Grace Church
Paul's Odyssey II #13 - Back Home Again
Part 2 of a 3-part study of the life and ministry of Paul. This summer segment will focus on Paul's Second Missionary Journey.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
July through September our series is entitled: Paul's Odyssey II
Odyssey means "a long and adventurous journey or experience". It is the second of a three-part series about the life and ministry of Paul. The text for these three months will cover Acts 15 - 18, Paul's second missionary trip.
Odyssey means "a long and adventurous journey or experience". It is the second of a three-part series about the life and ministry of Paul. The text for these three months will cover Acts 15 - 18, Paul's second missionary trip.
Our summer series finishes today. As Paul brings his odyssey to an end, he will have traveled over 2,800 miles by land and sea.
The book of Acts shows the path that Christianity took as it traveled out of Jerusalem and around the world. A practical lesson we might gain would be, "If God used them with limited resources and in the midst of an ungodly world to make disciples, He can use us/me!"
The book of Acts shows the path that Christianity took as it traveled out of Jerusalem and around the world. A practical lesson we might gain would be, "If God used them with limited resources and in the midst of an ungodly world to make disciples, He can use us/me!"
The last two weeks we looked at Paul's ministry in the city of Corinth, Greece. For years the city had a reputation as a "den of sin." Paul, despite being tired and fearful, stayed true to his calling by making disciples. He built relationships, he brought people to Christ, he established them in their faith, and trained them to do likewise.
It's been said, "Even the smallest candle burns brighter in the dark."
It's been said, "Even the smallest candle burns brighter in the dark."
A candle reminds us of the impact that Paul made for the Lord and that God created us and saved us to be on mission. The Lord expects each of us to minister to others, here in our church and in your community.
Throughout this series we've learned how one man (and then his small team), changed the course of history.
Throughout this series we've learned how one man (and then his small team), changed the course of history.
Over the last two weeks we learned a few interesting bits of history:
1. Paul thrived in the dark world where he found himself living for eighteen months.
2. Paul was encouraged by his co-workers, new friends, and the Lord himself.
3. Paul converted several of the high-ranking Jewish synagogue leaders to Christ. First there was Crispus (Acts 18:8) and later Sosthenes (1 Cor. 1:1)
4. Paul was spared from any further persecution by the Lord’s promise and the Roman governor’s protection.
5. Paul established a congregation in Corinth and would later write two epistles and visit the church and city again two more times.
1. Paul thrived in the dark world where he found himself living for eighteen months.
2. Paul was encouraged by his co-workers, new friends, and the Lord himself.
3. Paul converted several of the high-ranking Jewish synagogue leaders to Christ. First there was Crispus (Acts 18:8) and later Sosthenes (1 Cor. 1:1)
4. Paul was spared from any further persecution by the Lord’s promise and the Roman governor’s protection.
5. Paul established a congregation in Corinth and would later write two epistles and visit the church and city again two more times.
Acts 18:18a
After the Roman Governor's (Gallio) favorable decision, Paul continued to stay in Corinth.
It was a dark and vile city, and people's sinful lifestyles lingered. It's not easy to kick old habits and it takes lots of effort and time to begin new ones.
After the Roman Governor's (Gallio) favorable decision, Paul continued to stay in Corinth.
It was a dark and vile city, and people's sinful lifestyles lingered. It's not easy to kick old habits and it takes lots of effort and time to begin new ones.
Acts 18:18b
Based upon our study so far, we can assume the Lord was guiding him each step of the way. We see in this passage that Paul's time in Europe is done, and the journey back home again begins.
A few observations:
First – Paul had invested his life in a team: Crispus and others, so he could leave.
Second – When our lifestyles are pleasing and producing fruit for the Lord, we can confidently trust that He will guide our pathways. Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT]
Third –Life and ministry can be lots of fun when you have like-minded people working together. Selfish, arrogant, and obstinate teammates are not fun!
Based upon our study so far, we can assume the Lord was guiding him each step of the way. We see in this passage that Paul's time in Europe is done, and the journey back home again begins.
A few observations:
First – Paul had invested his life in a team: Crispus and others, so he could leave.
Second – When our lifestyles are pleasing and producing fruit for the Lord, we can confidently trust that He will guide our pathways. Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT]
Third –Life and ministry can be lots of fun when you have like-minded people working together. Selfish, arrogant, and obstinate teammates are not fun!
Acts 18:18c
Before Paul left we see a statement that culturally makes us shrug our shoulders. We might ask ourselves, "why is this important?"
We get a clue that tells us this is because of a vow he had taken.
Getting a haircut was his Jewish way of saying, "Thank you God for protecting and providing for me!" It was a public display of gratitude and thanksgiving to God.
Before Paul left we see a statement that culturally makes us shrug our shoulders. We might ask ourselves, "why is this important?"
We get a clue that tells us this is because of a vow he had taken.
Getting a haircut was his Jewish way of saying, "Thank you God for protecting and providing for me!" It was a public display of gratitude and thanksgiving to God.
Acts 18:19
Once on board, Paul and his friends sailed to the western shores of Turkey or the Roman province of Asia. Once in Ephesus, Paul immediately did two things:
1. Assigned part of the team to shepherd the developing ministry.
2. Began in the synagogue to make disciples.
Once on board, Paul and his friends sailed to the western shores of Turkey or the Roman province of Asia. Once in Ephesus, Paul immediately did two things:
1. Assigned part of the team to shepherd the developing ministry.
2. Began in the synagogue to make disciples.
Acts 18:20
Unlike his reception on most of his journey, Paul was well received, much like he had been in the city of Berea.
Paul declined to spend more time with the people there because he wanted to get back to Jerusalem for the coming Passover. (This would have been a 6 week window between the middle of March and the end of April in the year 52 A.D.)
Unlike his reception on most of his journey, Paul was well received, much like he had been in the city of Berea.
Paul declined to spend more time with the people there because he wanted to get back to Jerusalem for the coming Passover. (This would have been a 6 week window between the middle of March and the end of April in the year 52 A.D.)
Acts 18:21
Paul then set out on a 650 mile journey to the port city of Israel.
Note: On his third missionary journey, Paul returned to Ephesus for a period of three years which we will learn about next summer.
Paul then set out on a 650 mile journey to the port city of Israel.
Note: On his third missionary journey, Paul returned to Ephesus for a period of three years which we will learn about next summer.
Acts 18:22
Paul's Odyssey, "a long and adventurous journey" came to an end in verse 22.
2,800 miles, nearly 3 years, lots of physical punishment and persecution, countless people coming to Christ, churches planted, and visits to some of the most amazing cities in the world.
Paul's Odyssey, "a long and adventurous journey" came to an end in verse 22.
2,800 miles, nearly 3 years, lots of physical punishment and persecution, countless people coming to Christ, churches planted, and visits to some of the most amazing cities in the world.
Key Takeaways:
All of us have been given a "candle" or a life and have a choice as to how we will use it.
All of us have been given a "candle" or a life and have a choice as to how we will use it.
1. Some will do nothing with their candle.
2. Some will light their candle but let Satan blow it out.
3. Some will light their candle and let it shine in their dark world.
Giving Link
Giving at Grace Church We don't talk a lot about giving tithes and offerings here at Grace but we share information periodically that will help you as you give to the Lord's work. If you are interested in a year end giving record for tax purposes: 1. You must use a Grace Church giving envelope and your name must be written on it. Envelopes can be placed in the bins near the doors at the back of the auditorium. 2. If you have an envelope pack now and there are left over envelopes, feel free to use what you have. (The notation of 1st Sunday, 2nd Sunday, etc is for your benefit only and is not used by the church.) 3. Envelope booklets are available in the Lobby at the Information Board whenever you need them. 4. You are always able to access your giving record via Breeze. If you need a link to set up your Breeze account click HERE. If you are currently giving through the Grace Church envelopes, financial statements will be emailed to you at the end of January. If you do not need giving records, but want to give to the Lord’s work at Grace: 1. Tithes and offerings are collected in the bins near the doors at the back of the auditorium. 2. Envelopes can be used but are not required. More information on giving can be found at the link below. As always, please contact the church office if you have questions (grace@gc3.org).
https://gc3.org/giving/Breeze Church Management
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account.
Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.org/login/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://gc3.org/cjs/2024 Bible Reading - Grace Journals
2024 Grace Bible Reading Journals are available in CJ's coffee shop. You can find an at-a-glance list of the reading each week at the link below and paper copies are available in CJ's.
https://gc3.org/bible/Meet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet will be held on October 27th following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
August/September Grace U Classes
Here's Grace on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning September 16th;
Resolving Conflict on Sundays at 9:00 am beginning October 4th;
How We Got The Bible on Sundays at 9:00 am beginning October 13th;
First Impressions on Sundays at Noon beginning October 13th
https://gc3.org/grace-university/Wednesdays at Grace
To check out all of the Wednesdays @ Grace activities, visit the "Events" link at the website. We hope you'll join in on the fun!
https://gc3.org/events/Trail Rally
Last year was the Road Rally; this year we're taking it out on the trails for the first ever Trail Rally at Grace Church! Form a team of at least 4 people but no more than 6 and get ready for fun challenges on Grace's 78 acres.
But first, we'll eat lunch together on the patio (or inside as weather permits). We ask that you contribute something for lunch if possible. Soup will be provided. If you'd like to come for lunch but don't wish to participate in the Trail Rally, that is fine too.
We ask that everyone sign-up using the link below.
Deadline to sign-up: September 29th
Don't miss out on this opportunity to invite a friend, build relationships, compete for prizes, and have a blast doing it together!
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/rallyH.O.M.E. Groups
Grace Church H.O.M.E. Groups have started back up! You can learn more or sign-up for a group at the link below.
https://gc3.org/home-groups/Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Saturday, September 28th - Kirsten Smith
Thursday, October 3rd - Kaiden Shumway
Thursday, October 3rd - Kaiden Shumway