A number of people have fallen asleep during my preaching; and, in fact, it may be a great cure for insomnia. But I can definitely say that noone has died during one of my sermons. Not so the Apostle Paul. In Acts 20, Paul concludes his third missionary journey by returning to Macedonia and Greece, preaching in Troas and raising Eutychus from the dead, and giving a profound and moving farewell to the Elders at the church in Ephesus. There is much to learn here about the early church’s hunger for the Scriptures, Paul’s manner of ministry, and his focus on leaving a gospel legacy in the churches he planted.
Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.
Outline:
- The Gospel Group Project
- A Deadly Sermon
- A Tearful Farewell
Lessons/Takeaways:
- Find fellowship.
- Feed your soul.
- Fix your following.
- How will you write your farewell?