What a Sermon!

Sunday, September 21, 2025
Pastor Jojo Ma

13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.”

Paul didn’t live the longest life, but he sure lived a full life --- a very full life for the glory of Christ among the nations.

I.          Paul’s ministry troubles
II.        Paul’s sermon at Antioch
III.       Paul’s invitation to Christ

I.         Paul’s ministry troubles
13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem.

Gal 4:13-14 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me.

Every ministry trouble, every inter-personal conflict, these are opportunities to grow and mature and forgive and bring God glory.

II.        Paul’s sermon at Antioch
16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.”

The point for Paul is how God is the gracious, saving God and acts for His people. “God did this, God did that!” It’s wonderful theology. It’s all about God.

23 Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

1 Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Christ]. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Ps 2:7 The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.”

Is 55:3 I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

Ps 16:10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

Hab 1:5 Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.

This was a master class teaching on Jesus as the center of Scripture, the “amen” and “yes” to all the promises of God. What a sermon! What a Christ-centered hermeneutic.

III.      Paul’s invitation to Christ
38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Jn 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

There are only two options: Either you die in faith --- or you will die in your sins.

I invite you today to do the same: Receive his forgiveness, trust that Jesus is sufficient to save you, put all your hope in him to bring you to the Father.