In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Acts 22–28.This podcast episode includes many practical witnessing encouragements:Acts 22–28Paul shares his conversion accountPaul's various strategic approachesPaul witnesses to prominent leadersPaul's tumultuous trip to RomeKey concepts in this episode include: Sharing your own experiences in witnessingNavigating moments of hesitationNavigating various responses to the gospelStarting your witness with commonalitiesOpen eyes to witnessing opportunities all aroundShare this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:I've been reading through the Book of Acts and was struck this week by how Paul shared the gospel with the Roman governor Felix. It says he "discoursed on righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come" (24:25). I've noted his letters in the New Testament follow that very same pattern: being on the right side of the law with God is followed by living for God and then judgment. It got me thinking about how vital that order is. If the order was changed, it would lead to a completely different outcome. For example, if I started with self-control and relied on my own efforts to gain God's favor, I'd never be sure I had it. If I was honest, I would be quite certain I didn't. Then, knowing I wasn't right with God, facing judgment would be terrifying. But, taken in the biblical order, if I trust that Christ as our substitute lived perfectly in our place and took the punishment we deserved, I start from the position of knowing I'm right with God. Then, as I think about living a self-controlled life, it's not out of duty or obligation to gain God's favor but done out of thanks because I know I already have it. Knowing you're already good with God completely transforms how we look at judgment.  I noticed that when Felix heard Paul's words, he was afraid. It's clear he was still taking things in the wrong order and was terrified about judgment. How about you? Have you ever been concerned about judgment day? Go back to the biblical order to transform those fears into confidence! 

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Acts 16–21.This podcast episode covers the following:Acts 16–21The jailer at PhilippiBe a BereanSharing the Gospel in AthensPaul's farewell to the EphesiansKey concepts in this episode include: Preparing ourselves to witnessContextualizing the gospel for those first hearing itSharing gospel encouragement with believersHow to respond to "we are his offspring"God does not dwell in temples built by human hands.Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Have you ever thought about what will happen on judgment day? For example, if God were to ask you, "Why should I let you live eternally with me?" what would you say?I ask because I was recently reading about the jailer of Philippi in Acts 16. After nearly facing earthly death, he realized he was even more afraid about his spiritual and eternal destination: "What must I do to be saved?"  (Acts 16:30).In that moment of crisis where it mattered most, he heard one of the clearest messages in the Bible: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). The simplicity is startling. He was looking for a list of what he must do and instead he's told to simply trust in what Jesus has done. That has completely changed the way I look at judgment day. If it was about showing God all I have done, I'd have to show him both the good and the bad; that would be terrifying! But simply standing on Jesus' perfect record for me provides confidence and the certainty that I will live eternally with Heavenly Father. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).  In what ways does that change the way you look at judgment day? 

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Acts 10–15.This podcast episode covers the following:Acts 10–15Peter's visionThe Church grows in AntiochPaul and Barnabas share the good newsThe Council of JerusalemKey concepts in this episode include: How living in the new covenant changed the Church"God is no respecter of persons."Defining what a Christian isHow adding to Jesus results in losing graceShare this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Have you ever thought about a scenario where trying to do good could actually be bad? I was thinking recently about someone who is at risk of drowning. Sometimes the lifeguard actually has to knock the person unconscious because their well-intentioned efforts to "help" can actually sabotage the rescue.That picture came to mind when I was reading about the Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15). Some said you had to do something (circumcision) to be saved. Peter clearly taught that we're saved by grace (15:11). Some might say, "What's the big deal if I just add more to that?" I'm shocked at how it effectively says to Jesus, "You're not enough," and once again makes our eternity dependent on us. Paul, in Galatians, said that adding to Christ results in pushing him away and losing grace (5:4). It's like the drowning swimmer pushing the lifeguard away to their own peril.I love that picture of the lifeguard. We need a full and complete rescue, and that's exactly what Jesus accomplished. I would never want to get in the way and ruin it by adding to it. Jesus is enough. 

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Acts 6–9.This podcast episode covers the following:Acts 6–9Stephen's witnessSimon's search for powerThe Ethiopian eunuch's search for truthSaul's conversionKey concepts in this episode include: What does it mean to resist the Holy Spirit?What is the only way to get right with God?Philip provides some key witnessing tips.Saul's transformation by the Spirit. Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you learned that everything you were taught was a lie?  I can only imagine how frightening it must have been when Saul discovered that, despite his religious zeal, he was misguided. It's one thing not to know the truth.  It's entirely another to realize you have a big problem with God.  Saul was persecuting Jesus and opposing God! This was a problem far too large for him to fix.What could have led to hopeless fear becomes a radical transformation.  God shows the depths of his love. He calls a murderer like Saul to be one of his apostles and perhaps the greatest missionary of all time. Saul will use his story to show that if God could forgive someone like him, he can certainly forgive you too. Saul's story of transformation is not so different from our own. We, too, come into this world opposed to God (Romans 8:7). The problem is too great for us to fix, so Jesus did. Like Saul, we discover that on the other side of our fears is forgiveness through faith in Jesus.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss Acts 1–5.This podcast episode covers the following:Acts 1–5"You will be my witnesses."The Spirit's coming at PentecostPeter's Pentecost sermon"In the name of Jesus"Key concepts in this episode include: What is your role as a Christian witness?Why are repentance and the Spirit described as gifts? Which way are your arrows pointing? Is the Spirit an internal or external power? Does he primarily work internal or external change? How can we teach terms like "apostle," "kingdom," and "Church" from a spiritual perspective?What power is found in the name of Jesus?Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:I was reading the beginning chapters from Acts and was shocked by how often the phrase "the name of Jesus" came up. I studied it a little more and discovered the word name can also have the connotation of authority, power, or reputation like a messenger for a king carries his name.That helped me read these verses in completely new ways."Repent...in the name of Jesus" (2:38) means repent by his power, not mine. Peter heals a cripple by Jesus' authority, not his. But the one that really stood out was, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (4:12). There is no other reputation that can save.So often, I become focused on my name, my authority, my power, or my reputation. What a difference it makes to think we get to stand on his name, his authority, his power, and his reputation. That has completely changed the way I see judgment day! Instead of standing on my imperfect name and reputation, I get to stand on the perfect record and reputation of Jesus as my substitute. No wonder it emphasizes the life-changing power in the name of Jesus!

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21.This podcast episode covers the following:Resurrection AppearancesPost-Resurrection AppearancesKey concepts in this episode include: What unique details does this gospel writer include in his account of Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances? Explain the significance of the inclusion of those details. What comforting messages from Jesus does this gospel writer include in his account of Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances? Explain the significance of those comforting messages to Jesus’ disciples and us today. What important instructions from Jesus for his disciples does this gospel writer include in his account of Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances? How did the disciples react initially and ultimately to those instructions? How do those instructions still guide modern-day disciples? What primary themes does this gospel writer explore in his account of Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances? How were those themes important and impactful for the early disciples? How are they important and impactful for us today?Which single verse in this gospel writer’s account of Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances stood out to you the most? Why that verse? How would you explain it to someone unfamiliar with the message of Easter? Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:We may sometimes wonder about the significance of Christ's resurrection and how it relates to us personally. Here are a couple of things to think about. The resurrection holds profound meaning for each of us. It is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. Through Christ's victory over death, sin, and the devil's power no longer have control over us. We can be confident in the promise of eternal life.The resurrection is not just some distant event without relevance to our lives. It is a powerful promise that extends to each one of us. Jesus' triumph over death means that his kingdom has no end, and all who believe in him will rise again, just as he did. So, our struggles and weariness in this life are not in vain. Beyond the grave, a crown of glory awaits us.The resurrection assures us of a glorious future homecoming with our Heavenly Father. Imagine the joy of running into his open arms, knowing we will be forever united with him, experiencing his never-ending grace. On that day, we will intimately know him and join our voices as one. Until that day comes, we continue to praise him for his unfailing grace, holding onto the hope of that glorious future.The resurrection gives meaning to our lives. It gives us strength in the face of challenges, comfort in times of loss, and unending joy in the promise of eternal life. The resurrection assures us that there is more to come, and our future is secure in him. So,

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss the accounts of Calvary from Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.This podcast episode covers the following:Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19Jesus as the King we neededThe gravity of sinThe great exchangeThe forgiveness of sinThe completed work of ChristKey concepts in this episode include: How does Jesus' sacrifice emphasize his role as our substitute?What are the depths of Jesus' suffering, and why was it necessary?Who is the prisoner exchange with Barabbas picturing?Who is Jesus winning forgiveness for?"It is finished." What is finished? What does Jesus' work mean for us?Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Friends, I've always been struck by all that happens on Good Friday. In particular, what always sticks with me is the temple curtain being torn in two from top to bottom. That curtain was a clear "Keep Out!" sign, a constant reminder that our sin separates us from a holy God. Then, right after Jesus says, "It is finished!" and gives up his life, the curtain is torn apart from top to bottom, clearly a sign God tore it. That single event has given me an entirely new perspective on Jesus' words: "It is finished!" He doesn't just defeat death. He took the punishment to remove our sin. With full and complete forgiveness, we have direct access to God. He's no longer behind the curtain. He now dwells with us. In fact, he's so close that he's made us his temple and now dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). What a difference that torn curtain makes! Forgiveness is won. Direct access to God is granted. And it's entirely dependent on Jesus' saving work as our substitute. That torn curtain proclaims nothing more can be added. Jesus is enough! 

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss Luke 22 and John 18.This podcast episode covers the following:Luke 22 and John 18Jesus Predicts Peter's DenialJesus in GethsemaneJesus ArrestedPeter Denies JesusJesus on Trial Before Pilate Key concepts in this episode include: What are we to make of Peter and his denials?Why do Mormons place so much emphasis on the Garden of Gethsemane?What was Jesus claiming when he said, "I am (he)"?In what ways did Jesus serve as a substitute in these chapters?Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Friends, there are times when like you, I mess up—a lot. I stumble, fall short, and let Jesus down. But here's what blows my mind: Jesus never abandons me in my mess. He extends his loving grace to me, even when I feel I least deserve it.I can relate so much to Peter's story. He denied Jesus not just once or twice but three times. And guess what? I've denied my Lord in my own ways too. My thoughts, words, and actions often fall short of his perfect standard. But you know what's incredible? Jesus, in his boundless mercy, never gives up on me. Instead, he seeks me out, forgives me, and restores me.I find so much comfort and joy in Peter's story because it reveals the depths of Jesus' love for us. He doesn't hold our failures against us. Instead, he embraces us with open arms, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. He conquered sin and death through his death and resurrection, bringing us new life and hope.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss John 14–17.This podcast episode covers the following:John 14–17Words of comfortConnection to ChristEmpowered to serveConvicted by the SpiritKey concepts in this episode include: What's the difference between facing trouble and being troubled?Is heaven more a place or a presence?What are the implications of Jesus as the way, the truth, the life?What is the difference between the root and fruit?Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries. Be sure to also check out the "What Did Jesus Say?" Witnessing Tract this week.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:I love the summer. There is so much growth and life. What amazes me is the power for this growth is so often unseen, underground. The roots soak up the nutrients and water for all the growth, flowers, and fruit we see.  It reminds me of Jesus' illustration when he says he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15). He, of course, talks about bearing fruit in that section. But I wonder sometimes if we can be so focused on what we see that, spiritually speaking, we can lose sight of where the true power comes from.  In fact, I wonder if sometimes we can become so focused on outward fruits that we're like a branch, cut off from the vine, trying to produce fruit by its own power.  Jesus' encouragement to stay plugged into the power source has brought me great comfort. Seeing his saving work as our substitute assures me of God's love and presence now and forever. It's that faith connection, the root, that then motivates and empowers fruit. The root is the cause, the fruit is the result. Getting that order right and focusing on his power has completely changed the way I now see fruit, whether outside in nature or in my life. 

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 13. Matthew 26 and John 13Jesus is anointedJesus predicts his betrayalJesus institutes the Lord's SupperJesus washes his disciples' feetJesus gives a "new command"Key concepts in this episode include: Who is in control of the situation?Why did Jesus give us his body and blood in the Lord's Supper?Who is "remembering" what in the Lord's Supper?What messages are being communicated in the Lord's Supper?What does it mean to be clean/washed by Jesus?Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.For more on how Mormons focus on remembering Jesus in the Lord's Supper, check out this response to the Liahona article Always Remember Him.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Each time I receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, I am reminded of Jesus' body and blood given and shed to forgive my sins. Each week as I stand empty-handed, waiting to receive the bread and the wine, I am aware that there is nothing that I have done to make myself right with God but that he has done everything necessary for me to be made right with him. For me, the Lord's Supper is a most precious gift from God. Participation in it is not about me sending a message to God or about renewing my covenant with God. It's not about what I do at all. It's all about Jesus confirming that his covenant of forgiveness applies personally to me. In the sacrament each week, Jesus is saying to me, "This meal shows you how much I love you."