Paul was clear about his part in evangelism: do what is necessary to make the Gospel the center of the message and trust God to save souls. Paul was so committed to making the Jesus the focus of the message that he had Timothy circumcised so Jesus would stay central to the message proclaimed. Paul went forth faithfully strengthening the churches and preaching Jesus. All the while, Paul waited for God to do the real work: opened hearts to hear and respond. God ultimately is responsible for converting souls, though He is pleased to use the weakness of an apostle such as Paul to do so. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 16:1-15.
Paul and Barnabas found opposition from those who insisted Gentiles be circumcised. This led to the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. Here the apostles and elders clearly affirm that salvation has come to the Gentiles though they have not been circumcised. The doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Jesus is upheld. Yet, the letter sent to the Gentiles requests that the Gentiles abstain from certain practices both prohibited by the Old Testament law (salvation by lawkeeping? No!) and associated with pagan idolatry. Here the encouragement from the apostles is to abstain from any hint of pagan practices for the sake of the Jewish believers who are offended by such close association. Here the Gentiles are asked to act in a way to promote unity with their Jewish brothers, which they are glad to do. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 15:1-21.
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas continue to keep the preaching of the Gospel as a high priority. This is remarkable when you consider that there was a plot to kill them in verse five; then in verse 19, Paul was stoned and dragged from the city to die. In this context, the apostles explain that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life: “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Yet, the Christian is not to run from suffering at all cost, but cling to Christ through suffering while resting in Him for strength to proclaim the Good News so more may be added to the kingdom. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 14:1-22.Â
In Antioch Paul preached the Good News of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ alone. Paul’s preaching was filled with arguments from Scripture that Jesus really was the Christ. Paul then exhorts the crowd to not miss what God is doing: forgiving sins through faith in Jesus alone. Today we are to proclaim this clear Gospel message: the only people at peace with God are those who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Acts 13:1-43.