Four Oaks Midtown Podcast

In this sermon on Exodus 32, we look at the story of the golden calf and what it reveals about the human heart and our tendency to turn toward idols. Through three key truths, that idolatry is irrational, habitual, and relational, we consider how fear and uncertainty can lead us to seek security in things other than God, how our habits reveal what we truly worship, and how idolatry damages our relationship with the God who loves us.

In the last episode Paul wrapped up his third missionary journey and landed at Caesarea where he received an ominous prophecy from Agabus, “This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” (Acts 21:11) The disciples take this as a sign that Paul should not head back to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. Paul, on the other hand, takes this as an admonition to prepare to suffer for the cause of Christ. This resolve stems from the commission he received form Christ on the road to Damascus to be a “chosen instrument” of God to “carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15) These final chapters depict the fulfillment of this commission as Paul testifies to the gospel before rulers and kings as the Holy Spirit continues the work of the church. First, we see Paul testify before an angry crowd in Jerusalem. Second, we see Paul testify before the Jewish council. Third, we see Paul testify before Felix the governor. Fourth, we see Paul testify before Festus the governor and King Agrippa.

In this sermon on the Tenth Commandment in Exodus 20, we consider how God’s commands reach beyond our actions to the desires and motivations of our hearts. We examine how unchecked desires can lead to temptation, sin, comparison, and discontentment. Rather than simply avoiding sin or trying to eliminate our desires, God invites us to bring our hearts before him and allow the Holy Spirit to shape what we long for. Ultimately, contentment is not about having everything we want, but about finding security, belonging, and satisfaction in Christ.

In this episode we finish up Paul’s third missionary journey leading up to his return to Jerusalem where he fill face persecution. All three of Paul’s missionary journeys features common patterns. First, Paul proclaims the gospel to Jews and Greeks. Second, that proclamation brings about either conversion or persecution. Third, that persecution fuels the mission of the gospel forward. In all of these events the Holy Spirit is the prime actor, empowering Paul’s preaching and paving the way for the gospel to reach the ends of the earth. All of this highlights how every situation Paul encounters becomes an opportunity to see the Spirit at work, whether in the healing of a young man, to the anger of a mob, to a tearful goodbye to dear friends. 

The ninth commandment explores why truthfulness is essential to loving others and building a flourishing community. Through three key areas- courtroom, conversation, and confrontation- we examine how honesty upholds justice, protects others’ reputations, and strengthens relationships. Ultimately, this commandment calls us to be honest about God, ourselves, and the world, which allows us to walk in the light and love our neighbors well.

In this episode we look at Paul's second missionary journey which takes the gospel to Europe and brings about harsh opposition from opponents. Yet God continues to bring salvation to men and women from all walks of life as the kingdom of God expands to the ends of the earth.

The eighth commandment calls us to more than simply refrain from stealing; it calls us to work honestly, steward what God has entrusted to us, and generously share with others. Because all we have is ultimately from God, we are called to work faithfully, receive His provision with gratitude, and give freely as we look toward the greater treasures we have in Christ.

In this episode we look at Paul's first missionary journey and the climactic council in Jerusalem. Both of these narratives show the gospel spreading to both Jews and Gentiles, but also facing opposition. Through it all, God brings about his sovereign purpose to unite Jew and Gentile in one new man through Christ and the Spirit.

In this episode the gospel goes to the Gentiles with key conversions and surprising turns. We also the Exodus-like judgment of Herod and deliverance of Peter as the church continues to embody the life of Christ.

The sixth commandment, “You shall not murder,” reaches beyond the external act of taking a life to the condition of the heart, where anger, hatred, insult, and unforgiveness can take root. In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us to examine our relationships by asking whether we are harboring anger, using our words to wound others, or refusing to pursue reconciliation, reminding us that obedience to God means more than avoiding murder, it means becoming people who pursue peace. Ultimately, the gospel reveals the depth of God’s mercy: though Christ was unjustly hated and murdered by sinners, God took the punishment upon himself and offers forgiveness, making reconciliation with him and with one another possible.