Sermons on Christian Living
The Harding Odyssey
The Harding’s family 10-week trip to the U.S. was originally planned as ministry followed by rest. The ministry happened; the rest did not. The trip was framed through 2 Corinthians 2:14–15, as an “odyssey” with symbolic monsters, cyclops, and sirens representing challenges and temptations. Highlights: California: Faced the “monster” of high prices and tipping culture. Ministry opportunities opened unexpectedly, including supporting an old friend in need. Arizona/New Mexico: Time with family, encouraging relatives and helping them connect to a church.…
Trusting God Through Every Trial
Acts 28:1-16 Paul and his companions were shipwrecked on the island of Malta around 58 AD, but all survived. Despite cold and rain, the locals showed kindness by building a fire. As Paul helped, a viper bit him. The locals assumed he was a criminal being punished by fate, but when he remained unharmed, they changed their minds and called him a god. This shift highlights how quickly people judge based on appearances. The lesson drawn is to avoid snap…
Sailing against the Wind
Acts 27:1-20 Paul, after being in Caesarea for two years, appeals to Caesar to avoid danger in Jerusalem. Festus arranges for his journey to Rome. Purpose of the journey: to witness to Gentiles, Caesar, and the Roman Empire, establishing the Christian Church in Rome. In Acts 25–26, Paul defends himself before Festus and King Agrippa, almost persuading Agrippa. Luke, Aristarchus, and other companions travel with Paul, providing support through hardships. Timothy is notably absent, possibly on another mission. Paul travels…
Called to Testify
Acts 26:1-32 Paulo voltou a Israel após suas viagens missionárias e foi preso em Cesareia por dois anos. Festo substituiu Félix como governador. Félix, apesar de sua corrupção, evitou punição por causa de conexões em Roma. Paulo está em julgamento novamente. Festo consulta o rei Agripa e Berenice, que visitam Cesareia. Festo não sabe o que escrever a César sobre Paulo, o que leva à realização dessa audiência pública. Agripa e Berenice, irmãos e em um relacionamento imoral, fazem parte…
Trial before Felix
Acts 24:1-27 Paul is transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea due to a plot against his life in Jerusalem. Five days later, his accusers arrive. Accusation by Tertullus (the Jewish prosecutor): Flattering Felix falsely, claiming peace and prosperity under his rule. Accuses Paul of being: A “plague” (spreading the gospel). An instigator of unrest among Jews. A ringleader of the “sect of the Nazarenes” (early Christians). Claims Paul tried to profane the temple—an unproven and false charge. Paul’s Defense: Calmly…
Paul in Jerusalem
Acts 21:24-40 Paul arrives in Jerusalem and helps four Jewish men complete their Nazirite vows to show he respects Jewish customs. This act is costly, costing Paul about €4560. Despite his efforts, Jews from Asia falsely accuse Paul of bringing Gentiles into the temple, inciting a violent mob. The mob seizes Paul, drags him from the temple, and shuts the doors. The temple leadership rejects the truth Paul brings. Roman soldiers from the nearby Antonia Fortress intervene just in time…
To Go or Not To Go
Acts 21:1-16 describes the end of Paul’s third missionary journey as he heads toward Jerusalem, fully aware he will be arrested. In Acts 20:22–24, Paul states he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem and is willing to face imprisonment or death to fulfill his ministry. As Paul travels, he stops in various cities where believers, through the Holy Spirit, warn him not to go to Jerusalem. This creates an apparent tension: the Spirit both compels Paul to…
Paul’s farewell to the Ephesians
Acts 20:17-38 Paul, on a determined journey to Jerusalem, urgently gathers the Ephesian church leaders to deliver a heartfelt final message. He recounts his ministry in Ephesus: Served with humility. Endured suffering with tears and trials. Preached and taught faithfully in public and private settings. Urged repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes he is “bound in the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing suffering awaits him. His mission and calling outweigh personal safety. He models ultimate dedication…
Paul in Thessalonica and Berea
The message follows Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke during Paul’s second missionary journey, focusing on two cities: Thessalonica and Berea. In Thessalonica, Paul teaches in the synagogue for at least three Sabbaths, explaining from the Old Testament that Jesus had to suffer, die, and rise again. Some Jews, many devout Greeks, and several prominent women believed and joined Paul and Silas, causing jealousy among the synagogue leaders who lost influence and financial support. Opponents hired troublemakers to incite a mob,…
Joy in Difficult Circumstances
Acts 16:19-40 Paul and Silas are on the Second Missionary Journey Paul had just healed the slave girl who was announcing that Paul and Silas proclaimed the way of salvation. Her owners were furious, because she could no longer make them money. They took Paul and Silas to the authorities, with false charges. Paul and Silas were beaten with rods. threw them in prison and put them in stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns. Suddenly…
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