Saying farewell is never easy, but Paul masterfully says goodbye to his friends, the Ephesian elders after 3 years of faithful ministry among them. Paul reminds the elders how he lived and led beside them for three years, and as he departs for Jerusalem, he calls them to lead as he did. The charge that Paul leaves them with is to serve the Lord, share the gospel of grace, pay attention to their lives, and the lives of those in the church, and lastly, he calls them to give more than they receive. Leadership is self-sacrifice, but it is nothing more than what we have first received from Jesus Christ. Join us at http://cefc.church
A Sermon That Killed A Man
October 13, 2024 • Shad Baker • Acts 20:7–16
Imagine a church service in a home late on a Sunday night. People have shared a good meal together, the room is warm and stuffy, and the apostle Paul is preaching late into the night. As Paul speaks on and on, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep in a window and plummets three stories to his death. But Paul went down and took the man in his arms and his life came back to him. This extraordinary miracle sets the stage for us to explore 1. Passion, 2. Love, and 3. Power. Discover what gave Paul the passion to speak about Christ through the night. Encounter the love that led Paul to embrace the dead. Finally, experience the power of Christ that raises the dead! Join us http://cefc.church
Battle Of The Gods
October 6, 2024 • Shad Baker • Acts 19:23—20:6
In this sermon titled "Battle of the Gods," we dive into the chaos that erupted in Acts 19:23-20:6 and examine it from two distinct angles: Why did the people riot, and why did God allow it? As the silversmiths of Ephesus felt their wealth and identity slipping away, their gods were threatened and they began to riot. What gods/idols do people fear losing today? On the flip side, why would God allow Christians to be put into the deadly danger of a riot? What can we learn about relying on Christ in the face of danger and chaos? Join us to discover how we should respond when the gods of this world are shaken, and how prayer is our best response for blessing. http://cefc.church
Do Evil Spirits Know You?
September 29, 2024 • Shad Baker • Acts 19:8–22
Where do you turn for power? Some people turn to books and podcasts that teach some helpful practices to improve life. But when those helpful tips and practices encounter the power of evil spirits, the results are disastrous. Thankfully, Christ is the person and the power that overcomes all other powers. But, as Acts 19:8-22 reveals, Christ cannot be picked up and put down like a self-help book. Christ requires full surrender and bold obedience. When we clearly understand the power of Christ, we abandon old practices for a new life. Join us at http://cefc.church
Did You Get The Holy Spirit?
September 22, 2024 • Shad Baker • Acts 19:1–7
The apostle Paul asked a question that immediately diagnosed the spiritual condition of 12 men. This question is of vital importance to each of us today. The question is this: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Paul assumed that his listeners could answer that question accurately and confidently. Can you answer that question confidently? Do you know if you have received the Holy Spirit? How could you be sure one way or the other? This passage and this message will help us understand baptism, salvation, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Join us at http://cefc.church
Gifted And Growing
September 15, 2024 • Shad Baker • Acts 18:24–28
Are you gifted and growing? If you want a compelling picture of what it looks like to be gifted and growing spiritually, look at the life of Apollos in Acts 18:24-28. From Apollos we learn that you don’t need to know everything to do something. Instead, we can grow as we go! God will send people to instruct us and encourage us along the way. We must simply be ready to use the gifts God has given us and be open to the instruction God sends along the way. If you are gifted and growing, then God is likely to use you greatly. God used Apollos to greatly help others. God can do the same with you. Join us at http://cefc.church
Talking About Jesus Everywhere
September 8, 2024 • Shad Baker • Acts 18:1–23
The apostle Paul gives us an inspiring picture of what it looks like to talk about Jesus everywhere we go. Paul spoke about Jesus at work, at the synagogue, in homes and wherever he had the opportunity. He reasoned and persuaded and taught. Some rejected and reviled Paul, but many believed and were baptized. Paul was afraid that people would attack him and harm him, but God reassured Paul saying, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.” Discover how God gives us the same encouragement and challenge today. Join us at http://cefc.church
