From Muslim to Subdeacon in the Assyrian Church of the East — The powerful testimony of Sub-Deacon Steve Mortada.Born into a Muslim Lebanese family in Australia, Steve grew up celebrating secular Christmas, questioning God, and eventually walking away from faith. But everything changed when a Bible verse pierced his heart and led him to the Assyrian Church of the East.In this moving testimony from the 38th Annual Youth Conference, Steve shares his incredible journey:•⁠ ⁠Growing up in a divided Muslim home•⁠ ⁠13-year family estrangement after marrying a Christian•⁠ ⁠The exact Bible verse (Matthew 10:34-36) that brought him to his knees•⁠ ⁠Finding his spiritual home at St. Peter & Paul Parish in Sydney•⁠ ⁠Baptism, ordination as Subdeacon, and reconciliation with his parentsA story of redemption, forgiveness, and God’s perfect timing.

Faith Without Blood, Blood Without Faith

Romans 4:13-5:5

In this powerful continuation of our Romans series, we dive into Chapter 4 where Saint Paul shatters religious pride by pointing to Abraham — our father in faith. The Jews boasted in circumcision and ancestry, but Paul reveals the truth: Abraham was justified by faith, not works. Righteousness is not earned by human effort but received freely by grace through believing in the God who justifies the ungodly.

This episode cuts through every lie of self-righteousness and performance-based faith. The same living Word that justified Abraham is active today — exposing, correcting, and transforming us from the inside out. When we let go of our own strength and fully trust in Christ, God counts our faith as righteousness.

In this moving continuation through Acts 16, Father Genard unpacks the beautiful and challenging truth that salvation is a gift of grace received by faith — yet it is also a living, ongoing journey of repentance, obedience, and perseverance in the life of the Church.

Building on last week’s teaching from James 2, Father Genard walks through the powerful story of the Philippian jailer, Paul’s bold stand as a Roman citizen, and the deep connection between our heavenly citizenship in Christ and how we live as His people on earth. He lovingly reminds us that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved — if we remain faithful to the end.

This episode is a heartfelt call to stop treating grace as a license to live however we please and instead embrace the full life of devotion, fellowship, and follow-up that Jesus calls us to in His Body.

In this episode, Father Genard unpacks Acts 16:31-34 with clarity and pastoral love, showing that true salvation is not just believing in your mind — it is faith that leads to baptism, a life of devotion, and good works that prove our faith is alive.

Drawing from James 2, he gently reminds us that faith without works is dead, and that the joy of salvation comes when we step into the new life Christ offers. This is a timely call to examine our hearts, turn from anything that hinders us, and walk in the freedom and purpose Jesus died to give us.

Key takeaways:• Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone — but that faith is confirmed by action• Baptism is not optional; it is part of stepping into new life• True faith produces joy and good works (Ephesians 2:10)• Today is the day — do not harden your heart

If this message spoke to you, rate and review the podcast, share it with a friend, and let us know in the comments how God is stirring your heart.

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you walk in newness of life.

When Paul and Silas praised through their chains, God answered with an earthquake that opened prison doors but left every prisoner in place. The jailer, facing death, fell trembling at their feet: “What must I do to be saved?”

This episode cuts deep into the Book of Acts. Discover how God works through ordinary events, small faith like a mustard seed, and the quiet whisper instead of the thunder. Learn why every true miracle must be confirmed by a transformed life, why we do good deeds “at night” so no one sees, and how your own chains can become the key that sets others free.

The same living Word that shook that prison is ready to shake your life today.

Key Takeaways:

• The Word of God is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword.
• Miracles often come in simple, natural packages — are you missing them while waiting for earthquakes?
• True miracles are confirmed by changed lives, not just dramatic moments.
• Do your good deeds in secret — let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
• Your suffering for Christ’s sake can become someone else’s deliverance.

In this powerful episode, Father Genard continues our study through Acts chapter 16. After being falsely accused and thrown into the inner prison with their feet in shackles, Paul and Silas do something extraordinary at midnight—they pray and praise God so loudly that the other prisoners hear them.

Instead of complaining, crying out in despair, or seeking revenge, these two champions offer a sacrifice of praise. Their worship literally shakes the prison: doors fly open and chains fall off. Yet the greatest miracle isn’t the earthquake—it’s what happens next.

Father Genard unpacks life-changing truths for every believer:

• How to respond to persecution and suffering for Christ’s sake
• The difference between suffering because of your own foolishness and suffering for righteousness
• Why praise is the most powerful weapon when you’re under pressure
• Practical help for sleepless nights caused by stress and anxiety

This message will encourage you to glorify God in every circumstance and remind you that true and lasting peace comes only through Jesus Christ.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s message. Please rate and review the podcast and share it with your friends and family.