Acts 26:19-32
¹⁹ Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: ²⁰ But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. ²¹ For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. ²² Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: ²³ That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles…
TRANSCRIPT
The apostle Paul had shared his testimony to king Agrippa of how he was once a zealous Jew persecuting the Christians and how Jesus had appeared to him on the road to Damascus – saved him and called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. In a sense, Paul was speaking about the call to salvation and the call to the ministry, which were both the sovereign call of God. To the majority of people, there is an interval between the call to salvation and the call to the ministry. What do we mean? A person, after his conversion, would grow from a spiritual babe drinking milk, as in the elementary doctrines of the Bible, to a spiritual adult eating solid food, as in the things hard to be understood. At some point God would call this person to serve Him.
If he is called to be a preacher, then he has to be trained in the Bible college, but for Paul he was uniquely different. His call to salvation and his call to the ministry occurred at the same time because he was already well versed in the Old Testament. The only problem was that he could not recognise Jesus as the Messiah so once his spiritual eyes were opened and the Lord saved him, he was ready to serve and, on top of that, the apostles were all filled with the Spirit in a most mighty way to do the Lord’s work and some to write the Holy Scriptures.
Can a person reject the call of salvation or the call to the ministry? Most certainly not. It is the irresistible grace of God. Initially the person may deny, resist or ignore that call just like Jonah who refused to go to Nineveh, but subsequently he was brought to his knees. No one would be able to resist God’s grace and mercy. In our lifetime, we have heard many wonderful testimonies of how people were saved by God’s irresistible grace. As we have mentioned in our previous message, humanly speaking, some people were the most unlikely candidates to be Christians. Perhaps of all the people on the face of this earth, the Apostle Paul was the most unlikely person to be a Christian. He was the best example of someone saved by God’s irresistible grace.
I. The Response of Paul
Tonight, we will continue with our message about Paul standing before King Agrippa – Part Three. Our first point is the response of Paul. After Paul had shared his testimony, he said in verse 19, “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision”. In other words, instead of being disobedient to the heavenly vision he had received of the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul responded by obeying God’s call to salvation and to the ministry. Do you realise that obedience is the prerequisite to the Christian faith? To the Christian life? You see if a person truly believes in God, he will acknowledge God’s authority. He will express his trust and belief in God. He will show proof that he loves God through his worship, through his services, prayer life, giving, fellowship and so forth. Essentially, he is obeying what God has commanded him to do. It is all about obedience.
Sometimes a person may profess he believes God, but we do not see any evidence of obedience in that person’s life. That is not possible because a true believer will respond in obedience, not disobedience. We are not referring to perfect obedience. No one can be perfect. But there will always be evidence of our obedience. Therefore, Paul responded in obedience and what did he do? Verse 20, “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Firstly, Paul’s obedience led him to preach the gospel in Damascus and then he proceeded to go into Jerusalem and then throughout the regions of Judaea, and throughout his missionary journeys he reached out to the Gentiles. Wherever he went he preached the gospel message, and the message was always the same “that [the people] should repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance”. ‘Meet’ means worthy, appropriate to be called true repentance.
Perhaps this is the best definition of the word repentance; repentance means a change of mind that results in a change of behaviour. So, when a person has truly experienced an evangelical repentance, he will change and turn to God and that turning to God will cause him to perform works worthy, appropriate to be called true repentance. That was the reason why James said in James 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works”. Look at verse 21 “For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.” It was because of his obedience to the call of God that the Jews arrested him in the temple and tried to kill him. In fact, they had plotted to kill him on two occasions, but God had delivered him. His work was not yet done. That was the reason why God delivered him. You know one day you and I will have to die and when we draw our last breath that will also mean our work on this earth is done. It is finished and God will take us home.
For Paul there was still work for him to be done so God delivered him verse 22 (and 23) ”Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” God helped Paul. He had given him strength to do the work of the ministry until this day, which means that even at this point in time when he was under house arrest, God was still helping and strengthening him as this was all part of his ministry. Sometimes the ministry will take us to different places and some of these places could be places you and I would least desire to be in. We may be persecuted, we may be tried, we may be tested. Like Paul, he was put under bonds. Although at this point in time it was not so much like an imprisonment but nonetheless, he was still restricted on his way to appeal to Caesar. The words ‘small and great’ were not references to physical statutes but rather to those people who were influential and powerful like Felix, Festus, King Agrippa and those people of low estates, maybe the servants attending to the king and the Roman governments.
Paul’s message was always the same, consistent with the prophets and Moses – a reference to the Old Testament. Whatever they had prophesied about what the Messiah would do, Paul preached. Jesus should suffer, which he did, and he should be the first that should rise from the dead. This “first” to be risen from the dead was not first in chronology. Why? Because there were others who were risen from the dead before Christ, like Lazarus for example. However, Lazarus still had to die later on. This first was first in pre-eminence.
One theologian gave this illustration. The first fruit of the harvest, without that first fruit, if you never get that first fruit, there would be no other fruits of the harvest. Christ was the first to be risen from the dead in pre-eminence, which means he surpasses all the rest who will ever be resurrected after him. He is superior to all the rest who will be resurrected after him. Without him there will be no hope of the resurrection. My friends, if our Lord Jesus was not risen from the dead there will be no hope for you and me. And because he lives, that is the reason why we will live also, because he was risen, that is the reason why we will also be raised from the dead. He is the first to be risen in pre-eminence.
II. The Response of the Critics
Our second point is “The Response of the Critics. Let us not forget that it was the Roman governor Festus who had turned to King Agrippa for help, so he was also present during this whole time. He was listening carefully to what Paul was speaking. It was up to a certain point that he could not take it anymore, because he was bewildered how an educated and intelligent man like Paul could believe Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified by the Romans. As far as the Romans were concerned, Jesus was a criminal and he died. So, how could Paul believe that a dead person could be alive, and even worse, how could he ever believe that the dead person could be speaking to him? That would be madness. Therefore verse 24 says, “And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” In other words, ‘Paul you are crazy. Your great learning has caused you to lose touch with reality. You are mad.’
Have you ever been accused of being mad? Or being a fanatic? Or crazy person? Because of your Christian faith. Maybe you tried to evangelise to your unbelieving loved ones and friends, or you tried to live a good Christian testimony in front of your colleagues or in your school, or you made some decisions that seems odd to your unbelieving friends, and people think that you are crazy. Well, take comfort. Paul was accused of being crazy. In fact, Jesus himself was also being accused of being crazy. Remember in John chapter 10 after our Lord Jesus spoke of himself being the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. What did the people say? Let me quote for you John 10:20. “And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?” If he is mad, if he is crazy, why do you take time to hear this crazy person?
You and I should not be surprised if the world accuses us of being mad, crazy and a fanatic. They did the same to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Paul responded verse 25 “But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” On the contrary he was speaking words of soberness, which means words from a sound mind, a healthy mind, a very clear mind. He was totally in control of his senses; that is what it means.
Remember Paul was trying to evangelise to King Agrippa, so, he turned his attention to the king. Verse 26 “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.” In other words, Paul called King Agrippa to testify for him since the Jews believed in the resurrection, and this matter about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was common knowledge amongst the Jews. It was something everyone was aware of, not something hidden in secret. Surely King Agrippa would have heard about what had happened. He was aware of what had happened and the fact that he had kept quiet showed that he was confirming the truth that Paul was speaking the truth.
Then Paul boldly asked Agrippa verse 27 “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” My friends, in the course of our evangelism efforts, after we have shared the gospel, there must come a point whereby we issue a direct question. Do you believe? That will create the opportunity for the person to confess his sins, turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, ask the Lord to save him so that he could receive the forgiveness of sins. If he does not believe, then we can continue to share and clarify if he has any doubts or questions. We do not want to walk away thinking that that person is saved but the reality is he’s not. So, a direct question is always essential and beneficial. Especially in evangelism. Do you believe? “I know that thou believest.”
Now King Agrippa was caught in a dilemma because if he admitted that he believed in the prophets – again a reference to the Old Testament, which as a Jew he would – that would mean the prophets had spoken about the Messiah and the resurrection. That would mean Jesus could possibly be the Messiah. If he did that, he would look very foolish in front of the Roman governor Festus. He would outrage the Jewish leaders. But on the other hand, if he were to deny the prophets, he knew that the Jews respected the prophets, whatever the prophets had said in the Old Testament. So, he was caught in a dilemma. Have you ever encountered a situation whereby you ask a question, and the person gave a seemingly indirect answer to avoid answering your question? Like for example when you ask a person simply, ‘Did you do it?’ And that person said, ‘Well, it seems as if you have already decided that I have done it’. That is what some people would do when they are caught in a dilemma. They have great difficulties to say ‘yes’ or to say ‘no’.
Therefore, King Agrippa chose to avoid answering the question directly by saying in verse 28 “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” The word ‘almost’ was a reference to the time, which means in a short time. It is different from the English word ‘almost’. The English word ‘almost’ means ‘nearly’ but here is a reference to a short time. In other words, King Agrippa was saying, ‘do you think, Paul, you can persuade me to be a Christian in such a short time?’
What was Paul’s response? Verse 29 “I would to God, that not only [you], but also all that hear me this day, were both” – both referring to great and small – “almost,” – in a short time– “and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” In other words, Paul says ‘I pray to God that not only you King Agrippa but also to those who hear me in this day, your wife Bernice, Festus the Roman governor, all the important guests that came with you including the servants attending to yourself, those of low estate, everyone. I want them to be just like me. To be a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. I want them to be just like me except my imprisonment, which means except my predicament as a prisoner. He did not wish his imprisonment to happen to anyone.’
If I can give you an illustration. Think about the picture of a father lying on his deathbed in great pain, and his children and relatives surrounding his bed, and he was evangelising to them, and he said ‘I pray that you all will come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even in this short time I spend in sharing with you the gospel that you will be just like me, a believer. I wish that you will be like me spiritually, not physically because I do not wish for you to suffer this physical affliction.’ Very similar to what Paul was referring to in verse 29. Verse 30 and 31 “And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.” Festus might think of Paul as a crazy man. King Agrippa might not agree with Paul’s theology one hundred percent, especially pertaining to Jesus being the Messiah, but one thing they both would agree that Paul had done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.
If I may put it this way, it is not a crime to be crazy or it is not a crime to believe in a dead person being risen from the grave. It is not a crime to believe that a dead person could speak and give instructions. Paul had committed no crime at all.
Verse 32 “Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.” My friends this was only half-truth. It was true that Paul had appealed to Caesar, but he had to appeal to Caesar because they lacked the courage to release him even though they knew that he was innocent. Even at this point according to the Romans’ law they could still overturn the appeal and acquit Paul, but King Agrippa did not want to take the responsibility, neither did Festus. So, all King Agrippa could say is ‘Well, it was Paul’s fault. He was the one who had appealed to Caesar, otherwise he would have been free.’
They were afraid to offend the Jewish leaders. They wanted to remain popular. They wanted to retain their jobs. One as a Roman governor, the other as the Jewish king assigned by the Romans. My friends, think about this. Is there anything that will stop you from speaking the truth? Anything that will stop you from doing the right thing? If your job is on the line or your financial situation is at a risk, or you will lose all your friends, or your physical life is in danger. Will that cause you to compromise the truth and shy away from doing the right thing? Or are you someone who will always speak the truth? Do the right thing regardless of the consequences?
Before I end, I just like to make one observation as a pastor. I do not know whether Pastor Stephen Khoo, and Reverend Biak, Reverend Lian Uk have experienced the same thing. Sometimes when things go wrong, when someone did something or said something wrong, doctrinally wrong or something is done in an unbiblical way – I am referring to something, which everyone knows is clearly wrong – the immediate reaction is that people will always turn to the minister expecting him to do something or to say something. I’ve experienced this on many occasions. Something happens, someone said something which is doctrinally wrong they would straight away turn to the pastor, expecting him to say something or do something.
What happens when the pastor is not around? The people will still turn to someone. Do you realise that? Perhaps the most mature brother or sister in Christ. If you are that person, that they will turn to when something goes wrong, then take heart. It is actually a blessing, and the reason why is because you are known as someone who will speak and stand for the truth, even in a difficult situation. No one likes to confront others, but they knew that you will and for that reason they turn to you. But you must never be like Festus and King Agrippa who took the easiest way out, put the responsibility or the blame on Paul “[you would have been freed] if [you] had not appealed unto Caesar”. When we come back, we will learn more about Paul’s situation before he goes to Rome. Let us close with a word of prayer.
Our Father in Heaven, we thank Thee for this opportunity for us to consider this portion of Scriptures. We ask of Thee to continuously teach us, help us that we will remember whatever we have learned, and to rightly apply the Word of Truth into our lives. Indeed, Thy Word is so marvellous. There are so many things we can learn, so many principles we can draw, so many examples that we can apply into our life’s situations. Help us that we be diligent students of Thy precious Word. As we study, may Thou open up our minds and help us to understand Thy truth. We give Thee thanks, and we pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
SERMON OUTLINE
ACTS SERIESServing the Lord Thy GodServing the Lord Thy God1 Chronicles 28:9
Called to Be SaintsCalled to Be Saints1 Corinthians 1:1-3
The Blessings of Being a SaintThe Blessings of Being a Saint1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Divisiveness Calls for Strong ActionDivisiveness Calls for Strong Action1 Corinthians 1:10-17
The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than MenThe Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Let Us Glory in the LordLet Us Glory in the Lord1 Corinthians 1:26-31
The Wisdom of GodThe Wisdom of God1 Corinthians 2:6-16
The Natural Man and The Spiritual ManThe Natural Man and The Spiritual Man1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Are Ye Not Carnal?Are Ye Not Carnal?1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Glorify God, Not MenGlorify God, Not Men1 Corinthians 3:4-9
A Biblical View of the MinistryA Biblical View of the Ministry1 Corinthians 3:10-17
A Biblical View of the MinistryA Biblical View of the Ministry1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Whose Evaluation Really Matters?Whose Evaluation Really Matters?1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Beware of PrideBeware of Pride1 Corinthians 4:6-8
Beware of Spiritual ImmaturityBeware of Spiritual Immaturity1 Corinthians 4:9-13
Marks of a Spiritual FatherMarks of a Spiritual Father1 Corinthians 4:14-15
Be Ye Followers of MeBe Ye Followers of Me1 Corinthians 4:16-21
Dealing with Sin in the ChurchDealing with Sin in the Church1 Corinthians 5:1-6
A Little Leaven Leaveneth the Whole LumpA Little Leaven Leaveneth the Whole Lump1 Corinthians 5:6-13
Can Believers Sue One Another?Can Believers Sue One Another?1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Such Were Some of YouSuch Were Some of You1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Not All Things Are ProfitableNot All Things Are Profitable1 Corinthians 6:12-14
The Temple of the Holy SpiritThe Temple of the Holy Spirit1 Corinthians 6:15-20
Singleness or MarriageSingleness or Marriage1 Corinthians 7:1-7
Divorce and RemarriageDivorce and Remarriage1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Be Faithful to Your CallingBe Faithful to Your Calling1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Should I Remain Single?Should I Remain Single?1 Corinthians 7:25-31
An Undivided Devotion to the LordAn Undivided Devotion to the Lord1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Knowledge is Not EnoughKnowledge is Not Enough1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Love and Christian LibertyLove and Christian Liberty1 Corinthians 8:7-13
Are You Willing to Give Up Your Rights?Are You Willing to Give Up Your Rights?1 Corinthians 9:1-14
All Things to All MenAll Things to All Men1 Corinthians 9:15-23
How to Run the Race FaithfullyHow to Run the Race Faithfully1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The Danger Of OverconfidenceThe Danger Of Overconfidence1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Encouragement in Times of TemptationEncouragement in Times of Temptation1 Corinthians 10:13
Flee From IdolatryFlee From Idolatry1 Corinthians 10:14-22
All Things are Lawful, but All Things are Not ExpedientAll Things are Lawful, but All Things are Not Expedient1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 1)Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 1)1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 2)Submitting to God's Order and Plan (Part 2)1 Corinthians 11:2-16
The Significance of the Lord's SupperThe Significance of the Lord's Supper1 Corinthians 11:17-34
A Right Understanding of Spiritual GiftsA Right Understanding of Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Diversities of Gifts, Same SpiritDiversities of Gifts, Same Spirit1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Cessation or ContinuationCessation or Continuation1 Corinthians 12:8-12
Unity In DiversityUnity In Diversity1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Desiring the Best GiftsDesiring the Best Gifts1 Corinthians 12:27-31
Message 2: The Pre-eminence Of CharityMessage 2: The Pre-eminence Of Charity1 Corinthians 13:1-3
The Supremacy of LoveThe Supremacy of Love1 Corinthians 13:1-3
What Has Love Got to Do?What Has Love Got to Do?1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Message 1: The Preface - A Scriptural Perspective On CharityMessage 1: The Preface - A Scriptural Perspective On Charity1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Qualities of Love (Part 1)The Qualities of Love (Part 1)1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Message 5: The Practice Of Charity - Part 3Message 5: The Practice Of Charity - Part 31 Corinthians 13:4-7
Message 4: The Practice Of Charity - Part 2Message 4: The Practice Of Charity - Part 21 Corinthians 13:4-7
Message 3: The Practice Of Charity - Part 1Message 3: The Practice Of Charity - Part 11 Corinthians 13:4-7
The Qualities of Love (Part 3)The Qualities of Love (Part 3)1 Corinthians 13:4-7
The Qualities of Love (Part 2)The Qualities of Love (Part 2)1 Corinthians 13:4-7
The Nature of Love (Part 1): Love In Its Relation To OthersThe Nature of Love (Part 1): Love In Its Relation To Others1 Corinthians 13:4a
The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Self [Part 2]The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Self [Part 2]1 Corinthians 13:4b-5a
The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Sin And Truth [Part 3]The Nature Of Love: Love In Its Relation To Sin And Truth [Part 3]1 Corinthians 13:5b-6
Message 6: The Permanence Of CharityMessage 6: The Permanence Of Charity1 Corinthians 13:8-13
The Permanence of LoveThe Permanence of Love1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)Why We Do Not Speak In Tongue (Part 1)1 Corinthians 14:6-19
The Need for MaturityThe Need for Maturity1 Corinthians 14:20-28
Let All Things Be Done Decently and In OrderLet All Things Be Done Decently and In Order1 Corinthians 14:29-40
What if the Resurrection is Not True?What if the Resurrection is Not True?1 Corinthians 15:12-19
The Certainty of the ResurrectionThe Certainty of the Resurrection1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Victory Over DeathVictory Over Death1 Corinthians 15:50-57
Resurrection Sunday Service: O Death Where is Thy Sting?Resurrection Sunday Service: O Death Where is Thy Sting?1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Our Response to the ResurrectionOur Response to the Resurrection1 Corinthians 15:58
The Principles of GivingThe Principles of Giving1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Doing the Lord’s WorkDoing the Lord’s Work1 Corinthians 16:5-12
Stand Fast in the FaithStand Fast in the Faith1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Stand Fast in the FaithStand Fast in the Faith1 Corinthians 16:13-14
A Loving Affection for the BelieversA Loving Affection for the Believers1 Corinthians 16:15-24
Message 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the WorldMessage 5: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Hate the World1 John 2:15-17
Message 8 – Asking and ReceivingMessage 8 – Asking and Receiving1 John 3:20-24
Message 9: Our Confidence in PrayerMessage 9: Our Confidence in Prayer1 John 5:14-15
Message 10: To Pray or Not to PrayMessage 10: To Pray or Not to Pray1 John 5:16-17
Trusting in the LordTrusting in the Lord1 Kings 17:1-24
Repair the Altar of the LordRepair the Altar of the Lord1 Kings 18:1-40
Morning Devotion 1: Come in the Power and Spirit of ElijahMorning Devotion 1: Come in the Power and Spirit of Elijah1 Kings 18:1-46
Morning Devotion 2: Understanding DepressionMorning Devotion 2: Understanding Depression1 Kings 19:1-21
The Blessed ResurrectionThe Blessed Resurrection1 Peter 1:1-5
Message 1: Make Sure Your SalvationMessage 1: Make Sure Your Salvation1 Peter 1:1-9
The Essential Truths of Our SalvationThe Essential Truths of Our Salvation1 Peter 1:3-5
The Blessings of SalvationThe Blessings of Salvation1 Peter 1:3-9
Message 3: Using The Right BibleMessage 3: Using The Right Bible1 Peter 1:13-2:3
Message 2: Are You Growing In Your Spiritual Life?Message 2: Are You Growing In Your Spiritual Life?1 Peter 2:1-12
The Chosen People of GodThe Chosen People of God1 Peter 2:9-10
Message 4: Submission To AuthoritiesMessage 4: Submission To Authorities1 Peter 2:9-25
Message 5: Be Prepared To SufferMessage 5: Be Prepared To Suffer1 Peter 3:8-18
Suffer For Righteousness’ SakeSuffer For Righteousness’ Sake1 Peter 3:13-17
Living in the End TimesLiving in the End Times1 Peter 4:7-11
Message 6: Be Indoctrinated With God’s WordMessage 6: Be Indoctrinated With God’s Word1 Peter 5:1-4
Message 7: Know Your EnemyMessage 7: Know Your Enemy1 Peter 5:1-11
Be Sober and VigilantBe Sober and Vigilant1 Peter 5:8-9
Our Confidence in Times of SufferingOur Confidence in Times of Suffering1 Peter 5:10-11
The Christian’s Confidence in Time of SufferingThe Christian’s Confidence in Time of Suffering1 Peter 5:10-11
Is There Not A Cause?Is There Not A Cause?1 Samuel 17:1-29
A Man After God’s Own HeartA Man After God’s Own Heart1 Samuel 17:1-58
The Battle is the Lord’sThe Battle is the Lord’s1 Samuel 17:30-58
To Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your FaithTo Perfect That Which Is Lacking In Your Faith1 Thessalonians 3:1-10
Wherefore Comfort One Another With These WordsWherefore Comfort One Another With These Words1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Significance of Christ’s Death and ResurrectionThe Significance of Christ’s Death and Resurrection1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Morning Devotion 1Morning Devotion 11 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Unceasing ThreeThe Unceasing Three1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Essential Attitudes for the New YearEssential Attitudes for the New Year1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments1 Thessalonians 5:17
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers1 Thessalonians 5:17
Morning Devotion 2Morning Devotion 21 Thessalonians 5:19
The Believer’s Relationship with God & His WordThe Believer’s Relationship with God & His Word1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Morning Devotion 3Morning Devotion 31 Thessalonians 5:20-22
A Prayer for the Fellow BelieversA Prayer for the Fellow Believers1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
The Things Every Church NeedsThe Things Every Church Needs1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
Trouble in the ChurchTrouble in the Church1 Timothy 1:1-4
Dealing with FalsehoodDealing with Falsehood1 Timothy 1:5-11
Counted Worthy To Serve GodCounted Worthy To Serve God1 Timothy 1:12-14
Thankful to GodThankful to God1 Timothy 1:12-17
War a Good WarfareWar a Good Warfare1 Timothy 1:18-20
Pray for All MenPray for All Men1 Timothy 2:1-2
A Praying ChurchA Praying Church1 Timothy 2:1-4
Pray and PrayPray and Pray1 Timothy 2:1-8
How Women Should Conduct ThemselvesHow Women Should Conduct Themselves1 Timothy 2:9-15
The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 1)The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 1)1 Timothy 3:1-2
Qualifications of EldersQualifications of Elders1 Timothy 3:1-7
The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)The Qualifications of Church Leaders (Part 2)1 Timothy 3:3-13
Spiritual Qualifications of Deacons and DeaconessesSpiritual Qualifications of Deacons and Deaconesses1 Timothy 3:8-13
The Responsibilities of Church MembersThe Responsibilities of Church Members1 Timothy 3:14-15
Is Church Membership Important?Is Church Membership Important?1 Timothy 3:15
The Danger of ApostasyThe Danger of Apostasy1 Timothy 4:1-5
A Good MinisterA Good Minister1 Timothy 4:6-10
Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 1)Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 1)1 Timothy 4:11-12
Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 2)Be Thou an Example of the Believers (Part 2)1 Timothy 4:11-12
The Qualities of a Good MinisterThe Qualities of a Good Minister1 Timothy 4:13-16
Dealing with Sin in the Church FamilyDealing with Sin in the Church Family1 Timothy 5:1-2
Caring for the NeedyCaring for the Needy1 Timothy 5:3-8
God’s Standards for His ServantsGod’s Standards for His Servants1 Timothy 5:9-16
Dealing with Church EldersDealing with Church Elders1 Timothy 5:17-25
Outline of the Exemplary Christian EmployeeOutline of the Exemplary Christian Employee1 Timothy 6:1-2
Submission to the Authority of God’s WordSubmission to the Authority of God’s Word1 Timothy 6:3-5
The Believer's Attitude Towards MoneyThe Believer's Attitude Towards Money1 Timothy 6:6-10
The Love of Money is the Root of All EvilThe Love of Money is the Root of All Evil1 Timothy 6:6-10
Marks of a Man of GodMarks of a Man of God1 Timothy 6:11-14
Message 9: Fight the Good Fight of FaithMessage 9: Fight the Good Fight of Faith1 Timothy 6:12
Understanding the Greatness of GodUnderstanding the Greatness of God1 Timothy 6:15-16
Instructions on Handling WealthInstructions on Handling Wealth1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instructions on Handling God’s TruthInstructions on Handling God’s Truth1 Timothy 6:20-21
A Call to Spiritual RevivalA Call to Spiritual Revival2 Chronicles 7:14
Message 11: The Heart Behind the PrayerMessage 11: The Heart Behind the Prayer2 Chronicles 7:14
God of All ComfortGod of All Comfort2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The Recipients of ComfortThe Recipients of Comfort2 Corinthians 1:8-11
The Soul’s Warning AlarmThe Soul’s Warning Alarm2 Corinthians 1:12-14
Defending Against False AccusationDefending Against False Accusation2 Corinthians 1:15-24
Why Do We Do What We Do?Why Do We Do What We Do?2 Corinthians 2:1-4
The Need to Confront SinThe Need to Confront Sin2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Our Victory in ChristOur Victory in Christ2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Our Sufficiency is of GodOur Sufficiency is of God2 Corinthians 3:1-6
The Exceeding GloryThe Exceeding Glory2 Corinthians 3:7-17
Transformed Into His ImageTransformed Into His Image2 Corinthians 3:18
How To Preach The WordHow To Preach The Word2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Treasure in Clay JarsTreasure in Clay Jars2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Be Strong and CourageousBe Strong and Courageous2 Corinthians 4:13-18
The Believer’s ConfidenceThe Believer’s Confidence2 Corinthians 5:1-8
The Believer’s AmbitionThe Believer’s Ambition2 Corinthians 5:9-10
What Kind of Church Do We Have?What Kind of Church Do We Have?2 Corinthians 5:11-15
What Kind of a Christian Are We?What Kind of a Christian Are We?2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Ambassadors for ChristAmbassadors for Christ2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Living As Examples of the BelieversLiving As Examples of the Believers2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Do We Have True Christian Love?Do We Have True Christian Love?2 Corinthians 6:11-13, 7:2-4
Why Do We Need To Separate?Why Do We Need To Separate?2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
How Do We Mend A Broken Relationship?How Do We Mend A Broken Relationship?2 Corinthians 7:5-16
How Do We Abound In Our Giving?How Do We Abound In Our Giving?2 Corinthians 8:1-8
The Principles of GivingThe Principles of Giving2 Corinthians 8:9-15
Biblical GivingBiblical Giving2 Corinthians 9:1-5
God Loveth a Cheerful GiverGod Loveth a Cheerful Giver2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Blessedness of GivingThe Blessedness of Giving2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Lessons on Faithful StewardshipLessons on Faithful Stewardship2 Corinthians 9:16-24
Christian WarfareChristian Warfare2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Understanding Spiritual AuthorityUnderstanding Spiritual Authority2 Corinthians 10:7-11
How To Evaluate Our MinistryHow To Evaluate Our Ministry2 Corinthians 10:12-18
The Importance of Christian LoyaltyThe Importance of Christian Loyalty2 Corinthians 11:1-6
Is the Church Gullible?Is the Church Gullible?2 Corinthians 11:7-15
Do Not BoastDo Not Boast2 Corinthians 11:16-21
When Boasting is NecessaryWhen Boasting is Necessary2 Corinthians 11:22-33
The Purpose of TrialsThe Purpose of Trials2 Corinthians 12:1-10
The True ServantThe True Servant2 Corinthians 12:11-19
The Need for Repentance and DisciplineThe Need for Repentance and Discipline2 Corinthians 12:20-13:4
Message 2: Examine Yourselves Whether Ye Be In the FaithMessage 2: Examine Yourselves Whether Ye Be In the Faith2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine Whether You Be In the FaithExamine Whether You Be In the Faith2 Corinthians 13:5-6
For Your Sake, I am WillingFor Your Sake, I am Willing2 Corinthians 13:7-10
For the TruthFor the Truth2 Corinthians 13:8
A Spiritually Healthy ChurchA Spiritually Healthy Church2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Morning Devotion 2Morning Devotion 22 Corinthians 15:58
The Final ConfrontationThe Final Confrontation2 Kings 1:1-4
Message 7: An Example of TrustMessage 7: An Example of Trust2 Kings 18:19-19:7
Sola Scriptura – Scriptures AloneSola Scriptura – Scriptures Alone2 Peter 1:20-21
The Joy of Receiving ForgivenessThe Joy of Receiving Forgiveness2 Samuel 11:1-27
Thank God for AbishaiThank God for Abishai2 Samuel 21:15-22
True Saving FaithTrue Saving Faith2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Man’s Final DestinationMan’s Final Destination2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
The Things We Should PrayThe Things We Should Pray2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Understanding the End TimesUnderstanding the End Times2 Thessalonians 2:1-5
Be Ready for the End TimesBe Ready for the End Times2 Thessalonians 2:6-12
We Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the TruthWe Can Do Nothing Against the Truth, But For the Truth2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Facing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and StrengthFacing the Days Ahead with God's Comfort and Strength2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Pray for UsPray for Us2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
The Lord is FaithfulThe Lord is Faithful2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is FaithfulThe Lord is Faithful2 Thessalonians 3:3
God Leads Us AlongGod Leads Us Along2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
Allegiance to Truth or FriendshipAllegiance to Truth or Friendship2 Thessalonians 3:6
No Work, No EatNo Work, No Eat2 Thessalonians 3:7-10
Do Not Give UpDo Not Give Up2 Thessalonians 3:11-15
Peace Always By All MeansPeace Always By All Means2 Thessalonians 3:16
Having Peace Always in Every CircumstanceHaving Peace Always in Every Circumstance2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Encouraging the Spiritual SonEncouraging the Spiritual Son2 Timothy 1:1-5
Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 1)Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 1)2 Timothy 1:6-7
Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 2)2 Timothy 1:8-12
Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)Not Ashamed of Christ (Part 3)2 Timothy 1:13-18
What Would You Want to Be in the New Year?What Would You Want to Be in the New Year?2 Timothy 2:1-7
Message 6: The Church & Disciple-makersMessage 6: The Church & Disciple-makers2 Timothy 2:2
Remember The ResurrectionRemember The Resurrection2 Timothy 2:8
Our Motivation for Serving SacrificiallyOur Motivation for Serving Sacrificially2 Timothy 2:8-13
The Importance of Bible StudyThe Importance of Bible Study2 Timothy 2:15
An Honourable Vessel Fit For The Master's Use [Part 2]An Honourable Vessel Fit For The Master's Use [Part 2]2 Timothy 2:20-22
An Honourable Vessel Fit for the Master's Use [Part 1]An Honourable Vessel Fit for the Master's Use [Part 1]2 Timothy 2:20-22
The Danger of Self LoveThe Danger of Self Love2 Timothy 3:1-4
Be Strong and CourageousBe Strong and Courageous2 Timothy 3:7
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly ExampleThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Example2 Timothy 3:10
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly ConvictionThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - Godly Conviction2 Timothy 3:11-15
Knowing Our Precious BibleKnowing Our Precious Bible2 Timothy 3:15-17
The Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s WordThe Christian’s Defence Against Apostasy - God’s Word2 Timothy 3:16-17
A Charge to KeepA Charge to Keep2 Timothy 4:1-5
Message 8: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Always be Ready to Preach and Teach God’s WordMessage 8: To Fight the Good Fight of Faith is to Always be Ready to Preach and Teach God’s Word2 Timothy 4:2
Live as I Have LivedLive as I Have Lived2 Timothy 4:6-8
Are you Faithful or Unfaithful?Are you Faithful or Unfaithful?2 Timothy 4:9-11
Are you Faithful or Unfaithful? (Part 2)Are you Faithful or Unfaithful? (Part 2)2 Timothy 4:12-16
Notwithstanding the Lord Stood with MeNotwithstanding the Lord Stood with Me2 Timothy 4:17-22
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the Sacraments30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #3: The Church and the SacramentsActs 2:41-47
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and Fellowship30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #2: The Church and FellowshipActs 2:42
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the Prayers30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #4: The Church and the PrayersActs 2:42
30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The World30th Anniversary Seminar - Message #1: The Church and The WorldActs 2:42
Always Ready to Defend the FaithAlways Ready to Defend the FaithActs 6:8-15
The First ChristianThe First ChristianActs 11:19-26
Low ExpectationsLow ExpectationsActs 12:1-19
Message 5: The Church & DiscipleshipMessage 5: The Church & DiscipleshipActs 14:20-28
God Encouraged His ServantGod Encouraged His ServantActs 18:9-17
The End of the Second Missionary JourneyThe End of the Second Missionary JourneyActs 18:18-28
The Beginning of the Third Missionary JourneyThe Beginning of the Third Missionary JourneyActs 19:1-7
The Riot at EphesusThe Riot at EphesusActs 19:21-41
The Characteristics of a Faithful ServantThe Characteristics of a Faithful ServantActs 20:1-6
The Lord's Day Worship ServiceThe Lord's Day Worship ServiceActs 20:7-16
The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 1)The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 1)Acts 20:17-19
The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 2)The Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (Part 2)Acts 20:20-24
A Charge to Keep (Part 1)A Charge to Keep (Part 1)Acts 20:25-28
The Believer's Conviction (Part 1)The Believer's Conviction (Part 1)Acts 21:1-6
The Believer’s Conviction (Part 2)The Believer’s Conviction (Part 2)Acts 21:7-16
Paul’s Arrival At JerusalemPaul’s Arrival At JerusalemActs 21:17-26
Paul's Arrest at JerusalemPaul's Arrest at JerusalemActs 21:27-39
Paul's Response to His ArrestPaul's Response to His ArrestActs 21:40-22:21
The People’s Response to PaulThe People’s Response to PaulActs 22:22-30
Paul Stood Before the SanhedrinPaul Stood Before the SanhedrinActs 23:1-11
God's Miraculous Deliverance (Part 1)God's Miraculous Deliverance (Part 1)Acts 23:12-17
God’s Miraculous Deliverance (Part 2)God’s Miraculous Deliverance (Part 2)Acts 23:18-35
The Accusers before the Roman Governor FelixThe Accusers before the Roman Governor FelixActs 24:1-9
Paul’s Defence Before FelixPaul’s Defence Before FelixActs 24:10-21
Felix's Response to Paul's DefenceFelix's Response to Paul's DefenceActs 24:22-27
Paul’s Defence Before FestusPaul’s Defence Before FestusActs 25:1-12
Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 1)Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 1)Acts 25:13-27
Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 2)Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 2)Acts 26:1-18
Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 3)Paul Stood Before King Agrippa (Part 3)Acts 26:19-32
A Friend In Need Is A Friend IndeedA Friend In Need Is A Friend IndeedActs 27:1-12
What Can Trials Do To Us?What Can Trials Do To Us?Acts 27:13-26
The Prophecy Came to PassThe Prophecy Came to PassActs 27:27-44
Paul's Arrival at RomePaul's Arrival at RomeActs 28:1-16
The Story Did Not End HereThe Story Did Not End HereActs 28:17-31
Prayer for Spiritual ExcellencePrayer for Spiritual ExcellenceColossians 1:9-12
Message 3: What is Christ to you? My Covenantal Head!Message 3: What is Christ to you? My Covenantal Head!Colossians 2:4-9, 19
Message 4: What is a healthy and sound church? My Covenantal Haven!Message 4: What is a healthy and sound church? My Covenantal Haven!Colossians 2:7
New Year With New ResolutionsNew Year With New ResolutionsDaniel 1:8
Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 1)Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 1)Daniel 2:14-23
Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 2)Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 2)Daniel 6:10
Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 3)Lessons from the Prayer Life of Daniel (Part 3)Daniel 9:1-27
Honour and Obey Thy ParentsHonour and Obey Thy ParentsDeuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3
Honour and Obey Thy ParentsHonour and Obey Thy ParentsDeuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3
Family WorshipFamily WorshipDeuteronomy 6:1-25
Morning Devotion 3Morning Devotion 3Deuteronomy 8
Choose LifeChoose LifeDeuteronomy 30:19
The Exceeding Greatness of His PowerThe Exceeding Greatness of His PowerEphesians 1:20-23
Message 1: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 1)Message 1: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 1)Ephesians 2:1-10
Message 1: The Nature of FaithMessage 1: The Nature of FaithEphesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1
Message 1: The Nature of FaithMessage 1: The Nature of FaithEphesians 2:8, Hebrews 11:1
Message 2: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 2)Message 2: Hindrances to a Personal Relationship with God (Part 2)Ephesians 2:11-18
Good Friday Service: Reconciliation with GodGood Friday Service: Reconciliation with GodEphesians 2:11-18
Walk Not as the GentilesWalk Not as the GentilesEphesians 4:17-24
A Walk to RememberA Walk to RememberEphesians 4:17-32
Be Careful How You LiveBe Careful How You LiveEphesians 5:15-17
God’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To PassGod’s Prophecy and Promise Had Come To PassExodus 1:1-7
From Prosperity to PersecutionFrom Prosperity to PersecutionExodus 1:8-14
God’s Protection in the Midst of AdversitiesGod’s Protection in the Midst of AdversitiesExodus 1:15-21
The Faith of JochebedThe Faith of JochebedExodus 1:22-2:10
