“On the Road Again” Acts 15:35-16:40 & Philippians

1. “On the Road Again”Acts 15:35-16:40 & Philippians Last week, we talked about Paul’s First Missionary Journey His went to modern Syria, Turkey, Cyprus After spending time back in Jerusalem, he’s on the road again…50 A.D. Paul and Barnabas are going different directions because of a disagreement

2. Act 15 36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

3. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

4. The result? 2 ministry teams: Paul and Silas, later Timothy Barnabas and John Mark Differences of opinion are not always bad; agreeing to disagree allows positive things to come out of each Each team varied in age; they went to different areas

5. Modern Mediterranean Region

6. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

7. After visiting churches in Lystra & Derbe, adding Timothy to the team, the Spirit lead them to Macedonia. Doors opening and closing.

8. Acts 16 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

9. Macedonia is in Europe. Modern Greece. First time gospel is taken to a new continent!! Philippi – capital of Macedonia, Greek in culture, now a colony of Rome Greek and Roman gods were the norm Archway outside the city informing those entering that unrecognized religions were not permitted

10. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.

11. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

12. Lydian is first named Christian in Europe! Paul never allowed cultural or gender boundaries keep him from preaching the gospel Like Jesus, he reached out to people who were on the periphery Lydia’s influence…the beginnings of the Philippian church, first church in Europe

13. Another convert -- the Jailer 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

14. 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

15. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.

16. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

17. He believed & was baptized along with his household Interesting to note the types of people who responded to the message of Jesus: God-fearers….spiritual seekers Witnesses to God’s power or miracles

18. Philippian church came into being after these converts came to believe in Jesus Christ and opened their homes… in about 50 A.D. Paul continued on his missionary journey, but he never forgot about the church in Philippi

19. Letter to the Philippians 61 A.D. Paul composed this letter from prison in Rome Gives us insight into both what came of the church in Philippi… and the encourager role Paul played in the life of the early churches

20. This letter is filled with: Gratitude Encouragement Joy Call to persevere

21. Gratitude Philippians 1 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

22. Paul is grateful for: • Their partnership in ministry • The gift that they sent • The help they gave him through Epaphroditus

23. Encouragement The whole letter has an encouraging tone, but most of all it rests on their relationship with Christ He encourages them to be like Christ… always concerned for one another

24. Philippians 2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

25. Chapter 2 continues… Be good to one another, think of the needs of other above self, have the same attitude as Christ humble, being a servant.

26. Joy 14 uses of the words joy or rejoice “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”(4:4) Joy is different than happiness; It is a contentment that is not dependant on circumstances.

27. Paul’s joy comes not from what he has, but rather his relationships. First, Christ. Then his brothers and sisters. We are united because of Christ.

28. Perseverance He himself “presses on” for the prize of heaven (4:14) He encourages the church to “stand firm” in their faith (1:27 / 4:1)

29. 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.

30. Putting it all together Be willing to go where the Spirit leads. Spend time with those who have a spiritual need or experience. Plant seeds in people so they will have an awareness of God. Help them go from a general understand of God to knowing Christ personally.

31. Putting it all together Be grateful for ministry partners. Be an encourager. Show your joy. It is much easier to “stand firm” when we do it together. Be the light of Jesus in your world. “Shine like stars in the universe…” Phil.1:15

32. Philippians 1 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

33. We are the Federated Church. Our Mission is to… Seek Christ, Serve Christ andShare Christ.