Sermons from 2016 (Page 3)

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…

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…