Sermon Archive (Page 55)

I Cheerfully Make My Defense (Acts 24)

Introduction Over the next three chapters Paul will testify before Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and King Agrippa. Think about the toll that would have on the apostle. This was all part of the suffering Paul knew he would endure for his Savior. Read Acts 24:1-27 Tertullus’ Prosecution (1-9) Paul’s Defense (10-22) Felix’s Response (23-27) Tertullus’ Prosecution (1-9) The excessive flattery is absurd. Felix dealt with the Jews in such violent ways that they hated him. He squashed frequent uprisings and…

Meditates Day and Night (Psalm 1)

Introduction The Psalms: Combine theology with personal biography. Express every human emotion > the antidote to intellectual formalism. They move us from Trust > Obedience > Praise. Psalm 1 teaches us how we are to offer our praise to God. Read Psalm 1 The pursuit of happiness drives everyone. No one has said it more succinctly, clearly and repeatedly than John Piper: “God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in him.” Where am I finding satisfaction? Our happiness in…

A Plot to Kill (Acts 23:12-35)

Introduction Paul has just received the encouragement of the Lord (11). Read Acts 23:12-35 In February 2008, I was called into the boss’s office and let go… > Carrie was only weeks away from delivering our third daughter… > Within a few months we sold our car and our house and moved to Mississippi. The circumstances that brought us there were not planned, but looking back, we see God’s hand guiding us. ”Providence, like Hebrew letters, must be read backwards.”…

Paul’s Defense (Acts 21:37-22:21)

Introduction Certain Jews from Asia (v.27) accused Paul of “teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place” (v.28). In Paul’s defense he will address each one of these charges, but it is cleverly included in a testimony of God’s transforming work in his life. Read Acts 21:37-22:21 Paul’s speech was a very personal testimony (“I”/“me” with reference to himself more than 30x). His defense would not be a canned presentation. He doesn’t take time to develop points of…

Take Him Away (Acts 21:27-36)

Introduction We are nearing the end of the first apostolic movement of Jesus under the New Covenant Church. It is a significant period in which much of the New Testament was being written! This section focuses primarily upon Paul’s imprisonment. He will be in chains by the end of this passage and he will remain in chains until the end of the book. Read Acts 21:27-36 In Acts 9:15-16, Jesus told Ananias that Paul’s testimony would go before Gentiles and…

Greetings and Accusations (Acts 21:17-26)

Introduction We have been shocked by Paul’s perseverance. He has been resilient in the face of constant suffering and threats of death. He has come to Jerusalem having been spent for the kingdom, but fully expecting more suffering to come his way. Read Acts 21:17-26 What in the world is going on here? Is somebody doing something wrong? Is Paul acting like a hypocrite as one prominent commentator suggests? Great pastoral heroes of mine have disagreed about how to understand…

I Am Ready…to Die (Acts 21:1-16)

Introduction Paul has been hastening to get to Jerusalem, constrained by the Holy Spirit. He has an unnamed burden to get there by Pentecost. Luke seems to be copying notes from his travel journal adding details about what was happening at some of those stops. Read Acts 21:1-16 Have you ever heard of Walter Houston? “Man, 91, Dies Waiting for Will of God” Tupelo, Miss. – Walter Houston, described by family members as a devoted Christian, died Monday after waiting…

A Farewell Sermon (Acts 20:13-38)

Introduction Read Acts 20:13-38 Paul ending his 3MJ. Imagine the physical & emotional strain. Departing all-night Worship Service – he walks 20 miles South. There is no quit in this man! We would expect him to seek peace and quiet, but he appears to be encouraging others. Fueled by a task much greater than him. He knew churches would close doors without strong leadership. He calls the elders for one last word. Every Church needs to have men of compassion…

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…