15/06/2026
On Sunday, in the second week of our Unhindered series, Andy preached from Acts Chapter 21. In this chapter, Paul is on his way back from his third missionary journey and, making his way back to Jerusalem, he came across a number of Christians who tried to discourage him from going, predicting the suffering that would be waiting for him there. Even though it was God's will for him to go, it was clear that the Christians were trying to protect their friend from danger.
Despite the warnings, and knowing what he was walking into, Paul went anyway. But how was he able to show such courage in the face of adversity, and how can we learn from Paul's example and do the right thing even though we know it could cost us?
In the books of Acts and Luke, Luke draws parallels between Peter and Paul; both of whom said they were willing to lay their lives down for Jesus, but Peter failed, so what was the difference? Paul was captured by the good news of the grace of God, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, which was poured out on him at Pentecost. In Acts 1 verse 8, Jesus says to his disciples, "you will receive power when my holy spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth". Paul didn't have to rely on his own strength, but was filled with the boldness of the spirit.
How can we follow God's call in our life, even though it means a personal cost? It's simple; we have the same good news as Paul, God's grace has been poured out on us, as it was Paul, and when we became Christians, the holy spirit came to live within us. Andy explained that when we are faced with doing the right thing we can often feel scared. Scared of what people may think or what we might have to give up, but he encouraged us to remember that we have the same as Paul had when he was so brave in Jerusalem.
This week, why not reflect on the things in your life which you know are right to do, but you find scary? Why not take some time to remember that knowing Jesus and knowing his love for you should change everything. How will you step out in faith this week?
Watch the full sermon at https://www.youtube.com/live/_ZUWXjGmNjI?is=8_2MgxlUpwuXZogi and join us next week!
