Episode 908
Breaking Down Walls: The Challenge of Faith in Acts 26
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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A deep examination of Acts 26:19-29 reveals the Apostle Paul's fervent discourse with King Agrippa, where he articulately presents a vision of faith that is radically inclusive. This narrative centers on the imperative to dismantle barriers that inhibit spiritual access, as Paul asserts that the divine message should not be confined to a select few. His testimony serves as a vital reminder that no group holds a monopoly on truth, prompting a critical reflection on the ways in which we may unwittingly create exclusivity within our spiritual environments. The discussion encourages a reevaluation of our religious practices, inviting us to foster a community that embraces all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.
Additionally, the episode highlights the significance of speaking truth to power, as Paul deftly engages with authority figures while maintaining a stance of respect and integrity. His interaction with both Festus and Agrippa exemplifies the delicate balance between assertiveness and dignity, offering a model for contemporary discourse. This is particularly relevant in a time when divisive rhetoric often prevails, suggesting that believers can challenge established norms without compromising their core messages. Such an approach not only elevates the conversation but also advocates for a faith that is courageous yet compassionate.
The dialogue further addresses the societal reactions encountered by those who champion radical love and inclusivity. Paul's experience of being labeled 'crazy' for his beliefs serves as a poignant reminder that transformative ideas often elicit skepticism. This episode ultimately urges listeners to engage in introspective dialogues about the barriers present in their own communities, encouraging a proactive stance towards creating welcoming spaces for all. By aligning with Paul's vision of faith that transcends boundaries, we are invited to become agents of a more inclusive and loving spiritual landscape.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the necessity of breaking down barriers within faith communities to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all.
- It illustrates how Paul's testimony before King Agrippa serves as a powerful model for challenging religious exclusivity and fostering dialogue.
- Listeners are encouraged to reflect upon their own spiritual communities and identify potential barriers that may hinder inclusion of diverse individuals.
- The episode highlights the importance of maintaining respectful discourse while firmly advocating for one's beliefs in the face of opposition.
- A significant takeaway is the call to action for communities to create welcoming environments that embrace those who may feel excluded due to various reasons.
- The discussion reinforces the idea that true spirituality is characterized by the dismantling of walls that divide people, rather than their construction.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Breaking down walls when Faith Challenges the status quo.
Speaker A: A Study of Acts: Speaker A:Brad Miller hello, my good friend Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh, giving you the Word of God in an audible fashion every single day.
Speaker A:We usually bring these podcast episodes to you before 6:00am Eastern Standard Time.
Speaker A:We hope that you'll join us in that time.
Speaker A:We bring you the Word of God in a way that's understandable.
Speaker A:We read from the Message version, the New Testament reading only.
Speaker A:They're relatable.
Speaker A:We may have some points to ponder.
Speaker A:Unavocal we have an action step for you to follow.
Speaker A:We use the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:We're in Year C and it's all brought to you by voiceofgoddd daily.com as the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible study method.
Speaker A: reading for the day from Acts: Speaker A:I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that.
Speaker A:I became an obedient believer on the spot.
Speaker A:I started preaching this life change, this radical turned to God and everything it meant in everyday life right there in Damascus, went on to Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside and from there to the whole world.
Speaker A:It's because of this whole world dimension that the Jews grabbed me in the temple that day and tried to kill me.
Speaker A:They wanted to keep God for themselves.
Speaker A:But God has stood by me just as he promised.
Speaker A:And I'm standing here today saying what I've been saying to anyone, whether king or child, who will listen.
Speaker A:And everything I'm saying is completely in line with what the prophets and Moses said would 1.
Speaker A:The Messiah must die.
Speaker A:2.
Speaker A:Raised from the dead, he would become the first rays of God's daylight, shining on people far and near.
Speaker A:People both godless and God fearing.
Speaker A:That was too much for Festus.
Speaker A:He interrupted with a shout.
Speaker A:Paul, you're crazy.
Speaker A:You've read too many books, spent too much time staring off into space.
Speaker A:Get a grip on yourself.
Speaker A:Get back into the real world.
Speaker A:But Paul stood his ground.
Speaker A:With all respect, Festus, your Honor, I'm not crazy.
Speaker A:I'm both accurate and sane in what I'm saying.
Speaker A:The King knows what I'm talking about.
Speaker A:I'm sure that nothing of what I've said sounds crazy to him.
Speaker A:He's known all about it for a long time.
Speaker A:You must realize this wasn't done behind the scenes.
Speaker A:You believe the prophets, don't you, King Agrippa don't answer that.
Speaker A:I know you believe.
Speaker A:But Agrippa did answer, keep this up much longer and you'll make a Christian out of me.
Speaker A:Paul, still in chains, said, that's what I'm praying for, whether now or later.
Speaker A:And not only you, but of everyone listening today, to become like me.
Speaker A:Except of course, for this prison jewelry.
Speaker A:I love that last part there.
Speaker A:Talking here in this reading here about breaking down walls, about Paul's testimony here before King Agrippa, a story about expanding the spiritual landscape, the boundaries of the message and challenging religious exclusivity.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first one is about radical inclusivity.
Speaker A:Paul confronts the attempt to, quote, keep God for yourselves.
Speaker A:It's a powerful reminder here that no group has a monopoly on divine truth.
Speaker A:His vision of faith extending to the whole world challenges us to examine where we might be creating religious barriers or participating in spiritual gatekeeping.
Speaker A:True spirituality breaks down walls rather than building them up.
Speaker A:A second point has to do with speaking truth to power.
Speaker A:Notice how Paul maintains respectful dialogue while firmly standing his ground.
Speaker A:With both Festus and King Agrippa, he demonstrates how to engage with those in power without either compromising his message or resorting to hostility.
Speaker A:In our polarized world, this is a model about how progressive faith can challenge systems while maintaining dignity and respect.
Speaker A:A third point is about living beyond convention.
Speaker A:Festus dismisses Paul as, quote, crazy, a common reaction when someone establishes when challenges established norms.
Speaker A:Yet Paul's craziness comes from his commitment to a vision of radical inclusion and spiritual torment and universal love.
Speaker A:This reminds us that working for social and spiritual transformation often means being willing to be misunderstood or labeled as unrealistic or even crazy.
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Identify one way your spiritual community might be creating untouched necessary barriers to inclusion.
Speaker A:This could be physical, theological or cultural.
Speaker A:Start a conversation on how to make your space more welcoming to those who might feel excluded.
Speaker A:Remember Paul's vision of faith reaching people far and near, both the godless and the God fearing.
Speaker A:We'll come back for a closing prayer in just a moment.
Speaker A:Just want to remind you that we have a great resource for you.
Speaker A:Please head over to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com that's the place where find a link there to get our Bible study methodology.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:You go there and you pick it up and it will help you with your daily Bible study.
Speaker A:Free to you@voiceofgod daily.com let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are divine love.
Speaker A:Help us break free from the temptation to build walls around your presence when we're called crazy for believing in radical inclusion.
Speaker A:Give us Paul's courage to stand firm in love when we face resistance to change.
Speaker A:Grant us wisdom to speak truth with respect.
Speaker A:Help us see beyond our comfortable spiritual boundaries to embrace a wider vision of community and lead us to be agents of your expansive love in a world desperate for connection.
Speaker A:Remind us that your life shines everywhere in everyone, whether they look, think or believe like us or not.
Speaker A:Wow.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Thank you for being with me here today on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:I'm here every day.
Speaker A:We usually drop our episodes before 6am and we have a vision.
Speaker A:We have a mission here of getting the audible word of God to 2 million years.
Speaker A: That's a million people by: Speaker A:And really, I'm just personally asking you to help with that.
Speaker A:You go and you subscribe to this podcast and you invite others to join us every day for the audible word of God.
Speaker A:Until tomorrow, friends.
Speaker A:This is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller reminding you that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:Every morning.
Speaker A:Sam.
