Sermons on Christian Living
Radical Rest
God’s design of rest reveals His character and His care for humanity. Rest was never meant as a burden, but as a gift—an invitation to trust rather than strive. The weekly Sabbath established a rhythm of dependence, but the sabbatical year expanded this into something far more radical: an entire year where the land was left untouched and people ceased their normal labor. In an agricultural society where survival depended almost entirely on the land, this command required deep faith.…
Wrestling with God
Jacob leaves Laban after a final separation, unable to return, and journeys toward home knowing his brother Esau once wanted to kill him. Caught between past conflict and uncertain future, he hopes time has softened Esau. Along the way, he encounters angels and names the place Mahanaim, sensing divine presence with him. He sends messengers to Esau with a humble message, calling him “lord” and presenting himself as a servant, revealing both fear and a tendency to manage outcomes through…
Abraham’s Sojourn
Gen 23:1-20 Abraham’s life is presented as a long journey of faith shaped by promise, failure, discovery, and growing intimacy with God. He receives promises of descendants and land, seeing the first fulfillment of offspring through Isaac while the ultimate fulfillment extends to all who share his faith. After Sarah’s death, Abraham identifies himself in the promised land as a foreigner and sojourner, illustrating that God’s people live in earthly realities while belonging to a greater homeland. Believers are portrayed…
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…
English 
Português