Passion City Church DC Podcast

What do you do when life doesn’t go your way? In Acts 23, Paul finds himself surrounded by chaos. He’s attacked by a mob, falsely accused, imprisoned, and even targeted by an assassination plot. Yet in the middle of it all, Paul responds with supernatural peace, courage, and confidence. Why? Because Paul knows that his circumstances don’t determine his story. The sovereign Lord does. As Pastor Ben Stuart continues our study through the book of Acts, we’re reminded that trusting God doesn’t mean everything will work out the way we hoped. God hasn’t promised us an easy road or a specific outcome, but He has promised His presence, and His purposes will not fail. When life feels uncertain and the plan doesn’t make sense, we can trust the God who stands with us in the middle of it all. Key Verses // Acts 23

In this episode of Further In, Thomas Barr, Landon Lacy, Jon Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 20-21. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 21-22

How do you respond when life hits you hard? In Acts 22, Paul finds himself falsely accused and surrounded by an angry crowd. Given the chance to defend himself, he doesn't fight back or try to win an argument. He simple tells a story. In this talk by Thomas Barr, we look at the power of sharing your story and how you can be a witness to Jesus in hostile times. The Christian story is not about being the victim or making ourselves the hero. It's about pointing people to the God who is the Hero. Key Verses // Acts 21-22

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Jon Harkey, and Hannah Myer sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 20-21. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 20-21

What does a life well lived actually look like? We spend much of our lives chasing the things we think will make them meaningful—success, security, relationships, influence, experiences. But what if a life well lived is measured by something entirely different? In Acts 20–21, Paul is moving toward a future filled with uncertainty and suffering, yet he refuses to shrink back from where God is leading him. In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart shows us what Paul’s journey reveals about the kind of life worth giving ourselves to and challenges us to consider whether we’re simply building a good life or spending it on the things that matters most. Key Verses // Acts 20-21

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Jon Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 20. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 20

What does faithful Christian leadership look like, and how do we live a life worth following? In Acts 20, the Apostle Paul gathers the leaders of the church in Ephesus and gives them a final charge before continuing toward Jerusalem. In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart walks through Paul’s example of integrity, courage, purpose, and dependence on the grace of God. Paul reminds us that truly following Jesus means more than just knowing the right things. It means demonstrating the message with our lives, declaring the truth, protecting the people God has entrusted to us, and giving ourselves to a mission bigger than ourselves. In a world that often tells us to prioritize comfort and self-preservation, Paul offers another way: know what is worth living for, trust God even when you don’t know what comes next, and run the course He has given you. Key Verses // Acts 20

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Jon Harkey, and Hannah Myer sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Luke 9. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Luke 9:18-26

What does it actually cost to follow Jesus, and what does He ask of those who claim to? How do we move past treating Him as just a fascinating spiritual figure and instead build a life fully surrendered to Him? And what does it look like to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him every single day? In this message, Jacob Harkey teaches from Luke 9, where Jesus turns to His disciples in the middle of His most popular moment and asks the question that still confronts us today: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s answer changes everything because what you believe about Jesus determines how you respond to Him. Whether you’re wrestling with who Jesus really is or what it means to actually follow Him rather than just admire Him from a distance, Luke 9 offers a clear and costly vision: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. Key Verses // Luke 9:18-26

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jon Harkey, Elizabeth Staggers, and Hannah Myer sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

What does God actually require of men? How should men use strength, wisdom, influence, and responsibility in a way that allows for life to flourish around them? And what does it look like to become a man whose life is shaped by the character of Christ? In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart moves beyond cultural stereotypes and teaches a biblical vision for masculinity as we see it outlined in Scripture. If you're wrestling with questions about what it means to "be a man"' and follow Jesus as a man today, this talk is for you. Key Verses // 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jon Harkey, Jacob Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Genesis 2. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Genesis 2-4

What does it mean to be a man, and what did God design men to do? In this message from Genesis 2, Pastor Ben Stuart looks beyond cultural stereotypes and conflicting messages about masculinity to uncover God’s original design for men. Whether you’re wrestling with questions about manhood, purpose, leadership, or what it means to be a godly man today, Genesis 2 offers a compelling vision: good men use their power for the good of others and the glory of God. Key Verses // Genesis 2-4

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jon Harkey, Jacob Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Genesis 1. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Genesis 1

In Genesis 1, we see that God did not create humanity to simply survive. He made us in His image, crowned us with dignity and purpose, and gave us the responsibility to cultivate a world where life can flourish. In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks through the creation account and reminds us that although we are lower, we are crowned. We were created to be near God, become like Him, and use what He has entrusted to us for the flourishing of others. Key Verses // Genesis 1:1-2:3

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Landon Lacy, and Hannah Myer sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // 1 Thessalonians 1

In this talk, Landon Lacy walks us through 1 Thessalonians 1 and asks a simple but searching question: how do you actually know when the gospel has taken root in a heart or a church? Not by feelings alone, not by hymns or exegesis alone, but by fruit — a faith that changes your behavior, a love that costs you something, and a hope stable enough to hold joy in the middle of hardship. Along the way, we see what it looks like when a whole community’s faith goes to work, and how a church’s reputation for love can open a city’s ears to the Gospel long before a single word is preached. Key Verses // 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Elizabeth Staggers, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 19. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 19

In Acts 19, Paul’s message about Jesus starts costing people cash, and the city of Ephesus erupts. A silversmith named Demetrius sees his business threatened and does what any of us can be tempted to do: he lets fear, lust, and pride drive his next move. In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through the riot in Ephesus and asks the question underneath the chaos: what feelings are actually determining the flow of your finances? For the Ephesians who put their faith in Jesus, everything changed. They stopped trying to manipulate the gods for their own gain and started giving generously to people who could never pay them back. Their faith didn't just shift what they believed. It shifted where their money went. Key Verses // Acts 19

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Elizabeth Staggers, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 19. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 19

What is the greatest threat to our spiritual vibrancy? In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart teaches through Acts 19 and reminds us that following Jesus is more than knowing the right things or doing the right things. It is about loving Him with our whole hearts. When unconfessed sin and lesser loves begin to accumulate, they slowly choke out our intimacy with God and diminish the fullness of life He desires for us. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, the things we once feared losing begin to grow strangely dim. Join us as we study Acts 19 and discover what it looks like to return to our first love, remove the rivals, and follow Jesus with an undivided heart. Key Verses // Acts 19

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Thomas Barr, Hannah Myer, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 18. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 18

What if the greatest impact of your life is actually built out of the smallest, everyday decisions? In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through Acts 18, where we meet Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple whose quiet, everyday yeses end up shaping the future of the Church. We learn what a godly marriage really looks like: not just a picture of Christ and the church, but a pursuit of Christ and the church together. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, we see that there's a greater purpose for your life too. Key Verses // Acts 18

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Elizabeth Staggers, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 17. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 17

What do you say to someone who’s smart, skeptical, and thinks Christianity is beneath them intellectually? In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through Acts 17, where Paul stands before the philosophers of Athens and makes his case for God in the middle of a city full of idols. Whether you’re intellectually curious, spiritually skeptical, or just tired of groping in the dark for answers, this message is for you. Key Verses // Acts 17

In this episode of Further In, Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Elizabeth Staggers, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 16. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 16

Who does God put on his team? In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through Acts 16, where we we watch the Gospel cross into Europe for the first time, and God assembles His church in Philippi out of the most unlikely crew. Three people. Three completely different stories. And yet, Jesus who meets every single one of them exactly where they are. We learn that whoever you are and whatever you are carrying, there's a place for you on God's team. Key Verses // Acts 16

In this episode of Further In, Thomas Barr, Elizabeth Staggers, Hannah Myer, and Landon Lacy sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 15. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. To download the digital version of our Acts devotional mentioned in this episode, head to passiondc.link/acts13-19. Key Verses // Acts 15

Acts 15 is the hinge point of the entire book of Acts. In this talk, Thomas Barr explains the Jerusalem Council and the one question that changes everything: How can I be saved? Through the debate between early church leaders, we discover that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and why that matters more than we realize. Whether you’re carrying shame, striving for approval, or wondering if you’re “good enough” for God, this message is for you. Key Verses // Acts 15 (The Jerusalem Council)

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Elizabeth Staggers, Thomas Barr, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 14. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. To download the digital version of the Acts devotional mentioned in this episode, head to passiondc.link/acts13-19.

Paul and Barnabas traveled to hostile and pagan territory, and yet the good news of Jesus still took root. How? Looking at Acts 14, Pastor Ben Stuart breaks down six ways the door of faith gets opened to the Gentiles and what it actually looks like to share the Gospel in everyday life today. The Gospel is the most impactful movement in human history, not because of impressive people, but because ordinary people believed it was true and committed their lives to making it known. If you’ve ever wondered how your life could actually make a difference, this talk is for you.

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Hannah Myer, Landon Lacy, and Jacob Harkey sit down to go deeper into the text from this Sunday's sermon on Acts 13. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. To download the digital version of the Acts devotional mentioned in this episode, head to passiondc.link/acts13-19.

In Acts 13, we see a turning point in the story of the early church. While most people move through life trying to get something—more success, more comfort, more security—the followers of Jesus were sent to give the world the most important message it has ever heard. As the Holy Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas from Antioch, the Gospel begins moving toward the ends of the earth. Why? Because the gospel was never meant to stay still. In this message, Pastor Ben Stuart shares eight powerful attributes of the Gospel and shows us how God uses ordinary people are used to carry the hope of Jesus to a world in need. Whether you’re searching for purpose, direction, or a deeper understanding of God’s mission, Acts 13 reminds us that we are called not just to receive the Gospel, but to share it. Key Verses // Acts 13

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Donna Stuart, Mikado Hinson, and Shaundra Hinson sit down to go deeper into our study of Matthew 28:16-20. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus offers salvation freely, but He also invites you into something more. In this message, Mikado Hinson shares his own story of coming to faith through a friend who loved him right where he was, and what it really means to go all in for Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 9:23 and The Great Commission, this talk is a call to move from the sidelines to full surrender. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in a church, you’ve been wearing the jersey but not playing the game, or you’re ready to go deeper with God than you ever have before, this talk is for you. Key Verses // Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 9:23-25, Proverbs 19:21

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Brad Jones, Thomas Barr, Hannah Myer, and Jacob Harkey sit down to go deeper into our study of Ephesians 4. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Ephesians 4

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. In this talk, Pastor Brad Jones brings a life-giving message from Ephesians 4 on what it looks like to live worthy of the calling we’ve received, not as isolated individuals, but as a people on mission together. As we grow together in humility, unity, and love, we reflect Christ and open ourselves up to being used for God's glory. Key Verses // Ephesians 4

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Donna Stuart, Todd Peterson, and Susan Peterson sit down to go deeper into the topic of generosity and Proverbs 11:24. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Proverbs 11:24

What if the most reasonable thing you could do with your life is give it away? Former NFL player, Todd Peterson, shares his personal journey of generosity and what he’s learned about what it means to stop living a small, self-absorbed life and get in the game God is already playing. God doesn’t want some of us in the game. He wants all of us. Key Verses // Romans 12:1, Philippians 4, Proverbs 11:24, John 3:16

Pastor Ben Stuart takes a closer look at the life and impact of Tabitha in Acts 9 as she displays the character of Christianity that we are all meant to embody as followers of Jesus. Lean in to discover how what He has done for you becomes the overflow of a life well lived.

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Thomas Barr, Jon Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into Acts 12. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today.

Pastor Ben Stuart reminds us that we don’t need perfect faith to come to God. In Acts 12, the early church prays in a moment of fear and uncertainty, not fully believing God will move. And yet, He does. This message is an invitation to bring whatever faith you have, even half-hearted prayers, because God is faithful to meet you there.

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Jacob Harkey, Jon Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into Acts 11. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 11

Pastor Ben teaches from Acts 11 and shows what a healthy, world-changing church actually looks like. In this passage, we see that it begins with ordinary people whose lives have been transformed by Jesus and who cannot help but share that hope with others. As the Church lives this out, lives are changed, communities are formed, and the Gospel continues to advance. Key Verses // Acts 11 __

In this episode of Further In, Landon Lacy, Hannah Myer, Thomas Barr, and Jon Harkey sit down to go deeper into Acts 10. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 10

Landon Lacy walks us through Acts 10, teaching us how the Gospel isn’t limited by background, status, or story. Through the story of Peter and Cornelius, we see that even seemingly good people still need God’s grace, and that Jesus has made a way for all people, in every nation, through His life, death, and resurrection. Key Verses // Acts 10

Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through Acts 9, showing how Paul went from persecuting Jesus to proclaiming Him after a life-changing encounter with the risen Christ. This is the message of Easter. Jesus is still meeting people, still saving, and still making all things new today. Key Verses // Acts 9

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Thomas Barr, Jon Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into Acts 8. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 8

Pastor Ben Stuart shows how God uses willing, ordinary people to bring about life-changing, eternal impact. In Acts 8, we see how Philip’s simple obedience helped carry the gospel to the ends of the earth, and how God wants to do the same through us. Key Verses // Acts 8

In this episode of Further In, Pastor Ben Stuart, Thomas Barr, Jon Harkey, and Elizabeth Staggers sit down to go deeper into Acts 6:8-8:3. Together, they unpack the text from Sunday, share added insights, and explore what this passage means for us today. Key Verses // Acts 6:8-8:3