Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Acts 17:1-9.

What caused such violent opposition to Paul's preaching?

If Paul had declared a message of private religious devotion, or personal fulfillment, he would not have been opposed. Though incredibly personal, the gospel Paul announced also had very public implications. He was declaring that Jesus, a crucified and risen Messiah, was king over the whole world! This upset the power structures of his time and they violently opposed him.

What message do we declare? Have we diluted the Christian gospel into something private and non-offensive? Do we proclaim in word and deed the universal Lordship of Jesus Christ over all of life?