The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

When weakness and fear make you want to lose heart, where does resilience come from? Acts 18 reveals Christ’s presence and promises give courage to keep going.

 Acts 18:1–23 Weakness• “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” —Paul (1 Corinthians 2:3) Encouragement• Five Keys to Resilience1. People2. Provision3. Progress4. Presence5. Promise• “When I am weak, then I am strong.” —Paul (2 Corinthians 12:10) Breakthrough• “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” —Jesus to Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9) Takeaway: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Jesus (Matthew 28:20)

1 Corinthians 1:17–2:5 Did Paul change his mind on evangelism?

 1. The Wisdom of Corinth

 2. The Foolishness of the Cross

 3. The Wisdom of God

 Big Idea: The Gospel is not undermining reason, but challenges our cultural assumptions— and above all, our pride. It is in Christ, not in us, we find truth, righteousness, holiness, and Freedom.

Chasing money, pleasure, or power promises abundant life—but leaves us empty and restless. In Acts 17, Paul reveals the risen Jesus as the true God who satisfies, saves, and will judge the world.

 

Acts 17:16-34

 

The Idols We Live For

• We search for abundant life apart from God.

 

The God Who is There

• God’s self-disclosure is everywhere.

 

The One We Can’t Avoid

• Jesus is the Risen One we all must face.

 

Takeaway: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

We want advocacy, not authority. But Jesus the risen Lord demands allegiance, surrender, and obedience.

 

Acts 17:1–15

 

Jesus the Messiah

• We want the crown without the cross.

• Will you trust and follow?

 

Jesus the King

• We want advocacy without authority.

• Will you kneel and yield?

 

Jesus the Word

• We want selectivity, not surrender.

• Will you listen and obey? 

Takeaway: Will you let Jesus turn your world upside down?

Who truly holds the power? The risen Christ, who frees captives and transforms lives.

 Acts 16:16–40

 

A Theological Contest

• Who is the Most High God?

• What is the way of salvation?

 

A Trial of Powers

• Jesus is Lord of all.

 

A Triumph of the Gospel

• Jesus is Savior of all.

 

Takeaway: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

When God shuts doors, are you left lost—or are you being led? Acts 16 shows how open hands, open doors, and open hearts point to God’s call.

 Acts 16:6–15

 The Instrument Principle

• God uses those with open hands.

• Will I trust God and put my “yes” on the table?

 The Invitation Principle

• God leads us through open doors.

• Will I step out in faith and answer the call?

 The Interest Principle

• God focuses us on open hearts.

• Will I lean in where the Lord is working?

 The Influence Principle

• God changes our world as we open up.

• Will I leverage my sphere of influence for Jesus?

When should Christians disagree, and when should they let go? Acts 15–16 shows how gospel clarity and gospel charity together strengthen the church and advance the mission.

  Acts 15:36–16:5 Paul and Barnabas

• Godly people will still have real disagreements. Timothy and the Jews

• Godly people choose to pick their battles wisely. Conflict and the Gospel

• Gospel Perspective: Theological triage helps us discern what to die for, defend, discuss, or defer.

• Gospel Posture: The Gospel gives us humility and courage.

• Gospel Priority: "What is best for the Gospel?" Takeaway: “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, in all things, charity.” —Rupertus Meldenius

Is Jesus enough? Acts 15 reveals how grace, not law, welcomes outsiders and transforms hearts by faith alone in Christ alone.Acts 15:1–35

  Jesus is the only and all-sufficient grounds of our salvation. The Controversy• Adding to the Gospel:Jesus + Circumcision + Law-keeping = Salvation  The Consensus• Drawing out the implications of the Gospel:Grace + Spirit + Word=Love  The Clarification• Transforming hearts by the Gospel:Grace + Spirit + Word=Love of God and Others  Takeaway: Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Acts 14:1–28 Following Jesus means facing conflict and cost. Acts 14 reveals how God brings lasting fruit through bold faith and shared mission. Five truths that prepare us to step out for Jesus:1: Face the Battle2: Let God Fight3: Keep Your Head4: Bear the Cross5: Share the Load Takeaway: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9

Acts 13:13–52

 

Why do some people refuse Jesus’ offer of salvation? Acts 13 exposes how pride resists grace—and how humility leads to life.

 Jesus: Our Hero

• Jesus is the Hero of our history.

 Jesus: Our Hope

• Jesus is the Hope of our hearts.

 Jesus: Our Humbler

• Jesus is the Humbler of our hubris.

 Takeaway: The Gospel Dilemma: The consolation we require comes through the confrontation we resist.