Spiritual Warfare
Acts 13:4-12 There is something fascinating about the beginning of great things, Mississippi River, Pilgrims at Plymouth. Here we witness the beginning of Missions to the whole World. I: Cyprus, Barnabas, and Saul. 1. Cyprus is a fitting place to preach, 390 miles long. 2. Barnabas had many friends and families he knew. 3. Barnabas had long recognized Saul’s worth. 4. Saul becomes Paul and Barnabas takes 2nd place. 5. The Holy Spirit knew whom to send with Saul of Tarsus to turn him in to Paul, the beloved. II: Sergius Paulus. 1. A thoughtful man and one of prominence. 2. Dissatisfied with the Religions he knew. 3. He wanted to hear these Missionaries. 4. But Elymas withstood them. a. He deliberately tried to stop the truth. b. He stood too loose Material...
“Simoney”
Acts 8:4- I: “Hearing and Seeing.” 1. The hearing was made to mean more by what they saw. 2. Phillip preached Christ with deep conviction. 3. Miracles were performed, unclean Spirits came out, Palsy cured and Lame were healed. 4. “Great joy in that city!” Where people find full surrender to Christ, there is great joy. II: “But There was A Certain Man.” vs. 9 1. Simon the Sorcerer. 2. Claimed he was some great person. (These Sorcerers were common in the Roman Empire). 3. He was used to the people following him. 4. He enjoyed being like a God to the people. 5. Simon was wise enough to know he was about to lose his power over the people. 6. He joined the crowd but missed the personal contact with Jesus. 7. His motives before and...
Saul
The times in which he lived: It was the time of Roman Emporors. The powerful influence of the Greek culture. The Jews held tremendous power on commerce. Some of the Culture, Art, and Laws of that age are still effective. Saul of Tarsus: We must listen to his words if we would know him. His enemies said “His bodily presence was weak.” But even they had to acknowledge that his words were “weighty and powerful.” His writings have touched the hearts and lives of more people than any human being that has lived. Paul was 1 of the most powerful intellects ever known. Studied at the feet of Gamaliel. He was fearless and independent. He was sometimes impetuous. He possessed a refined courtesy which would not allow him to bring blame until he had...
“Saul, Saul, Why?”
Acts 9:1-9, 22:1-10, and 26:9-15 The 9th Chapter of Acts should open with “But” a contrast to what the 8th Chapter has been saying. I: “Breathing out Threatenings.” 1. Once he stood watching now he leads the pact. 2. To destroy the Church was his very breath. 3. He voted for their death and helped persecute them from place to place. 4. Paul himself said later he was “exceedingly mad.” 5. Never was he able to wipe these wicked things form his mind. WAS GOD ASLEEP? II: “At Midday … I Saw.” Acts 26:13 1. Saul thought he was serving God. 2. Jesus was an Impostor. 3. With anger and murder he journeyed. 4. “I saw a light.” “I am the Light of the World.” 5. “He heard a voice.” 6....
“Saul, Phillip, and Simon”
Acts 8:1-25 The martyrdom of Stephen created a crisis in the Church and city. Jerusalem ceased to be the center of interest and activity of the Church’s Mission. I: “And Saul:” 1. Saul consenting to Stephens death. 2. The clothes of those who killed Stephen laid at his feet. 3. Who is this man Saul? a. Years later he said he was the Chief of Sinners. b. “Circumcised on the 8th day of the Tribe of Benjamin, of the stock of Israel, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, as touching the Law of a Pharisee, as touching zeal, persecuting the Church.” 3. He was the 1 chosen to stamp out the blaze of Evangelism. II: “They that were Scattered.” 1. “Went everywhere preaching the Word.” 2. Those that were scattered were plain Church...