We conclude our study on the book of Acts by looking at the upward theme of worship, the inward theme of caring for one another in the church, and the outward theme of taking the message of Christ to the world. In this sermon, we see that the church is not stagnant but that the church is on mission.
Luke concludes the book of Acts with Paul as a prisoner in Rome, yet still "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." In this sermon, we look at how the words of Jesus - that the gospel will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth - were initially fulfilled in the book of Acts, and that we have a part to play in its ultimate fulfillment.
In this exciting passage, we read about a shipwreck and a snakebite. But, more importantly, we read about a great Saviour who has overcome the world, who is our only hope in life and death, and who is bringing us safely to God. We can trust God to do what He has said, because He is always faithful.
In Acts 25-26, Paul makes his final defense for the gospel of Jesus Christ before being sent to Rome. We see that the resurrection of Jesus demands a response from the world, and that those who trust in the risen Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins have hope that Jesus is currently reigning and that He will come again to right every wrong.
In the book of Acts, we are introduced to a procrastinator by the name of Felix who is confronted with his need for a Saviour but who does not fully grasp the scary consequence that awaits him. In this passage, we see Paul's example of how to share the Word, and we see Felix's example of how not to receive the Word.
This passage in the book of Acts reminds us that, for those like Paul who find themselves in the dark night of the soul, we have the assurance that God is with us, that God is for us, and that God is working all things together for a good that we may not yet see.
In this passage, the apostle Paul is beaten and arrested for crimes he didn’t commit. But even in this, we see the providence of God, as Paul is given the opportunity to make his defense for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul used to think that he was good with God, until he met Jesus and his life was transformed. We won't ever know what it’s truly like to live, until we give our lives to following Jesus.
When Paul finally gets to Jerusalem, he tells them all about what the risen Lord Jesus has done. But in the jubilation, Paul discovers that he has been misunderstood. In this text, we see that a life that is devoted to following Jesus will mean being misunderstood. But we also see how to respond to misunderstanding with the grace and truth of the gospel.
As the apostle Paul draws closer to Jerusalem, the disciples rightly discern that there is danger awaiting him, but they wrongly conclude that he should not go to Jerusalem. In this sermon, we look at how following Jesus will sometimes mean pain and discomfort, but how it is the path that leads to life.
The church needs Christlike shepherds who will faithfully declare and live out the gospel of God’s grace. As Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders, in Acts 20, he reminds them of his conduct and his preaching, which is going to serve as the foundation for how elders are to shepherd the church of God, and then he charges them to do three things: To guard themselves, to care for all the flock of God, and to watch out for the enemy of their souls.