Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

In his defense to the unbelieving Jews in the temple courts, Paul reveals that the motivation for the Christian to do evangelism is love. He describes how the Lord spoke to him twenty years earlier in this same place, sending him to minister to the Gentiles. While this statement enraged the crowd, it also offers insight into how the Lord guides each of us to be a witness. As Paul was on the verge of being interrogated by scourging, he disclosed his Roman citizenship. From this we observe how the Lord provides the opportunity to be a witness. The motivation, the guidance, and the opportunities to evangelize those around us are provided by the Lord.   

Under arrest in the the temple courts, Paul makes his defense before an antagonistic crowd. In order to confront misunderstanding with truth, Paul shares the story of his conversion. He demonstrates that he knows his audience and is therefore able to address their ignorance. Ignorance of truth is spiritually deadly. Every Christian has a conversion story. A conversion story is the account of how the truth of God as revealed in the Word of God became a reality through an encounter with Jesus Christ.  

Three very important words in the Bible are grace, salvation, and faith. Understanding what each word means is essential to understanding the Gospel. We find all three of these ideas together in one place in Ephesians 2:8-9. The Lord has provided a rescue plan, a way to reconcile individuals to Himself. God's salvation is a gift. It is not deserved nor can it be earned. Faith is the means by which God has determined His gift of salvation be received. It is always a temptation to believe we have to do something when in fact Jesus Christ has already done what God requires.

We all make assumptions we should not, and this includes making assumptions about the Lord. We don't think as Christians we should face what Paul did when he was arrested in the temple courts. Yet Paul was in the very center of God's will. When we follow the Lord we might be faced with false accusations, or dangerous situations, or even help from an unlikely source. God is not safe. At least, He does not define safety like modern society defines it. What God promises is not always protection, but His presence. 

At last Paul arrives in Jerusalem. He is warmly received by the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. However, in Paul's long absence from the city rumors and accusations have mounted against him to the effect that it was believed he taught Jews everywhere to abandon the Law of Moses. James proposes a solution, which Paul accepts. In this solution and Paul's reaction to it, three principles emerge. When it comes to our focus as Christians,  we learn first, what cannot change; second, what really matters; and third, what is to be done. And each of these principles is rooted in the Law of Love.

On the final leg of his journey to Jerusalem, Paul and his traveling companions stop in the cities of Tyre and Caesarea. Paul is convinced the Holy Spirit is leading him to Jerusalem. However, as he draws closer to the city he receives what seem to be mixed messages from other believers who are also being led by the Spirit. Through reconciling the apparent contradictions in the this passage, we discover how the Holy Spirit guides the Christian; how this guidance is different under the New Testament than it was under the Old Testament; and how you know the Holy Spirit is in fact the One who is guiding you.

An essential doctrine of the Christian faith is that we hold the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament to be inspired by God and to be authoritative over every area of life. To believe the Bible is God's true and inerrant message to man is to believe in inspiration and authority. We consider together how we know the Bible is God's Word and why the Bible speaks with the authority of God Himself.   

In his message to the Ephesian elders, Paul warns against false teachers. Where do they come from? What do they want? How do we recognize them? False teachers propagate a false gospel. Seeking to point people to themselves instead of to Jesus, these wolves disguised as shepherds teach from the Word of God without teaching the Word of God. There are many false gospels, but only one that is actually good news. The gospel Paul preached did not make others dependent upon him. In fact, to prove this he served others with his owns hands, demonstrating it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul continues his message to the Ephesian elders. Using the analogy of shepherds, and drawing from the prophet Ezekiel, Paul reminds these overseers of the whole purpose of God that he declared to them. The church belongs to God. The leadership of any local church is under the authority of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Paul gives three specific charges: guard yourself, shepherd the church, and build up others. These are responsibilities of any elder, to be carried out in sacrificial service. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep; this is the pattern for local church leadership.

Paul calls the elders of Ephesus together in order to leave them with parting instructions. In the first half of his message, Paul points to himself as an example of sacrificial service. This is not done from a place of pride, but humility. Paul is not focused on himself, but on the Lord Jesus. Beginning with the necessity of humility in leadership, Paul then speaks to the elders about continuing in uncertainty. And finally, he emphasizes that finishing the course requires grace.