2025-11-16_Acts_26_1-32.docx

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon from Acts 26 centered on Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa and Governor Festus, highlighting the radical transformation in Paul’s life after encountering the risen Jesus. We explored why Christians gather on Sundays, not just as a tradition, but as a celebration of the new creation inaugurated by Christ’s resurrection. Paul’s defense before Agrippa was not just a legal argument, but a passionate proclamation of the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus—the Messiah foretold by the prophets. Paul’s story reminds us that no one is born a Christian; each of us needs the saving grace of Christ, who calls us out of darkness and into light, from the power of sin to the freedom found in God. The sermon concluded with a call to live in the hope of Christ’s ascension, to partner with God in His ongoing work, and to pray for the spread of the gospel—symbolized today by our prayers over the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Resurrection as the Dawn of New Creation Our gathering on Sundays is not arbitrary; it is rooted in the reality that Christ’s resurrection marks the beginning of God’s new creation. Each week, we are reminded that we live in the “already and not yet”—celebrating what God has begun in Christ and looking forward to its completion. This perspective shapes our worship, our hope, and our daily lives, calling us to live as people of the new creation even as we wait for its fullness.
• 2. God’s Promises Are Not Just Ancient Words Paul’s trial was not for abandoning his faith, but for believing that God had actually fulfilled His promises. It’s easy to treat God’s promises as distant or theoretical, but Paul challenges us to stake our lives on their reality. Faith means trusting that God is as good, faithful, and powerful as He says—even when it seems incredible or when others think it’s madness. The resurrection is proof that God keeps His word, and we are invited to live in that confidence.
• 3. No One Is Beyond the Reach of Grace Paul’s story is a vivid reminder that no one is born a Christian, and no one is too far gone for God’s grace. He went from persecutor to apostle, not by his own merit, but by the sheer mercy of Christ who met him in his rebellion. Our past does not disqualify us; in fact, it can become the backdrop that highlights the transforming power of God’s love. The call to repentance and faith is for everyone, no matter their story.
• 4. True Freedom Is Found in Surrender to Christ The world often confuses freedom with the ability to do whatever we want, but Paul’s life shows that real freedom is found in being set free from sin and becoming a servant of God. This freedom is not a license to indulge ourselves, but a liberation from the guilt, penalty, and power of sin. In Christ, we are freed to become who we were created to be, living lives marked by peace, purpose, and hope.
• 5. Our Mission: Partnering with God in the Work of Redemption Paul’s unwavering focus was to see others come to know Christ, regardless of his own circumstances. We are called to the same mission—to open eyes, to proclaim light, and to invite others into the forgiveness and new life found in Jesus. Whether through sharing our testimony, acts of service, or even something as simple as a shoebox gift, we are privileged to join God in His redemptive work. Our lives, like Paul’s, can have an eternal impact when we live with this perspective.

1. What reasons does Paul give for being on trial before King Agrippa and Governor Festus?
2. How does Paul describe his life before encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus?
3. According to Paul’s testimony, what specific mission did Jesus give him after his conversion?
4. How do Festus and Agrippa each respond to Paul’s message about the resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s promises?

1. Why does Paul emphasize that he is not abandoning his Jewish faith, but rather believing in its fulfillment through Jesus? What does this reveal about how he understands the Old Testament?
2. Paul says that no one is born a Christian and that everyone needs the saving grace of Christ. How does his own story illustrate this truth?
3. The sermon highlights that true freedom is found in surrender to Christ, not in doing whatever we want. How does Paul’s life demonstrate this kind of freedom?
4. Paul’s focus is on seeing others come to know Christ, even while he is in chains. What does this teach us about the mission and priorities of a follower of Jesus?

1. The sermon said that Christians gather on Sundays to celebrate the new creation begun by Christ’s resurrection. How does this perspective change the way you think about Sunday worship? Is there anything you want to do differently to make Sunday more meaningful?
2. Paul trusted that God’s promises were real and worth staking his life on, even when others thought he was crazy. Is there a promise of God that you struggle to believe is true for you? What would it look like to live as if you really trusted that promise?
3. Paul’s story shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Is there someone in your life (maybe even yourself) that you have thought was “too far gone” for God to change? How does Paul’s transformation challenge that thinking?
4. The sermon said that real freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want, but being set free from sin to serve God. Are there areas in your life where you are still living as if you are a slave to sin? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Christ this week?
5. Paul was willing to share his story and the message of Jesus no matter the cost. When was the last time you shared your faith or your story with someone? What holds you back, and what is one step you could take to be more open about your faith?
6. The church prayed over Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes as a way to partner with God in His work. What is one practical way you can join in God’s mission—either through serving, giving, or sharing—in the coming month?
7. The sermon reminded us to live in the hope of Christ’s ascension and the coming new creation. How can you remind yourself this week that you are part of God’s ongoing story, and not just living for the present moment?