Throughout many of our life experiences, we often encounter the unexpected. Unexpected outcomes may be a surprise to us, but we can live with confidence that they are no surprise to God. Relying on God’s guidance throughout our life can help us to overcome challenges and take advantage of new opportunities to the glory to God. --- God can do amazing things through ordinary people who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers and the church was born. The church is God's chosen instrument in the world for sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. The book of Acts is all about the unhindered movement of God throughout the world as the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed through the church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the early church was an unstoppable movement that proclaimed the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal life. Today, the church empowered by the Holy Spirit is called to continue God's redeeming work in the world by fulfilling God's mission of making Jesus known to the ends of the earth.
Acts of the Apostles 15:36-41 NLT
After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
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Acts of the Apostles 16:1-10 NLT
Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day. Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.
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Sermon Points (Life Lessons from Paul’s Journey):
1. Not all endings are happy endings. (Acts 15:36-41)
2. Invite others to be a part of your life. (Acts 16:1-5)
3. Rely on God’s guidance. (Acts 16:6-10)
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Supporting Texts:
2 Timothy 4:11
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Philippians 2:3-4
Romans 12:1-2
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Challenge: When it comes to following God’s guidance, begin by obeying God’s will for your life as revealed in the Bible. Make sure to pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and seek the wisdom and counsel of Godly people in your life. Yield your life to God, because going through life with God will always be better than going through life without God!
