Sustained: Acts Part IV

And so we come to the end of Acts. Paul is under house arrest in Rome but continues to preach the gospel "without hindrance." The end of Acts is our invitation to continue the work of making disciples, multiplying leaders and planting churches—all for the glory of God, knowing we are empowered, scattered, sent, and sustained by the Holy Spirit!

And so we come to the end of Acts. Paul is under house arrest in Rome but continues to preach the gospel "without hindrance." The end of Acts is our invitation to continue the work of making disciples, multiplying leaders and planting churches—all for the glory of God, knowing we are empowered, scattered, sent, and sustained by the Holy Spirit!

From Jerusalem to Rome, Paul is sent to Caesar by a series of shipping routes. The trip is perilous and results in a dramatic shipwreck on Malta. Despite the storm, Paul trusts in the word of the Lord that he will stand trial in Rome. Paul looks beyond circumstances to the faithfulness of God, an encouragement to all who are facing storms in their lives today.

From Jerusalem to Rome, Paul is sent to Caesar by a series of shipping routes. The trip is perilous and results in a dramatic shipwreck on Malta. Despite the storm, Paul trusts in the word of the Lord that he will stand trial in Rome. Paul looks beyond circumstances to the faithfulness of God, an encouragement to all who are facing storms in their lives today.

Paul is now tried before Festus, Agrippa, and a whole host of powerful military leaders. He stands alone, in chains, before a court of powerful men and women. What does he say? Everything he needs to. He uses the opportunity to present the gospel, not to free himself, but to seek to save as many as possible. Paul's example is an encouragement to all who feel anxious or afraid to share the gospel—he speaks truth boldly but with love.

Paul is on trial before Marcus Antonius Felix and doesn't shrink back from proclaiming the gospel and bearing witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul clearly speaks about self-control and judgment to a powerful figure of his time. He's not ashamed, he's not fearful—he is sustained by the Spirit to speak boldly and clearly. Are there gospel conversations we feel afraid to take part in?

Paul's final missionary journey is over, and now he sets his face towards Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit compels him to go there, and at the same time, warns Paul that hardships await him. Paul is so attuned to the Spirit's leading and guiding that he can disregard warnings from his friends about what lies ahead. How attuned are we to the voice of the Holy Spirit in our own lives as we seek to make disciples wherever we go?

Paul's final missionary journey is over, and now he sets his face towards Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit compels him to go there, and at the same time, warns Paul that hardships await him. Paul is so attuned to the Spirit's leading and guiding that he can disregard warnings from his friends about what lies ahead. How attuned are we to the voice of the Holy Spirit in our own lives as we seek to make disciples wherever we go?

Following Jesus isn't a flash in the pan, just a moment of obedience that ticks a box and then we live however we want. Following Jesus is a whole-life transformation that isn't finished until we breathe our last. This is what Paul communicates to the Ephesian leaders as he farewells them: his life is not his own; he only wants to complete the task and finish the race God has marked out for him. What does it look like for us to live well and finish well?

Following Jesus isn't a flash in the pan, just a moment of obedience that ticks a box and then we live however we want. Following Jesus is a whole-life transformation that isn't finished until we breathe our last. This is what Paul communicates to the Ephesian leaders as he farewells them: his life is not his own; he only wants to complete the task and finish the race God has marked out for him. What does it look like for us to live well and finish well?

From Athens to Corinth and now Ephesus, Paul plants himself in Turkey for three years, his longest stint in one place. Paul declares the gospel with words and such power that people cannot deny the power of Jesus' name! This brings strong and violent opposition from idol makers in Ephesus. Where Jesus' name is held in high regard, we can always expect demonic opposition.

Paul moves on from Athens to Corinth and stays there 18 months, establishing and strengthening the church. He raises up disciples and turns them into leaders (Aquila and Priscilla) and empowers them to do the same for others. It's clear Paul's focus isn't on establishing a personal ministry or making a name for himself, but multiplying disciples and planting churches for the glory of God and expansion of his kingdom!

We kick off our final series in Acts with Paul's visit to Athens, and the burden he feels when he sees the city rife with idolatry. Paul's heart longs for these people to know the true and living God, and contextualises the gospel to his listeners so that they can understand it. What burden do we feel for the people around us? How are we presenting the gospel in a way they can receive and understand?

We kick off our final series in Acts with Paul's visit to Athens, and the burden he feels when he sees the city rife with idolatry. Paul's heart longs for these people to know the true and living God, and contextualises the gospel to his listeners so that they can understand it. What burden do we feel for the people around us? How are we presenting the gospel in a way they can receive and understand?