A Community Worth Dying For (Acts 20:1-12)
Introduction In the previous passage the Ephesians had erupted into a riot because they feared Paul was damaging their business and religion. After three years in Ephesus Christianity was beginning to have a significant impact. But we know Paul wanted to return to the places he had visited on his 2MJ (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth). Read Acts 20:1-12 How many friends do you have? When your world is crashing down, who comes to your side? According to a recent…
The Cycle of Idolatry (Acts 19:21-41)
Introduction Last week, the patience of God allowed believers to mature in their faith. Here we see the opposite as God hands them over to their sin. God was patient with Ephesus. Paul spent 3yrs. Eventually, people had to decide whether to save their careers/souls. Calvin, “Man’s nature…is a perpetual factory of idols.” Our emotions reveal our idols. Not removed through will power or formulaic responses. Victory requires more than information; it requires relationship. We cannot experience victory over idolatry…
Name Above All Names (Acts 19:1-20)
Introduction The Shallows by Nicholas Carr The Net’s interactivity gives us powerful new tools for finding information, expressing ourselves, and conversing with others. It also turns us into lab rats constantly pressing levers to get tiny pellets of social or intellectual nourishment. There is an unfortunate connection between our mindless use of the internet and the way we often practice our faith. In our fallen nature we are content with gaining a minimal knowledge, in the fewest interactions, with the lowest…
Companions in Ministry (Acts 18:18-28)
Introduction Paul’s ministry hardships were many: Blinded at conversion Escaped two murder plots Jewish and Gentile persecution Escaped mistreatment and stoning Stoned and left for dead Separation from Barnabas Beaten and imprisoned in Philippi Run out of Thessalonica and Berea In Corinth, Paul faced more Jewish opposition (v.12). Finally, protected by Gallio’s statement, Paul peacefully remains in Corinth “many days longer” (Acts 18:18). Problem: We want comfort. We don’t want to exert too much energy, nor do we want to…
Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-17)
Reasoning and Persuading (1-5) Rejection and Perseverance (6-11) Law and Gospel (12-17)
Jerusalem the Capital of Athens (Acts 17:16-34)
Introduction Tertullian, “What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem?”1 What is the proper relationship between the Church and the culture? Jerusalem versus Athens: “I have nothing to learn from culture, but listen to me.” Athens versus Jerusalem: “I will adjust my faith according to cultural recommendations.” Jerusalem segregated from Athens: “My faith is a private matter, separate from my view of everything else.” Jerusalem integrated with Athens: “I pick and choose aspects from my faith and the culture to determine my actions.” Jerusalem…
An Upside Down World (Acts 17:1-15)
Introduction Violence of Anti-Trump protestors nothing new. When you can’t persuade people with reason, using force is faster and easier. Candidates reaction to blame opponent nothing new. Trump blames Clinton for sending professional agitators. Clinton blames Trump for instigating the violence. We will see very similar tactics in our text this morning. 2MJ > Call to Macedonia > Philippi: Conversions of Lydia and Jailer > Asked to leave (16:39). Read Acts 17:1-15 Mob violence is nothing new. How should we respond? Luke highlights…
Ministry in Philippi (Acts 16:11-40)
Introduction 2MJ began in conflict and continued in confusion. Paul blocked by the Spirit. Macedonia was not on Paul’s initial itinerary. Read Acts 16:11-40 No mass conversion, just a few important individuals embrace Christ by faith, which implies “regeneration”. Redemption Accomplished and Applied, John Murray, “The believing and loving response which the calling requires is a moral and spiritual impossibility on the part of one who is dead in trespasses and sins.” God must begin that work! God’s initiating grace dramatically…
Multiplication Through Division (Acts 15:36-16:10)
Introduction I’m beginning to embrace the fact that math isn’t my strong suit. Our passage opens with Paul and Barnabas splitting up and concludes with 3x the number of missionaries on the field. On the heels of one of the most unifying events in church history comes a conflict that divides one of the greatest partnerships in church history! Read Acts 15:36-16:10 Unlikely avenues of growth. Confusion, chaos, perseverance. Faithful disciples persevere through confusing and chaotic circumstances by trusting in…
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35)
The Jerusalem Council is a model for handling disputes of theological nature. Both sides voiced concerns. The Church stood firm on the gospel of grace, but revealed a cultural sensitivity that was necessary to maintain fellowship.