ARCC Sermons

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December 14th

The bible reading today is in Acts 27 and 28.

“And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:1-2‬

We are at the end of the book of Acts...not the end of the acts of the apostles...not the end of the acts of the Holy Spirit...and not the end of the acts of the church on mission with Jesus to the world....just the end of Luke’s record entitled Acts.

Today, Paul was on his way to Rome. God was up to something in the capital of the Empire and Paul was called to join him there.

Paul was escorted by Roman soldiers, on a Roman ship, and was accompanied by friends, Aristarchus, of Thessalonica, and Dr. Luke.

And the voyage began...“Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous...think about it with me...dangerous voyage...” a tempestuous northeasterly” kind of dangerous.

*Was God’s Spirit still guiding Paul...? Yes!

*Was Paul and his friends in a boat that was headed into a very dangerous storm at sea?... Yes!

*Was God still up to something? Yes!

He was still at work in Paul’s life...there was more Jesus faith and courage to manifest through Paul...the storm was God’s grace gift to him...and by the Spirit, Paul would shine brightly in a dark time...for everyone to see the calm, confident Jesus in him.

Reminds me of a story....you remember it too...a dangerous storm on the sea of Galilee...the fishermen were in the middle of the lake...and some of the disciples were really scared...

Where was God? “In the boat with them”...*resting...calm...secure...they called him Jesus.

Paul knew that Jesus was in the boat with him and his friends! Pretty Awesome!

Continuing in the voyage...Paul advised the Roman tribune, the shipowner, and the captain of the ship, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss..."

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:9-10‬

My take? Paul wasn't going on a gut feeling. He knew that God had saved him in Caesarea to get him to Rome. The Holy Spirit within him was guiding him to give that word of faith and knowledge to the captain.

But soon a tempestuous wind called the northeaster, struck down from the land.

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:14, 21‬

You see...The captain decided that the weather was acceptable for sailing on from Crete. The owner and the Tribune followed the advice of the captain. That made it: Paul 1...Captain, Tribune, Owner 3.

So they set sail and everyone on board experienced a perfect storm. Only by the grace of God did they survive.

And during the storm...Paul stood and addressed all on the ship...“I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:22-24‬ ‭

If I had been a sailor on that ship, with just a mustard seed of faith in Paul’s God, hope would have flooded my soul. If I had been the Tribune or the owner or the captain of the ship, no matter how skeptical I was of Paul’s faith, I would have paid more attention to Paul’s messages going forward.

Had I been a sailor on that boat, in that storm, One thing would have been made very sure to me...“the expert's arent always right and the majority are not always right...But Paul’s God was...right! I want to know Him and follow him like Paul.

Have a great day

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December 13th

The bible reading today is in Acts chapters 24-26.

We finished yesterday’s reading at the end of the Apostle Paul’s three-year third missionary journey.

Eight men joined him on the mission, including Paul’s disciple Timothy. They visited the churches in Galatia again, encouraging the fellow followers of Jesus there.

They visited Ephesus again. The church was blessed with many converts. It was also tested. Riots broke out against Paul and the gospel he preached.

Paul and his friends revisited Macedonia and Greece and the churches Paul had planted there. Then Paul and his friends sailed back home...to Caesarea and then to Jerusalem.

And that brings us to today’s text.

“And after five days the high priest Ananias came down from Jerusalem to Caesarea with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24:1‬

And Paul spoke his mind and heart, with respect and boldness.“...this I confess to you, O Governor Felix, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets...(about the One who is the Way....)

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24:14‬

Then Tertullus, the spokesman for the High Priest and elders addressed the Governor...“For we have found this man a plague...a bringer of death...one who stirs up riots and disorder and chaos among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes...a definite slight and demeaning commentary on Paul.

Nazareth was known by all as a city of poor reputation...could anything good come from Nazareth?...a despised and lowly place...?

Well, Jesus did...and that was the point...these unconverted Jews were slamming Jesus and all of his followers in the presence of Felix.

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24:5‬

That day Governor Felix heard both sides but put off a decision about the charges brought against Paul. He had Paul detained in a Roman holding cell.

After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

Once again, Paul was ready for every good work...even as he exhorted Titus... “

“Remind them, the church members in Crete...to be ready for every good work,”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:1‬

Paul had no idea that the Governor was going to bring his Jewish wife to visit Paul in jail. But God did....he orchestrated it...and Paul was ready for the work of identifying himself with the Savior God, Jesus.

Acts 24

O friends, let us be ready for such a good work too.

Continuing in the text... “But Festus, the Roman who was taking Felix place as governor of Judea, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?”

But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them.

I appeal to Caesar.”

Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar, you have appealed; to Caesar, you shall go.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25:9-12‬

Joseph was the target of false accusations in Egypt...remember Potiphar’s wife who falsely accused Joseph of taking advantage of her?

Daniel was the target of false accusations in the Persian empire. Remember the jealous governors in Persia who sought to bring Daniel down through falsehoods?

Paul was also falsely accused...primarily by ardent Jewish religious leaders. Festus called the trial in Caesarea. Paul testified and appealed to Caesar...

God had a plan. Paul was his witness to godless Nero...and so Festus sent Paul to Rome.

God was at work...no coincidence here.

Have a great day

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December 12th

The bible reading today is in Acts chapters 20-23.

“After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:1‬

Paul had spent two fruitful years in Ephesus during his second missionary journey. Then riots broke out over the changes that the gospel had brought to the people in that city.

Many were converted to Christ and turned away from the local goddess, Artemis, the Goddess of wild animals...whose Temple dictated religion, politics, and commerce in Ephesus.

The businessmen of Ephesus, in partnership with the Temple of Artemis...men who made their living making and selling religious idols, these people stirred up the riots against Paul and the gospel he preached. They wanted the preacher out of their town.

Encouraged by some fellow believers, Paul decided that it was time leave. But before he left, Paul gathered the disciples around him...one more time...to love on them and thank them and encourage them to stay the course in Jesus' Name.

Then Luke put in the record that Paul and his increasing missionary band crossed over to Macedonia...to Philippi...

“And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:6‬ ‭

I want to stop and take note of who belonged to Paul’s ministry at this time....men who faced the Ephesian riots with Paul...the men who went ahead of Paul and Silas and Dr. Luke to prepare things in Troas for the voyage home to Syria. “”

“Sopater the Berean”, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied Paul;

Led to Christ by Paul and Silas at the beginning of their Second missionary journey)...and of the Thessalonians,

Aristarchus and Secundus; (these disciples, Aristarchus of the ruling class and Secundus, a slave, made a hedge to protect Paul from the murderous Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica who opposed Paul’s message greatly.

And Gaius of Derbe, This was the town where Paul laid up for awhile, recovering from his stoning in Lystra...perhaps Gaius was one who showed Paul hospitality for his healing...could be why Gaius became such a fan of the apostle.

And young Timothy of Lystra...whose mother and grandmother were led to Christ by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey...and then they led Timothy to Christ and he became known for his gallant faith by the brothers in Lystra...and God led Paul to invite the young man to join him on his second missionary journey. Later, Timothy would pastor the church at Ephesus.

And the Asians...Gentiles...Tychicus and Trophimus. (Who would later be with Paul in Rome where the apostle was on trial for his faith).

Acts‬ ‭20:4‬

Now Paul is in Troas for 7 days and...“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them.

First day of the week...Sunday...not Saturday the sabbath...but Sunday. Resurrection Day...the church met for worship and fellowship....and Paul instructed them in more ways than one.

And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Had to be a tragedy....But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:7, 9-10‬

People went away from doing church with Paul...grateful for the timely demonstration of the power of God through Paul...an illustration of the spiritual gift of healing manifested to the church through Paul.

Amazing....amazing grace to be sure...

Have a great day

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December 11th

The bible reading today is in Romans 14-16.

Paul closes this letter of Romans with a picture of the church there. Did Paul create a drawing of the building where this church met for worship? No. Paul greeted over twenty people by name that made up the church at Rome. That wasn't all the followers of Christ there, just people that Paul knew.

The followers of Christ were the church.

So Paul painted a picture of the church by naming people and what they were doing in the name of Christ there. “

I commend to you “our sister Phoebe”, a “servant of the church at Cenchreae”, that you may “welcome her in the Lord” in a way “worthy of the saints”, and “help her in whatever she may need” from you for she has been a “patron of many and of myself” as well.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:1-2‬

Phoebe was a believer from the little town of Cenchrea, next to Corinth. She was a deaconess, serving her church in Cenchrea. She was a Roman and friend of Paul. She supported Paul and other missionaries with her resources.

And in our text today, she is Paul’s ambassador to the church at Rome...delivering Paul’s letter to the church.

Paul told the believers in Rome that Phoebe was “their sister” in Christ. Love her like a sister and welcome her in Jesus’ name. He told them to help her with whatever she needed. Show her hospitality worthy of Jesus' followers.

What Phoebe was doing and what Paul was expecting of the Roman church family upon her arrival does give us descriptions of what church people did and what we are to do.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:3-4‬

Apparently, Paul’s fellow missionaries to Corinth on his second missionary journey, Aquila and Priscilla, were now sharing the gospel in Rome from the church there.

Paul wanted every church member there to know that the bold Jewish couple who labored among them were Paul’s heroes. They had risked their lives to save Paul’s many times on mission with Jesus.

“Greet also the church in their house...a missional community to be sure...who else made up that fellowship in Rome?

“Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:5‬

Another wow...first convert in Achaia. Epinetus could have visited Lystra or Derbe on business from Acahia...right about the time Paul and Barnabas came preaching the gospel. Perhaps he got saved there, first among many...and became a businessman on mission with Christ and wound up in Rome and became a part of the church there. Paul never forgot him. How awesome!

“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:7‬

And guess who else was now a laborer in God’s Roman spiritual vineyard. A messianic Jewish couple by the names of Andronicus and Junia. They were imprisoned for the sake of the gospel...not with Paul but before Paul was converted to Christ. They were well regarded by the apostles...perhaps they got saved during Pentecost and partnered with the other believers in Jerusalem before the persecution of Jews and Christians by Rome. Paul called them my fellow prisoners...they were all apart of the “fellowship of the persecuted”...and they stayed faithful to Christ too.

What a picture of that young church in Rome. Men women and children...Jews and Gentiles...rich and poor...brand new in the faith and the more seasoned laborers of the kingdom.

Thanks, Lord for the picture gallery of the church...past and present to be.

Have a great day

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December 10th

The bible reading today is in Romans 11-13.

It was Paul’s pattern to start his communication with the churches with solid doctrinal content. Then he usually ended his teaching with exhortations about how to live the Christian life.

Dr. Leon Morris, professor, and writer of New Testament commentaries at Oxford University in London believed Paul was showing his readers that living the Christian life well was dependent upon good

sound doctrine. I agree.

Now to Chapter 12...“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers..."

God used Paul to appeal to the will and the spirit of the disciples in Rome. He wanted his chilidren to make a choice in the way that they would live for him.

"I appeal to you brothers...by the mercies of God,"

Such as...Mercifully Justified before God through Jesus Christ. Mercifully Adopted into the family of God. Mercifully Placed under grace and not under the law. Mercifully Indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Mercifully Helped in and through our afflictions. Mercifully Assured of our election by God.

So...In light of these mercies...Paul begs the church members...to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice”, holy and acceptable to God.

Paul beseeches the church members: “present your whole life”...upon the altar of God...saying to Him...”I'm all in...do with me as you will for your honor and your glory.” With the desire to be always dedicated to the Lord... which is your reasonable service of worship.” Romans 12:1

And we thought worship started with a song and a prayer at church.

Our Reasonable Service of Worship of God starts with humbly yielding our lives to him as completely as we know how.

From there, something else happens...in verse 2...“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭

That “something else” that happens in that “true heart” worship is that the Spirit of God begins to change “our heart’s desires”...from desiring self-centered stuff to desiring God, and his stuff that is good, acceptable, and perfect for us and others...first and foremost.

Then from heart worship and changed desires for the Lord, Paul exhorts the members of Rome’s church community to “use the gifts” that the Spirit of God has given you to serve your church and stir up mission action to those outside of Christ.” Romans 12:6

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, “let us use them:”

For instance...if “prophecy”, use it in proportion to your faith;”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:6‬

The “prophesy gift” sees where the church must restore fellowship with God, with each other, and then how to maintain it.

The “serving gift” demonstrates love by meeting practical needs in the lives of others.

Let us use them...the gifts God has given us.

The “teaching gift” discovers and confirms truth so that the church maintains a harmony with God’s Word.

The “exhorting gift” encourages Christians to grow spiritually by discipling, teaching, and counseling others.

The “giving gift” conserves and shares resources in order to meet needs.

The “organizing gift” carries out projects by recruiting workers, organizing tasks, and delegating responsibilities.

And the “mercy gift” demonstrates God’s love and compassion by responding to those who have been hurt.

Lord help us do life together with you...from Heart worship, to changed desires, to serving our church by using the tools that you have given to us.

Have a great day.

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December 9th

The bible reading today is in Romans 8-10.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1‬

What a blessed assurance for those in Christ...absolutely no condemnation by the Righteous Judge at the Great White Throne Judgment to come.

When one is in Christ by faith and Christ is in that person by the Holy Spirit, that oneness means no condemnation. The only way for a person in Christ to be condemned would be for Jesus to be condemned.

And that’s not going to happen...again. He has already been judged on the cross when he took our sin upon himself and then bore God’s full wrath for it...for us.

Thus....no condemnation for those in Christ...what great news! O and there is more explanation to that good news story.

“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. The Spirit of life in Christ sets a person free...free from the law of sin and death. The law of the partnership of sin and death is worth trembling over.

Why? Because the wages of sin is death. The payday for sin is death...which means separation from God...no heaven...just hell!

However...“God has done what his law was not designed to do. Where the law convicts and condemns sinners God was going to save them.

So he sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh for sin.

Did you catch that? God sent his son “for sin”...God was going to do something concerning sin with his son.

So God condemned sin (our sin fellow believer) in the flesh of his son Jesus...”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:2-3‬ ‭

So there would be no condemnation for the sinners whom God chose and who believed Jesus.

Great news for sure...But there is more to the great salvation for those in Christ.

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."

What does the Holy Spirit do for the sons and daughters of God? The indwelling Holy Spirit leads us, brothers and sisters. That’s part of his ministry...to lead and guide us in the way and ways of God. May we trust him, friends, every day.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear...The Holy Spirit does not treat us like slaves...but rather as adopted sons snd daughters, like...on purpose, chosen... for love and for life...who cry, “Abba! Father!”

Children who have a close relationship with God...close enough to run to him and call him, Daddy.

And....the Holy Spirit bears testimony to our heart that we are the children of God,”

Romans‬ ‭8:14-16‬

How wonderful a salvation is ours in Christ. Thank you, Jesus

Have a great day

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December 8th

The bible reading today is in Romans 4-7.

“What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭

Like everyone else, according to the book of Revelations, one day Abraham will stand before God to be judged. And like the rest of us, he will have absolutely nothing to boast about.

Because there is not one person, except Jesus, who could be justified before God by his own works. Because Jesus’ life and works were perfect. Abraham and us, ours are so imperfect!

There is only one thing that we will be able to boast about...the same as Abraham...our names are written in the book of life.

God has used today’s reading in my life for 50 years.

To begin with...I was raised in a church denomination that taught that a person was saved by a combination of things: his faith in Jesus, his immersion baptism in that denomination, and his number of good works that would outweigh his bad.

As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a good kid and make my parents proud. But I failed over and over...in private and in not so private venues.

Frankly, I thought I was as good as most and better than many. Therefore, I was still pretty sure that I would make it to heaven...Until...I met and began dating Beverly in High School. We both went to church. We both came from good families.

And there was just something about her...pretty, yes...good grades...better than mine

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December 7th

The bible reading today is in Romans 1-3 and Acts 20:1-3.

Some noteworthy facts about the book of Romans...

1. The writer of the book of Romans was Paul...he wrote it from Corinth during his third missionary journey.

2.The church in Rome was experiencing a season of peace since it would be several years before Ceasar Nero would burn Rome to the ground and blame the followers of Jesus for the crime...which led to murderous persecution of the church in Rome. Obviously, God would use the letter to strengthen the church for what lay ahead.

3. The church in Rome was probably started by some of Paul’s converts during his three missionary journeys.

4. By the date of Paul’s writing, the church in Rome was made up of Jews and Gentiles...primarily Gentiles.

5. Some have said that Romans was a survey of Paul’s theology. And if it was, it was not complete. Nowhere in Romans does Paul teach on Communion, the Resurrection, or the Last Days and Second Coming of Christ. However, Paul’s teaching on the doctrines of sin and judgment and salvation in Christ is unequaled in detail and thorough explanation.

6. The impact of Romans on spiritual leaders of the past is also notable...

In May of 1738, a failed missionary to the American Colonies reluctantly went to a small bible study where someone read aloud Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans.

The failed missionary was John Wesley...and the Roman’s reading particularly dealt with the change that God wrought in the heart of a man who placed his faith in Christ. John Wesley felt his heart “strangely warmed”.

That night, in London, John Wesley trusted “in Jesus alone” for his salvation, and an assurance was given to him that his sins had been taken away. “

Martin Luther’s spiritual life was greatly impacted by the book of Romans too. The monk, Luther, taught biblical studies at the seminary in Wittenburg Germany. One day he meditated in Ps 31:1...”In thy righteousness deliver me.” This puzzled him. How could a righteous God deliver sinners? Sinners deserve condemnation at the hands of a righteous God.

Then Luther kept thinking on Romans 1:17 ”...he who through faith is righteous shall live.”

That passage from Paul became the gate to heaven itself for Luther. The monk Martin was saved that night and the reformation was begun in his heart...by way of the message of Paul to the Romans.

Continuing in the reading...“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:1‬

When Paul introduced himself to the church members in Rome, he used three descriptive terms...servant...apostle...and separated.

He used “servant” because he was “one under”...one under the loving authority of Jesus Christ...Paul was “all in”...“whatever” Jesus desired of him.

Paul used “apostle” because he was “one sent”...sent to the Gentile world with the gospel message of Jesus.

And Paul used “separate”...Once a Pharisee, Paul’s title meant “separatist”...separated from common man.

Now that he was saved by Jesus, he was now separated unto God and His glorious gospel “for” common sinners man.

Looking forward to this reading in Romans with you friends,

Have a great day