In the last few weeks startling and serious sins have come to light in both the larger, national level and in a smaller, local level that deserves our attention. Many would say they understand the greatness of sin in this world and yet there is a steady stream of people who find themselves trapped in sin, while claiming Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. This sermon is an attempt to bring about a sense of sobriety in how we view ourselves in light of the bible’s teaching about sin and salvation and holiness.
Paul’s First Defense for The Gospel
August 23, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 21:37—22:21
In this message we examine the testimony of Paul. This is the first of several testimonies as Paul moves toward Rome and prison for the Name of Jesus.
Paul, Prophecy & Politics
August 16, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 21:1–36
Paul now begins the journey to Jerusalem where it has been abundantly shown that arrest and affliction await him. And in doing so we have a unique opportunity to see how prophets and prophecy seemed to occur in the early church and how someone like Paul would respond to it. We also have a unique opportunity to see how Paul worked within the various political systems of power as a Christian. This is helpful for us today as we see so much uncertainty in the world.
Marks of A Wise Shepherd
August 9, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 20:25–38
Paul has called the elders from Ephesus to meet with him privately. This story Luke chronicles lays out the final words of Paul to these dear men. He speaks honestly to them and gives them a very strong admonishment to be found faithful for what awaits them. And in doing so Paul lays out an outline of what any aspiring elder or current elder ought to take to heart as they consider their relationship to the local church.
A Submitted Life
August 2, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 20:1–24
This section of Acts chronicles the final days of Paul’s ministry in Macedonia and Achaia with a special focus on the final exhortations of Paul to the elders of Ephesus. In this section we are given a stark description of the mind set and actions of Paul as an Apostle/Elder as he gives his final exhortations to these precious men. Today we have the privilege to see him unabashedly declare his single-minded submission to the ministry of a servant of Jesus Christ.
The Riots of Ephesus
July 26, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 19:21–41
This section of Acts chronicles the closing days of Paul’s time in Ephesus. While he is seeing many very encouraging things occur, there is still the constant presence of resistance by those who reject the gospel message. In this passage we see the planning of Paul and the consequences of the gospel affecting the economy of many in Ephesus.
The Gospel Confronts Satan: Part 3
July 19, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 19:11–20
Paul is now in the beginning stages of his third missionary journey and finds himself in the city of Ephesus. Here we see him come face-to-face with the forces of Satan as the gospel is preached, people believe and there is a demonic push back. In all of this, we see the attempts to mimic the power of Christ in the gospel by those who are not believers. We see the material cost to repenting from false practices and we see how the gospel creates tension and hatred from those who refuse to bow in faith to Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Confronts Satan: Part 2
July 12, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Acts 19:11–20
Paul is now in the beginning stages of his third missionary journey and finds himself in the city of Ephesus. Here we see him come face-to-face with the forces of Satan as the gospel is preached, people believe and there is a demonic push back. In all of this, we see the attempts to mimic the power of Christ in the gospel by those who are not believers. We see the material cost to repenting from false practices and we see how the gospel creates tension and hatred from those who refuse to bow in faith to Jesus Christ.
Knowing God’s Will!
July 5, 2026 • Matthew Henry • Colossians 1:9–14
There is a need to understand the plans of God but too often these become confused with our personal dreams for us. In this message we have an opportunity to see how Paul prayed for the church at Colossae to know God’s will. We find a simple and straightforward approach that is not wrapped up in paganism or guess work. Rather, it is revealed for us through the Spirit-inspired Word and given so that we walk in a manner that honors God.
