Sermons on Acts
Acts 20
Brad relays to us Paul’s final charge to the Ephesian elders in his last sermon to the church.
Devoted to Prayer
Join Brad Mills as he examines Acts 2:42 and the early church’s devotion to prayer.
Devoted To The Fellowship (Acts 2:42-47)
When people are asked to describe the church they often use terms very different from Luke’s description here in Acts 2:42-47. The church is no longer known for its commitment to the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, but whether it is aligned with cultural norms. The church is not generally considered to be a loving community, but an exclusive and bigoted community. The sacraments are rare and often practiced with apology. And many churches spend more time on their announcements…
Chosen to Serve (Acts 6:1-7)
Introduction The church rapidly grew from a group of 120 (1:15) > 10,000+ within Jerusalem. Before it spread beyond (8:1), leadership and structure were established. Read Acts 6:1-7 The growth of the church is a good thing, but it brings new challenges. Prior to this passage, the church had withstood persecution and moral corruption. Now, we see how they fight the threat of division. The selection of these seven men will prove to be instrumental in the spread of the…
A Joyful Proposal (Ruth 3:1-15)
Introduction Boaz provided, but no longterm security. The harvest ended (2:23). Once no food, who will help? Read Ruth 3:1-15 6mos food, but future uncertain. Abundance of temporary blessings no guarantee future security. A 1978 study: “What happens to a person’s emotional life after winning the lottery?” Lottery winners/accident victims asked to rate pleasure from everyday activities (friends, TV, breakfast, laughing). Accident victims were happier! Barley NOT $1M + Ruth obtained responsibly. But no rest…not yet! Boaz promised Ruth (3:13), but she’d…
Faithful Proclamation (Acts 28:17-31)
Introduction Paul survived a shipwreck and snake attack before safely arriving in Rome. He has now been left under the watch of a single guard and allowed the privilege of visitors. Read Acts 28:17-31 We have seen several themes as we have made our way through this book (The Holy Spirit, Apostolic Miracles, Hospitality, Suffering, etc.). But the book ends on the most prominent theme. It was the same theme we began with, namely Spirit-Empowered Evangelism – witnessing for Christ (1:8). Almost…
Safe and Bound (Acts 28:1-16)
Introduction Everyone’s safely on shore. Paul is still a prisoner. Safe, but God accomplishing his will in unexpected ways. That theme continues… Read Acts 28:1-16 God is orchestrating everything, faithfully keeping his promise to bring Paul to Rome. But considering all that Paul has suffered, will question the Lord’s kindness? In spite of Paul’s consistent character, you have to wonder when he breaks. PTSD after 4th shipwreck? Paul desperately needed to know the kindness of God. And wouldn’t you know it…shortly…
Rome or Bust (Acts 27)
Introduction Paul’s 3MJ ended abruptly with his unlawful arrest. Now, more than two years later, he is still in custody awaiting a hearing before Nero in Rome. That hearing as apparently been granted. Read Acts 27 The length of this account points to its significance for Luke. God doesn’t fulfill his promise to Paul in predictable fashion. We can better understand an episode like this when it happens to someone like Jonah. In his case, the storm was a means…