Gospel Trouble (Continuing Adventures of Jesus #40)

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Gospel Trouble (Continuing Adventures of Jesus #40)

September 8, 2024 • Toby Sumpter • Acts 21:35—22:22

What is your reaction to trouble? How do you respond when things don’t go the way you planned? Christians are people who have surrendered to Jesus Christ, trusting that His plan is better because He died and rose again to forgive our sins and put us on His mission and therefore, He is worthy.

This is now the second time (of three) we will hear Paul’s testimony. Luke is emphasizing the legitimacy of Paul’s apostleship, but it also sets down the bass line of Christian life: we follow Christ and when trouble happens, it is an opportunity to talk about His mission.

The Text: “And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people…” (Acts 21:35-22:22)

More from The (Continuing) Adventures of Jesus

Bearing His Reproach (Continuing Adventures of Jesus #39)

September 1, 2024 • Toby Sumpter • Acts 21:15–34

As prophesied, when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, false reports were swirling around, and a riot broke out and Paul was nearly killed. No doubt there were critics who thought Paul could have been more careful, clearer in his teaching, but the real reason was the name of Jesus. Jesus promised that if we followed Him, we would be misunderstood, lied about, and sometimes persecuted and killed. But when it happens, we’re still often caught off guard and surprised. While it is always worth double checking our words and actions, we have to be prepared for unjust treatment, and we have to be prepared to rejoice when it happens. The Text: “And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea…” (Acts 21:15-34)

The Comfort of Christ (Continuing Adventures of Jesus #36)

August 4, 2024 • Toby Sumpter • Acts 20:1–16

We live in a fallen world of turmoil, and we do not yet see everything under the feet of Christ, but we see Christ (Heb. 2:8-9). We do not yet see every nation discipled, every cancer cured, or death itself destroyed, but we see Jesus who has tasted death for every man, so that by Him, we may have a peace in this world that the world cannot give. We see in this text that this was a central part of Paul’s missionary work, and it continues to be a central part of the mission of the church. The Text: “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia…” (Acts 20:1-16).

The Potential of Young Men (Continuing Adventures of Jesus #42)

September 22, 2024 • Toby Sumpter • Acts 23:12–24

This episode contrasts two kinds of young men. You have a mob of angry young men and you have the wise courage of Paul’s nephew. We live in a world inundated with manipulations and lies, and the inevitable result of this is bitterness and wrath, particularly among young men. God created men to lead and build, using their strength sacrificially for the good of those around them. But when they despair and give up hope in that potential, their strength is often twisted to destruction and evil. This is why young men must know Christ and place their hope in the power of His resurrection. God rules all the plots of men and turns them to His will.