NEWS, ARTICLES, DEVOTIONS AND MORE FROM BttB...

Before you can talk about the good news, you need to know the bad news. That's what Paul does in these opening chapters of Romans. We'll find that everyone stands justly condemned before God for violating His laws and His holiness. But of course, this is not the end of the story, and before we end this message, we'll learn a bit about God's grace.

Paul's letter to the Romans is one of the most doctrinally significant Books of the Bible. In this letter, Paul explains in great detail the Gospel message and makes it clear that salvation is not through human effort, but by the grace of God alone. As we study Paul's opening statements, we'll be reminded of the great power of God's Word.

Paul's final journey was in chains to the city of Rome. But it wasn't an easy journey. We'll learn about the shipwreck Paul endured and then learn about his final days under house arrest preaching and teaching the good news to anyone who would hear.

Though preaching the Gospel often got him in trouble, this gave Paul the opportunity to preach to many of the powerful people in that age. In this message we'll listen in as Paul shares his story with kings and governors. And we'll consider the opportunity we all have to choose to follow Jesus.

As many people as received Paul and his message of Good News, there were many who opposed his message. But rather than be discouraged, Paul welcomed the opportunities to share, and reshare the story of his dramatic encounter with God. As we hear his testimony, we'll be reminded that God's grace is for all people without exception.

When Paul travelled to distant cities on his missionary journeys, he preached the Gospel openly and in the synagogues. And when he was thrown in jail, he preached the Gospel to his jailors and fellow inmates. Today we'll see how a divine earthquake created an opportunity to preach the Good News and save a man's life.

The early church was already growing rapidly, but when the Gospel was preached to the gentiles too, the growth was exponential. But along with rapid growth came new questions and debates to be settled regarding these new believers. We'll look at the questions the early church faced, and see Paul off on his second missionary journey in this message.

Though the early church began among the Jewish people, it soon became clear that the message of the Gospel was a message for the world. Join us as we walk with Peter to the house of the gentile Cornelius. We'll also consider Paul's first missionary journey.

After years of persecuting the church, Saul, now known as Paul, became its fiercest advocate. What could take an enemy and turn him into an ally? Nothing less than a miracle. Find out more about Paul's dramatic conversion and put yourself in the sandals of the early disciples as they regard this new member of their flock.

As opposition to the early church grew, it was only a matter of time before it turned to violence. And in this dramatic portion of Acts we're introduced to two men who would have a significant impact on the history of the church. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who preached a powerful sermon even as stones were hurled at him, and Saul, a passionate persecutor of the church whose story was just beginning.

As the message of Christ spread like wildfire through the land, troubles began brewing. And not just external troubles, but internal troubles as well. But the response of the disciples to these growing troubles shows us a church with Christ at its heart. We'll look to learn from their wisdom in today's message.

With as large and as organized as the church has become in this day and age, it's easy to forget its humble beginnings. Today we'll look at the fellowship of the early believers. We'll consider how we can be bold witnesses for the risen Christ even today.

Peter is one whose story could easily have ended in tragedy. On the night before Jesus died, Peter denied even knowing the man he had come to recognize as Savior and Lord. But his story doesn't end there and here in the beginning of Acts he preaches a powerful sermon that struck the hearts of many. We'll consider God's forgiveness and the power of His Word.

Jesus promised His disciples that even after He returned to heaven, they would not be alone. Jesus would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to guide and teach believers in this new age. In Acts chapter 2 we see the dramatic entrance of the Holy Spirit. And we'll consider what this amazing gift means for us today.

After His resurrection, Jesus returned to heaven. But not before leaving His disciples with some last words and a mission to change the world. Join us as we look at Jesus' final days on earth and consider how important it was that there were so many eyewitnesses to Jesus' miraculous power.

Though betrayed and crucified, the story of Jesus doesn't end in a garden tomb. Three days later, the tomb was empty! Jesus' resurrection was a defining moment in the relationship between God and man, and a miracle that many believe is too good to be true. What do you believe?

There were two who betrayed Jesus. Judas had planned his betrayal. But Peter's betrayal came only hours after he boldly proclaimed that he would never disown Jesus. In this episode we'll be reminded that all have sinned, and all contributed to the weight Jesus bore on the cross. But just when the last candle is extinguished and darkness overtakes the world, the Son rises anew bringing mercy and hope to sinners everywhere.

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? It's true, and we read about it in the Gospel of John. In the hours before His death, Jesus spent much time on His knees in prayer for those who would be restored to the Father through the death and resurrection of the Son. Find out more about what Jesus prayed for you in this episode.

Jesus knew that He would return to heaven soon. And in comforting His disciples, He revealed to them and the world a great truth: That the Holy Spirit of God would someday enter into the lives of believers. Jesus takes this opportunity to help us understand just a little of the regenerating power of the Spirit at work in our lives.

Even if you don't memorize much Scripture, there's a good chance you have John 11:35 memorized: "Jesus wept." Today we'll look at John 11 and death of Lazarus that brought Jesus to tears. And in the miracle that follows, Jesus not only gives us a glimpse of the future, but a sobering look at the hardness hiding in the hearts of some.

Why do you follow Jesus? Different people have different answers. And even while Jesus walked the earth, those who followed Him had reasons of their own. In talking to them, though, Jesus reminded them, and us, of the only actions we can take that really matter for eternity.

If you could ask Jesus just one question, what would it be? Nicodemus must have thought about this, because when he had the chance to talk to Jesus one night long ago, he asked a question that allowed Jesus to reveal the very heart of God. Follow along as we learn about God's great love for you and for me.

Among the first four Gospels, John's Gospel stands out above them. Though John skips over any discussion of Jesus' birth, he begins with one of the most beautiful, concise descriptions of Jesus and His ministry. Join us as we are introduced to Jesus, the Word who took on flesh.

By now you should understand that Jesus wasn't just some random guy who had some compelling things to say 2,000 years ago. The life, death, and resurrection and Jesus was part of a grander plan put in place by God and foretold by the prophets. And Jesus Himself understood this. We'll look at some places in Luke's Gospel where Jesus plainly describes His purpose on earth.