
Hosted by Grace Church · EN

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.

Pastor Troy walks through Acts 13 as a turning point where the church shifts from gathering to actively sending. In Antioch, the Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul through prayer and fasting, launching an intentional gospel mission. As they go, they encounter both eager belief and strong opposition. Paul proclaims Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the only source of salvation. Though some reject the message, others respond with joy, showing the gospel’s power to divide and transform. Through it all, God’s mission advances, calling believers to faithful obedience in both success and hardship.

Pastor Troy walks through Acts 13 as a turning point where the church shifts from gathering to actively sending. In Antioch, the Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul through prayer and fasting, launching an intentional gospel mission. As they go, they encounter both eager belief and strong opposition. Paul proclaims Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the only source of salvation. Though some reject the message, others respond with joy, showing the gospel’s power to divide and transform. Through it all, God’s mission advances, calling believers to faithful obedience in both success and hardship.

Pastor Troy walks through Acts 12 as a powerful story of God’s sovereignty unfolding through persecution, rescue, and judgment. Acts 12 begins with deep loss as James is killed and Peter is imprisoned, reminding us that following God does not mean avoiding suffering. With no worldly power, the church responds through earnest prayer, placing its trust fully in God. God then miraculously rescues Peter, even as the believers struggle to believe their prayers are being answered. In contrast, King Herod’s pride leads to his sudden and humbling death, showing that human authority cannot stand against God. Through it all, God’s Word continues to grow and multiply, calling us to trust His goodness and sovereignty even when outcomes don’t make sense.

Pastor Troy walks through Acts 12 as a powerful story of God’s sovereignty unfolding through persecution, rescue, and judgment. Acts 12 begins with deep loss as James is killed and Peter is imprisoned, reminding us that following God does not mean avoiding suffering. With no worldly power, the church responds through earnest prayer, placing its trust fully in God. God then miraculously rescues Peter, even as the believers struggle to believe their prayers are being answered. In contrast, King Herod’s pride leads to his sudden and humbling death, showing that human authority cannot stand against God. Through it all, God’s Word continues to grow and multiply, calling us to trust His goodness and sovereignty even when outcomes don’t make sense.