Alexandria Covenant Church

The Power of Encouragement

Listen

Description

Acts of the Apostles 18:1-11 NLT

Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

 

• • •

Sermon Points:

  1. The Power of Giving Encouragement (v.1-3)
  2. The Power of Receiving Encouragement (v. 9-11)

 

• • •

Supporting Texts:

 

• • •

Challenge: Sometimes the difference between the success and failure of a person’s life is the encouragement that they receive from others. People all around us are needing to be encouraged for one reason or another. Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word to the people in your life. Likewise, there are times we need to be encouraged. God’s Word is a great place to turn when we need encouragement for any reason, but especially when we are discouraged by sharing Jesus with others. Be faithful and press on in making Jesus known. God’s promise to you is that He is with you, will protect you, and that sharing Jesus with others will not return void.