Doug’s Coffee Break

What did the disciples mean when they asked Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel? In this episode, we explore their question in Acts 1:6-8, the Old Testament backdrop, and Jesus' response about the timing of God's kingdom. We'll uncover how this conversation shaped the apostles' mission and the global spread of the gospel.

After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples, offering undeniable evidence of His victory over death and teaching about the "kingdom of God"—a future moment when God’s rule will be fully realized on earth. He also promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, a transformative gift that would unite believers with Him and empower them for their mission.

In this episode, we dive into the opening of Acts and explore how Luke connects his Gospel to this second volume, written for Theophilus and the early church. We'll unpack the significance of Christ's Ascension, the instructions He gave His disciples, and how Acts portrays the ongoing mission of Jesus through His Spirit-empowered followers. Tune in to see how these foundational verses set the stage for the unstoppable spread of the gospel!

In this final episode on Romans, we unpack Paul’s closing greetings and benediction, spotlighting his collaborators like Timothy, Tertius, and Gaius, as well as his profound summary of the gospel message. Join us as we explore the mystery of salvation, once hidden but now revealed, and Paul’s call for all nations to believe and obey Christ. A powerful conclusion to this remarkable letter!

Paul wraps up Romans 16 with a powerful warning against false teachers who sow division and deceive others through flattery and self-serving motives. He calls believers to remain wise in good and innocent in evil while offering the hope of God’s ultimate victory over Satan. Tune in as we unpack Paul’s exhortation to vigilance, purity, and trust in God’s promise of peace and grace!

In this episode, we unpack Paul's personal greetings in Romans 16, spotlighting the labor of early Christian women like Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, and exploring the identity of Rufus and his connection to Simon of Cyrene. We also examine the groups of believers and house churches mentioned, including Julia, Philologus, Nereus, and others, who reflect the diversity of the early church. Join us for insights into the personal bonds and vibrant community life that fueled Christianity's growth!
 

In this episode, we continue Paul’s personal greetings to his friends in the Roman church. He highlights Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, and Apelles for their love, labor, and tested faith. Paul also greets believers within the households of Aristobulus and Narcissus—likely large, influential homes that included both family and servants. The episode showcases how God used people from diverse social and family backgrounds to build the early church.

In this episode, we continue Paul’s greetings to key figures in the Roman church. Mary is recognized for her tireless efforts, possibly identified as a Jewish believer. Paul also honors Andronicus and Junias, likely a husband-wife team, as "outstanding among the apostles" and his "fellow prisoners." They were early followers of Christ, coming to faith before Paul himself. This episode highlights the active role of men and women in ministry and the deep personal connections that shaped the early church.

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In this episode, we explore the start of Paul’s greetings to 26 individuals and others in the Roman church—the longest greeting list in his letters. He honors Priscilla and Aquila as faithful co-workers who risked their lives for him, noting that they also host a house church.