Sermons on Serving God
Abraham’s Test of Faith
God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac, the son through whom divine promises were to be fulfilled. The command appears to contradict everything previously promised, yet Abraham recognizes God’s voice and obeys without argument. He journeys for three days toward the mountain, enduring grief, confusion, and the temptation to turn back, yet remains steadfast. He tells his servants that both he and Isaac will return, expressing trust that God’s promise cannot fail even if the command seems impossible.…
Ishmael’s Exile
Genesis 21:1-34 Isaac is finally born after decades of waiting, demonstrating that God keeps promises despite human doubt and delay. Abraham faithfully obeys God by naming Isaac and circumcising him, marking commitment to the covenant. When Isaac is weaned, family conflict erupts as Sarah demands Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. Though distressed, Abraham trusts God’s instruction, believing God will still fulfill His promise to make Ishmael a nation. Hagar and Ishmael nearly die in the wilderness until God hears…
Faith, Failure, and the Call of Abram
Gen 12:1-20 Genesis 12 marks a turning point in the biblical story, shifting from the great events of early humanity to the life of Abraham, whose faith shapes the future of Israel and beyond. God calls Abram to leave his homeland and family for an unknown land, promising to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name renowned. This covenant extends blessing to all nations through him. Abram obeys, departing with his wife Sarai and nephew Lot,…
Noah’s Ark
Gen 7:1-8:22 God saw that the world had grown corrupt and violent, yet one man, Noah, stood out as righteous. God called him to build an enormous ark and to gather animals — seven pairs of every clean kind and two of the unclean — to preserve life through the coming judgment. While Noah built the ark over many years, people around him laughed and dismissed his warnings. Even as the massive structure neared completion and the animals began to…
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.…
Paul’s Witness in Rome
Acts 28:17-31 Paul in Rome under house arrest; calls Jewish leaders, explains he is imprisoned for “the hope of Israel” (the Messiah). Jewish leaders curious, having heard of Christianity as a controversial “sect.” Paul teaches from the Law and Prophets about Jesus from morning to evening; some believe, some reject. Response echoes prophecy in Isaiah 6: some hear but don’t understand. Paul declares salvation has also gone to the Gentiles. Paul remains imprisoned for two years (AD 60–62), welcoming all,…
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…
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