Sermons About Paul
Myths about Baptism and Tongues: Busted?
Apollos and the church at Ephasus receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit
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Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel
Acts 14:1-28 A powerful example of what it means to suffer for the sake of the gospel was lived out during WWII by a man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who participated in the German Resistance movement against Nazism and was a founding member of the Confessing Church. His involvement in plans by members of the German Military Intelligence Office to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent execution by hanging in April 1945, shortly before the war's end. Bonhoeffer's willingness to die in the service of the Lord was exhibited by the peacefulness he extolled during his suffering in the concentration camps and his fervent and expectant prayer to God as he was taken to be executed. He died as a bold and brave servant to the Lord. This is a powerful example of discipleship, which is to joyfully suffer for the gospel of Christ. Like the story of Bonhoeffer, the passage in Acts 14:1-28 should encourage and motivate us to courageously share the gospel everywhere we go no matter what opposition, rejection, or persecution we may face. From the verses in this passage, we learn about four stopping points for Paul and Barnabas as they finished up their first missionary journey. They 1. Relied and Retreated from Iconium (vv. 1-7) 2. Were Revered and Rejected in Lystra (vv. 8-20) 3. Revisited and Refreshed the Churches (vv. 21-23) 4. Reported and Recuperated in Antioch (vv. 24-28) We have been called to suffer for Christ and to suffer for the gospel. If we are being faithful to share the gospel, it is not a question of "if", but "when" persecution will come. We may never be stoned for the gospel's sake as the apostle Paul was, but no matter what form our persecution comes in, the suffering will be worth it because we know that our lives are in the hands of a loving God, who promises His protection. We should take joy in the privilege and honor of serving our Lord. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said about his suffering: "It is a badge of discipleship".
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Sacred Life: Titus 3.8-15
This week we close out our series on Paul's letter to Titus. I pray that you have been encouraged and challenged over the last eight weeks. Sunday we will look at Paul's last word to Titus. In his closing remarks he speaks of the fruit of a regenerate life. Such fruit is God-glorifying, faith-drenched good works done from a heart of love. We see in this text that the regenerate life is lived in the context of relationships, vertically with God through Christ and horizontally with others. Paul addresses four different groups and how we are to live profitable lives among them.
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Many Members For The Good Of The One Body
Unity and Diversity. Interdependence and Worth. Writing to the Corinthians about discord, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of the church as the body of Jesus Christ.
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Sacred Life: Titus 3.3-8
There is a groaning coming from all of creation. It is a longing for the new birth. Creation needs it. Not only does creation, but so does mankind. We need to be born again, to be changed and to experience regeneration. God has made this possible through HIs Son Jesus Christ by the work and power of the Holy Spirit. This week's message addresses true conversion and what God does to make one born again.
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Grace Exalted
The Apostle Paul introduces his instruction on the ground of all our freedom - justification. As he does, he slays performance and exalts grace.
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More than Survivors
As we look at our text this morning in Acts 17, what might we learn from the life of Paul back in the first century, in terms of sharing the Gospel, that might translate into the challenges we face today? Instead of Paul being overwhelmed with what he faced when he entered the city of Athens - a city not unlike what we have today (i.e. pluralistic in terms of differing philosophies and inclusive in the sense that there were many gods); Paul determined to be More than a Survivor by hoisting the sails of opportunity. How did he do that? What can this chapter teach us in terms of engaging a largely pagan culture? Are we willing to follow the example of Paul and look for connecting points with those outside of Christian faith? Are we willing to move beyond the anticipated disrespect and resistance in order to bear faithful witness? And are we willing to show the same kind of interest in what others value, as we expect others to show in what we value?
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We Study So We Don't Forget
Have we forgotten to Whom it is we belong? Paul wrote to "the church" in Thessalonica for a variety of reasons. It could be summarized, as a whole, as a call to "blameless living." In 1:1 and 5:23-28 Paul's focus is on redirecting the Thessalonian Christians to remember they belong to God, they are not alone in their faith, and unity is essential in the body of Christ.
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