praise tabernacle's podcast

www.praisetabernacle.church Praise Tabernacle People Restored And Inspired Serving Everywhere This is a non-denominational Church, Charismatic in expression. The senior lead Pastor is Joshua Kennedy 2235 Ocean Heights Ave. Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

9/14/2025 Radical Humbling Obadiah 1:1–21 Sermon Pastor Steve Rahter Radical Change Series 09/14/2025

9/7/2025 – Radical Outpouring – Joel 2:18–3:21 – Pastor Joshua Kennedy – Radical Change Series 09/07/2025

8/31/2025 – Radical Awakening – Joel 1–2:17 – Pastor Joel Eugene – Radical Change Series 08/31/2025

8/24/2025 – Radical Justice: Let It Roll – Amos 5 – Pastor Joshua Kennedy – Radical Change Series 08/24/2025

8/17/2025 Radical Justice: The Roar of the Lord | Amos 1–2 Sermon | Minister Dave | Radical Change Series 08/17/2025

8/10/2025 Radical Healing Hosea 14 Pastor Joshua Kennedy 08/03/2025

8/3/25 Radical Repentance Hosea 6:1–7:16 Pastor Steve & Laurie Rahter 08/03/2025

July 27th – Hosea 1–3 – "Redeeming Love: The Radical Pursuit of an Unfaithful Heart" Pastor Joshua Kennedy & Dominic Colleouri | Radical Change Series 07/27/2025

July 20th Acts 27–28 – "Storms, Shipwrecks, and Supernatural Strength" 07/20/2025

July 13th Spirit-Empowered Testimony | Acts 26 Sermon | Pastor Steve Rahter | Living in the Spirit Series 07/13/2025

July 6th – Acts 25 – "Faith on Trial: Standing Firm in the Spirit" Pastor Joshua Kennedy | Living in the Spirit Series 07/06/2025

6-29 Acts 24 Ready for the Moment: Living in the Spirit with Courage and Conviction Minister Joel Eugene 06/29/2025

June 22nd - Acts 23 - Unshaken: Living in the Spirit When Surrounded by Opposition Minister Dave Roberts 06/22/2025

June 15th - Acts 22 - "A Father's Legacy: Standing Boldly in the Spirit" Pastor Dr. Joshua Kennedy & Elder Bruce Woodson | Living in the Spirit Series 06/15/2025

6-8-2025 | Obedient to the Call, Resilient in the Face of Resistance | Acts 21 | Living in the Spirit Series | Pastor Steve Rahter 06/08/2025

6-1-2025 | A Life Poured Out | Acts 20 | Living in the Spirit Series | Pastor Joshua Kennedy 06/01/2025

5/25 Acts 19 – "Power Encounter: The Real vs. the Imitation" - Minister Joel Eugene 05/25/2025

5/18 Acts 18 – "Strength in the Struggle" - Pastor Joshua Kennedy 05/18/2025

5/11 Acts 17 – "A Legacy of Faith: Living Truth in a World of Idols" - Loraine Kennedy 05/11/2025

5/4 Acts 16 The Spirit-Led Life: Naturally Supernatural Bishop Kyle Searcy 05/04/2025

April 27th - "Led by the Spirit: Unity in Truth and Grace" - Dave Roberts 04/27/2025

April 20th - Resurrection Sunday - "Strengthened to Rise: Living in the Power of the Risen Christ" - Pastor Joshua 04/20/2025

April 13th - Acts 13 - "Set Apart and Sent: The Spirit’s Call to Mission" - Pastor Steve 04/13/2025

April 6th - Acts 12 - Living in the Spirit: "Deliverance and Divine Intervention" - Pastor Joshua 04/06/2025

3-30-25 Youth Sunday The Spirit Confirms & Expands 03/30/2025

3-23-25 The Spirit Breaks Barriers Acts 10 Pastor Joshua Kennedy 03/23/2025

3-16-25 Transformed by the Spirit Acts 9 Minister Dave Roberts 03/16/2025

3-9-25 Bold Faith, Boundless Spirit: Acts 8 Pastor Joshua Kennedy 03/09/2025

3-9-25 Bold Faith, Boundless Spirit: Acts 8 Pastor Joshua Kennedy Bold Faith, Boundless Spirit: Acts 8 Living in the Spirit Series Key Theme: The Holy Spirit moves beyond boundaries, empowering bold faith to spread the gospel with supernatural power and divine direction. I. Bold Faith in the Face of Persecution (Acts 8:1-8) Acts 1:8 declares that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Until Acts 8, the Spirit’s work had been primarily centered in Jerusalem. However, the fulfillment of this promise began unexpectedly—through persecution. Hardship scattered the believers, ultimately expanding the gospel’s reach. The early church had just been established, and with so many new believers, the focus was likely on strengthening the faith community rather than venturing beyond Jerusalem. Yet, God used persecution to advance His kingdom, ensuring that the message of salvation would not remain confined to one city. One of the key figures leading the charge against the church was Saul. Verse 3 describes his relentless mission: “He was going everywhere to destroy the church, dragging out both men and women and throwing them into prison.” Saul was determined to eradicate what he viewed as a dangerous sect. However, despite his violent efforts, the gospel continued to spread. The word “but” in this passage marks a divine reversal—what was meant for harm only fueled the mission of Christ. The scattered believers did not retreat in fear; instead, they boldly proclaimed the gospel, accompanied by signs and wonders. We see this example with Philip, who preached in Samaria, casting our devils, bringing healing, and it says joy came to the city. Their unwavering faith in the face of persecution demonstrates that the power of the Holy Spirit cannot be silenced. What the enemy intended for destruction, God used for multiplication. Application: The Spirit turns obstacles into opportunities. Bold faith steps beyond comfort zones to reach others. II. Boundless Power: The Spirit Cannot Be Bought (Acts 8:9-25) The things of this world can be bought and sold, but the Holy Spirit is not of this world. His power cannot be earned, traded, or purchased—it can only be received by faith. Simon’s Conversion and Misunderstanding Simon, a well-known sorcerer known as the “Great One,” had long captivated the people with his magic. However, when he witnessed Philip operating in true power—miracles, signs, and the undeniable work of the Spirit—he recognized a power far greater than his own. Although he believed in Jesus and was baptized, his understanding of the Holy Spirit remained flawed. Thinking in earthly terms, he offered money to the apostles, hoping to buy the ability to impart the Spirit. The Necessity of the Spirit’s Baptism Philip’s initial message focused on salvation in Christ. He preached repentance and faith in Jesus, and as a result, many, including Simon, believed and were baptized. However, the fullness of the Spirit had yet to be imparted. When the apostles arrived, they discerned this and prayed for the new believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit to operate in the fullness of God’s power. This passage highlights an important truth: while receiving Jesus brings new birth through the Spirit, there is also a second immersion—a baptism in the Spirit—that must be taught and received by faith. This empowerment enables believers to be bold witnesses for Christ, just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8. Peter’s Rebuke and Simon’s Response Peter rebuked Simon sharply, exposing the corruption in his heart. The power of God is not a commodity to be bought but a gift of grace to be received. Simon’s request revealed that he still viewed power through a worldly lens rather than as a divine gift for God’s purposes. Convicted by Peter’s words, Simon humbled himself and asked for forgiveness. The Right Posture Toward the Spirit’s Power The Holy Spirit is given freely, and we are called to walk in His power by faith—not for personal gain, recognition, or influence, but for the glory of God alone. As Jesus reminds us in John 15, we can do nothing apart from Him. True greatness is found not in possessing power but in surrendering fully to the One who gives it. Application: The Spirit discerns the heart—genuine faith leads to repentance. The gifts of the Spirit are for God’s glory, not personal status. III. Boundless Spirit: The Gospel Reaches the Nations (Acts 8:26-40) The Holy Spirit directs believers to those whose hearts are ready to receive the gospel. God knows who is seeking truth, and He calls us, like Philip, to be faithful evangelists—always prepared, filled with the Word, and sensitive to His leading. Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates how divine appointments work. The Spirit led Philip to a man of significant influence, a high official in Ethiopia who was already searching for truth in the Scriptures. Philip’s obedience allowed him to explain the Word correctly, leading the eunuch to salvation and baptism. As evangelists, we must be ready to reap the harvest and plant and water seeds. Some people are prepared to receive Christ immediately, while others need time. As Paul reminds us, “Some plant, others water, but God gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Every soul is precious in God's eyes—whether they go on to influence nations, like the Ethiopian eunuch, or live a quieter life of faith. What seems excellent in the world’s eyes may be insignificant in eternity, and what appears small may be of immense value in God’s kingdom. Our role is not to measure impact but to love unconditionally, trust in God's perfect timing, and faithfully share His truth, knowing He will accomplish His purpose in every life. Call to Action: Pray for boldness, discernment, and obedience to the Spirit’s leading. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 (609) 927-4560(w) /episode/index/show/praisetabernacle/id/35209180

3-2 Holy Spirit Weekend Dr. Rob Reimer 03/02/2025

2-16-25 Challenges of Church Growth Multiplication and Division Acts 6 1. Pastor Joshua Kennedy 02/16/2025

2-16-25 Challenges of Church Growth Multiplication and Division Acts 6 1. Pastor Joshua Kennedy Challenges of Church Growth Multiplication and Division Acts Focus Passage: Acts 6:1-5 1. The Importance of Unity in the Church * Acts 6:1: “But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food distribution.” * Growth often brings healthy challenges, and with challenges come opportunities for solutions shaped by God’s wisdom. As leaders, we must remember that the same God who brings increase also provides answers. Rather than succumbing to panic, we are called to seek His guidance with faith, trusting that His hand will resolve difficulties when we ask, seek, and knock. * The tension between the Hellenistic Jews and Hebraic Jews regarding the daily distribution of food underscores the importance of addressing cultural and community-specific needs within the church. This conflict wasn’t just logistical—it revealed the more profound need for sensitivity, understanding, and intentional inclusion. * The Holy Spirit equips us to be witnesses to all people (Acts 1:8), and He also empowers us with grace to bridge cultural differences, relate to diverse perspectives, and find Spirit-led solutions. Unity is not just a goal; the Church needs to embody the fullness of God’s presence. As Jesus prayed in John 17:21, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you," unity is the key to effective witness and sustained growth. 2. Spirit-Led Delegation and qualifications for leadership. * (Acts 6:2-4).2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” * Every leadership role in the body of Christ should require spirit-filling. Spiritual wisdom is needed to discern God’s will and make decisions according to God’s heart, not man’s. * The Apostles understood their primary responsibility with the early church was prayer and teaching of the Word, especially with the rapid growth, so other vital tasks like assisting widows had to be designated to others who had to be spirit-filled. * In Christ, all we do is go unto Him, in the power of the Spirit. Nothing should be seen as less a duty than something else just because of one’s title. 3. The Power of Spirit-Filled Ministry * Acts 6:5-8 "Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. So, God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers significantly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too." * The power of God is not reserved for a select few but is available to all believers. As Jesus declared in Mark 16:17, the signs accompanying those who believe in Him include casting out demons, laying hands on the sick, and more. The early church leaders, like Stephen and the others chosen, exemplified the qualifications required for leadership: being full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Without these essential traits, we are unprepared to represent Jesus effectively and bring glory to His name. * Furthermore, the act of elders laying hands on new leaders serves as a vital moment of consecration and empowerment, setting them apart for their God-given role. This practice reinforces the spiritual significance of stepping into leadership with prayerful preparation. * When more believers rise to accept their calling and step into leadership, the Lord multiplies His work. As each vessel contributes to the mission, the Kingdom advances, and the message of God continues to spread powerfully, just as it did in the early church. 4. Opposition to Spirit-Filled Witness * Acts 6:9-14 "But one day, some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, began to debate with Stephen. These were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. Yet, none of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. So they persuaded others to lie about Stephen, claiming, 'We heard him blaspheme Moses and even God.' This stirred up the people, elders, and teachers of religious law. As a result, they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. The false witnesses testified, 'This man constantly speaks against the holy Temple and the law of Moses. We even heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.'" * No one can stand against the wisdom of God. When we operate as Stephen did—full of faith and the Spirit—we are empowered to answer any question, speak boldly, and remain unmoved by human opposition, aligning ourselves with God's purpose. However, this does not guarantee that others will respond positively. Some hearts are so hardened and consumed by evil that nothing we say or do will move them. * Opposition may come, often in the form of lies, schemes, and attempts to stop us at any cost. But we must remember that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces and principalities of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Because of this, we should not take persecution personally. Instead, we are called to rejoice when we suffer for Christ's sake. By doing so, we share in the fellowship of His suffering and stand in solidarity with all the saints who have endured before us. 5. A Glimpse of Glory Amid Trials * Acts 6:15: “At this point, everyone in the high council stared at Stephen because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” * Final Charge: We are called to shine like the sun’s rays, reflecting the light of the Son’s presence. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, no earthly opposition or suffering can diminish the glory of God radiating through us. Stephen’s face, shining like an angel’s, was a testament to his communion with the Lord, even in the face of persecution. * With suffering comes glory! Let us boldly pursue the Lord and His will, keeping our gaze fixed on Him. No matter what happens on earth, we walk in the reality of Heaven. May our lives bear witness to His name, reflecting His light and His love, even in the darkest moments. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 (609) 927-4560(w), /episode/index/show/praisetabernacle/id/35114700

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