Sermons from Sweet Home

Acts 20:1--12 The Best Lord's Supper Ever

In this text Luke tells us about the events that transpired in Troas when Paul met there with there church. Paul preached through the whole night and raised a young man that fell to his death back to life again. 

Acts 19:21-41 Signs of total Takeover

In this section of text we see what a big threat the Gospel of Jesus had become to pagan idolatry in Ephesus. The idol-makers were losing a lot of money. People were not buying idols anymore because Paul had been preaching that God doesn't live in inanimate matter. This caused a great uproar which led to the intensification of Christian persecution in Ephesus. 

Acts 19:11-22 Muzzled or Magnified

In this incredible section of text we see how God powerfully uses the power of the Holy Spirit in Ephesus and the great Asia. Paul performs incredible miracles through handkerchiefs and aprons. The lesson also covers an exorcism that goes horribly wrong and how that particular event gained the respect for the name of Christ among the people. 

Bible-Based Life

In this insightful sermon, various aspects of our lives are being put under the microscope, prompting an analysis of whether we are truly living a Bible-based life as we ought to. The challenges of modern life can mislead us, and there's a rising need to redirect our focus to the scriptures as the authentic guide for our life decisions. The sermon employs a relatable analogy of understanding a car manual before driving a car to underline the importance of acquainting ourselves with God’s word before navigating through life.This two-fold sermon series reframes the basic premise of our lives and invites us on a transformative journey into the power of living a Bible-based life. It challenges the commonly held beliefs about studying the Bible as being labor-intensive and dull. Rather, it posits that studying the Bible is an enlightening journey that unfolds each day, connecting us directly with God's wisdom. We delve into the pressing matter of complacency within churches where members rely solely on the preacher's interpretation of scriptures. This dependency often results in a personal disconnect with the Bible. It's time for everyone to seize the rare opportunity to study the Bible personally and foster a new spiritual relationship with God.In this episode, you'll understand that the Bible isn't just a book but a spiritual guide for our lives. As an eyewitness account of the deeds and words of Jesus and the apostles, it serves as an objective moral compass in a world full of conflicting interpretations. Engaging with the words of the Bible, you'll experience a profound transformation of the mind and heart.Lastly, the episode highlights the importance of grounding our lives on solid religious teachings. It encourages us to become soldiers on a divine mission, rather than mere scholars of theology. The ultimate goal is to fulfill our righteous desires through commitment to the study of the Bible and to become 'People of the book', characterized by deep and rigorous exploration of God's word.

Does God care what you do with your body?

In this insightful episode, we delve deep into understanding the significant connection between our body and soul, as per the biblical teachings. We challenge the notion that the body holds lesser importance, emphasizing the impact of physical decisions on our spiritual journey.We open up conversations about spirituality and physicality, focusing on the conflict and interplay between the desires of our bodies and our souls, referencing scriptures such as 1 Peter 2:11, Romans 7:23, and Genesis. Through these teachings, we shed light on the importance of both physical and spiritual health, contradicting the idea of the body being of lesser significance to the soul. We ponder on thought-provoking questions like 'Does God care what you do with your body?' highlighting the importance of our bodies being a dwelling place for our souls.Titled, "Your Body: The Temple of the Holy Spirit - Honoring God with Physical Wellbeing," this compelling episode underlines that the human body is not just a physical entity, but also the abode of the divine. It encourages Christians to understand their bodies as God-given sacred vessels and to discipline them for the path of righteousness.The episode calls attention to the ownership of our bodies, reminding us that they are gifts from God—a truth that instigates thought on responsible actions and choices. Moreover, it lays emphasis on maintaining physical wellness through wholesome nutrition, exercise, and treating the body with respect. The practical yet profound narrative comes rich with scripture references, enabling us to view our bodies as divine temples.This scripture-based teaching calls for more than physical wellness, focusing on the purpose of health in serving God and the community. The sermon ends with practical scriptural guidelines to foster a healthier lifestyle and live life abundantly through faith, family peace, balanced nutrition, fitness, detoxification, adequate rest, and stress control.Join us as we explore this critical aspect of Christian faith, understanding our responsibilities towards our bodies and discovering how to honor God through them.

A Journey of Hope and Resilience

In this outstanding episode, the speaker dissects the emotional ordeal associated with grief and loss, drawing from personal experiences and the loss of several cherished family members. Through the insightful lens of logotherapy - a concept unpacked by psychologist Viktor Frankl, who himself was a concentration camp survivor, he digs deep into the crux of what enables people to stand strong in the face of adversity. The framework of logotherapy, as proposed by Frankl, pivots on fostering a positive, future-facing perspective to steer individuals through their struggles.The speaker also explores the spectrum of death from the Christian worldview, sharing personal stories and instances of loss within his community. At the heart of this exploration is the uplifting belief that Jesus conquered death, filling him and other believers with hope amid profound loss. Subsequently, he refers to Scripture, particularly 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18, considered a critical prophecy in the New Testament, providing comfort and guidance to his audience as they confront the inevitable journey of loss and grief that forms part of human life experience.In the backdrop of three consecutive weeks of preaching by the Apostle Paul, the speaker uncovers the unwavering belief that Jesus Christ is an antidote to death- a life-saving message that calls for universal comprehension. Amid the escalating disbelief and hostility, Paul departs from Thessalonica on a treacherous voyage to Athens. Along the way, he dispatches Timothy and Silas to motivate the new converts and bolster their shaky faith in their newly found belief.The speaker then dives into the practices of Christianity, emphasizing the symbolic resurrection experienced through baptism. The teachings from Romans Chapter 6 magnify the interconnection of Christ's death, our baptism, and the anticipated resurrection. The narrative elucidates the awe-inspiring event of Christ's second coming, an event symbolizing the end of suffering and earthly existence. The speaker powerfully communicates how a Christian perspective transforms worldly grief to hopeful mourning. Finally extending inviting arms to those yet to find solace in Jesus Christ, reinforcing the Christian hope vested not in a destination, but in the person of Christ.In conclusion, this profound exploration of death, resurrection, and the second coming of Jesus Christ leaves us with a renewed sense of hope, comfort, and anticipation for the eternal life assured by Jesus Christ.

Acts 19:1-10 Rebaptism in Ephesus

Paul's first major stop on his third missionary journey is in Ephesus, the capital of Asia. On his second missionary journey God didn't allow him to preach in Asia. But now, about 5 years later, God unleashes Paul in this region to the extent that Luke says everybody heard the Gospel. 

Acts 18:18-28 Disciples in Action

As Paul makes his way back to Jerusalem he stops over in Ephesus where he leaves two new disciples, Priscila and Aquila. While he makes the journey further, they continue meeting in the synagogue and there meet a man named Apollos. He knew the truth, but not all of it. Priscilla and Aquila being real disciples took him in and taught him more accurately. This is a wonderful picture of what it means to make disciples: Teach people that will be capable of teaching others. That is what Paul did well. 

Winter is Coming: Work!

Perhaps the best way to stay spiritually warm in an increasingly cold world is to be active in God's work. But what exactly is this work? When Jesus says His Father is always at work, what is that work? If we could summarize the work of Jesus into one sentence, what would that be? 
The American way is comfort and convenience. Even our churches are set up that way. But comfort and convenience are directly opposed to the "work" that Jesus calls us to. In other words, very few people are willing to get off the couch and get working for Christ. And in the end it is their own spiritual lives that drifts into lukewarmness. 
The truth is that Jesus asked us to pray for workers to be sent into a world where sheep are without shepherds. And as we begin this new year, perhaps this is something we can focus on as we scribe our new year's resolutions. Perhaps we can ask God to use us and make us workers for Him. 

Acts 18:1-17 Courage in Corinth

Paul is not the type of guy that gets scared. But there was something in Corinth, perhaps a demonic lullaby, that discouraged Paul. But God is faithful, he comforts Paul in a dream and gives him courage. And lo and behold, Paul stays there for a long time and experiences great ministry success.