
Hosted by Grace Church · EN

Pastor Troy explores the riot in Ephesus to show that while the gospel transforms individual lives, it also creates unavoidable collisions with culture by exposing humanity's idols. Rather than advancing through force, politics, or violence, the gospel spreads through the faithful preaching of Jesus Christ, changing hearts in ways that ultimately reshape families, communities, and even economies. Pastor Troy challenges believers to expect cultural friction, reject mob mentality by embracing the mind of Christ, and remain confident that the gospel is powerful enough to confront false worship and change the world without compromising its message.

Acts 19 reminds us that the power of God is not found in formulas, rituals, or simply using the name of Jesus—it is found in a genuine relationship with Him. Through the failed attempt of the seven sons of Sceva and the extraordinary miracles performed through Paul, God demonstrated the authority of Christ and exposed counterfeit faith. Pastor Troy challenged believers to neither ignore nor obsess over spiritual darkness, but instead to revere Jesus above all else. True repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin; it is turning away from the old life because Jesus has become greater than anything we once trusted or desired. Ultimately, the passage calls us to worship Jesus, not use Him, and to let genuine repentance produce visible life change.

Pastor Troy Dobbs' sermon from Acts 18 focused on how God helps His people stay the course when they are weary, discouraged, or tempted to quit. After years of hardship, opposition, and exhausting travel, Paul arrived in Corinth worn down, yet God strengthened him through five key means: community (Aquila and Priscilla), timely encouragement (new believers coming to faith), divine assurance ("Do not be afraid, for I am with you"), unexpected provision (Gallio protecting the church), and a renewed sense of mission. The sermon emphasized that God often sustains us through relationships, small victories, His Word, and circumstances we never would have planned ourselves. Pastor Troy reminded the church not to overlook the importance of deep spiritual friendships and godly partnerships that help us endure difficult seasons. He also highlighted that God's work continues beyond any one person, as seen when leaders like Apollos carried forward the ministry Paul began. The central takeaway was that endurance in the Christian life comes from trusting that God's mission belongs to Him, not us — and He always provides what we need to keep moving forward.

Pastor Troy Dobbs examines Paul's ministry in Athens, highlighting how his heart was deeply stirred by the city's idolatry and motivated him to share the gospel with courage and wisdom. Paul engaged both religious and secular audiences, using the Athenians' altar to the "unknown god" as a bridge to proclaim the one true God — Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and Savior. This message emphasizes the importance of understanding culture without compromising biblical truth, calling believers to avoid apathy, isolation, and a shallow worldview while faithfully proclaiming repentance and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Paul demonstrates how Christians can make the unknown God known in a world still searching for meaning through modern idols.

In Acts 17, Pastor Troy explores Paul and Silas’ ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, emphasizing the power of faithfully proclaiming Jesus through the Scriptures. Paul reasoned from God’s Word, explained how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises, and remained steadfast despite opposition and persecution. The message highlights the example of the Bereans, who eagerly received the Word while carefully examining the Scriptures daily to discern truth. Pastor Troy encourages believers to pursue both eagerness and discernment, reminding us that lasting impact comes not from chasing influence but from faithfully exalting Christ and grounding our lives in God’s Word.

Paul and Silas’ story in Acts 16 reminds us that following God does not exempt us from suffering, but God often uses painful situations for His greater purpose. After being falsely accused, beaten, and imprisoned for freeing a demon-possessed girl, Paul and Silas responded with prayer and worship instead of fear and bitterness. God shook the prison with a miraculous earthquake, leading the jailer and his household to hear the gospel and place their faith in Jesus. This sermon challenged us to trust God in difficult seasons, because our response to suffering can strengthen our faith and point others toward Christ. Genuine salvation produces real transformation, and Christians are called to live in a way that encourages others to follow Jesus.

Pastor Steve Harrison taught from Acts 15:36–16:15, showing how God advances His mission through conflict, concession, calling, and conversion. He began by examining the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, emphasizing that even godly leaders experience conflict, yet God can still work through difficult situations to accomplish His purposes. The sermon highlighted the eventual reconciliation between Paul, Barnabas, and Mark as a picture of Christian forgiveness, humility, and restoration. Pastor Steve then explained why Paul had Timothy circumcised, clarifying that Paul was not compromising the gospel but removing unnecessary barriers that could hinder ministry among Jewish people. He also explored how the Holy Spirit guided Paul and his team through both closed and open doors, ultimately leading them to Macedonia and expanding the gospel into Europe. Finally, the message focused on Lydia’s conversion in Philippi, reminding believers that while Christians are called to faithfully share the gospel, it is God alone who opens hearts and transforms lives. Pastor Steve concluded by encouraging the church to engage boldly in God’s mission, remove unnecessary hindrances to gospel witness, and trust the Holy Spirit to save people through the message of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Troy taught from Acts 15, showing how the early church gathered to address a major question: whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law to be saved. He explained that false teachers were adding requirements to the gospel, saying “Jesus plus works” instead of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Peter responded by affirming that both Jews and Gentiles are saved the same way - through faith in Christ and the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. James confirmed this by pointing to Scripture, showing that the inclusion of the Gentiles was always part of God’s plan. The council ultimately agreed that salvation is by grace alone, not human effort or religious rule-keeping. However, they also encouraged Gentile believers to live in ways that promoted unity and avoided unnecessary offense to Jewish believers. The sermon emphasized that grace must both be defended as sufficient in Christ and displayed in how Christians love and live with one another.

Pastor Troy highlights the importance of gospel conviction, Christian perseverance, and faith under trial, drawing from Acts 14 to show how Paul and Barnabas remained bold despite opposition, persecution, and suffering. He emphasizes that tribulation in the Christian life is not abnormal but part of God’s plan, requiring believers to stand firm in biblical truth and unwavering faith. The message also warns against both fear of rejection and the danger of seeking human approval, calling Christians to pursue God-centered living and spiritual endurance. Ultimately, it encourages believers to develop strong Christian convictions rooted in Jesus Christ in order to faithfully navigate hardship and advance the gospel.

Pastor Troy highlights the importance of gospel conviction, Christian perseverance, and faith under trial, drawing from Acts 14 to show how Paul and Barnabas remained bold despite opposition, persecution, and suffering. He emphasizes that tribulation in the Christian life is not abnormal but part of God’s plan, requiring believers to stand firm in biblical truth and unwavering faith. The message also warns against both fear of rejection and the danger of seeking human approval, calling Christians to pursue God-centered living and spiritual endurance. Ultimately, it encourages believers to develop strong Christian convictions rooted in Jesus Christ in order to faithfully navigate hardship and advance the gospel.