Park Hill Church Podcast

God’s Heart Towards Us

As we take a break from our series in Acts, David Wade, lead pastor of All Saints Church, walks us through 1 John 4:13-18. How we relate to God so often depends on what we believe he is really like, or how we think he really feels about us. Are we expectant of love? Or anticipating punishment? Thankfully, in the midst of our fear, uncertainty, and even our failures, we meet a Savior who gets low, lifts us up and says do not be afraid. Why? Because God is love, and perfect love drives out all fear.

Lessons from the Life of Elijah

As we take a break from our series in Acts, Luis Mellado shares insights from James 5:17-18. In addition to being an elder at Park Hill Church, Luis is the Regional Director of the Global Leadership Summit for all Spanish-speaking countries, where he oversees hundreds of pastor and leader conferences across Latin America. As Luis walks us through the passage, he discusses how we are all capable of experiencing great highs and lows. We examine how God worked in Elijah’s life to help him navigate through the lows.

Invitation to Love

From our series "Acts." Paul finds himself in Athens, surrounded by idols. The idols make him angry—but not for reasons we might think. Paul knows that idol worship leads to the dehumanization of the idol worshiper. And he's deeply grieved at how much this dehumanization is happening in this city. But instead of condemnation, Paul gets curious. Instead of irrational anger, Paul engages people with invitational curiosity. And his hearers experience the love of God.
 

Better Than an Open Door

From our series "Acts."  What are we praying for when we ask God to "open doors" for us? Do we really know? What does an open door from God look like? And should we walk through every open door, even if it really is opened by God? Not according to Paul in Acts 16. This fascinating story lights the way. Apparently, it's about something far better than any open door we could ever ask for—and it's available to everyone who trusts in Jesus. It's all about loving the person right in front of you.

Everyone Belongs in God's Family

From our series "Acts." Who belongs in God's family? This is the question that prompted the very first church conference which we read about in Acts 15. Certain Jewish Christians were telling Gentile Christians they had to essentially become Jewish to be saved and belong at the table of Jesus. But Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James disagree. This family is for everyone, regardless of background, who repents of their sin and calls upon Jesus as King. This is a message of radical inclusion, open to all who confess Jesus as Lord exclusively. This message has huge implications for us today as a church in a time of extreme polarization and division.

Joy that Lasts through the Highs and Lows

From our series "Acts." Matthieu Rouffet unpacks the turbulent story of Acts 14. Paul and Barnabas experience both extreme highs and extreme lows on their journey. But somehow, they manage to remain in a state of joy. How is this possible? Could the same Holy Spirit that empowered their joy be available to us?

We Want to See Jesus

From our series "Acts." Aleah Pursley walks us through Acts 13 and the Apostle Paul's first recorded sermon, which is a stunning vision of the Risen Jesus.

The Politics of Jesus

From our series "Acts." As the first half of Acts comes to an end, Luke (author of Acts) highlights the dramatic conflict between the kingdoms of the earth and the kingdom of God. While human governments and politicians vie for temporary power, the true King of kings and President of presidents is and will always be a slain Lamb on a throne at the center of the universe who reigns over every human nation of the world. What does this mean for how Christians should engage in human politics? Acts 12 lights the way.

We Are From the Future

From our series "Acts." Cataclysmic newsflash: The Gentiles are in! In Acts 10–11, for the first time ever, Gentiles are coming to faith God through Jesus, repenting of sin, and receiving the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. But the Jewish Christians have a concern: how could Peter the Jew be eating with uncircumcised Gentiles?! This was a problem. Thankfully, Gentile inclusion was always in God's plan, and the Holy Spirit is really good at guiding God's people into all truth. 

Tell Your Jesus Story

From our series "Acts." In chapter 9, we come to one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It's the story of Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus which changed him forever. This wasn't just the turning point in Paul's own life, but one of the main turning points of human history. By reflecting on Paul's story of encountering Jesus, we can learn a ton about how to tell our own Jesus stories. It's not about having a flashy, golden, hollywood, biblical-level Jesus story like Paul’s. It's about bearing witness to the normal, everyday-miraculous ways Jesus encounters us all. All we can say is "This is what saw. This is what I've heard." What if you started sharing your Jesus story in all your relationships?