September 13, 2015

Acts 23

Sunday Sermons

The apostle Paul had been attacked by an angry and violent mob of his own people. Paul had been falsely accused of disrespecting the law of Moses, the traditions of the Jews and the Temple itself. He was rescued by the Roman commander and was being held in the fortress of Antonia when for at least the fourth time the Lord Jesus appeared to him and spoke to him. What did Jesus say to Paul and what impact did it have on him? What timeless truths can we learn from the Lord’s words to Paul during his time of great suffering and injustice? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us unpack the rich encouragement and hope found in Acts 23.

Speaker

Jim Thomas

Series

Acts of the Apostles

Go to Series

Scripture

Acts 23

Topics
History & Biography Spiritual Disciplines Worldview & Culture

Sermon Notes

Sometimes God works through supernatural means

Sometimes God works supernaturally through natural means

1. The Lord stands near

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.
Psalm 42:5

“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.”
A. W. Tozer
The Pursuit of God

2. The Lord gives courage

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.”
G. K. Chesterton

“Courage is every virtue at the breaking point.”
C. S. Lewis

Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24

3. The Lord brings comfort

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

4. The Lord is our hope

“For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. – Psalm 71:5 ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’
Jeremiah 29:11

“The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God can’t keep you and the power of God can’t use you.”
Warren Wiersbe
Be Amazed