Paul (#14): Thy Will Be Done – November 6, 2011

“Paul (#14): Thy Will Be Done – November 6, 2011”Text: Acts 21-22In looking at this chapter of Paul’s life, Pastor Jon suggests that sin is when you put yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge.  Even as Paul set his direction toward Jerusalem, some Godly people were attempting to convince him…

Paul (#13): Famous Last Words – October 23, 2011

“Paul (#13): Famous Last Words” Text: Acts 20:13-38In this farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, we recognize the same urgency that was driving Paul as he preached through the night in Troas.  As we read the sermon, we get a glimpse into Paul’s heart, and discover the qualities of humility, integrity, and faithfulness.

Paul (#11): Partnering in the Gospel – October 2, 2011

“Paul (#11): Partnering in the Gospel”Text: Acts 18:1-28The Kingdom of God really is a partnership… a team event.  It’s not just about Paul being a “Lone Ranger,” but about Paul playing his part on God’s team.  And in this case, God tells Paul that His team is even bigger than Paul can see.  And that…

Paul (#10): Greatly Distressed – September 25, 2011

“Paul (#10): Greatly Distressed”Text: Acts 17:16-34The phrase “greatly distressed” is used quite a few times in scripture–often indicating a distress at sin, idolatry, or a situation that seemed beyond hope.  And yet, sometimes we get “greatly distressed” about things that probably shouldn’t receive that much of our attention.  Even as Paul is “greatly distressed” at…

Homecoming: Zebedee’s Fishing Company – September 18, 2011

“Homecoming: Zebedee’s Fishing Company”Text: Matthew 4:12-25Former Pastor Jeff Barker offers this Homecoming message about “Zebedee’s Fishing Company.”  Instead of following the call of James and John, Pastor Jeff explores what it may have been like for their father Zebedee.  What does faithfulness look like when we’re called to stay at home–casting the nets, catching the…

Paul (#8): Set Free – September 4, 2011

“Paul (#8): Set Free”Text: Acts 16:16-34Pastor Jon juxtaposes Psalm 22 against the familiar story of Paul and Silas in prison, suggesting the importance of being “Set Free” from our circumstances by praising God even in the midst of them.  Even as Paul continues to learn about the boundless reach of the Gospel (this time, even…

Paul (#7): Lydia – August 21, 2011

“Paul (#7): Lydia”Text: Acts 16:6-15If God can use David and Solomon, and Peter and Paul, and John Mark and Timothy, then He can certainly use you.  And He can certainly use the leading lady in today’s story (Acts 16:16-34).  Pastor Jon suggests that this may be the lesson that Paul needed to learn, as the…

Paul (#6): Christian Unity – August 7, 2011

“Paul (#6): Christian Unity”Text: Acts 15:36-16:5Pastor Jon takes a look at the “Sharp Disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas at the end of Acts chapter 15.  As we trace the story, we learn not only that God can use our brokenness, but that reconciliation continues to be possible, even for relationships that seem broken beyond all…

Paul (#5): No Other Name – July 31, 2011

“Paul (#5): No Other Name”Text: Acts 14:8-20Paul is always very careful to make sure that people don’t worship him, but the God that he serves.  Pastor Jon takes a look at some of Paul’s teachings on this–and an event which was probably quite formative in Paul’s early ministry.  Together, we learn that there is no…