Atlantic Gospel Hour

How much is enough?  It is reported that when JD Rockefeller was asked that question, his answer was, "Just a little bit more."  A recent poll indicated that most Americans believe that same sentiment; indicating that if they could have about twice as much as they currently have then they would be happy.  The problem is, it's never enough.
In 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul addresses the false teachers who see godliness as a means of material gain.  Paul, however, contrasts this with godliness with contentment.  He points to the fact that real contentment that can weather the trials of life is only found in the person of Jesus Christ.
In today's lesson, we will learn Paul's description of depraved discontentment, a different perspective on contentment, and the dangers of desiring earthly treasure.
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.

We all inherit different things from our parents.  Some of these we accept with pride, while others we would just as soon forget.
In Jesus' day, the Jewish people inherited the Law from their forefathers, as well as the Temple.  But they also inherited the rebellious nature of their forefathers.  And like us all, they inherited the sin nature of Adam.
In Acts. we see Stephen dragged into the Temple before the Sanhedrin; charged with blasphemy against Moses and the Temple.  As he make his closing arguments, he handed down the final verdict against his prosecutors - you are just like your fathers. 
Stephen again takes them back to the days of Moses, when the hearts of their fathers returned to Egypt.  Regarding the Temple, he puts it into the proper perspective.  If the highest heaven cannot contain the living God, then neither can this Temple.  But the elders of Israel placed it on a pedestal on which it was never meant to stand and corrupted their worship.
As you listen to today's lesson, may you be encouraged by the reminder that the God of the universe meets with His people wherever they are.
Thank you for listening.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.

The children of Israel in the wilderness stands as a lesson for the believers.  We see examples of great faith, followed by examples of great failures.
As they crossed the Red Sea, we see the children of Israel both trusting and obeying the Lord.
But later, as they approached the border of the promised land, twelve spies returned from surveying the land.  The land was good, they reported, but filled with strong people, fortified cities and giants.  But two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, urged the people to enter the land, trusting the Lord to fight the battles for them.  But rather than trust, the people rejected the Lord and Moses, His servant.
What lessons to these examples hold for us?
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May the Lord bless you through the teaching of His Word.

The Apostle Peter is in his last days before being martyred for his faith.  He penned his letter to the church in Asia in order to remind them to remember the teaching of scripture as handed down by both the prophets and the apostles.  But he also wrote to warn them regarding the scoffers that would come; those who mock the coming of the Lord, willfully forgetting that God both created the world and judged it with the flood of Noah's day.
In answering these mockers, Peter again reminds them of who God is and of his character.
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.

As Acts 6 closed, we saw Stephen, "full of grace and power...performing great wonders and signs among the people."  Those from among the Jews who argued with him were "unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking" (Acts 6:8, 10).  The Jewish leaders therefore brought Stephen before the Sanhedrin, bringing against him false charges that he spoke against the temple and against Moses, His servant.
In the opening portion of Acts 7, we see Stephen begin to make his defense.  First, we see him address those present as his brothers and fathers.  While his accusers treated him with no respect, Stephen responded with respect, establishing common through the worship of the same God.  But in his defense, he also gave an indictment of those accusing him.  His indictment focused on three themes:
God, and therefore the people of God, are not restricted to a certain location, such as a land or temple.
Israel has a history of rejecting the prophets and deliverers sent by God
God's vindication of His servants.
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.

As we return to the book of Acts, we catch up with Stephen.  Up to this point, Luke's focus in Acts has been on the church in Jerusalem, the preaching, the growth, and the persecution has largely been in Jerusalem.
In Stephen, we come to a turning point in the book of Acts, from a focus from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria.  We will see that the death of Stephen is the climax of the Jewish persecution in Jerusalem.  His death provided the impetus for the spread of the church into Judea and Samaria.  Finally, in Stephen, we are introduces to Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul.
In today's lesson, we are introduced to the character of Stephen and the beginnings of the trial that will eventually lead to his execution.
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.

There are great blessings to living on the world God created; and God is pleased to have us enjoy the simple things of this world.  But many, including evangelical Christians, get caught up in many other things.  In particular, the events of 2020 saw many believers distracted by Covid and the politics of a controversial election.
One thing we must remember is that, for the believer, this is not our home.  We are called to have an eye on what is coming up ahead.  In today's lesson, we consider God's call for us to be heavenly-minded believers.
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May God bless you through the teaching of God's Word.

Homosexuality is an issue that has increased in prominence within our own world and culture, as well as the church.  The month of June is Pride Month, in which society, as a whole, celebrates and affirms the homosexual lifestyle.
But what does Scripture say regarding homosexuality?  And how do we respond to the world's claims, not only about the legitimacy of homosexuality, but claims that the Word of God affirms this lifestyle?  And finally, how does the Gospel inform our response to the world around us?
Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May the Word of God provide you with guidance on this very relevant topic.