Messages by Michael Staley
Jesus Rescues Us from the Wrath of God
1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2:1-8 Paul gives us a clue here that we are not destined for God’s wrath because we belong to Him. His plan is to protect those who are part of His church, His bride and He has the power and the authority to do this because He loves her. Scriptures Referenced Matthew 24:36-44 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 Titus 2:11-15
We Give Thanks to God Always
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Paul’s ability to communicate his thoughts and feelings is amazing and powerful. He speaks of his love for the recipients, and he prays grace and peace over them, and he leads the reader to the faith, love and hope that brings us confidence in the power of God. Scriptures Referenced 2 Tim 3:1-5 John 16:13-14
Finally, Rome
Acts 28:1-31 Paul finally makes it to Rome. It makes you wonder what comes next! Scriptures Referenced Psalm 24:1 Isaiah 46:9 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Shipwreck
Acts 27:1-44 It’s always a struggle when you wait and wait for something to happen, and when it finally does, nothing seems to go as planned. Paul has experienced many difficult things as he served Jesus, but when he finally is headed to Rome to stand before Ceasar, it is still not clear sailing. Scriptures Referenced
Testimony Before Leaders and Kings (Part 2)
Acts 25:22-27; 26:1-32 Paul is used to standing before leaders and testifying, but after two years of waiting for resolution, it had to be extremely frustrating to be handed off to yet another leader. Almost like starting over again. But true to his previous behavior, Paul starts over again and makes sure that everyone hears enough of the gospel to point them to Jesus. Scriptures Referenced 1 Peter 3:15
Testimony Before Leaders and Kings (Part 1)
Acts 25:1-21 Standing before judges and testifying to the truth is something Paul did repeatedly. For most this would be frustrating and tedious, but Paul always seemed to offer something more important. He presented the gospel because he was more concerned for the welfare of those asking for his testimony than he was his own liberty. Scriptures Referenced Isaiah 55:9
Take Courage
Acts 23:1-35 So often in life we end up in situations where we need to take courage, to be brave. Paul faced many difficulties, yet God gave him the courage to face them. And when Paul needed help, God provided the help he needed, like the Roman commander who protected Paul from a mob because Paul was a Roman citizen. Scriptures Referenced Deuteronomy 25:2
Controversy
Acts 21:26-22:30 Paul stood firm for the cause of Christ from the moment that he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, and he experienced plenty of opposition, but he was faithful through it all. Still, it seems like his life and his relationships were filled with controversy because so many rejected the message and yet he still kept after the work and saw people saved. Scriptures Referenced Acts 9:3-9
The Essentials
Acts 21:1-26 As Christians, we are told that we should be united in purpose, to love God and each other, and to share the gospel message with others in love. Sometimes we struggle with the concept of unity because we differ with each other on theology. But we don’t have to divide over our differences. We can be united if we choose to agree on the essential doctrines of the Christian faith and if we offer grace for any non-essential…
Heading Towards the End
Acts 20:1-38 Paul faced many challenges and some of them were deeply personal. One of his greatest challenges was to face a return trip to Jerusalem when he knew that it meant bondage and suffering were ahead. But strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Paul forged on ahead. He was sure of the rewards in his future, and he was determined to serve Jesus with everything he had all the way to the end. Scriptures Referenced Acts 19:21 Acts 9:16 2…
Co-exist, Not!
Acts 19:1-20:1 The world calls for everyone to co-exist, because they want all beliefs to be treated equally, but Jesus says that He is the only way and the only truth. In Him you will find eternal life. Scriptures Referenced 1 Cor 14:1-6 John 14:6
I Will Go To The Gentiles
Acts 18:1-28 It must have been frustrating for Paul to go to so many synagogues to teach Jesus from their own scriptures and to then have so many of his own people reject the one who he knew was the Messiah they had been waiting for, for a very long time. Thank God that Paul was willing to take that same message to the gentiles. Without his diligence and perseverance, we might never have received the gospel message or maybe…