What does the Bible say about magic, witchcraft, sorcery and the occult? And what can Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey teach us about being called, tested and used by God?

In this message from Acts 13:1–12, David Taylor follows Paul and Barnabas as they are commissioned by the Holy Spirit and sent out from the church at Antioch on their first missionary journey. Travelling to Cyprus, they eventually arrive at Paphos, where they encounter Elymas the sorcerer—also known as Bar-Jesus—a Jewish magician and false prophet who attempts to prevent the Roman governor Sergius Paulus from believing the Gospel.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul confronts Elymas, who is temporarily struck blind. When Sergius Paulus witnesses what happens and hears the teaching of the Lord, he puts his faith in Christ.

The message explores the biblical distinction between faith in God and attempts to manipulate the supernatural, examining Scripture’s warnings concerning sorcery, divination, mediums, fortune-telling, astrology, spells, communicating with the dead and occult practices. It also considers how seemingly harmless objects or practices can become spiritually significant when people begin placing their faith, trust or hope in them rather than in God.

In Acts 12, the early church faces persecution, the death of James, and Peter’s imprisonment. Yet while Peter is bound in chains, the church continues to pray—and God moves in a miraculous way.

In this encouraging message, Pastor Chris Parker explores what Peter’s escape from prison teaches us about faith, prayer, spiritual opposition, trusting God in difficult times, and the sovereignty of God.

We may not always know how God will answer, but we can trust that He is able. Opposition, fear and doubt do not have the final word. As followers of Jesus, we are called to stand firm, pray boldly, walk in the freedom Christ has given us, and remain faithful whatever the cost.

Can the whole story of the Bible really be explained in 30 minutes… ish?

In “The Story Of The Bible In 30 Minutes (ish)”, Pastor Luke Taylor takes us on a fast-paced journey through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation, showing how its many books, people, promises and events form one incredible story — and how every part ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

Beginning with Creation, Adam and Eve and the Fall, we follow God’s plan through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses and the Exodus, the Promised Land, King David, the prophets and Israel’s exile, before arriving at the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. From there, we see the birth of the early Church, the spread of the Gospel and the Bible’s final promise of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation.

Whether you’re new to Christianity, reading the Bible for the first time, looking for a Bible overview, or struggling to understand how the Old and New Testaments fit together, this message provides a simple and accessible overview of the Bible’s big story.

At the heart of Scripture is the story of salvation, restoration and reconciliation with God. The promised Saviour, the Passover Lamb, the suffering servant, the Son of David and the King who will reign forever all lead to one person:

Jesus.

• Discover the story of the Bible explained from Genesis to Revelation
• See how the Old Testament points to Jesus
• Understand God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ
• Explore Creation, the Fall, Israel, the Cross, Resurrection, Church and Revelation
• Discover how we can be restored to the relationship with God we were created for

If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible is about, how the Bible fits together, where to start reading the Bible, or how Jesus connects the Old and New Testaments, this message is a great place to begin.