubles they will soon face. Encouraging these beloved men to follow hard after Jesus, Paul exhorts them to guard themselves and the flock, and to follow his example by holding nothing back in their service for the Lord.

Framed by this week's study in Acts Chapter 19, Kulvi and Lauren, with personal detail and testimonies, discuss the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and seekers of God.  Some topics discussed:  Living a Spirit-filled life; true indicators of Holy Spirit filling; the power and authority of Jesus to plunder the strong man's house; Jewish exorcism; carrying the name of Jesus; and the fear of God as foundational to an abiding relationship with Him. Notes: Fruit bearing life, KGB Files Voronaev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CvjcNszmqc&t=18s