Welcome to Day 36 of the Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today, Tim is joined by Debi Matthews as they reflect on one of the Bible’s most courageous and Spirit-filled figures: Stephen, found in Acts chapters 6 through 8.

Stephen isn’t remembered for being a trained preacher or a theological heavyweight — he was appointed to oversee food distribution in the early church. Yet, he’s described as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” When opposition came, Stephen stood firm. His passionate and bold speech in Acts 7 tells the story of Israel and points unflinchingly to Jesus, even though he knew it would likely cost him his life.

And it did. Stephen became the first Christian martyr. But even as he was being stoned, his final words echoed those of Jesus himself: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Grace and forgiveness, even in death.

Debi and Tim point out how Stephen’s death is more than just a tragic ending — it plants a seed. At the edge of the crowd is Saul, giving his approval to the execution. It won’t be long before Saul has his own encounter with Jesus. Stephen’s legacy lives on.

Join them in praying for the courage to live with the same Spirit-filled faith, and for all those around the world today who still suffer for following Jesus. We’re nearing the final stretch — see you tomorrow for Day 37.

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Welcome to Day 35 of the Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today, Tim is joined by Clement Tracol for one of the most powerful moments in the entire Bible: the Day of Pentecost, from Acts 2.

This is it — the moment the Church was born in wind and fire. As the Holy Spirit fills the upper room, what looks like tongues of flame comes to rest on each of them. The disciples begin speaking in different languages, and miraculously, people from every nation hear God speaking in their own tongue. It's not chaos — it’s clarity. Not confusion — but communion.

Peter, once fearful, now stands up and preaches with fire in his bones. And from that message, 3,000 are added to their number. But it doesn't stop there. The Spirit-empowered church devotes itself to prayer, teaching, radical generosity, and awe-filled wonder. It’s not just a moment — it’s a movement.

Clement and Tim reflect on how the Holy Spirit empowers each person uniquely and personally, and how we are still invited into that same explosive vision today.

Join them in praying for a fresh Pentecost — for power to witness, boldness to speak, and a church shaped by Spirit-filled love. We’re nearly there — see you tomorrow for Day 36.

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Welcome to Day 34 of the Pentecast on LOVECHURCH — The Podcast. Today, Tim is joined by worship leader Lewis Parker as they reflect on Acts 1:1–11 — the powerful moment when Jesus ascends into heaven, leaving behind a stunned group of disciples and a world-changing commission.

As Jesus is taken up before their eyes, the disciples stand staring into the sky. But then two angels arrive with a gentle rebuke: “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” It’s a heavenly interruption that prompts earthly action. Lewis notes how worship and vision must always lead to mission — our gaze toward heaven fuels our hands and feet for the work on earth.

The message is clear: don’t just admire Jesus, follow him. His parting command wasn’t just to worship but to go and make disciples — to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Spirit.

Let their conversation encourage you today: worship is the wellspring, but mission is the overflow.

Join them in praying for a worshipping Church that moves — fuelled by heaven, sent to the world. See you tomorrow for Day 35.

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