Acts 20.13-38 - Never Have to Say Goodbye Again
Here is the only place in the entirety of the book of Acts that Paul speaks directly to believing Christians. His goal is to make it to Jerusalem in time for Passover, this rushes him past Asia, but knowing this may be his last goodbye he requests the elders make a 2 day journey that he may grant them a final charge and enjoy their company one last time. In a farewell address, Paul reminds them what’s important and what’s necessary.
Acts 20.1-12 - Falling Away From Me
A long journey across the Roman Empire and a 3-story fall from a high window brings us to this week’s sermon. While in Troas, and after teaching well into midnight, a young man falls asleep and then falls to his death. You would think that the death of a young man and his subsequent resurrection from the dead by the embrace of Paul would be the news for a month in Troas, but Paul gives it little attention at all.
Acts 19.21-41 - Silver and Gold
As Christianity begins to threaten the economy of idol-makers, one silversmith, Demetrius of Ephesus, has a plan: use patriotism, religious zeal, and mob mentality to create such a disturbance as to have these Christians removed from their city. Cool heads prevail, but not before a riot ripples through the city and into the presence of the City Clerk. Amidst all this, the accused Christians keep level heads and rely on the power of God.
Acts 19.8-17 - That's Not My NameEphesus is the most influential and powerful cities in Asia Minor during the time of the early church. It's also one of the most religiously diverse and cult-heavy cities on the continent. Rife with magicians, sorcerers, and demonologists, this city attempts to merge the same elements into Christianity but finds that God is greater both in authority and power, and their vain use of His name will fall on deaf demonic ears.
Acts 19.1-7 - Dear John
As Paul continues to head home he crosses paths with 12 disciples who still follow the teachings of John the Baptist. With only the introduction of the Messiah they do not know of Jesus, His teachings, nor the of the Holy Spirit. The teachings of John were sufficient to prepare the way, but the only Way to God is through faith in Christ. This is confirmed as the Holy Spirit is granted through the laying of hands and powerful signs.
Acts 18.24-28 - Low
Apollos is a Jew from Alexandria. This simple fact reveals so much about him already. A powerful Greek name, a Jewish heritage, and coming from one of the greatest and most culturally rich cities in his time, Apollos is a fervent preacher of Jesus. Yet his only NT education comes from the preaching of John the Baptist. This gifted orator and scripturally talented evangelist also demonstrates his humility and willingness to learn.
Acts 18.18-23 - I Swear
As Paul begins his journey home he cuts his hair. Not a vanity project to make sure he looks good for the mission debriefing, but part of the completion of what is likely a Nazirite Vow. N-Z-R means to separate or dedicate oneself, and was the same vow that Samsons parents were commanded to place upon him at his birth by a visiting angel. Vows, Oaths, Promises are held in high regard, but how should we approach them?
Acts 18.12-17 - What Are We Fighting For
Paul lives in relative peace in Corinth as he preaches the Word of God for 18 months. That is until he is brought to court by opposing Jews and forced to face the proconsul of Achaia, Gallio. The case is dismissed but brings about a good question: How should Christians handle internal and external conflict? And how should we view the government, especially when being brought under a lawsuit.
Dean Gavaris - 1 Chronicles 20.1-23 - Stop Fighting the Wrong Battles
We are pleased that Rev. Dean Gavaris has returned to share the Word with us while the men are on retreat. He is the executive director at Gateway Pregnancy Center & passionate about sharing the Gospel. He will be preaching on 2 Chronicles 20:1-23 in a message entitled Stop Fighting the Wrong Battles.
James 5.13-20 - In Sickness, Prayer
Relentless struggles of pain, fatigue, and the weight of pain carry such burden on the one who daily endures illness. Being sick even for a little can bring with it a lot of irritability and the feeling of being overwhelmed, let alone enduring a long illness. The answer is the same as affliction and joy, to pray. James here isn’t just speaking of physical illness alone, but the immense heaviness of spiritual sickness. How it separates us from God, and bears a burden most people don’t recognize they carry alone.
James 5.13-20 - In Joy, Prayer
We turn to prayer in many moments of our days and lives. Yet the most often forgotten moment to turn towards God is in our times of joy. When the emergencies are met and the needs are abated our God takes a back seat in our lives as the crisis has passed and our joy complete. These are the moments we absolutely must turn to God in prayer, to praise His name and rejoice in Him. To set in our minds that this is not the work of self or man, but the gift of God in our everyday life.
James 5.13-20 - In Affliction, Prayer
Pain seems to be a constant in this life. The first time the word is used occurs in Genesis where Eve’s “pain” is multiplied greatly in childbirth. Pain is something we often go to greater painful efforts to avoid. But pain is a blessing as well. It tells us that something is wrong. Pain makes us aware of medical attention, tells us that touching fire is dangerous, and teaches us our limitations. Pain reveals the sinfulness of this world. What should we first do when we are afflicted physically, emotionally, or mentally with pain? Pray!
Elder Pedro Ruiz - 1 Peter 1.8-9
Peter points out the similar situation we are in to the prophets, that though we do not see Him (Jesus) we love Him. Yet now we can see a little more tangible than the prophets for He has revealed Himself through His Word, Spirit, and people. What they saw in part, we can see more clearly, until the day we see Him face to face.
Acts 18.5-11 - Only Wanna Be With youPaul finds respite in Corinth. 18 months of ministry with the whole team together. Although initially troubled over his rejection after preaching in the synagogue, God offers comfort in His word and presence, “I Am with you.” are powerful words that speak not only to comfort and encourage Paul, but to us in every situation.
Acts 18.1-4 - An Ordinary Couple
After Athens, Paul finds himself in Corinth where he will spend the next 18 months planting and nurturing a church. While there he works alongside a tentmaking couple, Aquila and Priscilla. This couple boasts nothing but Christ Himself and sets an example of how being an ordinary Christian can bring extraordinary results.
Acts 17.16-32 - Into the Unknown
Athens stands as one of the most powerful and influential Greek cities that has come under the authority of Rome. This has resulted in a loss of their reputation as warriors who rival Sparta, but a heavy pouring into their arts and philosophies. It is a city shaped by its past and constantly pursuing knowledge.
Acts 17.10-15 - Hound Dog
Paul and Company, having left the persecutions of Thessalonica, find themselves in a very welcoming synagogue in Berea. Yet they are still hunted by the previous town residents who have followed them over 40 miles to stir up another riot. When the attacks keep coming, how can we respond?
Acts 17.1-9 - Some of My Lies are TrueAlthough what Paul and team find in Thessalonica is further persecution, it is the church that is targeted when Paul cannot be found on the premises. Even though they suffer and will suffer much persecution, the church of Thessalonica develops a reputation amongst all the churches for their faithfulness to Christ our Lord.
Acts 16.25-40 - Jailbreak
Acts 12 is an interesting parallel to this story. While Peter’s earthquake provided a means of escaping the death sentence of Herod, Paul’s earthquake provides a means of saving the life of a jailer and bringing the Gospel into his house. God uses each of us and our circumstances as He wills and for His purpose.
Acts 16.16-25 - Go Away Little Girl
Luke presents 3 interactions with others in the city of Philippi. We began with Lydia, a gentile God-fearing merchant. Now our attention is drawn to a young girl possessed by a spirit who taunts Paul with proclamations that he is a prophet. But not all publicity is good publicity as Paul and Silas find themselves in the stocks.
Acts 16.12-15 - Purple Rain
This is the only mention of Lydia in the entirety of the Bible, but she has left a lasting impression throughout Christain history. Who was this “Seller of Purple”? And what lessons can we learn from this brief glimpse into her life as Paul and company continue in their calling to reach the gentiles?
Acts 16.6-12 - Follow That Dream
God commissions Paul to reach the Gentiles but then restricts him twice as Paul seeks to fulfill this will. Only when presented with a vision is Paul able to discern God’s specific will. The questions then becomes: How can I discern the will of God? In the general sense, quite easily; in the specific sense: only faithfully.
Acts 16.1-5 - Faithfully
Although relatively young, Timothy has been making an impact in his hometown of Lystra and even neighboring Iconium, as one who faithfully presents and honors the Gospel. Timothy will remain with Paul for almost the entirety of his ministry, only departing to help the local church and preach the good news.
