The Mission

Sharp ink rubber eraser sits on your right. You sit in that uncomfortable chair attached to a tiny desk waiting for the final exam to come down the aisle.

It arrives.

Instead of seeing multiple choice, matching, or fill in the blank questions, you see two lines of text and multiple blank pages. It’s the dreaded essay question. You begin the essay writing as neatly and legibly as possible. But soon enough your writing pace quickens as you think of things to write down, or you’re running out of time, or (most likely) both! The neat legible writing turns into messy strokes. The pristine white paper turns light grey as your left hand smudges every word you just wrote.

It seems like this section in Acts – chapters 13-17 – could very well have been Luke’s messy writing, smudged paper section. The accounts come fast and furious. There are so many compelling stories, crucial decisions, and edge-of-your-seat moments packed in this section. It’s a whirlwind of activity.

Here is some of what you can expect from part three of our sermon series in Acts:
Miracles, conversions, jealous Jews, persecutions, mistaken identities, stonings, theological controversies, sharp personal disagreements, imprisonments, earthquakes, church planting, and angry mobs. Acts 13-17 highlights the hectic, fast-paced, and controversial ministry of Paul, Barnabas, and others. And it provides an unmistakably clear image of the fact that in the midst of the craziness, busyness, and chaos of life — the Mission continues