WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.640 Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, 00:00:08.040 --> 00:00:14.660 who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the 00:00:14.660 --> 00:00:21.140 Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them and because he was a tent maker as they were, 00:00:21.640 --> 00:00:27.780 he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue trying to persuade 00:00:27.780 --> 00:00:36.980 Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to 00:00:36.980 --> 00:00:44.159 preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when the Jews opposed Paul and became 00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:50.460 abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, your blood be on your head. 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:57.359 I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. 00:00:57.780 --> 00:01:05.140 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justice, a worshipper of God. 00:01:06.140 --> 00:01:12.359 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord, and many of 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:19.040 the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptised. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a 00:01:19.040 --> 00:01:31.240 vision. Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking. Do not be silent. For I am with you and no one is going to 00:01:31.240 --> 00:01:39.420 attack and harm you because I have many people in this city. So Paul stayed for a year and a half 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:47.460 teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack 00:01:47.460 --> 00:01:54.420 on Paul and brought him into court. This man, they charged, is persuading the people to worship God 00:01:54.420 --> 00:02:01.240 in ways contrary to the law. Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, 00:02:01.239 --> 00:02:07.219 if you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanour or a serious crime, it would be 00:02:07.219 --> 00:02:12.900 reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your 00:02:12.900 --> 00:02:21.060 own law, settle a matter yourselves. I will not be judge of such things. So he had them ejected from 00:02:21.060 --> 00:02:28.439 the court. Then they all turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, and beat him in front of the court. 00:02:28.439 --> 00:02:38.840 But Gallio showed no concern whatever. Well, let's pray and ask for God's help as we look at his word 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:51.120 together. Father, we thank you for this great record of how a church began. And we pray that it would 00:02:51.120 --> 00:03:03.340 not just be a story, an event that happened in the past, but that this true story and God's work 00:03:03.340 --> 00:03:12.319 in people's lives and through the church would also shape us. 00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:25.139 shape us into the kind of church you have called us to be. And we pray that through this morning 00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:37.819 that we will all leave as people who are sent, sent to bring your good news wherever we are. 00:03:37.819 --> 00:03:45.379 So please encourage us and help us, we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:03:45.379 --> 00:04:01.560 Well, today is the greatest day, I think, in the life of this church. It's the greatest day so far 00:04:01.560 --> 00:04:11.000 because we as a church family, for the first time, are sending people to help plant a new church. We have 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:17.399 helped by sending gifts and we have prayed about other church plants, but this is the first time 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:25.000 we have actually sent people. And in partnership with the church in Bandon and Douglas, we're sending 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:32.439 Ian, Jan, Amy and Kim to join with 14 others, as we saw on the screen a moment ago, to start 00:04:32.439 --> 00:04:43.319 a new church in the town of Kinsale. Their mission, should you choose to accept it, their mission, 00:04:43.579 --> 00:04:52.120 and you have accepted it, is to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit 00:04:52.120 --> 00:05:00.280 so that churches are established, not just in Kinsale, but also beyond. 00:05:02.280 --> 00:05:09.459 In Acts 18, we see something of the same thing going on. So what's going on in Kinsale is not new, 00:05:09.780 --> 00:05:17.340 it's been going on right from the beginning of the New Testament. In Acts 18 there, we see that Paul 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:24.619 is nearing the end of his second church planting trip. He's been moving to different locations and he's 00:05:24.619 --> 00:05:33.179 been sent out by his home church in Antioch, which is in southeast of Turkey, and he has now reached all 00:05:33.179 --> 00:05:41.339 the way across to mainland Europe to a place called Corinth, which is in Greece. And there he continues to 00:05:41.339 --> 00:05:49.579 preach the gospel and establish new churches. Now I'm sure we all know a little bit about Paul, 00:05:50.139 --> 00:05:56.699 and that he saw many people become Christians, he saw many churches planted, and we can get the 00:05:56.699 --> 00:06:02.379 impression as we read through Acts that, well this is easy, I'm sure anybody could go off to Kinsale or 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:12.139 anywhere else. That's not really that difficult. But it's really not like that. Being sent to go and plant 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:21.420 a church is a daunting and a difficult task. It's no wonder then that when Paul would actually write to 00:06:21.420 --> 00:06:28.620 this church that he established, he would write a letter to them and he would remind them of what it was 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:42.780 like when he first arrived. He says, I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling. In fact, aware of 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:47.660 Paul's great fear, look at verse 9 of chapter 18. 00:06:50.379 --> 00:06:56.699 Acts 18 verse 9, aware of Paul's fear, one night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, 00:06:56.699 --> 00:07:09.899 do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent, for I am with you. 00:07:11.899 --> 00:07:19.819 Now as Jan and Ian and Kim and Amy are being sent out to Kinsale, there's also a sense, and I'm sure if 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:29.259 you were to ask them where they feel weakness, a bit of fear, and I'm quite sure a bit of trembling. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:36.939 What if people don't listen? What if this whole church plant doesn't work? 00:07:38.539 --> 00:07:43.100 What happens if people oppose us? What happens if people leave? 00:07:43.100 --> 00:07:53.980 Well, as Paul starts his church planting work in Corinth, there are four great promises that we can take with us and that 00:07:55.020 --> 00:08:03.980 those who are going to Kinsale specifically are to take with them. And here's the first, the first great big 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:10.460 promise that we can take from God. That God rules his mission to Kinsale. 00:08:12.780 --> 00:08:20.700 It's a very small statement, but it has a huge significance. Look at verse 1, the very first verse. 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:31.900 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. Now it doesn't seem much, it's a little bit of a travel 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:39.579 detail telling us where he's been and where he's going. But behind all of that stands God's rule over his mission. 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:48.699 Because before he ever arrived in Corinth, he was travelling in other places and where he travelled was really, really tough. 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:55.899 So when he was in Philippi, Paul faced beatings and imprisonment. 00:08:55.899 --> 00:09:02.620 In Thessalonica, he had to hide from a rioting mob who were out to get him. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:11.819 In Berea, he had to run for his life because there was opposition and it was closing in. 00:09:13.019 --> 00:09:22.860 When he arrived in Athens, he arrived there on his own, without any help, and he was ridiculed as a babbler. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:29.259 But in each circumstance, in each town that he went to, his life was spared. 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:36.700 And so we read in 18 verse 1, after this, after all of these trials, after all of these difficulties, 00:09:37.980 --> 00:09:41.340 Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 00:09:42.700 --> 00:09:45.259 You see, God rules over his mission. 00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:47.019 Not even prison. 00:09:47.019 --> 00:09:48.939 Not even beatings. 00:09:48.939 --> 00:09:50.700 Not even rioting mobs. 00:09:50.700 --> 00:09:56.939 Not even loneliness can hinder all that God intends to do in his world. 00:09:59.259 --> 00:10:05.000 It's as if Paul was never meant to plant a single church, the opposition that he faced. 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:13.000 But as we read through Acts, the message is so crystal clear that God will see his message preached, 00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:20.279 his messenger will be preserved, and his mission will prevail. 00:10:20.840 --> 00:10:27.980 Nothing and no one can stand in God's way of all that he is going to do. 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:35.759 Now I think you'd be very thankful to know that I don't think you're going to face imprisonment when you go to Kinsale, 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:38.220 or rioting mobs. 00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:42.080 But you will face hardship and opposition. 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:45.340 And so you need to know two things. 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:50.840 The first thing, God rules over your life. 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:56.379 God's in control over every detail of our lives. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:11:06.120 Being sent to Kinsale is because God has ordered your life in this particular way. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:13.080 If you're in this church, you're here because God has ordered your life in a particular way. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:20.000 Yes, of course we make decisions and choices, but they are all under the ruling hand of God. 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:27.200 That means God will only allow in your life what he wills and what he permits. 00:11:28.820 --> 00:11:31.420 And second, he doesn't just rule over our life. 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:34.759 God rules over the town of Kinsale. 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:43.259 He rules over every person that you will meet and over every power that there is. 00:11:43.920 --> 00:11:50.040 Whatever objection you may face, nothing and no one can stand in the way of God's mission. 00:11:50.840 --> 00:11:54.980 God has made his promise and God will keep his promise. 00:11:56.180 --> 00:12:02.440 God will see that his message is preached, that his messengers are preserved, 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:06.519 and that his mission will prevail. 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:10.259 So that's the first thing that we can take with us, 00:12:10.820 --> 00:12:14.480 that God rules his mission to Kinsale. 00:12:14.480 --> 00:12:17.200 The second is this. 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:22.399 God provides his gospel partners for Kinsale. 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:24.740 Look at verse 1 again, verse 2. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:28.320 After this, Paul left Athens and he went to Corinth. 00:12:29.180 --> 00:12:32.740 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:37.060 who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:40.939 because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. 00:12:41.979 --> 00:12:45.699 Now the Jews were well known for rioting in Rome. 00:12:46.539 --> 00:12:48.019 Rome was the capital. 00:12:49.259 --> 00:12:50.899 They were the ones in charge. 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.899 The Jews didn't like it. 00:12:53.659 --> 00:12:54.719 And they rioted. 00:12:55.099 --> 00:12:58.779 In fact, they'd become such a headache to Claudius, who was ruling there, 00:12:58.919 --> 00:13:00.199 he kicked them all out. 00:13:00.200 --> 00:13:02.120 It was a form of ethnic cleansing. 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:07.440 So politically speaking, Aquila and Priscilla had become refugees, 00:13:07.700 --> 00:13:11.080 kicked out of their house, no home and no work. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:15.360 However, missionally speaking, 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:21.340 they were all part of God's provision to Paul to partner in his work, 00:13:21.420 --> 00:13:23.460 because they arrive in Corinth. 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.000 Look at verse 3. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:28.299 Paul went to see them, 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:30.860 and because he was a tent maker as they were, 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:34.019 he stayed and worked with them. 00:13:34.379 --> 00:13:36.700 Every Sabbath, he reasoned in the synagogue, 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:42.960 trying to persuade Jews and Greeks about the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:48.159 You see, they had joined Paul as partners in the work that he was doing. 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:52.000 In fact, when Paul would write to another church, 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:55.379 he would say how great Priscilla and Aquila were. 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:59.659 He called them my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:05.299 who risked their lives for me and for the churches. 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:09.720 So church planting is not to be a solo effort. 00:14:10.080 --> 00:14:12.439 It is meant to be a partnership. 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:19.980 And those who are going to Kinsale have their partners first in Kinsale. 00:14:20.799 --> 00:14:22.279 We saw that great picture. 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.340 Isn't it wonderful? 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.860 Four people here, 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:27.320 and another 14 other people, 00:14:27.420 --> 00:14:28.560 including children, 00:14:29.019 --> 00:14:30.019 18 in all, 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:35.340 who will be there to encourage and support each other in this task. 00:14:35.840 --> 00:14:37.680 God has gifted each one of them, 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:40.060 so that together as a church, 00:14:40.300 --> 00:14:43.960 they can reach out to Kinsale with the good news of Christ. 00:14:44.320 --> 00:14:46.519 Church planting isn't something we do alone. 00:14:46.519 --> 00:14:52.319 It is working together with the people that God puts around us. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:54.460 And it's the same for this church. 00:14:54.939 --> 00:14:55.659 Look around you. 00:14:55.740 --> 00:15:04.519 The person that is sitting there with you is God's gift to you to support you and encourage you in the work of the gospel. 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:07.919 But you just don't have partners in Kinsale. 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:13.159 We want you to be encouraged that you have got partners in Carigaline. 00:15:13.599 --> 00:15:14.659 Look at verse 5. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:19.579 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia. 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:21.000 So isn't that amazing? 00:15:21.099 --> 00:15:23.079 There's even more provision of people. 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:25.539 Paul and Silas, 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:27.860 or Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:32.279 and Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:37.120 testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:39.980 You see, God knows the needs. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:47.240 And he provides all the people that are needed and necessary to accomplish the task. 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:53.060 For a number of years, the McLennahans, the family in this church, 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:57.680 were able to be a part of those early stages. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:16:02.480 And God provided other people who did similar things. 00:16:03.440 --> 00:16:09.139 And just as Silas and Timothy came for a short time to support Paul in his work, 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:17.080 be assured that God will continue to partner you by providing people for the task that you are sent to. 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:24.539 And let me speak especially to those of us who will not be going to Kinsale. 00:16:25.180 --> 00:16:27.600 To the church here in Carigaline. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:41.659 We have a responsibility to go on supporting and caring for Ian and Jan and Amy and Kim. 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:44.240 We have a responsibility. 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:48.839 We are to provide ongoing practical care. 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.819 Ring them up. 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:52.100 Visit them. 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.579 Or as they even said, 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:55.879 we would go to them on a church, 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:57.939 to a Sunday service, 00:16:58.039 --> 00:17:01.519 to support them and encourage them in the work that they are doing. 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:04.759 Starting off is going to be difficult. 00:17:04.899 --> 00:17:06.579 They will need financial support. 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:07.519 And so as a church, 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:10.500 we will be giving a gift towards that work. 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:13.899 But this is something that must go on. 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:16.139 Yes, we are sending them. 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:20.119 But we are also partnering them. 00:17:20.119 --> 00:17:24.419 We might not be going physically to Kinsale. 00:17:24.979 --> 00:17:32.139 But never ever lose sight of the fact that we are part of God's provision to that work. 00:17:32.500 --> 00:17:37.599 We are not simply observers watching other people go and do something. 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:42.519 We are partners in the work that goes on. 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:49.339 So God provides his gospel partners for Kinsale. 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:53.500 And third, another great promise. 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:58.980 God empowers his church for Kinsale. 00:17:59.559 --> 00:18:00.639 Look at verse 5. 00:18:00.740 --> 00:18:01.619 Let's read it again. 00:18:01.619 --> 00:18:04.879 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, 00:18:05.079 --> 00:18:08.599 Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, 00:18:09.179 --> 00:18:12.939 testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 00:18:13.379 --> 00:18:15.979 Now what kind of response did he get from the crowd 00:18:15.979 --> 00:18:19.459 as he began to explain and teach about the Lord Jesus? 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:20.579 Well, look at verse 6. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:26.039 But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, 00:18:27.199 --> 00:18:29.619 he shook out his clothes in protest 00:18:29.619 --> 00:18:31.039 and said to them, 00:18:31.359 --> 00:18:33.759 Your blood be on your own heads. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:36.419 I am clear of my responsibility. 00:18:36.959 --> 00:18:39.959 From now on, I will go to the Gentiles. 00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:43.399 It was difficult. 00:18:44.659 --> 00:18:46.679 There was a closed door. 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:49.899 People didn't want to know. 00:18:49.899 --> 00:18:56.099 They refused to accept that Jesus Christ was God's saving King. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:58.659 There's no story of repentance. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:01.320 There's no story of faith. 00:19:02.560 --> 00:19:04.019 And so we're left wondering, 00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:09.140 How is anybody ever going to become a Christian in this city? 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:14.279 And maybe that's the question we ask about Kinsale. 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:18.800 How long is it going to take? 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:31.220 How long will it be until the first person from Kinsale becomes a Christian and joins that church? 00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:32.960 How long is it going to be until the first person from Kinsale? 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:33.960 How long is it going to be until the first person from Kinsale? 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:37.539 Well, have a look at 1 Corinthians chapter 2. 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:39.779 Keep your finger in Acts 18. 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:43.360 And go to 1 Corinthians, which is, 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.880 you've got Acts, then Romans, 00:19:46.380 --> 00:19:50.620 and then 1 Corinthians chapter 2. 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:57.019 So it seems there's a closed door. 00:19:58.399 --> 00:20:03.439 How are they ever going to break through, as it were, to see people changed? 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:10.160 Well, in this letter, which Paul wrote a few years later, 00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:14.680 he remembers the very first time he arrived in that city. 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:16.660 And here's what he says. 00:20:16.840 --> 00:20:17.960 Chapter 2, verse 1. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:21.200 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, 00:20:21.340 --> 00:20:25.480 I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom, 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:29.519 as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:34.019 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, 00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:38.539 except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 00:20:39.380 --> 00:20:45.620 I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling. 00:20:45.619 --> 00:20:50.639 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, 00:20:51.219 --> 00:20:55.019 but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:59.639 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, 00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:02.479 but on God's power. 00:21:04.159 --> 00:21:07.959 You see, it's not about being a great speaker in Kinsale. 00:21:08.599 --> 00:21:10.719 It's not about your clever arguments. 00:21:11.479 --> 00:21:13.479 It's not about the right program 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:16.319 or organising the right events for the town. 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:21.319 It is simply proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:26.960 depending on the power of God's Holy Spirit. 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:30.380 Because that is always how God works. 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:35.800 The Spirit of God takes the gospel of God 00:21:35.800 --> 00:21:38.340 to do the work of God. 00:21:38.800 --> 00:21:41.400 The Spirit takes the gospel of God 00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:45.700 to do the work of God in people's lives. 00:21:46.960 --> 00:21:50.540 Which reminds us, reminds all of us, 00:21:51.340 --> 00:21:54.740 that none of us can make people believe. 00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:59.460 You see, none of us here can make anyone become a Christian. 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:04.519 None of us can make our friends and our families believe. 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:10.960 Our responsibility is to simply share Christ with others. 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:13.440 That's why Paul says, 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:16.900 back in Acts chapter 18, verse 6, 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.359 he says, 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:18.700 Your blood be on your heads, 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:20.380 I'm clear of my responsibility. 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:25.180 We're not responsible for how people are going to respond, 00:22:25.620 --> 00:22:27.300 what their reactions might be. 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:30.500 We simply, with gentleness and love, 00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:33.680 bring the good news of Christ. 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:35.480 The offer of salvation, 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:38.240 the warning of judgment to come, 00:22:38.580 --> 00:22:40.280 the need to be right with God. 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:44.000 But we do all of that in prayerful dependence 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:47.740 upon the Spirit of God who moves in power. 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:49.480 We can't do it. 00:22:50.900 --> 00:22:52.099 But second, 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:58.180 let's remember that it is God who makes people in Kinsale believe. 00:22:58.779 --> 00:23:01.359 Look at verse 7 of Acts chapter 18. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:07.819 Having been refused by others and been rejected by others, 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:09.039 verse 7, 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:09.960 we're told, 00:23:10.140 --> 00:23:11.539 Then Paul left the synagogue 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:15.039 and went next door to the house of Titius Justice, 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.579 a worshipper of God. 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:19.179 So just somebody's house. 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:20.919 And who was there? 00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:23.000 Crispus, the synagogue ruler. 00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:25.619 And his entire household 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:27.740 believed in the Lord. 00:23:28.419 --> 00:23:30.960 And many of the Corinthians who heard him 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:33.879 believed and were baptised. 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:36.539 Paul's message didn't change. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:39.839 He said the same thing to one group 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:42.039 and he said the same thing to another group. 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:44.559 So why did Crispus and his family 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:45.859 and other people believe? 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:49.799 Well, it simply shows us that salvation 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:51.359 is God's work 00:23:51.359 --> 00:23:52.919 and not our work. 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:55.219 It's the Spirit of God 00:23:55.219 --> 00:23:57.039 taking the Gospel of God 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:58.479 and doing his work 00:23:58.479 --> 00:24:00.219 in people's lives. 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:02.939 And so we are to speak 00:24:02.939 --> 00:24:03.839 the message. 00:24:04.879 --> 00:24:06.699 But perhaps more importantly, 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:09.579 we are to pray for God's Spirit 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:12.699 to cause people to believe 00:24:12.699 --> 00:24:14.480 and be baptised. 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:17.579 If we are to see that in Kinsale, 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:20.359 we as a church in Carragalline 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:23.759 are to pray for God's Spirit 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:25.319 to be at work. 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:29.079 So third, God empowers his church. 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:32.700 And the last great big promise 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:37.439 is God will save his people 00:24:37.439 --> 00:24:38.779 in Kinsale. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:40.579 Look at verse 9. 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:45.179 This is a fabulous verse. 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:46.700 One night, 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:48.779 the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. 00:24:50.560 --> 00:24:51.539 Do not be afraid. 00:24:53.080 --> 00:24:54.080 Keep on speaking. 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.360 Do not be silent. 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:58.200 For I am with you 00:24:58.200 --> 00:25:00.820 and no one is going to attack and harm you 00:25:00.820 --> 00:25:03.820 because I have many people 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:05.360 in this city. 00:25:05.359 --> 00:25:07.919 Now that's a great promise, 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.439 isn't it? 00:25:09.479 --> 00:25:09.959 But, 00:25:10.099 --> 00:25:11.659 we have to be very careful 00:25:11.659 --> 00:25:13.639 that we don't claim too much 00:25:13.639 --> 00:25:14.899 from this promise. 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.679 For example, 00:25:17.639 --> 00:25:18.679 verse 10 says, 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:20.500 For I am with you 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:23.500 and no one is going to attack and harm you. 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.519 So there's Paul thinking, 00:25:24.679 --> 00:25:24.799 right, 00:25:24.899 --> 00:25:26.459 nobody's going to attack or harm me. 00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:27.539 But, 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:29.539 we only need to read on 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.379 a couple of chapters. 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:31.500 In chapter 20, 00:25:31.579 --> 00:25:32.339 verse 22, 00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.359 we read this, 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:34.639 that Paul, 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:35.880 compelled by the Spirit, 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.220 said, 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:37.560 I'm off to Jerusalem, 00:25:38.300 --> 00:25:40.500 not knowing what will happen me there. 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:42.540 I only know that in every city 00:25:42.540 --> 00:25:44.160 the Holy Spirit warns me 00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:46.640 that prison and hardships are facing me. 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:49.920 So was God going to protect him 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.700 or was he not? 00:25:51.780 --> 00:25:52.300 Well, 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.940 I think it's quite clear 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:55.100 that this promise 00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:57.940 was quite specific 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:59.220 to the town of Corinth. 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:02.420 That no harm would befall him 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:03.320 in Corinth. 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:07.540 But this promise 00:26:07.540 --> 00:26:08.860 is still very encouraging 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:09.420 for Paul 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:10.500 because it renews 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.140 his confidence, 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:11.960 verse 11. 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.620 Paul stayed there 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:16.060 a year and a half 00:26:16.060 --> 00:26:17.100 teaching them 00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:17.860 the word of God. 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.860 With God's promise 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.800 that God was going to 00:26:19.800 --> 00:26:20.940 keep him and protect him, 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.000 he stayed there 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.920 for a year and a half 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:24.800 teaching and encouraging 00:26:24.800 --> 00:26:25.759 the people. 00:26:27.320 --> 00:26:28.980 Now here's our big question. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:31.599 How much is verse 9 and 10 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:33.319 a promise for those 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:34.579 who are going to Kinsale? 00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:36.180 And how much is that 00:26:36.180 --> 00:26:37.380 a promise for you and me? 00:26:38.880 --> 00:26:40.200 Well, the promise is 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.279 first and foremost 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:43.000 a promise for Paul. 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:45.940 But through the promise, 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:49.299 God has revealed truth for us. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:51.059 Look at verse 10 again. 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:51.940 He says, 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:52.860 I am with you. 00:26:54.120 --> 00:26:55.200 No one is going to 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:56.400 attack and harm you 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:58.700 because I have many people 00:26:58.700 --> 00:27:00.080 in this city. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:02.660 So I think the principle 00:27:02.660 --> 00:27:03.720 behind the promise 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:04.320 is this. 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:06.360 A promise that we can 00:27:06.360 --> 00:27:07.360 take to Kinsale. 00:27:07.580 --> 00:27:08.779 A promise that we can 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:10.220 keep for ourselves here. 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.299 And here it comes. 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:12.440 It comes in two parts. 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:13.440 Here's the first part. 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:15.440 God has people 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.900 whom he will save 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:18.800 through you. 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:20.840 God has people 00:27:20.840 --> 00:27:22.480 whom he will save 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.400 through you. 00:27:24.080 --> 00:27:24.720 Now isn't that 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:26.060 an amazing encouragement 00:27:26.060 --> 00:27:27.040 for our lives? 00:27:28.100 --> 00:27:29.300 This means that 00:27:29.300 --> 00:27:30.220 the people we 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.480 work with, 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:33.180 the people we go 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.080 to college with, 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.600 the people we hang out with, 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:38.100 the people that we 00:27:38.100 --> 00:27:39.320 spend our time around 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:41.140 are not coincidences. 00:27:41.540 --> 00:27:43.140 It's not by chance. 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:45.200 God has us 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:46.600 in those relationships 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.919 and with those people 00:27:47.919 --> 00:27:49.759 because God knows 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:51.259 who his people are 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:52.939 and who is going 00:27:52.939 --> 00:27:54.159 to believe. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:57.079 And so verse 9 we read, 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.359 Do not be afraid. 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.480 Keep on speaking. 00:28:01.639 --> 00:28:03.619 Do not be silent. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:07.159 God has people 00:28:07.159 --> 00:28:08.259 whom he will save 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:09.240 through you. 00:28:10.659 --> 00:28:12.240 Now for those in Kinsale, 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:13.079 that doesn't mean 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.139 when you go around 00:28:14.139 --> 00:28:15.519 next Christmas 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:16.740 delivering invitations 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:18.000 to the carol service 00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:19.440 or inviting people 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.740 to some particular event, 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:22.099 you don't knock on the door 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:22.460 and say, 00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:23.359 here we have this. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.480 By the way, 00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:25.660 are you elect? 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:27.660 Are you predestined 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:28.579 by any chances? 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:29.799 Has God chosen you? 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:32.879 Be an odd thing to say, 00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:33.460 wouldn't it? 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.720 The fact is, 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:35.960 they don't know, 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:37.559 we don't know, 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:39.720 but God knows 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:41.639 who his people are. 00:28:41.640 --> 00:28:43.700 And God knows 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:45.420 the ones that he will save. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:47.220 That is his business. 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:49.680 God's grace is great 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:51.040 and it is big. 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.160 And God has you 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:53.980 in relationships 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.860 with the people 00:28:54.860 --> 00:28:55.700 that he has you with 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:57.120 because there are those 00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:58.259 that God will save 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:59.700 through you. 00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:01.360 That is the encouragement 00:29:01.360 --> 00:29:02.480 that we can take. 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:04.560 And here's the second 00:29:04.560 --> 00:29:05.420 big encouragement. 00:29:05.420 --> 00:29:05.560 encouragement. 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:09.039 That God will keep you 00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:12.000 until they are saved. 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:14.460 God will keep you 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:16.160 until they are saved. 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:18.600 The encouragement is, 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:20.340 God will save people 00:29:20.340 --> 00:29:21.000 through you 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:23.560 and he is going to keep us. 00:29:24.340 --> 00:29:26.259 Because that's the ultimate purpose 00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:27.759 of why we are here. 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:29.700 Why we are in relationship 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.259 with God. 00:29:30.600 --> 00:29:32.000 Why we are in the communities 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.080 that we are in. 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:35.659 God will keep your life. 00:29:36.299 --> 00:29:37.980 He will preserve your life 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:41.139 until he has brought salvation 00:29:41.139 --> 00:29:43.339 to all those 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:44.439 that he will save 00:29:44.439 --> 00:29:45.359 through you. 00:29:46.439 --> 00:29:48.519 No harm will come to you. 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:51.299 Nothing will happen 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:52.500 to your life 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:54.500 that will distract you 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.279 from accomplishing that task 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:58.240 until God says so. 00:29:59.919 --> 00:30:01.159 Isn't that exactly 00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:02.139 what happened to Paul 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:02.940 as we read on 00:30:02.940 --> 00:30:03.940 in the following verses? 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:05.060 Verse 12, 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:05.920 while Gallia was 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:07.200 proconsul of Achaia, 00:30:07.560 --> 00:30:08.900 the Jews made an attack 00:30:08.900 --> 00:30:09.400 on Paul 00:30:09.400 --> 00:30:10.300 and brought him 00:30:10.300 --> 00:30:10.840 into the court. 00:30:11.000 --> 00:30:12.020 I thought God said 00:30:12.020 --> 00:30:13.060 he wouldn't be harmed 00:30:13.060 --> 00:30:14.400 or nothing would happen. 00:30:15.360 --> 00:30:16.480 This man they charged 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:17.700 is persuading the people 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:19.020 to worship God 00:30:19.020 --> 00:30:19.860 in ways contrary 00:30:19.860 --> 00:30:20.460 to the law. 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:22.300 They want Paul's life. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.860 But what was the outcome? 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:25.720 Verse 16, 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:28.280 he had them ejected 00:30:28.280 --> 00:30:29.460 from the courts. 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.660 to judge 00:30:30.660 --> 00:30:32.160 through the case out. 00:30:33.160 --> 00:30:34.019 And Paul 00:30:34.019 --> 00:30:35.539 was let go 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:38.120 without being harmed 00:30:38.120 --> 00:30:40.500 and able to carry on 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:41.180 his work. 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:44.019 So let me encourage us all 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:45.420 that God will preserve 00:30:45.420 --> 00:30:46.319 your life. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:49.500 Not all the time, 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:52.100 not every time, 00:30:52.099 --> 00:30:55.019 but he will do so 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:56.980 until all those 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:58.759 whom he will save 00:30:58.759 --> 00:30:59.919 through you 00:30:59.919 --> 00:31:01.539 are saved. 00:31:02.579 --> 00:31:04.079 We take those promises 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:06.119 with us. 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:09.619 So going to Kinsale, 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:12.419 we may feel weak. 00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:14.679 There's fear. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.779 There's trembling. 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:18.899 Being a Christian 00:31:18.899 --> 00:31:20.359 in our workplace, 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.599 in our family, 00:31:22.200 --> 00:31:23.500 we may feel weak 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.399 and afraid. 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.379 But we have these 00:31:26.379 --> 00:31:27.579 great big promises 00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:28.559 from God. 00:31:28.920 --> 00:31:30.339 God rules his mission. 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.539 He provides 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.779 his gospel partners. 00:31:33.240 --> 00:31:34.079 He empowers 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:35.019 his church 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:36.920 and he saves 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:37.839 his people. 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:40.000 So in our weakness, 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:42.539 we are encouraged. 00:31:43.399 --> 00:31:44.599 In our fear, 00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:46.439 we are confident. 00:31:47.559 --> 00:31:49.099 And in our trembling, 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:51.299 we are assured. 00:31:52.919 --> 00:31:54.219 Do not be afraid. 00:31:56.119 --> 00:31:57.119 Keep on speaking. 00:31:58.699 --> 00:31:59.919 Do not be silent. 00:32:00.959 --> 00:32:01.980 For I 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:03.879 am with you. 00:32:05.159 --> 00:32:06.799 Let's pray together. 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:23.740 Father, 00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:24.699 we are amazed 00:32:24.699 --> 00:32:26.399 at the work 00:32:26.399 --> 00:32:27.399 that you have done 00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.199 in a town, 00:32:28.839 --> 00:32:30.459 a city like Corinth 00:32:30.459 --> 00:32:32.439 all those years ago. 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:36.419 And you are the same God 00:32:36.419 --> 00:32:38.379 who has done 00:32:38.379 --> 00:32:40.179 the same kind of work 00:32:40.179 --> 00:32:41.779 in this town, 00:32:41.919 --> 00:32:42.919 in Carragaline. 00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:45.340 causing people 00:32:45.340 --> 00:32:46.060 to believe, 00:32:47.060 --> 00:32:48.580 providing partners, 00:32:48.880 --> 00:32:49.320 workers, 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:53.039 empowering your church 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:54.160 by your spirit 00:32:54.160 --> 00:32:56.680 and fulfilling 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:57.539 your promise 00:32:57.539 --> 00:32:59.300 to bring people 00:32:59.300 --> 00:32:59.940 to faith. 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:02.220 We thank you 00:33:02.220 --> 00:33:03.680 that we stand here 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:04.880 this morning 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:06.100 as testimony 00:33:06.100 --> 00:33:08.720 of that very fact, 00:33:09.660 --> 00:33:10.480 God's work 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:12.440 work in this town. 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:14.720 And we thank you 00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:15.559 that we too 00:33:15.559 --> 00:33:16.900 can take these promises 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:19.360 and send 00:33:19.360 --> 00:33:20.220 Ian 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:21.299 and Jan 00:33:21.299 --> 00:33:22.640 and Kim 00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:23.519 and Amy 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.980 with these same promises, 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:27.279 knowing that God 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:28.120 will be faithful 00:33:28.120 --> 00:33:28.660 to them 00:33:28.660 --> 00:33:29.940 and that God 00:33:29.940 --> 00:33:30.720 will build 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:31.740 his church 00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:33.059 in that town. 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:35.220 That people 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:36.500 will come to love him 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:38.240 and trust him. 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:40.240 And we pray 00:33:40.240 --> 00:33:40.920 that the work 00:33:40.920 --> 00:33:42.160 will not stop there, 00:33:42.960 --> 00:33:44.720 but that very church 00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:46.420 would also have 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:47.079 an occasion 00:33:47.079 --> 00:33:48.619 like this 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:50.599 when they 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:51.400 send out 00:33:51.400 --> 00:33:52.019 others 00:33:52.019 --> 00:33:53.960 to bring the good news 00:33:53.960 --> 00:33:54.599 of Christ 00:33:54.599 --> 00:33:56.480 to a world 00:33:56.480 --> 00:33:57.920 in need. 00:33:57.920 --> 00:33:59.740 Father, 00:33:59.860 --> 00:34:00.500 you are good 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:02.640 and you are faithful 00:34:02.640 --> 00:34:05.120 and we entrust 00:34:05.120 --> 00:34:05.940 one another 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:08.079 into your good care. 00:34:09.019 --> 00:34:10.119 In Jesus' name. 00:34:11.159 --> 00:34:11.720 Amen.