New Road Church

This final message in the book of Acts centers on the hope of Israel as the resurrection-based expectation of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. Drawing from Paul's ministry in Rome, it emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's work is essential for true understanding, repentance, and salvation—transforming dead hearts into living ones. The message underscores that genuine faith involves not just intellectual assent but a divine renewal by the Spirit, resulting in a sure and certain hope grounded in God's unchanging promise. This hope, shared by all true believers across time, is not a faint wish but a confident assurance of eternal life, resurrection, and the ultimate glory of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in a sinless, everlasting existence. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for increased faith, so that believers may walk in the same certainty about their eternal future as they do about present realities.

The sermon explores the contrast between worldly notions of justice—rooted in superstition, self-justification, and a desire to see others punished—and the perfect, redemptive justice of God revealed in Christ. It highlights how the Maltese people, witnessing Paul survive a snakebite, wrongly assumed divine retribution was at work, reflecting a common human tendency to equate suffering with guilt. In contrast, the sermon affirms that God's justice is not arbitrary or vengeful but is fulfilled in Christ's atonement, where believers' sins are fully paid for, rendering them immune to further punishment. True justice, the sermon argues, is not about retribution but about restoration, as God uses trials for the believer's growth and ultimately vindicates His people. The ultimate display of justice will be seen at the final judgment, when Satan and the unrepentant are eternally punished, while the redeemed stand unharmed, marveling at God's wisdom in maintaining justice while extending mercy through Christ.

The sermon centers on the Christian paradox of being both separated from and sent into the world: delivered from its sin and condemnation yet commissioned to proclaim the gospel. Drawing from Paul's trial before Festus and Agrippa, it emphasizes that believers are no longer of this world, as affirmed in John 17 and 1 John 5, yet remain in it to witness to the hope of resurrection and divine grace. The message is not merely to survive in the world but to actively engage it, sharing the good news of salvation through repentance and faith in Christ, which the Holy Spirit alone empowers. It warns against worldly friendship as enmity with God, while affirming that true evangelism arises not from manipulation but from a transformed life marked by love, integrity, and a clear declaration of sin and divine deliverance. Ultimately, the believer is both rescued and sent—no longer bound by the world's darkness, but called to open eyes, turn hearts, and bring souls into the eternal kingdom of God.

This sermon centers on the encounter between Paul and Governor Felix, highlighting how Felix, despite being well-informed about Christianity and confronted with the gospel's core truths—sin, righteousness, and judgment—responded not with repentance but with delay and greed. Though Paul's message stirred alarm in Felix, revealing his guilt before God, Felix chose to postpone repentance, hoping for personal gain and comfort, ultimately rejecting the grace presented. The preacher emphasizes that conviction of sin does not guarantee repentance, and that delaying faith is not merely imprudent but a dangerous presumption that dishonors God's sovereignty. Drawing from Felix's tragic example, the sermon calls listeners to immediate surrender to Christ, warning against the deception of thinking salvation can be postponed or bargained for, and affirms that true faith is not a future possibility but a present necessity, grounded in the resurrection and eternal hope secured through Christ.

The sermon explores the hope of resurrection, grounding it in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation for believers' own future transformation. Drawing from passages in Acts, Corinthians, Ezekiel, and Colossians, the message emphasizes that the promise of immortality and a glorified body is a powerful motivator for enduring hardship and sharing the gospel, ultimately offering a glimpse into a future existence of eternal fellowship with Christ and a life free from death, surpassing even earthly joys and relationships.

The sermon explores the complexities of compromise, distinguishing between sinful behaviors driven by a desire to be liked and a godly adaptation for the sake of the gospel. Drawing from Paul's example, it emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and adapting communication styles to connect with others while remaining faithful to core theological convictions. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to prioritize the spread of the gospel, demonstrating love and seeking to win others through strategic adjustments, all while avoiding the pitfalls of sacrificing integrity for superficial acceptance.

The sermon explores Paul's journey to Jerusalem, highlighting the tension between prophetic warnings against his travel and his unwavering commitment to obey the Holy Spirit, ultimately emphasizing the profound significance of the name of Jesus. Drawing parallels between Paul's experience and Jesus's, the message underscores the importance of honoring Jesus's name above one's own life, referencing Old and New Testament examples to illustrate the cost of compromise and the glory of steadfast faith. Through examination of Agabus's prophecy and Paul's response, the sermon asserts that while the Spirit reveals potential danger, it also directs obedience and provides an opportunity to declare unwavering devotion to Christ, ultimately calling listeners to prioritize Jesus's name in all aspects of their lives.

The sermon is centered on Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing the centrality of the gospel as a message of grace, repentance, and faith. It highlights the importance of proclaiming the whole counsel of God, including forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, while acknowledging the challenges and potential dangers of false teaching. It notes Paul's humility, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel, and he urges listeners to embrace the gospel's transformative power and to share it with others, recognizing it as a source of hope and a pathway to eternal life.

The message explores the biblical concept of the deacon, tracing its origins in Acts 6 as a response to practical needs within the early church and highlighting its evolution as a servant role distinct from that of an elder. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual depth and integrity in deacons, outlining qualifications such as honesty, sobriety, and faithfulness, while also addressing the historical development of the role and the need to avoid viewing it as a stepping stone to leadership. Ultimately, the message underscores the significance of discerning and selecting deacons who embody servant-heartedness and contribute to a spiritually robust and resilient church, anticipating and resisting opposition from spiritual forces.