Sermon in a nutshell: Acts 9:20-31 “New Life in Jesus”
In the Bible, we read the active ministry of Saul (His name is still Saul before it was changed into Paul)! Once he opened his eyes, Saul began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.! Can you believe that dramatic change? All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
What did make this change? Many times, you and I do things because (1) we had to, or (2) we are encouraged to do, or (3) pushed to do. . However, here Saul preached that Jesus was the Messiah because he had such a burning heart to share the Good News! He wanted to do it. He could not contain the passion in him! Jeremiah once said, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” but “his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”(Jeremiah 20:9). That was the same heart that Saul had!
Tomorrow we are going to celebrate the Martin Luther King Day. Why did he do what he did? Because he had this burning heart for justice, Martin Luther King stood for the black brothers and sisters. First he participated in the bus boycott for a year in 1955. Then his participation in the social justice grew bigger and bigger. He worked not only to overcome injustice but also to build up an inclusive nation for all races! So his life was vision driven! For this dream for an inclusive country, he was willing to do anything and to sacrifice even his life!
Can we see parallel hearts here? Saul and Martin Luther King! Both were driven by a higher call! It was not a duty or a job. It was a call. When we have this calling we can endure all the hardships and difficulties. Read the Bible. “After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall” (Acts 9:23-25). We also know that there were numerous attempts to kill Martin Luther King and his family. If it was not for a call, it would be really difficult for anyone to endure all those persecutions and hardships.
However, when we are faithful to the call from God, we will have also partners and helpers. When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. When Martin Luther King risked his life, he also had many supporters and he could speak at the capital city of our country, shouting, “I have a dream.”
The Bible said that after Saul endured personal difficulties and achieved friendship with Christians, the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. We see the same result from the suffering and life of Martin Luther King. Our country became stronger and healthier through the bus boycott and ministries for racial justice.
So, our question is this: Why do we do what we do now? What is the reason for all our actions and words? What inspired us? Last Wednesday, we had mission committee meeting. There, I saw burning hearts and sparking eyes. When they talk about Project Linus, Mary Spryer was fired up. When they talk about Guatemala mission, Doug and Betsy were in total commitment. When they talk about Shelter Meals, they were all in heated discussion how to continue the ministry for the homeless families. That is the Spirit that we want to invite in our lives. We want to share it with others. So, brothers and sisters, when you celebrate Martin Luther King Day, share also your passion with your friends and family members. Bring them to church! Let them be a part of this wonderful mission and ministry that make you hyper! Isn’t it a wonderful life that you want to share with your beloved ones?
1. What is the one ministry that your heart is burning for?
2. With whom do you want to share that calling?
-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
biblepreacher on Sermon in a nutshell: Matthew… Krystal Dotson on Sermon in a nutshell: Matthew… Mr Van on Sermon in a nutshell: Shouldn’… Domingo on Sermon in a nutshell: Matthew… STM on Sermon in a nutshell: Forgiven… Archives
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- January 2017
- August 2016
- July 2016
- May 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
Categories
Meta