Text: Acts 17: 16-33 (Paul in Athens)

Paul arrives in Athens as part of his second missionary journey; he has already been in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea and his is heading towards quite a long stint setting up a church in Corinth.

This text captures key elements of the ongoing work of Paul and the Apostles in the book of Acts: The idea of spreading out; The idea of a hunger for God; The idea of making God known.

There are lessons here about interacting with people who are expressing interest in spiritual things. We can learn from Paul to applaud that interest and work with that interest to invite exploration of the life-giving answers Christianity bring to spiritual enquiry.
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Watch the recorded sermon here: https://youtu.be/BWIWFaFaAjY
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Text: Acts 7:55-60

Psalm of Praise (Psalm 34:1-4,7-8)
I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him!
 
The text this week tell the story of the stoning of Stephen, considered to be the first Christian martyr.
The intent of the author of Acts is to remind the readers of the cost of following Jesus but also to encourage them to fully commit to following Jesus.
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The sermon has been recorded and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/wmUpe9EJhqs?si=9N-OMbJS7TVDnP6K