Acts 21:15-26

A well-intentioned, yet misguided Paul heads to Jerusalem to meet his friends, fully aware of the dangers he might find there. When he arrives he is immediately confronted with the fact that the Jewish converts in Jerusalem are fervent about the laws and traditions of the old covenant; so much so that there is an undercurrent of disdain for Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. Based on the response of the leaders in our story, this sermon addresses how a church focused on the wrong things is prime for failure.

Acts 21:1-16

As Paul leaves the shores of Miletus for his destination of Jerusalem, he encounters many loving friends. These encounters were both wonderful but also very difficult as his friends unanimously counseled him in a way that ran counter to what he felt was best. What should we do when our well-intentioned plans come in conflict with God’s plans?

Acts 20:25-38

As Paul closes his farewell to the church in Ephesus, he charges them how to take ownership of the ministry he is entrusting them with. As he describes this investment, he describes what it means to practically shepherd the flock of God. As a ministry of growing leaders, are we owning our responsibility to invest in God’s people?

Acts 20:22-27

In Paul’s farewell to the church in Ephesus, he begins to share with them his decision to go to Jerusalem knowing that trouble probably awaits him there. How does a Christian come to a place where they are willing to take steps of faith even if they hold risk? Watch and learn as Paul “counts the cost” of ministry.

Acts 20:13-21

Paul says farewell to the church leaders in Ephesus. As he does, he reminds them that his life is an “open book”, transparent and blameless. This week we consider our own lives, are we open to inspection? If so, what will people find when they consider our lives and ministry?

Acts 20:13-21

Paul says farewell to the church leaders in Ephesus. As he does, he reminds them that his life is an “open book”, transparent and blameless. This week we consider our own lives, are we open to inspection? If so, what will people find when they consider our lives and ministry?

Acts 20:1-12

Paul was a pioneer with the mission of God on his mind. But what made Paul and that early church unique, is that they knew that God’s mission was about people. In Acts 20 we see Paul and the church care for and love one another in a way that is worth emulating.

Acts 19:8-21-41

Paul and his team are having a huge impact on the city of Ephesus, but that doesn’t go unnoticed by the enemy. Local tradesmen begin to see the potential impact Christianity might have on their income and decide to incite a riot in the streets. Today we ask questions about what makes our faith dangerous. We also consider what it means to keep our attention on the gospel alone without getting caught up in the swirling controversies.

Acts 19:8-20

Paul returns to Ephesus to contribute to the work that others had been doing. His ministry abounds and God uses him mightily! In todays sermon we look at three character qualities of an authentic faith: a change in our communication, a determined devotion and a distinct power.

Acts 19:1-7

On Paul’s return journey to Ephesus he bumps into a group of twelve Jewish men who claim to be disciples. But upon further investigation, Paul discovers these men did not know Christ. Today we learn some very important truths about salvation, baptism and the Holy Spirit. We also learn to be investigators, willing to ask hard questions of ourselves and others - learning to let the Bible reveal the truth.

Acts 18:24-28

As we turn our attention back to the mission in Ephesus, we meet a man named Apollos. Aquila and Priscilla discover that Apollos is an incredibly gifted man with an incomplete gospel - he needs a relationship with Christ! Perhaps the best thing about Apollos though, is that despite his giftedness and intelligence, he was teachable. Today we ask "What does it mean to be teachable?”

Acts 18:18-23

What we see in this leg of Paul’s journey is one of the hardest and most complicated aspects of doing ministry, making friends then having to say farewell to those we love, those we have given our lives to. We learn in this part of his missionary journey the value of old friends and new friends alike. We will learn some principles to help us see these relationships, with all their emotional complexity, from God’s point of view.

Acts 18:9-17

In Acts 18, in the midst of a turbulent missionary journey to Corinth, Jesus comes to Paul in a night vision. Jesus words to Paul in this passage awake us to the promises God gives to those who preach the gospel.

Do you fear sharing the truth of Christ to the lost? Let Jesus himself challenge those notions.

We also see Paul face rejection from the Jews. We learn a perspective on rejection that is specific to evangelical ministry - how not to be discouraged and trust the Lord for work we can’t see or effect.

Acts 18:5-8

In Acts 18 we find Paul preaching in the synagogue of Corinth, reasoning with the unbelievers, when his friends show up and provide him with refreshment he needs to double-down in the work. Today we spend talking about what it means to be a good friend, someone who refreshes others.

We also see Paul face rejection from the Jews. We learn a perspective on rejection that is specific to evangelical ministry - how not to be discouraged and trust the Lord for work we can’t see or effect.

Acts 18:1-4

In Acts 18 Paul makes friends some new friends, Aquila and Priscilla. While in Corinth he lives with them, works with them and spends all of his free time preaching in the synagogue. In this passage we learn several really important principles about how to integrate and balance marriage, friendship, vocation and ministry.